#245228 - 02/01/2005 23:33
XM on empeg?
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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I know there was talk of XM radio via the xmpcr but never materialised due to the serial to usb deal happening with the xmpcr, however the newer XM Direct modules have a standard serial interface. Has anyone looked into programming something for this? I would but I'm no programmer. The bennefits would rock, the XM direct units are only about 40-50 bucks, and would possibly provide a sollution for those that didn't get a tuner?
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245229 - 03/01/2005 17:15
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
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I was looking at tackling the project (including hacking the xmpcr to do serial), but they EOL'ed it very quickly after someone came up with some software to do timeshifting (think TiVo for XM). I've not seen the XM Direct units. I'll take a look.
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~ John
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#245230 - 03/01/2005 18:40
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: JBjorgen]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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From what i've read on other sites, software that works with xmpcr works with xm direct... so same interface and command set I guess... just no serial to usb converter...
BTW I have an xmpcr right here... I love it... but as far as timeshifting goes doesn't quite seem worth the hassle, tivo I can understand, but radio? don't think so...
Edited by lopan (03/01/2005 18:57)
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245231 - 03/01/2005 19:01
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: JBjorgen]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Here is a link for the xm direct, the link in the post above has a lot of useful info for the pinouts and how to build a serial cable for the xm direct, I think there's probably even linux source floating around that you could port somehow (talking out my rear there but who knows), because as stated earlier if it worked with xmpcr chances are it works with xm direct.
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245232 - 04/01/2005 22:07
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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I'd be very interested in this also. My brother-in-law has me sold on XM because of the lower rate you can get if you are related to another subscribor. But he was selling me on the portable units... (MyXM?)
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Brad B.
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#245233 - 05/01/2005 02:46
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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xmpcr software works with xmdirect by a hack. the xmpcr had digital audio out; xmd has analog out and you use a debug connector to decode the song name. lame.
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#245234 - 05/01/2005 02:47
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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(though an xmpcr would be useless with an empeg, while an xmd could be used via auxin)
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#245235 - 05/01/2005 03:40
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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I've been trolling though the XM Fan and MP3 Car Audio forums after seeing this thread. I was under the impression that XM Direct can be controlled and interogated with the same serial codes as the XM PCR by sending it 3 serial commands prior to launching the PCR software. At that point it behaves like a PCR.
XM Direct has analog outs as you said but I believe it's possible to add digital outs (Coax or Toslink) for about $35.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I was actually interested enough with the concept to order in a XMD tuner.
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#245236 - 05/01/2005 12:34
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Quote:
xmpcr software works with xmdirect by a hack. the xmpcr had digital audio out; xmd has analog out and you use a debug connector to decode the song name. lame.
Digital out on the XMPCR was a hack... XMPCR units were analog as well from the factory, I thought unless i'm missing something? All I know is I had to solder a digital out card into my xmpcr before I had optical connection...
But regardless, XM on the empeg whether it be analog or digital in my opinion would be worth it's weight in gold.
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245237 - 05/01/2005 14:13
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Mach]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Quote:
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I was actually interested enough with the concept to order in a XMD tuner.
Sounds in line with what I've been reading, can you code? I've been holding off on getting one being that if I got one and no one was able to write anything I'd be left with a nice XM paperweight.
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245238 - 05/01/2005 14:22
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Mach]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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Didn't the XMPCR send the audio as well as the data about what was being played over the usb cable to the PC? Anything going over the usb cable is digital; Not all digital audio is toslink or whatever. When you extract audio directly from (rip) a CD, that's... digital audio.
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#245239 - 05/01/2005 14:33
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
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Apparently not. It was a serial XM module with a FTDI USB->serial dongle built into it. The audio output was just via line out unless you added a little PCB to get digital.
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#245240 - 05/01/2005 14:50
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Uh, yeah what Trevor said  no audio comes from the USB, you have to plug straight in to the PCR itself, computer see's the device as a usb serial port. and I have to say there is a very noticable sound improvement on the PCR when you add the optical output...
Wondering now if eutronix has any plans to add an optical or coax input on the empeg....
Edited by lopan (05/01/2005 14:54)
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245241 - 05/01/2005 14:57
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
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There is a digital input on the empeg already. The tuner interface can be switched over to be a I2S input but it's never been tested and we don't know how to enable it.
I think at one point Stuart was looking into making a digital input board? Not sure what happened to it. Probably lack of interest.
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#245242 - 05/01/2005 15:00
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Mach]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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_________________________
Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245243 - 05/01/2005 17:03
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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But then I need a coax in on my computer. I don't have one. I *do* have a USB.... I see no reason not to use it.
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#245244 - 05/01/2005 17:13
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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ummm but... uh, the usb is only for changing the station and getting the song data and stuff. Doesn't produce sound or anything.. I just posted that link for Mach and the possibility that perhaps if we could enable or install digital input on the empeg.... well then we'd have a cool setup. baby steps though, we have to find someone capable and willing to build the app!
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245245 - 05/01/2005 17:17
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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So there is not a copy of the digital audio coming over the usb, and decoded on the PC and sent directly to the sound card, with XMPCR?
I'm suspicious.
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#245247 - 05/01/2005 17:22
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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(If not, then the XMDirect solution is fine)
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#245248 - 05/01/2005 19:08
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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The PG amp that I have on (back) order has mutliple ins including TOS and Coax. I'm thinking that I don't need to necessarily route it back through the empeg, just control and display.
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#245249 - 06/01/2005 00:45
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Quote:
So there is not a copy of the digital audio coming over the usb, and decoded on the PC and sent directly to the sound card, with XMPCR?
No, I'm 100% positive on that one, it's just a plain old serial interface with no audio. It's really not that complicated of a device... When you crack it open theres really not much there...
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245250 - 06/01/2005 00:48
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Quote:
The PG amp that I have on (back) order has mutliple ins including TOS and Coax. I'm thinking that I don't need to necessarily route it back through the empeg, just control and display.
Still might be nice to at least be able to have it hijack the aux in, is that do-able?
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245251 - 06/01/2005 00:51
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
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That's what I was thinking...maybe with some help from emphatic.
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~ John
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#245252 - 06/01/2005 04:55
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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If you've seen inside, you're doing better than me. They are too rich for my blood.
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#245253 - 06/01/2005 12:03
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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You can still find them for 90-100 bucks, when I got mine I think it was around 70 bucks? It was about a month before they EOL'd them... Here's a link And here's a link... But really when the xm direct is half the price and pretty much the same thing except without a serial to usb converter, whats the point...
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245254 - 06/01/2005 14:09
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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After reading this thread and a bit of research, I'm very excited... Unfortunately I am a mechanical engineer and can't code. It certainly appears like someone could program this control into the Empeg which as another said would be priceless. I currently have a carputer with 7" monitor installed also and use it more for GPS and playing movies for my daughter than anything else. There are some changes I'd love to make to add more functionality on Empegface but alas don't know enough. Anyway, being able to control an XM setup with the Empeg would be more desireable than a temporary approach I am probably going to take - using the Carputer serial port and software and the line in on the Empeg. I'm sure it's well known, but if not here is a link to some Windows front end software (mostly for cars) that has XM control in it. http://www.frodoplayer.com/nuke/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=1If I could help anyone in any way with this project, let me know... I am hoping to buy the XM direct soon to integrate into my car system Jemmi
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#245255 - 06/01/2005 15:57
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Jemmi]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Yup, Frodoplayer, MMC and a few others all have XM support, for windows... Something like xmd-xmfe, or Ximba would probably be more useful, but then again, I'm no programmer either. Hey... just found mmxmpcr the description says "MMXMPCR is a kernel module and commandline program for playing the XM Radio PCR satellite radio receiver" could that be raped and twisted into what we need?
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245256 - 06/01/2005 15:59
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Daria]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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Would there be anyway to install the XM Direct so that I could take it from car to car (assuming both cars had receivers with XM controls)?
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Brad B.
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#245257 - 06/01/2005 17:07
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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From what I've been reading... yes. Both cars would need antennas and somewhere to locate the box... then could take it from car to car, plug in 1 8 pin DIN and the antenna and you're good to go. I was just looking and they have through glass antennas also (I already have GPS receiver mounted where the antenna goes on most cars)
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#245258 - 06/01/2005 17:34
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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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]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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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...
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245260 - 08/01/2005 00:39
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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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]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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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...
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245262 - 08/01/2005 02:36
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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I'd be willing to pitch in to buy someone an XM device if they'd write the code for it.
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Brad B.
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#245263 - 08/01/2005 14:24
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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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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#245266 - 14/01/2005 16:02
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Mach]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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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!
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Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245267 - 14/01/2005 18:27
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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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]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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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]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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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.
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Brad B.
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#245270 - 07/02/2005 01:23
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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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]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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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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#245272 - 07/02/2005 21:01
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: hybrid8]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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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
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WWFSMD?
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#245273 - 07/02/2005 21:51
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: hybrid8]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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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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#245275 - 14/02/2005 01:36
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14493
Loc: Canada
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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]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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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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-Zandr
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]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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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]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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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]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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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]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
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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]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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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]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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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
_________________________
-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]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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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]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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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]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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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]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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#245287 - 15/02/2005 17:51
Re: XM on empeg? <moral support>
[Re: Ezekiel]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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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.
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245288 - 15/02/2005 19:27
A vote for Sirius
[Re: n6mod]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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I voted for Sirius, an integrated solution would be nice, if it supported song seek and had at least 30 presets. Otherwise my PnP unit works well for me. I uderstand that the new Sirius Starbase has a song seek feature. See this link:
http://www.siriusbackstage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19470
Edited by petteri (15/02/2005 19:32)
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#245289 - 15/02/2005 19:47
Re: A vote for Sirius
[Re: petteri]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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Quote:
I voted for Sirius, an integrated solution would be nice, if it supported song seek and had at least 30 presets.
The number of presets could be pretty much arbitrary, since that would be in the app.
I wasn't thinking about song seek, that strikes me as such an odd feature. If it's implemented in the 'trunk box' it will be easy, but if it's implemented by the head unit, then it means more work in the app.
Quote:
See this link:
And see me posting at the end of that thread. 
I'm PM'ing back and forth with Jeremy about the Starbase as well as the SIR-ALP1, which is much less expensive, mostly because you aren't paying for the head unit.
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245290 - 15/02/2005 20:01
Re: A vote for Sirius
[Re: n6mod]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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Quote:
The number of presets could be pretty much arbitrary, since that would be in the app.
I wasn't thinking about song seek, that strikes me as such an odd feature. If it's implemented in the 'trunk box' it will be easy, but if it's implemented by the head unit, then it means more work in the app.
And see me posting at the end of that thread.
I'm PM'ing back and forth with Jeremy about the Starbase as well as the SIR-ALP1, which is much less expensive, mostly because you aren't paying for the head unit.
I love the song seek. I usually punch in a song I haven't heard before, but I like. Then when its played again I get a few more listens before I decide to explore that artist some more.
I'm hoping most of the features are in the tuner box and that the head unit is just a dumb controller. I never really got to the end of that thread...
Before I "discovered" the Empeg I was considering getting the Kenwood unit to fill the extra DIN space in my car, now I may get both in one! I can't really contribute to this project but if need be I'd pay for a Starbase for some one to play with....
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#245291 - 16/02/2005 01:35
Re: A vote for Sirius
[Re: petteri]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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petteri: Well, I certainly won't stop you from sending me a Starbase.  It's not necessary, though. I'll pick one up when I get to that point. I think I now know enough about the interfaces to support both the XM Direct and the Sirius Starbase. I have some design work to do on what the app should be doing. As it turns out, I do need to be doing SongSeek myself. The plus side of that is that I have a lot more flexibility. Where I fall flat is writing UI code for the empeg, so if anyone with that experience wants to join the party, I can use all the help I can get. Mach: Do you have the right serial cable for the XMD? I'm looking at the protocol spec from Hybrid Mobile and they seem to be one of the favorite vendors for serial cables. -Z
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245292 - 16/02/2005 15:50
Re: A vote for Sirius
[Re: n6mod]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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I have the XM direct cable and am running it into my carputer using a Satellite control program and then all sound from computer goes into line in on Empeg.
I made the cable for about $10. Just as a side note, you do NOT need the 12V taps shown in the wiring diagrams IF you wire up the XM direct per the instructions. I did this to offer the possibility of using the XM commander controller as well.
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#245293 - 16/02/2005 17:41
Re: A vote for Sirius
[Re: n6mod]
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old hand
Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
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Yes I have the cable. I picked it up from one of the folks at the xm forums but making one didn't look that tough.
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#245294 - 19/02/2005 13:46
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
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I find myself saying "hey, I remember that song" all the time listening to the empeg. That's because it's nearly all on there. Sorry, I need the ability to fast forward and skip whenever I want. On-demand access to 10000 songs isn't available on XM. Bruno
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#245295 - 21/02/2005 23:59
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: hybrid8]
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member
Registered: 03/05/2003
Posts: 131
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I'm not sure why you're trying to turn this into an Empeg vs. XM discussion thread. You have what you want and people have an interest in XM or sirius so let it go. Me personally I have an XM controlled by my carputer and the Empeg also. I agree, on access control to 10,000 songs is WONDERFUL and having it shuffle through your music collection is great. I do that most of the time. But I also do not have a radio in my car so XM is a great option... plus I have a 6 year old daughter and she often doesn't enjoy the music I normally listen to so havin an option like XM kids and Radio Disney for the rides to and from school is great for her.
But you have your opinion on this... I just don't see why you must argue it
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#245296 - 22/02/2005 00:17
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: Jemmi]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
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I agree and was going to post something similar but decided to just drop it. I might be able to shuffle between 22,000 traffic and weather reports on my empeg, but I doubt they'll be very timely.
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Brad B.
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#245297 - 22/02/2005 06:11
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: SE_Sport_Driver]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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Just a quick update. I'm working on reverse engineering the Starbase protocol at the moment. Once I get that sorted, I'll try to work out a reasonable abstraction layer so we only have to have one app for the two services.
There are some significant additional capabilities of the Sirius tuner, at least as compared to the available spec for the XMDirect box. That said, taking advantage of those features will require a fair bit of code, so I think I'll leave those for a subsequent release, and just try to get basic tuner control working out of the gate.
-Z
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245298 - 22/02/2005 11:50
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: n6mod]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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Quote:
Just a quick update. I'm working on reverse engineering the Starbase protocol at the moment. Once I get that sorted, I'll try to work out a reasonable abstraction layer so we only have to have one app for the two services.
There are some significant additional capabilities of the Sirius tuner, at least as compared to the available spec for the XMDirect box. That said, taking advantage of those features will require a fair bit of code, so I think I'll leave those for a subsequent release, and just try to get basic tuner control working out of the gate.
-Z
Great news! Thanks again for working on this. If I can get Sirius and the Empeg in one unit that would be almost unbeliveable. What will the interface on the Empeg look like? Will it be an additional menu item?
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#245299 - 22/02/2005 12:54
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: petteri]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
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I'm assuming we'll need some kind of way to detect when the player is switched to AUX mode and then bring up the control interface. I imagine Tony C or Mark L. would be able to comment on this in a more knowlegeable way.
_________________________
~ John
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#245300 - 22/02/2005 13:20
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: JBjorgen]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14493
Loc: Canada
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The most trivial way is to simply poll /proc/empeg_notify and keep an eye on the current "notify_MixerInput" field.
Cheers
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#245301 - 22/02/2005 15:29
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: mlord]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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Quote:
The most trivial way is to simply poll /proc/empeg_notify and keep an eye on the current "notify_MixerInput" field.
Cheers
I'm actually completely open about how we might implement the UI. One could imagine this gets launched when we select aux, or the inverse, where launching the app selects aux. (can that be done from userland?)
I could even see that this would be an add-on to Emphatic. Tony?
If it were possible to get at the player source (or the guys @empeg wanted to play) my first choice would be to hack the tuner code and present the info from the sat. tuner in the same way as RDS.
Unfortunately, since neither XM nor Sirius covers Cambridge, I can't imagine that the guys @empeg are going to be interested.
The UI side of this is where I'm going to need some help, so if someone with experience writing apps for the empeg wants to help, I'd be most appreciative.
-Z
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245302 - 22/02/2005 16:45
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: n6mod]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14493
Loc: Canada
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I believe that it is almost trivial to inject fake RDS data into the player app. It gets it all through the kernel, and we do have source for that part.
Cheers
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#245303 - 22/02/2005 17:28
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: mlord]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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Quote:
I believe that it is almost trivial to inject fake RDS data into the player app. It gets it all through the kernel, and we do have source for that part.
I think the changes required to make a the tuner part of the player app do the right thing are more than can be done from 'outside'
We'd need to intercept tuner control events, switch audio inputs, and at best have some funky mapping between frequency and channel number. It *might* work, but I think the time would be better spent building a userland app that controlled the tuner, especially since that gives us a place to build things like song seek.
I could be wrong, though... I'm still working on the back-end, and haven't really started looking at the front-end.
-Z
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245304 - 22/02/2005 18:48
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: n6mod]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
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I agree. A userland app that runs when the player is in AUX mode rather than tuner mode seems to give us the most flexibility.
The only advantage I can see to emulating the current tuner would be the ability to use that second serial port instead of fighting for control of the primary one.
_________________________
~ John
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#245305 - 04/03/2005 00:24
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: hybrid8]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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Quote:
Sorry, I need the ability to fast forward and skip whenever I want. On-demand access to 10000 songs isn't available on XM.
?? Yeah we already have that... with the empeg... you don't seem to get that we're looking for an alternative to FM radio do you? Some people like XM, you obviously don't, alls I can say is this probably isn't for you...
Wow, spent a few weeks away from the bbs and this has taken off! Cool...
So are we switching to Sirius? Or both? don't have a subscription but I guess I could switch, is it as cheap as XM?
Edited by lopan (04/03/2005 00:25)
_________________________
Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245306 - 04/03/2005 00:32
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
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Quote:
is it as cheap as XM?
It will be soon.
Matthew
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#245307 - 04/03/2005 01:10
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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Quote:
So are we switching to Sirius? Or both? don't have a subscription but I guess I could switch, is it as cheap as XM?
It's as cheap as XM will be in a month.
The switch to Sirius is simply because I'm working on this, and Sirius is the one I care about. (mostly because of NPR) In fact, I think the basic functionality can be done on either. There's a lot more capability in the Sirius tuners from what I can see, though.
I just got my hands on a Starbase, and if I get some time this weekend will get some interface specs (HW and SW) for the Starbase tuner up on the web.
Once that's done, I'll start working on a simply empeg app that can drive the Starbase. Running an XM direct should be just a matter of swapping out the commands.
Where the XM Direct falls flat is things like TuneSelect. I think the head unit is polling all the channels to do TuneSelect, whereas the Starbase will proactively send a program ID when (any? some?) channels start new songs.
So, I'll do Sirius first, and will probalbly pick up an XM direct tuner to play with at some point.
-Z
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245308 - 05/03/2005 00:01
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: n6mod]
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old hand
Registered: 28/01/2002
Posts: 970
Loc: Manassas VA
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I might just have to wait til you get the XM stuff done, being that I just bought my wife the xm skifi boombox setup for christmas and we're on the family plan... Maybe sirius will come up with something were you can trade your hardware in to switch  ok maybe not... but one can hope...
_________________________
Brett
60Gb MK2a with Led's
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#245309 - 18/04/2005 09:29
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: lopan]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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Any updates on this project? Sirius has lost AAR but I'm keeping them anyway. I'll be able to d/l the shows and play them on the empeg anyway!
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#245310 - 18/04/2005 22:16
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: petteri]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/09/1999
Posts: 200
Loc: Berkeley, CA
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I'm actually just climbing back into reality, after having been buried under some projects that have consumed all of my time lately.
So, this is back on my to-do list, and will likely get some attention in the coming weeks.
_________________________
-Zandr
Mk.IIa #010101243 currently getting a 500GB SSD. More spares in the shed.
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#245311 - 19/04/2005 11:09
Re: XM on empeg?
[Re: n6mod]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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Good news then! Jeremy over at SBS had a new site put up dealing with the inner workings of the Starbase. But he has since shut it down, I presume because of pressure from Sirius. I'm guessing you have picked his brain and know all of that stuff by now anyway.
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#245312 - 03/05/2005 20:36
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: petteri]
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new poster
Registered: 18/01/2002
Posts: 11
Loc: Ventura, CA USA
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I can't wait for the day that I see this on my empeg!! I can't really provide any help as far as programming but I would be happy to donate a few bucks!
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#245313 - 18/10/2005 12:20
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: BaBa]
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addict
Registered: 02/08/2004
Posts: 434
Loc: Helsinki, Finland
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anything new with this project?
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#245314 - 16/11/2005 03:11
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: petteri]
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new poster
Registered: 22/01/2002
Posts: 27
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I thought this might be interesting for those who have some interest in getting Sirius working on the empeg... it's a serial(db9) interface for a sirius adapter: http://www.rush2112.net/Now all that's needed is a little programming -elph
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#245315 - 18/02/2006 13:16
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: elph]
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addict
Registered: 10/11/2000
Posts: 497
Loc: Utah, USA
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For anyone that's still paying attention to this, I found this new XM Direct adapter. It takes the song info from XM and wraps it up into RDS and sends it out an antenna line (with rf modulated audio as well).
It seems like this might make the job a little easier to get XM interfaced. Out of the box, it will get the song info on the XM display, but you have to use it's included remote to change channels. I'm almost surely going to get one to hook up to my empeg this way (except bypass the line out audio from the xm direct to run that to the amp).
To get a nicer level of integration, someone would just have to code up a way to have some button presses send out some specific serial commands while in tuner mode. Or (more ambitious), make a separate app that handles the channel changing and gets it's display stuff by pulling the RDS info out of the kernel. I'm assuming the song info is on the serial, and if someone wanted to write an app like that, they could just get the song info off the serial and bypass the whole requirement for a tuner. However, since no one's done that yet, I'm trying to simplify.
With this box, it seems like the simplest way to get this to work would be if hijack's ir_translate allowed you to map button codes to arbitrary serial commands. If that could happen, you just flip the empeg into tuner mode and the display stuff is all handled for you, and whatever buttons you've set up on the remote would change the xm channels for you. Anyone know if there's any way to set up ir_translate this way? If not, does anyone have a Mark Lord genie lamp handy they could rub for such a feature request?
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-Aaron
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#245316 - 21/02/2006 12:12
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: adavidw]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Thanks for the heads-up on the RDS unit. I already have an XM Direct box, so taking a chance on this is only $50 for me. I pre-ordered from Crutchfield and can't wait to check it out. Hopefully they use RDS to its maximum potential and not just the call-letter data field US radio loves to abuse.
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-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736
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#245317 - 22/02/2006 04:28
Re: SIRIUS on empeg!
[Re: robricc]
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addict
Registered: 10/11/2000
Posts: 497
Loc: Utah, USA
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Quote:
Hopefully they use RDS to its maximum potential and not just the call-letter data field US radio loves to abuse.
Word. That's my big hope as well. In an ideal world, however, it would some customizability. It should default to putting the info in the message part. But, for cars like my dad's Prius which won't show the message while the car's moving, have a way to switch it to "super-hacky-psuedo-scrolling-in-the-call-letters mode".
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-Aaron
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