GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Golf mk6 how to guides + info => Topic started by: abh100 on 16 September 2012, 21:09

Title: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 16 September 2012, 21:09
Has anyone retrofitted a DAB antenna into a Mk6 Golf that didn't come with the DAB option?

I know there are a couple of window-mounted antennas you can fit which some people seem unimpressed with. However when I looked at the third diagram on this website it looked like I just need to extend the existing tailgate capability (out of the 'left aerial module -R108'):
http://www.my-gti.com/2742/aerial-information-for-volkswagen-golf-mark-vi

So I'm wondering, would this retrofit module work?
http://www.kufatec.de/shop/en/Retrofit-kit-DAB-/-DAB-antenna-module

Anybody got any thoughts?

I had DAB on my previous car and miss it, so have fitted an RCD510 with DAB support, but don't have a second antenna cable ready to plug into it.
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: The Doc on 16 September 2012, 21:50
the module is simply an ariel:


"* ONLY SUITABLE FOR RADIO / NAVIGATION SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED DAB MODULE (BLACK FAKRA CONNECTOR)"
 
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 17 September 2012, 16:30
Well the RCD510 head unit I have is DAB capable, so that's all I need isn't it?  I have an empty DAB antenna-in socket on the back of the RCD510.

So it looks like it works in combination with the existing tailgate aerial do you think?
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 17 September 2012, 16:36
(I've asked that website for more info/fitting instructions)
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 18 September 2012, 10:34
The suppliers of that module say:

"Thank you for your request.

1. It"s for a dab-supported RNS
2. You must fix it in the hatch
3. It will not work in the dash, because the wires of the heated window are required."

Which is odd as I thought that (a) RNS doesn't support DAB, and (b) my RCD510 does.  Still confused.
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: Snoopy on 18 September 2012, 12:46
From the sound of it it used the screen wires in the back window as an ariel. So needs to be mounted at the rear of the car. (Im guessing you asked about mounting it under the dash by thier responce) It sounds like it works with anything that needs that plug type ie RCD510DAB RCD310DAB and the rumoured RNS510DAB.
Sounds quite interesting but its not cheap.
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: The Doc on 20 September 2012, 08:59
Well the RCD510 head unit I have is DAB capable, so that's all I need isn't it?  I have an empty DAB antenna-in socket on the back of the RCD510.

So it looks like it works in combination with the existing tailgate aerial do you think?

Lucky you ;-) I'd buy it and see how you get on - I'd be surprised if VW do different rear screens
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 18 February 2013, 21:09
So I fitted the on-screen "Kenwood DAB A1" DAB antenna the other day - either I fitted it wrong or it's just not very good - can't get anything off of it.

Guess I'll have to give the tailgate one a go...
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: abh100 on 24 February 2013, 16:51
Just a follow-up to my last message - it turns out I had a 'special' moment and the window antenna of the Kenwood wasn't correctly located on the booster/base.  It now is and I have got all of my DAB channels so am quite happy now!

The antenna was quite easy to fit - especially as I was fitting the bluetooth kit at the same time (so had all the trim off for fitting the microphone in the roof above the rear-view mirror).

So I won't be trying the tailgate part after all - happy with this windscreen-based solution.
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: JMcQueen on 03 August 2013, 12:25
Sorry to necro the thread but I've just bought the Kenwood DAB aerial to use with a RCD 510 and cant get the aerial to connect with the head unit. It looks like the connection is correct but the plastic surround on the RCD prevents it from connecting. Did you have this problem or am I doing it wrong?
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: C3PO on 20 October 2013, 20:34
Apologies also, but I have a OEM head unit with DAB (replaced under warranty) but no DAB Ariel, how easy was the Kenwood window Ariel to fit? also looking at the diagram, the alternative fits within the boot, but not sure if you have to run a wire to the head unit from the boot?
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: DaveyGTD on 17 January 2014, 14:31
I bought one of these,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281240384275?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Looks like I just replace the existing one, plug existing wire into the new one, as well as run another wire down to the head unit for the DAB connector.

Will report back how it works, hopefully it will be as good as a factory fit, as I did not want an unsightly aerial on the front windscreen, that said, the first job will be to find whereabouts the actual aerial is, it's under the boot lid somewhere I think!
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: C3PO on 17 January 2014, 22:00
I bought one of these,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281240384275?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Looks like I just replace the existing one, plug existing wire into the new one, as well as run another wire down to the head unit for the DAB connector.

Will report back how it works, hopefully it will be as good as a factory fit, as I did not want an unsightly aerial on the front windscreen, that said, the first job will be to find whereabouts the actual aerial is, it's under the boot lid somewhere I think!

Thanks, would appreciate your views. Looking at the wiring diagrams this is the factory way of installing DAB and have resisted so far to have the Ariel in the front windscreen.

It looks like there is already one of those for FM, so the other must be for DAB.

Keep us posted
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: DaveyGTD on 18 January 2014, 00:43
Will do mate, I should be able to do this next week sometime so will keep you posted :)
Title: Re: DAB antenna retrofit
Post by: DaveyGTD on 22 January 2014, 15:14
Done and works lovely, check out my guide (albeit not the greatest guide!)

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=263921.0