My XMP3 reception outside is terrible.

Thinking about returning it. I bought it 4-5 days ago. I have tried it on 3 runs outside. I cant even put it in my pocket or it has no signal. I have to hold it high in my hand to keep a signal most of the time, even then its not 100%. It always cuts out when im under a couple trees also.

One of the first things I did was use that firmware update tool, and it was already the most recent. Is the reception just crappy in California or does everyone have this issue? Its not even worth having if my reception continues to be this bad.

If you are not in a major metropolitan area, you need the special antenna headphones sold separately to get decent reception.

In the cities, ground repeaters boost the signal.

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Fond tester of new satrad equipment.

San Francisco Bay Area seems pretty major to me..

so they make some special headphones i can buy to improve this? i hate ear buds, i prefer something over the head.

If you are in an area with a repeater (not the suburbs of a major metro city where you may be a distance away from a repeater), you maybe should exchange it at the store you bought it. After 5 days, they should exchange. That sounds like you may be having a reception issue with the unit itself.

The antenna headphones should help.

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XM subscriber since 2005/12/05:

• Pioneer Airware (LIFE, wife)
• Tao (son)
• OnyX (daughter)
• Pontiac G5 (XM Canada)

Sirius subscriber since 2007/12/06:

• Stilletto 2 (LIFE)
• Premium Internet
• TTR1

Creative Labs 32Gb Zen owner since 2009/02/02
Slacker Plus subscriber since 2010/01/15
Apple Black iPhone4 32Gb (iOS 5.1.1) owner 2010/08/16 --> 2012/08/25
Apple Black iPhone5 64Gb (iOS 6.1.3) owner since 2012/10/03
Apple White iPhone5 32Gb (WIFE) owner since 2012/12/14

naw i dont think its an issue with the unit.. just when im running against a freeway wall or soemthing, i have no signal. and then running along a path with trees on both sides i got nothing. but then i get to the wide open sky and its fine. i might buy some headphones next, i need it better. i saw some crappy reviews on Belkin XM headphones, i'll need to find whatever is the best, and not too bulky for running.

Yes, even in a major metro area, you need a clear view of the sky to get consistent signal. This is true with all satellite radios.

__________________
Fond tester of new satrad equipment.

i never had a portable before.. but the 5-6 units ive had in cars previously never had this issue..

Nah, the repeater signal in the bay area is extremely strong. I was down there with my Inno, and it's good enough to have in your pocket and still get a strong signal. Keep trying, sometimes individual repeaters go down, or experience unknown (to us) interference from other signals in the area. There's a million signals bouncing around up there these days, so once and again the repeater signal deteriorates.

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1-Pioneer Inno w/Best of Sirius

Cars are futher out in the road with a stronger antenna.

__________________
XM subscriber since 2005/12/05:

• Pioneer Airware (LIFE, wife)
• Tao (son)
• OnyX (daughter)
• Pontiac G5 (XM Canada)

Sirius subscriber since 2007/12/06:

• Stilletto 2 (LIFE)
• Premium Internet
• TTR1

Creative Labs 32Gb Zen owner since 2009/02/02
Slacker Plus subscriber since 2010/01/15
Apple Black iPhone4 32Gb (iOS 5.1.1) owner 2010/08/16 --> 2012/08/25
Apple Black iPhone5 64Gb (iOS 6.1.3) owner since 2012/10/03
Apple White iPhone5 32Gb (WIFE) owner since 2012/12/14