xm411.com - First Hands-On Look At Delphi Skyfi 3!

Author

Thread

troj
XM Rules my life

Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Posts: 806
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan

quote:
Originally posted by patchs:

I think I'm going to hold off on getting this until the bugs are worked out.

To be honest, there will not be any change with the SureConnect. This is the FCC's issue, and all providers of FM transmitters like the one in the SkiFi3 (SkiFi2, old RoadyXT, etc.) will have to change. After installing the Delphi SA10112 (http://www.myradiostore.com/fmmodulators/fm-direct-sa10112.html), all my FM modulation issues went away. This is the device that Delphi should have included with the radio in the first place.

Other observations from use and listening...

There needs to be a WEEKLY programming option. The device allows for every other type of recording session setting, but not WEEKLY. For the WEEKLY shows, like Buried Treasure and Swing Seat, I have to program the recording sessions every week.

The more music you have stored in MyMusic (MicroSD), the longer it takes for the unit to load up the play lists. This is something that is annoying because it happens every time you power up. So if I powered off while listening to Live XM, and power on it will remember that I was listening to Live XM, but will not play until after it has scanned the card. This is something that should be fixed VIA firmware.

I have also noticed that there sometimes does not seem to be a clean cut from the end of one Mp3 to the start of another. It's almost like I'm getting a microsecond of play from something and it's been cut off. It's difficult to explain, but occasionally I hear extraneous sounds between cuts.

I agree with the rating, but if the firmware updates address some of my issues, I would be inclined to give it 4 out of 5.
_________________
~ Terry
If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's.
(SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)

Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:31 am

patchs
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 138

If I do get it, I'll have it hard wired in.
Part fof my hesitancy is due that I want to sell my SF2 and home kit and an old Roady XT to friends to finance my purchase of the SF3.
Not being able to use the SF3 with the SF boombox is a major drawback.
I listen to XM at home in my kitchen with the BB and I would hate to lose that.
If they made an adapter, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. If they can make an adapter for the Inno, why not the SF3? Or is it too early to speculate there will be a SF3 BB or adapter for the original?

Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:14 pm

xmne
I live Here

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 388
Location: omaha nebraska
Primary Radio: my fi

heres a good question and i dunno if has been arleady asked

but does the skyfi 3 have the lock song/delete song that the inno does
or is it like the myfi's recording buffer?
_________________
myspace.com/xmne

Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:15 pm

jyhwkm
XM411 Newbie

Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 3

Primary Radio: SkiFi3

troj,

Are you using the Delphi SA10112 with your SkiFi3? I've been looking for something other than SureConnect, but since most mods don't say they're compatible with the 3, I've held off.

Thanks.

Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:46 pm

camper1972
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 135

Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno

XMNE: I have the SA10112 FM modulator hard wired in my dash and I am using the Skyfi3, there's no problem at all, in fact if you have two units the SA10112 can help because it cancels out ALL signal except the one you're transmitting on.
_________________
The Virus is spreading......

Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:10 pm

camper1972
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 135

Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno

Sorry last posting wasn't supposed to be address to XMNE
_________________
The Virus is spreading......

Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:11 pm

jyhwkm
XM411 Newbie

Joined: 28 Dec 2006
Posts: 3

Primary Radio: SkiFi3

quote:
Originally posted by camper1972:
Sorry last posting wasn't supposed to be address to XMNE

That's ok. You answered my question!

Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:10 pm

troj
XM Rules my life

Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Posts: 806
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan

quote:
Originally posted by xmne:
heres a good question and i dunno if has been arleady asked

but does the skyfi 3 have the lock song/delete song that the inno does
or is it like the myfi's recording buffer?

For the items you record from a broadcast, yes it does.
_________________
~ Terry
If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's.
(SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)

Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:41 pm

troj
XM Rules my life

Joined: 13 Sep 2004
Posts: 806
Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan

quote:
Originally posted by jyhwkm:
troj,

Are you using the Delphi SA10112 with your SkiFi3? I've been looking for something other than SureConnect, but since most mods don't say they're compatible with the 3, I've held off.

Thanks.

Yes, I also used the SA10112. And it's a superior option to the SureConnect.
_________________
~ Terry
If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's.
(SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)

Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:41 pm

patchs
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 138

From reading the CES thread, Delphi will offer a SF3 boombox.
That decides it for me, I'll be getting one eventually, soon as I sell my old Roady XT and SF2 and boombox.
Hopefully we'll see some pics of the new boombox soon.

Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:30 am

o2bnclemson
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 17 Mar 2005
Posts: 172
Location: Greenville, SC
Primary Radio: SkyFi 3

Just got my free portable kit for the SkyFi 3. It's pretty nice. No extended battery, but it did come with an AC adapter for charging it in the home or elsewhere. I know some have knocked it for only being able to charge in the car or off the computer when it's straight out of the box.

Headphones are relatively comfortable and sound fine. All in all -- it's FREE, so given the cost -- it's GREAT! And it shipped within a week too. If you get a SF3, do the webwork for the free kit. If nothing else, for the free AC adapter.

Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:21 pm

o2bnclemson
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 17 Mar 2005
Posts: 172
Location: Greenville, SC
Primary Radio: SkyFi 3

UPON FURTHER REVIEW....

the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo

Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:14 pm

camper1972
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 135

Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno

quote:
Originally posted by o2bnclemson:
UPON FURTHER REVIEW....

the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo

Where can I find this headphone set?
_________________
The Virus is spreading......

Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:24 pm

o2bnclemson
XM411 Nut!

Joined: 17 Mar 2005
Posts: 172
Location: Greenville, SC
Primary Radio: SkyFi 3

My SkyFi3 came with a redemption code to fill out a form online. Not all come with it -- it's technically not free, I guess, cause it's a bit more than the one without the redemption. Mine was a gift so I didn't think anything of it. There was a silver sticker on the top of the box that noted that it had the headphone offer and there was a slip of paper inside the box with the redemption code on it.

Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:31 pm

Stocker
XM411 Community Leader 100K+

Joined: 07 Feb 2004
Posts: 110041

Primary Radio: XPressRC, Inno, SkyFi2

quote:
Originally posted by camper1972:

quote:
Originally posted by o2bnclemson:
UPON FURTHER REVIEW....

the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo

Where can I find this headphone set?

It looks like Delphi only has the Premium Kit for now.....

Skyfi3 Premium Wearable Kit

Site for the "Free Wearable Live Kit
_________________

for ALL your SiriusXM needs!

Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:35 pm

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		Author	Thread
		troj XM Rules my life Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Posts: 806 Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan	quote: Originally posted by patchs: I think I'm going to hold off on getting this until the bugs are worked out. To be honest, there will not be any change with the SureConnect. This is the FCC's issue, and all providers of FM transmitters like the one in the SkiFi3 (SkiFi2, old RoadyXT, etc.) will have to change. After installing the Delphi SA10112 (http://www.myradiostore.com/fmmodulators/fm-direct-sa10112.html), all my FM modulation issues went away. This is the device that Delphi should have included with the radio in the first place. Other observations from use and listening... There needs to be a WEEKLY programming option. The device allows for every other type of recording session setting, but not WEEKLY. For the WEEKLY shows, like Buried Treasure and Swing Seat, I have to program the recording sessions every week. The more music you have stored in MyMusic (MicroSD), the longer it takes for the unit to load up the play lists. This is something that is annoying because it happens every time you power up. So if I powered off while listening to Live XM, and power on it will remember that I was listening to Live XM, but will not play until after it has scanned the card. This is something that should be fixed VIA firmware. I have also noticed that there sometimes does not seem to be a clean cut from the end of one Mp3 to the start of another. It's almost like I'm getting a microsecond of play from something and it's been cut off. It's difficult to explain, but occasionally I hear extraneous sounds between cuts. I agree with the rating, but if the firmware updates address some of my issues, I would be inclined to give it 4 out of 5. _________________ ~ Terry If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's. (SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:31 am
		patchs XM411 Nut! Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 138	If I do get it, I'll have it hard wired in. Part fof my hesitancy is due that I want to sell my SF2 and home kit and an old Roady XT to friends to finance my purchase of the SF3. Not being able to use the SF3 with the SF boombox is a major drawback. I listen to XM at home in my kitchen with the BB and I would hate to lose that. If they made an adapter, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. If they can make an adapter for the Inno, why not the SF3? Or is it too early to speculate there will be a SF3 BB or adapter for the original?
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:14 pm
		xmne I live Here Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 388 Location: omaha nebraska Primary Radio: my fi	heres a good question and i dunno if has been arleady asked but does the skyfi 3 have the lock song/delete song that the inno does or is it like the myfi's recording buffer? _________________ myspace.com/xmne
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:15 pm
		jyhwkm XM411 Newbie Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Primary Radio: SkiFi3	troj, Are you using the Delphi SA10112 with your SkiFi3? I've been looking for something other than SureConnect, but since most mods don't say they're compatible with the 3, I've held off. Thanks.
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 3:46 pm
		camper1972 XM411 Nut! Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 135 Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	XMNE: I have the SA10112 FM modulator hard wired in my dash and I am using the Skyfi3, there's no problem at all, in fact if you have two units the SA10112 can help because it cancels out ALL signal except the one you're transmitting on. _________________ The Virus is spreading......
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:10 pm
		camper1972 XM411 Nut! Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 135 Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	Sorry last posting wasn't supposed to be address to XMNE _________________ The Virus is spreading......
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:11 pm
		jyhwkm XM411 Newbie Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Primary Radio: SkiFi3	quote: Originally posted by camper1972: Sorry last posting wasn't supposed to be address to XMNE That's ok. You answered my question!
		Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:10 pm
		troj XM Rules my life Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Posts: 806 Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan	quote: Originally posted by xmne: heres a good question and i dunno if has been arleady asked but does the skyfi 3 have the lock song/delete song that the inno does or is it like the myfi's recording buffer? For the items you record from a broadcast, yes it does. _________________ ~ Terry If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's. (SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)
		Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:41 pm
		troj XM Rules my life Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Posts: 806 Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan	quote: Originally posted by jyhwkm: troj, Are you using the Delphi SA10112 with your SkiFi3? I've been looking for something other than SureConnect, but since most mods don't say they're compatible with the 3, I've held off. Thanks. Yes, I also used the SA10112. And it's a superior option to the SureConnect. _________________ ~ Terry If you're looking for me, I'll be at Low-Fi's. (SkyFi3, SkyFi2, RoadyXT, Boombox II, Niles GXR2, Lifetime XM subscriber)
		Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:41 pm
		patchs XM411 Nut! Joined: 08 Feb 2004 Posts: 138	From reading the CES thread, Delphi will offer a SF3 boombox. That decides it for me, I'll be getting one eventually, soon as I sell my old Roady XT and SF2 and boombox. Hopefully we'll see some pics of the new boombox soon.
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:30 am
		o2bnclemson XM411 Nut! Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Greenville, SC Primary Radio: SkyFi 3	Just got my free portable kit for the SkyFi 3. It's pretty nice. No extended battery, but it did come with an AC adapter for charging it in the home or elsewhere. I know some have knocked it for only being able to charge in the car or off the computer when it's straight out of the box. Headphones are relatively comfortable and sound fine. All in all -- it's FREE, so given the cost -- it's GREAT! And it shipped within a week too. If you get a SF3, do the webwork for the free kit. If nothing else, for the free AC adapter.
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:21 pm
		o2bnclemson XM411 Nut! Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Greenville, SC Primary Radio: SkyFi 3	UPON FURTHER REVIEW.... the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:14 pm
		camper1972 XM411 Nut! Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 135 Primary Radio: Pioneer Inno	quote: Originally posted by o2bnclemson: UPON FURTHER REVIEW.... the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo Where can I find this headphone set? _________________ The Virus is spreading......
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:24 pm
		o2bnclemson XM411 Nut! Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 172 Location: Greenville, SC Primary Radio: SkyFi 3	My SkyFi3 came with a redemption code to fill out a form online. Not all come with it -- it's technically not free, I guess, cause it's a bit more than the one without the redemption. Mine was a gift so I didn't think anything of it. There was a silver sticker on the top of the box that noted that it had the headphone offer and there was a slip of paper inside the box with the redemption code on it.
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:31 pm
		Stocker XM411 Community Leader 100K+ Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 110041 Primary Radio: XPressRC, Inno, SkyFi2	quote: Originally posted by camper1972: quote: Originally posted by o2bnclemson: UPON FURTHER REVIEW.... the AC adapter included with the SkyFi 3 free wearable/portable kit is for the extended battery which is NOT included in the free kit. They give you the adapter, but not the battery. Nice. Regardless, it's free, and it works, so it's not a bad deal. Just not what I'd thought/hoped it would be. Still appears the only way to charge it is in the car or on the computer. My bad.... sorry. It does have a nice little rubber sleeve thingy. woohoo Where can I find this headphone set? It looks like Delphi only has the Premium Kit for now..... Skyfi3 Premium Wearable Kit Site for the "Free Wearable Live Kit _________________ for ALL your SiriusXM needs!
		Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:35 pm