How Does Satellite Radio in a Car Work?

Antenna

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.

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.

The receiver converts the satellite radio signal to audio and provides operator controls for station selection, volume and sound quality.

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 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.