Radio reception on a 111R

[beachbum]

My radio reception is atrocious. I have heard a few suggestions on how to make it better on the cars with external aerials, but never for the more recent, "Where the hell is it Aerial"

So first question is, where is the damn thing, and second one is, does anyone know how to improve the reception.
Changing the head unit isnt an option. So ideas ?

[drac]

Mine hasn't got an one its just got a black plastic widget thing. Before any smart a*s starts to tell me its under the front clams or anything, have you tried using the radio in a 111R?

Anyway you guys in the Uk are lucky, digital radio will arrive in NZ in 2035 if we are fortunate.

[gooby]

Do you have the DAB53 or '54? I had the 53 which was terrible so AndrewM changed it for the 54. Much better, still not perfect but much better.

[beachbum]

gooby said:

Do you have the DAB53 or '54? I had the 53 which was terrible so AndrewM changed it for the 54. Much better, still not perfect but much better.

No idea, whatever the default Head unit is, without taking the Touring pack option. Think it might be a 34, called Blaupunkt Frankfurt

[shot2bits]

Yep, same here - always missing the play on Radio 4

To be honest, I never use DAB and always use the tuner because it's such bad reception.

[denyer]

I've contacted lotus with regards to DAB radio reeption via the aerial (which is a couple of wires sellotaped under the front clam)on a 2005 111r. Their response was:

I did discuss your concern with
our
electrical engineers at that time, and advice was sought from
Blaupunkt.
This unfortunately was not forthcoming, and resulted in our
correspondence
becoming buried. In general terms, the performance of DAB radios does
vary
according to the quality of signal coverage in geographical areas, and
can
change significantly within that area due to local 'holes'. It is
important
to select DAB-FM-AUTO on your set in order that the unit will
automatically
tune into the corresponding FM frequency if the DAB signal becomes too
weak.

As regards external aerials, that fitted to the Elise may be regarded
as
external in as much as it is not shielded by the steel body of a
conventionally constructed car. One of the reasons for choosing a
concealed
aerial was to maintain the uncluttered aerodynamic and aesthetic
appearance
of the Elise which our customers so value. As discussed already, it is
always possible to improve any system by using more expensive
equipment, and
this matter is no exception. There are Blaupunkt DAB aerials available
in
mast and windscreen fitting types which may be expected to improve
performance, but such fitments would not be available with Lotus
funding or
endorsement.

As part of the advertising of the 111r was centered around it being the first car available with a DAB radio as standard, it is surprising Lotus aknowledge that reception can be improved by fitting a better ariel. A fifty quid ariel fitted at the time of manufacture would have been sufficient in giving an adequate reception (according to two independant car audio retailers in Newcastle).

The answer....
Dont wait for Lotus customer service to resolve the problem.
Buy an Ariel from a decentr car audio outlet.
Get a sub base at the same time.
Chill out with good sounds and enjoy the fruits of Chapman.

>> Edited by denyer on Wednesday 15th March 22:27

[beachbum]

The whole point of the original post is that my Radio is not a DAB variant. It is the basic standard model, when no Touring Pack is taken, the Frieberg CD34.

And the reception is still horendous.

So, for non DAB recepotion, Ideas ?

Also not sure why Lotus say the 111R was the first car to get a DAB radio as standard, cos mines the standard car and has NO DAB radio