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MG MGF Technical - DAB Radio

I want to fit a Blaunpunkt Woodstock which needs a DAB aerial. The ones that they and every other source I have tried supply is not suitable for a convertable being either the stinger type or a glass type you would need to stick on to the windscreen. Any ideas????
David
David Tomkins

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), also known as terrestrial Digital Radio, uses frequencies in
the band, 217.5 to 230 MHz. FM radio is broadcast from 87.5 to 108 MHz so an aerial for FM
will not work, and a specific DAB aerial is required.

Ultimately when the DAB network is complete, simple aerials should suffice. In the case of hi-fi tuners an
external aerial of some kind may still be beneficial as this should avoid the possibility of disturbance due to
passage of people, cars or whatever.

Some aerial manufacturers make yagi type aerials specifically for DAB and others sell aerials originally
designed for what is known as Band III television. As the frequencies for DAB are in the top part of Band
III, either type of aerial should be satisfactory. Band III is no longer used for television in most of Europe
(including the UK).
It is perhaps worth of note for the keen DIY type that the frequency for DAB is very close to an
American (not European) amateur radio band (the 220-225 MHz or 1½ meter band). It is therefore
possible to find suitable instructions for building an own aerial in American amateur radio
publications
A directional aerial should only be used where the signal strength or other factors require its use. Part of
the functionality of DAB involves reception from more than one site, at the same time. Under most
circumstances the use of different sites reinforces reception, rather than as is the case with FM, degrades
it. For some people it may become necessary to perform aerial adjustments as the network of transmitters
is expanded, especially those at the current fringes of reception. .
Unlike the vast majority of FM transmitters, DAB is vertically polarised only. This can lead to difficulty
with installation in the case of yagi type aerials. This is because the mounting pole - if conducting - can
interfere with the working of the aerial. One possible solution is to use a fibreglass mounting pole, or an
end mounting aerial. Aerials not originally designed for end mounting can frequently be adapted, by having
the mounting pole replace the longer rear element of reflector. Although such an arrangement is not ideal,
the upset caused to the design and function of the aerial is not that great.
As with FM aerials, good quality cable should be used and care should be taken to avoid sharp bends as
these can damage the cable. Any joints should be made with proper plugs and sockets designed for that
purpose.

Hope this helps :)

Dieter
Dieter Koennecke

OK, that fluent english wasn't me ;)) but:
Published by BBC Reception Advice
http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception

If you'd be in D then I'd suggest to see for this company:
http://www.antenne-bb.de/Produkte/DAB-Antennen/dab-antennen.html

Dieter
Dieter Koennecke


Hi all,
nice to see that some car-radios turns up on the market. The situation here in Sweden after several test years is : DAB = Dead And Buried ;)

Carl.
Carl


Hi all,

Cutting down the original antenna to a total length of 325 mm ,( 12,8 inch ) will get it tuned for DAB freq as a L/4 whip. Use a scrap-yard whip and save the original for AM/FM use ?

Regards , Carl.
Carl

That does make the assumption that there's no loading coil in the bottom of the OEM antenna - I've not paid sufficient attention to it to know. I suspect it hasn't, though...

Neil.
Neil


Probably not as calculating "backwards" from present antenna length and FM-band freq. does make it a L/4 whip.
Carl.
Carl

Carl, is 26cm the right length for L/4 ?

Worth a try in any way, IMO.
Dieter Koennecke

Thanks for all the information.

Unfortunately there still seems no solution, well not for the MGF or similar.

I assume that there is some technical reason why no combined aerial is available to replace the standard fitting, if not why is none available as surely that would be most users first preference. By the sound of it, any modification to the existing aerial would not allow reception on AM/FM as well. Combined aerials seem to be only available with roof fittings.

I really wish to avoid 2 aerials and I do not like the look of a windscreen fitting.

Porsche, BMW etc must have the same issue so I think I will try them next to see if they have a solution for the Z3 etc.

We will see.....



David Tomkins

This thread was discussed between 09/06/2002 and 12/06/2002

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