Making your own XM Commander Cable

Written by jcdillin

Saturday, 06 November 2004

There has been a lot of press lately (cnn / slashdot) about how some Car computer hackers reverse-engineered the XM Direct cable, allowing you to use your computer to control your XM Direct device.  These hackers have been charging $40-$50 for their cable, which it turns out we can build ourselves for less than $15. {mos_sb_discuss:18} Parts list: 8 pin mini-din plug. If you can get your hands on a older mac printer cable it has the correct style of plug. female db9 connector & hood Wires to connect it all up. 12 volt tap. (get it form somewhere) Cable Pinout 8 pin mini-diin to db9 pin 1 = pin 3 Data Receive pin 2 = pin 2 Data Transmit pin 3 = pin 5 Ground pin 6 = 12v pin 7 = 12v pin 8 = gnd Here are some examples of finished cables Using Frodoplayer to control XM with my computer! Using TimeTrax to record off XM!

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 November 2006 )