Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB radio) retro fit for D4

[PeterJ]

A great thing about this site are the friendly and knowledgeable people you meet. One day just looking around I stumbled on a build thread for Freelander 2 by a member Cambo351, (Cameron) tucked away in this thread was discussion about retro fitting components for DAB (and lots of other things) and a reference that it can be done on D4's as well, absolutely sensational, I'm sold, let me at it.
So a few emails later I was on my way, Cameron's technical knowledge and general help facilitated this, without his input it would not have happened, many thanks.
A quick comment about DAB, the clarity, dynamic range and channel separation is simply wonderful. As an added bonus you get access to a whole range of music stations that cater specifically to your listening preferences, and my experience is much less commercial content and general stuff you do not want to listen to.
If you want an idea of the most significant difference pick a song on an AM station that you have on a CD, listen to the difference, well, DAB is better.
Finally, this build is all about what I did for my vehicle, there are going to be permutations based on model year and I imagine specification level but I understand from talking to Cameron that the permutations can be accommodated, he would be the man to talk to.
I have attached this as a pdf file to hopefully make it as easy as possible to follow the process, I guess you can download and print it, find all my mistakes and let me know then I can update it.

Peter

[rocket rod]

Peter

An excellent write up with all the necessary information required for this upgrade. I would have done it myself but I had my DAB radio factory fitted as an $800 option! I can certainly confirm the upgrade to sound quality and choice of stations. One word for country people though, DAB is only available in capital cities and some regional areas.

Your download document is a great example of how a "How To" article should be written. Being downloadable is important too as you can print it out and take it to the workshop.

Great Work.
Rod.

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

$800 factory option is cheap! If you want to buy the parts needed for the retrofit brand new it's closer to $1000, and that's UK prices (can't even guess what the local prices would be...)

A complete kit which is a used DAB module, new antenna amplifier and cables made up works out around the $550 mark.

117065

You're right about the sound quality, it's very impressive, not what i expected. The only reason I got into DAB was because a friend wanted it in his Freelander, so I looked into it. The only reason I did the retrofit in my Freelander was to "prove it could be done" but then afterwards I was really surprised at the sound quality (and the extra stations) and I finally realised why he was making such a big deal about it.

Since then I've even retrofitted a factory DAB+ system into my old Jag XJR, i'm hooked on it! LOL

[winaje]

Is it possible to retro fit this to a D3 that has the 6 disc changer in the dash?

[NavyDiver]

Just had my D3 radio taken out and a nice DAB, FM, GPS, Blue tooth ..... unit put in. Freeway car audio Dandenong Vic. (http://www.freewaycaraudio.com.au/gps-navigation/) Lots of options given.

Only draw back which has been pointed out is loosing AM when in the country where zero DAB coverage. FM will suffice.

It is possibly a D.Y.I. job but not for me.

Phone connection is much better than blueant. Radio DAB is great, Speed warnings including school zones are ok. Mine was a pioneer unit installed yesterday so have not played much yet.

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

Is it possible to retro fit this to a D3 that has the 6 disc changer in the dash?
Yes also possible in a D3 so long as your audio system has the MOST fiber optic network i.e. it's a version with subwoofer.

Also need to check that you also have the antenna in the window, seems that some of the D3's and early D4's were delivered with side windows that don't have the press-stud on them for the antenna. If that's the case you can use an aftermarket antenna.

[letherm]

Radio DAB is great, Speed warnings including school zones are ok.


I have an MY13 HSE with oem DAB. I don't get warnings at all despite having set options up for them.

Martin

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

I have an MY13 HSE with oem DAB. I don't get warnings at all despite having set options up for them.



Martin

But NavyDiver has a complete aftermarket sound system in his car, not the factory audio system.

[PeterJ]

Hi Martin, I think NavyDiver was refering to the Pioneer unit he just had installed..........Peter

[rovers4]

Hi all DAB fans.

You will find that DAB will not get to the regional centres, or the country areas. It is dependent on a high-density population locale where the higher prices charged for advertising can pay for the new and costly equipment. Even new transmitter towers are required to get a suitable coverage. It is a bit like the drop-out situation with FM radio, or mobile phones- and look at the number of phone towers there are.

Places like Tassie with the hilly/muntainous terrain and lower population will not get it all. So, better to keep the AM receivers and switch over to FM when you need a better quality fix.

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

Ok, but if you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth you have DAB reception. A lot of people live in the capital cities yeah...

Can I Get Digital Radio? - Digital Radio Plus (http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au/can-i-get-digital-radio)

Coverage:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/966.jpg

I can tell you that I still get decent DAB reception 20km down the highway south from Campbelltown in south-west Sydney, and pick up the Canberra DAB stations around Lake George heading towards Canberra...

Sure if you live in the country, you wouldn't waste your time with DAB, but if you're in the city then why not?

[LandyAndy]

If you upgrade the Meridian system in the MY14+ D4 do you loose AM????
Shame if you do,90% of my driving is in the land of no FM:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
Andrew

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

If you upgrade the Meridian system in the MY14+ D4 do you loose AM????
Shame if you do,90% of my driving is in the land of no FM:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
Andrew
No of course not. The factory systems have AM and FM, and if you want DAB as well. The aftermarket system NavyDiver put in doesn't have AM in it. The factory systems have all.

[LandyAndy]

COOL.
I will add it to the bucket list.
Andrew

[carlschmid2002]

I seem to have bought the only D4 V8 without DAB. I will definitely be looking into this. It is such a great stereo it really needs it, plus in Brisbane Smooth FM seems to be only available in DAB.

[Tombie]

Pity most DAB+ stations are still transmitting below FM quality and definitely below CD quality..

I get better quality from my phone through my stereo and much better playlists....

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

I found in the Freelander that the DAB is definitely a better sound quality than FM. Switching between FM & DAB on a station that is simulcast, it's a very noticeable improvement. I won't say CD quality but not too far off it. I guess it depends on which station you listen too, some are definitely broadcasting only in mono, and at low bitrates, and they aren't that great.

[carlschmid2002]

We got a brand new Pajero work car with DAB and whilst in and around Brisbane I found it to be brilliant. Unfortunately I have to drive to Oakey regularly and at about Redbank Plains it's gone.

[letherm]

Hi Martin, I think NavyDiver was refering to the Pioneer unit he just had installed..........Peter

Thanks Peter.

I did realize that but wondered why the oem version doesn't get the extra features. I was told by the dealer that LR refuse to pay for the facility but someone on this forum (can't remember who but it was a couple of months ago) said that it's simply not available which prompted my post.

My experience with DAB radio is that it's a lot better but reception can be patchy at times and you lose reception far more easily than FM. I notice it especially in building car parks. Swapping from FM to DAB I notice a much fuller dynamic range. It's like taking cotton wool out of your ears, you can hear so much more detail.

Martin

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

The TMC Traffic Messaging Channel is not available for JLR vehicles in Australia, that's for sure... http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/96983-sat-nav-tmc.html JLR would not pay the licensing fee... it's a totally different system to the TMC in Europe...

The speed camera locations in the factory Navigation system is actually possible, a friend of mine has been working on modifying the software to get the POI to display them (the information is already there in the map data).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/950.jpg

As the IAM2.1 infotainment system is shared with Jaguar and Volvo as well, there looks to be some possibilities here...

Actually, that gives me an idea...!!!!! Do any of the late model Volvo's have the Traffic Message Channel functioning in Australia?

EDIT yes it seems they do http://www.sunatraffic.com.au/suna-compatible-devices/#automotive-manufacturer-navigation-systems-volvo I will have to look into this!

[PeterJ]

You see what I mean, bit of a conversation and someone else ends up with a job :D
Sensational! :)

Regards
Peter

[cjc_td5]

I use the "TuneIn" App on my phone via bluetooth to the vehicle stereo and the sound quality is markedly better than the FM band. Sometimes I will tune in to a Perth station when driving up from Bunno, and when I switch over to the FM station when close the Perth, the sound quality is noticeably lower. I suppose DAB radio would be similar to the digital signal from the App. Pity DAB is so metro focused......

[LRD414]

Does the App use a lot of data?

Scott

[phl]

Pity most DAB+ stations are still transmitting below FM quality and definitely below CD quality..
.

In Sydney the DAB+ stations I use so far have better than FM quality; certainly noticeable, and about equivalent to CD quality.

[Tombie]

In Sydney the DAB+ stations I use so far have better than FM quality; certainly noticeable, and about equivalent to CD quality.



They would be running over 226k then.

Many are still not...

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

You've got to remember that the codec used by DAB+ is different to other digital audio sources so looking at the bitrate numbers alone is not apples to apples...

[apom]

Does the App use a lot of data?

Scott

When using an app, i found the data increase is about is about 2gb per month using is for about 1 hour each day so far. I would love DAB and this write is excellent (many thanks) but for the $1000 and the work involved that buys you a lot of data and you just need good phone coverage. The other thing i do is simply create offline playlist from home using either Spotify or Deezer then use the app in offline mode in the car. Only uses the home data then. Of course you need to be organised and its not instant.

(What i really want is the system to play uncompressed music files, like flac but had no success with that as yet)

Again, great right up, congrats, these are the threads that make this forum great!

[simmo1]

The availability of DAB is a bit of a joke for anyone outside dense metro areas. I purchased my 2014 RRS from the stealer in Geelong Vic, it had DAB fitted, and the sales guy was most enthusiastic about the quality of DAB. I think we had good reception untill about 3 or 4km from the dealer, then nothing at all.

FM is sketchy enough, AM gives the best coverage, and just for music a Phone or CD is maybe as good as you can realistically get in a vehicle.

Maybe if you live in a locality with DAB reception it might be worthwhile in a house or building, but frankly what is the point in a car with the amount of background noise that is going on. It is not as if a vehicle provides anything like a reasonable environment for really enjoying a quality sound system.

[cjc_td5]

Does the App use a lot of data?

Scott


When using an app, i found the data increase is about is about 2gb per month using is for about 1 hour each day so far. I would love DAB and this write is excellent (many thanks) but for the $1000 and the work involved that buys you a lot of data and you just need good phone coverage. The other thing i do is simply create offline playlist from home using either Spotify or Deezer then use the app in offline mode in the car. Only uses the home data then. Of course you need to be organised and its not instant.

(What i really want is the system to play uncompressed music files, like flac but had no success with that as yet)

Again, great right up, congrats, these are the threads that make this forum great!

That's probably about right. I wouldn't use the phone app for any more than an average 1hr a week as I wait for a longer drive to bother setting it up. Makes no noticeable difference to my data usage. I am on a 6GB/month plan and rarely get over 2GB per month, and that is with using the phone as a WIFI hotspot to my laptop almost daily when working remote from my home office.

[Parkes]

When using an app, i found the data increase is about is about 2gb per month using is for about 1 hour each day so far. I would love DAB and this write is excellent (many thanks) but for the $1000 and the work involved that buys you a lot of data and you just need good phone coverage. The other thing i do is simply create offline playlist from home using either Spotify or Deezer then use the app in offline mode in the car. Only uses the home data then. Of course you need to be organised and its not instant.



(What i really want is the system to play uncompressed music files, like flac but had no success with that as yet)



Again, great right up, congrats, these are the threads that make this forum great!



I play uncompressed files from my iPod plugged into the system via a lead and it sounds fantastic. Very noticeable difference from the same song played compressed over Bluetooth. Have been using the Apple lossless codec. I have a old school 120GB hard drive iPod so plenty of room for the big files.

Have the logic 7 system in a MY12 D4 it really shines with the uncompressed music. Based on this the DAB retrofit is certainly on the want list!!

[PeterJ]

......... but frankly what is the point in a car with the amount of background noise that is going on. It is not as if a vehicle provides anything like a reasonable environment for really enjoying a quality sound system.

I agree with you that cars are never going to be all that good a sound stage because of the road/wind noise (perhaps Rolls Royce, Bentley et al excepted) for some of the quieter and more detailed parts in the music. I actually think the vehicles are reasonably quiet and I can absolutely hear detail in the music that just was not there before, so a good outcome from my perspective.
Certainly appreciate the comments re DAB coverage, hopefully it will improve over time.

[Tombie]

Best part of mobile data - Telstra plan and Apple Music is unmetered [emoji41]

[apom]

I play uncompressed files from my iPod plugged into the system via a lead and it sounds fantastic. Very noticeable difference from the same song played compressed over Bluetooth. Have been using the Apple lossless codec. I have a old school 120GB hard drive iPod so plenty of room for the big files.

Have the logic 7 system in a MY12 D4 it really shines with the uncompressed music. Based on this the DAB retrofit is certainly on the want list!!

Yep... correct... the uncompressed thing on Android or anything other than an apple device i am yet to find a solution on

[Parkes]

Yep... correct... the uncompressed thing on Android or anything other than an apple device i am yet to find a solution on



Who would have thought its so difficult to play what would have to be one of the simplest form of music file.

[jonesy63]

(What i really want is the system to play uncompressed music files, like flac but had no success with that as yet)


How about getting a FiiO X5 (portable digital player) with two 128GB microSD cards and connect to your aux in? ;)


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

I finished off another DAB+ install today, along with the Meridian Surround upgrade, in a 2016MY D4 SE, the owners wife wanted the DoubleJ station, which is not broadcast on FM and she was not thrilled with the streaming on the phone. Now she's got her DoubleJ, in Surround Sound, happy wife, happy life! [emoji6]

[carlschmid2002]

I start work in Canberra on 30 Jan. I will have to lock in a weekend after that where I will drive to Sydney and get it done.

[apom]

How about getting a FiiO X5 (portable digital player) with two 128GB microSD cards and connect to your aux in? ;)


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

Yep, tried that also... not a viable solution sadly either (I have a FiiO X1)