Starmate 4 acquiring signal

The problem is likely the actual connection inside the Starmate. It sounds like you have tried alternate antennas, which can only mean the unit itself has an issue. What has likely happened is the antenna jack inside the radio has come loose and is no longer making a connection, in which case it could be repairable. Otherwise there are plenty of other 12v Sirius receivers compatible with the same connections if you are looking to replace the head unit.

More than likely the antenna connection has jogged loose somehow, and just needs to be soldered. The person who handles all of our repairs at TSS Radio does this often, and I'm sure could tell you specifics. His email is [email protected]

The antenna that needs to be replace!

http://satelliteradiofix.com

Remove the back cover on your radio. The antenna connector is located on the right of the dock connector. Carefully resolder the connections. There are 2 pins (they lead to 3 contacts). Very easy repair, all you need it a fine tip soldering iron and some flux. You can get those for around $15 at wally world.

Check the antenna's connector for your car based antenna. Sometimes the little finger tabs need to be gently pushed back towards the center to make a better connection. Be careful not to move them more than a precision screwdrive blade's width or you might snap it off.

This typicall represents a failed antenna with either a loose connection or failed wire to the antenna. The "Acquiring Signal" indicates the receiver is trying to locate and decipher a signal from a sattelite. THe antenna is your first diagnostic. After that the receiver is the culprit. When your receiver is Activated or Authorized it is given a "key" to decipher the sattelite signals If it loses the "key" you can try and have Sirius reinitialize by contacting support. If they cannot send the signal and get the proper "Key" loaded its a defect in the receiver functionality.

This is an odd fix, but I read it yesterday after having the "Acquiring Signal" issue for a week. I put it in the freezer for 30 minutes, brought it back to my desk and now it works. I don't know why or how, but I am happy.

This unit looses reception all of the time even with the antenna headphones placed right next to my cars antenna.
You need the car or home kit or else you will suffer many drop outs "aquiring signal".

try a new antenna...they go bad...

with starmate 3 press at same time menu +memo+band with the radio on (with sirius screen only)