I recently installed a new HU. I wanted to have DAB from this, and decided to use a stick-on windscreen one. I had reservations about it working because of the number of posts saying they were no good, but for £9.99 I thought I’d give one a go
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191755440854?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=adz5sfmJT-K&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=LhIP6YetTki&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
It did work (I didn’t get to drive with it working), but not from following all the instructions. The seller said it had to be earthed, so I put a bare wire on the black strip, but it only worked with my finger pressing it. I tried to improve on this, but could not, so not wanting to waste time decided to try my next choice of aerial, a magnetic one from Halfords for £10.
https://www.halfords.com/technology/car-audio/stereo-fittings/autoleads-magnetic-dab-antenna-575883.html
This is way better. I’ve routed the cable from the boot where the aerial will be when not in use. It mounts strongly on the boot lid, and it also works (albeit with intermittent loss of signal) if stuck on the underside of the lid with the lid shut!
I did consider a combined DAB and FM with power cable bee sting one, but all of them are for roof mounting, so the angle it would be at on a curved wing would look odd in my opinion.
Hope this helps people with choosing an aerial.
I bought this one below, works fine in my NC…
DriveSmart DAB Car Aerial DAB+ Replacement Antenna SMB Right Angle DAB Digtial Car Radio Glass Windscreen Mount Antenna 3M. Fits Pioneer AN-DAB1 Clarion Kenwood Alpine JVC Amazon.co.uk
Maybe I should have tried that one instead.
The stick-on was my preference, but only if I got a good consistent signal with it.
Clearly they do work or the HU manufacturers wouldn’t include them. But the instructions of not to remove paint (which I would not do regardless) and then people saying they have/have not got a signal doesn’t help as far as I’m concerned.
I did earth it by rubbing paint away on the ‘A’ pillar, the same on my previous NC.
Differences as said I mounted it away from the dash cam cabling. Differences again whether it’s a factor on signal quality… The last head unit a JVC was great, it had a built in receiver for navigation. The current Pioneer unit has a separate puck type receiver mounted under that centre dash speaker area. I know it’s for satellite signals but maybe it conflicted on the JVC unit with the Dab. I’m no expert BTW.
An update - the magnet is strong (which is good), but the adhesive used to stick it into the base isn’t strong enough to keep it stuck when trying to lift the aerial off a panel (not good).
I suggest wrapping insulation tape over them to try to stop them parting company.