Freetrack & DAB radio options

[ericcat]

I want DAB radio in my Freetrack, and wondered if anyone else has done something with their car. I've had a look on the forums here, but can't see any ICE posts about after-market DAB.

The way I see it, there are three options:

1) Buy a Pure "Highway" DAB receiver (or a small cheap DAB radio) and connect this to the Aux input of the standard radio. Cheapest option, but needs audio cable and power supply cable, making the centre console a bit messy. Will also need to remove the receiver whenever I'm not in the car, otherwise some git will nick it. Also, can't use the steering wheel controls for the DAB radio. Cost around £50.

2) Get an under-dash add-on DAB receiver that taps into the radio connectors at the back of the existing radio. An example unit can be seen at dynamicsounds.co.uk
This claims to use existing controls, and has wiring harness to fit the car's loom. Looks to be portable to another car if/when I change, but don't know if this fitment will affect the existing Aux input or the Freetrack's dropdown DVD screen. Cost around £150.

3) Replace the existing radio, either with another VAG unit, like a good used VW "RCD310" I've seen on ebay, or an aftermarket unit from for example Kenwood. Cost could be £150 to £300. I'd need to take advice on wiring compatability, use of steering wheel controls, Aux input etc (Bluetooth would be nice, too). I'd need to get a replacement dashboard fascia plate to replace the existing factory radio, too.

So, anyone else gone through this? What did you do?

Some might say "Why bother?", but I'm a big fan of DAB, and miffed that I can't listen to BBC 6Music in the car.

Any help/information/warnings/tales of experience much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[mac music]

well dab is the way all radio is going so its something all cars are going to need in time as eventually normal radio will go the way of normal tv

i was having this same thought as to what to do , the cost of a full on dab vw fit is silly money , i may get a plug in box to the video feed on the back of the kenwood i have or i may go for a new hu if the double din ones get dab in em with out costing a fortune

fascia plate dave at sere motors is you man call him up and he will send you the right one
Mm

 

[MrGringo]

I'm taking a punt on this at the moment too, having just bought a Freetrack. I am not a fan of the existing dash radio/climate controls so I've been looking at options to improve the look. Decided against going for the popular RNS510 unit to save cash, and I liked the idea of getting DAB so I won a RCD310 DAB on eBay the other day and I'm hoping it should be fairly straight forward. As plenty of people have retrofitted RNS510's before, I think it should be possible to fit a simpler model using the same method. I've bought an aerial adapter too as I noticed I'd need one. I'm just hoping that I won't suffer the battery drain issue related to newer models of RNS510, otherwise I'll have to look into CANBUS options.

Obviously not installed yet but I hope to get time to do it sooner rather than later. Need to get a double din fascia first. Way I see it is it has to be worth a go. I'll let you know how I get on but not sure how long it'll be before I get to do it.

 

[ericcat]

... I won a RCD310 DAB on eBay the other day and I'm hoping it should be fairly straight forward. As plenty of people have retrofitted RNS510's before, I think it should be possible to fit a simpler model using the same method. I've bought an aerial adapter too as I noticed I'd need one.

My thoughs too, MrGringo. Just a bit concerned about getting hold of a suitable dashboard fascia for the RCD310. Is that radio double-DIN sized?

 

[mac music]

My thoughs too, MrGringo. Just a bit concerned about getting hold of a suitable dashboard fascia for the RCD310. Is that radio double-DIN sized?

its looks slightly bigger than double din , so having seen a golf 5 with the surround out the headunit is held in with screws and the surround pushes on afterwards

dave at sere should have it just quote your chassis number and he should have one in the right colour

the standard HU is best removed with a 2 inch paint scraper genty applied ail round the edge of the trim

MM

 

[MrGringo]

Yeah I checked with the local Seat parts desk whether a fascia was available. Sounded a very reasonable <£20.

I'm thinking I may have spoken too soon and might need a DAB aerial but I might wait and see.

 

[mac music]

Yeah I checked with the local Seat parts desk whether a fascia was available. Sounded a very reasonable <£20.

I'm thinking I may have spoken too soon and might need a DAB aerial but I might wait and see.

you will !

 

[MrGringo]

you will !

Need one? or wait and see?

 

[mac music]

need one lol ! an on glass one is fine i am told

 

[ericcat]

We will definitely need a specific DAB aerial, and ebay has loads of strip-type sticking ones, including the type usually supplied for the Pure Highway radio.

Pleasantly surprised that the replacement radio fascia is £20-ish. My Freetrack is going in for a service next week. I'll ask the dealer to get one for me.

 

[MrGringo]

Ok, I've been doing a little research on this but I'm not sure about which aerial type to go for. I like the idea of the FM/AM -> FM/AM/DAB splitter but it says they only work with non-amplified aerials. Does anybody know if the Altea's aerial is amplified? I'm expecting it probably will be.

Thanks

 

[mac music]

Ok, I've been doing a little research on this but I'm not sure about which aerial type to go for. I like the idea of the FM/AM -> FM/AM/DAB splitter but it says they only work with non-amplified aerials. Does anybody know if the Altea's aerial is amplified? I'm expecting it probably will be.

Thanks

pretty certain it is amplified , when i fitted my kenwood i had to use a powerline aerial adaptor to make it work so i guess the stock HU must push the 12v up the coax too

i am thinking a windscreen one up behind the mirror just unscrew the a pillar trim and feed the cable it along the top edge of the windscreen

MM