Dab radio body mounted antenna

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Middle29
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Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by Middle29 »

I’m thinking if upgrading my Antenna to a dab /fm/am body mounted one, mainly to get DAB radio. Is there anything I should be aware of?

Will A.M work as well or better than the stock Antenna I don’t want to lose that.

Also where’s the best place to fit it?
Ta
1990 Atlantic Westy Pop-Top... 1.9TD

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LeeME3
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by LeeME3 »

I ended up with 2 separate aerials - one for DAB mounted on the windscreen which is totally unobtrusive and works far better than the OEM one in my 1 year old other car! Like you I wanted to retain the ability to get AM/FM etc. However, whilst doing an adjacent wiring job a year or so ago I disconnected the FM/AM aerial in the back of the head unit and forgot to put it back in. It is literally only when answering this that I remembered! So I've gone a year without even noticing I didn't need it - not due to the DAB aerial receiving FM/AM (it doesn't) but because there is no station I listen to that I can't get easier, quicker and clearer on DAB. Mainly 5Live and 5Live Sports Extra (Test match special - driving heaven!).
1986 1.9DG WBX LPG, 4 spd manual. Westy poptop. Renogy lithium leisure. 175W solar. CR50 fridge. Propex. RX8 seats.

Middle29
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by Middle29 »

Haha thats good to know - 5live is my fall back when theres no signal or if I'm surrounded by hills :)

But Dab I'd like to get 6 music in the van.

I'm avoiding the screen antenna as I heard they're not that great so was going to get a body mounted one.
1990 Atlantic Westy Pop-Top... 1.9TD

phinw
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by phinw »

We kept our FM/AM antenna and bought a powered splitter (you wire it in to the power aerial wire on the stereo).

Like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eightwood-Ante ... f=sr_1_19?

It works very well. It does drop the signal occasionally but only in the same places as our car which has a proper dab aerial
1988 1.9 DG

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Cobra88
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by Cobra88 »

I'm same as LeeME3

Screen DAB aerial works brilliantly
I kept std pillar aerial too for FM

No problems with screen jobbie at all

Rick
____________________________________________
84 CaravelleGL 1.9 DG WBX Bronze Beige Metallic auto

Middle29
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by Middle29 »

So I went with a screen mounted one - I didn't realise the other one meant drilling in the roof :shock: I've had absolutely no drop out yet - been deep in cornwall with no mobile signal but radio signal has been faultless so far. :ok
1990 Atlantic Westy Pop-Top... 1.9TD

JackE
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by JackE »

Hi

I just have a quick question I brought a Universal Amplifier https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192552542150 and was just wondering if it is alright to connect this directly to the auto antenna relay control terminal on the back on my radio it says max. 300mA or do you think I need to by a relay and connect another 12v supply to it?

Many thanks
1.9 DG petrol and open loop LPG Autosleeper Hightop. 1988

phinw
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by phinw »

Ours is just connected straight to the powered aerial wire. Seems to be fine.
1988 1.9 DG

JackE
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Re: Dab radio body mounted antenna

Post by JackE »

Many thanks I found this thread http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=141230 about it too. I will measure the draw using a multi meter and see what if i can connect directly or if I should use a relay.
1.9 DG petrol and open loop LPG Autosleeper Hightop. 1988

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