Any update on the XMPCR "look a like" effort?

**NOS TANG** · 09-17-2004, 02:11 PM

I agree this sucks, I also sent XM a nice Email explaining how they have screwed over a whole new emerging market of customers who have legitimate use for the device. I would be glad to help work on a hack for a Delphi unit so it could be used to connect to a computer, and then post how to do it all over the net just to make XM feel stupid. It should not be too hard, it has an LCD that we should be able to port the data from to a serial port for now.

Another option is this.. Someone get me the FCC ID off of the back of a PCR and I’ll track it back to the OEM using the FCC database. This would get us the manufacture of the board and a list of contacts who applied for the permit. If we are lucky it’s made in Korea or some 3rd world country that cares more about $$ then the RIAA. I have used this approach before with good success to contact the manufactures of WI-FI equipment.

If a few of us work on this a couple hours a week we should be able to come up with a work around fairly quick. I’m up for it….

NOS.

**Naamanf** · 09-17-2004, 02:57 PM

That would be awsome if possible. Maybe we could get a group buy. I am sure everyone on this board would want one if we could get them cheap enough. I agree that $200-300 off ebay is just stupid. I also like the idea of a Skyfi or XMDirect hack.

**jcdillin** · 09-17-2004, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by jzgt

The XMDirect looks like it would be the way to go, but I think the AC stuff would be easier to test with. Is that why you chose the SkyFi, Frodo?

JC - what are you getting?

It's funny, the XM site looks like it got a slight makeover. The funny thing is, they didn't remove the XMPCR from the site. In fact, it looks like they updated the pics and stuff... weird

- Jeff

XMDirect

**kingtut** · 09-17-2004, 03:18 PM

Since XM Direct uses the same tuner that xmpcr uses, do you guys think that the toslink mod for xmpcr would work for a moded XM Direct. Funny thing is, I bought the toslink mod, now I need something to interface it to, I don't have xmpcr!

**Bryan Pape** · 09-17-2004, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by kingtut

Since XM Direct uses the same tuner that xmpcr uses, do you guys think that the toslink mod for xmpcr would work for a moded XM Direct. Funny thing is, I bought the toslink mod, now I need something to interface it to, I don't have xmpcr!

I'm guessing that this would work - especially since it's soldered straight to the tuner. It's really just "leeching" the digital output and power signal from the tuner.

**Bryan Pape** · 09-17-2004, 03:46 PM

This was posted on another site:

It's worth noting, though, that the XMPCR is a pretty simple device. It would be incredibly easy to build a DIY one out of any XM radio. Here's why:

XM sells a receiver module to radio manufacturers. Essentially the satellite part of the radio hardware is made by XM and is the same on all units. This module exposes a serial interface (9600 baud TTL level) for control and it outputs digital audio (I forget what format). It's powered on 5V (or 3.3V -- i forget)

Anyway, all the XMPCR has in it is a simple power supply circuit, a USB/Serial converter, a DAC and an antenna jack. All you would have to do to make your own is take the tuner module out of an existing radio and wire it up the same way. You could even use the same USB/Serial converter to make it 100% identical to the regular XMPCR. The serial number (used for activation and whatnot) can be queried out of the module with a command (or taken off the donor radio's label of course).

Based on this, it should be VERY easy to just hook the module to a standard serial port and add TOSlink. Just add regulated power and you should be in business.

**frodobaggins** · 09-17-2004, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by kingtut

Since XM Direct uses the same tuner that xmpcr uses, do you guys think that the toslink mod for xmpcr would work for a moded XM Direct. Funny thing is, I bought the toslink mod, now I need something to interface it to, I don't have xmpcr!

Would you like to donate that to me ? I have a use for it...

**judoGTI** · 09-17-2004, 04:02 PM

Does anyone have an extra antenna they would be willing to part with for their XM? My antenna is hardwired in my car now and I want to take my XMPCR to my work PC to listen to as well.

If I can I'd like to avoid purchasing a new one.

**NOS TANG** · 09-17-2004, 06:55 PM

The XM direct unit looks like a good starting point. A installer I spoke with today gave me the link to the manufacture. It's the choice for installers now I was told.

http://www.terk.com/direct.html

The XMPCR software is still available at the XMradio site, I grabbed a copy of it also. Now to convert the connector plug and see if the PC software will communicate with the black box.

To step up the work, I'll put up a bounty of $50 to the paypal account for the 1st person to make a PCR duplicate or work around. Not because I have the money to blow, but because I want to be the 1st to shove it in XM's face... :-)

Judo - How about that FCC ID off the back of your PCR ??