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.

IMG_3820-1.jpg

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. 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.