DAB Radio in Coachman

[woodsieboy]

I have always struggled with the radio fitted in our 2011 Coachman, too many functions ,menus etc,just wondering whether any one has fitted a DAB radio in a caravan,is it a straight replacement, or do I need a different aerial,the current aerial is on the side of the van and seems to be a standard car type aerial,any particular make of DAB better than others would be helpful.

 

[stevesnrs]

Hi
I have fitted dab radios in motorhomes, and you have to fit a dab aerial as the fitting in the back of the radio for dab reception is different, but the standard aerial will fit into another "standard Arial socket in the back of the radio, for normal analogue reception, so therefore you need 2 aerials.
hope this helps
Steve

 

[FrintonMike]

I am not a fan of DAB radios as where we live reception is bad, as it is with freeview TV. Normal radio reception is ok.
I use the radio a lot when away in the caravan and wonder if the DAB signal would be ok if on a remote site, although I do realise that many new caravans are now equipped with DAB radios..

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi

Only a few years ago DAB was being hailed as the saviour of radio broadcasting in the UK. In theory the technology should provide cleaner signals, and because of the digital transmission of the signal to paraphrase from one authoritative source FM should fade away and be replaced by DAB, where tuners can automatically switch from one transmission frequency to another without audible drop out which will make them eminently suitable for cars. They will not respond to multi-path signals which can cause fading and distortion in FM sets.

Hmmm I have yet to hear a DAB radio that can switch inaudibly between transmitters, and the resultant drop outs of poor signals are audible and much more disturbing/ painful to the ear than the slight rise in the noise floor of the FM sets as signal strength changes.

DAB is supposed to cover over 90% of the home based population, but its geographical coverage is only about 60% and most of the areas of natural beauty are not served very well. See:

http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/images/coverage-map.jpg
Even in areas of high population density due to localised geography or buildings some places can have really dire DAB reception.

I recommend you use a radio with AM/FM and DAB bands and experiment for best results at your chosen location.

 

[woodsieboy]

Thank you for your responses,I think I am going to forget DAB for now and look for a FM/AM /LW radio with CD player that is simple to operate,if such a thing still exists, and attempt a straight swap for the over complicated player that Coachman fitted as OE. Maybe try a portable DAB radio in the van at a later date.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Maybe try a portable DAB radio in the van at a later date.

I have a small Roberts Sports portable DAB radio and use it when we go away in the van, It is usable at most sites we go to, but have to retune it each time, as we do the digital TV.

 

[RogerL]

DAB is supposed to cover over 90% of the home based population, but its geographical coverage is only about 60% and most of the areas of natural beauty are not served very well.

That sums up the situation nicely for both DAB radio and terrestrial TV - a good technical solution is to use a satellite dish and Freesat or Sky receiver which will give both TV and Radio channels with excellent quality - even in the most mountainous districts.