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#245258 - 06/01/2005 17:34 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Here's the one I that I've been playing with. I don't have the XM direct yet so I can't test it out.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/xmpcr2/

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#245259 - 06/01/2005 20:04 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
You could get the XM commander, which is basically an xm direct with a cool looking controller for one car, then use the empeg for the other...
_________________________
Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245260 - 08/01/2005 00:39 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
Jemmi
member

Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
I ordered an XM commander today... it comes with the XM direct as well as a controller... My car computer is sometimes flakey because of temperature and not being able to use the screen so I ordered the commander so I could control it for now. I would like to use the Empeg though to control... as everyone else would I guess. I looked at the code that was listed above and I can follow it but I have no clue what it means. The glade graphic calls and eliminating that and having those things show up on the Empeg display are what is going to be tricky I think

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#245261 - 08/01/2005 01:53 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Jemmi]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Quote:
The glade graphic calls and eliminating that and having those things show up on the Empeg display are what is going to be tricky I think


You must not have checked out the GPS app written for empeg... The guys on this board can make anything work nicely on the empeg...
_________________________
Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245262 - 08/01/2005 02:36 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
I'd be willing to pitch in to buy someone an XM device if they'd write the code for it.
_________________________
Brad B.

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#245263 - 08/01/2005 14:24 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
Jemmi
member

Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
Oh I know that people on here are amazing... It was just my assessment... I didn't know how to translate graphical to limited LCD. I'm sure people who know what their doing it's no big deal...

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#245264 - 08/01/2005 15:15 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Quote:
I'd be willing to pitch in to buy someone an XM device if they'd write the code for it.

I was going to offer that, dunno what I was waiting for, but I'll go in halfsies or possibly get 4 or 5 months of service or something for whoever decides to take this on
_________________________
Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245265 - 08/01/2005 15:33 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Jemmi]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Quote:
I didn't know how to translate graphical to limited LCD.


Well, I think your still in carpc mode here, being that there's nothing really graphical about it ... Honestly being that it's a straight serial interface. I can't see where this would be all that difficult. Maybe tricky, but I can't see it being as envolved as the serial GPS deal or even emphatic? Am I completely wrong there?

Not to imply one was more complicated then the other.. Honestly dunno. Just seems that you'd be grabbing info from the serial interface and sending a few commands. I understand there will be issues getting the channel list and stuff like that. Just doesn't seem like something anyone here who's developed apps for empeg couldn't handle.


Edited by lopan (08/01/2005 18:58)
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Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245266 - 14/01/2005 16:02 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Mach]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Just didn't want this thread to die, offer still stands, free xm direct or service for a few months for anyone willing to work actively on this!
_________________________
Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245267 - 14/01/2005 18:27 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
I've still planning to give it a go if no one wades into it before. I still don't have the needed bits yet but they're on order.

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#245268 - 15/01/2005 13:43 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Mach]
Ezekiel
pooh-bah

Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
While we're waiting for your stuff to arrive (yes I'm very interested in this project too!), has anyone seen the weather service offered via XM? XM Weather looks really cool, something that I'd love to see in my car. Nothing to do with empeg of course...just cool. Barron Services offers a product to feed a PC. Not cheap ($99/month)...

-Zeke
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WWFSMD?

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#245269 - 07/02/2005 00:01 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
Has anyone looked into the mini XM radio that works as a portable w. 4 hour memory? The XM direct is 50 bucks, then it looks like you need another 50 dollar adapter. For 300 you get the portable with home and car kit... is there anyway to get song info via one of these things? I change vehicles a lot and the XM Direct thing might be a hassle compared to a portable... I wish you didn't need a subscription for each device you own. It'd be nice if only one could work at a tiime.
_________________________
Brad B.

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#245270 - 07/02/2005 01:23 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
Jemmi
member

Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
Actually the cable adapter is not $50... I built one for like $6. Actually, I think if you used the XM commander in one car (a tiny device that plugs into the XM Direct) or in both it's really a matter of unplugging the power connector, rca's, and the antenna... to move on.

BTW, I have the XM direct in my car now and am using the computer to control it (Frodoplayer). I wired the XM direct as in the manual because I wanted the option of using the XM commander also and there is NO NEED for the 12V tap that the XM direct cable shows for wiring. That is only if you're not going to use the XM power as intended

I've got some time off work (not my choice ) and am looking into making a skin based partially on Empegface for either Media Engine or Frodoplayer. I have installed a fold away touchscreen in my dask and it blocks the view of my Empeg so I have to use Empegface to see what I'm listening too... But I want to integrate this into my carputer front end...

I'm going to try to get a pic of Empegface runnning over my GPS and XM setup once I can. There are so many possibilities... I am excited

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#245271 - 07/02/2005 14:15 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
XM... Oh boy. The most over-rated and over-hyped technology at CES.

My suggestion: iPod Photo 60GB. Better at home integration, better portable device, better in-car integration. Share the same music on your empeg.

I can buy the radio argument for things like traffic or weather (look out the window, you're in a car after all), but that's not exactly something I'd pay a monthly fee for and need to receive digitally.

Bruno
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#245272 - 07/02/2005 21:01 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: hybrid8]
Ezekiel
pooh-bah

Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
If I could get this kind of weather info in my car for less than an exorbitant amount, I'd have XM tomorrow. Sadly, the only kit is hundreds, and the monthly is either $50 or $99 (forget which).

-Zeke
_________________________
WWFSMD?

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#245273 - 07/02/2005 21:51 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: hybrid8]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
I'm a news junkie. Lots of cool talk radio stuff like Car and Driver sounds nice. An iPod wouldn't help me too much. Also, my brother in law already has XM and they ar offering some deal where family members get service for like 1/2 price.
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Brad B.

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#245274 - 14/02/2005 01:21 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: hybrid8]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Quote:
XM... Oh boy. The most over-rated and over-hyped technology at CES.


Gotta disagree with you on that one Bruno... I'm hooked, yeah it's radio, but I find myself always thinkin "hey I remember that song... cool!" whenever I listen to "Lucie" or "Ethel", I can't tell ya how many albums I've found myself looking for as a result and it's 10 bucks a month... c'mon it's not like their syphoning the blood outta ya It's worth it to me to not have to listen to 20 minutes of really bad radio commercials...

And it'd be a nice alternative for those that don't have a radio module and don't have the skills to put a kit together....

I will say, I don't think it's some amazing new technology... Just uninterupted radio with hundreds of cool stations suited for whatever mood your in... Worth every penny IMHO.


Edited by lopan (14/02/2005 01:27)
_________________________
Brett 60Gb MK2a with Led's

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#245275 - 14/02/2005 01:36 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Oh good. Send me 10 bucks a month, too please, since it's really nothing for something that's otherwise free!

Cheers

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#245276 - 14/02/2005 03:31 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Mach]
n6mod
enthusiast

Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
I just posted over on Projects about a Kenwood Changer interface to do exactly this with a Kenwood Sirius tuner. It looks like the hardware interface will be much easier for XM, but with a little forethought, the software side of this could support both services.

The XM direct looks like a straight serial interface, while the best option for Sirius is probably the Kenwood tuner, which lives on a Kenwood changer bus.

I prefer Sirius' programming, but if we can't make Sirius work, I'd look hard at XM. (Not interested in a Sirius vs. XM flame war, either.)

So, count me as interested.

EDIT:
I've now found that the Sirius Starbase has a normal serial interface between the display and the trunk box, so this should work as well as the XMDirect. I think we need level shifters for both of these, but that's easy.

So, do we have any interest from a developer? I'm much more of a hardware/IT guy than an SW developer, and haven't looked at what it takes to run the display (a la gpsapp), but I'm certainly willing to work on the back-end such that we could control either flavor of tuner.


Edited by n6mod (14/02/2005 15:59)
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Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.

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#245277 - 14/02/2005 15:30 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
A friend of mine at work has a Sirius radio. He drives us to lunch somewhat frequently. He listens to the same channels I would listen to. So far, I've not heard anything that I'd want to hear that I don't already own on CD.

If there was something out there that rebroadcast college radio stations from around the country, though, I might consider that.
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Bitt Faulk

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#245278 - 14/02/2005 15:41 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: wfaulk]
n6mod
enthusiast

Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
Quote:

If there was something out there that rebroadcast college radio stations from around the country, though, I might consider that.


Sirius runs a faux college station, which plays some good stuff, but isn't the same.

My motivation is actually the news/talk programming. Sirius has two channels of NPR, PRI, CSPAN, and BBC World service, in addition to the usual CNN/ABC/etc.

XM hired Bob Edwards away from NPR to try to recreate it on their own (including some programming from PRI). My impression is that's working about as well as you can expect.
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-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.

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#245279 - 14/02/2005 19:30 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: n6mod]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
Quote:
Sirius has ... CSPAN

The only thing more exciting than watching four hours of an empty Senate hall?

Listening to it.
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Bitt Faulk

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#245280 - 14/02/2005 19:47 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: wfaulk]
matthew_k
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
I must say I've developed an appreciation for cspan recently. I've started tuning to it when I don't want to watch something on the Replay, and just want something in the background. You can come accross some gems. Their weekend material can be good and out of the mainstream also. I suspect I'd watch even more if they had better guide data.

Matthew

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#245281 - 15/02/2005 00:34 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: matthew_k]
lopan
old hand

Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
Dunno, I think all the nay sayers need to actually spend a week with XM before pooping all over it And as for Ipod integration, ok... whats the point? An mp3 device that can control an mp3 device with the same crap on it? I know for me, my empeg always has my updated music database. Sorry I don't get it...


Edited by lopan (15/02/2005 00:37)

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#245282 - 15/02/2005 01:06 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: lopan]
n6mod
enthusiast

Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
Right, so half the board doesn't want XM or Sirius for their empeg. Good.

What about the rest of you. Mach, you still with us? Did you get your XMDirect?

Anyone want to help coding the app? This is going to be very long and painful if I'm the only one working on it.

I'd suggest that we write a basic UI (change channel, get song name) and have a modular back-end that supports the XMDirect and whichever Sirius tuner I settle on. That's down to two: The trunk half of the Starbase (expensive if you don't want the display) or the SIR-ALP1, which is cheaper and might be as easy to interface. I'm still researching.

-Z
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-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.

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#245283 - 15/02/2005 04:08 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: n6mod]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Yah, I'm still with you albeit in lurk mode. I picked up the XM direct unit last week in Houston and got Debian installed. Then I saw this and thought "Hard work is God's way of saying find someone else to do it" If jv8 is this close, I thought we pitch in there if he needs help and if Stu can offer anything on the hardware mod. Otherwise, sure we can work it from the software direction.

And regarding the nay-sayers, radio isn't exactly free on the empeg. An XM direct module costs $50, a little more if you want digital out. Compared to the cost of a tuner, it's not a bad option for someone who wants radio but isn't fortunate enough to have a tuner. Me? I have an original tuner and a PCATS tuner. I'm just in it for the geek factor. 160GB of mp3s, linux, and satellite radio in a classic mustang.

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#245284 - 15/02/2005 15:23 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Mach]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
I'll admit to being a naysayer about XM Radio, but it's not like I'm a big fan of AM/FM radio, either, although it does have local traffic and weather reports going for it. My point is that I don't see any benefit coming from that ongoing cost. If you do and it's something you want, go for it. It's still cool.
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Bitt Faulk

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#245285 - 15/02/2005 17:18 Re: XM on empeg? <moral support> [Re: n6mod]
Ezekiel
pooh-bah

Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
n6mod,
I've nothing to contribute (skills etc...), but I'm interested in this, I'd like to be able to have XM and empeg together in my car.

-Zeke
_________________________
WWFSMD?

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#245286 - 15/02/2005 17:45 Re: XM on empeg? [Re: Mach]
n6mod
enthusiast

Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
Quote:
Yah, I'm still with you albeit in lurk mode. I picked up the XM direct unit last week in Houston and got Debian installed. Then I saw this and thought "Hard work is God's way of saying find someone else to do it" If jv8 is this close, I thought we pitch in there if he needs help and if Stu can offer anything on the hardware mod. Otherwise, sure we can work it from the software direction.


jv8 is working on getting the audio out of the XMDirect and into the empeg digitally. While that has a high geek coefficient, I'm not sure you're going to notice a big quality difference. The XM and Sirius stream compression does a lot more damage than a D/A-A/D pair.

Cool for Phase II, but I'm going to start with the analog AUX input.

Quote:
Me? I have an original tuner and a PCATS tuner.

Something I never bothered to ask. Is there software support for Weatherband on the PCATS tuners?

Quote:
I'm just in it for the geek factor. 160GB of mp3s, linux, and satellite radio in a classic mustang.


Let me guess. A Mach1?

-Z
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-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.

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#245287 - 15/02/2005 17:51 Re: XM on empeg? <moral support> [Re: Ezekiel]
n6mod
enthusiast

Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
Quote:
n6mod,
I've nothing to contribute (skills etc...), but I'm interested in this, I'd like to be able to have XM and empeg together in my car.

-Zeke


OK, perhaps a poll, then. Let's see how much interest there is for this. Please tell me if you're interested, and which service you'd prefer.
Would you be interested in Satellite Radio for the Empeg?
Only one choice allowed


Votes accepted starting: 14/02/2005 12:48
View the results of this poll.
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.

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