SiriusXM Satellite Radio(R) - How It Works

SI M65 04 12
Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS

June 2012
Technical Service

SUBJECT
SiriusXM Satellite Radio: How It Works

MODEL
All equipped with option 655 (Satellite Radio)

INFORMATION
What is satellite radio?

It is a subscriber-based radio service that is broadcast directly from satellites. Subscribers will be able to receive up to 100 radio channels featuring compact disc digital quality music, news, weather, sports, talk radio and other entertainment channels.

Basically, it is an additional radio band. Unlike AM and FM, which are transmitted from earth-bound transmitters, satellite radio comes primarily from a signal sent via satellites orbiting the earth.

Satellite radio signals are digital and the satellites cover the entire continental US.

This means channels have no geographic boundaries, and when driving across the country, satellite radio should not encounter static or fade.

However, brief reception loss or distortion may occur when the satellite receiver in the vehicle loses sight of the satellite: for example, in dense urban areas surrounded by high-rise buildings; under trees; in tunnels; or in some mountain valleys.

When such reception losses occur, "Acquiring" is shown on the radio display. This is normal operation and requires no further diagnosis.

NOTE:
SiriusXM has already installed land-based repeaters to minimize these occurrences.

How does SiriusXM satellite radio work?

Sirius satellite radio is a Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) service operating in North America, owned by SiriusXM Radio.

Programming originates and is managed in the broadcast studio of SiriusXM, and transmitted to multiple high-powered satellites positioned in orbits above the U.S.

The signal will then be broadcast from the satellites directly to satellite radio-capable receivers across the United States.

For more detailed information, please log on to the SiriusXM website: www.SiriusXM.com

Satellite radio will not disrupt any existing radio signal. It is still possible to listen to local AM and FM stations.

FAQs:

For questions and answers, log on to the SiriusXM Support Center: listenercare.siriusxm.com/

What is necessary for a SiriusXM satellite radio to operate in MINI vehicles?

To receive SiriusXM satellite radio in a MINI, three main components are needed:

1. SiriusXM-compatible audio system

2. Satellite antenna

3. Activated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver

The SiriusXM Satellite Receiver is a module that either is already part of the head unit (CHAMP2, Radio Boost CD, etc.), or it mounts as a separate control module in the rear of the vehicle.

The receiver module is unique to MINI and specifically designed to work with SiriusXM satellite radio technology, integrating seamlessly into the MINI bus network system.

It deciphers the satellite signal and converts it into an audio signal that is then sent to the vehicle's audio system.

The receiver will have a test channel (CH 184) to make sure the receiver is functioning. To receive the complete SiriusXM program, it must be activated. This can be done by either:

^ Calling the SiriusXM call center: 1-866-635-2349

Or

^ Online:

care.siriusxm.com/login_view.action

The Satellite Antenna is mounted on the roof on most models, and on the trunk on others.

SiriusXM satellite radio is available for the following MINI vehicles:

Factory Installation

Refer to the availability chart on the SiriusXM website:

www.siriusxm.com/vehicleavailability/m

Retrofit

Only vehicles with option 693 (Satellite Tuner Preparation)

Refer to the compatibility chart (Sirius Application and Parts Information) for retrofit kits in CenterNet.

NOTE:
SiriusXM satellite radio is not available for the R50 (MINI Cooper) and R53 (MINI Cooper S). For the R52 (Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible), it is not available for vehicles before MY2007.

IMPORTANT:
For newer MINI models, it is necessary to activate the satellite radio receiver through an enabling code.

For additional information on enabling codes (ordering, downloading and installation), refer to Service Information M09 02 11 and M09 01 11.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Not applicable.