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XStar Portable Sirius Pack - $50 - Click HERE to go to the original thread with graphics

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XStar Portable Sirius Pack - $50 - Click HERE to go to the original thread with graphics

Mutt

I received an XStar Portable Sirius Pack a couple weeks ago and finally got a chance to try it out today. Basically it's a battery pack that will power most Sirius radios allowing you to take it with you like a walkman. The unit sells for $50 so even with the cost of a radio, it's still way cheaper than buying the portable units currently available.

Check out my review inside

Mutt

It's very simple and works as explained at the XStar ebay store . It came with a small leather bag, three battery packs, one circuit board, and two power cables. One cable fits the Sirius radios and the other fits the XM radios. An instruction sheet was included which explained which of the three battery packs should be used with your radio. I picked all the correct components and snapped them together. A handful of batteries later and my Xact Visor radio was powered up. I used the standard car antenna and the radio works just like it does in the car. I plugged a set of headphones into it was was able to listen without any problems. It was a little quiet though. When I went to turn it up i realized that my radio doesn't have a volume knob. I checked the instructions that came with the XStar and it turns out that my radio is one of the few that doesn't have volume control. I suggest that you make sure your radio has one if you get this batter pack. most of the other small ones do.

The leather bag that comes with the package was too small to fit everything. I thought the Visor was small, but by the time I plugged everything in it was too long for the bag. For now I'm rigging it to the outside of the bag using the sun visor clip. I just went out on the deck and it worked fine.

It sure looks like something you could slap together yourself after a quick trip to Radio Shack, but Steve explained that the circuit board that he's designed is vital and protects the radio. Without it you could damage your radio as the batteries die. He was also very clear that you need to be sure to use the correct battery pack for your unit. My unit required the 6 AA pack. For now I'm using regular Energizer batteries. In the future I'm probably use rechargeable batteries.

I have a old fag bag at home that will work perfectly and fit everything. I'll stick it in there in the morning and give the thing a workout. I'll be using it while out tomorrow running errands and I'll play it until the batteries die. I'll post how long it lasted and let you know what kind of results I get. It's expected to run for 4-5 hours.

Mutt

If you've shopped for Sirius radios, you'll already know that each one is drastically different than the next. They come in all shapes and sizes so even though this is a one size fits all solution, it may take a little customizing to get your particular unit rigged into place. The important thing is all the parts are here. It's a build your own walkman kit. :)

If you don't want to mess with customizing it, Steve sells a package for around $100 that fit his bag perfectly. It comes with a Sirius radio, rechargeable batteries, a quick charger, and a small antenna.

I did my best to make i work with the included bag. I decided to cut a hole in the included bag for a custom fit and it bought me a little room. Though the 30' of antenna cord didn't fit inside the bag, it's good enough. If I had the mini antenna, the thing wouldn't look so rig-er-rated. I know Steve offers it with the XStar Pro, but I don't know where to get it by itself. I slipped the channel selector through the hole I made in the bottom so flipping through channels would be easier. The power cable was still a little too tall to zip the bag shut unfortunately but I think I can force it. It would have been perfect if it was a right angle power cord like the antenna cord.

Here's the finished walkman. It's a pretty small package. I'll be sure to bring it on the 16th to see how it handles the city.

Mutt

The XStar dude sent me the little antenna and what a difference it made. not only is the antenna itself smaller, but theres only 18" of cable instead of 30'. It sure makes for a smaller package.

He sells the XStar with the Streamer GT radio and it's a good fit. The radio is tiny but has a big screen and easy to use controls. Most importantly, it has volume controls. Using the XStar with the Streamer GT worked very well.

Here's a pic of the streamer in the XStar. I was able to zip the bag up with no problems. It's also shown here with a XTR2. It also handled real well and fit in the small package.

If you have a small Sirius unit that has volume controls, this is a nice accessory.

They now have an S50 XStar too. It allows you to use the XStar the way you thought it would work, on the go.

here are some more pics of the streamer gt & the XStar

JoeyBoots

saving this space just in case. :kw:

Dr. Fong

What I don't get is if it's this friggin easy why doesn't Sirius put something like this out?

anthonycomedian

with the XStar thing, you still have to use your car antenna with it and to get portable like people want it, you have to rely more on terrestrial repeaters instead of direct signal from the satellite

TJGOnee

interesting...

TJGOnee

i bought the 12v adaptor for $10 at radioshack to use with my XACT Visor Sirius, but that leaves me basically FUCKED when i leave my house, other than my car... next week i'll have a radio to listen at the last show, but beyond that, i'd like to be able to troop around with MY sirius receiver, without having to carry LUGGAGE and crazy adaptors... ya know? this thing doesn't sound too nuts, but still wish there was something smaller and kind of official... nice post though Mutt

B_Lawless

Depending on Mutt's next review, I'll be getting one...The repeaters in Chicago Kick Ass!

anthonycomedian

I was reading some posts on Sirius Backstage where a guy said that he made one of his own for like $10. He said that with 4 batteries that it lasted around 4 hrs

http://www.siriusbackstage.com/foru...83184996b70aa50

B_Lawless

Another thing, if this gadget works, rechargable batteries will be necessary....I can't imagine AA batteries will last long on my powerhungry Starmate replay, even with the display settings set at it's lowest.

Jonclod

Quote: Originally posted by B_Lawless
Another thing, if this gadget works, rechargable batteries will be necessary....I can't imagine AA batteries will last long on my powerhungry Starmate replay, even with the display settings set at it's lowest.

Someone needs to invent a solar power pack that you can wear on your head like a baseball cap.

Modane

if the auction that I'm bidding on currently doesn't work out for me then I'll probably get one of these sets if they ship to Canada.

TJGOnee

BLAME CANADA! BLAME CANADA!!... sorry. had to do it

Mutt

just added some pics of the assmebled unit

anthonycomedian, the dude said he made it for $25 but he doens't have any kind of overload protection. would suck to fry the radio.

anthonycomedian

Yeah, I read that stuff and wouldn't want to screw up my radio.. I wanna know how this thing works because it would be a good accessory to have

Goldbadge

I think it bears mentioning that we are in the infancy of designs when it comes to Sirius hardware. There are much better products to come in the pipeline, and I think going forward in the next 18-24 months you will see much more compact and improved receivers. Unless you really need it, I'd recommend just waiting. Portable equipment will be designed and sold just give it time.
"G"

anthonycomedian

Sirius announced that in the middle of next year they'll be coming out with a new S50 that's truely portable

siriusman

Great review Mutt! Thanks.
We are shipping to Canada.
Prior message mentioned ground repeaters...yes, that's the best reception of course, but, as long as you have the antenna with a decent shot at the sky in the direction of the satellite (per Sirius radio's instructions), portable use where no ground signal is available works great.
Rechargeable AA's are best way to go for regular use. But throw away batts work too...great as a backup, etc.
Starmate Replay runs 5 hrs on rechargeable AA's, longer with lithium disposeables.
And, coming very soon....XSTAR and S50. Prototype works, so on to sourcing parts and testing final on that one.

have a great day!

HowardsDiarrhea

I bet some Rechargeable NIMH would be very good for that.

Alkaline batteries are horrible for that situation.

TLD

Quote: Originally posted by siriusman
Great review Mutt! Thanks.
We are shipping to Canada.
Prior message mentioned ground repeaters...yes, that's the best reception of course, but, as long as you have the antenna with a decent shot at the sky in the direction of the satellite (per Sirius radio's instructions), portable use where no ground signal is available works great.
Rechargeable AA's are best way to go for regular use. But throw away batts work too...great as a backup, etc.
Starmate Replay runs 5 hrs on rechargeable AA's, longer with lithium disposeables.
And, coming very soon....XSTAR and S50. Prototype works, so on to sourcing parts and testing final on that one.

have a great day!

Thanks for making such a cool product.

The Brandon

Quote: Originally posted by TLD
Thanks for making such a cool product. Will it work with the Starmate Replay?

No. He just told you how long the Starmate Replay works with the device using batteries for shits and giggles.

TLD

Quote: Originally posted by The Brandon
No. He just told you how long the Starmate Replay works with the device using batteries for shits and giggles.

didnt see the replay part assmunch

The Brandon

So learn to read, asshat.

jplaya

hahaha asshat

Palm Harbor

No Stern Available on your PC or Mac! i called up Sirius and they told me that a customer can listen to music streaming at the Sirius site BUT NOT LISTEN TO STERN OR OTHERS streaming.
This means U have to sit in the car for three hours or buy two units one for the car and one for the office or home. This is unreasonable. The Stern on Demand is actually a better deal as its $10 a month and on equipment to buy and it can be recorded....plus no commercials...there will be commercials on Sirius plus the $13 a month plus an activation charge.

TLD

Quote: Originally posted by Palm Harbor
No Stern Available on your PC or Mac! i called up Sirius and they told me that a customer can listen to music streaming at the Sirius site BUT NOT LISTEN TO STERN OR OTHERS streaming.
This means U have to sit in the car for three hours or buy two units one for the car and one for the office or home. This is unreasonable. The Stern on Demand is actually a better deal as its $10 a month and on equipment to buy and it can be recorded....plus no commercials...there will be commercials on Sirius plus the $13 a month plus an activation charge.

oh my what is I gonna do?

realmeandog

Waaaaaa, you cannot listen on the computer waaaaaaa you have to buy two units waaaaaaa its unreasonable; on demand isn't live dude.
Do a little research into the units, the Starmate is so small and portable and has a modulator built-in all you need is an extra antenna and a 12v power supply and your golden anywhere you go, if you can get your antenna up and into the signal.

Joseph77

This is the exact review I was waiting for. Thanks! :cool:

Arties Dead Dad

Quote: Originally posted by Jonclod
Someone needs to invent a solar power pack that you can wear on your head like a baseball cap.

Voltaic Solar Daypack

Siri

Is there any concern with "burning out" the Sirius unit? I know from buying the cig lighter adaptor for the car I had to match a whole bunch of stuff up including how many amps or watts (some power unit) was needed in order to power the unit. I also needed a specific plug for the unit so as not to hook a negative into a positive connection, etc. There was a bit of research involved. What I was told is that if I didn't use the right stuff my unit would be fine for a while but at some point would "fry" and stop functioning.

mac725

I was rushing over here to post a link to this when I saw your post Mutt, I am interested to see how it works.

Thanks

blue2noise

One dude mentioned using a camcorder battery, which is a great idea. Maybe a baseball cap with the little magnetic antenna screwed in would be cool too.

Either that or it could be asking for some kick-ass brain cancer.

Mutt

I just received an XStar Pro in the mail. It comes with a smaller Sirius radio and a small antennae. It really sounds like the way to go. As soon as I can try it out, I'll post an update.

I'm bringing the pro to NYC for sure.

TLD

I can't wait to get one of these. I'll be able to hear the show for most of my commute in the morning now. I take a bus for an hour every day. There's exellent repeater coverage here in Toronto.

Chuckles19

I work in a factory, and have always listened with a Walkman. I dont think I will be able to listen anymore, as there is no satellite version of a Walkman out yet. I hope that he will replay his show throughout the day, so that I can listen when I get home from work, and leave my tv off!

toddstrapac

is the

XSTAR PRO system w/Sirius radio, charger, micro antenna

kit on ebay EVERYTHING except the subscription i need to listen to sirius live with headphones wireless?

thanks

-todd

Dannyb1027

Quote: Originally posted by blue2noise
One dude mentioned using a camcorder battery, which is a great idea. Maybe a baseball cap with the little magnetic antenna screwed in would be cool too.

Either that or it could be asking for some kick-ass brain cancer.

I made one of these setups using the 7.2v camcorder battery
and it worked great

I placed the antenna on my shoulder under my jacket and took a long walk (12 blocks) making sure i turned corners to test the direction of the signal.

It did not drop out once (HOOOLLY GEEEZUUSS)

using the starmate replay you should turn down the display
light to get the best battery life from this unit

the sound level is just right (not too loud or too low)

im going to try 1 of my kids r/c car batteries for longer run time

will let you know

siriusman

Ok, here's the answers...
We offer the following:

basic XSTAR: everything you need to make your Sirius radio (using the standard antenna that comes with your radio) portable to listen to Sirius LIVE!!

XSTAR PLUS: basic XSTAR, AND...small micro antenna

XSTAR PRO : basic XSTAR, AND..rapid battery charger, 8 rechargeable AA batteries, and a small micro antenna

XSTAR PRO (as above) with Sirius Radio (Streamer GT, which is same as Starmate and the XACT XTR7.

Check us out at our ebay store www.xstar4xmsirius.com

currently, pricing start at $49.95 for the basic XSTAR. With Sirius rebates for buying radios, you can get a $30 mail in rebate if you buy our XSTAR PRO that includes the radio.

Hope this info is helpful. Any questions, just contact me. Easiest way is via our ebay listings and ebay store ("ask seller a question" feature)

siriusman

Oh, forgot to address earlier question about burning out the radio. With XSTAR power module which is the core of the system, it handles all of the power control, so no problems with the radio. I've done all the design and circuitry so you don't burn out your radio! And, the reason we didn't go with camcorder batteries, etc, was to give very quick recharge time with AA batteries and probably more important, give users a way of just throwing in common disposable AA batteries when they can't recharge. So, when the system is about ready to power down and you're at the beach, you just get some AA's at a convenience store. Super easy and convenient.

toddstrapac

Quote: Originally posted by siriusman
Ok, here's the answers...
We offer the following:

basic XSTAR: everything you need to make your Sirius radio (using the standard antenna that comes with your radio) portable to listen to Sirius LIVE!!

XSTAR PLUS: basic XSTAR, AND...small micro antenna

XSTAR PRO : basic XSTAR, AND..rapid battery charger, 8 rechargeable AA batteries, and a small micro antenna

XSTAR PRO (as above) with Sirius Radio (Streamer GT, which is same as Starmate and the XACT XTR7.

Check us out at our ebay store www.xstar4xmsirius.com

currently, pricing start at $49.95 for the basic XSTAR. With Sirius rebates for buying radios, you can get a $30 mail in rebate if you buy our XSTAR PRO that includes the radio.

Hope this info is helpful. Any questions, just contact me. Easiest way is via our ebay listings and ebay store ("ask seller a question" feature)

i see a purchase in the future for me.....

thanks!

-todd

Dannyb1027

AAAHHHHHH didn't think about

what kind of play time are you getting from the AA batteries

I did a cold run with no antenna and no headphones
and got 3 1/2 hrs

but with everything running i am only getting 1 1/2 hr

witch makes sence because with everything running
it takes power to drive the speakers in the headphones.

siriusman

You're only getting that kind of low run time with a cam corder battery probably because it doesn't have enough amp hours (charge). It doesn't have the juice. Just because it has the voltage to power it up, it doesn't have the power to run long. For example, a standard 9 volt battery (those rectangular ones with the snap connectors on top) will power up a Starmate. But, it will only run for around 2 minutes before all the power is drained from the battery...it has only around 150 amp hours. Not even close to provide enough power for operation over time. And, the 9v battery will become so hot, you can't hold it because of the very rapid drain. Not good.

That's why I developed XSTAR....to provide the power, convenience, light weight, quick recharge time, or, use of plain old throw away AA batteries. And, with power control via our xstar power module, included with all our packages, to protect the radio. These plug and play satellite radios were NOT designed to run on batteries..that's why you really need to regulate the power...which XSTAR does! All these sat radios were designed to run on a constant voltage (via your car or home electrical outlet), not declining voltage which batteries provide as they discharge. Electronic equipment that is designed to run on a battery, like cell phones, iPOD, CD players, etc, all have circuitry to deal with declining battery voltage, etc. And, so does XSTAR system for satellite radio.

Hope this answers your question.

steve

TonyBones

Quote: Originally posted by siriusman

Rechargeable AA's are best way to go for regular use. But throw away batts work too...great as a backup, etc.
Starmate Replay runs 5 hrs on rechargeable AA's, longer with lithium disposeables.
And, coming very soon....XSTAR and S50. Prototype works, so on to sourcing parts and testing final on that one.

have a great day!

I'm very interested in what you'll do with the S50, since my S50 only draws 5v, and my sportster draws a whopping 12v...

If you need a tester for the S50kit... ;)

Billy_West

Lately I've been using Lithium-Polymer batteries to power all of my portable electronics. Specifically, I've been rigging up my ~2 ounce R/C airplane batteries to my wonderful little gadgets. They require a special charger and they have this nasty habit of bursting into flames if the pack becomes damaged, but if any of you pricks are handy with a soldering iron and simple circuit design it's a great way to go.

http://www.plantraco.com/hobbies/product-lpcells.html

msopell

yo mutt, let us know how it works in the city - - - i want to be up running and portable come the first show.

siriusman

Quote: Originally posted by TonyBones
I'm very interested in what you'll do with the S50, since my S50 only draws 5v, and my sportster draws a whopping 12v...

If you need a tester for the S50kit... ;)

Thanks for the offer...I would love to have a few guys test it. Will probably be ready for that in January.

My two sons and some of their friends will be at the big event on Friday morning with XSTAR. But..weather is looking pretty bad and a subway strike looming as well. Could be a tough one out there.

Antimatter1958

http://online.wsj.com/public/articl....html?mod=blogs

GrimeyMexican

Does anyone know if the show is going to be replayed on the West Coast? and will it be on Howard101? Sirius hasn't given me a straight answer. Also are they going to replay the show throughout the day for those of us who can't listen at work because they won't stream the show? If anyone knows the answers can you please post them, thanks!

col_tibbetts

Quote: Originally posted by Billy_West
Lately I've been using Lithium-Polymer batteries to power all of my portable electronics. Specifically, I've been rigging up my ~2 ounce R/C airplane batteries to my wonderful little gadgets. They require a special charger and they have this nasty habit of bursting into flames if the pack becomes damaged, but if any of you pricks are handy with a soldering iron and simple circuit design it's a great way to go.

http://www.plantraco.com/hobbies/product-lpcells.html

lol... i was gonna recommend the newer Li-Pos coming out for the RC world...

but then i was reminded of the dell and apple battery recalls...

might wanna check out the 3300 maH NiMH 7.2v RC CAR batt packs.

unfortunately for me, i was an early adaptor and still use a Gen2 of the audiovox receiver.

any long time usage will get the front faceplate so hot...

well, at least i got the boombox from wally-mart really cheap... :)

vivacaz71

Humm.....I don't know?

frankgrimes

Douche set up a sirius with your computer recording the show every morning.
Then rip the show onto a MP3 player(I recommend the rio karma) and listen to it at work or anywhere.
You might be one day behind but its a great system. Fast fowarding commercials is a breeze and also makes it easy to archive the shows if u wanna.

ThaddeusMaximus

Hey people. I can't remember which thread I read this in, but someone (about a month ago) mentioned a promotion code, or something, for Sirius. A code that could help someone get a discount.

My cousin is having a hard time financially and I've been trying to find the best "deal" he could possible get. I was thinking about getting the equipment for him, but he would not feel comfortable with me buying it for him.

If anyone knows what I'm talking about or knows about some other discounted package I would appriciate a response.

Thanks people. Any input would be MUCH appriciated!

VIVA LA STERN!!!

Chris
Brooklyn, NY

Acemills

The s-50 isn't a bad deal. It never loses satelite contact and it has the mp3 player in it, along with the car docking kit. So for 300 bucks you never need an ipod or another car radio. The homemade thing just seems like a shitload of stuff you gotta lug around with you, with the car antennae and everything.

msopell

maybe stupid question... can you order sirius for computer use?? do you still need a radio and if so which one? i cant wait! thanks, let me know

Acemills

If you have a Sirius subscription you can go to sirius.com and click on "listen now" where you will have to register your subscription info and be able to listen online. As of right now, Howards channel is not available online, but when I wrote them about that, they responded by saying that it was being worked on and should be online by his start date. Of course I wouldn't bet my house on that. The good thing is that you can minimize the page and listen while you work on other things

Ashley's Undies

I bought the XS028 Power Pod for use with the XTR1 Stream Jockey and I'm quite happy with it. The unit you describe seems very inelegant compared to the XS028. With the latter, there is no need for a wire, a cradle, or a separate antenna. A rechargeable battery comes with it. I'm getting a second one so I'll always have a charged one ready.

Acemills

That sounds awesome. Never heard of it. I'll check it out!

siriusman

Quote: Originally posted by Ashleys Undies
I bought the XS028 Power Pod for use with the XTR1 Stream Jockey and I'm quite happy with it. The unit you describe seems very inelegant compared to the XS028. With the latter, there is no need for a wire, a cradle, or a separate antenna. A rechargeable battery comes with it. I'm getting a second one so I'll always have a charged one ready.

The xs028 power pod is pretty decent, but it's heavier than xstar, bulkier, and doesn't run on AA batteries. So, recharge time is longer and listening time is less. Plus, we provide a micro antenna with our XSTAR PLUS or XSTAR PRO packages.
And with the power pod, you can't put the antenna on a window or other surface. That makes portable listening a problem on a train, plane, bus, etc. And, it's way more money than XSTAR.

DFWSternFan1975

Radio shack has a gift card of 50 dollars ...and can be used by a new subscriber or already subscriber

Ashley's Undies

Listening time for the XS028 is advertised at 3 hours, but most people report 4-5 hours. Recharge time is not too long, depending on how low it already is. I recharge it overnight, and as I said, I'm going to get an extra battery or unit so I'll always have one charged. It works well on the dashboard of the car with its built-in antenna. On the train that I take to work, it works very well, probably due to ground repeaters. In my office, it works fantastically. Also, with the 9-volt wall wart, I can plug it in and not drain the battery when I'm using it at work.

It is more expensive than your unit, retailing for $100, but you can get it for less. I'm not trying to knock your unit, but given that the XS028 has a built in cradle, built in antenna, and built-in battery, i.e. no wires - it's a far more elegant solution than your unit.

siriusman

Your points are valid, and I don't disagree that the power pod is more elegant in appearance. I guess each, power pod and xstar, have their advantages and disadvantages.

Actually, I'm really not competing with power pod head to head. Our major thrust is providing an inexpensive solution using the common AA battery that enables folks with any one of 20 radios to go portable (Sirius and XM), including those with xtr2 StreamJockeyII. Power pod can't do that, so we're happy with providing a universal solution for the thousands who already have radios that won't work with power pod and need a portable solution.

Good feedback. Like I said, you have valid points. Have a good day.

Lawnboy551@msn.

I have 2 JVC SR 2000 checking XStar my my radio was not listed. When the hell are they coming out with the new S50 so it is live portable. Why is XM ahead of Sirus.

siriusman

Quote: Originally posted by Lawnboy551@msn.
I have 2 JVC SR 2000 checking XStar my my radio was not listed. When the hell are they coming out with the new S50 so it is live portable. Why is XM ahead of Sirus.

XSTAR does support the JVC KT SR2000, and we just released XSTAR 50 for the S50 radio and are taking pre-sale orders now. The XSTAR for all 20 radios we support is shipping now, and the XSTAR 50 will ship within 30 days of order date.

I don't think XM is really ahead of Sirius. They have some nice radios (the ones made by Delphi), but the portable XM2go radios have many issues and suffer high return rates back to the retailers since they are very expensive, take a long time to recharge the battery, and the antenna system isn't great. If they were around $70 people would probably accept the limitations, but with prices around $150 -$200 and higher (some can be found around $130), people expect more and then return them.

thanks.

Dick Tater

thanks mutt..looks like a good alternative for cheap asses like me. good lookin out. ;)

Beet4President

i ordered this x-star plus thing and should be getting it today or tomorrow.

i will be using it with my XTR1 (stream jockey1) which i got a few days ago.

i live on LI and will be commuting on the LIRR for about an hour plus a 20 min walk thru midtown until i get to work.

to my fellow long island/city people what have your experiences been with sirius? what units do u have and do any of u have the x-star or power pod. please share your experiences good or bad

i will post details of how it works for me for all to see.

QuacknOff

Quote: Originally posted by Mutt
this space saved for tomorrows review

Has anyone actually tested this product. I'm sure it works fine when sitting (where there is a direct path to a satellite signal). But how does it work while walking, especially where there aren't any repeaters?

Ashley's Undies

Walking around - I have the XTR1 with Power Pod. In my neighborhood there are few, if any, repeaters. Walking around the signal is sporadic. There are a lot of big trees and they seem to block the signal. When I get into a clearing I get good reception, but it's touch and go where there are a lot of tall trees. I would expect that you'd get similar results with any Sirius radio no matter how it's powered, because the issue is antenna placement, not where the power is coming from.

Mutt

just added to my original writeup. I tested the XStar out with the Streamer GT and it worked really well.

Mutt

remember it only will work as well as your sirius reception. the radio hasn't changed. this is only a power pack. you either need to live in a city with repeaters or the antenea needs to be able to see the satellite.

Mutt

here's the streamer gt in the xstar. the small antena is made of XM but it works fine with my sirius radio

Mutt

here you can see the bag w/ the bat pack int he front pocket. volume controls are easy to get to

rickykurtz

Hi All,

On Jan 1 I purchased a pre-production product from Xstar for the S50 that turns the S50 into a portable Unit.

It comes with 2 types of powers units. One that uses AA and one that uses AAA batteries. It also comes with an antenna, a power regulator, a case, AA batteries, AAA batteries, a charging unit.

This setup allows you to use the S50 in a portable mode and receive Howard Stern live. I have used it on a plane while traveling on business. Just sit near a window and it usually works.

The system does not work 100% but it is the best system out there for listening to Howard while traveling on business and when you are not in the office or car.

Ricky IBM
rnkurtz@us.ibm.com
k4vms@comcast.net

Austinchota

Quote: Originally posted by Ashleys Undies
Walking around - I have the XTR1 with Power Pod.

I too use that for outdoor activities and even in my "weekend car" (that I don't want to spend another $50 on for a permanent mounting kit). It works great! Now to test it at the beach... :cool:

gz1

Hey Mutt,

Just wondering, does walking or even running affect the signal?
Is the antenna very sensitive to the movement of walking?

I generally get really good reception in my car using a StarMate Replay and it's flat little antenna. Just wondering if this setup would work for somebody jogging?

Avalanche

That is maybe $4 worth of parts, the batteries cost more than the unit itself. What a ripoff.

seaham358

So lets see you come up with something better.. Where are your plans ..
You talk the talk now lets see you walk the walk..

rickykurtz

It may not be perfect, but it works most of the time. The power regulator is needed to protect the radio from getting over voltage or over current. Also, the regulator (which is a microprocessor) makes the batteries last longer too.

I live in a rual area of southwest Florida, there are no repeater here, the S50 work most of the time. I purchased it to use while I am travling on business. Again, it works great on a plane.

Ricky
IBM

k4vms@comcast.net
rnkurtz@us.ibm.com

Avalanche

Quote: Originally posted by seaham358
So lets see you come up with something better.. Where are your plans ..
You talk the talk now lets see you walk the walk..

I can make that with my eyes closed, any high school graduate who paid attention in science class should be able to. "Principals of DC circuits 001"

siriusman

Hi. I'm the developer and manufacturer of xstar. It is very gratifying to hear how our product is helping people get the most out of their Sirius satellite radios, including the S50. I appreciate constructive criticism as well, because it helps me make the product better. Avalanche's point about $4 in parts would be correct if you simply took a battery holder and soldered a DC power plug of the right size. However, first, the only readily available retail version of the plug that fits that I've seen is Radio Shack adaptaplug, and they are not inexpensive. Second, that setup would provide zero circuit control or protection. And, third, you need to know how to solder and you also better get the polarity right. Bottom line....you can always roll your own for most products to save money. I could go to Home Depot and buy three lengths of 10 ft pipe, cut one of them in 2 ft sections, weld it all together and make a ladder for a total cost of around $15. But, I think I'd rather pay $100 for a quality, safety tested ladder, and not have to fire up the power tools. :)
Point is, we sell xstar at a fair price, typical of other accessory products in the satellite radio market. Much of the cost that is reflected in the price of xstar relates to the micro antenna and the battery charger and rechargeable batteries. So, even if you decided to homebrew the power pack, you'd still have to spend a bunch for the other items, because we buy them in bulk, but you would have to pay retail for each of those items. So, $4 comparision under any scenario isn't accurate. And, we're selling something that is not available anywhere else. There is no other aux power product that runs on common AA or AAA batteries to power more than 20 satellite radios for both Sirius and XM. XSTAR is unique, functional, and so far has been very well received by our customers. Check our feedback on ebay:
www.xstar4xmsirius.com

Have a good day!

peaseedoctor

I bought this product and it does not seem to power my Xact Xtra1. I have the POD also but wanted to see if this worked better with the antenna. I get a fair amount of drop out with the POD. Siriusman can you assist me.

siriusman

Yes, please contact me via ebay mail system (via our store: www.xstar4xmsirius.com). I'm assuming you are saying you have xstar. If you can't power the xtr1 with xstar, it is most likely related to new rechargeable AA batteries not being sufficiently charged. Best test is to use new regular disposable AA batteries. If that works, which it should, it's just a matter of charging the new rechargeables a few times. Again, contact me direct so I can help you.

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