DAB Radio Adapter

[TimK2015]

I am looking for a DAB radio adapter to use in my ageing Astra. I want something that plugs in the cigar lighter for power and either transmits in the FM radio band or plugs into the auxiliary audio socket. I found the Pure Highway devices which seem to be the sort of thing I want but they appear to be discontinued. Is anyone using an adapter or can recommend one?

 

[gomezz]

Have you considered streaming radio from your phone instead?

 

[Black Hole]

Sorry, I solved that problem in my Focus by fitting an alternative audio system with DAB+.

 

[TimK2015]

Have you considered streaming radio from your phone instead?

I don't have a smartphone.

 

[Black Hole]

...besides which it eats data and is dependent on signal coverage, which is patchier than DAB.

 

[Black Hole]

Obviously this does not come with a personal recommendation, but all I could find on Amazon (most seem to be DAB dongles to be added to an Android system) and looks the business:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CAMECHO-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Handsfree-Receiver/dp/B0CRRT2G38

Being Amazon, it's easy to send back if it doesn't suit.

Surprisingly, Halfords has nothing.

 

[TimK2015]

Thanks BH. I'll have a look at that one.

 

[gomezz]

...besides which it eats data and is dependent on signal coverage, which is patchier than DAB.

Round here DAB reception is also patchy which can affect which platform I choose to use when driving round the viillages. DAB in a pub in the town centre is an absolute dead loss. Don't agree that data consumption for an audio stream is that much of a burden - for most apps but there is one I use which actually sends it as an ad-loaded video stream which is greedy which is more a problem with needing a more solid connection and with blanking the screen to save on battery usage. In any case, if anyone is still on a data plan that is so restrictive then perhaps they need to look into changing it to one that costs less and gives them more (I pay £9 per month for 250GB but average about 6GB a month usage).

Back to DAB adaptors for the car, I did have one of the original Pure Highways but that took forever to find a signal and start playing so eventually treated my old car to a fully featured AM/FM/DAB/Bluetooth/USB radio as a Christmas present. New car has a similarly capable radio. Current adaptors may be more usable than the old Highway.