Sirius drop outs
 

I just installed the sirius receiver in my nav/dsp 4.8is. It works and you can still use the CD changer too, but I am getting drop outs here and there, sometimes today quite bad. THe antenna is installed in the rear spoiler with a 6"x4" area of foil tape underneath, then the antenna 3M taped to that. To what extent does the weather disturb the sat signal? It was very cloudy today...should that matter?

Yes - cloudy rainy weather can definately make a difference. If you're driving around downtown and there are tall buildings or overpasses etc., that all makes a difference. I have my antenna under the spoiler too without any foil tape and it works awesome. Just double check the connections on the other end...

Can anyone else tell me if this is normal behavior or no...BTW the install is really easy and the sirius integrates great with the factory equipment

Any other sirius users out there? Please comment on drop outs. Just trying to get an idea if I have a problem or not...Thanks

I only have only experienced dropouts going under overpasses and under bridges....otherwise I haven't had much of a problem....

Yes multiple drop outs at different times for no reason. Clear skies, no buildings. My antenna is roof mounted and exposed. Doubt this is your unit. The quality of signal power with Sirius has been documented as poor compared to XM. I would relish a switch, but I have nav!:mad:

Do you guys think the fact that I put foil tape under/around makes a difference? Would it help if i fashioned a thin steel plate to go underneath it and held it on magnetically? I understand the attenna likes to have 4-6 inches of metal around it for best performance. The tape I used is non magnetic (I think it's aluminum foil tape.)

[quote=RGX5]Do you guys think the fact that I put foil tape under/around makes a difference? Would it help if i fashioned a thin steel plate to go underneath it and held it on magnetically? I understand the attenna likes to have 4-6 inches of metal around it for best performance. The tape I used is non magnetic (I think it's aluminum foil tape.)[/quote

Might want to check with Tom G. on the bavarian forum. He has good advice for this.

Put HVAC tape under mine with a small piece of metal and the only time it drops out is bridges and underpasses.