Manage updates with the Download AppSirius Sportster 4
Manufacturer: Directed Electronics Inc. Part number: SP4TK1
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 21 reviews
- More product information:
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- SIRIUS Sportster 4 features the same large, easy-to-read display, rotary turning knob and large buttons as the previous Sportster models, but now fits even easier into your car, home or boombox.
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/13/2013 |
User reviews
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Disappointing unit
by lugosi2k on June 23, 2006
Pros: Very sleek looking
Cons: FM modulator essentially worthless
Summary: Eager to get it, I finally ordered the new Sportster 4 online. It didn't take long for me to be profoundly disappointed in the unit.
The problem is with ...Summary: Eager to get it, I finally ordered the new Sportster 4 online. It didn't take long for me to be profoundly disappointed in the unit.
The problem is with the Sportster's FM converter: It's essentially worthless. I was unable to find a single frequency that wasn't subject to some sort of interference. Even the frequencies I use with the Starmate Replay were picking up static and/or bursts of music from elsewhere. In fact, at the lower end of the FM spectrum (the 88's and 89's) I got nothing. Zip. Nada. Even on the completely blank frequencies there was just nothing there. Finally around the 90.1 range you would be able to make out whichever channel you were trying to listen to. The upper frequencies were "listenable," provided you were willing to put up with the interference.
I finally decided to hook up the old Starmate again and put the units through a head-to-head competition. I set both receivers to the same FM frequency and the Starmate consistently overpowered the FM transmitter from the Sportster. I've actually tried the same experiment before, between the Starmate and an XM unit, and the result should be one signal or another getting through, but with a lot of interference. The bottom line is that the Sportster's FM converter is weak almost to the point of being non-existent.
I don't know what effect using a direct connect FM modulator would have on this shortcoming.
The second problem is that the power and antenna cables connect directly to the back of the cradle, NOT the sides. The end result is that the back of the radio is no longer a smooth surface, and you can no longer simply velcro the unit to the dashboard. It does come with that annoying standard-issue suction cup mount or a vent mount. I'm not a big fan of either mounting method, however.
On the plus side: If you are able to playback with either a cassette adapter or a direct connect cable, you will like the Sportster 4. It's a beautifully sleek looking unit and the various controls are laid out well. The blue backlight is just a bit weak during the day, but unobtrusive at night.
Buying additional cradles--whether for the house or other cars--makes moving the radio from one location to another a snap since you don't have to deal with connecting and disconnecting various cables.6 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Radio When You Buy The Necessary Accessories
by GreenEyes284 on April 3, 2007
Pros: Easy to use and has great functions
Cons: FM Transmitter stinks, mount swivels too much, need to buy accessories to work
Summary: I purchased the Sportster 4 and had a very hard time installing it. I could not get any reception and no matter what I did it would not work. I ...
Summary: I purchased the Sportster 4 and had a very hard time installing it. I could not get any reception and no matter what I did it would not work. I even exchanged it at Radio Shack for another unit. The kid there tried to help me and could not get the radio to come through. When I installed the FM Extender the radio began to work however there was still that annoying static that everyone seems to complain about. I put up with it for a week until I decided to purchase the $20 FM Direct Adapter. After that the unit works perfectly. The adapter wasn't hard to install, and I have never replaced a radio by myself before.
I would recommend this radio for those who don't mind spending the extra $20 to get the FM Direct Adapter and install it themselves. It seemed harder than it really was. I really think Sirius should include the FM Direct Adapter because their new radios don't seem to work without it.
Also, another aspect of the Sportster 4 I did not like is the mount swivels too much. I go to hit a button to change the channel etc, and the mount moves too much. This is very distracting when driving.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Equipment not worthy of service
by cdale93 on March 10, 2007
Pros: great entertainment selection
Cons: Underpowered FM transmitter
Summary: Underpowered FM transmitter only part of the problem. Forget about using it, you will not get clear static free reception from satellite radio to car radio. The next option I ...
Summary: Underpowered FM transmitter only part of the problem. Forget about using it, you will not get clear static free reception from satellite radio to car radio. The next option I tried was using a powered sub woofer, which worked fine except for hiss that seems to be just audible enough to hear. After that I went to the FM Direct Adapter, it took care of all the problems that I had. Until I started noticing static. I thought it might be the adapter, so I tried a new one. The problem ended up being a crack in the plug at the back of the unit. It seems the jacks are made out of plastic, after a certain amount of time and a slight amount of stress on the jack it cracks and you loose that option. The car setup for this unit is basically defective. It should be recalled because all three auto options end up becoming problems .
Updated
Decided to buy new car kit in order to listen to service in car again. Opened package and found dc power plug broken and satellite antenna defective. Ended up exchanging kit the next day.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't Jude By Looks
by DolphPen on February 20, 2007
Pros: Looks sleek
Cons: FM transmitter, customer service
Summary: Like many other customer reviews I had the same problems. On the outside, the glossy front and blue lights make this machine look like a well tuned great machine, but ...
Summary: Like many other customer reviews I had the same problems. On the outside, the glossy front and blue lights make this machine look like a well tuned great machine, but it is not. I couldn't pick up a clear signal when the radio was a foot from my car attenna and the signal strength was full. There is an add on to make the signal stronger, as mentioned in another review, but if you need that to hear a clear signal, this shouldn't be called a 'plug and play' model. Not everyone wants to hard wire the radio to one vechile.
Not to mention the customer service, it is lousy, don't even bother with them. They kept saying I was at fault and using the wrong station, they couldn't grasp that every station wasn't clear.
Luckly I was able to return mine to the store (for credit) but I still had a year which I had paid for (that's the kicker, you pay big for a radio, then big for a supscription, and it sounds like your dad's AM radio) but I did get a Sirius Starmate Replay off eBay (after reading reviews this time before I made the purchase)and it has a very strong FM signal and it really is 'plug and play'.
DO NOT buy the Sportster 4, Unless you don't want a clear signal, want to have to buy additional add ons, and like to talk to stupid customer service reps.3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice unit except for the bult in FM Modulator
by blockisle9 on December 25, 2006
Pros: Full funtion remote control
Cons: FM Modulator
Summary: I haven’t had the unit long enough for a full review, but once I got the FM modulator to work I like it. The built in FM modulator is ...
Summary: I haven’t had the unit long enough for a full review, but once I got the FM modulator to work I like it. The built in FM modulator is worthless with out purchasing an optional FM DIRECT ADAPTER. I found it kind of odd, I used a cheap FM Modulator with my MP3 player and it worked great. I like the remote; it allows full operations of all the features of the unit.
I will update this review when I use it more.
Lenny2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great unit when properly equipped.
by naraiz on December 20, 2006
Pros: Fantastic rock station selection
Cons: Could use a few more country station choices
Summary: I purchased and had this unit installed at Circut City. I too experienced serious interference once the radio was installed. This was disappointing to say the least. The installer mentioned ...
Summary: I purchased and had this unit installed at Circut City. I too experienced serious interference once the radio was installed. This was disappointing to say the least. The installer mentioned that a FM modulator (I think this is what it was called) would solve the interference problem. This modulator is direct connected to my unit and as promised all interference was removed. The clarity and sound quality was absolutely amazing. I actually feel my vehicles Infinity sound system sounds even better than it did before because of the better signal. So for an additional 30 dollars the modulator made a huge difference. Bottom line... Equipping the unit with a direct connect modulator (or whatever it is called) will make a dramatic difference. I couldn't be happier.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Does Not Have an Aux In!
by ScotlandZeif on October 8, 2007
Pros: Does the Same as any Sportster
Cons: False Advertisement
Summary: Please note - the Sirius Sportster 4 does NOT come with an AUX IN thing in the front to plug your IPOD into. I was about to buy the Sportster ...
Summary: Please note - the Sirius Sportster 4 does NOT come with an AUX IN thing in the front to plug your IPOD into. I was about to buy the Sportster at RadioShack mostly because of this feature, so I could occasionally play my ipod in it. But when the salesperson opened up the package to make sure it had it, it was not there. I called Sirius to ask about it, and the operator on the phone told me that they STOPPED MAKING THEM WITH IT. Yet they still have ads showing the Aux In hole i the front. I'm sure I'm not the only person who liked this feature.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sportster4 Antenna Issues
by cima113 on August 17, 2007
Pros: Radio is great. good features
Cons: Customer support, faulty parts
Summary: Recently my Sportster 4 stopped working correctly. After calling Sirius support I was informed that my antenna was part of a batch identified as faulty. I was given a phone ...
Summary: Recently my Sportster 4 stopped working correctly. After calling Sirius support I was informed that my antenna was part of a batch identified as faulty. I was given a phone number to a claims department.
At the claims department I was told that although they knew that they had sold me a faulty product that I would have to provide them a credit card in order to get a new replacement antenna. Then they tell me, in what has to be the worst replacement policy I have ever heard of that they ship a WHOLE new Sportster with all the parts to my address charging me postage. Then I'm suppose to take those parts that I need and place the damaged part back in the box. Then I have to pay postage to ship this box back to them. This is the most expensive replacement policy I can think of not to mention how unfriendly it appears to the consumer. So I asked for just the antenna and I was told they don't do individual items. I looked online to order just the antenna and they don't sell them.
I can not imagine that a company, knowing it sold its customers faulty products, would set up a return format that actually cost the consumer nearly the cost of the actual replacement through shipping costs. I can not tell you how angry this had made me. It has destroyed my relationship and confidence in a company that I have subscribed to for years. This whole event happened months ago and although I paid for a years subscription I could careless about listening to Sirius. I'd rather listen to FM radio then go through that whole hassle.
I wanted to write this letter so that those in charge know that they have lost a faithful customer and to let others know that Sirius will not support them when they have issues that mean a lot to them.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't waste your time
by cjcampi1 on February 23, 2007
Pros: Good display
Cons: The FM transmit feature is worthless
Summary: I made the wsitch fromXM to Sirius and purchased this unit at Best Buy. My old XM system had a great FM transmit feature so I didn't even think ...
Summary: I made the wsitch fromXM to Sirius and purchased this unit at Best Buy. My old XM system had a great FM transmit feature so I didn't even think about this. After all, isn't this considered a standard feature now? The FM transmitter stunk, and Best Buy told me to buy an FM modulator for another $30. Moreover, everytime I tried to power my cell phone in the car I lost reception. In the end I returned the entire unit and purchased a low end pioneer radio with sirius capabilities. It only cost me $40 more than the sporster and modulator, and I don't have wires hanging all over the place. Even better, I can power up a cell phone now and listen to music (novel concept) In the end, don't purchase this unit unless you are ready to but a number of other products to make it work.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Radio is worthless
by NICU28 on October 16, 2006
Pros: looks good
Cons: FM Modulator, customer service
Summary: The FM modulator does not work at all. I cannot listen to the radio over the FM modulator in my car or even at home with the radio less than ...
Summary: The FM modulator does not work at all. I cannot listen to the radio over the FM modulator in my car or even at home with the radio less than 6 inches away from my stereo antenna.
The worst problem with Sirius is their horrible customer service. If you ever want help with your radio be prepared to spend at least 3 hours before you will actually receive help. Even then they will direct you back to the store you purchased the radio from.
Do yourself a favor and buy a different radio from the start.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Directed Electronics Inc.
- Part number: SP4TK1
- Description: SIRIUS Sportster 4 features the same large, easy-to-read display, rotary turning knob and large buttons as the previous Sportster models, but now fits even easier into your car, home or boombox.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Sirius satellite radio tuner
- Recommended Use Car
- Integrated Components RF modulator
- Width 4.5 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 2.5 in
- Weight 4.3 oz
Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Built-in Display LCD
- Clock Yes (digital)
- Additional Features Security code,
Auto power off,
Built-in FM transmitter,
Rotary encoder multi-control,
Preset buttons Satellite Radio
- Type Sirius satellite radio tuner
- Antenna External
- Tuning Display LCD
- Preset Station Qty 30
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio 75 dB
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
- Technology Infrared
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Antenna,
Mounting bracket,
Car power adapter
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Directed Electronics Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Directed Electronics Inc.
- Phone: 1-800-876-0800
