Has anyone installed a SoundGate STARMOD2

[boomer8800]

I'm swapping out my stock head unit for a new Pioneer and was thinking about installing a SoundGate STARMOD2 to keep the On star (at a later date) I would like some feed back from anyone who has install one. Install tips, location of install etc.

 

 

Thanks,

[boomer8800]

HELLO?? McFly

 

Bueller, Bueller??

 

anyone, anyone??

 

:sleeping:

[Pancho]

Well, I have been patiently waiting a reply to your post as I have the same question. Called Soundgate directly, the rep was stating what an easy install it was when he asked whether I was an installer/dealer. Upon finding out that I was not he changed his tune - it was now a very complex and highly technical install w a lot of problems. He would not sell product directly and referred me to a dealer.

 

It seems to me that it shouldn't be that difficult.

[BIG RED DAWG]

I also called Soundgate in Wyoming and talked to some a**hole there, once I told him it was a self install, his tone changed completely " Oh its so technical- you should have a pro installer do it" - ya know, blah, blah, blah. But he got real quite when I told him I'm a wire systems engineer! I think I can handle this one! It's maybe ten wires total. So I ended up ordering a "starmod2" from the internet. I let you know how it goes after the install, if you would like. Which should be this weekend.

 

Big Red

[BIG RED DAWG]

Well, I installed the Starmod2 v2 (version 2) this weekend and now my Onstar is working again! Installation went fairly well for the most part considering this was the first time thing for me. I hooked up the module to a Pioneer CD reciever model DEH-P47DH. This particular head unit has a mute input lead with a negative "trip" which simply means that the mute will enable anytime the trip lead is grounded. What I learned before installing the Starmod is that the mute output signal from the Starmod interface is a 12 volt + and cannot be connected directly to the head unit. The way to connect the + output trip signal is through a relay. The instructions included with the module contains a wiring diagram using a Bosch relay in parallel with a 4001 diode. Basically what this breaks down to  is a Bosch relay socket and a matching "flasher" relay. This accomplishes the necessary grounding action to ground the mute circuit on the head unit anytime power is applied to the Starmod via the Onstar buttons. One good thing about the Starmod module is that its amplifier is able to drive two small speakers connected as a 8 ohm load. The unit even has a gain adjustment to control volume level to the speakers. This arrangement doesn't work as smoothly as the factory electronics but is good enough for the system to function. A small problem I have to fix is the tendecy for the speakers connected to the Starmod to "pop" when the lights come on when entering the vehicle. I think it could be a filter type problem.

 

Big Red

[boomer8800]

how did you connect the Starmod highlevel wire or RCAs. do have an amp for your speakers or from radio to speakers??

[BIG RED DAWG]

how did you connect the Starmod highlevel wire or RCAs. do have an amp for your speakers or from radio to speakers??

 

The best thing to do with Starmod is to isolate any output signals away from the main reciever circuits. Although you are able to connect into the reciever speaker circuits, I thought it was best to wire the speaker outputs separately in order to prelclude any signal feedback issues. Either from the reciever amp or external amp(s). The two speakers can be wired directly from the Starmod unit in series as a 8 ohm load (4+4). Because it has its own amplifier. My setup solution is as follows; the Pioneer head unit drives the rear door 4" x 6" Infinity ref speakers only, I have a 200W amp to drive the front Infinity component speakers. I removed the factory tweeter from the door grill and placed the component tweeters in the "sail" panel as surface mounts. I also mounted the crossovers inside the door behind and below the 6.5" door speakers with 3M tape. I then enlarged the vacated factory speaker location to accept 3.5" Kenwood paper cone speakers for the Onstar/Starmod circuitry.  This arrangement now leaves me with the ability to drive some 4" speakers in the kick panel area driven off the unused channels on the reciever.

 

Big Red