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.
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.
