XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Is there a way I can get XM radio in my 40 which has an updated stock Zenith radio with a USB port? Guess I would need some kind of a converter. Don't want to go to 12V.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Anything that usually plugs into a USB is five volts. You could play music from your phone if the USB socket is wired properly. There are small remote speaker boxes Bluetooth or wired also.

There is a topic on the Model A board about this right now. Down a bit in the list I think.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

some of the older/external add-on XM radio's were 5 volt powered and there are aftermarket USB -> 5volt power input cables availble at amazon. I know there was also a vendor selling 6 volt AM modulators with the headphone jack style input that would work with the old/external XM. This was on my to-do list, but other mechanical needs have taken a precedence.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

My partner and I, (who have developed the device to run 12 volt negative ground tachometers on 6 volt positive ground vehicles) are in the process of developing a device that will allow 12 volt accessories (GPS, Backup Cameras, sound systems and "hands free" cell phone devices) to be run on 6 volts, positive ground. So far we have been "semi-successful", as we are finding that the components from China will not run for long periods at their rated specifications. Our devices are superior in that they have a "common ground" and suppression that is mandatory when you are running a regular generator charging system. There are many devices out there that will convert 12 volts NEGATIVE ground to USB, but they will not work on a 6 volt system because of polarity problems. With our device, you can just plug one of these in and go.

If you are interested, please PM me (we are looking for test subjects).

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

I don't need to get a whole new 12v player since my stock radio is converted to AM/FM stereo with a bigger amp. It is still 6V positive ground however. I just need a converter that will run on 5-6 volts to pick up XM radio signals to feed thru the USB cable which is hooked up correctly to the converted radio's input. Don't have a cell phone but could buy a non phone device that could have an app for XM radio.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

XM use to sell add on modules for older cars that didn't have XM capable radios. I'd give them a call to see if they still do.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Problem is these old radio add-ons don't play back through a USB cable to my 40 radio.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

The cigarette socket plug that is used to charge those 5 volt devices will only let 5 volts thru whether it is plugged into 12 or 6 volts. Maybe that will help you get it done. The socket must be negative grounded (not positive). Easily done safely by isolating the socket (connect to battery).

If your USB feeds into your amp then the new player can be connected to the amp with a USB cord. If the new player is battery powered (portable) you don't even need battery power from the car.

I think there is also a free app downloadable to a phone that will receive your XM broadcast that could be connected by USB to your amp.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

The guy that modified my stock radio tells me that to get downloaded music I simply need to get a jump drive in MP3 format and plug it in to the USB port. He tells me that the modified radio also has a wire coming out that supplies 12v negative ground even though the radio still uses 6V positive ground. No insulation needed. Great mod. Like magic.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Does your XM radio have a headphone jack? If so, does your modified Zenith radio in the car have a audio input, that runs through the amplifier? If it does, you can just put a cable from the head phone jack to the input on the car radio.

Just a thought.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Putting an XM radio in my 40 Standard. Wondering where to put the antenna so it's not obnoxious looking?

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

They make a magnetic mount antenna that can be run out through the window when the radio is in use and removed when it is not.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

The only audio port is the USB. Don't have an XM radio. Trying to figure out which one to get. It would have to work in conjunction with a USB connection. 12v neg ground is ok since when he modified my radio, he put this capability in.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Your driving a flathead man, that should be all the music you need! Just kidding I hope you get it to work.


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Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

I have learned that a radio is useless in my '50 Ford due to wind noise with the windows down.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

If memory serves, it was quite useful when parked with company, though;)

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Yeah, up here, I could talk a girl into some romantic moves with some soothing crop reports.:D He's lucky, he has Sirius.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

Pork belly futures worked for me.

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

That's OK if you're into fat girls!:D

Re: XM Radio On 6 Volts Positive?
 

I think if you change the polarity of the radio you are going to
have to iceolate the radio from ground. A guy named Charlie
from I believe Ohio made some kind of adaptor. G.M.