35 replies to this topic

[021C]

Hi,

I recently purchased a Sony DAB head unit to replace the non DAB version of the same unit in my 2008 1.8 TDCI focus titanium.

I was told it was taken from a 2010 focus and so far it works perfectly with my Bluetooth module, stalk etc.

I understand that I need to replace the aerial mast and base ( which I am in the process of organising ) however when the Sony DAB arrived it only has the standard aerial connection. I expected the unit to have an FM and separate DAB connection.

it is a DAB mp3 CD unit ( similar age to the original factor fitted unit ( 2007 date) and has the DAB marking on the faceplate.

I have it fitted and can access FM perfectly. My problem is I am unable to find any way to search for digital stations. Does the functionality depend on a DAB compatible aerial being fitted and did ford fit units that shared FM and DAB via one single connection to the head unit?

Thanks in advance

Stu

[cuke]

Hi, I believe you do need to have the correct aerial and I can't see why they would have two connections when you only have the one aerial...
Chris

[021C]

That's my thinking.

I am aware that some do have a dedicated connection for the DAB and I think the mast base for the combined mast splits the two signals?

Parts guys aren't sure on this one and ford aren't too quick to reply to questions want to make sure I'm ordering the right cables

Stu

[Stoney871]

I'm not sure there should be a double connector on the aerial.
Is there a double connector on the back of the radio?
If not then this may be what you need.

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2c63df84ed

[021C]

I'm not sure there should be a double connector on the aerial.

Not sure myself - I've seen a few 'how to's' and they replace the mast and base, which suggests that both are needed...

Is there a double connector on the back of the radio?

No - just a single connection exactly like the FM only unit I've replaced

If not then this may be what you need. http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2c63df84ed

Cheers - I have one of those on order and I believe the wire wrapped around the mast takes care of the DAB signal. This obviously must then be past through the base, down the A pillar and across to the radio (which is done in two different cables.

I'm fairly confident that the mast, base and mast to A pillar cable will be correct. Just the connection on the back of the unit and the lack of visuals to check that's confusing things. Parts guys are getting the parts in the confirm either way - just thought someone on here may have gone through the same process . It's fair to say after I'm done with this I will be creating a how to as I have amassed a lot of information during my search currently not in any particular order

Stu

[Stoney871]

The helix wire on the aerial is because FM and DAB are two different frequency ranges.
FM is from 88 - 108 MHZ wheras DAB is 174 - 240MHZ, while they are still in the VHF range (30 -300 MHZ) there is a need to optimise the range in which the aerials receive.

[021C]

Right - that makes sense.

From that I deduce that as FM and DAB signals share the same VHF 'space' - albeit at opposing ends, the same signals can be passed via one connection?

This may also explain why my unit does not show any ability to search for DAB stations....

[Stoney871]

Right - that makes sense.

From that I deduce that as FM and DAB signals share the same VHF 'space' - albeit at opposing ends, the same signals can be passed via one connection?

This may also explain why my unit does not show any ability to search for DAB stations....

That would be my understanding, yes.
If the frequencies were widely different as in VHF and UHF then totally different aerials (antenna is technically more correct as an aerial would mean transmit and recieve) would be needed - think carphone kits and huge CB aerials - size is important in those cases (it's to do with sympathetic oscillation of the aerial with the frequency).
Sorry if i'm being too techy, in a previous life in the military one of my jobs was as a radio instructor (HF, VHF, UHF, SHF)

[johnH]

hey stoney, you didnt happen to teach radio fundamentals at no.1 radio school, raf cosford by any chance? lol

[Stoney871]

Not me I'm afraid.
I was field comms and manpack systems.
Regiment instructor at Halton and Honington.
Also weapons, field medic, NBC, STO, SHORAD and GDT.

[021C]

The techier the better

Although not a radio geek, I do have my own areas of interest / expertise and get equally detailed They may be of use on here some day......

I'll wait and see what comes back from the parts guys. Hopefully solid answers.... Well, we can only hope

Stu

[Stoney871]

Best of luck Stu.
Should be an easy resolution.

[salsheikh]

you will find the ford wiki guide useful, its what i used when i installed mine - got parts from Ford - non dab to dab - good news!

i can tpost the link on here as it is not allowed so google ford wiki dab and it should find it.

[021C]

Yeah I've seen the wiki guide and that's what helped me identify the part numbers.

I take it you have also fitted the DAB stereo? If so did you have only one aerial connection on the back?

I'm keen to get the DAB sorted for my daily commute

[salsheikh]

yep, only the one connection. simples.