Question:
I did a search on Satellite radio and most of the posts have been in favor of "XM Radio". I'm going to get one or the other in the next couple of weeks.
What kind of radio do you use?
Where is the Antenna?
Do you experience any dropouts and if so what are the conditions?
Any sugestions that would help me would really be appreciated.
Life's a Journey, not a Destination.

Answer:
Sony Plug n Play. It's totally portable. I bought a cheap shaving kit bag and the radio and all fits in it perfect. Circuit City tried real hard to sell me the truckers antenna to go with it. The cost at that time was $150. I passed and gave the little antenna that comes with it a try. It works perfect. Shaped similar to an overgrown computer mouse. Some tuck them into an overhead cubby hole over the drivers head or just on the dash. I tried this and had frequent lost signal situations. The bottom of the antenna has a padded magnetic base for sticking to the roof. The trucks I drive have fiberglass tops so I stuck three one inch square velcro patches on the roof and the antenna. Then I just snake the wire into the jamb and across the dash. Takes about a fat minute to install and remove. I drive several trucks and each now has the little velcro patches up on the roof where I can get to it by standing in the open doorway. The little antenna works perfect here on the west coast. Long underpasses and tall cut banks to the southwest will briefly interupt the signal. Otherwise it's crystal clear digital reception everywhere I go.
Character: Doin the right thing when nobody's lookin..JC Watts

Answer:
Originally posted by dripley:
What kind of radio do you use?
Where is the Antenna?
Do you experience any dropouts and if so what are the conditions?
Any sugestions that would help me would really be appreciated.
My XM is permenantly mounted. It will take about an hour to remove it when I get a different truck. It's also the universal one (not plug n play), hooked up to a regular AM/FM/CD stereo.
I also use the "Terk" antenna (looks like a computer mouse) mounted on a 3" x 4" plate mounted on my mirror bracket.
XM is the best investment I've made for the truck.
Before you run out and buy an XM, check with your company about mounting stuff in the truck (other than a CB). If they expect you to change trucks occasionally, you may wish to get the Plug-n-Play model.

Answer:
Thanks for the velcro idea. I have a couple of rolls around here somewhere.
Dave
Life's a Journey, not a Destination....Steven Tyler

Answer:
Thanks Hoss, Do you run the east coast? If so how is your reception?
Dave
Life's a Journey, not a Destination....Steven Tyler

Answer:
Originally posted by dripley:
Thanks Hoss, Do you run the east coast? If so how is your reception?
Since I've had XM (June 02), I've been as far east as Atlanta, as far south as Laredo, and as far west as LAX (LA Intn'l Airport). Reception is fantastice except for long tunnels (I-80, Green River WY) and the Virgin River Gorge (NW Arizona on I-15). In the Gorge, it gets spotty, but that's because the walls are almost straight up and the signal needs to be "in line of sight" to work.

Answer:
Originally posted by dripley:
Do you run the east coast? If so how is your reception?
I run it all with the Sony Plug & Play.
I have been warned about those big rediculous looking truck atennas so I choose to just use the little one that came with the plug & play. I have it mounted on my mirror just like a regular attenna.
As for signal reception it is great. Yes you will lose it under overpasses & in tunnels but just for a split second & then it comes back (when you clear the obstructions).
Long Island is a different story, I'm always losing the signal there with no obstructions but then again thats a different country is'nt it & XM only works in the US apparently.
You signal reception all depends on the placement of the attenna.
Don't buy it at a truckstop, they'll rip you off expecially intersate connections. If you choose to buy go to Curcuit City of Best Buy, you'll get a better price & more support.
Disclaimer ~ Don't take it to seriously, I'm just trying to start trouble!

Answer:
What is the monthly cost of service for XM?
Will they give you a lower rate if you are willing to pay a year in advance?
Still looking at the options.
Thanks.

Answer:
Everyone here seems to think that xm is the best. I have a little Christmas money leftover, (no idea how that happened)so I'll get the Sony Plug'N'Play system. Thanks for your help and advice.
Life's a Journey, not a Destination....Steven Tyler

Answer:
Originally posted by sailtrucker:
What is the monthly cost of service for XM?
Will they give you a lower rate if you are willing to pay a year in advance?
Still looking at the options.
Thanks.
Monthly subscription cost is $9.99 a month. They will bill you at home if you wish, or charge it to your credit card. You can pay in 3,6 or 12 month increments.
You do have to 'prepay'. eg: send $29.97 for the next 3 months of service.
You can check out the details at this place.
It's been a while since I've been to the website, so there may have been changes since my last visit.

Answer:
They did'nt give me a cheaper rate for paying annual or one for having mutiple subscriptions.
Check there website to see if they have deals going during the holidays.
Disclaimer ~ Don't take it to seriously, I'm just trying to start trouble!