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? about sat. radios(help needed)

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:35 pm
by duckkiller
Guys I have a sirius radio and it seems like its real hard to get a good signal, it5 doesn't matter what town or what station its set to it doesnt pick up good. I have the fm booster hooked up but it doesnt seem to help. I though a bout taking the fm antenna on my truck off but didnt know if that would help or not. Do any of you guys that have a sat. radio have any suggestions?

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:10 pm
by cwink
Make sure your FM channel that you have dialed up is completely clear of other stations.. If not change the FM channel you pick up on.. As I traveled from city to city I had to change the FM station..

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:26 pm
by duckkiller
thats what I do but it seems like no matter what fm channel I choose it doesnt help out. I took the truck antenna off alittle while ago and it wouldnt work at all, then when I put it back on it picked up very clear and worked great :roll: Anyway I was just wondering if anyone else ever had this kind of problem and what they did about it

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:01 pm
by Woodduckdawg
I guess it depends where you are. Like CW, when traveling you have to be ready to switch to a clear FM station to avoid interference. I have Sirius as well and really don't have a problem once I find the FM station that is pretty clear.

Are you sure that you properly selected an FM station using the frequency dailing information. I'm sure you did it right, but remember to hit enter when selecting the FM station you want, and not just putting your radio on that station. Something simple, but you never know . . .

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:05 pm
by duckkiller
yeah I have it righ but thanks :wink:

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:06 pm
by Jelly
Modulate it thru the cassette player if you have one, no static st all

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:10 pm
by duckkiller
Jelly wrote:Modulate it thru the cassette player if you have one, no static st all



How in the heck do I do that?

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:25 pm
by Faithful Retrievers
You have to get the tape accessory kinda like the old school portable CD players.
I put a portable mount in my car last week with FM booster and all. It has horrible sound with static. I tried to switch the FM transmitter to a different channel and nothing comes on. I put the same one in my wifes car without the booster and it works fine. If something doesn't change I am going to give them a call. I think I got a piece of chit. I have a in dash unit in my truck and it sounds good.
Duckkiller give me a shout if you get this thing figured out. I bought the cheap one at walmart and I am wondering if that is the problem. I can't tell the difference with the FM Booster either.

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:28 pm
by duckkiller
FR I bought the one from Best Buy and it sounds aweful, I will try unplugging the FM booster in the AM and if I cant get it fixed I am gonna call them and raise some cain, I am tired of this crap

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:33 pm
by iron grip
Double check the entire antenna wire. I ran one and it got into a pinch point but it worked fine until the center wire broke then the signal came in and out then finally quit.

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:48 pm
by duckkiller
will do iron grip.

FR I just checked out the Sirius website and they mention another type of booster that plugs from the radio in your car to your sirius radio. Wonder if this one works any better? It says you can get it a your local radio store(I am guessing radio shack best buy ect...) I may check on this after class tomorrow

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:05 pm
by Faithful Retrievers
I know they make one thats like a one line RCA cable but I don't have the place on the front of my stock radio plug it in.
I am showing a full signal in to the unit, but I could have crimped the wire on the install with a small flat head. I am thinking that it has something to do with it transmitting to the radio itself.

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:30 pm
by Faithful Retrievers
Just switched the unit out of my wifes car and put it in my truck. It plays clear and is alot louder than the unit that I installed in my truck. I put the unit out of my truck in my wifes car and the unit played as shatty as it did in my truck.

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:43 pm
by duckkiller
sounds like you have a bad unit

Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:49 pm
by Muddy Boots
I have Sirrus and I move it around to all my vehicles. No problems. He's the web site to find the FM stations that are clear in your area.

http://fmchannel.sirius.com/

You might try one of the direct hookups. Don't know much about them, but a car sterero shop could probably help you. Good Luck.