XM radio?

metroplex · Feb 20, 2005

I'm interested in getting an XM doohickey, but I have no idea how it works.

I noticed Sirius is $12.95/mo but how much does XM radio service cost?

Or does it just require some type of receiver and playback device?

I want something I can take with me (headphones or use in the office) and put in my car (3.5mm output so I can hook it into the car's receiver, or FM modulator) w/o reception issues.

What do I want to buy? Thanks in advance

LateArrivalforLSU · Feb 20, 2005

I've owned both XM and Sirius. I made the switch to Sirius around six months ago and I'm very happy I did.

Sirius programming IMO (music, talk, sports, news) has XM beat my a long shot. Look at the channel lineups of both and see what you like better. Sirius Satellite Radio is the best thing since sliced bread

.

metroplex · Feb 20, 2005

How durable are the receivers?

I have had zero positive experiences with modern portable electronics. They always break on me under 30 days...

LateArrivalforLSU · Feb 21, 2005

As long as you don't throw them off a wall or play basketball with one it should hold up fine.

The receivers aren't flimsy by any means. The exterior is a hard plastic. I have the Clarion plug-n-play receiver and love it.

Scott P · Feb 21, 2005

I got the wife an Audiovox PNP2 tuner and car kit from Sirius for her birthday back in November. I don't think she's spent more than just a few minutes listening to local stations since then.

I got in on a free tuner and free car kit deal with a year of pre-paid service. I don't think they ever charged me.

I bought a $40 bracket to mount it alongside the radio in her Envoy. I installed the antenna on the rear roof and ran the wire along the headliner and trim. It looks and works great.

If you travel at all or just hate commercials, then it's a great system. You get plenty of talk and sports channels along with a nice music lineup.

Pricing for Sirius is $12.95 per month. I think XM is $8.95 per month.

metroplex · Feb 21, 2005

Do I need an external antenna to use the small units in the car or in the office?

Where can I get in on the free tuner deal?

metroplex · Feb 21, 2005

I haven't been able to find a LOT of info about the tuners/tech on their sites.

Will I need an external antenna to use an XM or Sirius tuner in the car? Will I need an external antenna to use a tuner in an office that's relatively shielded or in a lab that is shielded?

metroplex · Feb 21, 2005

I found what I was looking for, the XM MyFi. I saw a commercial with (shudder) Elton John using some handheld device watering his garden while listening to music.

AFAIK all Sirius and XM tuners require a power source (DC or AC adapter) while the $350 MyFi has a 5-hour battery pack.

Here's the kicker:

All of them are supposed to have a nice built-in antenna, but I see an external antenna in the $70 car kits. *** .

I wanted to get one for the car AND office. I don't want a standalone home/car device.

It looks like I will need to lug around:

AC Adapter
Cigarette power adapter
tuner device
external antenna

So how is this supposed to be convenient? I want something smaller than my graphing calculator, use rechargeable NiMH batteries (docking station at home/car for recharging only), and not require an external antenna.

LateArrivalforLSU · Feb 21, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by metroplex:
I haven't been able to find a LOT of info about the tuners/tech on their sites.

Will I need an external antenna to use an XM or Sirius tuner in the car? Will I need an external antenna to use a tuner in an office that's relatively shielded or in a lab that is shielded?

metro,

Yes an external antenna is needed to pick up the signal. The antenna is mounted on the roof of your vehicle. I mounted mine (the antenna is magnetic and sticks to your roof) on the front of my truck and ran the small wire underneath the moulding on top of the front windshield, through an existing hole in the firewall, and to my car docking cradle.

The installation of everything is easy. If you take your receiver out and put it in a portable boombox, or a home docking kit you will also need to hook it up to an external antenna (it will come w/the boombox or home kit).

Go to: http://www.crutchfield.com and read about satellite radio there.

metroplex · Feb 21, 2005

It seems like I got the gist of it.

Do I still absolutely NEED an external antenna in home/office use?

Thanks for the reminder about Crutchfield

Buzzsaw · Feb 21, 2005

I have Sirius and love it. My friend had XM and he likes at as well. Both are much better than any radio stations around here.

LateArrivalforLSU · Feb 21, 2005

Yes, you do ABSOLUTELY need one. It won't work w/o one.

metroplex · Feb 21, 2005

Thanks GHG

I'll feel like a field radio operator carrying all this schitt around!

shortyb · Feb 23, 2005

Forgive me if I'm not getting all of what you want to do. The XM MyFi has the antenna built into the headphone band so it works well if you're outside, no other antenna needed. In the car, XM offers a micro antenna for about $30. Magnetic mount and it stays in the car. They also offer an antenna for the house that is about $20. It is not really necessary to mount it outside because XM has many terrestrial repeaters that broadcast like a regular modulated signal and can be picked up inside. Doesn't seem necessary to carry anything with you. BTW, I really like my XM Roady2 and SkyFi/boombox. Much better than any "broadcast" stuff.

metroplex · Feb 23, 2005

I bought a Sirius unit that came with everything.

I couldn't get a satellite or terrestrial signal in the house.

I couldn't do an easy transition between the house, car, and office. The office is secured by layers of concrete and steel... if I had trouble with getting a signal through my drywall/wood laden house, there's no way I can get a signal at work.

Short of paying $350 for the MyFi I couldn't find another portable solution.

I returned it and will probably just get the XM internet streaming for $8/mo.

shortyb · Feb 23, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by metroplex:

I returned it and will probably just get the XM internet streaming for $8/mo.

Thats my next step. I'm currently on the "Family Plan", first receiver is $9.99, second (and each subsequent) is $6.99. If I add streaming, its another $6.99. The account is coded so I believe you can access it on XM's website from any computer/net portal. I don't even listen to the local all-news station anymore since I can get weather/traffic for my area on XM. Cool stuff, I know you'll enjoy it

.

metroplex · Feb 23, 2005

I've been using the 3-day trial so far and I like it.

Rock #48 (Squizz) seems to be one of my favorites.

Are the accounts really coded? Does this mean I can't use it on more than 1 PC simultaneously?

With the trial, I was listening to XM streaming on 4 PCs simultaneously.

shortyb · Feb 23, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by metroplex:
I've been using the 3-day trial so far and I like it.

Rock #48 (Squizz) seems to be one of my favorites.

Are the accounts really coded? Does this mean I can't use it on more than 1 PC simultaneously?

With the trial, I was listening to XM streaming on 4 PCs simultaneously.

I liked 71, (Watercolors) for my trip most of the way across country. Very relaxing. Plus I'm a jazz fan.

What I meant by coded is that your account is password coded. You can access it anytime, anywhere, on as many machines as you like, just have to sign in.

edit: my bad, its only $3.99 to add XM Online to an existing radio account. I just did

.

[ February 24, 2005, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: shortyb ]

XM radio?

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