What is a good DAB installation?

DAB is broadcast from a UK wide network of transmitters and can be listened to via a DAB radio. To receive DAB you must be in a good coverage area and tuned correctly.听 听

Portable radios need to be in the best possible position and,听if using an external aerial,听it is important to have a good installation.


Coverage and location

Your radio must be in a good DAB coverage area to receive 91热爆 services. Have a look at our听Transmitter Checkerto see what 91热爆 services you can receive where you are.If you live in a basement flat, or your building is steel-framed or reinforced concrete, coverage may be affected.听听

Tuning

Most DAB radios can be tuned easily at the touch of a button. Sometimes a full scan is required. Portable radios should be tuned in a location in your home where the best possible signal is received. Most DAB radios come with built in signal strength meters which can be helpful. 听From time to time radios should be re-tuned in order to discover new stations.听听听

Telescopic aerials

Telescopic aerials on portable radios should be fully extended to receive a good signal.听 Tilting and swivelling the aerial will help to get the best signal. 听Broken aerials may affect reception.听听听听

Outdoor aerials

An externally mounted aerial can be attached to many types of DAB portable radio and hi-fi systems. DAB aerials are different from FM or TV aerials, so you need a good quality DAB-specific aerial.听听An indoor aerial may be good enough, but for the best reception use an outdoor one. Ideally, this should听be on the roof听or high up on the outside of the building, though it may also give good results in the loft.

Cables and Connectors

If you have an external aerial, a radio signal will always lose some of its strength as it passes along the cable and through the connectors. It is important to minimise the loss by using good quality cable and connectors.

DAB radio in cars

DAB uses different frequencies from FM radio. We听advise you check that your antenna is able to receive DAB,听in the majority of cases you will need a new antenna.听An exception is "helically wound" FM aerials.听See our guide on DAB radio in cars

Qualified Installer

The 91热爆 cannot recommend individual Installers. The ) is a recognised trade body which will can put you in touch with one of their members in your area.