DAB Radio in a NB1

Technical Area Electrics & ICE
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: __NB1
  2. I’m based near: Manchester
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __DAB Radio performance
    A couple of years ago I fitted a Panasonic head unit that had DAB functionality.
    This was supported by a DAB windscreen antenna located at top left on the screen.
    During operation it regularly reports ‘no signal’ and drops the broadcast usually at an inconvenient point!
    On the same journey’s in our daily driver this does not occur at all (2022 Ford PUMA).
    Which leads me to ask,
    Is this due to the MX5s comparative ride height?
    Can the DAB signal be boosted?
    Presumably this doesn’t happen on brand new/ newish MX5 Mk4s?
    Your comments and recommendations are sought.
    Thanks
    Regards
    Nic Cox
2

On my NC1 I had similar troubles with a stick on windscreen aerial. It was made worse by having a dash cam sited at the top centre of the windscreen. The dash cam was interfering with the Dab signal.
Before I even thought about fitting a dash cam I had problems so I fitted ferrites to the cables, still not much of an improvement. Last year I changed cars, a later model NC and whilst fitting my head unit and installing the dash cam I sited the DAB aerial on the other side of the windscreen OS, the cable run from the dash cam is on the NS going to the fuse board.
I think keeping them as far apart was the answer including buying a more expensive stick on aerial (well not that much more) still a Chinese product but it worked better than the cheaper item, well it worked for me.:+1:
I was out near Buxton, Derbyshire a few days ago and lost all data signal, no music (plays through phone) turned to DAB radio it was picking up loud and clear.:+1:

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Dab + is better , the signal does not drop as much, but did you fit the screen aerial correct, it needs to be earthed well to the frame by sanding down to metal behind the pillar trim and stuck to for the best reception.
But dab and + do drop out depending where you are just like a mobile phone signal.
M-m

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4

On my ND I fitted a “stubby” which makes DAB pretty unreliable. It’s fine with the normal supplied antenna which is designed to meet the tuner (radio) requirements.

DAB and DAB+ operates in 174MHz to 240MHz (VHF) and channels are multiplexes (up to 20 individual programmes crammed in each group) so a decent antenna is needed to receive the signal and process your station choice. As it’s digital, any weak signal will drop out, not like a “traditional” radio where you can still hear the station but with “shhhhh” sound interference, even when using a wire coat hanger as a replacement aerial. Basic info…:grinning:

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5

Thanks,
The Antenna was supplied and fitted by Halfords! Im looking on Amazon for a higher quality antenna which Ill fit myself to be sure its grounded correctly.
Still not sure how a new car has no interference whatsoever!!
Regards
Nic

6

Fitted by Hellfrauds knowlegable professional experts…say no more…I’ll find you a link to ones we use bud.
M-m

7

Hi,
Did you advise on your choice of DAB Antenna?
Thanks
Nic

8

Re the above thread, Im still non plus on wether the very latest MX5s NDs ? Loose the digital signal in some areas even with the factory fit Infotainment set up?? Were is the Digital Antenna fitted on a brand spanker???
As I originally said my daily driver (Ford Puma) has never dropped the signal irrespective of where you drive in the UK.
Ive not changed my NB Digital Antenna as Im still looking for a recomendation.

9

Hello All,
Sucess.
Been on a test drive today via all the places DAB previously dropped out- perfect reception throughout.
Solution on my NB1 as follows;
Replace oem electric mast antenna with oem manual mast antenna base.
Fit IL Motorsport stubby antenna to oem manual antenna base.
Fit Vecys DAB FM/AM signal amplifier/splitter (via amazon) to rear of Kenwood KMM BT504 DAB single Din Tomorrow I’ll remove the Stick on DAB Antenna from the Windscreen and consign it to the bin!