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I'm referring to the ones that are independent of the vehicle's main audio/touch screen system - not one that is actually installed to replace existing audio.
Just something I was thinking about if I ever want to do it.
I had one of those in one of my trucks. It worked OK, but would fade in and out a bit more than I liked. This was years ago, so Im not sure how much better or worse they got. Im noticing now too, it seems like the built in recievers seem to be getting bad about losing signal. I get to sevral spots where it cuts in and out so much I just hit the standard station buttons. My 08 Chevy truck had it and I never had any problems with it going in and out, but the 3 vehicles I havewith it now cut in and out more.
I have one on each of my 3 vehicles.
They work fine.
There is signal loss in some mountain areas.
You can install yourself or pay to have installed. I paid a car stereo shop $30.00 to install antenna.
Best Buy for example will sell and install all.
I drive across country and have never had a bad signal.
These portable units can be used in car and used in home with a boombox unit. I do both with same receiver.
The receivers have a built in modulator. This is, you find a vacant FM channel and the satellite stations will broadcast through that vacant FM channel. Driving across country I have had to change the FM channel a few times.
Some receivers are Sirius and some are XM. Do a little reading as to which one you want/get.
The subscription pricing is all over the place. Read up on some forums as to how to get the pricing/plan best for you.
I pay the extra $2.00 for a US mailed bill. No credit card.
My plan includes internet XM radio. I listen/download the talk shows that I like and burn them to a CD disk and play at times I want.
2. Have the antenna properly installed. If you just have it sitting on your dash, it might work decently in clear areas, but you get near buildings and such, the signal will come and go. For the best possible reception, it needs to be installed on the exterior of your vehicle. This is relatively cheap to have a shop perform, and I highly recommend it.
They work okay. FM modulation and be a bit picky. You also need to make sure you put the antenna on the highest place on the vehicle.
I disagree. You can just put the antenna inside the car on the shelf/deck behind the rear seat. The satellite is 20+ miles in space. A few inches of height is not going to make any difference.
I disagree. You can just put the antenna inside the car on the shelf/deck behind the rear seat. The satellite is 20+ miles in space. A few inches of height is not going to make any difference.
I had to rig mine up quickly before a long trip so I have my antenna on the front dash and it works great.
Also, most have a port/cord for an Aux input, so, instead of FM Modulation, you can just plug it right in.
Also, most have a port/cord for an Aux input, so, instead of FM Modulation, you can just plug it right in.
I wish I had an Aux input.. I have to use the FM Modulation and.. 90% of the time, I keep it tuned to 106.7 which is a dead zone that works good.. But.. Some odd mornings, when atmospherics are apparently just right.. I have to tune it to 106.5.. Then some mornings to 101.5.
I disagree. You can just put the antenna inside the car on the shelf/deck behind the rear seat. The satellite is 20+ miles in space. A few inches of height is not going to make any difference.
You would be surprised. I have had many different radios and have had XM since they launched the service. Everything from dedicated aftermarket tuners, portables(Inno,Onyx, Roadie, Skyfi,Skyfi2)to factory installed units. I have also hae antennas on the dash, rear package shelf and on the roof. When the antenna was installed outside if the car it always gave the best reception in urban areas. Its not the height that is the problem, when you have the antenna on the inside of the car, its just that many more things for the signal to go through before it gets to the antenna. I never said having the antenna on the inside of the car will not work, I just said for best results is should be on the outside.
Last edited by Me007gold; 09-01-2016 at 12:40 PM..
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