Portable Car DAB Radio

Hi there, I hope you find this post helpful. I was struggling to find easy and affordable DAB radio for my car, but I did not want to spend a lot of money on an integrated one, first because it should be specific to my car, but most importantly the installation cost where I live (Norway) will be the same as a new radio itself. So here are some simple steps you can take in order to enjoy DAB radio in your vehicle with portability as a benefit.

Enjoy!

- USB adapter for the lighter power socket if non-USB is available in your vehicle. (Optional)

- DAB receiver with the ability to transfer the signal via FM. I am using Tiny Audio M8+.

- Velcro tape. (Optional)

- Pop socket and car mount for the remote control. (Optional)

You need power, so find a place in your vehicle with a power outlet. If this is the lighter socket you will need a USB adapter.
I used to keep my DAB receiver in the central console but recently moved it out of my way because I have a power outlet in the trunk of my car. So fewer cables in my view are always a good thing;)

I placed mine in the trunk and stuck it with velcro tape. Then connected it to the power.

You can extend the receiver FM antenna if like me you placed it away from the car radio.

Pick an FM frequency that suits you and connect the DAB receiver to your car radio.

Optionally you can use a 3.5 mm cable to connect the receiver to your audio, but that means one more cable. Not for me.

The receiver comes with remote control and this is the gadget you will really need to control your DAB radio. The only display is on the remote so you know which station you are listening to.

I used a pop socket with a car mount to place the remote in a visible and usable location for me. But the great thing is that the radio can be controlled from anywhere in your car. So if your kids want to take control - you just need to give them the remote.

And voilà you have a working DAB radio in your car without any complicated installations and the best thing is that you can move it in another vehicle fast and easily.

I suspect that you are wondering about the signal. My experience (more than a year now) is very positive. I mainly drive in the city and I am rarely losing signal temporarily. Works well even in the tunnels in the area (mid-Norway). I know that there are a lot of plug-and-play solutions, that also rely on FM transmission, but all of them require DAB antenna installation. Here this is not necessary because the DAB antenna is integrated inside the receiver.