Failing Screen DAB Antenna

[ballans]

Hi all.
I have a Kenwood 5020 head unit installed into a 2011 Mercedes Vito. The problem I have is the DAB screen arial keeps failing. I’m on my third in 3 months. It’s an Autoleads DAB-AA1 powered version as the non powered don’t work at all.
I have it wired into a 12v feed which works fine but the last one failed in a week.
I’m guessing it’s a power surge of some description but I’m hoping someone has come across this issue before and has a solution.
I’ve probably done something wrong so all suggestions gratefully accepted.
Thanks in advance.

[Wilseus]

I've been searching for one of those for weeks! All the ones I could find take their power via the coax. I've ordered one from Halfords and I'll let you know if it gives me any problems.

Where are you getting your 12v feed from?

[ballans]

Yes, Halfords have them in stock in their branches. Spent a small fortune on Ariel’s in there now!
I’ve taken one of the live feeds that go into the head unit. Got the rear view camera on the same feed and no issues.

[Wilseus]

Well I got one, and while £20 is twice as much as the other ones without the power wire, it's still a lot less than a Dynavin one at nearly £60 when you include the postage.

A friend and I decided to have a go at replacing my broken one, but we couldn't get the head unit out. Just couldn't reach the screws, and even if I could, getting them back in again would have been nigh on impossible, so I gave up, just removed the broken antenna and snipped the wires. I'm not going anywhere near that ever again, getting the A pillar trim back on was a world of hurt. I can live without DAB.

Oh yeah I forgot. Now the soft open on the ashtray underneath the head unit no longer works.

Edited by Wilseus on Saturday 7th June 21:00

[ZX10R NIN]

Spend the extra & get the original aerial replaced with one of these, you'll also benefit from better reception:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395823105119?_skw=shark...psAAOSwNk5nGf-2&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dmcOJW1ZFJVjFTZWk1kttSZwEpOYVkwvAzGV1pKrX7rf0igavqqscXjoiySk%2FPlQ8YDEc%2BGyqiEUK73NcF6uCmg%2BqAiT%2BUYsEeUQldLgh4hagC5i%2Fv4ZJdESUyWgEvzuXfsR9OvRokaeYI10hIvWdpG9f1q8KQ%2Fm1K%2F01me61i8ilke0Syhd4ZTeyx1wumz--ee%2Br6aYJGWLIt%2BR6LxPIsUnNAC2UsA7u8kYRkhGgQioKSNulWjhTw3sxDddd3c00%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR96ft7_pZQ

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405898596459?_skw=dab%2...

[ballans]

ZX10R NIN said:

Spend the extra & get the original aerial replaced with one of these, you'll also benefit from better reception:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395823105119?_skw=shark...psAAOSwNk5nGf-2&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dmcOJW1ZFJVjFTZWk1kttSZwEpOYVkwvAzGV1pKrX7rf0igavqqscXjoiySk%2FPlQ8YDEc%2BGyqiEUK73NcF6uCmg%2BqAiT%2BUYsEeUQldLgh4hagC5i%2Fv4ZJdESUyWgEvzuXfsR9OvRokaeYI10hIvWdpG9f1q8KQ%2Fm1K%2F01me61i8ilke0Syhd4ZTeyx1wumz--ee%2Br6aYJGWLIt%2BR6LxPIsUnNAC2UsA7u8kYRkhGgQioKSNulWjhTw3sxDddd3c00%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR96ft7_pZQ

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405898596459?_skw=dab%2...

That’s does look like a good idea. Thanks.
I’ve tried rewiring off a different feed including a fused live but it still hasn’t cured the problem. New arial failed in less than a week. I’m pretty sure it’s the head unit as it’s been nothing but trouble since new so I’m quite happy to bin it.
Bit annoying though as I’ve got all the adapters for the Kenwood which cost quite a bit to replace if I went for a different brand.
Also been looking on eBay for a second hand unit and they don’t cost much less than new!
If anyone wants a Kenwood 5020 head unit which breaks DAB aerials and the CarPlay doesn’t work your welcome to it.