poor XM reception

[TooCool5]

My XM only acts up when I'm going to the Beach up and down the mountains on the highway. Other than that its OK.

[GrinderSS]

Same thing here...XM is crapola as is the "shark fin" antenna on the roof. I want to remove it but don't know what to do with the hole that'll be left behind.

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by peele1

Same thing is happening to me, Rogueleader. I've had my car since May '09 and this past Friday the radio started cutting out and going to the preview channel. Doesn't seem to happen for any reason, just randomly does it.

Ok now thats strange that both our cars started doing the same thing at the same time. It must be a change in how XM is working or something, maybe a lower tolerance for disconnection or something. At least I'm glad that I probably don't need to have my radio replaced, but if Howard Stern leaves XM this new development makes me seriously question whether to keep XM because its just so annoying.

Originally Posted by topgun1

it's a satellite-based system, like hand-held GPS units I use at work. You go under heavy tree canopy, you won't get a signal, and of course, through tunnels and parking decks and sometimes under bridges, etc. If it can't "see" the satellite, it just doesn't work. really no way around it. I've never had mine go to a different channel though.

They have Ground based repeaters to minimize this. That said Sirius has more repeaters IIRC as well they have 3 satellites instead of two which gets you from many angles. Even though they are merged they are still very different.

[crzycicada]

Originally Posted by topgun1

it's a satellite-based system, like hand-held GPS units I use at work. You go under heavy tree canopy, you won't get a signal, and of course, through tunnels and parking decks and sometimes under bridges, etc. If it can't "see" the satellite, it just doesn't work. really no way around it. I've never had mine go to a different channel though.

XM uses satellite and satellite signals are different than FM radio frequencies. Satellite signals can't really go through things or even bend around objects like trees, that's why you lose signal or there's static in the situations described in this thread. Other vehicles may get better "reception" but it'll most likely be based on antennae location. For me, my XM is full of static in my garage and even around the most random tree (that's singular, not plural!) but fine in other locations. What topgun said is right, it's because it's a satellite signal. Bottom line, we need more XM satellites!

[x626xBlack]

I have Sirius in my 2010 Ram, and XM in my Camaro 2011. I get the same signal drop in the same places on the same commute to work. Difference is XM defaults to preview and Sirius just blacks out for a moment.

However, loosing the NFL channel Blows! Hard!

[HDDAN]

Originally Posted by topgun1

it's a satellite-based system, like hand-held GPS units I use at work. You go under heavy tree canopy, you won't get a signal, and of course, through tunnels and parking decks and sometimes under bridges, etc. If it can't "see" the satellite, it just doesn't work. really no way around it. I've never had mine go to a different channel though.

I would agree with you because your argument makes sense except for one other fact with mine. The XM cuts in and out on tree lined country roads but my Tom Tom does not. They are both satellite based, but the Tom Tom keeps working. That would make me tend to think that the problem is either with the radio and antenna or with the XM itself. What you said about the parking decks applies to the Tom tom though.

[Chrisrp454]

Its solar flares, they come in cycles. Just wait to 2012!

[fargomike]

I have XM on my Escalade and it does not drop nearly as much as the Camaro . Wondering if it is the radio ?

[Ironheadspearo]

So I called xm to ask habeeb why my radio was switching to channel 1 under trees. So they said I needed to refresh the radio. I did it and it seemed a lot better but it did it again under an overpass.... going 40 mph.......argh

[fargomike]

How do you refresh ?

[x626xBlack]

Originally Posted by fargomike

How do you refresh ?

Go to the XM site log in and there should be an option to send refresh signal. Sirius has it, They should also.


Try this:
http://www.xmradio.com/refresh/oem/gm-cert.xmc

[D1BADZ]

Mine started the same about a week ago as well, but also my FM station suck now too!

it almost like both antenna signals came loose at the same time, really annoying!

[1FINE 69]

So I to called xm to ask habeeb why my radio was switching to channel 1 under trees, and underpasses. So they said I needed to refresh the radio. I did it and it seemed better but they said they haven't any problems with the camaros yet.I have been with XM for 7+ years and never had this problem.I hope it dosen't come back!!!

[Bryan2230]

I dont understand why they cant make a factory satellite antenna that gets as good reception as one that i install myself.