xm411.com - I built my own XM Satellite Radio receiver!

Author

Thread

ekeefe
XM Freak!

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 836

Primary Radio: Homemade receiver

I built my own XM Satellite Radio receiver!

Hello,

This is a project I have had in the works for a few months now. I have designed and built my own XM Satellite Receiver.

The photos below show how it is coming along. This is a work in progress, not all of the software is done yet.

This is in no way designed to bypass any security! It still required activation like all other radios.
Please don't ask any 'how do I get XM for free' questions. I don't know how, and if I did I wouldn't tell.

Here is a list of features:

- Capable of receiving all XM channels.
- Operates on an 8-40 volt DC input. Wall wart at home, cigarette lighter plug in car.
- Fully compliant USB interface. Will operate with the stock software and the popular alternates. It can operate as a second receiver with another XM PCR connected.
- Serial interface that is independent of the USB. When a serial cable is connected, the radio defaults to serial. When the serial cable is removed it falls back to USB.
- The radio has a simple web server embedded inside that allows operation over a network, LAN or WAN. This radio does not stream or record any content.
- TOSLINK optical output.
- COAXIAL digital output.
- 1/8" audio connection.
- Dual RCA audio connection.
- Real time clock with alarm function.
- Video display of current channel information. Video can be stand alone in color, or overlay in black and white on an incoming video signal.
- Operates with the SKYFI or ROADY remote.
- At the press of a button the radio will speak the current artist and title. If using a SKYFI remote, the radio can also verbally spell the current channel info.
(SKYFI remote has an extra button)
- Power button is a three color back lit graphic LCD switch.
- 16 button Keypad for local control.
- 256 x 64 Graphic Vacuum fluorescent display.
- Rack mountable or Stand-alone (As Shown)

The first picture shows the Radio in its case. This is not finished but you get the idea.

Logo that displays at power up.

One of the display modes in normal operation.

Signal strength screen.

Connected and running on serial with ethernet, TOSLINK and dual RCA connected.

Board close up.

In case, from back.

Looking down from above.

Another picture of PCB.

Radio connectors, labeled.

I hope you found this interesting,

ED

Last edited by ekeefe on Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thu Jul 01, 2004 4:59 pm

Wireman
Moderator

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 1707
Location: You Never know. But Pa for now.
Primary Radio: The Only Radio worth Listening to XM on until HM starts. The Yamaha HTR 5960

All I can say is WOW Exclamation

Will we see this written up in a magazine Question
Or start being sold at MYRadioStore.com.

I do have one suggestion. How about adding some sort of tone or voice to the antenna pointing utility. Maybe even have this signal transmitted over the LAN
_________________
Some people have written to me asking me if I would be for the merger. If they added a broadcast for anime, J-Pop, K-Pop, and video game music and or 48K or better SQ.
I say YES! But I doubt it will happen. Please prove me wrong XMSIRI.

Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:12 pm

kingnothing
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 2580
Location: Amarillo, TX
Primary Radio: SKYFi 2

OMFG!!!!

You are my new hero. Well, after Ziggy, maybe. notworthy
_________________
KingNothing.com

Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:19 pm

lbd-ct
Supreme Postwhore

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 40964
Location: New Milford - Lower Merryall - CT
Primary Radio: Sky-Fi III

Very, Very nicely done!

Kudos Ed!!
_________________
FRPWHB

Support XM411. Buy your XM gear at

Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:21 pm

Eric H
I live Here

Joined: 25 May 2004
Posts: 424

Find a way to mass produce... Put it in my Best Buy... I buy it. You become millionarie!

I LOVE IT!! Give the darn thing and alarm clock though, Delphi can't figure it out I guess.

BTW, good call picking Highway 16 notworthy for the screenshot!

Last edited by Eric H on Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:48 pm

ekeefe
XM Freak!

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 836

Primary Radio: Homemade receiver

Hello,

Sorry, forgot to mention it. It has a real time clock on board. If you look at one of the close up circuit board pictures, you will see 3 crystals (little metal cans) the long round one is the time base for the radios clock. Adding alarms would be a matter of a new menu entry to set the time and a flag to check for in the main software loop to process it.

I added the clock function to the list in the original post.

ED

Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:05 pm

Eric H
I live Here

Joined: 25 May 2004
Posts: 424

Your post didn't include the details on where you're building the manufacturing warehouse and all... Wink

Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:25 pm

kingnothing
XM411 Community Leader

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 2580
Location: Amarillo, TX
Primary Radio: SKYFi 2

quote:
Originally posted by ehamilton:
Your post didn't include the details on where you're building the manufacturing warehouse and all...

And who your beta testers are. (hint hint) Wink

_________________
KingNothing.com

Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:26 pm

JnRockwall
XM Rules my life

Joined: 06 Jun 2004
Posts: 510
Location: Rockwall, Texas

?

Last edited by JnRockwall on Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:40 pm

Eric H
I live Here

Joined: 25 May 2004
Posts: 424

HOLD ON!! I think we all know the mass production idea was mine... Cool so as long as I get to Beta... I'm happy! Laughing

Yeah, you definately want to get a patent (and a cool name for it to Trademark Wink )

Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:50 pm

Rorzabal
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 214
Location: Michigan

Very cool!

Your bench has many of the same toys I get to play with at work. I think we have that exact same scope. Cool

Nice job!
_________________

Got an XMPCR? Take it to the next level!

Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:08 pm

MikeV
Moderator

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 6222
Location: Leesburg, VA

Dude. That just kicks MAJOR butt!!! I'd love to see some screen shots of the web interface! Is it FTP-accessible to facilitate uploading a different template page, CSS file, or images (like channel logos)?

Oh, and I'd love to have one too! I think you've covered just about every base with that! Control methods, audio output... Now just reduce the size of that case, get it mass-produced, and you'll be set! Maybe have a couple of different models... for example, I'm interested in PC control, but I'd love to have a display like that, maybe a tad smaller if possible. But I don't care about the keypad.

Hook me up, Ed. Smile

- Mike

Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:34 pm

BewareOfPenguin
XM Rules my life

Joined: 10 Feb 2004
Posts: 771
Location: Killeen, Texas
Primary Radio: Just Got An Inno...Woot!

That kicks a great deal of ass! All I can say is, Whoa! Shocked
_________________

Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:44 pm

ike
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 116
Location: New York, NY

One word: Orgasmic.

Put me down for two. (And a blueberry muffin.)

Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:12 pm

Stocker
XM411 Community Leader 100K+

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 109928

Primary Radio: Inno, SkyFi2

Yes, put me on the list for one!

Great!
_________________

for ALL your SiriusXM needs!

Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:17 pm

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		Author	Thread
		ekeefe XM Freak! Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 836 Primary Radio: Homemade receiver	I built my own XM Satellite Radio receiver! Hello, This is a project I have had in the works for a few months now. I have designed and built my own XM Satellite Receiver. The photos below show how it is coming along. This is a work in progress, not all of the software is done yet. This is in no way designed to bypass any security! It still required activation like all other radios. Please don't ask any 'how do I get XM for free' questions. I don't know how, and if I did I wouldn't tell. Here is a list of features: - Capable of receiving all XM channels. - Operates on an 8-40 volt DC input. Wall wart at home, cigarette lighter plug in car. - Fully compliant USB interface. Will operate with the stock software and the popular alternates. It can operate as a second receiver with another XM PCR connected. - Serial interface that is independent of the USB. When a serial cable is connected, the radio defaults to serial. When the serial cable is removed it falls back to USB. - The radio has a simple web server embedded inside that allows operation over a network, LAN or WAN. This radio does not stream or record any content. - TOSLINK optical output. - COAXIAL digital output. - 1/8" audio connection. - Dual RCA audio connection. - Real time clock with alarm function. - Video display of current channel information. Video can be stand alone in color, or overlay in black and white on an incoming video signal. - Operates with the SKYFI or ROADY remote. - At the press of a button the radio will speak the current artist and title. If using a SKYFI remote, the radio can also verbally spell the current channel info. (SKYFI remote has an extra button) - Power button is a three color back lit graphic LCD switch. - 16 button Keypad for local control. - 256 x 64 Graphic Vacuum fluorescent display. - Rack mountable or Stand-alone (As Shown) The first picture shows the Radio in its case. This is not finished but you get the idea. Logo that displays at power up. One of the display modes in normal operation. Signal strength screen. Connected and running on serial with ethernet, TOSLINK and dual RCA connected. Board close up. In case, from back. Looking down from above. Another picture of PCB. Radio connectors, labeled. I hope you found this interesting, ED Last edited by ekeefe on Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:07 pm; edited 1 time in total
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 4:59 pm
		Wireman Moderator Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 1707 Location: You Never know. But Pa for now. Primary Radio: The Only Radio worth Listening to XM on until HM starts. The Yamaha HTR 5960	All I can say is WOW Will we see this written up in a magazine Or start being sold at MYRadioStore.com. I do have one suggestion. How about adding some sort of tone or voice to the antenna pointing utility. Maybe even have this signal transmitted over the LAN _________________ Some people have written to me asking me if I would be for the merger. If they added a broadcast for anime, J-Pop, K-Pop, and video game music and or 48K or better SQ. I say YES! But I doubt it will happen. Please prove me wrong XMSIRI.
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:12 pm
		kingnothing XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 2580 Location: Amarillo, TX Primary Radio: SKYFi 2	OMFG!!!! You are my new hero. Well, after Ziggy, maybe. _________________ KingNothing.com
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:19 pm
		lbd-ct Supreme Postwhore Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 40964 Location: New Milford - Lower Merryall - CT Primary Radio: Sky-Fi III	Very, Very nicely done! Kudos Ed!! _________________ FRPWHB Support XM411. Buy your XM gear at
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:21 pm
		Eric H I live Here Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 424	Find a way to mass produce... Put it in my Best Buy... I buy it. You become millionarie! I LOVE IT!! Give the darn thing and alarm clock though, Delphi can't figure it out I guess. BTW, good call picking Highway 16 for the screenshot! Last edited by Eric H on Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:53 pm; edited 1 time in total
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:48 pm
		ekeefe XM Freak! Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 836 Primary Radio: Homemade receiver	Hello, Sorry, forgot to mention it. It has a real time clock on board. If you look at one of the close up circuit board pictures, you will see 3 crystals (little metal cans) the long round one is the time base for the radios clock. Adding alarms would be a matter of a new menu entry to set the time and a flag to check for in the main software loop to process it. I added the clock function to the list in the original post. ED
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:05 pm
		Eric H I live Here Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 424	Your post didn't include the details on where you're building the manufacturing warehouse and all...
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:25 pm
		kingnothing XM411 Community Leader Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 2580 Location: Amarillo, TX Primary Radio: SKYFi 2	quote: Originally posted by ehamilton: Your post didn't include the details on where you're building the manufacturing warehouse and all... And who your beta testers are. (hint hint) _________________ KingNothing.com
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:26 pm
		JnRockwall XM Rules my life Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 510 Location: Rockwall, Texas	? Last edited by JnRockwall on Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:04 pm; edited 1 time in total
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:40 pm
		Eric H I live Here Joined: 25 May 2004 Posts: 424	HOLD ON!! I think we all know the mass production idea was mine... so as long as I get to Beta... I'm happy! Yeah, you definately want to get a patent (and a cool name for it to Trademark )
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:50 pm
		Rorzabal XM411 Nut! Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 214 Location: Michigan	Very cool! Your bench has many of the same toys I get to play with at work. I think we have that exact same scope. Nice job! _________________ Got an XMPCR? Take it to the next level!
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:08 pm
		MikeV Moderator Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 6222 Location: Leesburg, VA	Dude. That just kicks MAJOR butt!!! I'd love to see some screen shots of the web interface! Is it FTP-accessible to facilitate uploading a different template page, CSS file, or images (like channel logos)? Oh, and I'd love to have one too! I think you've covered just about every base with that! Control methods, audio output... Now just reduce the size of that case, get it mass-produced, and you'll be set! Maybe have a couple of different models... for example, I'm interested in PC control, but I'd love to have a display like that, maybe a tad smaller if possible. But I don't care about the keypad. Hook me up, Ed. - Mike
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:34 pm
		BewareOfPenguin XM Rules my life Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 771 Location: Killeen, Texas Primary Radio: Just Got An Inno...Woot!	That kicks a great deal of ass! All I can say is, Whoa! _________________
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 7:44 pm
		ike XM411 Nut! Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 116 Location: New York, NY	One word: Orgasmic. Put me down for two. (And a blueberry muffin.)
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:12 pm
		Stocker XM411 Community Leader 100K+ Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 109928 Primary Radio: Inno, SkyFi2	Yes, put me on the list for one! Great! _________________ for ALL your SiriusXM needs!
		Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:17 pm