AutoDAB

[Wheel]

Hi all.

I've recently got a B160. As expected it doesn't come with a DAB radio. In my old C180K I had a JVC DAB head unit fitted. However I do quite like the new style Audio20. I have my car booked in to a garage on Friday to fit an AutoDAB.

What I like about the AutoDAB is that the box for it is completely hidden out of view. It is controlled using the car's steering wheel controls. I plan on sticking up a review here when I am done, but I am just interested to see if anyone else is considering getting one fitted.

Wheel

 

[television]

There will be loads interested in this,,it would be nice if they bring out a version for use on Comand

 

[Wheel]

If you have Comand, could you not use this instead?

 

[npuk]

One of the companies behind the mCar interface is working on a DAB solution for Mercedes cars.

 

[television]

If you have Comand, could you not use this instead?

Yes I could,,,I will hold on a touch longer to see whats coming

 

[whitenemesis]

I am currently road testing an add-on DAB unit being developed by Comand.co.uk. It pretends to be a CDC and is fully integrated into the COMAND control system.

Watch this space!!

 

[npuk]

I am currently road testing an add-on DAB unit being developed by Comand.co.uk. It pretends to be a CDC and is fully integrated into the COMAND control system.

Watch this space!!

Thats the one I was talking about, Comand.co.uk helping to develop it, as they did with the mCar. How are you getting on with it Peter?

IIRC the first version will only be for earlier MOST based cars, same as the mCar so cars with NTG1 and NTG2.

 

[television]

So not bothering with the earlier versions

The snag for me is the screen blanks on the PAL input when the car is in motion, though do I really need to know what the station is called. I had toyed with the idea of adding receiver, and opening it up and bring the station up down buttons out onto a panel and put that under the dash.

 

[Wheel]

So not bothering with the earlier versions

The snag for me is the screen blanks on the PAL input when the car is in motion, though do I really need to know what the station is called. I had toyed with the idea of adding receiver, and opening it up and bring the station up down buttons out onto a panel and put that under the dash.

Depending on how you feel about it, you could add a mini LCD screen for it? I have seen such a kit on sale here. Although I dare say you could buy a cheaper/smaller screen from somewhere like Maplin?

 

[television]

Depending on how you feel about it, you could add a mini LCD screen for it? I have seen such a kit on sale here. Although I dare say you could buy a cheaper/smaller screen from somewhere like Maplin?

Yes the screen is always the problem, and I hate things all over the dash. I could open up the Comand and tap into the circuitry there, but I have never seen a service manual for one, no doubt I could ask Bosch

 

[whitenemesis]

Thats the one I was talking about, Comand.co.uk helping to develop it, as they did with the mCar. How are you getting on with it Peter?

IIRC the first version will only be for earlier MOST based cars, same as the mCar so cars with NTG1 and NTG2.

The current version is working very well, mainly due to a better aerial. No need to retune when travelling long distances (this was my biggest gripe with the first examples).

Linguatronic integration is almost 100%, just a couple of commands getting error messages.

Sound quality is a huge improvement over FM. The dynamic range is significantly increased.

I am awaiting the first production quality unit, with better shielding and adjustable amplification. Also on the cards is an interface to connect with the OEM aerials already in the car. This would negate the requirement for the aftermarket aerial.

All-in-all I'm very impressed, after admittedly being quite sceptical

 

[Wheel]

Just as an update to this thread, I have been advised that the product launch has now been delayed for another week, so I'll have to wait a bit longer now!

 

[television]

So another week before you get dab handed

 

[Wheel]

Looks like it!

 

[Alfie]

Remember that AutoDAB uses FM to get the signal to the head unit. Ill be interested to hear any views on its functionality/quality.

The one Peter is beta testing for us is full digital

 

[television]

Remember that AutoDAB uses FM to get the signal to the head unit. Ill be interested to hear any views on its functionality/quality.

The one Peter is beta testing for us is full digital

Oh dear, so limited bandwidth from the start with roll off at 15khz not good for the quality point of veiw.

And remember even if you are old you can still hear the harmonics, that is if they are there to start with

 

[Wheel]

Remember that AutoDAB uses FM to get the signal to the head unit. Ill be interested to hear any views on its functionality/quality.

The one Peter is beta testing for us is full digital

As I have an Audio 20 I have no other option than FM direct inject! Unless I buy a dedicated DAB head unit.

Years ago I owned a Pure Highway, so I know I will be happy with the FM method.

I've done some googling and here's a few videos knocking around on YouTube of AutoDAB in operation...

Ford: http://www.youtu.be/Cv0iKDpcH6g
Peuugeot: http://youtu.be/MJYxHxYr6Yk
BMW: http://youtu.be/2WBaQ1REnLA

Functionality seems to vary depending on what the screen and steering wheel controls are capable of.

For me with Audio20 it seems the best bet.

 

[Alfie]

As I have an Audio 20 I have no other option than FM direct inject! Unless I buy a dedicated DAB head unit.

Years ago I owned a Pure Highway, so I know I will be happy with the FM method.

I've done some googling and here's a few videos knocking around on YouTube of AutoDAB in operation...

Ford: http://www.youtu.be/Cv0iKDpcH6g
Peuugeot: http://youtu.be/MJYxHxYr6Yk
BMW: http://youtu.be/2WBaQ1REnLA

Functionality seems to vary depending on what the screen and steering wheel controls are capable of.

For me with Audio20 it seems the best bet.

With Audio-20 you can have an AUX input.

Our DAB unit will work for you aswell but its not going to be publicly available until April time.

What we have done for some customers is a Pure highway connected straight into the AUX on the Audio-20. No FM involved.

 

[Wheel]

OK I appreciate it's not on sale yet, but how much will it be on sale for?

And does it tune by multiplex or stored station in a pre scanned list?

And... and... does it support DLS etc....?

 

[rpalmeida]

Hi

To answer a few queries about the product which will be sold by Comand (Europe) / Comand Online that Peter is road testing.

a) It is a MOST based product, which emulates a CD changer, and thus is suitable for the NTG1/NTG2 systems as fitted from around mid 04 to mid 08 on Mercedes
- sound/control etc is thus all digitial and via the fibre optic MOST network.
b) It uses CD text to display DLS info. Note that Audio-20/Audio-50 do not support CD Text, and the plan is to create an external display module for those with Audio-20/Audio-50
c) The emphasis has been on sound quality so no FM or analogue internally (you'd be surprised at how many high end DAB receivers take an analogue output internally from the DAB module and re-digitise it...
d) The 'kit' will come with a glass mount antenna (as Peter has said, we've spent a long time experimenting with antenna as this area is critical) but will be able to drive Mercedes DAB antenna amplifiers (powered over the COAX) at the strange voltages they require, so it will be possible to use the antennas in the car windscreens if they exist on your model.
e) It scans all frequencies and builds an alphabetical ist. The multiplex names are not shown (as you are limited in what you can display)
f) It will store 5 presets.
g) It is likely to have a 3.5mm AUX in, primarily aimed at NTG1 cars that have no AUX in, so you can connect an iPod, this will probably take up a preset if enabled.
h) Pricing, the kit is likely to retail for £599 inc VAT. Its sort of dependant on what margin the distributor has to make, and what they beleive the retailer(s) needs to make.

Cheers

Richard

ps, Malcolm, it won't be for the earlier D2B cars for at least 2 reasons, (a) The D2B chipset is no longer available. (b) COMAND does not support CD text.