How Many Antennas Are Hidden In Your Car?

When I bought my car a few years ago, the salesman gloated over the fact that there was no visible radio for the car phone or even the FM/AM radio. Antennas were so last century he seemed to say, and I felt so progressive (and still do.)

Not long ago the NY Times did a great piece on the shocking fact that today’s car can have up to 18 separate antennas hidden inside door panels, and rear view mirrors, and wheel wells. Read on…

“Today’s cars need a selection of antennas just to serve their entertainment systems (separate units for broadcast and satellite radio, and another to receive television programming); navigation units and cellphones use different aerials again. The count increases further with systems that employ a “diversity” antenna to improve reception. This design uses two or more individual antennas tuned to the same band, relying on a microprocessor in the radio to select the clearest signal.

“More antennas yet are required for cars equipped with telematics systems like OnStar or the Mercedes-Benz TeleAid. These systems offer concierge services and emergency notification in the event of a collision, using a second set of cellphone and global positioning satellite aerials to contact a call center.

“Keyless entry, security alarms and other functions controlled from the driver’s key fob require one or more antennas, as do the short-range Bluetooth communications that link a driver’s cellphone or handheld computer with the audio systems of some new cars to permit hands-free phone conversations. Direct-reading tire pressure monitors necessitate still more aerials to keep tabs on the inflation of each tire, including that of the spare in the trunk.” Source: NY Times Online (Free Subscription Required)

Wow. Makes my parent’s old orange VW Van with the long easy-to-crack-off and 100% hand-pulled telescoping antenna seem downright quaint.