Standard XM Antenna vs GXM-30: Can it be substituted?

gsjdm2001 · 04-30-2008, 7:01 PM

Hello everyone. I received a Zumo 550 last Christmas and have finally gotten comfortable enough with it to begin using the XM radio feature, however the GXM-30 antenna is insanely priced. I also have a Delph XM2go which has an XM antenna with a MCX style plug. After speaking with Garmin Tech support they say that XM will not work on the Zumo unless it is routed through the USB port. My plan has been to buy or build a pigtail to go from the MCX on the back of my Zumo to the Delphi's antenna. Does anyone know why this would not work or is this Garmin trying to get more money for an antenna that I dont' need? Thanks.

Max · 04-30-2008, 8:35 PM

No.

The Garmin antenna is not a 15$ XM antenna being marked up to the sky. It's a USB receiver with a microprocessor/tuner/etc. When you activate with XM you activate with them based on the GXM unit id, not the Zumo unit id. If that helps explain it better.

You can jack an antenna into the back of the GPS but it's a USB port - you'll have as much joy plugging it into the USB port on your computer

.

The GXM is compatible with a bunch if Garmin units, and if you can find it new for <150$ you're doing well. I was looking for one for awhile but gave up the prospect. If you find a smoking deal, let me know

gsjdm2001 · 04-30-2008, 10:30 PM

Max,

Thanks for the reply. That explains it better than the Garmin Tech who gave me dead air and then an UHHH well its just the way its built.

I will keep looking around, darn it....if i find a deal I msg ya.

John

Max · 05-02-2008, 10:34 PM

You're welcome John

I didn't mention there IS an mcx-style plug on the Zumo but that is only for an auxiliary GPS antenna.

But the XM portion is through the USB/GXM unit only.

04-30-2008, 7:01 PM	#1
gsjdm2001 Join Date: Apr 30 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2	Standard XM Antenna vs GXM-30: Can it be substituted? Hello everyone. I received a Zumo 550 last Christmas and have finally gotten comfortable enough with it to begin using the XM radio feature, however the GXM-30 antenna is insanely priced. I also have a Delph XM2go which has an XM antenna with a MCX style plug. After speaking with Garmin Tech support they say that XM will not work on the Zumo unless it is routed through the USB port. My plan has been to buy or build a pigtail to go from the MCX on the back of my Zumo to the Delphi's antenna. Does anyone know why this would not work or is this Garmin trying to get more money for an antenna that I dont' need? Thanks.

04-30-2008, 8:35 PM	#2
Max has returned from hiatus. Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 922 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Standard XM Antenna vs GXM-30: Can it be substituted? No. The Garmin antenna is not a 15$ XM antenna being marked up to the sky. It's a USB receiver with a microprocessor/tuner/etc. When you activate with XM you activate with them based on the GXM unit id, not the Zumo unit id. If that helps explain it better. You can jack an antenna into the back of the GPS but it's a USB port - you'll have as much joy plugging it into the USB port on your computer . The GXM is compatible with a bunch if Garmin units, and if you can find it new for <150$ you're doing well. I was looking for one for awhile but gave up the prospect. If you find a smoking deal, let me know

04-30-2008, 10:30 PM	#3
gsjdm2001 Join Date: Apr 30 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2	Re: Standard XM Antenna vs GXM-30: Can it be substituted? Max, Thanks for the reply. That explains it better than the Garmin Tech who gave me dead air and then an UHHH well its just the way its built. I will keep looking around, darn it....if i find a deal I msg ya. John

05-02-2008, 10:34 PM	#4
Max has returned from hiatus. Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 922 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Standard XM Antenna vs GXM-30: Can it be substituted? You're welcome John I didn't mention there IS an mcx-style plug on the Zumo but that is only for an auxiliary GPS antenna. But the XM portion is through the USB/GXM unit only.