Obervervations on Sat radio and GPS

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by jgilliam1955, Jul 2, 2013.

  1. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Williamsburg, Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    As a new owner I noticed a lot that I love but would like to talk about the GPS and Sat radio.
    At first I was frustrated with the gps. So much I keep my Garmin in the car. But I havent used my Garmin. The gps does have a learning curve. I like it now. I use Bing with it which helps. When searching with the gps only it seems to limit itself to the zipcode area. It could still be me. I have taken several weekend trips and use it a lot. I have to put in the city or zipcode to complete a search.

    As for the Sat radio it is frustrating! I used a portabla car one for years. Never had a reception problem. Always good sound. Now I lose the signel going down a highway, not a secondary secondary road but a highway with trees on both sides sides of the road.
    Is this because it XM? I end up playing my own songs or going to FM. In the open no problem. I may cancel my service if it does not improve.
     
  2. thymara

    thymara Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
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    N/A
    I complained to my dealer about the maps being out of date for my area. The dealer said that maps were updated once per year and that I should complain directly to Toyota as Toyota listens to their customers more than their dealers. I have portable Garmin and TomTom units that are updated, for free, 4 times per year.

    I lose the XM signal when I am close to trees or buildings higher than 2 stories and that impede the view to the south. Given that I used to have an XM radio with an antenna attached to the front windshield and did not have problems I believe the issue is the Toyota antenna.
     
  3. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2011
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Four
    Thanks. Good points you bring up.

    SCH-I535 ? 2
     
  4. -1-

    -1- Don

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
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    Prime Premium
    :)I've used my factory NAV very little. So far, no complaints. I love satellite radio and have been a continuous subscriber since 1993. I've had signal loss in every car since. I can only remember one signal loss in five months with my Prius. I assume the satellite antenna is integrated with the AM-FM roof antenna on the Prius. For those switching to the shark fin antenna, I would anticipate reception problems.