How Can Dab Radio Signal Be Improved?

[renegadefm]

I can't be alone with this problem. 

We have DAB radio built into out Dacia Duster, and also have DAB radios at home, and the signal for DAB radio is fairly weak on most of the channels. 

If we are out in the car depending on where we drive, the signal will drop out and the radio station will just cut out which is very annoying. 

 

Does this just depend on the location, we live in Cornwall. 

And can anything be done to improve DAB radio signal?

 

We didn't have this problem with FM radio. 

[barry1010]

Put your postcode in here, it will tell you how strong the signal is 

https://getdigitalradio.com/post-code-checker/

[Buenchico]

Installing an amplified antenna in your car might help.

e.g. Amazon.co.uk User Recommendationref=sr_1_3

[Hymie]

A number of ebay sellers sell a FM/AM signal boosters (suitable for DAB) that work over the 88-108MHz range for less than £10.  Bear in mind that they only offer around 12dB gain (4 x voltage signal gain).

To install one, you need to get to the back of your vehicle radio (to add it to the rf signal input) and connect a +12V power line to it, which can be difficult with modern vehicle dashes.

[Buenchico]

^^^ " . . . that work over the 88-108MHz range . . . "

DAB transmissions use a range of 194 to 230 MHz.  So, if you're looking for any kind of 'booster', that's the frequency range that it needs to work on.

[renegadefm]

Thanks for all your help. I will add a booster to the car. 

Not sure if you can get ones for the stereos in the house. 

I did a post code check, and most of the stations that are listed as easily receivable, are actually the ones that suffer signal drop out.  So it seems DAB radio signal is more temperamental than FM which has never been a problem. 

[mjwman]

Use your phone apps for radio and not the radio waves, Much better all roubnd.

[renegadefm]

mjwman, 

I have done that in the past and still do occasionally. There are some really interesting stations, particularly based in America. 

 

But ideally I would like to solve the signal issue with DAB radio, as my partner doesn't bother with Bluetoothing music from her phone to the car stereo like I do. 

 

It's just a shame the signal for DAB radio is so tempermental. 

[Old_Geezer]

At home you could get a DAB aerial installed on the roof. Unsure how big a flex aerial you can put on a car, or even whether it would help.