Not only was the experience of having XM radio in the car a quantum leap in enjoyable entertainment, I'm emphasizing the ease of installation for anyone who may have been avoiding adding satellite to their existing vehicle over fear of hassle, expense or damaging their car.
For $299, the MyFi unit delivers a triple boon -- new car stereo, home reception, and obviously, the portable solution.
To install the MyFi in the Ford Five Hundred -- temporarily, as it's not my car -- I used six items from the unit's kit. I chose the vent mount to put it in the car, as it's a temporary fixture, as opposed to the other two included pieces of hardware, that are permanent. [Scroll down for the equipment and how-to lists.]
There are also three different way to get the radio to work with your car's existing stereo, two of which are temporary. The third method requires the purchase and installation of an additional $50 adapter.
For the Five Hundred, I chose the easiest method, using the MyFi's internal wireless FM transmitter. By setting your car's FM dial and the MyFi to the same station, the MyFi's satellite channels are "magically" heard over your stereo -- no wires, no hacks -- nothing but digital.
I was surprised at how well the wireless option worked. After awhile, the audio experience was so tranparent, the only evidence I had of the new stereo was by looking at it mounted on the dash. At one point I did have to switch to another FM frequency when the sound fizzled a bit, something the instruction manual warns you about. And something I read about after retrieving the English language manual.
The great thing about the MyFi in the car is that you can take it with you, for personal use as well as security reasons. I left it in the car when stopping at a convenience store, and looking at it through the window I thought that it presented a too-juicy incentive for someone to bash the glass and take it with them.
And I like the way it looks, exclusive, in an aftermarket kind of way.
Now, about the experience. All I can say to anyone is don't try it if you're not ready to buy it. Satellite radio in the car is as different from radio as driving is to walking. You will never go back.
I loved the remote control, switching back and forth to different stations, and being able to enjoy XM's decade-oriented music stations, my classical favorites, or the mutliple live news feeds from cable TV.
Satellite radio offers the user access to an entire universe of audio programming -- I contend that even the most ardent self-programming iPod maven can't match what's available on satellite 24/7. Even after six months of listening, I can't get over what a revolution this represents.
Self-Installing the XM MyFi, Equipment List
1. The MyFi receiver.
2. Vehicle power adapter.
3. Vehicle antenna.
4. Vehicle cradle.
5. Vent mount.
6. Remote control.
Self Installing the XM MyFi, Step-by-Step
1. Connect the antenna, power adapter and vent mount to the back of the cradle.
2. Plug the MyFi receiver into the cradle.
3. Snap the vent mount clips into the louvers.
4. Plug in the adapter.
5. With the MyFi unit off, tune the FM radio into one of twelve unused frequencies.
6. Turn the MyFi on.
7. Using the MyFi menu button, select "FM Frequency."
8. Use the thumbwheel to select the FM frequency you set the FM radio on.
9. Listen!
