I used to install car audio, so I have seen some crappy parts in my time... but this piece is a real shitbox. Apparently Audiovox took over Turk(?) and now they make the sole line of XM direct adapters, in this case for this Alpine IVA-W200 media unit. I spent about $165 on the XM Direct Connect 2 brain, and the special Alpine adapter for it.

Updated the firmware (after realizing it WONT WORK with Firefox, yet they don't mention this...) and installed it to my friends radio with no issues. Turn it on to test and it works fine. Get the dash almost completely put back together and the radio starts to POP while the display says "LOADING" repeatedly. It seems to get worse when I start the car. Sooo I ensure the ground is good, the constant power lead is fine. All connections are normal so WTF? I uplug everything and re-examine. I make sure everything is how it should be and try again. Its working good for about 3-5 minutes then the same **** again. I can feel the brain of this thing getting hot right about the spot that the mini-USB connection for the mini-tuner plugs into the brain.

So I did some searching online, and when reading the Crutchfield reviews of this piece, apparently I am not the only one experiencing issues. Has anyone else had an experience like this? Is it fixable? My friend really wants XM, but this looks like the only piece available, unless I buy an older Turk unit from eBay.

Ideas and suggestions are welcome and helpful!

Pics of the adapter for reference:

 

So one else has had this issue?

I'm currently searching for the XM Direct unit (the old one) and the Alpine adapter, hoping we have better luck with that then with this XM Direct Connect 2 garbage.

 

When I had an Alpine headunit, I had to use Terk XM tuning equipment. I didn't like it at all, it was slow to tune stations and had poor reception. Never had the exact problem you weer experiencing though.

 

honestly, it think its more of an alpine problem. weve had several at my work that would lock up when the xm boxes were hooked to them. or it could just be a communication or data problem. they would just freeze on one screen and not function. the kenwoods seem to work fine and (god i love) pioneer has their on xm tuner that always works perfect.

either way if you find out a solution let us know. good luck

 

I have a IVA-W200 in my car now, and I use XM with the XM Direct (1) unit. Works fine....? I was actually considering switching to SIRIUS because of the better hardware.

I agree with you that it may be an Alpine problem. I have worked with them for a long time, and their AI-Net interface is FAR from problem free. I also have the PXA-H701 processor, and with XM, you HAVE to hook the unit up directly to the processor brain and not the head-unit to get sound.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDM_Ej &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was actually considering switching to SIRIUS because of the better hardware.</TD></TR></TABLE>

but then you'll be stuck with Sirrius programming, which trust me, sucks ***.

I've got a XM direct version 1 that I've been using for years without an issue. I hadn't heard audiovox took over turk but thats about like Rolls Royce being bought by hyundai

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jweller &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

but then you'll be stuck with Sirrius programming, which trust me, sucks ***.

I've got a XM direct version 1 that I've been using for years without an issue. I hadn't heard audiovox took over turk but thats about like Rolls Royce being bought by hyundai
</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL thats exactly what I thought.

I had SIRIUS for a while when it first came out and I wasn't a fan. I always thought XM was okay. Maybe I'll give Audiocrap a call and see if they will exchange this brain.

 

The good news since the merger went through hopefully you can get some xm channels by next year... (hopefully).

I have Sirius and have for a while, Old skool JVC deck that came with the car and I bought the adapter off ebay (Sirius Connect box) and have never had a problem with it... Can you buy an older adapter box that is compatible with the newer alpine deck?

I'm kinda getting tired of the sirius programming though, I mostly listen to hip/hop rap stations, but its 100000000000000000000000000x better than [freak]ing KUBE or "Movin' 92.5" **** we have here in WA.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tazeat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The good news since the merger went through hopefully you can get some xm channels by next year... (hopefully).

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You can actually get that now. They offer the Best of XM package for SIRUIS, and the Best of SIRUIS package for XM.

 

well i meant hopefully without paying extra

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tazeat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well i meant hopefully without paying extra </TD></TR></TABLE>

lol the company (XM SIRIUS) is on the verge of bankruptcy... I think your asking too much.