ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS CDAB-1, Instruction Manual

Page 8

FIXING THE ANTENNA

As with any radio receiver, the quality of the output signal will be directly 

determined by the strength of the input signal that it receives.

Obviously the location of the tuner in relation to the transmitter will have a 

direct influence on the quality of the available signal, however it is important 

to provide the best possible antenna to the tuner to provide the best signal 

conditions possible.

We have provided with this DAB tuner a simple wire  antenna which is 

designed for internal use. Please see the following diagram for correct 

installation procedure:

CDAB-1

ANTENNA ADVICE

It is possible to display the signal strength as a bar graph on the LCD 

display by pressing the info button several times, this will show the following 

window:

The signal strength is determined by the number of bars which are 

illuminated towards the right , the stronger the signal, the more bars that will 

be filled.  

It is possible to adjust the signal strength by changing the position of the 

antenna, and by using the visual bar graph display it is possible to position 

the antenna for maximum signal strength.

Further enhancements can be made to the reception quality by purchasing 

a better quality aerial, available from most hi-fi retailers. For best reception, 

we would recommend an external or loft mounted DAB/FM antenna. There 

are two main types available, a) Dipole,  b) 4-element aerial.

DIPOLE

For use in marginal signal areas, this type of antenna is omnidirectional and 

should increase the strength of all DAB stations being received.

4-ELEMENT AERIAL 

Also for use in marginal or poor signal areas. This type is directional and 

has a high gain. Like a TV or FM aerial, this type of antenna needs to point 

at a transmitter. Installation requires someone to move the aerial whilst 

you monitor the signal strength. If you can receive signals from multiple 

transmitters you should point your aerial at the one which gives you the best 

signal for the services which you want to listen to. 

It is possible to use a TV or FM aerial with your DAB tuner as this is 

normally mounted externally. This may give a stronger signal than a simple 

internal aerial, however it would not be tuned specifically for DAB reception. 

You would need to change the plug on your TV/FM aerial to an ‘F’ type 

connector, and it may also be necessary to use a signal booster to enhance 

the signal.