I recently upgraded my Sirius satellite radio from the Starmate 3 to the Sportster 4. With the Starmate, I used the built-in FM transmitter and tuned it into an FM channel. I was quite pleased with the audio quality, however with the Sportster 4, I am very displeased and frustrated by the quality when using the FM transmission features. The factory setting for FM transmission on the unit is 88.1, however in my area (Wash, DC), other frequencies conflict with it. When I navigate to other stations and match the station up on my car radio, it never connects. 88.1 is the only channel that works, with much static. I have considered hardwiring the unit, but removing my radio to attach the adapter to do so seems risky with my anti-theft device. I could pay to have it installed (which I may end up doing), but I'd like to save money and do it myself, if possible. Would anyone have advice on how they use their Sportster unit?
2007-05-12 19:33:14 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Audio
What you're running into is new FCC regulations. Between the release of the Sportster 3 and Sportster 4, the FCC decided that the power of wireless FM modulators needed to be reduced. The Sportster 4 was built to the new requirements.
The FM-direct adapter for Sirius works well and only needs to be connected into the antenna plug at the back of the radio. If you can make the connections without disconnecting the radio power plug, it shouldn't cause any theft lock problems. Also, your vehicle may have antenna connections elsewhere in the vehicle that could be used for the FM-direct unit.
If you give me more information on the year/model of the vehicle, I may be able to provide some installation tips.
2007-05-12 23:28:03 · answer #1 · answered by KaeZoo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a hard wired unit will always sound better than the fm mod, you should have no anti theft problems as long as you don't disconnect power from the radio. my car is like that too, it tunes stations around town really well but when i use fm mod stuff like with my IPOD it just never comes in good no matter what station i put it on. i would save headaches and just wire one in
2007-05-12 20:14:15 · answer #2 · answered by gsxrrider81 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the sirius website there is a guide that tells you what is the best fm channel to use for your area. You just need to type in your zip code.
Below is a link to it:
http://fmchannel.sirius.com/
Hope this helps
2007-05-13 03:28:09 · answer #3 · answered by mathsociety 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Most stores don't only allow a 60 day return. And if you wanted to upgrade to the SIRIUS Stiletto 100 it would cost more money probably.
2016-05-17 05:21:21 · answer #4 · answered by santana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋