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[TwoAlpha]

In an attempt to improve my XM signal, I installed an aftermarket XM antenna last year (I think I got the reference in this forum ==> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HTRELU/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). My 2011 CVO, btw, had the "puck" antenna mounted to the top of radio. It didn't seem to make the reception worse but it also did not seem much improved. I decided to use it for awhile and see how things worked. After continued marginal signals, I finally relocated the antenna higher up under the fairing in an attempt to get a better signal. However, it cuts out FAR too frequently and it has finally reached the point where I must address this problem. As an example, I can drive due south down on a wide open divided highway with a clear, blue sky and no obvious obstructions and over a 10 minute drive, it will drop to 0/1 bars (and cut out) several times. The antenna is currently mounted vertically, high up on the fairing just under the top of fairing. I do have the metal trim plate along the top of my fairing, below the windshield. I've also tried to secure the connection into the back of the radio to make sure I don't have a bad connection or anything loose. There wasn't anything obviously wrong with the connection when I looked at it.

Any suggestions? Should I try a different antenna? Relocate the antenna? Other ideas?

[phato1]

I think others have tried what I'm planning to do next time I have the fairing apart  -  I'm going to mount the XM "hockey puck" antenna to the top of my dash pad and see if I can get some better reception, I figure it can't hurt anything to give it a try. I think the antenna can tolerate a little moisture when riding in the rain or washing the bike 

[phato1]

A large part of the issue is the location of the satellite itself. If I remember right it orbits the earth over the Atlanta GA area so the farther north you're located the "angle" of the beam is more susceptible to interference from trees, buildings, the local topography etc....

[murphy]

Did you try a drop of octane boost on the connectors?

Seemed to work for Twolanerider!

[pkl]

Several posts about relocating antenna to outside of the fairing. I have mine on top left edge (Center of road and less obstruction.)  It works well this way. Only problem is riding under trees or in mountains where signal may be blocked.

[TwoAlpha]

Several posts about relocating antenna to outside of the fairing. I have mine on top left edge (Center of road and less obstruction.)  It works well this way. Only problem is riding under trees or in mountains where signal may be blocked.

Where/how do you actually have it mounted? Are you using the puck or an aftermarket? I'm not crazy about moving it outside the fairing but I may get there.

[pkl]

I use double sided tape. Been there for 3+ yrs. No problems.

[mrmagloo]

I spent two years relocating and farting around with the XM radio and antenna, and finally gave up. Never found an exceptable setup that provided a nice clean signal like I get in the car.  I think it's not just the antenna, but the receiver too, as even with a solid signal, the sound quality is pretty crappy.  With the 16GB ipod, I have no need for it.

[pkl]

Sound is compressed and may not be same volume to volume but with amp and speakers it is hard to tell the difference at 80 mph.

[mrmagloo]

Perhaps at 80 mph you're right, but at the ~45 mph I'm at most of the time, the difference between 256k MP3s and the crappy XM is profound. And thats in the very rare situation that you get a solid signal for more than 30 seconds. If that's good enough for you, by all means carry on. I pulled the plug a few years ago and I haven't had the need to look back.