TSS-Radio Blog

If you have ever wondered where your SIRIUS Starmate got it’s humble beginnings, then this is the guide you’ve been looking for.

SIRIUS Starmate Line: The Starmate line was first created with the Original Starmate ST1. Cousin to the Streamer GT and Xact XTR7 , The ST1 was a simple radio that boasted a no frills, 24/7 workaholic attitude.  The design was simple and offered SIRIUS fans a contemprary look. The Starmate Line really got its glory with the invention of the SIRIUS Replay function.

The Starmate 2 or Starmate Replay SIRIUS ST2 was the first Starmate Sirius Satellite Radio to included the Replay function. Cousin to the Streamer GTR, This radio took a notice from many consumer that begged for a narrower SIRIUS receiver, that did not block vision on the dash. It was designed on a unique mounting bracket system much like the ST1 Starmate mount. This receiver is one of the most loved of all by SIRIUS fans.,but SIRIUS goes universal!

With as many different receivers out there, and many consumers switching back and forth. Consumers really wanted a universal docking style, that way any receiver could fit in another car/home/motorcycle kit. This would make it easier for a consumer to replace a radio or purchase a new one if they knew that the docking cradles were all the same. So SIRIUS introduced the SIRIUS Universal Dock and Play system. This means all new receivers and cradles are cross-compatible with eachother. SIRIUS impletmented this in its Starmate 3 ST3

The Starmate 3 was seen as a huge jump forward and a small step backwards. The SIRIUS ST3 did not offer the SIRIUS Replay function, but it did offer the new universal style docking system. This radio was a throwback to its grandfather the ST1 with the features it carried. The ST3 was a low production radio and saw little favor from the SIRIUS world. This remains the low point in the SIRIUS line, however all that would change with the SIRIUS Starmate 4.

By far of the most loved SIRIUS radios of all time came in 2006 with the Starmate 4. This radio had all the advantages of the ST2 and ST3, with none of their disadvantages. Th ST4 still remains a top seller and with its low return rate, the ST4 will have a placed saved for the Sirius Satellite Radio muesum and Hall of Fame, which isn’t being built, but should be! The St4 has the universal dock and replay function, plus its narrow design keeps you looking at the road and not the receiver. This radio will be hard to replace,but with any high-end electronics the next one is a secret………

Be looking out for the New Starmate 5……………and the Stratus 5

This is your chance to voice your opinion about the SIRIUS-XM Merger. Anything you want, send it in we’d love to hear it. Whether it’s New SIRIUS A la carte ideas or maybe just SIRIUS merger / XM Merger feedback, tell us how you feel……..

Submit to:

Josh@TSS-Radio.com

Thanks!

The Sirius Status has been the workhorse of the Sirius line-up since its creation.  

It gives you the most basic of features, but with an outstanding service record and a extremely low return rate. The SIRIUS Stratus has been the economy-level Sirius Satellite Radio receiver and has proved itself with SIRIUS radio veterans. It has the most basic of features of all the SIRIUS radios out there and keeps you listening without any frills, long after the more complex devices become in need of service or repair. This isn’t to say the other radios are poorly made, I am just saying the tried and true SIRIUS Stratus holds up very well under conditions other electronics would not. Maybe call the Stratus the Ugly Duckling of SIRIUS radios or the lumberjack-quality radio, being of tough,but simple design. Whatever you call the Stratus Radios be sure that you consider them in situations you would not want to put a Stiletto or Sportster 5 (ie. a boat or snowmobile).

Also be looking out for the New Stratus 5 and Starmate 5 coming soon……….

How do you make a portable device like the Sirius Stiletto 2 truly portable?  That was my goal when I realized I was spending all my time juggling this small radio between hands, pockets already overfilled with keys, wallet and cell phone.  So, just in time for vacation, I ordered a Stiletto 2 Armband and Case, SLPK2, from TSS-RADIO.COM.
The armband is very generous in size, but not akward.  It features a small 1×2 inch “hook” patch, the rest of the band is a strechy “loop” material.  This construction allowed me to not only wear it as a traditional armband, but also allowed me to wrap it around the arm on my beach chair. The case has a very finished construction,  stitching is neat and clean.  The neoprene material is just what’s needed to protect the radio. There are cut-outs for power, volume and wheel selector.  The bottom has large opening to accommodate the larger antenna headphones and the top has an opening for the built in antenna. I haven’t used the belt clip attachment yet.  It looks similar to the type of clip that some cell phone cases use.  It is detachable, as is the armband, leaving a loop to simply attach the case to your belt. I highly recommend the SLPK2, protect your investment, call TSS-RADIO today. (773)772-4340

Review by Jim Szwede of Little Silver, NJ

Looking for ways to convert you XM vehicle to SIRIUS?

We offer several solutions to Convert XM To Sirius in many cars like:

GM Vehicles 2003-2008 see here SIRGM1

Honda-Acura Vehicles: 2003-2007+ see here HON-SC1 

Toyota-Lexus-Scion Vehicles: 2004-2007+ see here TOY-SC1

Wednesdays

9pm-10pm on the East Coast

8pm-10pm for us Midwesterners

7pm-8pm for the Mountain Dwellers

and 6pm-7pm for West Coast

If you have not been present for the show now is a great time to see what you’ve been missing.

The show will give you a chance to ask questions about your SIRIUS setup and get live video/audio help from the best in the business, TOM TAYLOR. This show is a great way to get a weekly lesson on SIRIUS and have a live forum to speak to the professionals.

Don’t miss out! Every Wednesday: same time, same place!

Click here and bookmark this link: SYNDICATERADIO.TV

If you have SIRIUS satellite radio and have a Plug and Play or Dock and Play unit, here are a few accessories and tips that will help you get the most out of your SIRIUS receiver!

First Protecting your SIRIUS Receiver:

There are several ways and products around that will help you get a long life out of your unit.

A Plug and Play carrying case

Many people who have SIRIUS forget about this little beauty. This case can hold almost any SIRIUS receiver and keeps it from the wind,rain, and unfortunate drops on the pavement. This unit has a soft interior lining and a belt clip. It’s heavy-duty design is made to help the transfer from home to car and back again so smoothly. If you have SIRIUS you need this, and at $9.99 ,its a worthy investment for your precious SIRIUS receiver.

A Screen Shield

This is designed to keep your SIRIUS satellite radio from pesky scratches and nicks.  Having this military-grade screen shield can help you keep your unit safe and looking brand new.  This is a cost/effective way to make sure your invest stays looking the same as the day you bought it.  (tip: if you’ve ever put on car window tint this is almost exactly the same way)

The Static Reliever

This is a must have. No questions asked. This will relieve that annoying FM static on your car radio. This semi-permanent product can be taken from one car to the next. Some cars need an extra FM Antenna Adapter that can be found here. This little baby is good but if you are looking for something with CD quality sound check out our line of Aux-Input adapters.( see here for some install help and guides HERE)

A Clean Custom-look

A Vehicle Specific Mount or VSM is a great way to mount your SIRIUS satellite radio without having to use a suction cup or adhesive. These mounts require only simple hand tools and NO drilling of the dash. They install right onto a bolt or screw that the factory already placed. Mostly it requires just lifting on a dash piece and bolting this bracket on and replacing the dash piece. When used with a swivel found here, these can be angled to be seen from every seat in the car, truck, or Semi-Rig.

With all products that are out there finding one or two ,that will keep your SIRIUS satellite radio safe and sound, is easy and affordable. If you have any questions about your SIRIUS radio you can always email me at Josh@tss-radio.com

Thanks

Max Submitted his motorcycle into our contest, to find out where people get SIRIUS signal.

On a recent roadtrip from Ohio to Kentucky and Tennesse he took his new SIRIUS setup and only lost signal when sitting under trees and filling up at the pump.

Thanks Max we appreciate the pictures and you look like you got yourself an award-winning bike there!

If you would like to submit your setup or tell us about your SIRIUS experiences Click Here

Motorcycles and SIRIUS Satellite Radio are a match made in heaven. The ability to listen to a channel you love, without ever changing the station, from coast to coast is priceless. Never having to change the frequency,from town to town, means more time enjoying the ride.

There are a few different ways to put SIRIUS on your bike. I will explain the different ways from the simplest to the most custom.

The Simplest way #1

Install level= Easy

Using a universal motorcycle mount kit with a plug and play radio, this way would give you a handlebar mounted SIRIUS radio that would need to be connect to a set of speakers or headphones.

It would look a little like this:

The Next Hardest Way

Install Level= Medium

This is a step higher on the custom look chart. This way is to use a custom SIRIUS mount that uses the left clutch or right brake assembly to hold the bracket for your SIRIUS. These are available for most bikes like Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha.

It would look a little like this:

 The Hardest Way

Install Level= Hard

The reason I put this as hardest is because it requires a aftermarket stereo built-into your motorcycle. Anything along the Panasonic, Alpine, Pioneer, or Sony lines. This is the best way to get SIRIUS on your bike. It would require the installation of a SIRIUS  in-dash connect kit found here: In dash sirius. These kit would connect audio directly and give you a full in dash Custom look.

Well I hope that this small guide can shed some light on the wide world of SIRIUS on a motorcycle and can maybe help you decide with route you want to go with. Thanks.

Any questions or comment email:
Josh@TSS-Radio.com