Satellite Radio Question

[88bmwjeff]

For those who have satellite radio, I have a question. My wife got a new car, and it came with satellite radio and three months of Sirius radio trial. Here's the question:
The radio stations cut in and out. Is that normal?

[Omega Man]

Hi Jeff, we have some members that are a wizz at this kinda thing. I'll move this over to Gear so you can have the best chance at an answer. Gary

[JohnM]

Jeff:

I have an XM receiver on my R1200R. The signal can be affected by not having line-of-sight to the satellite. So trees and steep terrain in close proximity to the receiver can momentarily block the signal. (Besides satellites, Sirius XM employs antennas in metropolitan area to help boost the signal.)

If its occurring in clear terrain, then perhaps there's a fauly connection b/w the radio & the antenna.

Hope this helps.

JM

[tommcgee]

For those who have satellite radio, I have a question. My wife got a new car, and it came with satellite radio and three months of Sirius radio trial. Here's the question:
The radio stations cut in and out. Is that normal?

Yes, it's normal on both Sirius and XM receivers. They need a clear line of sight to the bird. Anything getting in the way can make you lose signal, including rain, snow, dust, trees, hills, buildings, etc.

[Bobmws]

For those who have satellite radio, I have a question. My wife got a new car, and it came with satellite radio and three months of Sirius radio trial. Here's the question:
The radio stations cut in and out. Is that normal?

No, not normal. I saw on the news that we are in a solar flare period and have experienced some sporadic station signal loss for the last 2 weeks in my car XM. I've run from FL to Alaska with a Roady on my bike and never lost signal unless I was against a cliff face or in a tunnel.

[mervingry]

For those who have satellite radio, I have a question. My wife got a new car, and it came with satellite radio and three months of Sirius radio trial. Here's the question:
The radio stations cut in and out. Is that normal?

Not normal at all. Unless you're driving in a tunnel or under a canopy of dense leaves.

[donbmw]

I have had Sirius radio for 10 years now and this is normal. If it does not have a clear line of sight it will go in and out.

[tommcgee]

I have had Sirius radio for 10 years now and this is normal. If it does not have a clear line of sight it will go in and out.

+10,000

....but it's true about the solar activity disrupting communications at this time.

[88bmwjeff]

+10,000

....but it's true about the solar activity disrupting communications at this time.

I don't see the appeal of satellite radio if it cuts out alot. My wife doesn't seem to like the amount it cuts in and out, so I don't see us paying $15/month for it.

[tommcgee]

I don't see the appeal of satellite radio if it cuts out alot. My wife doesn't seem to like the amount it cuts in and out, so I don't see us paying $15/month for it.

I have both Sirius and XM, but only after I cancelled both and they offered me silly-stupid cheap deals to come back.

[MANICMECHANIC]

If you are driving in a place with lots of tall buildings, valleys, ets, then yes, it will cut off. Get out in open country and see what it does.

I have three receivers, and that explains my experience.

[pjjj3386]

Yes, they cut out at times. Going under a bridge, heavy foliage, etc. But it only happens when there's a really good song on or when someone is saying something really interesting.

[beemeup]

I've had Sirius in my car for 10 years and although it cuts out periodically it's still better than the regular radio stations. I haven't listened to local radio in years. I was an old Sirius subscriber and got the grandfathered with the cheaper rate when Sirius and XM merged. I'm now faced with a dilemma in that I recently purchased a Zumo 665 for my RT with Sirius/XM capability and I now have to decide if I'm willing to spring for the additional subscription at the higher rates. I'm thinking I'm going to do the 90-day free trial and see how well it works on the motorcycle before I commit to another subscription. Decisions, Decisions. Don

[39520]

I've had XM/Sirius for about 8 years in cars, boats, and bikes. If you lose line of sight, you lose signal. Tree canopies, canyons, narrow valleys, etc. But it doesn't happen often, though there are some brief stretches of roads that I take regularly where I lose the signal in the same place for 30 seconds or so. XM used to put terrestrial repeaters in cities but I am not sure they are doing that anymore.

Channel 29 keeps me rolling.

BTW, number of subscribers is the most important metric at Sirius. If you call to cancel, you get handed over to a retention specialist and they will very likely make a deal to keep you as a customer.

[TomDac]

yep.. it's normal.

as are all the commercials, which make most of the talk stations, especially the sports talk stations totally unlistenable, IMHO. If it weren't for Howard Stern, I would not have Sirius...