Troubleshooting DAB reception

DAB reception problems can be caused by many things. It is often a process of elimination to find the cause.

If the sound begins to burble or cut out altogether or you have lost a radio station it is probably due to one of the following: 听the signal has weakened due to a network fault or there鈥檚 a problem with your equipment or installation. 听


Transmitter faults

By using our Transmitter Checker, you can check which听DAB radio services are available at your location. It will also show you any transmitter faults.听Currently it reports on network DAB stations only; Local and Nations听radio faults are not included.

Works and Warnings

Check whether there are any known works or warnings that might be causing the problem.

Tuning

DAB uses multiplexes to group services together.听The 主播大秀 network stations, e.g. 主播大秀 Radio 1, 主播大秀 Radio 4听are grouped together in a single multiplex. Nations and Local radio services are carried on a mix of commercial multiplexes.

Try switching your radio on and off.听If you still have a problem use the 鈥榓utotune' function to re-tune. If this does not work, a full re-scan might be needed.听Check听your radio manual for specific instructions on doing a full re-scan. Further information on tuning your DAB radio can be found by visiting the 听site or see our听DAB tuning guide.

Portable Radios

Ensure the telescopic/integrated aerial is fully extended. Try moving the radio around to see if you can find a better position where you get good reception of all the stations you want to listen to.

In most circumstances the supplied telescopic aerial should be perfectly adequate, and as a rule of thumb DAB aerials tend to work best when vertical and extended at least 35 cm. If your radio reception is poor听then you could consider听an external aerial for best reception quality. Even in good areas an external aerial will guarantee optimum performance听and will also ensure consistent listening quality.

Many Digital radios have a signal strength display which enables you to position the Radio for the best reception (usually a number of blocks) as a guide of reception quality. Unfortunately, some radios are less sensitive than others and need careful positioning to work reliably. If your radio displays signal strength, use this as a guide to ensure the best position.

Our DAB installation guide provides further information.

External aerials

It is important to check the cables and the aerial for damage听and that they are operating correctly.听Make sure any cables between your radio equipment and aerial are connected securely. For further information see our DAB installation guide.

Damaged Cables

Water can get into external cables and can cause reception problems. To rule this out see our guide on water damage to cables.

Car Radios

Radio reception can drop out when on the move听due to changes in topography. See our听car radio guidefor more information.

Weather

Radio signals can be affected by fine weather including high pressure. The only solution is to wait for the weather to change, you should not re-tune during this time. Our information on how clear skies and fine weather can affect your radio reception听may be useful, please see our weather guide.

Lost reception of one or more station within a multiplex

If all other stations are working ok and you have just lost one station. The problem could be due to a number of reasons, the station may have stopped broadcasting or have moved multiplexes rather than a radio fault. All听of the stations in one multiplex should be behaving the same way.听

Interference

If you are still having problems, it is possible an unwanted signal is the cause. For information on the .

Qualified Installer

The 主播大秀 cannot recommend individual installers. The is a recognised trade body which will be able to put you in touch with one of their members in your area.