Dear Comrades

 

I have a standard set up in my 55plate Octavia elegance. I want to add DAB so I can listen to talk sport. Halfords seem to have options and I like the fact that they will fit, how do I do it? I think I have two choices, a box that plugs into the existing set up or a new head unit?

 

regards

I am interested in this too.

 

Do you need to change the head unit or can you as stated above just plug an upgrade in?

 

Do you also need another aerial?

I am interested in this too.

 

Do you need to change the head unit or can you as stated above just plug an upgrade in?

 

Do you also need another aerial?

 

You should be able to add the DAB to the existing headunit. DAB requires another aerial, and an aftermarket addon will usually be a simple stick to the inside of the windscreen affair.

would anyone recommend Halfords?

You get a DAB unit with a DAB aerial then I believe this then puts out a local FM signal you then pick up through your normal head unit.

 

i.e. http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/pama-plug-n-go-in-car-dab-radio-receiver-with-fm-transmitter-p41018.htm?referer=PLA&utm_source=google%2Bproducts&utm_medium=comparison&utm_campaign=google%2Bproducts&gclid=CMrWnteAt7sCFUzHtAodvmAAfQ

 

Other products are available...

thanks aspman, it looks good but I would like something a little more intergrated also leaving the cigarette charge free!

A few of us have fitted the VW RCD 310 DAB headunit. If you look on ebay there are normally a few around for ~£100-£120.

 

On a car that age you'll need an updated CAN Gateway, which is pretty straight-forward to swap, and you'll also need to fit a new DAB aerial. You've got a choice of aerial type, an interior-only one that can stick to the inside of the windscreen or an external one. You'll get a bit better reception with the external but it's a bit more hassle to fit. I went with the interior one and have been very pleased with it.

 

On a 55 plate the CAN Gateway will be behind the glovebox, and while you've got the glovebox out you can route the cable for the digital aerial.

 

There are a few threads on here with more details.

Some pics and more instructions from when I fitted mine in here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/279566-needed-instructions-fit-dab-antenna-cable-into-the-dashboard/

In my octavia VRS I fitted this little unit, and I can't recommend it enough for a couple of reasons:

 

http://www.roadradio.com/Alpine/Ezi-DAB/

 

Firstly, it is discreet and tidy, and you can match the illumination colour on the buttons to your car dash colours

 

Second, it is also an ipod link and has a dock lead that you can run to your glove box or centre console

 

Third it has a digital memory, so you can pause and rewind live radio like a sky plus box, or pause the song you are listening to when you fill up for fuel

 

 

It is really simple to use and quick to operate with a push and turn dial, but obviously can't be controlled through the head unit and is just wired to the aux input direct into the stereo behind the dash.

 

Sextons did mine, it's a top job and great bit of kit.

I am shortly going to remove the RCD310DAB from my wife's golf if that's of interest?

You can get a stick on aerial from halfords for £20 which will be perfectly adequate.