I have a Starmate 2 that updated recently and then after that, played for about 10 mins and then went into Acquiring Signal mode permanently. Is there any way to save this radio? I really like the ST-2 for it's great FM strength. The new ones stink on ice in that regard. I don't want to change out this radio unless it's really cooked because they only give you 3 change-outs for a "lifetime subscription". Is there a way to swap out parts on this one if it's an electronics problem? I have another ST2 that I can cannabalize if needed. Signal strength is excellent by the way, so it's not an issue of poor signal. It still even beeps for artist alerts though it stays in "Acquiring Signal" mode.
Any experts out there that know how to fix this? I'm handy with a soldering iron.

There have been some issues lately with the Starmate Replay, XTR8, and Streamer GTR models software after the channel swap and subsequent firmware update. For some reason they are not able to update at all. This is a problem across the board with these models. Unfortunately I dont know what, if anything SiriusXM has planned as far as a fix.

You may want to look into some other more current models.

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XM/Pioneer XMp3
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Creative Zen Vision M 60 GB
Audio Technica ATHM50/Shure E2C Headphones
and Vestax VCI100/Traktor Pro

Indians & Browns Together in PAIN

Well, that is unpleasant news. That's one way to get everyone to buy new radios...destroy their old ones. I really liked the strong FM on this old Starmate 2. I could put it in my house and pick up the FM anywhere within. The new ones have such weak FM that you have to sit the FM radio on top of the Sirius receiver just to get any signal. I shouldn't need to buy an external modulator just to hear it in my own house. When I confronted Sirius about the weak FM of the old models, they did the Sgt. Schultz routine--"I Know Nothing". It was only later did I find out that they had been forced by the FCC to lower their FM outputs on the later models. I'm sure if I ask them about this they will also say they they know nothing. Their customer service leaves much to be desired.

I have a XTR8 with a lifetime subscription and it isn't working either since May 4. (Stuck on 0% channels updated)

Sirius customer service says they might be sending me a new radio for free, but I want one with the replay/pause/rewind functions. Each time I call, I get a different answer.

In the meantime, what other radios are options? Siriusxm.com only has XM radios, and I don't think the Sirius lifetime subscription would even transfer to those.

Thanks!

You'd really be able to choose anything other than the Starmate R/Streamer GTR/Xact XTR8, or the XM line of radios.

I'd personally recommend the Starmate 5 if you're looking to stick with plug and play based radios.

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XM/Pioneer XMp3
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Creative Zen Vision M 60 GB
Audio Technica ATHM50/Shure E2C Headphones
and Vestax VCI100/Traktor Pro

Indians & Browns Together in PAIN

I tried doing refreshes through Sirius customer service. We tried many combinations of starting up. Tried restoring factory presets. Nothing changed. The radio was stuck in the Acquiring Signal mode. I had another Starmate 2 on hand and activated that one. It is working fine so it appears that it was nothing more than a failed radio. The new one updated on activation and there were no more problems. Sadly, I had to fork over another 75 dollars to activate the new radio even with a "lifetime" subscription. I've had it running daily and there are no further problems. Sometimes, the radios fail. My old tube radios have longer lives than these new ones. They run forever.

Thats because they all have a metal case over the IC chips,what I did with all mine is drill little holes in the internal metal case to keep em cool!On my uncle's sportster ,I took off the cases and it still works years later.His first one died in a week.(heat issues) Keep it cool,it should last!

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3 Lifetime subs

Thanks for that tip. I'll check it out. Do you know which part is the actual tuner section? I think that is the part that fails and can be replaced with another working piece. I have an ST2 with poor FM output but a good working tuner. I'd like to put that tuner into the one that failed to make a good radio with good FM output. I know there are places that will do the work for you but I'd like to do it myself and save a few bucks.