Portable Satellite Radio Devices - Reception?

[dmw16]

My wife wants satellite radio in her car, but I'd rather not pull the dash apart or settle for a crappy install. So I was thinking of getting a portable unit and then using the aux in on her car to hook it up. That way I can avoid having to run the antenna wires and such.

Does anyone have one of these things and can you comment on signal strength/reception? The guy at the Best Buy said it wouldn't work, but I thought he may just be trying to sell me on an install.

Thanks.

 

[rudeguy]

I personally installed hundred of those myself.


Get whatever one you want, put the antenna where your dash meets your windshield. It makes running the antenna wire very easy. As long as the antenna can see sky, you're fine.

Most of those have a decent FM modulator built in, so you don't have to use the AUX in. It will sound better if you do, but don't fret too much if you can't find and install spot that allows you to do that.

As far as reception...they are all the same.

Rule #1 of electronics: Never believe anything Best Buy says.

 

[dmw16]

I personally installed hundred of those myself.


Get whatever one you want, put the antenna where your dash meets your windshield. It makes running the antenna wire very easy. As long as the antenna can see sky, you're fine.

Most of those have a decent FM modulator built in, so you don't have to use the AUX in. It will sound better if you do, but don't fret too much if you can't find and install spot that allows you to do that.

As far as reception...they are all the same.

Rule #1 of electronics: Never believe anything Best Buy says.

Thanks for the input.

I've tried FM modulation in the past and hated it. I think being located smack between 2 major cities within 40 miles makes for not much in the way of free stations

I think I may need to suck it up and do a proper install for the wife.

 

[rudeguy]

If its for the wife, might not be a bad idea.

"If mama is happy....."

 

[gsaldivar]

Rule #1 of electronics: Never believe anything Best Buy says.

Quoted for truth.

 

[mmntech]

My wife wants satellite radio in her car, but I'd rather not pull the dash apart or settle for a crappy install. So I was thinking of getting a portable unit and then using the aux in on her car to hook it up. That way I can avoid having to run the antenna wires and such.

Does anyone have one of these things and can you comment on signal strength/reception? The guy at the Best Buy said it wouldn't work, but I thought he may just be trying to sell me on an install.

Thanks.

There's three types of receivers: portable, plug-and-play, and built in.

What you want is a plug and play.

It mounts to the dash a same way a GPS unit does, powered through the cigarette lighter and can use either AUX or FM for input. They come with a roof mounted antenna dot that connects magnetically. You just have to route the cable under the back window's weather stripping and into the trunk, then take it from there. This is what I use and it works great. As good as the built in units.

http://shop.xmradio.com/edealinv/se...br=10600&catParentID=56877&utm_medium=LEFTNAV

http://shop.sirius.com/edealinv/ser...1&catParentID=7875&scId=7875&oldParentID=7870

 

[murphy55d]

I have Sirius and the biggest problem is when traveling, once you leave your area, you may have to continually look for other FM stations to change everything to, if you go FM modulation. It's a PITA especially while driving.

 

[hanoverphist]

Thanks for the input.

I've tried FM modulation in the past and hated it. I think being located smack between 2 major cities within 40 miles makes for not much in the way of free stations

I think I may need to suck it up and do a proper install for the wife.

i have a friend that owns a custom shop. he usually recommends the portable unit and a permanent dock in the vehicle, that way the antenna can be hidden well, the connection is good and you can just drop it in the dock when you get in the car. the bonus to that is having a desk dock as well, with speakers and everything so you can go from car to office with one device.

 

[corkyg]

I have satellite built in two cars - never a reception problem except when in the garage. I have a portable attached to my home entertainment system - excellent reception indoors, but the antenna position is critical. The joy of satellite radio is, when travelling, i.e., coast-to-coast, the stations never change. Just the time of day the programs go on.