"Sattelite Radio" The Good & Bad!

[PGiannetto]

Hello All. I have a 2003 2500 4X4 CTD with Sirius sattelite Radio. I have had it for 6 months now. Just thought I would post the good and bad.



Good: Sounds GREAT!

Bad: Only when it comes in.

Bad: Loses reception alot. Under bridges, in the timber, & just other various places for no known reason.

Good: Sounds Great (when you have reception)!

Bad: If you want to listen to sports (baseball or football) it sucks. No channels play the games except when ESPN has a game. Have to revert back to good ole AM Radio.



I really wanted a good radio when I am in the mountains camping or what ever, but I lose reception in the tree's. This really dissapointed me. The jury is still out if it's worth the money.

 

[rmcnamee]

I wonder if all the "satelite" radio set-ups experience the same "problems" your's does. A friend of the family has XM satelite radio in his Cadillac and loves it... no complaints what so ever. I'd eventually like to install a satelite radio system in 2004, but I'm waiting to see what the general public reports first.



Ryan

 

[catoiler]

The satelite signal will be blocked by the trees and bridges because the signal travels in line of sight from the satelite. Mine has worked great all the way through the mountains and forrest in no ca. and tahoe. IMHO it is well worth it.



Mike

 

[ImagesThatSing]

I guess the answer is to trail a 2 mile antenna so when one goes under the bridte, part is always clear.

 

[SilverFox]

I have 19000 on my truck and 15000 with Sirius. It has preformed flawlessly from Texas to Portland to San Diego. Also along the continental divide form NM to MT and as far east as IN. I have never been under a bridge long enough to lose reception and have never lost reception in the woods or mountains. My antenna is mounted on the hood because I frequently carry a boat on top of the truck. Something must be wrong with your antenna.

 

[NSperduto]

I've had XM for about 6 months, I lose it in two spots along where I drive. they're in a valley, but it's not for more than a second. I love it. I love the choice in music. I think it's great.



Nick

 

[dcscott]

I've had Siruis for about 2 months now and drive an average of 4,000 miles a month, most of it in hilly, wooded, 2-lane highways. The only time I lose reception is:



1) In a tunnel for more than 20-30 seconds.

2) On a narrow east-west oriented road with tall dense trees on both sides of the road.



I love the sat radio. The excellent sound quality and variety of streams more than makes up for the occasional dropout.

 

[machinemover]

XM radio, Best thing since sliced bread! Well worth the pennies a day!

 

[CClayton]

satellite radio

I've had Sirius satellite radio installed

in new 2500 larame for a couple of months

now! Reception has been nearly flawless

in mountainous areas of northern California. I spend ten thousand dollars a year on various insurance policies with

no enjoyment at all!

I certainly can afford $12. 95 a month.

 

[lawdog]

Are you guys using the "Stock" Sirius ready factory radio or something aftermarket?????



What is required to make the facory set-up work. My onwers manual said it is Sirius ready with the "RAZ" radio

 

[CClayton]

I have a 2003 2500 larame with

c. d. player with the "RAZ" designation.

(satellite ready)

Installation required a receiver/antenna

kit plus separate install kit with template

and instructions about $300.

It was a learning experience for the dodge

dealer and myself .

Sirius should learn from XM and factory

install these systems .

 

[SMorneau]

I really like my XM radio. It get blocked out on occasion but its not a big deal. I used the Terk truck/RV antena mounted on a mast behind the cab so when I put my slide in camper in the bed there is enough cable to route it along the bed and up the back to the roof.



If your are in the vehicle enough it is sat radio is a good bargain.

 

[HVAC]

XM Rad Radio

Awesome! Oo.



I can drive to Texas and not switch channels!

 

[Travisb]

I have it in the truck and it has worked flawlessly. I liked so much I bought the aftermarket portable sat radio for my 98 Jeep Gnd Cherokee. Yes the receptions is poor to not at all under the carport . I love to listen to "When Radio Was?" chn 133. Gunsmoke, Green Hornet, The Shadow, etc. It's tough to listen to regular radio, now.

 

[tpicard]

Sirius

I have installed the sirius 6 months ago. It's the best mod. yet, makes those 1200 mile trips to MT. go by quicker. I would like to see different programing. More comedy, NASCAR, more games. I do lose reception in the timber and under passes unless taveling a freeway speeds. In my opinon it paid for it's self the first trip.

 

[Pugster]

Started with XM home kit hooked into Bose Surround Sound system. Awesome! It's like having a in-home concert. Installed auto kit in 2003 2500 CTD 4X4 quad cab. At the same time upgraded the radio & speakers. Again, Awsome! Every once in a while we get a short dead spot. Doesn't happen often. Last summer we drove unknowingly into the NE blackout area. No commercials, no news.

 

[BHaner]

Where is everyone placing the antenna? Will it work on the dash? Don't really want some ugly little hockey puck on my roof.

 

[krabman]

Mines up in front of the center mounted taillight. Dropouts are infrequent and brief. When I purchased activation and the first year were free for new dodge owners. Might want to check and see if thats still going on. I had to ask for it.

 

[bighammer]

I've been tempted just because there seem to be so few blues stations on FM. I'm also cheap, though. (haven't teken the plunge yet)

 

[CClayton]

Just do it!



Once you have satellite radio, local

radio just can't compare to the selection

and sound quality of Sirius or Xm.

Sirius subscription was $12 a month

(with year prepaid). and well worth it!

Hopefully DC will see the light and start factory installing am,fm ,Sirius radios

soon.