Hi,

 

Today I have ordered a Skoda Fabia Combi 1.2 DSG 81kw model. Looking around at skoda-auto.cz and skoda.de I noticed they have the option of adding a DAB radio to the Swing radio. I am living in Estonia where DAB is not standard and no interest is in the market for it so they do not offer it. When I was ordering it today I asked them if they would add it but they stated they couldn't because it's not an option in the Baltic software.

 

Anyway, long story short, I travel around and drive to UK a lot to visit family. While there I like to listen to some of the stations that are DAB only (Absolute Radio and Planet Rock) but end up having to resort to MW. I was wondering if there is any way to add the DAB feature to the Swing radio by means of software update or adding an external aerial?

 

I'd rather not end up resorting back to the DAB to FM transmitter I was using during the last trip if I can add it in car.

 

Thanks

This looks like one option :  http://www.autodab.com/

 

... and more here  ( includes Autodab as well )  http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Integrated_add-on_DAB_car_radios.html

Edited 18 May, 201511 yr by Dithane

Thanks dithane but ideally I'd like to not resort to an aftermarket solution if the radio supports it

Then you need a new unit as this is not possible to upgrade the non-DAB unit.

Is there two units tho? I've ordered the swing and I'm not sure just how they add the DAB to it. Is it a case of adding the aerial on the back will enable DAB in the software or do I need to reflash it?

There are two versions of Swing: with and without DAB. When you order DAB version there is additional aerial too. You can't upgrade non-DAB to DAB by flash as there is no DAB related hardware inside non-DAB version.

Hi again,

 

 

Considering how all new Skodas will have the Android based radio and mine still doesn't have a production date, what is the likelihood I would get a DAB compat unit now?

Dithane mentioned Autodab. I added it to my Tiguan and have to say it was a waste of money. The stick on aerial supplied "worked" but the signal kept dropping out on roads where my wife's DAB radio worked perfectly. The other pain was searching for the channel I wanted to listen to. I saved four channels but every time I tried to tune to one of them the infernal machine started going through all the channels. I wish I'd paid more and got a new Kenwood unit. Ok it was three times the price but the Autodab was so quirky I stopped using it!

That's such a disappointment to hear, GeoffH - were AutoDab helpful at all?

I thought that since they'd been around for a while with various differnt versions, that this latest version would be the dogs.

if it was a factory order and not yet scheduled you may be able to modify the order to upgrade the stereo to include DAB, worth a question to the dealer?

if it was a factory order and not yet scheduled you may be able to modify the order to upgrade the stereo to include DAB, worth a question to the dealer?

It's a factory order over a month ago and I've yet to have the manufacturer date. The problem is that Skoda Eestis computer system won't allow them to add the DAB option. He tried to specify it manually but it refused to accept it using the German and Czech code. 

My Autodab was fitted in March 2013 and don't know if it's the current model. I spoke to the installer who suggested I read the instructions re memory. The instructions were two sheets of A4 paper stapled together. I followed them to the letter but lost interest eventually... It seemed to work for a while and then scramble itself. The aerial was the standard stick on one and it was suggested fitting a roof mounted one for about £130. I should have bought the Kenwood!

At the time of purchase the VW dealer assured me DAB and reverse camera were not available together.

Thank goodness the Yeti had the option for both together.