After-market DAB radio reception

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
2

I’m wondering what folks think about DAB radios in cars?

I’m planning to replace the existing Japanese radio/CD in my recently-imported Mk1 Eunos S Special, and have come up against the thorny question of whether to get a DAB unit or not? I’m not really bothered about DAB radio in the car to be honest (my Mini has digital radio built in but I rarely listen to it, usually just use FM) however I’m aware that at some point in the not-too-distant future (but unlikely to be before 2020 according to most sources) analogue radio will be switched off, so if only for ‘future-proof’ reasons it would seem to be wise to buy a DAB unit.

So if I do fit a DAB unit, I assume the existing standard electric aerial on my Eunos will still provide the required FM signal… but will it also allow me to tune in to DAB broadcasts, or will an additional DAB aerial be essential?

If a DAB aerial is going to be required, I guess I might as well fit it at the same time as fitting the new stereo unit, while I can still get easy access to its rear…!?

The reason I ask is that there seems to be conflicting answers to this question on the internet so I just wondered what people’s real experiences were with mx5’s. I’m sure there must be lots of you out there who have already fitted after-market DAB radios and so I’d love to hear of your views regarding DAB radio reception… 

3

I have DAB fitted to my mk1.

I use the DAB all the time so don’t have an FM aerial.

You can  buy a splitter which allows the same aerial to split the reception to allow FM as well.

I didn’t bother.

My DAB reception is superb close to the bigger towns but dies off when out in the sticks.

When reception dies off I plug my memory stick in and listen to my own music.

4

I’m not far off installing a DAB radio in my mk3 - have accumulated nearly all the parts I need so can upgrade the stock stereo. I’m not going down the split aerial route. Am doing this as I’ve heard (almost) entirely good things about doing this. Also gives me bluetooth connectivity as well as USB and Aux inputs as well as using the existing FM aerial, should I need it.

In this case, it’s very much a case of ‘more is more’!

I’ll update you when I’ve got round to fitting it all and testing it.

5

Thanks Benz3ne I’ll look forward to hearing how you get on. It will probably be January before I go ahead, hoping Santa will bring something appropriate! 

6

I have one of these ebay items 162091933140 my pajero and it works perfectly in fact I’ve got better reception then the factory set up in my van and it is very easy to fit behind the radio

7

I wanted DAB in my '96 Eunos import, as I can’t exist without BBC 6Music.  I replaced the original JDM Sony double DIN unit with a Pioneer DEH-X8700DAB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-DEH-X8700DAB-Car-Stereo-Tuner/dp/B00PA27KR4

I retained the original power FM antenna, but installed one of these magnetic external aerials

http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_MagnetwiG_DMA-1006_DAB_car_aerial.html

as I’d heard mixed reviews of splitters on FM aerials. (dabonwheels is a really helpful website).

I also upgraded door speakers to bigger Pioneer units, and installed Pioneer speakers into the headrests.  DAB quality is superb, and on the run from Southampton to Donnington for the National, reception didn’t drop out once.

HTH.  Steve 

 

8

Can anyone tell me if the Ariel base on an NC is amplified or not? I’m seeing splitters specs stating not for use with amplified or Bee sting ariels.

9

The aerial of the mk3 ( NC ) is amplified and will not work with a splitter on DAB except in very strong signal areas. It also reduces fm reception as it does not pass power to the aerial amp. I tried this and failed, luckily I was able to get a full refund on the splitter. I got one of the mag mount DAB aerials from Halfords, so if I do want DAB I just put it on the boot, but most of the time I just listen to FM.

good luck.