Getting XM satellite radio can be a lot less complicated that getting satellite TV. XM Radio receivers are available for the home, in the car and on the go, although the market leans most toward the car. Many cars even come with a satellite radio receiver already installed. Once you have a radio receiver, you only need to use that receiver to help you purchase an XM Radio subscription package.
Purchase an XM satellite radio receiver. There are several electronics stores, car accessory stores and other stores that sell receivers. The receivers come in multiple forms and will come with at least a car kit and possibly a home stand kit.
Hook up the receiver by mounting it into the home or car stand. Connect the included satellite antenna to the stand at the "ANT" port and make sure the antenna has an unobstructed southern view. Connect the AC adapter to the home stand or the car charger to the car stand and plug it in.
Turn on the radio receiver and tune it to Channel 0. The display window will show your receiver's ID, which contains eight letters and/or numbers.
Contact XM Radio by calling 1-800-XM-RADIO or logging on to www.xmradio.com and clicking on the "activate radio" link. In the window for new customers, input your receiver's ID. You will then need to choose a subscription package and input a credit card number.
Leave the receiver on and wait for all your available channels to be picked up by your receiver. This normally takes 10 to 15 minutes, but could take up to an hour during peak listening hours.
