Audio Systems: 2004 Chevy Avalanche - Satellite Radio, sirius orbiter sm4000 mobile docking station, auxiliary input adapter

Question
Dear Tom,

I own a 2004 Chevy Avalanche Z71 with a standard Single CD player radio.  I received a Sirius Orbiter SR4000 Receiver from Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5...

w/ a Sirius Orbiter SM4000 Mobile Docking Station:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5...

For better sound quality, my intent is to install this unit directly into my vehicle's factory audio system instead of utilizing the FM Modulator feature of the docking station.

Can you confirm if the below link is the correct Auxiliary Input Adapter for my vehicle?

http://www.poweredmarket.com/page/auxgm.htm

Also, instead of using the cigarette lighter power adapter, could you suggest the best way to power 12v directly to the unit that works in conjunction with the ignition key, turning on/off like the radio.  Please include such details on wire AWG, splicing/mating tips with the provied wiring and/or other suggestions that you can forsee that I may need.

Just for information, I am a mechanical engineer by trade with my background in ship's propulsion systems and their auxiliaries.  I am handy with wiring and electrical & mechanical knowledge, I'm just used to walking through the equipment that I work on, therefore any routing tips for the antenna and other equipment wiring is also appreciated.  My theory on the antenna is to place it on the rear section/middle exterior roof and enter the third brake light and try and follow the path of it's wiring.

I am unfamiliar with the specifics of panel removal, so any advice and obstacles in this area is appreciated.  This includes any Dash board removal tips that are required for wire harness access.  

I live in a relatively higher crime area, so I am not crazy about the suction cup placement that comes with the docking station.  I came across GM brackets for mounting the unit, but I am also not not crazy with this location over the vent and its visibilty to any thiefs.  My intent here is to use the cubby hole located below the radio.  If know of or could recommend any custom sites for possibly mounting a functioning door over the unit in this location.  If all else fails, I can create the brackets necessary to accept the docking station
flexible bracket.

Many thanks,
Chris DeFonce

Answer
Chris,
My specialty is marine electronics. I do quite a few installations of high end electronics including entertainment systems on all sizes of boats and yachts. I will see what I can find out about the connections to the factory stereo and let you know.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net