XMPCR is dead...

**SWC** · 08-29-2004, 11:23 AM

I am currently using the XM direct box with my commander unit. The box itself comes with an fm modulator you plug into your stereos antenna cable then run an 1/8" connector to your direct box. It looks like in that picture they may have removed the plug itself since it comes with a cable to interface directly with the cd changer port on your radio. I just recently decided to keep my headunit in my car so if we dont get a good solution I can just buy the pioneer cable ($50 though, ouch).

On a side note the guy that made the software which seems to have killed the pcr seems to be a scum bag. After software sales shot through the roof he decided to up the price $10 to make even more.

**chut** · 08-29-2004, 11:33 AM

In my opinion, that alone does not make him a scumbag.

**gizmomkr** · 08-29-2004, 01:01 PM

The XMDirect box looks better anyway. Its metal, not plastic, better antenna connections, etc. I don't really care if the audio is going digitally through the PC or not (and thats the only "big deal" about the PCR and the "ripping software")

So lets focus on the cable - Im pretty good with hardware. TTL to serial shouldnt be that bad - just need a logic chip. A Serial data scope should make it pretty easy to monitor / decode.

In fact, here is an article on TTL to RS232 conversion. -http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/aug97/cable.html or the premade cable - http://www.superdroidrobots.com/rs232.htm

Anyone have specs / pin outs on the XM dataline connectors ?

**blazinlow** · 08-29-2004, 09:10 PM

Woah, I just bought my XM PCR about 2 weeks ago. I was having all kinds of noise so I called PC Connection where I got mine from and they sent me out another one. That one had the same noise too (which my digital out fixed)

So now I have one sitting here that I was going to send back to PC Connection for a $40 refund. Looks like Im putting mine on ebay!!!

**frodobaggins** · 08-29-2004, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by blazinlow

Woah, I just bought my XM PCR about 2 weeks ago. I was having all kinds of noise so I called PC Connection where I got mine from and they sent me out another one. That one had the same noise too (which my digital out fixed)

So now I have one sitting here that I was going to send back to PC Connection for a $40 refund. Looks like Im putting mine on ebay!!!

Do the community a favor and sell it for what you got it for here.

**camsgs3** · 08-29-2004, 10:24 PM

blazin, how much you want for it???

**blazinlow** · 08-30-2004, 01:02 AM

To get this PCR thing working to my standards, I had to invest another $170 into the project for the TOSLINK out, the $100 Audigy card, and a $20 optical cable. it would be nice if I could get that money back, because honestly, I didnt really have it to spend. I thought this was a $40 project. It all went on my credit card!

I would love to sell it to a fellow mp3car member for the $46 i paid for it, but in this case if I can sell it for some extra cash that can make up for the extras I put into it, thats what Im going to do. Ill probably put it on ebay with a starting bid of $50.00.

**Pudge** · 08-30-2004, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by HybridEngineer

XMPCR is dead...

That's what they said about rock 'n roll my friend.

**chut** · 08-30-2004, 08:37 AM

Yea, but this time there's a bunch of hungry lawyers in the mix. We will probably loose the XM PCR service in an attempt at apeasement to the RIAA, from XM radio. They don't really have much choice unless and until the music buying population gets involved. Stop buying new music cd's. I think I'm gonna add that phrase as a tag line.

Anyway, there are now seven XM PCR's for sale on eBay and one of them is buy it now only for 300.00 Bucks!!!!

Originally Posted by Pudge

That's what they said about rock 'n roll my friend.

**The Durango Kid** · 08-30-2004, 10:30 AM

I'll wait for another solution to pop before paying $300.00 for one.. I'd be more then willing to get together with a few others here to work out another solution (XM Direct) and fork in a few bucks if thats what it takes..

Anyone want to start some kind of formal organization between hardware/software/money guys started..