Looking for a satellite radio - need help

blacklab · Post by **blacklab** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:20 am

I am ready to move into the satellite radio world. Problem is I am not really sure what I should be looking for.

How is the best way to connect to my sound system. Should it be hardwired or is the FM broadcast OK.

What brand is the best and what features should I have?

The main use will be in my truck, but I may want to put it in the car once in awhile as well as use it in the house. Maybe I should just buy two of them.

Anything bad I should be watching for?

Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks
blacklab

Blisster · Post by **Blisster** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 2:45 am

I love my Sirius radio. I'll likely never listen to regular radio again. I have the Starmate ST2, sweet little rig. FM broadcast is okay, but I'd go hardwired. My truck actually has a casette deck in it so I use one of the old-school tape adapters for the satellite radio and my mp3 player, works great, sounds excellent.

twwabw · Post by **twwabw** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 4:34 am

Blisster wrote: FM broadcast is okay, but I'd go hardwired.

I have XM in the new car, and I like it. Wanted to look into on these for my father-in-law. Is there a problem with the FM broadcast type? It looks like such an easy solution. What does it lose?

Mactron · Post by **Mactron** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:43 am

First decision, programing. Do you prefer Sirius or XM offerings ? Next, price. I went low end with the Roady2 XM as the wifes 2004 Silverado already had factory installed XM. I could add my receiver with their family plan for ~$7 a month more. In my truck I use the FM mode as I have a CD player so the cassette adapter was out. Sounds fine through my trucks so-so stereo system. I interface the Roady2 to the home stereo through the cassette out (actually line out

) to one of the AUX ports of the Amp. Bought a 6VDC 1000ma wallwart to power it. Sounds great. That little antenna picks up the signal through the composite roof just fine

Draw backs, the FM mode is hassle while traveling and a strong FM station is on the frequency your using and you have change frequency. Cigarette lighter power adapter. I hate those things.

Wish it worked on straight 12VDC so I could just wire it in directly to the trucks 12V system.

Watch the sale ads for good prices on hardware after you chose Sirius or XM. During Christmas time there were excellent sales on XM Hardware. Got my Roady2 for $14.95 out the door (no rebate

) @ Staples.
HTH and enjoy your satellite radio.

ace · Post by **ace** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:50 am

twwabw wrote:I have XM in the new car, and I like it. Wanted to look into on these for my father-in-law. Is there a problem with the FM broadcast type? It looks like such an easy solution. What does it lose?

I use my cd player with fm modulator in my work truck and it works really good. Only complaint I have is sometimes you will get interference and I have to switch channels. Other than that it sounds perfect.

tao_jones · Post by **tao_jones** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:06 am

I love Sirius. Here is what my gf got me for my birthday last year.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 5365481729

Ive got the car tuner and the installation kit.

Jamie_R · Post by **Jamie_R** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:07 am

my wife has xm and i have sirius ... really, it's just programming tastes ... plus sirius has football

i would advise you to check out the xm and sirius websites ... they both have a free trial deal where you can listen to some of their channels online ... might help.

i have the sportster in my truck - using the built-in wireless fm modulator - had no problems at all

had it for about a year now ...

Meggie · Post by **Meggie** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:47 am

i have xm, never listen to regular radio anymore.

Illini25 · Post by **Illini25** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 2:14 pm

I have Sirius..but I'd be a subscriber to either or. MUCH better than regular radio.

Blacklab, Explore THIS site here, especially the forums. Great information regarding your questions. At least for Sirius.

Jamie_R · Post by **Jamie_R** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:36 pm

Illini25 wrote:I have Sirius..but I'd be a subscriber to either or. MUCH better than regular radio.

Blacklab, Explore THIS site here, especially the forums. Great information regarding your questions. At least for Sirius.

the one for xm is xmfan

let us know which one you decide on blacklab

blacklab · Post by **blacklab** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:14 am

Jamie_R wrote:the one for xm is xmfan

let us know which one you decide on blacklab

Thanks for the feedback everybody. Once again it proves the value of the SpeedGuide family.

You have all given me lots to digest. I am leaning towards the SIRIUS system. I like the radios offered in the xm system better, but xm does not have CBC on it.

Also one of the guys at work has the xm and says his reception is not as good as his brothers. It seems the SIRIUS system will still work in the garage, but the xm system doesn't.

I suspect being farther north may have something to do with it.

I heard there is suppose to be a program on CBC tomorrow that will compare the two systems. Going to try and catch that.

Going to check out prices tomorrow - will let you all know.

Thanks again
blacklab

Illini25 · Post by **Illini25** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 8:40 am

blacklab wrote:
Also one of the guys at work has the xm and says his reception is not as good as his brothers. It seems the SIRIUS system will still work in the garage, but the xm system doesn't.

I suspect being farther north may have something to do with it.

I heard there is suppose to be a program on CBC tomorrow that will compare the two systems. Going to try and catch that.

Going to check out prices tomorrow - will let you all know.

Thanks again
blacklab

Blacklab,

Sirius' satellites are in a rotating orbit that go way up to northern Canada. Probably the reason why for the reception. Also, Sirius has started broadcasting multiple channels of CBC. (I had a pretty cool little .gif that illustrated the orbit of the three satellites.) 2/3 satellites are above the equator at any given time.

blacklab · Post by **blacklab** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:54 pm

Illini25 wrote:Blacklab,

Sirius' satellites are in a rotating orbit that go way up to northern Canada. Probably the reason why for the reception. Also, Sirius has started broadcasting multiple channels of CBC. (I had a pretty cool little .gif that illustrated the orbit of the three satellites.) 2/3 satellites are above the equator at any given time.

That would certainly explain it.

I did some looking around in the stores today and everybody is sold out of the ones I am interested in.

I wonder if there was anything new at the electronics show.

blacklab