Satellite : Sirius XM’s New Satellite Improves Satellite Signal

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Sirius XM’s New Satellite Improves Satellite Signal

September 22nd, 2009
By Brandon Matthews
It’s been rumored for weeks in Satellite Radio circles, yet Sirius XM Radio (SIRI) has remained silent on the recent deployment of its newest addition to its satellite fleet. Reports have been coming in sporadically since the launch of Sirius FM-5, that some satellite radio subscribers have noticed improved reception and sound quality. As a six year subscriber myself, I have noticed improved reception in certain areas where I would have never imagined getting a signal before, which I dismissed as being due to improved repeater placement in my local area. I’m talking about under trees, under bridges and in one instance, a parking garage.
Just last week I responded to a reader who questions the new satellite’s power. I basically dismissed the assumption that the new satellite could be the reason for improved signal reports. To the best of my understanding, without a direct line of sight to the sky, the signal would have to be coming from a terrestrial repeater. At all times, every satellite radio receiver processes no less than three different signals. If the satellite signal is impeded due to foliage or other structures, the repeater signal will take over…provided that there is one in range. That was then. This is now.
Satwaves is pleased to report that according to a press release from Harris Corporation (HRS), the designer and builder of the advanced antenna reflector for the new Sirius FM-5 satellite, subscriber reports are in fact accurate. Harris Corporation states:

The high-power, geostationary satellite expands the existing fleet of SIRIUS XM satellites already in orbit and improves the reception to subscribers’ cars as well as their homes and offices, or wherever they use their SIRIUS radios. SIRIUS FM-5 is designed to provide more focused power in areas of peak population, such as metropolitan areas on the east and west coast, as well as improving reception when driving under heavy foliage. Its geostationary orbit assures that home receivers can aim at a fixed point in the southern sky to receive a signal on a constant basis….
…SIRIUS FM-5 features an S-band payload. The Harris antenna reflector makes it possible for the satellite to focus the 2 GHz S-band signals on the U.S. in order to deliver improved and more powerful reception of SIRIUS’ more than 130 channels.