Sirus XM antenna mount

[Mikegjax]

For those of us that do not have the FR installed Sirus antenna I made my own mount for inside the RV. I did have it mounted to the top of the TV, but wanted a different setup. Here is what I came up with if anyone is interested. It is made of a one inch piece of aluminum sheet metal. Bent the end to slip behind the cab-over bed window curtain track. Used the existing track screw in the hole drilled into the mount. 3M double sided tape holds the antenna. Light weight and out of the way. Antenna wire is barely visible.

[BendOrLarry]

My antenna looks like yours and is magnetic. I just put it on the hood just in front of the window. It's not in the way, doesn't move and the wiring to the reciever is close by. Took about 10 minutes to install.

[Mikegjax]

Originally Posted by BendOrLarry

My antenna looks like yours and is magnetic. I just put it on the hood just in front of the window. It's not in the way, doesn't move and the wiring to the reciever is close by. Took about 10 minutes to install.

Mine is also magnetic, but I wanted to use aluminum for the mount (that is what I had laying around). Your mounting is also a good way. I just wanted to keep it inside and out of sight.

[benagi]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

Mine is also magnetic, but I wanted to use aluminum for the mount (that is what I had laying around). Your mounting is also a good way. I just wanted to keep it inside and out of sight.

Don't Sirius radio antennas need to be outside to receive a good signal from the satellite ?

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by benagi

Don't Sirius radio antennas need to be outside to receive a good signal from the satellite ?

It might work a little better outside but since the roof isn't metal this is fine...

Another little secret is your XM/Sirius signal isn't necessarily being received from the satellite. Major metro areas, like Atlanta, have local repeaters all over the place. Tall building, and heavy tree cover, kill true satellite only reception.

[benagi]

Originally Posted by RedLdr1

It might work a little better outside but since the roof isn't metal this is fine...

Another little secret is your XM/Sirius signal isn't necessarily being received from the satellite. Major metro areas, like Atlanta, have local repeaters all over the place. Tall building, and heavy tree cover, kill true satellite only reception.

I've heard that . It's works great in town because of the repeaters but very weak or no signal when out in the country. Our unit is at CW now getting warranty work done and the radio is on the list. They said they are at a loss on how to test it in town and they are not going to take it out of town to see the problem. Any ideas how I can trouble shoot while out of town?

[Thunderbolt75]

A friend has his mounted to the crossbar inside of a vent dome. Magnet mounts nicely to the galvanized steel and the wire is easily fished into the trim. It has a clear view to the sky.

[dontay]

On two Lance campers in the past I riveted a small piece of steel to the top of the roof refrig vent and fished the wire down through behind the refrig and into the cabinet where the radio was. It worked great. Got to test it almost all the way to the Artic Circle on the Dempster Hwy. but fires forced us to turn back. Needless to say it was VERY sensitive to hills and trees at that latitude.

[Mikegjax]

Again, mine works great mounted on the inside near the ceiling away from any metal that might block the signal. I have traveled throughout the country without any problems. You can get some signal block when down in a valley or some obstruction between antenna and satellite, but that is rare.

[RedLdr1]

Originally Posted by benagi

They said they are at a loss on how to test it in town and they are not going to take it out of town to see the problem. Any ideas how I can trouble shoot while out of town?

Two possible test options: If the radio unit has a built in Signal Strength display you could use it. Contact the radio manufacture to see if they have any "hidden" diagnostics you can use. Or check a local install shop to see if they can do the test. They would be light years ahead of most CW shops in test capability and knowledge.

I would also make sure FR is well aware that the unit does not work properly and that CW cannot, or will not address the issue. Maybe they can send you to a authorized repair shop out in the boonies to test it on one of your trips.

[MNtraveler]

Questions: I believe ours (sitting in the glove compartment) has a non-flexible metal antenna that goes in the top of it. Others don't have that? Also, how is this wired into the head unit? Thanks!


Land of 10,000 Lakes
2016 Forester MBS 2401R

[Mikegjax]

I that FR 2016 units came with a roof mounted XM antenna?

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

I that FR 2016 units came with a roof mounted XM antenna?

Not ours. It's in the glove box.


Land of 10,000 Lakes
2016 Forester MBS 2401R

[Mikegjax]

Could post a photo of the one in the glove box?

[doc73]

I've seen people Dicor a cooking pan or even a metal plate on the roof to stick their WiFi boosters so I can imagine that would work just as well for XM.

[sgtlm17]

Typically the automotive Sirius magnetic antennas need a grounding plane for good reception. They sell Sirius antennas for boats and RVs that don't require a grounding plane but they are pricey.

[doc73]

The metal plate would make the ground plane for the antenna. Not the best but it works.

[Rbertalotto]

You are most likely picking up terrestrial signal when in or near a city. Once on the road and away from a city, having the antenna under the roof will absolutely negatively affect reception. But if you are happy with the performance....carry on!

[MNtraveler]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

Could post a photo of the one in the glove box?

I believe we were told the mount for this is pre-wired on the roof. I haven't looked yet but sure hope so as I plan to move Sirius XM over from SUV to RV for the season.

PS: with the SUV even in an urban area, when I drive into a parking ramp, the sat signal shuts off within seconds. Even if under an overhead in slow traffic for a short spot, it shuts off even though fully open to the sides of the overpass for signals. Not seeing those alternative signals people describe. I wouldn't think an indoor antenna would pick up satellite signals very well at all.


Land of 10,000 Lakes
2016 Forester MBS 2401R

[Rbertalotto]

You do not need a ground plane for an XM antenna. The groundplane is only needed for transmitting. And XM antenna is just a receiving antenna. You could simply use double stick tape to attach it to the roof. Or a few wire ties.