Sirius radio question

Ok, so ive been having some issues with my Sirius radio lately. It seems like whenever I switch from a reg FM local station to my Sirius station, it is much more quiet then the reg FM station. When I drive out of town to the north, I have to turn it up so loud to hear the station that the static noise of the speakers, covers most of the music to the point that I cant even hear the song at all. I think that is a combo of the quiet radio and a poor reception maybe? Is it normal for satellite radio to be more quiet than reg FM channels or is there something I can to to fix this?

The setup was professionally installed by a local audio store, should I take it back to them even though it was installed about 2 years ago?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

I actually just installed Sat Radio in my 08 Taco and have managed to do so that it sounds crystal clear. I have the iPod interface that the dealer installed for me, which has two RCA plugs on the other side of it. This allows you to play your iPod and Sat radio through your CD player and creates a hardwired AUX IN connection which is the best quality.

Regarding your issue, I would highly recommend using this type of connection to improve your sound quality....thats the first step. Secondly, you will notice that the volume level of the content paying on satellite radio is slightly lower than that of regular FM. This has been the case with both vehicles that i've owned with Sat Radio. If you want I will give you the model number and what settings on the part to use for your connection. This will be the only way to solve your Sat Radio issue.

 

x2
he nailed it.

in easier terms, you need to hardwire the sat radio into the head unit (with a aux audio cable like a 3.5mm jack or rca's) instead of broadcasting over the radio to your head unit

and the volume issue, i think there is an internal volume in your sirius radio. just match it up with your regular radio stations and your golden!

edit: i dont think you have an aftermarket head unit, so the hard wire part may not be possible with the stock head unit. also i have no idea how to tell you the settings or if its even possible to change the internal vloume on the sirius radio if its the built in type. i was referring to the universal sat radio kits you can just mount on the windsheild and such.. like i had

 

Thanks for the advice! I stopped in the store that installed it for me and they said soon they would be receiving something new from their supplier that acts as a switch between the earth antenna and the sirius transmitter, he said when the sirius is on and broadcasting, the switch cuts reception from all earth stations, eliminating interference from the local stations, and will switch back once I changed to an fm station. He said its a simple setup as opposed to 200 dollars to have it hardwired. Anyone tried this product? Is the lower cost gonna be worth it in quality?

thanks

 

Ok what they are referring to is similar to that of an FM modulator. If you're going to spend $200, I would highly recommend having Toyota install the iPod connector which will have the RCA jacks to connect your satellite radio to. It's crystal clear clarity and far better than what this other installer is reffering to. Parts and labor your looking at near $300-$350.

Besides FM modulators are typically only $40 and you can install them yourself.

Let me know.

 

ya 200 would be for them to direct connect the radio to my system, he said about 70 for the Modulator or w/e, but heck I just paid for another 2yrs on sirius so I might as well get what would work well. So for a little more money I can get the Ipod connector, which would be pretty handy, Ill think about going that route, is that where the ipod connector is in the center console then the RCA jacks can hook into my current unit?

thanks for the info again