Direct Connection - The Only Way for Many to Receive Satellite Radio Programming
By Jonathan Dalton
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
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Dalton
