XM question

[airdvr 210]

I've been having trouble with my XM set-up and I'm wondering if any of you are knowledgable.

http://shop.siriusxm.com/xm/ctl10600/cp49759/si4346819/cl1/xm_onyx_with_powerconnect_vehicle_kit

Because my vehicle wasn't XM ready I am forced to use the FM option. I believe it works very similar to the old FM converters we had back in the day. Problem is the reception fades in and out. I've tried multiple FM stations and none seem better. I don't have an Aux input so that is out. My other vehicles don't have this problem. I've replaced the magnet antenna that comes with the kit.

I'm thinking that the reception on the FM stations is over riding the output of the XM receiver. Maybe I should remove the FM antenna? Or perhaps my FM antenna sucks and is not picking up the signal?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Is the signal from the XM to the FM fading or is it the signal from the satellite to the XM?

If the former, is the output antenna on the XM hooked up right (if external)? Is there an "Antenna tune" for the output antenna?

The one I've used gives you the option to pick the FM station, so that any local stations can be avoided. Sometimes one seems better than another (you said you've tried multiple stations, so that may not be it). Have you tried moving the XM around a bit so it is "viewing" the antenna differently (closer may not be best). There may be an electric field from something in the dash that is masking the signal.

Some of the output signals are pretty strong. More than once, I've been able to pick up the signal from a truck parked a couple spots away. Kinda nice when you are at a customer in the middle of nowhere, although the station choice isn't always the best.

I don't pretend to be "knowledgable", but those are my thoughts.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[billvon 3,120]

>I'm thinking that the reception on the FM stations is over riding the output of the XM receiver.

That is the most likely problem. Either there's a station on that frequency, or there's a station near that frequency and the input stage of your car's radio has poor rejection.

By far the easiest way to deal with it is to get a radio that has an aux in. That will solve the problem 100%, although you'll still need a separate controller for the XM/Sirius radio. Also most radios that come with the car have _some_ way of getting line level audio in. I had a Honda Civic that looked like it couldn't take line level in, but if you add an adapter ($29) it added an input that you got to by pressing the CD button twice.

If reception fades slowly, then it's either that the FM signal is too weak or another FM signal is too strong or too close. If it fades fast, then comes back fast, then it's likely the XM signal being lost. Most XM radios add some fake static and/or some fake fadeout sounds to make them seem more like regular radios, but they usually fade fast from sounding great to hearing nothing.

[airdvr 210]

2 choices. The Trailblazer standard AM/FM/CD has no aux in according to several sites. Aux in is preferable. Use it on the boat and the sound quality is pretty good.

I did find this http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-XMFM1-Direct-Adapter-Black/dp/B000CRQI4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305993963&sr=8-2

Seems like it would take care of the problem. The other choice would be upgrading the existing system to something XM ready.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[billvon 3,120]

>The Trailblazer standard AM/FM/CD has no aux in according to several sites.

Adding one may be cheaper:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-T37M6jqQerP/g_50900/Auxiliary-Input-Adapters.html

[airdvr 210]

interesting...thanks

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[itsf8 0]

I just purchased a new XM because my old one stopped working. When I was talking to XM service dept. trying to switch my service to new radio, the woman told me that they were forced to lower their signal strength (via the fm station) on their newer radios and they would not work on all cars. She said the new unit may not work as well (or at all) as my old one and I may need to get it hardwired to the car. When I installed it, it did receive spotty reception whereas my signal used to be excellent. Not sure if this is your problem but you may need to bring in your car and have it hardwired. Most places that sell the XM, such as Best Buy, also install or can at least tell you someone who can.

[airdvr 210]

That makes sense. We have 2 units but we purchased them at different times. I'll be if I switched the units....

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[theonlyski 8]

You have a trailblazer? What year?

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