Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 10:04:31

Title: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 10:04:31
Now I have only just got radio reception back and its not the best would a DAB radio help to improve radio reception only the aerial is built into the rear window.

Have tried the cleaning the inside/outside of the window trick but its still not the best.

My project omega which will be my dads has a DAB radio with the aerial built into the rear window and the reception is well clear.

I am not sure if this will work the same in my car.

What would be the best solution any advice would be most appreciated.

If this is a good idea could anyone recommend any decent DAB radios
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: RossPhim on 13 July 2006, 10:16:45
I am no expert but I would think that if reception is crap at the moment then it will still be crap with a new DAB unit.
First place I would check is in behind the head unit, to make sure all the connections are sound.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 10:28:45
Quote
I am no expert but I would think that if reception is crap at the moment then it will still be crap with a new DAB unit.
First place I would check is in behind the head unit, to make sure all the connections are sound.

Double checked all the connections a few times now, its clear but you get interference from planes going over which seems strange. The majority of the time I listen to CDs but it would be nice to have clearer radio.

I thought DAB was for digital broadcasts and what with the aerial now working but not at its best I thought this may improve the reception.

Cheers shall double check it again and if still the same live with it for now.

Possibly just me being picky. ;D
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: Martin_1962 on 13 July 2006, 10:56:22
DAB is basically mp3 quality but should be immune to fading as being digital it is all or nothing.

Compare it with Freeview where you still get a good picture while analogue goes fuzzy - then digital goes completely and you have a barely watchable analogue signal.

DAB is also on a different part of the spectrum to FM - all I can say is try it and see
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 11:28:14
Quote
DAB is basically mp3 quality but should be immune to fading as being digital it is all or nothing.

Compare it with Freeview where you still get a good picture while analogue goes fuzzy - then digital goes completely and you have a barely watchable analogue signal.

DAB is also on a different part of the spectrum to FM - all I can say is try it and see

Cheers Martin for the advice shall give it a try you never know.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: TheBoy on 13 July 2006, 12:03:11
If yours is rubbish, its usually the lead right near the plug at headunit, or connections to aerial amp on parcel shelf.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 12:06:10
Quote
If yours is rubbish, its usually the lead right near the plug at headunit, or connections to aerial amp on parcel shelf.

Have recently checked the aerial connection into the radio shall double check the aerial amplifier.

Cheers for the suggestion.

Roy
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: TheBoy on 13 July 2006, 12:14:20
Its not the connector at headunit end, but the lead near the connector. It tends to get pulled and squashed, and breaks down.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: nixoro on 13 July 2006, 12:51:45
Never thought of that will have another look.

Cheers

Roy

Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: Hillper on 13 July 2006, 13:34:57
All I can add is that 'poor reception' was a common problem reported by dealers.

Many rear windows were replaced uneccessarily under warranty.

The VX recommended solution is 'Re-make all connections'.  That's all the way from the front to the back, including the amp.  And as The Boy said, check for damage along the cable length.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: markey mark on 13 July 2006, 22:48:21
iirc dab radios have a different antenna to a normal radio !! mines ok on fm but pants on mw/lw bit of a bummer when you want to listen to the footy !! ;D
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: TheBoy on 13 July 2006, 23:03:04
I dunno, my Omega received a very crackly 5 live whilst I was driving through Troyes (North France) during Euro 04
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: Salty on 14 July 2006, 20:59:06
Its worth checking the screening on the cable is not shorting to the centre connector.  Also check the cable has no kinks in it.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: SMS01 on 15 July 2006, 02:04:46
I have a similar thing on mine - radio receives the main BBC stations, Classic Fm etc - the stronger signals, but will not receive the local ones (no local tuning is not disabled - non standard sony unit I'm afraid, can't find an original elite 96 radio for love nor money). Seems to pick up radio reception ok with the 98cdx headunit, but the display is not compatable or bust otherwise something else is knackered so I can't see what it is tuned into anyway...

DAB issues, I remember looking at a DAB radio out of curiosity about 12 months since, there was a particular note on it indicating it would not necessarily be compatable with an in screen aerial but would work on a standard steel rod aerial. Don't know if this is the case or not with the newer sets.
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: TheBoy on 15 July 2006, 11:23:48
Quote
I have a similar thing on mine - radio receives the main BBC stations, Classic Fm etc - the stronger signals, but will not receive the local ones (no local tuning is not disabled - non standard sony unit I'm afraid, can't find an original elite 96 radio for love nor money). Seems to pick up radio reception ok with the 98cdx headunit, but the display is not compatable or bust otherwise something else is knackered so I can't see what it is tuned into anyway...
Just goes to prove I was right about Sony junk  :P
Title: Re: Radio Reception Advice
Post by: mr des on 02 August 2006, 19:07:40
i fitted a bee-sting ariel from maplin to mine, easy enough but i didnt take any pics as i did it as soon as i got the car, just be careful when you take the roof lining out. great reception.