Centurion Introduces Low Profile XM Antenna
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 4/1/2002
LINCOLN, NEB.— Centurion Wireless Technologies is making its debut in the aftermarket with a low-profile XM Satellite Radio antenna, with a Sirius version expected to follow.
The XM antenna measures only 15 mm high and 60 mm across and resembles a "small hockey puck," said Dax Craig, business development VP. It has a circularly polarized design with gain specified from 20 to 60 degrees in elevation. It is expected to sell in the $50 to $75 range.
Centurion is also planning to offer one of the first multipurpose telematics antennas for satellite radio, cellular PCS and GPS in a low profile unit under 30 mm high. The antenna, which mounts on the trunk lid or roof of the car, will be offered to aftermarket suppliers for OEM and is expected to appear on the market in the next six months at a retail price of approximately $100, said the company.
Centurion, which has been supplying antennas for 25 years, mainly for two-way radios, cellphones and wireless computers, said it is offering the new multipurpose antenna because of "what's happening in the top tier vehicles today. If you start adding all these services that require antennae your car will look like a porcupine going down the road," CEO Gary Kuck said. "When you are driving an $80,000 Jag you don't want things hanging off your car."
