Who's got XM and where did you mount your antenner? I'm thinking of getting the thru-glass type and I'm looking for opinions. Fire away!!
BD

 

This is more of an observation than an answer to your question.

I have thought a lot about getting XM radio, but the only thing that really keeps me from actually following through is the fact that you have to mount an external antenna somewhere on your vehicle. I have seen some of them that don't look too bad, but it just seems like something else to make your truck look a little odd. I wish there was a way they could install the antenna so that it was less visible.

 

Howdee Dave. Long time no see...

Check my gallery. I've got several pictures of my XM setup in there... see link below to get there...

I have the external top mount antenna.

I've heard of people mounting it inside their bed thus, it's out of sight but, that's obviously an issue if you EVER have to haul something...

The window mount types that were available when I bought my XM were HUGE and thus, I didn't want to do it but, they've since slimmed down slightly.

I certainly don't mind the look of the XM antenna personally and actually think it looks kind of neat... Unfortunately, for XM, it's a necessity.

RP

 

Do you pay by the month for XM radio or is it free? Also if you pay how do you activate it? At work today we had a new STX F150, It came with a fancy Kenwood stereo. It had MP3 and it said something in the manual about XM. Maybe it was an option because there was no seperate antenna.

 

You pay per month. Or can you just pay anualy?

Usually you activate it at the place you get it...if Im not mistaken.

Alot of the newer radios have XM capabilities, but are of no use until you get the XM serivce.

Talk to RP as Im sur ehe will see this post again.

 

You can pay by the month, bi-annual, or annual basis. It is NOT a free service. $9.95/month but, it's well worth it in my opinion.

Activation is done online. It'll save you a few bucks by doing it this way versus over the telephone. It's cake to do online...

www.xmradio.com

As Chris mentioned, many radios now have XM capabilities however, it is a pay service and thus you must activate it to access it. Plus, like you mentioned, have the proper equipment including an XM reciever, an XM ready in-dash deck, and an XM antenna. All of this is shown on their webpage.

I love it. It's a great service and I honestly don't listen to FM very often anymore. Further, I rarely listen to CDs. The channel array is great and offers a little something for everyone. Talk, sports, weather, music galore.... it's all there.

Feel free to ask questions. I'm fairly up to speed on XM and I think I could work out figuring other stuff out.

-RP

 

thanks for the info guys. On that new truck it must be just an option on the head unit. I will probably make sure I get XM when I get a stereo for my old bronco.

 

Hey guys i'm new here but thought this might help.

I just got my XM installed 2 days ago.
First XM is pretty cool.

As far as a external mount antenna goes I tried the trex glass mount on my supercrew and it fell off about 18 hrs later(went though a car wash). I think the problem is the Rear window does'nt have enough flat space to mount the antenna.

I ended up with a roof mount from trek. But they had to make the hole bigger for the 3rd brake light wiring to pass into the cab. The unit mounted just in front of the 3rd light. My only concern was with height clerance in the parking ramps up here.

 

Tater,

Yeah, just make sure the manufacturer says that it is 'XM READY'. This signifies that you'll be able to control the XM from the head unit.

You will still have to purchase an XM reciever which is a slender, rectangular box that can be mounted under a seat or behind a kick panel and the XM antenna. XM's site lists numerous types of antennas that are available; everything from marine to automobile to home antennas are on there.

I have had ZERO problems out of my XM as of yet. Heavy rain, dense fog... I've had NO reception problems. Although, I did have a problem at Sonic the other day (a drive in fast food place) because of their overhang awning. Had similar problems under gas station awnings but, that's to be expected. The antenna MUST have a clear view of the sky.

Terk makes a great antenna.

RP

 

I have an external mount Ant Specialists Low profile. I have had it installed about a week and I LOVE IT!!!!

As for paying, you can go Monthly, Quarterly, Bi-Annually, or Annually.

I too am impressed with the reception, we have had dense fog and heavy cloudcover, rain and no propblems whatsoever...

Later,

Chris (ReelWork)

 

Just to add a little to the discussion, XM also utilizes ground-based repeater antennas in the larger metropolitan areas where clear sky reception could be a problem.

Tunnels, downtowns, etc. can still have XM reception. I have not seen a map of coverage, but it is out there and I believe it is expanding as membership does.

I know some folks in NY who tell me they can drive thru some of the tunnels and large downtown building areas up there and never lose the signal.

I guess that is why there is a Terestrial Antenna feed on the XM receiver units?

I'm with RockPick. I hardly ever play CDs or the radio anymore.

XM ROCKS!!

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. I went with the antenna supplied with the Delphi sky-fi. I was thinking of a glass mount antenna, but I'm not sure that it would be any better looking. It takes a little getting used to having a big black zit on the roof of the truck, but I really like the XM service.
BD