DAB radio aerial

[paul]

I have fitted the sony dab6550 radio to the van and have had a trial fit of the dab aerial.I have 2 questions!!
Does the aerial have to be fitted vertically (all websearch suggests it must be)
It is about an inch too long when fitted vertically at each end-can I lop this off with scissors.
Out tomorrow with window cleaner and a hair drier to fit.
regards Paul

 

[58herbie]

yep, best to fit vert as digital signals rain down from the sky as oposed to the old analogue signals which where beamed out in a wavey kind of line,

you basically had a carrier wave signal which was a straight line and the then sound bounced either side (+ to - effect)

hope this makes sence

jon

 

[paul]

thanks for the reply,what i am having trouble understanding is why a new aerial is needed ? The existing aerial on the bus is fixes on the front and is vertical why can't this be used??? All the dab external aerials seem to be roof mounted.
nb would cutting it have any effect.

 

[58herbie]

Paul,

u can try using the original aerial, it may get reception in good areas but will loose signal easy as its not got the correct signal range (basically try it and see, you may need an adapter to connect it)you could also try getting a aerial amplifier from halfords etc where you add a live feed to the aerial which helps with reception this may help with the original aerial (i am going to try this on my van when it hits the road as i have DAB to fit too), it is basically a stick of metal with a wire attached, where as DAB aerials now have a circuit board attached to help with the signals, and i dont think u can cut it as if u look close there is a tiny element running inside and if u cut it you will break the circuit and render the aerial useless

hope it make sence

jon