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How to Install External Satellite Radio Unit Into One'S Car

Contributor
By Nek Lian
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Satellite radio services offer a great variety of programming, with outstanding choices in music, news, talk and sports--perfect for the car. Installing an external satellite radio tuner is a fairly easy do-it-yourself project.

From Quick Guide: Car Satellite Radios
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Satellite radio tuner
  • Mount
  • Satellite radio antenna
  1. Step 1

    Pick your satellite radio. There are many models of external satellite radio tuners to choose from. Some are portable and have built-in recorders and memory for MP3 files, and some can be used in the car and home, with different mounting and docking kits. Evaluate which model will best fit your needs.

  2. Step 2

    Purchase your satellite radio tuner. When you buy it, check that it has all the gear you need for where you want to use it, such as a car mounting kit, power adapter and antenna. In most cases, the tuner will have all of these items included, but be sure to check before you leave the store to avoid having to make extra trips.

  3. Step 3

    Decide where you want to mount the satellite radio tuner. External satellite radios have their own controls, so be sure that you can mount the tuner where it's easy to reach and where it's easy to see the display screen. Test out a few different locations and give some thought as to which will be best for you.

  4. Step 4

    Install the mounting kit, which will hold the satellite radio in place when it's in the car. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to how to mount it in the location you've chosen.

  5. Step 5

    Place the antenna. Your satellite radio won't work without an antenna. These are usually small, magnetic antennas and are easy to mount. Nonetheless, it's important to put the antenna in a location that gives it the best performance. Consult the installation manual for tips on proper placement. Once you've placed the antenna, fish the antenna cable to the mounting location, taking every opportunity to keep the installation neat and the cable out of place. Connect the cable to the mounting kit when you're done.

  6. Step 6

    Mount the satellite radio to the mounting kit. Once the satellite radio is charged and placed on the mount, tune your car radio to the radio's FM frequency, and follow the activation instructions that came with it. Enjoy your satellite radio!

Tips & Warnings
  • Most external satellite radios have a built-in FM transmitter that sends the signal to your car radio. Some have an auxiliary output. If your car radio has an aux input, use this connection for better sound quality.

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