elec999

I do realize XM radio as a monthly fee. I do see alot of systems on ebay. I was wondering if there was any that coud plug into your computer and control it from there. I do some and found the pc pcr.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW
I was just curious if you can test this sytem for free.
Thanks

dug1967

Not exactly sure what you are asking, but the XM PCR will work before you setup your service (i.e. - start paying them money).... It will definately pick up Channel 1 (the preview, repeating message about how great XM is and just start your service).... before I sub'ed mine it would generally play 4 or 5 other stations.... they changed whenever I turned it on, but always only 4 or 5....

I recommend the XM PCR, it is a nice little setup and XM is a decent service....

thepogcbr900rr

How was the recieption, in the actual car set-up? Did it come in nice and clear? Im trying to decide about totally removing the head unit, but it doesnt seem anyone has found a good solution for playing FM on the PC in the car.

Thanks

stevewm

XM is a digital signal delivered by satellites (and in larger metro areas, ground based repeaters)

Because of its digital nature its ethier there, or not.


The antenna that comes with the PCR is a directional antenna. It is desiged to be pointed in a particular direction. It will not work well in a mobile enviroment. For that you need a automotive antenna. There are 2 types of antenna. dual lead and single lead. Dual lead antennas are the older type. Usually found on factory installed XM tuners and older generation XM receivers. Single lead antennas are the newer standard. All XM receivers currently being manufactuered use this type of antenna. The PCR is of the single lead design. You can use ANY single lead XM antenna with it.

This auto antenna: http://store.myradiostore.com/blxmmianxm.html is great for the PCR. Like any XM auto antenna it should be placed on the roof. This antenna is a magnent mount antenna. Just stick it on. The antenna itself actually sits up on 4 small neopherene feet, to keep from damaging you car's paint.

XM was degisned originally for automotive use, thus reception is great when using the correct antenna. As long as the southern sky is not entirely blocked you will receive a signal just fine. And in metro areas XM has a rather large network of ground repeaters. These repeaters will get the signal to you through things the satellites cannot (such as overpasses, tall buildings, and parking garages)

antimatter

How about a nicer looking antenna. like those fins you see on cars that have XM stock

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stevewm

The old shark fins? Those things are big and ugly! The Blitzsafe antenna I linked to is no bigger than a book of matches. The Blitzsafe antenna is also paintable! Its hardly noticable when stuck on your roof. If you paint it to match your car it disappears.

Terk has a smaller antenna thats only somewhat bigger than a qaurter. However Terk's XM antennas still have a reputation for not being the best of quality.

The old shark fin antennas just do not perform as well as the newer micro antennas. The newer antennas have a much better element design.

thepogcbr900rr

Here is a nice looking one and really small.

dug1967

I don't have my XM or the PC in the car yet, getting real close, but not quite there. I plan to munt the antenna on the dash (yeah I know that is not prefered) but I have a Corvette.... so no metal to block the signal and a very sloped windshield to give a nice clear view above.

To make the antenna look better, I plan to build a small fiberglass box and paint it to match the dash. The box will contain the XM antenna and the GPS mouse unit. Then to jazz it up more and add some "eye candy" I plan to put a Matrix Oribtal graphics LCD in the front of the box and have it cycle through a bunch a "high tech" sounding messages and graphics displays....

Kind of like "Welcome to Vetteputter 2.0" at start up..... "Satellite Uplink Starting"...... "Satellite Signal Strenght Excellent"..... "Self Distruct Sequence Started"...... "Driver has SERIOUS mental problems and uncontrollable rage"....

You get the idea..... just something to freak people out and entertain my little brain..