DAB Signal

[g5und]

I've just taken devliery of my first MB (C250 CDI AMG Sport + Coupe) and have a general question about the DAB radio. Is it normal for the signal to cut in/out frequently? Most stations appear to be more off than on which is very annoying. I've spoken with the dealer who tells me this is normal for DAB... Is it really that bad?

 

[ajs37]

yes! DAB is a useless system for car radios - another reason why we should not go digital.
Cheers
Andy

 

[Deleted member 65149]

That's the reason it's just about the only thing I didn't spec for my car.

 

[seven]

Its very dependent on where you are. I dont have any real problems but there are some areas where I know its going to be a bit hit or miss. I imagine that the coverage will only get better but I am no expert!

 

[st13phil]

...have a general question about the DAB radio. Is it normal for the signal to cut in/out frequently?

It is very dependent upon the area you're in, as the coverage in some locales is better than in others, but as a general rule yes there are frequent signal disruptions.

What people generally don't realise is that FM radios in cars do all sorts of clever things to mask poor signals including, but not limited to, switching from stereo to mono and rolling off the top-end of the audio spectrum to make signal glitches less audible when there's insufficient signal available. Digital radio can't do that so it buffers the signal in the hope that short periods of poor or no signal are masked by playing what's in the buffer and then catching up again when the signal is restored. Unfortunately, when you're moving around there are lots of temporary disruptions to the signal which results in the buffer emptying and you hearing silence.

DAB is actually awful technology for mobile use, but it does mean that I can listen to Planet Rock on a sunday afternoon instead of that dreadful Elaine Page woman on BBC R2

 

[g5und]

Thanks for the resposnes. Pleased to know it's not just me then and that I wasn't being fobbed off by the dealer.

 

[pipmk]

DAB in its latest form is excellent but for it to be any good it needs a lot more repeater stations before it is useful in cars all over the country. It is the old dilemma, create the demand before the infrastucture or the other way round which is much more expensive. Being early adopters is always problematic.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I find it reliable about 95% of the time.
When it fails I can switch to FM although I do find that if DAB is down then FM is also.
The difference in sound if pretty impressive for music radio and I like to see the name of the song displayed.