Okay you "techno" experts, I have a question that hopefully one of you can answer?. I just subscribed to my built in XM radio option and aside from being amazed at the unbelievable selection of programing available I am getting intermittent signal. I am at 2600 metres, {7924.8 feet plus/minus}, at my location, with a reasonable "line of sight" to southern horizon, although Rocky Mountains are 30-60 kilometres to south southwest. My polar co-ordinates are roughly North 54 38' 42.2 West 119 54' 56.2. I am assuming the XM satellite is South of mebut is itperhapstoo low in sky for clear "line of sight" communication???. Any ideas where this sat resides???. My truck has the factory antenna for said radio above driver cab. My engineer here suggests it may be my roof rack...hmmmmm. No one else here has this option on thier vehicle so I can't compare. I will be heading south and home on weekend for "days off" so will get a chance to see if it improves.
Thanks, in advance, all. Rockdoc.

 

There are some "dead spots" with coverage. There are two wide open places that I drive through everyday and lose signal for a second or two.

 

Same here.... I have an aftermarket one built into my Nav System... driving down roads with a canopy (trees) will also do it. It is pretty normal.. although I notice it more with some systems than others. If it gets really bad it is possible that your antenna connection is loose, corroded, ordamaged. If it only happens now and then.. pretty much normal. Depending on where you are located certain cities also have ground repeaters... and as I understand they are always improving the equipment.

 

Okay Guys: I guess it's normal then?. No loose connections or corrosion, {truck has 12,000 km on it}, so I suppose all is normal. Ground repeaters around here, hah ha ha, I'm so far from a city I need Google Earth to see one. Will see if it changes when I head south at daybreak and getnearer to "civilization". Thanks, I will let you know. Sure is nice to have quality radio "out in the woods". Rockdoc.

 

OH... yeah... that's right... you're in Canada...

XM has only been legally broadcasting there for a little over a year... so you are still a little bit behind with quality.

 

Roof racks and open sunroofs may reduce the signal quality. XM tries to use a large reflective area to help get the signal. If your roof rack is right next to, or over, the XM antenna you're likely to have a weaker signal. [/align]

 

Looks like you guys were right. All well on "XM" as I got "south" Thanks.