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Any recent XM satellite radio experience?

Yahoo Message Number: 85886
My old (Roady XT model) XM satellite receiver recently "bit the dust". It seems all the new XM radio receivers (Onyx, Edge, ...) use the new PowerConnect technology instead of the older wireless FM modulator (transmitter). PowerConnect transmits an FM signal through the vehicle's 12v wiring (via the cigarette lighter connection) to the coach radio(s) connected to the same 12v system. [I imagine this method makes the FCC a lot happier]
Q1: is anyone using a PowerConnect-type XM receiver in their coach? How's it working?
Q2: does it work OK with both the front and rear coach radios? Is it safe to assume both radios are connected to the "same" 12v system and can share the FM signal?
Q3: has anyone tried using a Crane wireless FM transmitter [http://store.xmfanstore.com/ccrane-wireless-fm-transmitter.html%5d or similar device with their newer XM receiver? I'd like to be able to receive the XM "rebroadcast" on ANY FM radio within a reasonable distance instead of only those connected to the vehicle's 12v system. [sorry FCC!] --

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791
Laughlin, NV

Re: Any recent XM satellite radio experience?

Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 85893
I no longer do satellite radio but when I did I used a Sirius Sportster receiver. That receiver could send an fm signal several hundred feet with ease. Have you considered going online to ebay or similar and looking for a satellite receiver. The Sportster is an early model but as I said, it sends out a very powerful fm signal. I don't know how XM and Sirius well they are doing with playing with each other; perhaps they get a failing grade. I also don't know the power requirements for the Sportster since the display was not an LED.
I've tried several fm transmitters with little success. Read the reviews for the Crane before you buy. It doesn't appear to be any better than any of the others.
I hope someone with the Crane unit responds as I'm looking for ways to get signals sent around my coach. The Sportster was able to send signals throughout the coach and out to the area under my awning. Right now I'm using a Rocketfish Bluetooth Music Receiver connected to my Bose system to receive music from my smartphone. It works well except the range from phone to receiver appears to be about 20 ft. maximum and doesn't do anything for my bedroom radio.

pete

2000 40' Magna #5892
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Any recent XM satellite radio experience?

Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 85895
I should have added that the model Sporster receiver I had was the SP-R1. pete

2000 40' Magna #5892
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Any recent XM satellite radio experience?

Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 85906
I just installed the onyx receiver in my coach and it connected directly to the audio port on my pioneer BU camera/stereo system. For my two cars, i used Sirius FMDA 25 direct adaptor: Amazon.com: Xm fm modulator And am very happy with it.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856
As an Amazon Associate Country Coach Owners Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

 

Re: Any recent XM satellite radio experience?

Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 86317
I'll try to answer the questions I posed a couple weeks ago.
I ordered an Onyx XM satellite radio with the "PowerConnect FM transmitter" feature and find it a very good system. It works well with both coach radios (cockpit area and bedroom). PowerConnect transmits an FM signal over the 12V wiring system to any radio attached to the vehicle's wiring.
I also ordered the Crane FM2 wireless transmitter and found it also works well, but ONLY after increasing FM2's transmit power - just google "Crane FM2 mod" for details. With the Crane FM2 device attached to the Onyx radio output (this disables the PowerConnect FM transmitter) I can wirelessly transmit the satellite radio signal to ANY FM radio in the vicinity. An added benefit is that we can also connect the Crane FM2 transmitter to the headphone jack of any audio device (e.g., computers, MP3 players, CD players, ...) and listen to the audio on any nearby radio.
I assume any of the newer radios with the PowerConnect FM transmitter feature would work well with the (12V automotive) radios in our coaches.
--

Tom Harsch 36' 2002 Allure #30791 Laughlin, NV