How Does Satellite Radio in a Car Work?
Satellite radio systems offer a wider range of programming than available from land-based local radio broadcasters. The satellite systems are only available by subscription from providers and utilize proprietary hardware to receive and decode the satellite signal and provide audio to the occupants of the car. The system can vary depending on the vendor, but the satellite car radio operates with some basic or standard components.
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Antenna
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The antenna is often included with the car satellite radio kit. If not, it can be purchased separately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. The antenna is usually a small box, often less than 3-inches across, that attaches to the roof of the car by a magnet and connects to the radio tuner by an attached cable.
Satellite Tuner
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The radio signal from the satellite is outside the frequency spectrum of the standard AM or FM radio. The satellite tuner picks up these frequencies. This component may be combined with the satellite radio receiver in some systems.
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Satellite Receiver
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The receiver converts the satellite radio signal to audio and provides operator controls for station selection, volume and sound quality.
Connections to the Car Sound System
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The satellite radio system can connect to the car sound system in a variety of ways. Standalone systems, sometimes called universal tuners, can use an FM modulator to feed the signal to the car's existing radio. An FM modulator is an extremely low power FM transmitter that broadcasts the signal, which is received by the existing car radio set to the appropriate frequency.
Other options include the removal of the car's in dash radio and its replacement with the satellite tuner, which is then connected to the speakers.
Satellite Radio Limitations
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Satellite radio is only available in the continental U.S. and Canada. Reception of the signals requires a valid paid subscription to a satellite radio company. Local radio stations that may include local news and weather information are not available on satellite radio services.
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References
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