XM radios have the ability to transmit radio signals directly to your vehicle's car radio by way of an FM transmitter. To get a clean signal, you must have a connected antenna for the radio to pick up. Make your own XM antenna with some copper wire and a 2.5mm plug. Once you have it fully assembled, the reception will be nearly 10 times the strength of the antenna that comes with the receiver.
Instructions
1. Remove the plastic cover from the back of the 2.5mm plug by unscrewing it from the adapter. This cover acts as an insulator for the wires when connected, as well as for the terminals.
2. Remove about 1/2 inch of the rubber insulation on the copper wire, then wrap the exposed wire around the smaller terminal on the plug, twisting them together on the outside of the terminal for a secure connection. Make sure the copper wire does not come into contact with the larger terminal when connecting it to the plug. Only the smaller terminal will be used.
3. Cover the terminal's wire connection with the electrical tape to avoid having it touch the larger terminal, then replace the plug's plastic cover by screwing it back into place. Plug the 2.5mm plug into your receiver's "ANT" jack, and you will be able to use its FM transmitter to send the satellite radio's signal to your radio.
Tags: copper wire, larger terminal, plastic cover, smaller terminal