DAB radio

[ALT]

Hi all,
My Tamora's original Pioneer head-unit is starting to lose its radio reception so now's probably a good time to replace it.

Should I be getting a DAB radio or will it be too difficult to get a good digital reception?

With the Tamora's wonderful engine noise the radio isn't a high priority so I don't want to spend too much money. I did look in Halfords yesterday and DAB radios start at £80 with a DAB antennae £30 and another £30 to fit it. Where would the antennae be located and can it be hidden easily?

If I decide to buy a non-DAB replacement how easy is it to replace the head-unit? What special tools are needed and are they easy to get hold off?

Sorry if these questions are basic but I've never replaced a head-unit before!

Cheers.....

Andrew

[shep1001]

I fitted the new Alpine DAB radio with bluetooth - model 136BT IIRC. Its good but I still get reception issues, I guess it depends if you want an aerial on the body or not.


Shep

[K4TRV]

Hi,
There's DAB & DAB+. If you are considering DAB, you really should go for the later "+" technology. However, the major problem is you also need a decent antenna and plastic cars don't give you a good start. A metal grounding for the antenna is necessary and this is very difficult to achieve without something very noticeable. There are some good reviews at Dabonwheels: http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/dab_car_aerials.html

Benefits of DAB+
Latest MPEG-4 audio codec delivers exceptional performance efficiency
More stations can be broadcast on a multiplex
Greater station choice for consumer
More efficient use of radio spectrum
Lower transmission costs for digital stations
New receivers backwards compatible with existing MPEG Audio Layer II broadcasts
Current MPEG Audio Layer II services and consumers unaffected
Compatible with existing scrolling text and multimedia services
Robust audio delivery
Optimised for live broadcast radio
Broadcasters/regulators can select either standard MPEG Audio Layer II, or the additional audio coding, or both, to suit their country
Fast re-tuning response time (low zapping delay)
MPEG Surround is possible

Hope that helps ?

Trev

[davemac250]

I put a blaupunkt Nashville head unit in mine with their aerial system.

It's superb.

Had to get from Germany mind.

[shep1001]

K4TRV said:

Hi,
There's DAB & DAB+. If you are considering DAB, you really should go for the later "+" technology. However, the major problem is you also need a decent antenna and plastic cars don't give you a good start. A metal grounding for the antenna is necessary and this is very difficult to achieve without something very noticeable. There are some good reviews at Dabonwheels: http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/dab_car_aerials.html

Benefits of DAB+
Latest MPEG-4 audio codec delivers exceptional performance efficiency
More stations can be broadcast on a multiplex
Greater station choice for consumer
More efficient use of radio spectrum
Lower transmission costs for digital stations
New receivers backwards compatible with existing MPEG Audio Layer II broadcasts
Current MPEG Audio Layer II services and consumers unaffected
Compatible with existing scrolling text and multimedia services
Robust audio delivery
Optimised for live broadcast radio
Broadcasters/regulators can select either standard MPEG Audio Layer II, or the additional audio coding, or both, to suit their country
Fast re-tuning response time (low zapping delay)
MPEG Surround is possible

Hope that helps ?

Trev

Why not just ground off the battery?

[K4TRV]

shep1001 said:

Why not just ground off the battery?

You do, but for an aerial to operate properly, they are designed with a "ground plane", that is the metal body-work on a tin-top. It will work without, but with DAB you'll get drop-outs even with he latest radios which can run as much as 10 to 15 secs behind, in order to make up for drop-outs - a "feature" of the digital age!

T

[ALT]

Thanks for the replies, especially Trev's which is most helpful.

Cheers....

Andrew

[C3BER]

I have one in my cerb and its fantastic, check the bee sting antenna on my profile.