DAB-Antenna
How do I install a windscreen-mounted DAB antenna?
A windscreen-mounted DAB antenna is a common solution when retrofitting a car stereo with DAB or DAB+.
For good reception, it is important to position the antenna correctly, install any grounding tab according to the antenna manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure the antenna amplifier receives power if required.
Before you begin
Check the installation instructions for your specific DAB antenna. The recommended position, distance from the vehicle body and grounding method can vary between different models.
You will usually need:
A DAB antenna with antenna film and amplifier
Glass cleaner or an alcohol-based cleaning wipe
Plastic trim removal tools
Cable ties or another suitable method for securing the cable
Also check that your car stereo has a DAB input and what type of antenna connector it uses.
1. Choose the correct position on the windscreen
The DAB antenna is normally installed high up on the inside of the windscreen, usually on the passenger side so that it does not obstruct the driver’s view.
Follow the measurements stated in the antenna’s installation instructions. A common guideline may be approximately 15 cm from the top edge of the windscreen and 5–7 cm from the side edge, but this varies between different antennas.
If possible, avoid installing the antenna:
Over heavily ceramic-coated or metallised areas of the windscreen
Over heating elements or other electrical conductors
Behind metallised sun protection film
In a position where it obstructs the driver’s view
Some windscreens are heat-reflective or metallised and can reduce radio reception. In such vehicles, a different antenna solution may be required.
2. Remove the A-pillar trim
Carefully remove the A-pillar trim on the side where the antenna will be installed.
A plastic trim removal tool is recommended to reduce the risk of damaging the trim or interior.
Be careful around airbags
Many modern vehicles have curtain or side airbags in the area around the A-pillar.
Never route the antenna cable in front of or across an airbag, or in any way that could interfere with its deployment.
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for routing cables around the airbag system. If you are unsure, the installation should be carried out by a professional.
3. Clean the windscreen
Thoroughly clean the area where the antenna will be installed.
The glass should be:
Dry
Free from dust
Free from grease and cleaning residue
An alcohol-based cleaning wipe usually works well.
Allow the glass to dry completely before installing the antenna.
4. Install the antenna film
Carefully remove the protective film from the self-adhesive surface of the antenna.
Avoid touching the adhesive surface with your fingers, as grease from your skin may reduce adhesion.
Position the antenna film according to the manufacturer’s instructions and press it evenly against the glass.
Once installed, the film should not normally be removed and repositioned, as this may reduce its ability to adhere properly.
5. Install the grounding tab
Many active DAB windscreen antennas have a separate grounding or ground-plane tab that is installed against the vehicle body near the A-pillar.
It is important that this is installed exactly according to the antenna manufacturer’s instructions, as it can have a significant effect on reception and antenna performance.
On some antennas, the tab must make contact with the vehicle’s metal body. Other designs may have different requirements.
Do not remove paint or surface coating unless the antenna manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.
An incorrectly installed grounding tab can result in poor or unstable DAB reception.
6. Install the antenna amplifier
DAB windscreen antennas often have a small amplifier module that is mounted next to the antenna film.
Remove the protective backing and align the amplifier module with the contact points on the antenna film according to the installation instructions.
Press the amplifier firmly into place.
Check that the antenna film, amplifier and any grounding tab have full contact as specified by the manufacturer.
7. Route the antenna cable to the stereo
Route the antenna cable from the windscreen, down along the A-pillar and behind the dashboard to the car stereo.
Make sure the cable:
Is not routed in front of an airbag
Is not pinched between trim panels
Does not rest against sharp edges
Cannot vibrate or cause rattling noises
Is not routed unnecessarily close to wiring that may cause electrical interference
Routing the cable behind the glovebox is often a convenient way to reach the stereo.
Connect the antenna plug to the DAB input on the car stereo. SMB is a common connector type, but the connector may vary between different stereos and antennas.
8. Check the antenna power supply
Many active DAB antennas require power for their built-in amplifier.
On compatible car stereos, this power can be supplied through the antenna cable. The setting may be called something such as:
DAB Antenna Power
or
Antenna Power
If the antenna requires this type of power supply, the function must be enabled.
Always check the instructions for both the antenna and the stereo first, as not all antennas are powered in the same way.
9. Test the reception
Once the antenna is connected:
Turn on the car stereo.
Select DAB or DAB+.
Check that antenna power is enabled if required.
Start an automatic station scan.
Check that several stations are found and that reception is stable.
It is a good idea to test the reception before reinstalling all trim panels.
If DAB reception is poor
Check the following:
That the antenna film is installed correctly
That any grounding tab is installed correctly
That the antenna amplifier has proper contact with the antenna film
That antenna power is enabled if required
That the antenna cable and connector are securely connected
That the windscreen is not metallised or heat-reflective
That the antenna is positioned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Reception is also affected by DAB coverage in the area where the vehicle is located.
Important to keep in mind
The exact installation method varies between different antennas and vehicles. The installation instructions supplied with the antenna should therefore always take priority over general installation advice.
Take particular care when routing cables near airbags and other vehicle safety systems.
If you are unsure which DAB antenna is suitable for your car stereo, contact our customer service team with the stereo model and vehicle information, and we can help you determine what you need.