Car audio and stereo: how to install satellite radio systems

Satellite radio represents the newest and best technology for receiving music signals. This simple guide will enable you to install a satellite radio receiver in your car.

There are several different types of satellite radio receivers available. This guide will cover the basics of installing plug and play tuners as well as hardwired in-car tuners. Plug and play tuners are units that mount on the dashboard of the vehicle. They typically come with one or more devices to connect the tuner to the stereo, as well as a cigarette lighter adapter and a mounting bracket. In-car tuners are usually rectangular boxes that will be controlled by the head unit and powered by the car power supply.

Plug and Play Tuners

• Step 1- Install the mounting bracket. Select a location that does not obstruct the driver’s view of the console or the road. The bracket should also be placed within arm’s length of the driver’s seat. To mount the bracket to the dash, first clean off the spot with alcohol wipes. Wait for this to dry, then remove the adhesive backing from the bracket and press firmly onto the dash for at least 30 seconds. Wait at least an hour before applying any weight to the bracket. The bracket can then be reinforced with screws or bolts if needed. Once the bracket is in place, slide the radio unit in place.

• Step 2- Connect the unit to the stereo. If your stereo has an auxiliary in port, use the supplied adaptor to connect the unit directly to this port. If you plan on using a cassette adapter, connection is as simple as putting the cassette into the stereo. If you choose to use an FM modulator, set both the modulator and the head unit to the same frequency.

• Step 3- Connect the antenna. If the antenna has an adhesive backing, use the same process as mounting the bracket. If the antenna is magnetic, simply place it on the roof of the car. The optimal placement for the antenna is the highest point on the car. Run the antenna wires through one of the door seals, but make sure the cord will not be damaged by the normal operation of the door. Once the cord is inside the car, run it beneath the carpet all the way up to the satellite tuner and plug it in.

• Step 4- Connect the unit to a power source. This is usually done by way of a cigarette lighter adapter. If you plan on hardwiring the power line, use crimps and appropriate fuses to make a good connection to a 12v switched power line.

• Step 5- Activate the satellite radio. This can usually be done online or over the phone. You will need the activation code for the radio. Once the radio is activated, it will function normally.

Head unit controlled Satellite radio

• Step 1- Mount the tuner box. Select a location that will be out-of the way, and easy accessible for wiring purposes. This is usually either in the trunk or under one of the rear seats. Use the included hardware to bolt the box into something solid. Be wary of puncturing floor panels, and be aware of what you are drilling into. Do not place the unit beneath any carpeting.

• Step 2- Wire the power lines for the box. Before you do this, disconnect the negative terminal from the car battery. Find a 12v line, either switched or non-switched, that you are able to tap into. It is best to use either the head unit power source or the cigarette lighter power source. To split the line, clip the existing cable at the desired location and crimp the three lines back together. Fuse the line before and after the split. Run the power cable beneath the carpet back to the tuner box and plug it in.

• Step 3- Hook the tuner box to the stereo. The unit should come with two cables: an RCA patch cable and a bus controller cable. Plug both of these cables into their respective ports in the tuner box and run them up to the head unit. Plug them into the ports in the back of the head unit.

• Step 4- Mount the antenna. If the antenna has an adhesive mount, first clean the area you intend to mount it on, then remove the adhesive backing and press firmly for at least 30 seconds. In the case of a magnetic mount antenna simply place it where you want it. The best mounting location is the highest point on the car. Be sure the antenna is not obstructed by any part of the car. Run the wires into the car through a door seal, then underneath the carpet until you reach the tuner box. Plug both the ground (terra) and satellite antenna cables into the unit.

• Step 5- Activate the unit by following the instructions provided. You will need the activation or identification numbers for the unit, so write these down before you call.