Up until now, you may have been a little disappointed; only reading the information on cassette adaptors and FM modulators as possible ways of playing a Satellite radio in your vehicle. You may have wondered how Satellite radio could deliver pure digital bliss to your ears. This page should show you how that is possible!

Cassette adaptors and FM modulators are mainly intended for plug-and-play receivers. However, it is possible to connect these types of receivers, and others, using a direct connection to your vehicle’s stereo. This solely depends on whether your vehicle’s stereo system is capable or not.

As far as sound quality is concerned, a direct, or hardwired connection, is by far the best option to receive Satellite radio programming in your vehicle at close to cd quality.

A direct connection simply means using special cables, or hardwired adaptors, to connect your Satellite radio equipment (whatever device types they may be) to your vehicle’s stereo system.

A direct connection can be made only if the stereo has an auxiliary or AUX audio input. Normally found on the back of the vehicle’s stereo, the AUX input uses standard RCA or 3.5mm mini-jack audio cables for connecting additional audio devices. However, some stereos provide an AUX input on the front panel, making it convenient for playing portable audio devices such as iPods, CD, Minidisc and MP3 players.

If your stereo does not have an AUX input, all is not lost: many vehicle audio systems have a data port designed usually for an optional CD changer. Although not compatible for Satellite radios, this connection can also be used, even if the data port itself is already being utilised. For aftermarket and OEM factory fitted audio systems, a wide range of multi-purpose converters and interface cables are available, allowing Satellite radios and/or selected compatible audio devices to be connected to the vehicle’s current audio system.

The majority of Satellite radios require an RCA Y-adaptor cable (stereo RCA plugs to 3.5mm mini-jack) for a direct connection. Therefore, the most common use for multi-purpose converters and interface cables, is to simply convert the cd changer data port to an AUX input. However, some converters and interface cables supply power and/or audio to Satellite radio tuners that use a proprietary connection.

The Satellite radio is controlled using the cd changer capabilities on the vehicle’s stereo, or, for plug-and-play receivers, on the receiver itself or remote control.

The only possibility of interference using the direct-connect option, will be from ground loops, these are created when audio units of any kind are not properly grounded during installation and pick up noise from the alternator/charging system or engine. Devices such as ground loop isolators and in-line noise filters can be installed to help eliminate unwanted noises.

If sound quality is of the upmost importance to you, superior quality audio cables can be used to resist any corrosion and ensure a clear signal transfer without any electrical interference, which can distort audio signals.

As most of the installation, if not all of it, is carried out behind the vehicle’s dashboard and using specialist parts, it is recommended that a professional undertake the work.

For more information please visit: http://www.the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

This article may be freely reproduced so long as the above link is included in its entirety.

Jonathan Dalton: admin@the-satellite-radio-advisor.com

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