Is Losing Radio Signal common? Any tips on avoiding loss/recovering signal?

[seagravesg]

I like to listen to Sirius Satellite Radio when on my Spyder. I lose signal sometimes, especially in rural areas. I'm assuming that is due to cell tower proximities? Is this common?

Also, after losing signal, it is difficult and cumbersome to get signal back; not sure what I scroll back and forth to/with the control knob to recover the signal. Any comments and/or tips on how better to avoid losing signal or how to recover signal any easier?

[Gwolf]

To avoid losing the radio signal, play 60s and 70s Rock and Roll from a thumb drive. You can play the old 50s, 60s, and 70s country western from a thumb drive too.

No commercials, no startic, no fake news.


Where you lose the signal, is it usually in a valley, where the mountain you are riding along side of could be blocking the satellite signal? The satellites are not directly overhead. Being close to high terrain can block the signal.

[Snoking1127]

I have a micro SD card with music in my Garmin Zumo XT that I listen to while riding, via Cardo Spirit HD intercom, while riding solo.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I like to listen to Sirius Satellite Radio when on my Spyder. I lose signal sometimes, especially in rural areas. I'm assuming that is due to cell tower proximities? Is this common?

Also, after losing signal, it is difficult and cumbersome to get signal back; not sure what I scroll back and forth to/with the control knob to recover the signal. Any comments and/or tips on how better to avoid losing signal or how to recover signal any easier?

I've had Sirius radio for about 9 yrs. now, the signal comes from satellites. .... I've used it in different area's of the country .... What I've found and learned is .... it varies according to your Latitude ..... it varies according to the time of day ..... Trees don't affect the signal, Solid objects do. ... And what you called signal LOSS isn't necessarily what occurs, these I call Drop-Outs .... ie. the sound stops but you actually still have the signal .... the antennae's work better and are designed to be on the roof .... the metal roof seems to work as part of the antennae .... I put a small metal plate on my trunk lid and it seemed to help gather the signal ..... Lastly if you have an RT look at my albums on how my Receiver is mounted inside my Glove-box - also I have not paid more than $ 5.00 per month = $ 30.00 for a six month subscription .... good luck ....Mike ../.PS, look at my album for what I did ...

[Snoking1127]

I've had Sirius radio for about 9 yrs. now, the signal comes from satellites. .... I've used it in different area's of the country .... What I've found and learned is .... it varies according to your Latitude ..... it varies according to the time of day ..... Trees don't affect the signal, Solid objects do. ... And what you called signal LOSS isn't necessarily what occurs, these I call Drop-Outs .... ie. the sound stops but you actually still have the signal .... the antennae's work better and are designed to be on the roof .... the metal roof seems to work as part of the antennae .... I put a small metal plate on my trunk lid and it seemed to help gather the signal ..... Lastly if you have an RT look at my albums on how my Receiver is mounted inside my Glove-box - also I have not paid more than $ 5.00 per month = $ 30.00 for a six month subscription .... good luck ....Mike

This link shows which channels for internet based.
https://www.siriusxm.com/channels

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

This link shows which channels for internet based.
https://www.siriusxm.com/channels

Thanks .... If the switch to "Internet" based is recent, I'll have to wait till May to find out if it matters, since my current subscription is in suspension till then ..... I realize the "internet" can be accessed using Satellites (like HUGESNET), so I'm not sure how this will work for the vehicle receivers????? ...... Mike

[Snoking1127]

Thanks .... If the switch to "Internet" based is recent, I'll have to wait till May to find out if it matters, since my current subscription is in suspension till then ..... I realize the "internet" can be accessed using Satellites (like HUGESNET), so I'm not sure how this will work for the vehicle receivers????? ...... Mike

In my 2021 F-150 I listen to a lot of SiriusXm channels and started wondering why some channels dropped out and others did not while driving in my summer RV park which is heavily forested, this led me to find out one of my favorite music channels was internet only and the truck's internet link was providing the music. Starting in early Sept this year, my free 3 year connection to the internet expires and I will have to pay to continue it and the Ford provided Nav feature.

[seagravesg]

BlueKnight911

As for helping your satellite signal with a metal plate, I have F3-T (no trunk) antenna for radio is mounted on top rear of bike. I am receiving Sirius signal via smart phone.

Any ideas how to enhance signal for Sirius reception?

[bigbadbrucie]

I’m up here on the west coast of Canada, and now live right along the Canada/Washington State border (mountainous area) and have given up on Sirius. Our area is just not conducive to good reception. I have a lifetime membership and Sirius/XM WILL NOT sell me the $5.00 a month subscription. I used to live in Northern British Columbia and had great reception there.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

BlueKnight911

As for helping your satellite signal with a metal plate, I have F3-T (no trunk) antenna for radio is mounted on top rear of bike. I am receiving Sirius signal via smart phone.

Any ideas how to enhance signal for Sirius reception?

Sirius reception to a Smart phone sorry but I have no idea's about that ..... Mike

[safecracker]

If you are streaming XM/Sirius from an app on phone. The signal you are using is cell, not satellite right?

[seagravesg]

Yes re. cell signal. Understand cell tower proximities' but wondering if I can reduce drops? Also, not sure how to re-find signal easier on Spyder? Now I just toggle back in forth to Bluetooth until signal is found again? Any thoughts?
Thanks, Guys.

Cell signal being cell phone but using Bluetooth app to access Sirius Radio....so not sure?

BTW, accessing Sirius on phone free because I have the service in auto.

[Leaping1]

BlueKnight 911

Stupid question. I have a 2011 RT-S would it not be easier for me to install XM receiver in trunk? I know it would be a problem to get to and change channel etc. but I will set it to either 60s or 70s music and leave it there anyway. I was concerned about heat in my glove box and I am lazy and not very mechanically inclined for running wires etc. Thanks Leon

[Deanna777]

I have Sirus XM in my car, I have not lost the signal.

I don't have it on my

Deanna

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

BlueKnight 911

Stupid question. I have a 2011 RT-S would it not be easier for me to install XM receiver in trunk? I know it would be a problem to get to and change channel etc. but I will set it to either 60s or 70s music and leave it there anyway. I was concerned about heat in my glove box and I am lazy and not very mechanically inclined for running wires etc. Thanks Leon

" HEAT " .... I've had my Sirius receiver in the glovebox for about 9 yrs. now - it hasn't been affected that I can tell ..... In the trunk is the easiest and simplest.... I like 50's, 60's & 70's .... I programmed my receiver for those and I can usually change channels on the fly ( but not in the twistie's ) .... Did you look at my album on how I did it ????? ....Mike

[Peter Aawen]

BlueKnight 911

Stupid question. I have a 2011 RT-S would it not be easier for me to install XM receiver in trunk? I know it would be a problem to get to and change channel etc. but I will set it to either 60s or 70s music and leave it there anyway. I was concerned about heat in my glove box and I am lazy and not very mechanically inclined for running wires etc. Thanks Leon

" HEAT " .... I've had my Sirius receiver in the glovebox for about 9 yrs. now - it hasn't been affected that I can tell ..... In the trunk is the easiest and simplest.... I like 50's, 60's & 70's .... I programmed my receiver for those and I can usually change channels on the fly ( but not in the twistie's ) .... Did you look at my album on how I did it ????? ....Mike

Leaping, your 2011 RT might get somewhat more heat in the glovebox area than Mike's 2014, altho there's probably not all that much in it - the 2012's to a lesser extent but certainly the 2013's before the Heat Remediation Recall warrant a definite NO to putting anything in there that you really don't want par-boiled or melted!

But like Mike says about the easiest & the simplest...

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Leaping, your 2011 RT might get somewhat more heat in the glovebox area than Mike's 2014, altho there's probably not all that much in it - the 2012's to a lesser extent but certainly the 2013's before the Heat Remediation Recall warrant a definite NO to putting anything in there that you really don't want par-boiled or melted!

But like Mike says about the easiest & the simplest...

Sorry I hadn't considered that He has the V-twin which did produce more heat..... you can test your heat level if you have an digital oven thermometer with a probe ..... I doubt there's enough heat to effect the receiver tho .... good luck ....Mike