Receiving AFN radio programming in U.S. specification vehicles in Italy
American Forces Network Europe (AFNE) radio in Italy announces an initiative that may allow some late model U.S. specification cars to receive the AFN radio signals 106.0 FM and 107.0 FM, even though these are European frequencies that American specification car radios can’t normally receive.
The AFN Europe engineering staff in Vicenza, Italy, has put together this information on several inexpensive options that involve using your car auxiliary input in combination with a European FM radio or an FM modulator. The following Frequently Asked Questions will get you in the right direction so you can enjoy AFN programming in your US SPEC car.
How to receive AFN “The Eagle” (106 FM) or AFN Powernet (107 FM) with a US SPEC Factory Car Radio.
Q1. Why can’t I receive the AFN radio signal (106 FM or 107 FM) on my US SPEC Factory Car Radio?
A1. All US radio stations broadcast on odd frequencies.
Q2. What are some of the devices/technology available that will allow me to receive the AFN radio signals (106 FM and 107 FM) in my US SPEC car?
A2. If you are driving a late model US spec car there are a couple options available.
- If you car has an auxiliary (aux) input there are inexpensive European FM radios available.
- If you car radio does not have an aux jack you can use an FM modulator which creates a small FM signal only your car can receive.
Q3. How am I able to receive the AFN radio signals (106 FM or 107 FM) using a CE certified battery powered portable FM radio or CE certified FM modulator in my US SPEC car?
A3. Each affiliate engineering staff in Italy has modulator frequency information available. For example, you set your CE certified radio to 106.0 FM for AFN the Eagle or 107.0 FM for AFN PowerNet. If using a CE certified FM modulator, ask your local AFN affiliate what the modulator frequency is for your location, and then tune your US Spec Car radio to either 106.0 or 107.0, so that you can hear the audio through your car speakers.
Q4. What is the cost of a CE certified battery powered portable FM radio or CE certified FM modulator and where can I go to purchase one?
A4. CE certified FM radios and modulators are available through online vendors that ship to APO addresses. They could also be available locally through smaller electronics and general merchandise vendors.
Q5. Do I need one of the devices to receive the AFN (106 FM & 107 FM) radio signals if I have a European manufactured car and car radio?
A5. No, all European radios tune the entire radio spectrum both odd and even frequencies.
Q6. What AFN radio signal quality expectations should I have when using a CE certified battery powered portable FM radio or CE certified FM modulator?
A6. Using a CE certified portable FM radio with your car radio’s aux jack will provide the same quality and fidelity as your existing car radio.
The CE certified FM modulator provides a clear usable signal but quality and fidelity can vary depending on your individual car radio.
Q7. Is there a recommended device for a certain type or brand of car radio?
A7. No. If you have a radio with an AUX input, you do not need an FM modulator, only a CE certified radio. If you have a car that does not have an AUX input, you will need an FM modulator and CE certified radio to listen to AFN the Eagle or AFN PowerNet through your car speakers.
Q8. Why are you suggesting that the battery powered FM radio and FM modulator be CE certified?
A8. CE certified radios will have the capacity to tune in signals on both odd and even FM frequencies. CE certified FM modulators will ensure that you do not violate EU regulations pertaining to the transmission of radio frequencies. You can receive heavy fines in some countries if your FM modulator causes interference with other devices.
Q9. Is AFN responsible for providing a CE certified battery powered FM radio or CE certified FM modulator to DoD employees, retirees, Service and family members stationed overseas?
A9. AFN provides news, information, and entertainment to US Forces. It is the responsibility of the viewer or listener to provide their own devices to receive AFN programming, similar to living in the United States. AFN is not funded to provide reception devices except in combat zones and contingency operations.
Q10. Who is responsible for providing a CE certified battery powered FM radio or CE certified FM modulator to DoD employees, retirees, service and family members stationed overseas?
A10. Refer to A9
Q11. Who can I call for assistance to walk me through the steps to receive AFN radio signals (106 FM & 107 FM) with my CE certified battery powered portable FM radio or CE certified FM modulator on my US SPEC factory car radio?
A11. Feel free to contact the AFN South Network Operations Center at 634-8228 or your local AFN station for assistance.
AFN Europe radio would love to have you tune in. If you have any questions about our initiative that could allow you to receive AFN “The Eagle” 106.0 FM and “The Powernet” 107.0 FM with a U.S. specification car radio, don’t hesitate to contact AFN. You can call the AFN South Network Operations Center at 634-8228 or your local AFN Station for assistance.