DAB intermittent fault

[jimmydash]

I’ve just paid almost £80 for a diagnostic check of my DAB radio and it got the all clear. It still only works intermittently – FM is fine. Is it worth having the DAB Aerial replaced – or do you suggest something else? 2015 Bmw 6.

[Tomo1971]

jimmydash said:

I’ve just paid almost £80 for a diagnostic check of my DAB radio and it got the all clear. It still only works intermittently – FM is fine. Is it worth having the DAB Aerial replaced – or do you suggest something else? 2015 Bmw 6.

Have you checked local coverage isnt affected?

[littleredrooster]

Two possibilities here:
1. Do you have a 12v USB adaptor plugged into your cigarette lighter socket? The cheap chinese ones can have a detrimental effect on DAB signal strength. I bought a branded Anker adaptor and the DAB improved significantly.

2. Bear in mind that DAB signal is affected much more than FM by hills, buildings and trees (especially when wet) and that vast areas of the country have very poor signal strength. Up here in N. Yorkshire there are huge areas with absolutely no signal. With DAB, we definitely didn't get what we were promised!

[TheInternet]

I'm curious to know how it was tested.

How has your reception changed over time? Are you in the same area?

[squicky]

Get/Borrow a dab radio which can use batteries (with a real aerial, not a straggly wire) and try it by/in the car. See if that works well. If it does, points the finger at the car radio.