Any experienced DAB installers out there?

[MaccaTVR]

Hi guys,

So basically I have upgraded my cars stereo to one that can receive DAB.

Can anyone tell me - Is it possible in anyway to use the existing aerial, and if not, why?

I cant seem to find a definitive answer - almost everywhere I look I come across buying a new aerial that sticks to the windscreen - which I'd rather not.

When TV's made the switch over from analogue to digital, we all didn't go around buying new aerials for the roof. As long as the TV was digital ready it was fine, so why would a DAB radio be any different? Or am I just being a complete idiot.

Can anyone tell me what my options are?

Thanks

[Garemberg]

Get a windscreen mounted one

[DuraAce]

FM/AM aerial won't recieve the correct frequency for dab.

You need either an additional antenna, or replace your existing one (easy if roof mounted) with a combined dab/fm version. I changed mine for about £100 and its perfect. Reception from a stick on window was rubbish.

[broncoupe]

Yes in simple terms
I get my adaptors from Incartec on the internet
They offer a couple go with the dearer type also you need a full length ariel manuel or electric.
to achieve best results especially if its for a TVR as your user name suggests
Another piont aftermarket DAB does not like LED conversions headlights side lights DRLs
in my experiance interfers with the signal noticably
Stickon windscreen ariels are ok but move ariel around screen to find best location
It does make a differance
Cheers

[anonymous-user]

Different frequencies. TV digital uses frequencies that existing antennae can still receive.

On my TVR a stick on screen one is discreet and works perfectly. I earthed the copper tab with a wire (as the windscreen frame isn't metal) . It even gets dab parked in my garage. Halfords jobby.

[MaccaTVR]

Its not for a TVR (sadly dont have one anymore)

Its for an Alfa Romeo (swapped one car with dodgy electrics for another )

Ok so the aerial cant pick up DAB frequencies - what about the wiring and base?

It has a roof mounted antenna at the rear of the car, looks like a bee sting type but wouldn't say its "small"

Would it work to unscrew it and screw in one that can handle DAB, or would I need to change the base as well?

All the ones on Incartec appear to come complete with a new base and wiring.

Also, at the moment the radio isn't even hooked up to the current aerial, the back of the new radio has fakra connectors and the cars wiring has a standard plug so would need to get an adaptor.

[David Beer]

MaccaTVR said:

Its not for a TVR (sadly dont have one anymore)

Its for an Alfa Romeo (swapped one car with dodgy electrics for another )

Ok so the aerial cant pick up DAB frequencies - what about the wiring and base?

It has a roof mounted antenna at the rear of the car, looks like a bee sting type but wouldn't say its "small"

Would it work to unscrew it and screw in one that can handle DAB, or would I need to change the base as well?

All the ones on Incartec appear to come complete with a new base and wiring.

Also, at the moment the radio isn't even hooked up to the current aerial, the back of the new radio has fakra connectors and the cars wiring has a standard plug so would need to get an adaptor.

You can get a splitter that uses the original aerial, but only ifs a non powered/ amplified type.
They work very well and actually amplify both fm and dab.
Used maybe a couple of hundred now.

[gizlaroc]

https://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/product-category/dab...


The Kinetic 6003 roof one gives UK wide reception with no dropouts I have found.

However, window one with a properly grounded contact will cover 95% of UK too. Get one that is set up for uk, so ground strap is on left, and you won't even notice it either.

[gmaz]

A splitter may work, results are mixed but its worth trying it for a few quid.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eightwood-Splitter-Amplif...