Swapping a DAB Aerial for a normal FM item??

[shortlad]

Hi Guys

I have a DAB aaerial and no DAB radio. I've bought a normal aerial and want to install that.

Am I right in thinking this isn't as easy as it sounds?

I guess that on a metal bodied car the aerial earths to the bodywork?? Dod I need to run an earth lead for my FM aerial?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[shortlad]

Anyone???

[S6PNJ]

Shortlad, my analogue aerial sits inside the near side wing (through the headlamp access panel). It doesn't have any grounding or earth plane other than the aerial itself. Quality is not what you'd call the best, but then when has a fibre glass car ever had good radio reception? I have a dual DAB/Analogue and it is always on DAB as the quality is better. The reception isn't much better, it still drops in and out, but at least the quality is better! Having said that, 99% of the time I've either got an mp3 playing or the roof is down so I can't hear anything else!

Just plumb your aerial into the radio and try different positions. I did want to try the inner rear wheel arch - there is a gap if you remove the carpet in the boot, near the filler cap. The aerial will fit down here very well and will be almost vertical. Trouble was I couldn't extricate the wiring from the engine bay!

[shortlad]

Thanks for the advice.

I currently have a DAB aerial mounted to the boot lid so will try it there and if there's a poor reception I guess I'll have to live with it. Currently have no radio at all so anything will be an improvement.

I wondered if you grounded it some how whether it would improve the signal strength??

[hallsie]

what about buying a DAB headset.

Im sure you could pick one up pretty cheaply, failing that, ill be selling my A4 soon and that has one in it that has never been linked up to DAB and will be coming with me.

If youve got one to swap!!!!

Stu

[shortlad]

hallsie said:

what about buying a DAB headset.

Im sure you could pick one up pretty cheaply, failing that, ill be selling my A4 soon and that has one in it that has never been linked up to DAB and will be coming with me.

If youve got one to swap!!!!

Stu

The previous owner had just put a very good Pioneer head unit in which has hands free and iPod connection so thought it would be worth just sticking an FM aerial on the car as would be the cheapest option.

Could be an option though.

[Arj]

I had the standard stick on the boot lid of my Tuscan replaced with a Hirschmann FM aerial. It looks more or less the same (it stands slightly more upright) but it can be removed easily, which is handy when you use a cover. It improved the signal quality enormously - and as a result also the sound quality!

I had it installed by Carl Baker of Car & Bike Installations in Hampshire. If you are willing to make the journey then I highly recommend you pay him a visit.

Edited by Arj on Monday 16th March 22:13