Satellite Radio in a covered slip

M

mrsrobinson

Well-Known Member
Mar 9, 2006
7,704
Virginia
Boat Info
2001 380DA
Engines
Caterpillar 3126
I installed an XM Tuner a while back when we were not in a covered slip:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=Pioneer+GEX-P920XM&i=130P920XM

The antenna is truly made for a car: "XM antenna you'll need to mount on your vehicle's roof". We simply laid it on top of the console when using the XM Tuner. It worked fine.

We are now in a covered slip. We cannot get an XM signal from the covered slip. I carried the antenna as far out as I could, closer to the slip opening, no better.

I contacted Crutchfield and asked if they made an antenna line extension. They sold me this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/app/product/item/main.aspx?i=209XMEXT50&search=terk+xm+antenna

Unfortunately this extension does not hook into the Pioneer XM antenna.

How do you get an XM signal in a covered slip with a car antenna? Is anyone aware of an extension that will work with the above satellite radio?

We have XM in both cars and we get a signal in the garage. What is different about a covered boat slip?

Thanks
 
Greg,

We have Sirius, I called them about this same issue. The gal I spoke with told me they offer a remote antenna, however, not in Arkansas!

You may want to call them and inquire, you may be able to go up on the XM/Sirius website and look for accessoeries/add-ons. Good luck.
 
FWIW, Remember XM is line of sight to the southern horizon. So if you are lined up N/S you may not be able to see the satillite. Just my .02
 
Greg -

Can you reach the roof of your slip? (From the end of course) You could use this:

http://www.xm-radio-satellite.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2000

You can use this extension kit to mount a "vehicle" antenna to the roof of your slip; route this cable down your slip and over into your boat.

Just a thought... There is a 50ft version on that site as well.

-Ryan
 
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I have been having the same issue with no success in finding a way to use two antennas effectively. The only thing I have been able to do is use an auxiliary input on my head unit and feed my DirecTv signal to it. I can then tune to the XM stations on DirecTv and listen through the stereo system.

~Dan
 
Another potential option: Does your marina have WIFI? If so, you may be able to connect via a laptop. I know that Sirius has webcasts, but I'm not sure about XM.
 
Correct, metal roofs are going to block Sat Signals. I have Sirius and the same issue while under my metal roof in the slip. No Sync.

I wonder if some sort of mirror system would work...:)

Getting Wifi through your laptop seems to be the best way to get Sat Radio while in the slip.
 
The marina is pretty flexible with slip mods, so if I could find an antenna extension that will work with the existing antenna, or I can plug a long one into the back of the XM Receiver, I can run one outside the boat.
 
I had the same problem - metal roof blocking XM reception. I was able to solve it by mounting an antenna on the bow pulpit. My slip faces SW so when I'm backed in the antenna has a 'view' of the sat.

I used one of these, but there are smaller, lower profile ones available now...

01EDWA53A8L._SL500_AA150_.jpg


XM does support the internet option and its free with your subscription.
 
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