Got a MyFi - now have some general XM questions

[torpid]

I'll post a more detailed review of the MyFi after a few more days. One thing I've noticed is that the signal degrades from 3 bars to no signal at all in some small pockets downtown here. It could be because of buildings obstructing the view of the satellite I guess.

My question to XM enthusiasts is this... will this still happen even if I put the antenna on the roof of my car? Currently it's at the extreme front of my dash. I don't want to waste money on a professional installation if it's not going to help in this situation.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: torpid
I'll post a more detailed review of the MyFi after a few more days. One thing I've noticed is that the signal degrades from 3 bars to no signal at all in some small pockets downtown here. It could be because of buildings obstructing the view of the satellite I guess.

I'm pretty sure you're running off of a ground repeater, not a direct satellite feed.

It's ordinary RF, subject to all the usual shortcomings.

Viper GTS

 

[K1052]

It is the buildings. I have the same problem.

As Viper said, you are likely getting a terrestrial feed from XM.

 

[torpid]

OK. So would the antenna on the roof have no effect then?

We only have repeaters downtown, which is where the problem is.

Edit: Added:

I should note that I have LOTS of problems with regular radio reception downtown. Seems like the RF theory is probably true based on that theory. Also, the salesperson said that the reason we have repeaters downtown is due to a lot of interference.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: torpid
OK. So would the antenna on the roof have no effect then?

We only have repeaters downtown, which is where the problem is.

Edit: Added:

I should note that I have LOTS of problems with regular radio reception downtown. Seems like the RF theory is probably true based on that theory. Also, the salesperson said that the reason we have repeaters downtown is due to a lot of interference.

I tried both on the roof and under the rear window inside the car with no noticeable difference.

The fact that I have to use the XM transmitter is causing my current problems.

 

[torpid]

I take it you have a myfi as well? If so, what did you use to mount it in the car, AND, did yours come with velcro (one manual says it should, the other seems to think it shouldn't)?

 

[K1052]

I recently picked up the Roady2. I mounted it to a vent.

Space was an issue for me as there are few convenient places to mount anything within reach.