Dension DAB+U

[benplunkett]

Evening All,

I've just put a deposit down on my first Volvo, a 2009 V70 D5, and pick it up next week.

I wish to add DAB radio to the car, if at all possible, without a visible extra box.

It has the high performance sound system with single CD. 3.5mm aux and USB inputs are present in the centre console. Once I get the car I intend to check for the factory DAB pre-wiring but i'm not positive this will be there.

I've seen the Dension DAB+U (http://www.dension.com/products/dab-solutions/dabu) that sounds like it should be able to connect to the USB input of the car and be controlled through the headunit.

Has anyone on here fitted one to a V70?

Thanks in advance, Ben

[murphyslaw]

I will be very interested in this, mine doesn't have hands-free or DAB (or a USB socket), so I'm trying to remain very optimistic

[benplunkett]

I've received a reply from the Dension tech support - apparently my V70 should be compatible.

The part is ordered and I pick up the car tomorrow so should know by the end of the week!

Murphyslaw, without a USB input I suspect you'll be limited to one of the units that broadcasts FM to your stereo. Control is usually through a separate remote or similar.

[murphyslaw]

Originally Posted by benplunkett

I've received a reply from the Dension tech support - apparently my V70 should be compatible.

The part is ordered and I pick up the car tomorrow so should know by the end of the week!

Murphyslaw, without a USB input I suspect you'll be limited to one of the units that broadcasts FM to your stereo. Control is usually through a separate remote or similar.

Thanks, Ben - I'll take a look! How's the purchase, happy?

[tt82]

A good looking unit but it does mean you must choose between DAB and a USB memory stick with music stored on it. It's really about time Volvo pulled their finger out and came up with a solution where the existing headunit can be upgraded to DAB.

[andyg]

Hi guys. You could try the DABMotion after market add-on unit? (AKA Celsus DAB 1001). It all fits nicely away out of sight apart from the small control unit which communicates by wireless to the hidden radio box. Like all DAB adapters it does need a good antenna. I have found the ones that stick onto an internal glass surface pretty much useless. So I have ended up with a magnetic mount whip antenna fitted on the rear wing of the car which captures a very good signal. I routed the antenna coax through the boot lid opening.

One tip.... If you do use the DABMotion then try setting the Syncmode to "Autoscan". I find that if it is left in the default "AFD" H or L settings then it changes the VHF transmit channel too often with associated crackles and noises.

I am just a Volvo driver, not in any way associated with DABMotion/Celsus. You can buy them on Amazon and other websites. More info here....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Celsus-DAB10...ital-Interface

Andy

[benplunkett]

Originally Posted by murphyslaw

Thanks, Ben - I'll take a look! How's the purchase, happy?

Got the unit yesterday and i've not been able to get it working yet. On connection the volvo display states 'USB UNREADABLE'.

I've put in a ticket to Dension support, see if it needs a specific configuration file or something.

Originally Posted by tt82

A good looking unit but it does mean you must choose between DAB and a USB memory stick with music stored on it. It's really about time Volvo pulled their finger out and came up with a solution where the existing headunit can be upgraded to DAB.

There's an addon cable that provides a USB slot for stored music. This is equipped with a switch to go between the USB and DAB without unplugging anything.

Originally Posted by andyg

Hi guys. You could try the DABMotion after market add-on unit? (AKA Celsus DAB 1001). It all fits nicely away out of sight apart from the small control unit which communicates by wireless to the hidden radio box. Like all DAB adapters it does need a good antenna. I have found the ones that stick onto an internal glass surface pretty much useless. So I have ended up with a magnetic mount whip antenna fitted on the rear wing of the car which captures a very good signal. I routed the antenna coax through the boot lid opening.

Thanks - this is one of the options I looked and is one of the backups if I can't get the Dension working. My only reasoning for going with the Dension first is that control through the stereo rather than an additional remote.

[benplunkett]

Well I've not been able to get the Dension unit working.

Dension support provided me with a number of configuration files to try but nothings worked so far.

I fitted up a DAB Motion Rola this evening and it worked perfectly straight off, I'll do a proper wired-in install at the weekend.

Looks like the Dension unit will be going back!

[andyg]

Ben,
Hope it worked for you? I have been using one of these DAB Motion units for a while now and it seems like a good solution. Any questions, or have you got it all sorted?
Cheers,
Andy