Customer Reviews

SIRIUS Sportster 4 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

Long story short - Nice radio and programming with horrible FM modulation. Don't buy this unless you're going to wire it directly to your car's antenna or radio.

I bought this device last October to listen to college football games during long road trips. It is my first introduction to satellite radio. I've got mixed feelings about the product.

First of all, the unit was fairly easy to get working. I plugged the power and satellite antenna, turned it on, and selected an open FM station in the unit's setup menu. It's pre-tuned to a test station (national weather). I got a clear signal from the satellite just leaving the antenna resting on the dashboard. I activated it online after a couple of tries (didn't have the unit powered up the first attempt).

However, the FM transmission from the unit to my car stereo was awful, borderline un-useable. Even after choosing a completely clear FM station, turning off the car, waving the unit around until I found a sweet-spot, and crossing my fingers, there was always noticeable and very disruptive static interference. Based on what I've read, apparently the FM transmission strength for this unit way below previous models. I'm told the SP-TK2 model has a much stronger signal. I've not been able to determine whether or not that had anything to do with FCC regulations.

For my vehicle, I've overcame the FM transmitter shortcomings by connecting the unit directly to the Ai-net/Changer input on my Alpine radio and using the AUX function. This step eliminated all of the outside static interference and bypassed FM modulation completely. However, part of my attraction to this unit was the plug and play function. My friends and I have taken several road trips this year and I brought the Sirius unit with me. The cars we used did not have A/V inputs, so we had to make due with the lousy FM transmitter. We were able to fight through the static for the sports and talk radio stations, but music was un-listenable.

The unit itself is ok. It's easy to use and the screen has a lot of info. It keeps track of all the scores in sporting events, show and host for talk stations, and song/artist for music stations. It's awkward to mount though, because all of the wires plug into the back of the dock, not the bottom. You need clearance between the back of the unit and the mounting surface for these wires. My two options were to use an air conditioning vent clip or the windshield suction cup. I chose the vent because I didn't want the unit in the sunlight. At night, the unit is very bright. You can turn down the brightness of the screen, but the buttons are backlit with a piercing blue light that can't be adjusted. The rotary knob is especially bright. It looks like I have a big blue glow stick in my car at night.

The programming is pretty good. Sirius carries every NFL game, and nearly all the college football games, which is exactly what I was looking for. They also play a lot of the NBA and NHL games, but I've not paid much attention to them. They have three comedy stations, and several talk/news (including the BBC) radio and sports radio stations. On the other hand, all of their music stations do not meet my sound quality expectations. I have a decent aftermarket stereo, and the music stations sound worse than local FM. They're not terrible, but the difference between listening to a song on Sirius and on a CD is jarring. That said, they have a fair amount of genres represented. You'll hear songs on Sirius that you'll never hear on your local radio.

I've had limited customer service interaction, but it's been all bad. I chose the three month program to start off with. Sirius doesn't give you a very detailed invoice on the billing screen. It simply shows Subscription charge, Activation Fee, and Taxes. The Subscription charge on the invoice did not match what plan stated it should be, it was about $1 more. The Activation Fee was what I expected. However, Taxes came out to the 15% of the sum of Subscription plus Activation. There's not a state in the US that has a 15% sales tax rate. I called them to find out why it was so high. The lady on the phone had no idea what I was talking about. First she tried to explain why there was a charge for activation. It took quite a few minutes to get it across that my question was about the taxes, not the activation fee. Next, she tried to tell me that the tax rate was based on the Houston rate where she was located. The sales tax in Houston is 8.25%, not 15%. And besides, you are supposed to be taxed based on your local rates, not the location of the service center. After trying to get this point across (another 5 minutes) she went to speak to a manager. She came back and offered me a $15 dollar credit for the activation fee, without ever answering my question. I was tired of the conversation, so I took the credit and hung up. I'll try again to get an answer out of them when my three months are up.

All in all, the unit has sort of worked out for me. It works fine in my car, but travels poorly. I can listen to all the sports I want, but the music sound quality leaves much to be desired. It was easy to hook up, but looks silly just clipped onto my air-vent. If all of the short-comings I've described were addressed I'd be very happy with it.

**Update 12/19/2006**
Warning: The unit is dying on me less than three months after I purchased it. Sometime after around 10 minutes of use, the receiver will become locked into "acquiring signal" mode regardless of actual signal strength. Turning the unit off and then on again fixes it, sometimes. I've researched this issue online and apparently it's becoming a common problem. The recommended fix from Sirius is to either re-activate the receiver on-line or return it for a new unit. If I could, I'd knock another star off this review.

**Second Update** I eventually got SIRIUS to send me a replacement head-unit, free of charge. The second radio works just fine. However, I had to ship the original radio back to the manufacturer. A word of warning: if you ship something to Sirius, keep your tracking number. They tried to tell me that they never received my original radio and charged me for the second. I got on the phone and used the UPS website to tell them who in their warehouse signed for the package. The charge was later reversed.

SPORTSTER 4 (SP4TK1) VS. SPORTSTER REPLAY (SPTK2)
The main difference between the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) and the Sportster Replay (sptk2) is the sp4tk1 is slimmer and sleeker and the vehicle dock/cradle has an auxiliary input for an MP3 player or other device to transmit over the FM transmitter to your car radio. A major change is the sp4tk1 is now FCC compliant and will not emit FM transmissions as powerfully as the sptk2. While you will no longer broadcast to nearby drivers tuned to the same FM frequency as you, you are almost guaranteed to have major interference on your radio. Thus, it is critical that you install an FM modulator relay switch with the sp4tk1, unless your radio has an auxiliary input and you do not plan on listening to AM or FM radio. The sp4tk1 car dock now wires directly to its back. Thus, it will not lay flat against a surface without some modification to your dashboard for a clean look. The sp4tk1 now operates on 5 volts versus 12 V for the sptk2. Thus, it does not heat up like older Sirius receivers have been notorious for. The sp4tk1 is not compatible with the old sptk2 cradles or boom box. The sp4tk1 has fewer buttons also. There are no loss of functions as some buttons are now dual use or multifunctional. This is my first experience with satellite radio so I cannot be certain about my comparisons between receivers. Apparently, the old Starmates (st2) could only tune their FM transmitters to about 30 FM frequencies. The sptk2 could broadcast to 100 frequencies. I believe the sp4tk1 is the same as the sptk2 in this respect. It has been claimed the new sp4tk1 cannot tune below 88.1 FM but I believe 87.9 and 87.7 are the only stations available below 88.1. Also, the sp4tk1 can save up to 30 song titles, artist names, or sports teams. This memory is saved even after powering off the units. I'm not sure if this is an upgrade over the sptk2. I believe it is the same as the sptk2 in this regard.

FACT OR FICTION?
It has been rumored that all the new Sportsters, Streamers, and Starmates (st2) will be compatible and interchangeable with each other's vehicle and home docks. Some web sites are claiming the Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) has a built in FM modulator relay switch. This is not true. There are also rumors that there will be a Sportster 3 that will not have the replay function. Thus, it will be cheaper than the sp4tk1, which does have the replay option. The sp4tk1 stays true to the old replay receivers by deleting the 44 minutes of stored audio when you change the channel, turn it off, or turn off your car. There may also be a Sportster 2 which will have an amber display screen which will also be less expensive but this is doubtful. The sp4tk1 is only available in the blue black display screen. It is also suspected that the sp4tk1 has some new unique interior software that enables some new function or compatibility with some as yet unknown device or technology. This would persuade long time Sirius subscribers to purchase new receivers or perhaps for those of us with the sp4tk1 to buy some new secondary device with our hard earned cash. Perhaps as Sirius releases sp4tk1 accessories and other new receivers this will become apparent. Some people say the new "chip set" may allow the new receivers to pick up more stations like some new Canadian stations currently. This may be due to differences in broadband bandwidth signals or bit rates. Another possible software update may be the designation of Howard 100 and 101 in their own category. As of this posting, the sp4tk1 is only in limited release with no accessories available. Sirius has not begun an aggressive ad campaign touting the sp4tk1's bells and whistles.

WISHFUL THINKING
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is still a true plug and play (PNP) device versus the old starmates (st2) which were not true PNP because they wired to the docks. However, the receiver remains a tight fit to the dock. It would be wonderful if it docked and undocked as smoothly as an anti-theft car stereo detachable face plate. The geniuses that designed this unit couldn't have made it anymore awkward if they had tried. It is a tight fit to the dock and there is no place to grip the receiver to easily undock it. It requires two hands. One to grip the receiver and the other to grip the dock. The home dock (suph1) is currently unreleased as of this posting. The old st2 home dock had a line out for direct connection to your home stereo or PC to avoid having to use the FM transmitter mode, which is susceptible to interference by local FM radio stations. The sptk2 home dock only allowed FM transmission. It is hoped the suph1 will have the line out option. The sp4tk1 uses the dot ultra low profile antennae which is notorious for weather corrosion, or just defective units, after 5 months with the Sportster Replay (sptk2). It is hoped Sirius has corrected this problem but it seems unlikely as they probably have tons of these things in inventory. All of Sirius' old receivers are notorious for push button burn outs and just plain defective radios. If this is attributed to the high operating temperature of the old units, perhaps the lower 5 V vs. 12 V operating voltage will reduce these problems. The sp4tk1 should come with a hard case for transport to protect its liquid crystal display (LCD). Ever pressed too hard on your watch or calculator's screen? A PNP device should be expected to be carried in backpacks and purses between cars and houses and it is almost an "absolute metaphysical certitude" that it will be dropped, crushed, or cracked.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Sirius is notorious for poor customer service. Sirius subscribers should be aware of the tinny sound of talk radio due to signal wavelength compression broadcast by the orbiting satellites and received and converted to FM by your receiver. If it is digital "CD quality" sound, it is digital "CD quality" sound of people with really tinny voices. Sirius does cut out under bridges, tunnels, and the rare tree when you are out of the line of sight of the satellites in outer space. If you are near a ground based repeater signal relay/amplifier station, you may have slightly better luck, but this is rare. Your receiver is activated when you subscribe by phone or go online and provide your receiver's unique serial identification (SID) number. Sirius then briefly emits a signal for about an hour over it's satellites that will "unlock" your specific receiver. You must pay an "activation fee" to accomplish this. Sirius will continue to charge your credit card even after your subscription ends along with "subscription fees," unless you specifically "unsubscribe." If your receiver is stolen and you notify Sirius, they will de-activate your receiver for two months. After 2 months, the thief can subscribe using your receiver and unique SID. Thus, Sirius condones a black market of stolen receivers due to their policies of corporate greed and unethical business practices. If you end your subscription or stop paying, it is highly speculative how Sirius deactivates your receiver. It is thought that they broadcast a continuous deactivation signal that is specific to your receiver's SID for 2 months, probably the same if your unit is stolen. It is also speculated that every month a continuous universal signal is broadcast that upgrades the encryption codes (or signal converter code or signal decryption key) to all receivers everywhere. If you miss two upgrades in a row over two months, your receiver is no longer able to convert the signal. If you were simply out of town, when you call Sirius to complain they will check your account status and confirm your payment history is current and briefly broadcast a new activation code specific to your receivers SID for one hour. If you are a thief, they will ask you to subscribe. Thus, if you are a thief or are late with a payment, they will broadcast a specific deactivation code to your receiver's SID for two months. If you try to tune in illegally inside these two months your receiver will be deactivated. If you avoid this deactivation signal for two months, you have missed the last two universal signal conversion updates and your receiver can no longer decode the signal. This is all highly speculative. It is thought that Sirius keeps this aspect secret to avoid individuals from tuning in illegally with pirate receivers much like is done in the cable television industry. It is only a matter of time before industrial Americans with the right know how begin producing pirate units, if they haven't already. Another word of advice concerns the "lifetime" subscription. It is only valid for 4 progressive receivers. The first at purchase price plus a $15 activation fee, the next 3 at purchase price plus $75 "subscription transfer" fees. If you are lucky enough to get four defective receivers in a row, your "lifetime" subscription is terminated. You may upgrade from your original receiver three times, but for the fifth receiver you would have to begin a "new" subscription plan. It would also be wise to purchase an extended warranty plan beyond Sirius' 1 year warranty which does not cover the antennae.

MY INSTALLATION
I own a '91 Chevy S10 pickup with no moon roof or rear window cargo access. I used a professional installation service for $80. The magnetic antennae is very susceptible to vandalism. My antennae is centered on the roof of my truck's cab next to the windshield. The adhesive wire cover included with the receiver was unusable as it is straight and my truck cab slopes down to the windshield. Even the magnetic antennae does not sit flush on this curve. The rubber molding around my windshield is rock hard from 15 years of sun rot and it was a risky venture getting the antennae wire inside it. There is a Sirius mounting bracket available from Pro Fit International made for the '87 to '93 S10. However, I had some blanks in my dash above the lighting controls and had my sp4tk1 mounted there. Of course, I also purchased the FM modulator relay switch. Also, the sp4tk1 docks in a straight down motion and undocks straight up. Thus, you need a half inch clearance directly above the dock. There is also a lock/unlock sliding knob and notch behind the right side of the dock that locks the sp4tk1 in the cradle. Thus, you need a space for your finger behind the dock and to the right for your finger if you desire to use this feature. I also had it hard wired to my truck to avoid using the cigarette lighter power adaptor.

CONCLUSION
The Sportster 4 (sp4tk1) is a slight improvement over the Sportster Replay (sptk2). The sp4tk1 is slimmer, sleeker, operates at a lower temperature, and has an auxiliary input in the dock. However, it's FM broadcaster is much weaker than the old receivers. It is practically a necessity to buy and install an FM modulator relay switch and Sirius really should include one in the vehicle installation kit, but they don't. I have been on the fence about Sirius for 7 months. I have been without Howard Stern and Ba ba booey from Jan '06 to July '06. With the resolution of the CBS lawsuit and Howard now being in possession of his past 20 years of shows, interviews, and sound clips now unedited I have finally been convinced to jump in the satellite game despite all it's shortcomings. If that doesn't validate the "Stern Effect," I don't know what does. Sportster 4?...nah. How 'bout the Sternster 4? But, he would never sell out like that. After 7 months without Stern, it was good to hear their voices again. FIRE!

Eager to get it, I finally ordered the new Sportster 4 online. It didn't take long for me to be profoundly disappointed in the unit.

The problem is with the Sportster's FM converter: It's essentially worthless. I was unable to find a single frequency that wasn't subject to some sort of interference. Even the frequencies I use with the Starmate Replay were picking up static and/or bursts of music from elsewhere. In fact, at the lower end of the FM spectrum (the 88's and 89's) I got nothing. Zip. Nada. Even on the completely blank frequencies there was just nothing there. Finally around the 90.1 range you would be able to make out whichever channel you were trying to listen to. The upper frequencies were "listenable," provided you were willing to put up with the interference.

I finally decided to hook up the old Starmate again and put the units through a head-to-head competition. I set both receivers to the same FM frequency and the Starmate consistently overpowered the FM transmitter from the Sportster. I've actually tried the same experiment before, between the Starmate and an XM unit, and the result should be one signal or another getting through, but with a lot of interference. The bottom line is that the Sportster's FM converter is weak almost to the point of being non-existent.

I don't know what effect using a direct connect FM modulator would have on this shortcoming.

The second problem is that the power and antenna cables connect directly to the back of the cradle, NOT the sides. The end result is that the back of the radio is no longer a smooth surface, and you can no longer simply velcro the unit to the dashboard. It does come with that annoying standard-issue suction cup mount or a vent mount. I'm not a big fan of either mounting method, however.

On the plus side: If you are able to playback with either a cassette adapter or a direct connect cable, you will like the Sportster 4. It's a beautifully sleek looking unit and the various controls are laid out well. The blue backlight is just a bit weak during the day, but unobtrusive at night.

Buying additional cradles--whether for the house or other cars--makes moving the radio from one location to another a snap since you don't have to deal with connecting and disconnecting various cables.

Does what it says... Howard Stern comes in nice and clear now! :-)

I agree that the FM transmitter is a bit weak. Of course, using the FM transmitter has other problems as well since you need to keep finding channels that don't get any interference as you drive around. Solution? Do yourself a favor... if your car does not have an AUX IN port (obviously it does not if you are using the FM transmitter feature)... USE AN FM MODULATOR. I purchased a wired FM modulator, a GLI (ground loop interrupt) and the required cables (including some special antenna adaptor cables for a Subaru) for about $75. I spent about 3 hours installing it... an now I have a mini-jack connection to my radio... no more interference from any radio station... crystal clear connection... and the bonus is that I can plug my iPod into it as well!

Google up "scoshe FM modulator" and you will get the idea.

Whe they say in the description, "includes a built-in FM transmitter that sends Sirius radio programming to your vehicle's FM tuner, so you don't have to make a direct connection to enjoy the full array of channels." This is not true. You must attached the included wire (FM EXTENDER) to your windshield to help broadcast the FM signal to your antenna. Then you will get a signal so weak, that at times, it is un-listenable. They also say, "This function also works with other FM tuners, such as the one on your home stereo," Not True! there is no signal to speak of without the FM extender (antenna) wire that comes with the car kit.
If you want to use this with your radio you must BUY an additional adapter for $20+ to wire the unit to your cars anntenna system directly or hook the unit up directly to your Audio inputs.

This should not be advertised as wireless FM it takes wires hooked to the unit and run through your vehicle. Either the FM extender (A broadcast antenna) included, or adition products to purchase.

Most people that have the older units can use the Fm transmitter so that you can listen to Sirius through any radio. The new ones have turned down the transmitting power so low that it will not even work in a car unless you buy an FM signal booster of some kind. I bought a new one and just thought it was faulty. I got it replaced only to find out Sirius has turned the fm signal down so low it won't even work in the car and does not even come with the fm out wire like my old one did. Unless you can settle for a direct hook up to just one radio in house or your car radio has an aux. hook up save your money

I bought one for myself and one for my son. No problems as of now.
If you plan on using it without a cassette tape adapter or a direct plug in from your car radio to the Sirius radio receiver you will most likely experience static and signal feed over from from nearby FM stations on your car radio. I'm lucky, my Ford Explorer (2000) radio also has a cassette player built in it, this totally eliminates any static or fading of signal between the Sirius radio and my car radio. For best reception mount the antenna on the exterior of your vehicle, don't try to lay it up on the dash near the bottom of the windshield.... doesn't work very well. The radio is easy to use and the small remote makes changing the channels, etc., easy, which is very useful and lessens the time you have to take your eyes off of the road. The 44 minute play back feature is a good bonus also. The large display and lettering makes it easy to read. If you plan to remove the radio from the mounting bracket everyday, it fits a little tight, but it isn't difficult to remove. Guess it is better to be snug than to have it fly off when you hit a bump or something. Overall, I'm completely satisified with this radio.

My first unit was stolen at a car service place. I upgraded to this new one and transferred the account.

The sportster had such low FM signal that it was worthless -- I had to use a tape converter.

The unit broke in two months. You have to go to the Warranty People. Nobody knows anything, and they need proof of purchase to get the SID if you have changed your radio before they will talk to you. Nevermind that they have activated that SID already. So I faxed this to them and they never called back, as they promised to do.

They charge you for the service while the unit is broken until you have proven your purchase, and say that you have to pay a termination fee to shut it off. Convenient.

And unbelievable. Read through all of the massive criticism in these reviews of their customer service and keep in mind that you will likely fall into this trap, too.

Regardless of the mixed reviews, I love my Starmate4. I was looking for a small unit to put in my vehicle and later expand for home use. And not break the bank.

The FM transmitter in mine works fine. The FCC restricts the transmitters. After winter, I'll probably use my aux port or an FM modulator for the best sound. I'll also hardwire it into the car to free up a lighter outlet (and wires). I suspect FM transmitters are sensative to car electronics, antenna (sp) location, and how dense the FM market is in an area.

The unit itself is super easy to use -- a must when driving. The buttons are few and easily accessible. It should be even easier when I get around to buying a battery for the remote. The mounting system also works very well. I have mine mounted on the windshield. However, you can mount it to an air duct. But I haven't figured out how those gadgets work.

I've had no signal problems, except when I pump gas under an overhang. Duh. And, the unit buffers the signal, so if you go under a bridge or the sat is blocked, you have some grace period.

There's also Pause/Rewind/Fast Forward features. Very handy when I miss the weather. You can rewind several seconds (not sure the max rewind) and re-listen to what you missed.

Oh, forgot the 30 pre-sets. Nice feature. The next model down had only 10 presets. Worth the few extra bucks.

The programming is awesome. Like full cable TV for your radio. I feel free! Free from commerical standard radio!

I HAVE HAD THIS RADIO INSTALLED IN MY CAR FOR A WEEK NOW WITH NO PROBLEMS. I OWN A 2007 CAMRY AND HAD THE TECH AT CIRCUIT CITY RUN THE WIRE TO THE MP3 AUX. PLUG-IN DEVICE THAT THE NEW CAMRY HAS. I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES AT ALL. I JUST PUSH THE AUX BUTTON ON THE RADIO TO GO TO SIRIUS, AND HIT FM IF I WANT TO SWITCH TO REGULAR RADIO BROADCASTS. USE YOUR RADIO IN YOUR CAR TO PICK UP FM CHANNELS, NOT THIS RADIO.