DAB+ Reception

[rocket rod]

Grasping at straws here but I would like to know from anyone in Perth with a DAB radio installed have you found the reception dropping off. I have noticed that in areas where there was reception now there isn't. There has been no significant building activity that would block the signal and for me reception dropout is fairly widespread to the point now I'm listening to FM instead. Of course there could be something wrong with my antennae or radio so clues in that direction would be helpful.

[DiscoJeffster]

There’s nothing on the back rear windows where the two antennas are is there? No new stickers, films etc? My son, when sitting on the rear seats, put a foil chip packet on the rear shelf in contact with the window and it completely stopped all radio reception. I guess the smallest amount of something could have minor impact to your reception.

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

Have you installed any aftermarket equipment in the car recently?

LED DRL's
Dash cams
Navigation units

Anything with a transformer in it

All those things can put out noise which interferes with DAB.

[INter674]

We've had tv reception issues of late which caused me to buy new antenna only to find out that the power of the signals have been effectively reducing over time as the broadcasters cram more info into the signal bandwidth. ABC confirmed this with me recently....good for antenna supliers...bad for households in the margins.

They also have directional preference such that signals esp mobile phone are sent to where the demand is.. again bad for us...price of living in the boonies.

So I'm wondering if the same is occurring with DAB?

Might pay to ask.

DAB in Tas is pretty hopeless down South ...lots of hills..so not worth the hassle...nice sound tho...

[Aussie Jeepster]

I have an on windscreen antenae and the reception around Adelaide was very average, so I went with an external aerial mounted on the bonnet and continue to get very average reception.
My gut feel was that it used to be good, but has degraded.
I've given up and I'm putting a UHF aerial in the place of the DAB aerial.

[letherm]

Just a thought out of left field but could it be the smoke etc from bush fires causing interference?

Martin

[cjc_td5]

Not answering your question, but I just stream stations via my phone and bluetooth to the stereo these days. Uses stuff all data.

[rocket rod]

Have you installed any aftermarket equipment in the car recently?

LED DRL's
Dash cams
Navigation units

Anything with a transformer in it

All those things can put out noise which interferes with DAB.

Yes I have. Recently installed a DC/DC charger down the back so it maybe the cause but I have a feeling the the reception issues started before this. I think I'll disconnect the charger and see if it changes anything. I know exactly where the reception has recently started to drop out so should be an easy test.

Are the FM & DAB antennas separate as I do get good FM reception.

I also put a sticker of Russell Coight "Time to Hit the Road" on the side window so I hope I don't have to remove him. I need him in case of a survival situation.