DAB radio - VHF antenna?

[MarcJ]

Hi folks,
I'm sure this must have been asked before - but I couldn't find any answers with a search on the forum.
I understand that FM transmissions can be acquired via the mast top aerial, in use with a suitable splitter (or just disconnecting/reconnecting).
What's the difference with a DAB aerial? I'm assuming that I'll need a DAB aerial mounted inside the cabin (or as high as I can get it!), for digital, and can use the VHF aerial for FM?
Just bought one of these to do the job: http://www.halfords.com/technology/car-audio/dab-car-stereos/pioneer-mvh-270dab-car-radio
Thanks in advance!

 

[William_H]

DAB uses a frequency band of 174 to 240 mhz. This is quite a lot higher than that frequency for which you VHF marine band com radio antenna is designed. Yes by all means try the VHF marine band com antenna and it may work OK especially if it is on top of your mast. However a dedicated antenna around 14 inches long might be more efficient provided it is mounted as high as possible. Ideally you would use a 50 ohm coaxial cable and earth the screen at the antenna end to the mast or similar metal object to make a ground plane. Failing that you can attach 14 inches of coax screen from the antenna end of the coax down outside the coax and original screen to make a ground plane. This should all be insulated and can be hauled up on a halyard to get the height. Check for the frequency your DAB works on and search wikipedia for quarter wave whip[ for that frequency to get an exact dimension. I would not advise a splitter for VHF marine com just use a separate antenna and cable. good luck olewill

 

[nigelmercier]

It would be very foolish to compromise your VHF for the sake of entertainment. Just bung a car antenna in a locker.

 

[MarcJ]

Thanks guys - yes will do as you suggest Nigel!

 

[earlybird]

If you do use a locker, a DAB aerial benefits from being vertical AFAIK. With the more usual FM this doesn't matter so much.

 

[wheelie]

I've just fitted exactly the same radio. I used an HD marine tv aerial on top of the radar arch (part 716575 from ASAP) but it took me ages of trial and error to find the connections for the co-ax F connectors to fit the radio aerial connection.

Works a real treat. I was wary of using an aerial inside the boat because I kept losing the signal when I did this in my car, but might be fine in a boat.

 

[MarcJ]

Thanks again! Just for the record I went for this aerial - best "value for money" or better said cheaper than Ebay. I'm pretty sure the SMB connector is the right one on this. If not I'll report back. Hoping that it will be fine in a locker.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00IVW76RY?ref_=pe_385721_51767431_TE_dp_1
Edit - in case anyone is interested went for these speakers (to be mounted inside, not much room): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221264891833
This: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400495607947?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
And this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281429910946?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT