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

after returning the HD radio to the mp3car store (were understanding, granted a refund less 15% instead of the 30% reduction), its pants for UK users, and if im honest the signal dropped every so often...i quickly noticed this...followed it and bought it 2 days ago....eagerly awaitign its arrival.

Its good to see someone so willing to take feedback and act on it!

Do you guys reccon ill have problems with reception using the stock aerial?

I downloaded the CF plugin from your link previously posted and the standallone software, will i need anything else? and i take it the link always points to the most up-to-date versions?

If you plan to use DAB, you will likely have problems with a stock aerial.

http://dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DRA...ar_aerial.html is the best replacement aerial.

http://www.craigbrass.net/centrafuse.zip is the latest version. You need .net framework version 3.5 or above but this is included if using Vista or Windows 7.

Originally Posted by craigbrass

If you plan to use DAB, you will likely have problems with a stock aerial.

http://dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DRA...ar_aerial.html is the best replacement aerial.

http://www.craigbrass.net/centrafuse.zip is the latest version. You need .net framework version 3.5 or above but this is included if using Vista or Windows 7.

This aerial you mentioned has 75ohm impedance on FM range. Does this work with your radio module? What I have understood and tested Venice7 is 50ohm?

I tested my module with the aerial in my car and got worse (= no) reception at all when this was connected, removing it and just holding my finger on/close to the aerial plug on the module gave me almost perfect signal.

I´m only interested in the FM part of this module at the moment and would like to use either the in-car antenna or some glass aerial. Suggestions?

Originally Posted by tom_rosenback

This aerial you mentioned has 75ohm impedance on FM range. Does this work with your radio module? What I have understood and tested Venice7 is 50ohm?

I have the DRA-1001 and it's proved to be very good so far, the FM side proving to be better with the Silabs than the stock aerial was. Are you sure that the 50ohm specs for the Venice7M isn't referring to the DAB side? I'm pretty sure that 75ohm is correct for FM.

Once I get my hands on an FM/DAB diplexer then I will test the FM side of the Venice7M with the DRA-1001.

Originally Posted by Wolvers

I have the DRA-1001 and it's proved to be very good so far, the FM side proving to be better with the Silabs than the stock aerial was. Are you sure that the 50ohm specs for the Venice7M isn't referring to the DAB side? I'm pretty sure that 75ohm is correct for FM.

Once I get my hands on an FM/DAB diplexer then I will test the FM side of the Venice7M with the DRA-1001.

I should say that it is all 50ohm, but I´ll leave that to someone else to say. Might be my in-car aerial that is up...

It wouldn't surprise me if the Venice7M requires 50ohm for FM, the Silabs does too. Craig may need to supply this information as it's not on the Frontier Silicon site.

IIRC, in car stuff is usually 75ohm (or higher). Which car do you have?

Originally Posted by Wolvers

It wouldn't surprise me if the Venice7M requires 50ohm for FM, the Silabs does too. Craig may need to supply this information as it's not on the Frontier Silicon site.

IIRC, in car stuff is usually 75ohm (or higher). Which car do you have?

Yes, 75ohm is usually used in cars, also in my Nissan 200SX S14a.

ive got a Fiat Stilo...ive seen that aerial link knocked about on this thread (i read the lot, severe red-eye lol) it looks good, i'd deff purchase it if there was a way to connect both the DAB and the FM parts of the aeriel to the venice7....out of interest how reliable has the DAB proved to be in the CF interface? and anyone in london done any reception tests with DAB and/or FM?

trying to decide if i should just buy the aerial and just use the DAB and wait for a MUX to become available....

I've used the DAB in London (with the DRA-1001), reception was perfect.

As for connecting both DAB and FM to the Venice7, I intend to try out of one of these soon.

http://www.tvaerials.com/product.asp...om=google_base

or more likely (due to the threaded connections)

http://www.tvaerials.com/product.asp...om=google_base