rickmoen Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 Hi All, Just curious, here. I currently have XM radio on my bike through a SkyFi2 radio. I'm less than impressed with the quality of this radio. I'm on my second SkyFi2. The first one developed an annoying habit of turning itself off and then back on about 4 or 5 times a minute. This was traced to a faulty cradle. The second one has now started sounding "scratchy." The little, black, antennas don't seem to be reliable either. Being a baseball fan, I'd like to stick with XM. Having a BMW Zumo 550, I can't just get a GXM30 (unless I can sell/trade the BMW Zumo for a "regular" Zumo). My first Satellite radio was a RoadyXT, but the radio wouldn't stay in the cradle while riding. So, what kind of hardware has been used successfully? Thanks in advance! Rick Link to comment
johnlt Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I had the original Roady that didn't use a cradle and it worked fine. I "upgraded" to a Roady XT with cradle and also had problems(should have stuck with old roady). I tried several things but only when I used hot-glue would it stay put in the cradle. You can't remove it easily but what the hey, ther're not worth much so I didn't worry about them being stollen. Finnaly went to Zumo 550 and GXM30 and everything got better including reception. Link to comment
RoadJunkie Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I can help you choose which radio NOT go get. I agree on the Roady XT. I have managed to make it work, but it is always a hassle, especially if the base gets wet. The connection of the radio to the base is not reliable and--if not held in place with a rubber band--vibrates loose. My rubber bands don't last very long due to UV exposure, I suppose. Good luck. Link to comment
Silver Surfer/AKAButters Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 Prolly not what you had in mind, but the XM receiver on the Zumo works great. Of course if you already have GPS, not so much. Link to comment
CruisinCruzan Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I screwed the XT base (through the back, no electronics) into a gadget guy plate and I keep the radio on with a stretchy velcro band (bought at an outdoor store). Works great and is very cheap (already had the gadget guy stuff) Link to comment
RCS Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 I can help you choose which radio NOT go get. I agree on the Roady XT. I have managed to make it work, but it is always a hassle, especially if the base gets wet. The connection of the radio to the base is not reliable and--if not held in place with a rubber band--vibrates loose. My rubber bands don't last very long due to UV exposure, I suppose. Good luck. To keep my Roady in it's mount, I wrap it with a strip of velcro. regards Link to comment
Mark K Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I've used the Roady 2 for about three years -- transferring back and forth between truck and bike and have had ZERO problems. If you could find one of these older units, I would give it a try. If mine ever fails, I'd be out looking for another one just like it the next day. Half the size/weight of our Sky-fi..... Link to comment
cali_beemer Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I just took a Sirrius starmate (starmate 4 I think) off my RT. It had a mounting bracket specifically for it. I replaced it with a Garmin 2730 and the GXM 30. Much better. Link to comment
Bradley_Gillie Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I just took a Sirrius starmate (starmate 4 I think) off my RT. It had a mounting bracket specifically for it. I replaced it with a Garmin 2730 and the GXM 30. Much better. +1 Link to comment
cali_beemer Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 however I will being selling the starmate and mounting bracket soon. It even comes with the sirrius lifetime subsciption. Link to comment
ully211 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 recommend you sell your BMW ZUMO and get a stock one ... the XM with GXM30 is absolutely awesome Link to comment
cali_beemer Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Yep, the GXM and garmin (2730/2820 and zumo 550) cant be beat. I am on my second 2730 unit and I have had a zumo as well. Link to comment
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