I have an 06 Super crew with the factory unit installed. I have noticed that the signal will cut out under the slightest cover (tree branches, overpass). Is this normal? We have a portable XM at the shop an it never loses signal, nor does my buddy's truck mounted XM. I like the Sirius system, but I'm wondering is this the way it is?

 

It seems to me that it relies heavily on the combination of tuner and antenna you're using. My new Starmate 4 picks up signal in places where my old Alpine and Kenwood unit would lose signal at the first sight of a tree. With the new unit, the signal might drop to 1 bar, but I rarely lose the signal entirely.

The biggest problem with the Sirius vs. XM issue is this: XM relies more on their terrestrial repeaters to get the signal to your radio than Sirius. The repeaters are placed in areas where the satellite signal could be blocked by trees, overpasses, tunnels, skyscrapers, etc. This is why you get hardly any signal loss with XM.

Personally, I'll take the superior programming that Sirius has to offer with a couple signal drops (which last no longer than a few seconds each) over XM.

 

When I first thought about purchasing, the shop told me that Sirius has three satellites as compared to XM, which only has one. But I also think there is some truth to the statement that different equipment manufactures do differ in how well they recieve the sat. signal. This could be why certain makes and brands of equpment will pick up better "reception" i.e. not cut out as much.

GO SIRIUS!

 

Completely normal for Sirius equipped factory radios. As far as I know all the new Fords equipped with that funky little attenna on the roof do it.

 

Thanks for the reply's. I was hoping that this was normal.

Thanks again,
Fritz

 

my sirius drops out every now and then but hey i mean its worth it they got stern

 

I love the factory sirius on my truck as well, but the signal is strange. I can drive through a 1/2 mile tunnel by my house and it doesn't lose the signal, but one spot on my street with a big tree and it loses the signal every time.

I have had XM as well and wouldn't trade the sirius for the xm.