DAB Aerial, which one?

[g8jka]

Just bought a new DAB radio and need to get an aerial for it now. The most common are the ones that stick to the windscreen but I don't really like these, I want something a bit more discreet. What does everyone use and where are they positioned? I'm sure I remember seeing a zed somewhere with an aerial behind the centre storage box which is where I'd like to put one.

I never actually listen to the radio as I don't get an signal with my normal stubby aerial but if I can find a DAB one which is half decent at least I have the option.

 

[gookah]

here you go


Should get most stations

 

[Redline]

here you go


Should get most stations

This is better

 

[Mazza]

This is my preferred dab.

 

[Redline]

Seriously though - DAB uses smaller antennas.

If you use a screen based one it has to be vertically oriented.
The bast place for that is right by the door pillar, but, that will also create a dead spot when the car is in certain directions.

Most OEM systems use multiple DAB antennas concealed behind bumpers etc.
Have a look here - http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/DAB_car_aerials.html

No easy answered with any guarantee for a roadster. I'd going and speak to a decent installer for advice.

 

[Redline]

View attachment 78419
This is my preferred dab.

At risk of diving , there's no plaice for things like that on here

 

[gookah]

he just posted it for the halibut.

 

[Redline]

he just posted it for the halibut.

Haha - That's a load of pollocks.

Of course, the ideal solution is to get a shark fin antenna.

 

[Mazza]

@g8jka ,
Sorry , you came on here with a genuine request for help, and I seemed to have turned it into a thread of the dreaded fish puns!! I think the DAB aerial depends on what type of Tuna you have in the set......

 

[g8jka]

Cod off the lot of you

 

[Redline]

Me too - naughty boy.....

Back on track. DAB reception is peculiar - it will tolerate very poor signal to noise ratio and work fine then just drop out.

Something to consider is that DAB transmissions have Service Following when moving from one area to another. If the same service can't be found on another transmitter or DAB multiplex it will try FM. Not all services have this, but, Now Digital and Global Radio are implementing this widely. May be available on other multiplexes.

To get the best you need a good amplified DAB antenna and also FM antenna. As I said, the advice of someone who fits them and has experience of different solutions as well as customer issues is worth it.
Many users might have experience of just one type/brand/solution. What works for some may not work for others.

 

[gookah]

I wouldn't bother
all radio stations play stuff you wouldn't choose followed by useless conversation from some 'superstar' deejay, thats one step up from a wedding disco

 

[DavidM]

Before fitting - DAB the area with a wet sponge for better reception!

 

[Redline]

I wouldn't bother
all radio stations play stuff you wouldn't choose followed by useless conversation from some 'superstar' deejay, thats one step up from a wedding disco

You might say that, I couldn't possibly comment.
It all puts food on the table here
There are a few good stations - Just have to dig them out. London has a far better choice than us out in the sticks.

Here is a link to what is on each DAB multiplex - http://www.wohnort.org/dab/ukloc.html
It also tells you the data rate (a proxy for the quality) and if it is stereo. Sadly the best music stations only broadcast mono

 

[petecossie]

I used dabonwheels to purchase my Alpine CDE-136BT and DAB ariel bundle Kinetic DRA-6003 DAB/FM/AM (roof mounted) a few years back, all works fine.
Worth looking on their site and even contacting them for assistance on choosing the right ariel. They do some body/wing mounted ariels.

 

[DaveP]

All these fish jokes when the thread was about an ariel.....

So if it helps ?

“ Did you hear about the two ariels that got married ? The wedding was crap but the reception was excellent. “

On a serious note I have taken out my std Zed Ariel as it’s getting a rebody. I need to find a screen mount type Ariel myself but have the stock head unit.

 

[Bozzy]

I have a windscreen mounted dab Ariel and it's a waste of time. When it does pick anything up it drops out within minutes.
The head unit has u.s.b and iPod connections as well as a cd player luckily, so we still have plenty of music choice with no annoying ads and d.j's, so it's not all bad .

 

[Sean d]

Come on guys, your all missing the point, an aerial works best when it is vertical so the best place for it is on the roof as if all you dummys never thought of that,

 

[Mazza]

Ah! that explains it then............I keep losing the radio signal when the roof is down

 

[petecossie]

I used dabonwheels to purchase my Alpine CDE-136BT and DAB ariel bundle Kinetic DRA-6003 DAB/FM/AM (roof mounted) a few years back, all works fine.
Worth looking on their site and even contacting them for assistance on choosing the right ariel. They do some body/wing mounted ariels.

Well I did mention mine was roof mounted.
Dabonwheels have loads of options and ratings for window mounted with a lot of the being only 3 out 6 star rating and they are the experts.