Posted: Jul 28 2004 at 8:23am | IP Logged

There is a replacement front panel available that will allow you to use your aftermarket headunit.  Point your browser to http://www.courtesyparts.com/titan/interior.html and scroll down to the bottom to find the replacement panel.

Posted: Jul 30 2004 at 10:06am | IP Logged

Hey XM guys,

Have any of you heard of a good way to connect an XM Roady to the Titan audio system.  I'm currently using an FM Modulator and the sound quality sucks.  I've tried just plugging it into the aux jack, but it appears the aux jack somehow bypasses the Titan's amplifyer because the sound is VERY muted.  You really have to crank the volume to be able to hear it.  The Roady doesn't have its own amplifyer, so it depends on whatever your plugging it into for amplification.  I've heard stories of hardwiring it into the back of the aux plug, but I don't see how this would solve my volume problem  Any suggestions?

Chad

Posted: Jul 30 2004 at 10:17am | IP Logged

I've heard that the factory AUX jack is expecting a much higher drive level than standard RCA line level outputs.  There are aftermarket line amplifiers available.  Or if you're good with electronics and can solder, you can build your own for only a few dollars with some opamps, caps, and resistors (I'm an EE).

Posted: Jul 30 2004 at 11:16am | IP Logged

Max,

Any chance you could draw me up some plans for just such a device that I could build up from Radio Shack parts?  I can solder, but I wouldn't know where to start in the way of HOW it would be assembled and from what parts.  If you don't have time, I understand though.

I've used a product called a Boostaroo, but it uses two AA batteries and really doesn't provide sufficient boost.

Chad

Posted: Jul 30 2004 at 1:33pm | IP Logged

Here's a schematic I quickly came up with and it simulated fine on the computer.  I'm not sure how much gain is needed for the AUX input, so I arbitrarily chose a gain of 3 (1 volt in = 3 volts out).  This circuit is good for about +/-6V on the output.

Here's the Radio Shack bill of materials:

276-1711  LM324 opamp $1.49

271-1342  47Kohm resistors 5pk $0.99 x 2 = $2.00

272-1025  10uF electrolytic capacitor $0.99 x 4 = $4.00

272-1028  100uF electrolytic capacitor $1.29 x 2 = $2.60

272-1053 (or 272-1069) 0.1 uF cap  $1.29

Here are some notes on assembly:

You will need some sort of perf board to build the circuit.  Radio Shack sells several different sizes (276-149 looks good at $1.79).  You'll want the ones with plated holes so you can solder components to it.  You'll also need some small gauge wire to connect things together.  VCC is the +12V input from the battery.  The tabs labeled VGND means these points all tie together.  It's ok to chain from one point to the other.  The 0.1uF capacitor should be placed next to the IC.   

All these parts are only a few bucks mail order, but Radio Shack may be more convenient for some folks.  Let me know if you have any questions, and please post if you build this successfully.

Posted: Jul 30 2004 at 2:43pm | IP Logged

!! That's EXACTLY what I was going to say! lol

Damn, here's a guy who knows how to bring the tech.