Making your own XM Commander Cable

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!