Antenna grabs XM signals on wheels

Your vehicle needs more than just a receiver to use the satellite-based XM radio service; it also requires an antenna, such as the Telematics series XM20 from Centurion Wireless Technologies (Picture). The satellite-signal version of this low-profile, aerodynamic antenna for 2332.5- to 2345-MHz XM signals has a total gain of 20 to 24 dB and a nominal noise figure of 1.1 dB, and the terrestrial-signal version's corresponding figures are18 to 22 and 1.5 dB for the satellite-supplementing, land-based repeaters. The 14-mm-high, 102-mm-diameter antenna is available for OEMs as well as through retail sales and operates from a 3.6 to 5.5V supply at 60-mA nominal current. It costs less than $50 (one) and includes a 14-ft (4.3m) RG-178 dual coaxial cable.

Centurion Wireless Technologies Inc, www.centurion.com.