Hi, Halfords (yes Halfords) are fitting my new audio system Saturday. Pioneer AVH X3800DAB. Do I need a DAB Aerial?
Thanks
You will do if you want the dab to work, it fits on the top left side of your windowscreen (inside ) but if not you can still use the radio on normal fm and am
Cheers… can you recommend a decent one?
A stick-on windscreen type will work, but trust me - a proper external aerial will give you the best possible reception, and won’t cost the earth. I have this one on my Eunos:
http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_MagnetwiG_DMA-1006_DAB_car_aerial.html
Oh - and should the time come, it can easily be swapped between cars. Not so easy with a stick-on.
dabonwheels is a really good, knowledgeable company to deal with.
HTH Steve
Not much help to you I know, but here it is on my Eunos.
I fitted a Pure Highway DAB radio today and used a splitter so the DAB works through the cars original electric aerial.
Gra
I did quite a lot of research on this when I bought my Eunos last October. I decided against the splitter on the basis that reception was likely to be less reliable so I went for a stick on windscreen aerial and a Sony single DiN unit ( from Halfords - obviously you will get the very useful 10% discount through the club ). I live in Hertfordshire and get perfect DAB reception with this set up. The stick on aerial is clearly a compromise with the original look of the car but I love radio and DAB is great for sport and for me it is definitely worth it.
Matt
Good to hear that Gra, I’m looking at a Pure Highway H260DBi to replace my current radio (I can’t manage without 6 Music). Using the original aerial does there seem to be any compromise? Dropout?
Short Shift, I did a lot of research too, so can understand your reasoning for going the way you did as there is quite a lot of negative stuff on the net regarding splitters. However, I really didn’t want another aerial stuck on the car and the electric aerial has always worked really well with FM, so thought it worth a shot as the Autoleads DAB antenna splitter PC6-536 was only £17.75 off ebay. Like you I’m in Hertfordshire
Simon, the Pure Highway is a superb bit of kit and I’ve fitted the H250S. I had the whole thing up and running in under 15 minutes, including fitting the splitter. Then spent 40 minutes trying to slot it into the case. This radio only just fits the MX5 but it can be done. DAB radio is what the Highway does best and the Autoleads splitter has exceeded all my expectations. I’ve only driven around 15-20 miles so far and I’ve had no drop out whatsoever.
Gra
Hi Gra,
It is good to hear how well the Highway is working for you and will be interested to find out how good the reception is over a period of time in different conditions and locations. If your experience remains positive I would consider retrofitting at a later date. We have 3 cars in the family with different DAB set ups including a Mk 6 Golf with DAB as standard and this has the worst reception of the 3 with the windscreen aerial in the MX5 giving the best. Atmospheric conditions seem to affect reception and some days definitely seem better than others
Matt
Excellent news. Does the MX5 fitting go straight in the new unit or did you need an adaptor?
I have a blaupunkt dab in my pajero using the auto leads splitter already mentioned with my stock electric ariel reception is better than the factory dab unit in my Renault traffic
Just remember to attach the fly lead on the splitter to a power feed
I’m not quite sure what you meant here but no adaptor is needed, it just slots straight in.
Gra
So after waiting 5 hrs in total for the new pioneer system to be fitted and ensuring that I told them I wanted the steering wheel control to function. I am now told it will not work with aftermarket system?. I was told when I purchased the radio that was not a problem and a lead is available… can anyone help and advise if one is availabl… cheers
Has anyone tried any of the sharks fin style dab aerials ?
Wonder what one of these would look and work like mounted on the boot lid
https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/mazda-2-5-mx-5-steering-wheel-stalk-control-adaptor-ctsmz002-2.html
This above is similar to the one I fitted to my NC ‘07’ plate it was to adapt an Alpine head unit, that abaove says it’s ok with Poineer units.
Do check other sources such as ebay, Amazon, could be less money.
Edit…
Better price, search on Amazon.
BTW mine works a treat, fully functioning SW controls, change mode of unit from radio to CD, AUX, USB volume +/- mute change tracks etc, etc.
Hi…Contacted Pioneer and they informed me that the part number for my spec is CTSMZ012.2 Should have done this before Halfords fitted but the guy informed me he had ordered the correct part ( To trustworthy). I have made a complaint to Halfords we shall see what their response is…but I have not minced my words…Ordered the part today and I think I will fit but I am dreading what I might find behind the dash.
Just an update finally got Halfords to cough up compensation …all fitted and working perfectly sound is Fantastic… no charge and they supplied all the parts free