I'm considering replacing the standard Symphony Radio/CD with a DAB head unit, most likely a Blaupunkt Woodstock DAB54, which is 1-DIN in size. Unfortunately I don't actually have the car yet so I'm going through weeks of tension, this will take my mind of that issue for a few hours .

Now, the new DAB HU should be a straight replacement, although the electrical/audio connector at the back may be different, so it may need to be carefully removed and a new one attached to the various cables. This bit I think will be OK. The standard Bee Sting cannot be used for DAB, and I really don't fancy either a tailgate edge connection aerial or a glass mounted one. Blaupunkt do a GTi Bee Sting that could be used to replace the original AM/FM aerial. Because DAB is vertically polarised, a standard AM/FM aerial will not work so it will need to be replaced. The Blaupunkt Woodstock is AM/FM and DAB, so installation of their AM/FM/DAB aerial would be the best option.

Do any of you guys know where the standard aerial coax cable is routed through the car? Because Fabias come with a Bee Sting as standard they will be routed during manufacture, I have visions of having to undertake major surgery to replace it! The DAB aerial also requires a power supply, and I think there are two cables; one for DAB and the other for AM/FM reception, so the existing coax could'nt possibly be reused. Also, does anyone know how large, and what shape the hole is in the roof which accommodates the existing standard aerial? The Blaupunkt one may require some enlargement to this :eek:

Thanks

Adding a Blaupunkt DAB radio is always something I've wanted to do but I neither have the cash nor the expertise!

I'm sure Manny added a Woodstock 52 to his Octavia, so maybe he can help a little, as I'm not sure

Where to start, I have a DAB 52 and have fitted the combined DAB/AM/FM beesting.

The standard aerial cable runs in the headlining down the drivers side of the car, then down the A pillar to behind the headunit.

The new DAB aerial has different connectors on each end, so you will need to run the cable that is supplied along the original cable route, its a piece of cake, you just need to be carefull not to damage the headlining. You will need to remove the grab handles on the drivers side to get the cable through.

To remove the oem aerial, remove the plastic trim by along to top of the hatch by gently pulling on it. Its likely the clips will detach and remain in the car, in this case use a pair of plyers and re-atach to the trim. Gently ease down the headlining and disconnect the cable at the base of the aerial. Undo the large retaining nut (it helps if you have someone hold the aerial outside) and remove carefully to avoid scratching the paint.

There is only one cable to connect to the aerial, dont reuse the oem cable its not good enough. Connect this to the splitter, then connect to the appropriate connections on the HU. For power I used the aerial amplifier output on the HU, the splitter only needs a small amount of power so this is fine.

For the furby you will need a facia adaptor and the VW wiring adaptor so that the infamous K wire will be bypassed and the power supply reversed otherwise the headunit will behave strangely and you will risk blowing up your dealers diagnostic equipment without it.

All in all its relativlely easy

Thanks for that mannyo, you make it sound so easy!

I'm just a little confused about this bit, what does it mean?

VW wiring adaptor so that the infamous K wire will be bypassed and the power supply reversed