How Does Bluetooth Work in a Car?
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Wireless Protocol for Cars
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Think of your computer...if you're still a person with cables connecting your CPU and peripherals (printers, keyboards, scanners, mice). Now, project that setup to your car or truck; you'd have a wired mess. Bluetooth makes those connections wirelessly through radio frequency transmissions and, just like a walkie-talkie works between two people, lets your Bluetooth enabled phone and MP3 players communicate with your car's CPU, the in-dash head unit (if it's enabled for Bluetooth reception). It works best in short-range situations of approximately 25 feet or less, perfect for the environment in any vehicle.
Transmit, Receive, Connect
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Bluetooth works simply, with a tiny transmitter embedded in the unit that sends a Bluetooth signal. Let's use an iPhone as an example, because it is both a music player and a cellphone. The iPhone has a Bluetooth chip within its circuitry. It can send a signal to any receiver within range. That receiver is most likely the in-dash head unit. Depending on how Buetooth is enabled, it is either built in to the unit itself or plugged in by way of a connection in the back.
That receiver can pick up everything Bluetooth that might be in your car, since Bluetotth can operate on multiple bands of its specified radio frequency. That's how your phone connection can become a hands-free phone call (the most prevalent use of Bluetooth in vehicles at present).
Separate Bluetooth speakerphone devices are powered by rechargeable batteries that plug into the cigarette lighter/power outleet. These small stand-alone units with a built-in speakers and microphone do not use the vehicle's car audio system.
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Universal Kits
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A universal kit is a Bluetooth transmitter that will connect, usually hard-wired, to many different brands of car stereos with Bluetooth capability. It can receive Bluetooth signals from music players and cellphones that are Bluetooth enabled.
Car Stereos with Built-in Bluetooth
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Bluetooth has exploded in popularity, because of its low cost and reliability. Therefore, almost every major car manufacturer (Sony, JVC, Alpine Pioneer, Kenwood, etc.) makes Bluetooth-equipped car stereos. These need a separate microphone (often included) to pick up the caller's voice during a call.
Caller information appears on the in-dash display of many of these units, and mutes the existing audio program until the phone call is finished. This is a good option, especially because it can also play MP3 and ACC music files from Bluetooth enabled players (i.e., iPhone again).
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