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  • Terrible DAB reception with official Mekede USB adapter

Hi,

I recently installed a DUDU7 unit along with the official DAB+ adapter to my VW transporter. I have connected to the OEM DAB antenna and also to the supplied window antenna and reception is terrible (far worse than the original stereo).

I do not have a heated / metallic coated windscreen, so this can't be a problem. I have tried the antenna in several different locations and nothing helps. Strangely, moving the USB adapter causes fluctuations in signal quality as well. I have checked every connection and have tried a different USB port on the DUDU7 unit but nothing helps.

Has anyone got any tips or ideas of how to improve this? I'm now starting to think that the adapter might be faulty, but am reluctant to buy a different one as I'm not sure if this will improve things.

    freddie_b Would unplugging the USB A and USB C ports improve the results?
    Does the radio have a selection area?

        Those usb dab adapers are always worse than the oem ones.
        With the one in the factory radio we get 116 stations.
        With the usb dab adapter we have about 60...
        We have to live with it or buy really expensive and better adapters. There is one for many car brands but it costs about 120 Euro or more.
        BUT, you can also try another usb cable. I had one that didn't work 100%.
        Or, do you use a charger for the cigarette lighter port? They can also disturb the reception.
        LED lights can also disturb the reception. I had a oair of fog lights with drl when they where on i nearly couldn't listen to dab.
        There can be many things that can disturb such cheap adapters.
        Maybe a direct ground wire to the head unit can help.

        Thanks for the reply.

        The usb leads form part of the stereo wiring loom so I can't try a completely different cable. I have tried a different port on the stereo with no improvement though.

        I have nothing plugged in to the cigarette lighter port and no LED lights, so those can't be a problem.

        The problem persists with ignition on / off and engine running / off also. It's there all the time. I did try a temporary extra ground cable and this didn't help.

        I'm now thinking that I need a more expensive adapter, but I have no idea which to get. Reviews seem very sparse. I guess I could also try a roof mounted aerial, but I really don't fancy drilling holes in the roof.

        If anyone has a suggestion for a better adapter or a amplifier or any other suggestions, it would be much appreciated 👍

        dudu-lai

        There isn't a radio selection area for UK, so I have to select china. The adapter does find channels but the reception is very poor with constant dropouts. I can't listen to it because it's so bad.

          Hello, the most common mistake is that the paint is not removed from the place where the antenna is glued. In order to be grounded, it must be glued to metal.

            Pavel-71 hu, glue is grounding? would love to hear your technical version to that story...

              Pavel-71 I appreciate you sharing a link. So you've confirmed the DAB+ adapter being discussed above uses this compound? I would like to make sure we are maintaining context as it relates to your suggested solution relative to the original topic and product.

                Pavel-71

                Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't want to remove any paint from the A pillar, so I ran a separate ground wire from an existing earthing point and made sure it had a good connection to the aerial ground pad. Didn't make any difference unfortunately.

                    freddie_b just to make sure: Have you unplugged USB chargers etc for testing? They often cause such issues.
                    I have a VW T6 with Dudu7, USB DAB-Adapter and use the OEM FM mirror antenna via an active splitter. I get ok reception (drop outs only in rural areas, sometimes).
                    I also use USB chargers, mine are ok.

                      I recommend reading the thread on XDA, there are various experiments with antennas, it's admirable what some are willing to do:
                      https://xdaforums.com/t/improvement-of-dab-signal-receiption-quality.4672640/
                      Try DABdream DAB/DAB+ USB Radio:
                      https://xdaforums.com/t/dabdream-dab-dab-player-for-usb-adapters.4638309/
                      It's a shame that Dudu7 doesn't have integrated DAB+, the German Dynavin has solved it well, I like that it has built-in DAB+. It supports automatic switching back and forth between DAB and FM (Seamless Blending), the question is whether it really works.
                      https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IWr9lfdQEN4

                      I asked this question to. Why no build in DAB? Space enough.