Sirius radio problem

[Love Plastic Love]

I debated on whether to post this here or in the general forum, because this is not really about the programming, but rather a technical problem.
I got Sirius radio and a plan for Christmas. I was all excited because...well, normal radio sucks.
However, my Sirius isnt working too well. I just spent three hours on the road and could barely get it to work. Its either really static-y or I pick up the 88.1 station instead of Sirius.
It was cloudy during my drive, but I cannot believe some clouds would destroy the signal that much.
And if some clouds do render it unable to even be used, I have to get rid of it and I think people are nuts for wanting it. Seriously, that is one weak ass signal for a radio
I am hoping this is not normal and something was messed up in installation or something else...
Any possible trouble shooting tips?
I would ask my dad, but he is not an expert and I feel bad complaining about a Christmas gift this soon.

[Slinky]

Sounds like an FM modulator issue. Can you set it to a different station than 88.1? Is it possible to move the Sirius antenna closer to your car's antenna, or detach your car antenna so it won't pick up stray signals?

I've experienced static with my FM transmitter before, but I have an FM antenna that is retractable. When I push the antenna in, the XM sounds much clearer.

You may also want to check out www.siriusbackstage.com , a Sirius fan forum.

[Love Plastic Love]

Thank you.
I have no idea how or if I can detach my antenna or move the Sirius one. I know as much about cars as...well, quantum physics.
I can try to read how to set it to a different station. Is it better to set it to a station that does not get a clear signal? Because 88.1 comes in loud and clear
Thanks! I will try some things or ask my dad.

[Slinky]

Yes, definitely try to find a station that does not come in at all. If your Sirius unit is "competing" with a real station that comes in loud and clear, it will sound worse.

[friday]

LPL, which unit did you get? I got a Sportster, and for some reason, that unit gets static on its signal (though I've minimized it by touching the antenna to the right part of the unit), yet whenever I used my dad's XACT unit, that never happened. Unfortunately, I don't know any signals around here that are both unoccupied and free of static (if that's even possible), but that shouldn't matter anyway because my dad's unit always used 88.1.

Another thing I noticed is that I have to turn the volume on my stereo higher with this unit, even when the unit's audio setting is raised to the maximum. The XACT's sound was always equivalent to terrestial broadcasts. It's like the more stuff the unit can do, the weaker the transmitter gets.

[Love Plastic Love]

Yes, I have the Sportster and thats what it does.
Firstly, I did figure out I have to change the tuner. I had something else at one point that worked on ANY station, used or not, so I figured this was the same.
But even on the best stations for Sirius I still get a bit of static.
What do you mean touching the antenna to the right place on the unit?
I still love it though! Its still better than regular radio.

[ccorces1]

go to best buy and get an FM Modulator for $20. It hooks up inline between your car antenna wire and the stereo. When your sirius receiver is turned on, the modulator cuts out all other radio frequencies so there is no interference!