Sirius Reception Help!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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Sirius Reception Help!
Hi!
I bought a Sirius Stratus plug & play receiver today and installed it in my '01 F150. I'm using the built-in FM modulator with the included broadcast-boosting antenna installed on the passenger side windshield glass as reccommended.
I had read a few reviews before buying, and one of those summs up my experience exactly: "Like listening to a weak AM braodcast under power lines." While the channels come in fine, and I get no fade out or FM-channel bleed through (so far), every channel comes through a haze of static hiss, like a tape recording of the radio. I tried unplugging the booster antenna but there was no change at all. Further, while I've adjusted the internal audio levels on the receiver, the sound transmitted is much quieter than the standard FM radio. I could drive around with the audio level at max and the F150's stock radio receiving it turned all the way up and not be uncomfortable. It's static-y and muffled. Yuk.
Anyone with Sirius get it to work *right* and sound clear?
Do I have to get the "FM Direct" device that plugs it into the antenna port on the OEM radio? Does that eliminate the static completely?
All advice is most welcome!
-Sam
I bought a Sirius Stratus plug & play receiver today and installed it in my '01 F150. I'm using the built-in FM modulator with the included broadcast-boosting antenna installed on the passenger side windshield glass as reccommended.
I had read a few reviews before buying, and one of those summs up my experience exactly: "Like listening to a weak AM braodcast under power lines." While the channels come in fine, and I get no fade out or FM-channel bleed through (so far), every channel comes through a haze of static hiss, like a tape recording of the radio. I tried unplugging the booster antenna but there was no change at all. Further, while I've adjusted the internal audio levels on the receiver, the sound transmitted is much quieter than the standard FM radio. I could drive around with the audio level at max and the F150's stock radio receiving it turned all the way up and not be uncomfortable. It's static-y and muffled. Yuk.
Anyone with Sirius get it to work *right* and sound clear?
Do I have to get the "FM Direct" device that plugs it into the antenna port on the OEM radio? Does that eliminate the static completely?
All advice is most welcome!
-Sam
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
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You can get an FM modulator that plugs inline with the antenna. They are not that expensive. Go to a car audio shop that sells Sirius and see if they have any. But before you do that I recommend trying a different frequency. You can change the FM frequency on your Sirius tuner. Also try taking the FM modulator wire and stick it to the back of the radio where the antenna plugs in. Doing that will provide the best possible reception from what I have found.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 125
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From: South Carolina
I had the same problem but i never tried using the extra antenna that goes on the window and I got no reception. You do need the FM Direct Antenna Adapter. Its $20 from Sirius or $25-30 from circuit city or best buy. You're best bet is to use RCA Inputs on your receiver if you have any. Unfortunately I don't. With the adapter you'll get good reception, however, the signal is attenuated so you have to turn up the volume on your radio a lot more than normal to hear it at the same level. I don't think this would be the case if you used RCA Inputs in your stereo.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
Also, there is a way to crank up the output from the Sirius Perhaps that output comes tuned down quite a ways....it'll be in the set up menu. Oh yeah, those modulators work better by using a radio station towards the HIGH end of the FM band.
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Senior User
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Bought a FM Direct connector (and the Ford radio "keys) at Best Buy this morning and installed it in their parking lot. Instant change in reception and now everything comes through crystal clear. Yes, the FM stations by themselves are louder than the Sirius signal sent through the FM connector, but tapes playing on the OEM deck are quieter than the FM broadcasts, too.
I'm happy with it now! Thanks for all the advice!
I'm happy with it now! Thanks for all the advice!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 46
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From: Southern CT
I agree with the posts above. Save yourself the headaches and get the FM direct adapter. FM Direct Adapter (Wired Relay) (FMDA25) Description
You won't be sorry
You won't be sorry
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Douglasville, GA
At work (best buy mobile audio) I try to push those FM Direct Adapters as hard as I can, Its really the best way to go for clear music from sirius. Got on in the explorer and the stang. Its like 30 bucks, pick it up and you wont be sorry. If you somewhat savy on pulling out you radio its a breeze to install as well.
Nick
Nick
