Does moving the XM antenna help?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 234
From: Altoona, Pa.
Does moving the XM antenna help?
Have the factoy XM radio on my bike and I believe the antenna for it is under the fairing, probably taped to the radio or something else under there. At times, mostly when it cloudy, I have a lot of cutting out of the XM programs. Was wondering if anyone has moved their antenna to the outside of the fairing, perhaps to the top dash area to get a stronger signal strength.
I know clouds can cut down on strength but on my truck and car, they have the antennas on the roof area and I never have a cutting out problem on them. Hate to have that this sitting on top of my dash but if that what its going to take, guess I'll do it.
I know clouds can cut down on strength but on my truck and car, they have the antennas on the roof area and I never have a cutting out problem on them. Hate to have that this sitting on top of my dash but if that what its going to take, guess I'll do it.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Morganton, NC
I have the Zumo with XM. It worked really well until the dealer had to open up the fairing to do work to the NIM. Then it started to cut out randomly. I opened up the fairing at home and found part of the wiring harness laying on top of the antenna. I tied back the wires to be sure that nothing is on top of the antenna. Now it works fine...except when there is a natural blockage caused by hillsides or buildings.
I have an aftermarket stereo (Kenwood) with XM. My antenna was originally installed inside the fairing as plastic is not supposed to interfere with the signal. I did tend to lose signal in wooded areas/clouds. I had the stereo shop affix the antenna outside the fairing on the left side right up by the windshield. Reception is just about 100% now. I don't know how big the H-D antenna is but mine isn't much bigger round than a quarter, so it doesn't look out of place mounted externally...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
http://www.myradiostore.com/antennas...e-antenna.html
i had a antenna like this style (not sure if it was the exact one) and it seemed to help alot vs the little one hidden in fairing on my roadstar.
i had a antenna like this style (not sure if it was the exact one) and it seemed to help alot vs the little one hidden in fairing on my roadstar.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I've got my Zumo's antenna on top of the J&M amp under the fairing. The reception sucks so badly I just cancelled the service.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 181
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From: 29°16′49″N 082°07′29″W
No XM on the scoot', but I have it in my truck- antenna on the roof- and the damn thing goes out every time I drive down a street with a lot of trees, even. If there isn't a 'line of sight' to the southern sky it won't work worth a sh*t. Electrical interference also negatively affects reception, so try to keep the antenna away from other wires.
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From: Reading Pa
I have Sirius in my car and when I was reading the manual it mentioned that if you use a HID bulb in the headlights, it can interfere with the satellite radio Why? who knows Just thought I would mention it.