SiriusXM

[bcguy]

I am a liveaboard usually in remote BC coast with no radio reception which I guess means SiriusXM... I need my CBC fix. Electronics for me is 2 12volt batteries plus 1000 W inverter. I have called Sirius but can't seem to get across I do not own a car. Just wondering if there is any such thing as a sit on a shelf SiriusXM radio with an antenna to run outside my steel hull. Or whatever setup boaters prefer... many thanks
Gary

[meridian28]

Check with a shop that sells audio equipment. There are many portable radio options. XM just supplies the service, not the hardware. Also, you can get 6 months for $25.

[socaldmax]

Originally Posted by bcguy

I am a liveaboard usually in remote BC coast with no radio reception which I guess means SiriusXM... I need my CBC fix. Electronics for me is 2 12volt batteries plus 1000 W inverter. I have called Sirius but can't seem to get across I do not own a car. Just wondering if there is any such thing as a sit on a shelf SiriusXM radio with an antenna to run outside my steel hull. Or whatever setup boaters prefer... many thanks
Gary

Sure, there are plenty of ways to skin that cat. They make several units that just needs a dock, which the receiver plugs into, the antenna and power cable and audio output cable also plug into it.

By the time you buy all of those parts, it can run you $100-200. I chose to buy a demo unit off Ebay that comes with a lifetime subscription for about $250. The seller guaranteed the unit and service for 2 yrs, which the service alone costs more than $250/ 2 yrs. It came with all of the extra channels, Howard Stern, sports, etc.

I bought 3 docks, 3 antennas and 3 remote controls for about $90 more and I can plug this unit into my car stereo, home stereo, any boom box with an aux. input. I have one dock each in my cars, one in my living room and just move the receiver with me.

[socaldmax]

Here is an example of a small portable one.




Here's another one with a different shape.




Here's the exact same receiver I bought.

Sirius SP3 Sportster 3 XM Satellite Radio Only Lifetime Subscription | eBay



Here's a lifetime receiver that docks into a boombox, it includes the boombox.

Sirius ST2 Starmate 2 XM Satellite Radio w Boombox Remote Lifetime Subscription | eBay

[RainDog]

Here are some antennas: Sirius XM Satellite Radio Antennas

[drpaoletta]

Sirius/XM is the best, although the annual cost is creeping up. The small automobile receivers are 12V with tiny antennas on loooong cords. I velcro my antenna to the inside of a window over the nav station so it doesn't get fouled in lines on the cabin top. If you have an onboard AM/FM/CD player or other audio system you can run the XM output into an auxiliary jack and use whatever speakers you already have. You will wonder "what took me so long" once you have it and find your (commercial free) favorite music channels!

[jdazey]

I've got XM on an old SkyFi 2 mounted inside a steel wheelhouse using an exterior antenna that came with the radio. Reception varies according to the direction the boat is pointed and what obstacles there are in the area. If you're up some of the BC inlets, you may not get much.

Joe

[fishin4bogey]

Look through www.tssradio.com I pretty sure that's the link. Anyway...they sell everything satellite radio. If you already have a stereo head unit in you can get a stand alone unit. If not your only option is the boom box.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[belizesailor]

Be sure you have reception in BC. Technically I think they still only service the USA, but you can get reception in other places. Works most of the time for us in Guatemala, but not in Panama.

The car antenna needs to be on metal as a counterpoise so should work with a steel hull. Otherwise you need a different antenna. They do make base units & antenna for home use. I have a car unit installed so I can drive of from 12V, but a home (roof mount) antenna.

You can also stream Sirius over the Internet so don't need any of the above hardware provided you have decent Internet service.

[goat]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Be sure you have reception in BC. Technically I think they still only service the USA, but you can get reception in other places. Works most of the time for us in Guatemala, but not in Panama.

The car antenna needs to be on metal as a counterpoise so should work with a steel hull. Otherwise you need a different antenna. They do make base units & antenna for home use. I have a car unit installed so I can drive of from 12V, but a home (roof mount) antenna.

You can also stream Sirius over the Internet so don't need any of the above hardware provided you have decent Internet service.

Sirius works throughout Canada, a little spotty in mountains and overhanging trees, but fine on the coast of B.C.

goat