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Hey everyone,

I have a couple questions about XM Radio. I did some searching on the forums, but didn't seem to come up with much.

I'm wondering, how good is the reception with satellite? I've heard that it's like a cell phone in that it cuts out in low spots, etc. I guess my understanding is if it has clear view of the sky, the reception should be solid. Any opinions?

Second, I have a Sony head unit advertising XM Satellite. I believe this means it is XM "ready". I do not currently have an XM antenna or any other hardware, just the Sony head unit with the XM logo. So, I'm wondering, what else do I need to get setup?

Any replies appreciated. Thanks!

 
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for a sony xm radio built in ur going to need a universal tuner box 50 bucks then a song tuner box another 50 then hook it up with the instructions....should be easy if not let someone else do it. As far as the reception it all comes down to where you mount the antenna some people mount it on the trunk which is an okay spot but not the ideal one....try mounting the antenna on top of the car in the middle near the rear view mirrior or the rear middle ....thjose are good spot so u have a clear veiw of the skyand wontlose reception any other questions pm me.

 
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I have an aftermarket unit that i feed into the AUX input on my HU. I might loose reception a couple times a week. If i do loose it, it's back in a few seconds. i've driven through some heavy, heavy rain storms and not lost reception, so a clear sky isn't needed. 9 times out of 10, if you loose the signal, is a problem with XM's satellite, not a reception or antenna related problem, and it will be back on in a few seconds. personally, i love my XM unit.

 
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Here is another question.

I know that the roof is the best spot.
Does anyone have it on the rear deck? If so how is the reception?

 
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Mine is on the rear deck INSIDE the car. I have a few hills that give problems and 1 building but other than that reception is fine 99% of the time.

 
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Thanks!
Are your windows tinted? If so how much?
Also, Do you have XM or Sirius?

 
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the manuals recommend mounting it on metal.

"For best performance, make sure the antenna has an unobstructed view of the open sky and is surrounded by a minimum of 3 to 6 inches of metal."

although from knowing people that have mounted theirs under glass, i'd say the mounting to metal is more important than not being under glass. the antenna uses the surrounding metal to help get the signal too. just like a regular satellite dish. mine is on the roof, an inch or so in front of the rear window. there's a small channel between the glass and the car's metal that the wire tucks into nicely. so the only wire you see is a couple inches going from the antenna to the window edge. then i just run it down into the trunk. i didn't have to drill any holes at all. i used the double stick tape that comes with the kit for mounting. it's been on the dash for 2 years and shows no signs of coming off. if you use all the cleaning stuff they give you, you'll get a super strong bond. again, i didn't need any holes drilled (didn't want any for resale value).

 
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Alpha 5

No tint

XM, Pioneer XM ready unit and Pioneer XM reciever.

 
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Usually, it will cut out when you are on the north side of a big building. If you are driving through a big city, this is an annoyance. Otherwise, well worth it