DAB Radio

russweb
russweb Posts: 39
edited August 2008 in Workshop
Didn't know where to post this but when I am pottering round the country lanes in Essex, I like to listen to the radio - often sport on 5 live etc. But receptions on medium wave is poor. Would like a portable DAB radio but don't know if they will work on the bike - have heard some bad reviews.
Anyone use one that works?
I know I shouldn't really have earphones in on the bike, but lots of us do...

Cheers

Russell

Comments

  • Rob Sallnow
    Rob Sallnow Posts: 6,279
    I'm a Radio 5 nut with money to burn but I still didn't buy that cool Sony DAB pocket radio because DAB reception on the move is pants. I borrowed my mum's pocket Pure DAB radio and did my regular ride to see how the reception was....and it's pants and within 20 minutes of gurgling and dropped signal I'd turned it off and missed the footie match I'd wanted to listen to

    I'd stick with 693 or 909 if I were you, the reception is far easier to deal with and you can listen through hiss far easier than gurgling.
    I'd rather walk than use Shimano
  • russweb
    russweb Posts: 39
    Thanks Rob, and the PUre 1500 is supposed to be as good as it gets. Ho hum.
    Perhaps I better change my am radio instead - but even that's a Sony...

    Russ
  • Rob Sallnow
    Rob Sallnow Posts: 6,279
    I have a Sony SRF-M95 radio for on bike use and the MW reception is very good...although the price is a rather surprisiing £55ish
    I'd rather walk than use Shimano
  • russweb
    russweb Posts: 39
    Thanks Rob, my current old Sony changes reception every time I change direction...
  • Rob Sallnow
    Rob Sallnow Posts: 6,279
    Oh...I had a Phillips that did that...always having to move it around in my jersey pocket when I changed direction...I soon changed it for the Sony, I hang it from a loop on my bibshort straps and its fine.
    I'd rather walk than use Shimano
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    russweb wrote:
    Thanks Rob, and the PUre 1500 is supposed to be as good as it gets. Ho hum.
    Perhaps I better change my am radio instead - but even that's a Sony...

    Russ
    Another 5 Live nut here! It will depend on local reception conditions but I found the PURE held a signal for about 95% of my 14 mile commute, whereas the Sony DAB could only do about 5%, so in my experience the PURE is indeed as good as it gets, and was well up to the job on my route.
  • russweb
    russweb Posts: 39
    Thanks - the more feedback the better - I guess it depends a lot on reception locally

    Russ
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Would an external aerial help you ? Must be lots of places you could put one on a bike ?
    My DAB at home is great, and in the car its good - but does lose it in remote Valleys.
  • Special K
    Special K Posts: 449
    I can relate to this debate and having spent £££ so I can listen to radio 4 when I bike, I can now offer the following information, and put the rest down to experience

    1) DAB reception whilst cycling in London and Essex is poor - in and out of signal is more distracting that loud music playing.
    2) The power consumption on DAB radios is ridiculous.
    3) DAB radio build quality is pants. All three DAB radios I have owned have failed. All within warranty, and somehow I don't have a working radio. It's as though you are expected to use them for a few hours and then throw them away...
    4) I now ride with nothing in my ears other than the wind and a touch of wax.
    "There are holes in the sky,
    Where the rain gets in.
    But they're ever so small
    That's why rain is thin. " Spike Milligan
  • russweb
    russweb Posts: 39
    Thanks guys, anyone with magic solution please let me know
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    You could always record last weeks shows, and download onto an MP3 player. It would be a bit like being a crap time traveller tho.
  • Rob Sallnow
    Rob Sallnow Posts: 6,279
    cougie wrote:
    Would an external aerial help you ? Must be lots of places you could put one on a bike ?
    My DAB at home is great, and in the car its good - but does lose it in remote Valleys.

    On a pocket DAB radio the aerial is the headphone cable and there is no socket for an additional one.

    Battery life is indeed crap....my Sony FM/AM radio lasts over 10 full working days on one 550 mah AAA rechargeable....my Pure DAB pocket brick lasts just under two...using three 2700 AA rechargeables....it also gets quite warm. I'm glad I inherited it for free!!

    Mate got one of these for £30 down from £59 at Argos

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Portabl ... 003&sr=8-7

    Looks like he'll be a bit disappointed with it!!
    I'd rather walk than use Shimano