Thread: FM/DAB digital radio - THAT WORKS!!

Originally Posted by Roadwarrior

Few questions.
Also I was thinking, is it not about time that craigbrass started new thread dedicated to this new version/module?

I don't think this is necessary. Every time there is an updated version of RR or CF a new thread is not created.

How is the reception on the FM part of the module? I am curently using HQCT but it has it problems with reception of the FM band. I cant go far from the transmitting source without starting to lose signal strength fast

FM works as good, if not better, than most head units.

Will the module be in any kind of housing??

I am looking for an enclosure but if not, it will be in heat shrink tubing like http://www.mo-co-so.com/v/vspfiles/p...S-JOY-EX-4.jpg

Are the any pictures yet?

Should have one later today or tomorrow.

Originally Posted by craigbrass

Please do post this information. It means the aerial must have some kind of multiplexer built in which would be the preferred solution.

This is the antenna i have (Couldn't find any info in English so page is in Italian): http://www.calearoam.com/a_156_IT_132_1.html

I see that this supplier also has combination antennas for both DAB and FM but mine works just fine for DAB and FM using the same DAB (SMB) connector.

Originally Posted by craigbrass

I am looking for an enclosure but if not, it will be in heat shrink tubing like http://www.mo-co-so.com/v/vspfiles/p...S-JOY-EX-4.jpg

Go with a solid housing, as this would prevent connectors getting loose due to usage.

I see that this supplier also has combination antennas for both DAB and FM but mine works just fine for DAB and FM using the same DAB (SMB) connector.

Interesting. That aerial / antenna appears to be DAB only so it is good that it is working on FM. The one I showed you that I use won't work when connected to the DAB connector but using FM.

I hope after launch we can start to build a list of aerials that are known to work well.

http://www.blaupunkt.de/en/products/...-1/?no_cache=1

Trouble is, I haven't been able to track one down to buy yet

Originally Posted by Carerra

Everyone who's interested in purchasing a DAB radio may want to check the original thread on www.digital-car.co.uk where all the designs and technical knowledge detailing how to make your own dab/dab+ radio are there for free - even the support is free....

The rest of how that went is documented history, no need to rehash it, it started as a diy project then it was swallowed up but at the end of the day, all ideas get stolen, the pcb design was not developped by the group as a whole, even if some did use/test or whatever, that was his to sell, I dont know anymore than that, but as someone who does this as a hobby I do know no one usally pays for a pcb design or pays buttons for it as its nothing special, neither are dc power supplies.

Had to do a really smooth low ripple / high peak demand 3.6v one only yesterday, used 7 components and the whole thing from idea in head to finished and working board was 2 hrs including the manufacture / sodering / testing, so whats it worth, anyone want to buy it?



Soldering deliberatly mispelled for our north american cousins....

I've been thinking about making my own which is quite easy but I'm not really a software geek.
Does anyone know where I can get a centrafuse plugin? If so I may go and build my own.

Found the Sony DAB radio on ebay for £25, the caps, resistors and vero board are in plentiful supply at work.

I’d prefer a nice new Venice 7 with properly designed board from Craig but I’m a bit impatient.

Hurry up!!!!!

Hi

@Craigbrass

What are the chances of keeping your unit software-compatible with the DIY units people have, and making the plug-in's available to all? This might even be a good way to erm 'appease' the nae-sayers regarding how the project came about!

Would be a shame for the commercial and DIY versions to go in two completely separate directions requiring different plug-ins for what is essentially the same thing.

Maybe you could also consider offering appropriately-flashed venice 7's for sale to folk who still wish to DIY, but keep it legal re firmware.

Personally I see no reason why a commercial solution for DAB can't co-exist with the DIY solution that started life on digital-car - with any enhancement's software-wise being available to all. I guess I am basically saying 'why not make the software open-source'.

I have a DIY variant hence my interest, but if you do a DAB/FM mux module then i'd be very interested in that!

Regards

Nigel