Garmin GXM30 XM Satellite Antenna for GPSMap 376C, 7200 and 7500 (010-00423-00) Reviews

• Cool device - terrible customer service - spotty Nav Traffic svc

  
  By ACB2CYFBNB091 on 2007-05-26
  Ordered this device via Amazon. Paid for new device - got a used one. USB extension connector showed oxidation.
  
  XM support barely speaks english
  
  This is probably great for automotive applicatios but not for motorcycles. The GXM has a nice magnetic pad that easily sticks to a gas tank.
  
  The NavTraffic has stale or bogus information. I saw two accidents on the way home. I decided to test it out. Split lanes (legal in Cali) to get to the bad spots - no accident - no stop-n-go traffic.
  
  I tested again and noticed it was wrong a second time. Nav Traffic reports stale data.
  
  At $130 a year for the subscription (you *must* get radio+Nav), they have little excuse to provide such poor performance.
  
  Also, the minimal radio package includes Fox News and the O'Reilly factor. No problem but there's no counterpoint to either of those stations. That's a really blatant bias.
  
  I cancelled my subscription ... got refunded minus the activation ... and sent this unit back to Amazon as I paid for new but got used.
  
  I love the Zumo 550 I got but this is one accessory I regret dealing with (I omitted details of dealing with quasi-English-speaking cust support).Garmin GXM30 XM Satellite Antenna for GPSMap 376C, 7200 and 7500 (010-00423-00)
  
  

• Are they kidding me?

  
  By A3EFKAQ8WE05C7 on 2007-06-29
  I cannot believe I have to spend and additional $200+ for an antenna after just spending over $700 for a GPS. It's highway robbery!!!!!
  
  I was so impressed with my Garmin Zumo 550. It came with several mounts (including one for my motorcycle) three charging units (including one for my motorcycle) and a nice protective carrying case. In addition, there are several small features that prove Garmin put some thought into this unit, like a magnet under the mount that keeps the weather cap from flapping around when not in use. It almost made paying $700 for it somehow... acceptable. Especially when you consider it's a GPS, MP3 Player and an XM Radio all in one.
  
  Unfortunately, that excitement was overcome by disgust as soon as I found out the antenna that allows the XM radio to work is over $200. I knew I had to get an antenna and I knew I needed a subscription, but I had no idea the antenna would be almost 1/3 the cost of the GPS. I feel as though I'm being taken advantage of as a consumer.
  
  I just bought a Pioneer Inno for my wife (portable XM radio). I spent less than $200 and it came with an antenna, car kit, and docking stations.
  
  Shame on you Garmin. You're screwing your own customers.
  
  

• It could be better.

  
  By A101OIVFJ74ULS on 2007-01-10
  First I'd like to let anyone reading this know that I'm a trucker, so I use this thing all day, everyday.
  
  First: it thought it was waaay expensive! And it is. But it was worth it because it's much better than changing stations every 10 seconds. And it tells my GPS route me around traffic and accidents.. which is amazing.
  
  I use the XM Radio, Traffic, and Weather services - they all work great except the XM signal goes whenever I'm heading North-West. But the cord isn't long enough to reach outside my big semi so it isn't able to get the signal it needs. Other than that it's pretty darn good.
  
  

• Great all-in-one set-up

  
  By ASLABHRGX4TPB on 2007-03-06
  I use the GXM30 with the Zumo 550 and it is a great all in one set-up. I also use the cyclegadgets mount for the antenna which attaches to the back of the cycle mount included with the Zumo. The weather and traffic information are limited depending on the area, but this information can keep you moving and dry.
  
  

• Antenna from outerspace

  
  By A4RHVHEXOSHEJ on 2006-08-09
  Well, the the garmin gps unit my antenna is attached to is great, but not sure what I think about the gxm30xm antenna itself. Cost was very high for an antenna. I didn't see any improvement to my GPS signals but I was able to recive XM signal that I've grown addicted to so it was a must have. I went through a car wash, and lost the units ablility to recieve signal for a day? Not sure if water got into unit? I have a replacement on order, magnet mount seems weak for the antenna's size, may need to mount permanately with hardware provided in antenna packaging. However, the smart looking antenna's mounting hardware looks like something from Frankenstiens monster not a high tech device. The USB style cord is also to short for some applications, but a extension cord is also provided, but creates mounting and hiding problems of its own on the install. I liked the style of the unit, but the install options are very limited. not good in a era of many makes and models of cars. You need this antenna to use XM features on your Garmin Units, so with all the issues, you have to buy this antenna. No aftermarket units that do the same as of yet.
  
  
• Best traffic coverage and reception
  By AENJZZ3B5JN9D on 2007-09-28
  In my area, the XM beats FM traffic reception. FM is spotty and many places you cannot receive it at all, even in an urban area where coverage is shown. XM coverage is much, much better, even with the antenna in the car.
  
  Incident reporting is much broader and more detailed than I got with FM. NavTraffic is best.
  
  If you want XM radio, the Garmin interfaces are terrific and some allow you to play via your car stereo via FM or MP3 cable if your car is equipped. Great thing is you can take the Garmin out of the car and onto your patio and listen to XM. Had FM traffic for 18 months and wish I had XM instead. Highly recommend the Garmin StreetPilot 7200 for use with this.
  
  
• The GXM30 performs well, but..............
  By AH1P7XSX9B1VV on 2006-09-01
  I love the Street Pilot 2730 that the GXM30 is attached to and I'm now hooked on XM radio but having to move the antenna whenever wanting to use the unit in another location is a royal pain. The GXM30 is too pricey to buy a separate antenna for every conceivable location I would use the 2730.
  
  
• Unadvertised Drawback!
  By A1BUFI5LCW9ZM4 on 2008-05-13
  This thing is crap! The only reason to spend all this money on the Zumo is for the hands free bluetooth features in your helmet, otherwise there are lots of cheaper products to use. The XM radio is restricted from playing music on your bluetooth headset, which renders this thing less than useful. Garmin doesn't bother to tell you this in the product info either. CRAP!!!!
  
  
• Works as mentioned
  By A15K9OAM3SKNEV on 2006-06-18
  This came packaged with my Garmin 2730 GPS and worked flawlessly to bring XM Radio thru the GPS. Nice compact unit, heavy enough to stay in one place. Haven't tried the Navtraffic function yet as it requires a subscription and I am not sure if my city is covered for realtime traffic data.
  
  
• Garmin GSM 30A
  By AWLIG34FM9Y4Q on 2008-01-06
  I have two of the GXM 30A XM Receivers. One connected to a Garmin 496 the other to a Garmin 7500. Either the connection in the receivers or the GXM 30A antennas are bad. I returned one GXM 30A and the 7500 back to Garmin. They have exchanged the GXM 30A to me. But now the 496 and its GXM 30A is not staying connected. Neither of these units have been mistreated. Still waiting on the 7500 to return.
  
  
• Must have
  By A3IINSMLXTYNK4 on 2008-01-25
  If you are running a Garmin 2820 or any other unit with same features this is a must have. Operation flawless, traffic and weather a real luxury on long trips.
  
  
• $$$$ EXPENSIVE! There's gotta be some gold in it somewhere?
  By A3IWROGXR8R5T on 2008-01-27
  This is one of those things that you must purchase if you want to use the available features on your Garmin GPS. Shop around for the best price, that's all I can advise.
  
  
• Pricey, but certainly nice
  By A2BD1BC7ZZVFCH on 2008-04-21
  I've now used the GXM30 for a month and am happy with it. Unlike the antennas that I've used in the past for listening to XM radio on other motorcycles or in my truck, this design doesn't suffer from reception issues. I have ridden through the Sierras, as well as in built-up areas (San Francisco), never having lost a signal. In fact, it even receives a strong signal when the bike's in the garage with the door closed!
  My only complaint would be that the unit is huge compared to other antennas, but it also has the actual receiver in it, so I can't complain too much. It's not a passive unit, so it does generate some heat, but never enough to be an issue as to where it's mounted. I have noticed that the mounting angle is somewhat critical, but as long as it's somewhat level, the reception is phenominal.
  Absolutely recommended if you have a GPS that acts as an XM control head, versus having a GPS plus a (non-waterproof) XM radio receiver/antenna also mounted on the bike. Additionally, by using the GXM30 through a ZUMO 550, I have had no grounding issues or other forms of interference problems. Nice combination that works very, very well. Too bad it's so pricey.
  
  
• It Works
  By A5MKMR0XO7HA7 on 2007-01-31
  The wire is pretty big and thick, making it a little hard to conceal, but the unit works as advertised. It even picks up while I'm under the metal overhead structure while getting gas at the gas station. It works pretty good, actually.
  
  
• Great antenna. Works like a charm.
  By A1FVZNIGNROMMU on 2007-07-11
  This antenna works very well. We have had it for almost a year. We love it.
  
  
• This antenna is huge
  By A1R7W7OCCKWCFE on 2007-08-13
  I believe this antenna houses all the electronics required to provide XM radio to the Kenwood DNX7100. Due to the large size of this antenna (~4" in diameter) I had to leave it inside the vehicle next to the windshield which is hampering the signal. For the most part I get a clear and clean signal, but once I drive through some trees, the signal goes away. I believe this is due the low voltage the antenna uses since it's provided through a mini USB connector. If the size was smaller and the receiver antenna was more powerful, I would give this item 5 stars
  
  
• A++
  By AUR86LD11AXCR on 2007-09-04
  Would not suggest unless your car is bluetooth ready. speakers are weak for xm. BUT The weather and traffic is the best thing ever.AMAZING
  
  
• IS THERE CONFUSION ABOUT WHAT YOUR BUYING?
  By A3VU3N1XI2FUT3 on 2008-04-06
  I WAS SHOPPING IN AMAZON FOR A GPS UNIT, AND SETTLED ON A GARMIN WITH A 'BIG SCREEN' AND LOUD VOICE.
  I PICK A VENDOR WHOM I THOUGHT, WAS SELLING THE UNIT I CHOSE, WITH ALL OF THE PIECES NECESSARY TO INSTALL IN MY VEHICLE. XM RADIO AND THE SMART ANTENNA. WHEN I RECEIVED THE UNIT, I FOUND JUST THE UNIT, AND NOT WHAT I THOUGHT I HAD PURCHASED. I IMMEDIATELY, CALLED THE VENDOR, WHO REFUNDED ME $250. HIS PRICE FOR THE SAME UNIT WAS THAT MUCH MORE. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT MY CONFUSION IN REGARD TO WHAT I WAS BUYING WAS CAUSED BY THE COPY I READ ON THE AMAZON SITE. OTHER VENDORS JUST SAID THAT THEY WOULD SELL THE UNIT. MOST OF THEM DON'T MENTION THE ACCESSORIES IN THEIR MAIN ADVERT. BUT LINKED ACCESSORIES SEPARATELY. HIS COPY, I THOUGHT, DUE TO THE INCREASE IN PRICE, WAS SELLING THE ENTIRE 'KIT' READY TO GO.
  IT WAS GRATIFYING, THAT HE DIDN'T DISPUTE THE ISSUE, AND JUST GAVE ME THE REFUND, BUT, I THINK THAT SOME CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AS TO WHAT EXACTLY YOU ARE SELLING IF YOU'RE A VENDOR. IT WOULD AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF BUYER CONFUSION.
  
  
• Took forever.....
  By A1FEPFCYL1MBXQ on 2008-04-19
  The product great. Service sucked. Ordered, paid, said would ship, and then they (amazon) cancels. In all of amazon only 1 available. Had to laugh at that point. Continued to look for over a week, finally found, redo the process and again only one in all amazon. So the product great but the process ridiculous. How can you let suppliers only keep one on hand.
  
  
• GXM 30 works great
  By A3SEB5TYQTW216 on 2008-05-27
  I bought the GXM 30 XM antenna to pair with my Garmin Streetpilot 7200 so that I could get XM's Navtraffic and Navweather in addition to XM Radio. I have used it for about a month and so far I am very pleased. I tried two other GPS units with the traffic alerts feature before I decided to give XM's Navtraffic a trial. It seems to provide more accurate alerts and on the Garmin it will display a live traffic map that shows color coded traffic delays on major routes. It also seems to update the map often so you are given fairly recent info on accidents and slowdowns.
  
  I also like the Navweather which provides not only forecasts for the areas that you are traveling in but severe weather alerts and warnings. I received a first tornado warning for the area of my home from Navweather. The XM radio integrated in the GXM 30 works well, no complaints. On the Garmin 7200 the display is large and it operates via touchscreen. Very convenient.
  
  
• Awesome Entertainment on Two Wheels
  By A2C6QOBYMVM67I on 2008-10-19
  Garmin GXM30 XM Satellite Antenna for GPSMap 376C, 7200 and 7500 (010-00423-00)GARMIN 010-00567-00 Zumo 550 GPS Receiver
  
  I bought this product right before a trip to CO from Cali on my bike. The set up was painless and the XM radio is awesome. The XM weather is handy in states with weather.. cali .. not so much!
  
  The startup costs (tying to a autocom system) are a little steap but you forget real quick when you are making phone calls direct on the GPS, listening to XM, MP3 player and using the navigation. This is a very powerful tool, and is a must have if you can afford it.
  
  The only thing I didn't like was I found that the database was a little weak at times when asking for close items.. ie gas stations or hotels probally has to do with the data provided.
  
  Amust have tool for heavy two wheel touring!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• works as expected
  By A2Q53ORMN0BSM5 on 2007-02-15
  not much to say about an antenna except that it works as expected. The seller was prompt on delivery. No issues with seller or item.
  
  
• GXM30 XM antenna for Garmin 2820
  By A1BANDHH9FB6IF on 2007-05-12
  I purchased a GXM30 XM antenna for my Garmin 2820 GPS and now have XM radio Traffic and weather reports. I mounted this on my motorcycle and it has a great clear view but I don't like how sensitive it is to the signal being blocked. When I pull up into my driveway the garage knocks out the signal. I will be taking a week long trip soon and will see how it does in all kinds of situations.
  
  
• GXM 30
  By A2NA1NFFO8CYOC on 2008-05-27
  To complete the garmin system you need to have this antenna with the XM traffic set up at the very least.
  Good antenna but the price is a little high.
  
  
• GARMIN GXM 30 XM SATELLITE ANTENNA
  By AA03WB3UMV65K on 2008-08-16
  I was happy to get the Garmin 7200 but wasn't sure if I needed the GXM30 satellite receiver as I thought maybe the antenna that I have for my truck might work, it did not. I think this is Garmin's way of making more money. Frankly, I purchased the Garmin 7200 for $470.00, I like the device but could never imagine paying over $1000 for it when it first came out in 2006.
  For truck drivers the big screen is helpful, and having the traffic alerts do help but for truckers it's not easy to get off the next exit and go around because if you don't know the road there is no telling the trouble you can get into. I hope that Garmin comes out with trucking software soon. With all of the gps devices on the market only a few are for truckers, go figure.
  
  With the XM service you get traffic and weather. The weather service tells you about severe weather alerts, current and forecast weather conditions. This helps me figure out if I want to shut off my truck for the night based upon low temps. I really can't imagine anyone wanting to go around without a gps. With prices coming down it's well worth the investment.
  
  

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