DAB Radio install,help required

[ainarssems]

Using 2 amps together is usually not a good idea. Amp will amplify both signal and noise and there is a limit how much you can amplify signal or how high signal radio will see so using 2 amps can signal to noise ratio worse. If you need higher gain it is better to use single higher gain amp instead of 2 separate ones.

It's not quite as simple as this but to give you idea but say if the signal value is 10 and noise is 1 you have SNR 10/1, if you amplify it 5 times you will have 50 signal and 5 noise but if the radio can only use signal up to 20 effectively you have signal 20 and noise still 5 so ratio will be 4/1 and result in even worse reception. Sometimes you even need to use attenuator to bring down noise and signal level but increase signal SNR.

[tc4332]

Thanks Ainar.
Brings back all my radio training from when we had two-way sets on Boadicea's chariot
Just thinking aloud and wanting to try anything.
Of course it could be something simple like the used oem amplifier not being 100%.

[paulrstaylor]

Could you swap parts with the A8 you use that works better to eliminate?

[tc4332]

Nice idea, but a bit naughty 'cos it is the work car and part of the fleet.
I'll try and borrow/beg/buy another one.

[paulrstaylor]

Fingers crossed, if there are no codes it can get expensive fast troubleshooting that way. I'd start with the amplifier, then the tuner..... hope it's something simple!

Not strictly helpful, but dab on my d4's has been much better than the d3, now wonder if I had the same issue you do!?

[Somerandomguy]

When I installed mine, I connected the TV to the DAB amp to check it was working- with the TV modules open in VCDS the screen displays various diagnostic information, including signal strength per antenna. (Using the Dab lead as'it had a universal connector)

Depending on which FAKRA cable you have on the DAB lead, you could try this too to rule out a failed amp? Obviously it wont be tuned to the corrct frequency, but would be interesting to see if any of the other amps improve reception.

Mine too drops out places, but I don't have another DAB to compare to

[tc4332]

We are in London this weekend but will try and find time next weekend to try swapping the aerial lead over. Should be possibble 'cos I think the cable had a universal Fakra.
Thanks for the pointers.
It's not the end of life type of problem after all I have AMI with a big thumbdrive. I used it on the Holland return a few weeks back, brilliant, my music, my volume without complaints from management or kids.

[snapdragon]

Originally Posted by tc4332

Should be possibble 'cos I think the cable had a universal Fakra.

If not, just shave the unwanted tongue off the male part with a sharp knife.