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 Feedback archive
An archived selection of comments and e-mails can be found below. Please be patient while the page loads.
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DAB in Wolverhampton Sunday 1st May 2004
A few weeks ago I was happily listening to the football on Radio 5 Live one afternoon, when suddenly the signal went dead completely. Since then I cannot get any of the BBC DAB stations and several other stations are no longer available either. Up to that time there had been no problems and I was getting over 95 percent reception quality on the BBC stations. As I am still getting other stations I am assuming that it is not a problem with the radio itself. I have a Pure Evoke-1. Is anyone aware of any transmitter problems locally? Has anyone in the Wolverhampton area got the same problem? Any explanation or help would be great.
It may have been some work on a transmitter, perhaps. Ed.
RE: Perstel Bluenote mains adaptors posted by Mike on Feb 28th: Mains adaptors can be purchased from Nevada Radio for GBP7.95, check out www.nevada.co.uk. As for the battery eating, buy yourself a set of rechargable batteries and charger (GBP20-25). I own a Perstel DR101 and have saved around GBP500 with a battery charger and rechargable Nimh batteries in the year since I bought it.
Buy a decent quality charger, one of these 'intelligent' ones and not the cheap GBP10 ones that take 15 hours to charge the higher capacity batteries (2000 mA upwards) and eventually ruin batteries. A charging time of 3-4 hours from flat is a reasonable compromise for the money.
Don't bother with Nicad batteries, the highest capacity ones are less than half that of the latest Nimh ones.
I heard from a friend recently that the BBC later this year will be streaming all of their local radio stations on-line. I know that BBC Essex (my local station) have said they are (seen on their website) and wondered if this applies to all of them?
Andy
Yes, all of the BBC's local radio services will be streaming on the web in a few months' time. Ed.
I know the radio stations for Mojo and Q magazines are already available on Sky, but when are they likely to be available on DAB?
Bringing Q and Mojo to the DAB airwaves would mean reducing the sound quality of other services on Emap's and their co-owned local digital radio multiplexes. Thus, you might see existing services transmit in mono instead of stereo and others dropping to a lower sound quality. Space on DAB multiplexes is very limited, which in turn limits the potential for launching services ad infinitum. Taking the Birmingham multiplex in the Midlands, where you are: the multiplex is pretty crowded and unlikely to carry any more services. Still, never say never! Ed.
For people in the Pontypool/Cwmbran/Blaenavon area of the South Wales Valleys, a new RSL Radio station takes to the airwaves on 3rd May. Wham! Radio will be broadcasting live for 28 days.They are aiming for a community licence towards the end of the year. Tune in to it on 1449AM from 3rd May 2004.
We have recently moved to England from Norway. Would it be possible to get the radio station: NRJ Norway on DAB in the london area as myself and many of my Norwegian friends in this area would appreciate it. As it is available to listen to online (www.nrj.no) surely it would be possible to transfer that on to DAB radio?
Sadly, there is not enough room on the current band used for broadcasting DAB services available abroad. It could in theory be done, but the prohibitive cost of bringing a niche station to a few listeners ensures that NRJ are unlikely to broadcast in the UK on DAB. In short: it's not economically viable. The same is true of other stations located abroad. Ed.
I have a PURE DRX-702ES tuner and am mostly happy with the station choice and quality. However, the two features I would like to see in future are:
On tuners: programme listings
Is this listings information coming from the internet, or from the airwaves? If it is broadcast already, it can't be long before tuners appear with a listings feature.
From the broadcasters: Switch off the dynamic compression please! DAB has the DRC (Dynamic Range Control) feature where dynamic compression can be optional - turn it on for in-car use and turn it off for actually sitting and listening. So far, only Radio 3 and Radio 4 seem to use the system.
Dynamic compression sounds awful on music stations when the baseline comes in and everything goes quiet! I don't understand why new stations like Core apply dynamic compression directly to the audio (so you can't turn it off), since they have been on DAB from the beginning.
I am interested to know how this feature works - Is it a continually variable signal along side the audio that the tuner uses to set the output volume? If so, I can understand the lack of use because most stations have a microwave link from studio to transmitter that wouldn't carry the signal.
If, however, it is simply a set of parameters for the tuner to do the compression itself (cut-off point, attenuation factor) then it should be easy for stations to implement, particularly DAB only stations that don't need to apply compression to their FM output.
Andrew
Programme guides are broadcast as data services on some multiplexes; when I spoke to Pure Digital at The Bristol Show, they had no current plans to allow access to these programme guides through their tuners at the moment (I would imagine this is due to cost constraints in providing large screens to access such information through the tuner).
I am not familiar with the exact workings of DRC - can anyone shed any light? Ed.
Pirates really disrupt my listening to FM radio. Do pirate stations affect DAB radio listening? The point to me of getting DAB digital radio is to be able to listen to a station without pirates drowning out the station I am listening to.
Mark
You won't find any interference from pirate stations on DAB. Ed.
The 'birdsong' on D1 Temp- do you have any information about where/when it was recorded and who recorded it? Is there one particular radio station responsible for it? If so, who?
Jesse
Rumour has it that it was recorded by GWR Group's Ralph Bernard in his back garden; this is almost certainly rubbish - it's simply a sound effects CD. The sound is brought to you by Digital One, the DAB multiplex operator, which has business links with GWR Group. The country sounds were originally used during test transmissions preceding the launch of national Classic FM. Bloomberg Radio and ITN News Radio used to occupy slots on the multiplex, before they both closed. The birdsong indicates at least one slot is still empty. Ed.
Darn it, I knew I'd mess up with the names. Thanks for the clarification - it did sound like PR spin to me but there's obviously some truth in it! Ed.
Thanks for publishing the news on the Swansea Multiplex, which I updated to you on the 3rd April. The big gain has been Swansea Sound previously only on MW, DAB makes a big difference. I look forward to getting the remaining stations on the multiplex.
Michael
In reply to Andrew's comments (Sunday 28 March) "Would like to improve reception on Five Live & talkSPORT":
I can relate to what Andrew is saying because the signal strength for MXR multiplex here in Cardiff is really (to get straight to the point) CR*P signal most days (with the odd good signal now and then). I think that when these people put up the transmitters they dont really think about the strenth of signal. With Ireland and Wales having lots of hills and valleys, we really could do with some extra batteries shoved up the transmitters.
James
Andrew's problems centred around the fact that he is in Ireland - well outside of the official service area of Five Live and talkSPORT, so couldn't really expect a particularly good signal. If you have a portable DAB digital radio with an aerial socket you might want to try an external aerial; I've not heard of any specific problems with receiving the MXR multiplex in Cardiff - in theory the signal should be strong enough from Swansea right across to Bath, but what are other people's experiences? Ed.
I see RTE Radio one is now broacasting on 252LW but im finding that the odd time I listen after 10pm it seems to be like a weak signal and not as good as the old Atlantic 252 signal. Im from the Dunfermline area of Scotland.
Darren
I agree with recent feedback from Mart regarding GWR taking over most UK commercial stations (painting with a very wide brush today? Ed.) and yes it is boring. Living in Torquay, I remember it starting 10 years ago in March 1994 with the station Gemini FM changing hands to GWR plc in 2000 - it brought nothing interesting, just different DJs playing the same tracks to all GWR plc stations in the UK.
I now listen to French and German music stations as they offer a wide variety of music and nice theme jingles and less ad breaks. Please can anyone tell me if its possible to receive stations outside the UK on DAB as I've not yet bought one.
Adam
I became tired of the GWR argument years ago - the simple answer for me was to take the plunge (if not the cheap option) and buy DAB and Freeview and to choose the stations and music I'd like to listen to. Tuning in to French and German stations is another way of hearing the music you want; you've clearly made the switch!
As for French stations on DAB - alas the signal doesn't travel far enough to Devon. A pity, since more choice is certainly not a bad thing. Ed.
On your listings page of stations on DAB you mention that 'KISS' play 'DANCE'.....erm....they did some time ago, they have since changed their format to continuous top 40 R'n'B/urban and pop music with very little dance (apart from specialist 'dance' shows which are few and far between). In my opinion they have hit rock bottom with their new 'repetitive' urban format.
We already have Galaxy in Birmingham who already repeat the KISS format - but there is no WAY that KISS are a 'dance' format in any way shape or form! The whole DAB network in Birmingham is dedicated to pop/ urban/ oldies/ speech and rock with umpteen multiplexes playing ALL the same format of music.
Beat 106 play indie and pop during the day (which totally defines their title) with specialist dance shows at the weekend but the problem is that it is just unlistenable due to bad distortion (low bitrate).
Why couldn't Birmimgham have had 'Ministry Of Sound' instead of KISS?
There is no call for KISS as we already have Galaxy who play exactly the same urban/pop format!
I do feel very strongly about this as Birmingham is the second city, we are in 2004 yet there is no 'dance' service whatsoever!
Anon
I do agree with your sentiments - although I think the genre "commercial and club dance music" does encompass Kiss' output somewhat, but perhaps their listing does need moving (visitors do become used to its position on the page). Unfortunately many stations that started out playing dance music at one time have all headed to the pop/r&b middle ground, with tireseome single-figure playlists, etc.
Unfortunately Ministry of Sound is unlikely to make it onto the Birmingham city multiplex - the multiplex is operated jointly by Capital Radio (Beat 106, BRMB, etc.) and Emap (Kiss, Magic, etc.) and they will usually opt for one of their own services unless another station wants to strike a deal. Indeed, MoS dropped off a London multiplex quite some time ago.
Which begs the question: is there really any station in the UK that could classify itself as a dance music station? The nearest challenger to this title might well be Vibe. Ed.
Just revisited your site to see comments on my GSR80. I noticed there was another disgruntled customer of the GSR80 and as he said "how on earth did this product get to the market place"! For my problem - I did indeed get my money back and bought my self another FM machine by Roberts for half the price; absolutely superb! DAB? Short for Doesn't Apply in Bracknell!
xtopher
The local DAB digital multiplex for Reading and Basingstoke will launch at the end of June 2004 and coverage maps are now available via this page. Ed.
I was recently given an Acoustic Solutions Portal 2 for my birthday and have found it very good value for money. The volume is a bit approximate, but I think the sound is good and it looks better in real life than the advertising literature. A pity I can't get the full range of stations in Northern Ireland.
A Kane
The Acoustic Solutions Portal 2 offers line out sockets, for connection to other hi-fi equipment - useful if you want to boost the volume using an external amplifier and play DAB through your hi-fi setup, for example. It's also battery/mains powered and has a PLL FM tuner. Compared with some other radios, it does offer quite an array of features. Plus, you can take it back if you are disappointed with it! Ed.
I am currently living in County Mayo in the west of Ireland and am desperate to improve reception of BBC Five Live and talkSPORT on my car radio and home stereo. I can receive them both through the internet and digital TV but would like to listen to the stations when driving home or on a portable radio so I can listen while doing DIY.
Andrew
The reception can be pretty ropey over here in Wales, too. I don't think there's an obvious answer. Anyone have any ideas? Ed.
I have a modular PCI DAB card which used to provide excellent reception here. A local company has built an enormous (36000sq.m.) warehouse and since its aluminium roof was applied I can only get the Digital One network. I only installed it for the BBC network. Is there anything I can do?
Rex
It's a bit extreme, but you might try relocating the computer to see if the DAB signal returns. I have a Wavefinder and it does make a great deal of difference where the antenna is sited (I understand the Modular Tech has a stub aerial). The BBC is adding more and more transmitters as time goes by and boosting power at existing sites. The only other solution is to consider a more sensitive DAB radio - perhaps you could borrow one or buy from somewhere you can return the goods, to see if this makes any difference.
A general plea to correspondents: please include a city or town name if relevant to your query - it helps us, rather than having to decipher postcodes. Ed.
I have just purchased a Goodmans DAB radio and find the reception very poor in this area (RH10). Could this be a dead area or perhaps a faulty set?
Dave
I'd advise doing a postcode check to confirm you are covered by current transmitters. The fact that you are getting a signal would suggest the Goodmans radio is not at fault. Ed.
Two questions: I recently purchased a Bush TR2003 portable radio and one thing I have noticed is that the batteries don't last very long. Is this normal for DAB? Secondly, reception does seem to be affected by the weather i.e. when it's cloudy the reception is poor. Surely the idea of DAB is to overcome reception problems?
Phil
At the risk of repeating myself, DAB sets are rather power-hungry, so it's not advisable to run them off batteries all the time. This is because the DAB modules used in them require a fair amount of power to do their work. Most portable DAB sets are like this. Atmospherics do affect DAB signals - if you start off with a poor signal it is likely to degrade in many ways; one of the causes could be poor weather. It's worth trying to get a better signal by trying a different location for your TR2003, as I don't think you can use an external aerial with the TR2003. Ed.
Is there any future plans for a 'dance' service on DAB in the Birmingham area? We seem to have umpteen pop/urban/RnB/ and rock stations, but no 'dance' service whatsoever.
Andy
Central Scotland's Beat 106 is now simulcast on the Birmingham local DAB multiplex - albeit in mono due to space restrictions. If you can't find it, do a re-tune or autoscan. Ed.
I can pick up LBC 97.3 on my Sky Digital TV, does that mean that I can pick this station up anywhere in the country?
Anon
Anywhere you can install a Sky dish and get reception, you can pick up LBC 97.3. Ed.
I was an early adopter of DAB, and it has been good to see the growth in the number of affordable sets.
I still have one gripe with DAB though - portability. It's one of the great beauties of radio that you can take it wherever you go, but the battery life of current DAB portables is pretty poor.
I have a very neat little analogue Sony portable (about 4 inches by 3 inches) that can run for about 60 hours on three AA batteries.
Nothing like this yet exists in the world of DAB. I know there are "in-ear" personal DAB sets, but that is not what I'm talking about. And anyway, I have an analogue personal radio that - running on just one AAA battery - far outpaces any DAB personal radio running on three AAs.
Does anyone know whether we can ever expect credible battery performance on DAB, or whether there is a ceiling on how good it can get, given the need for digital decoding, etc.?
Neal
As the DAB module technology progresses, we'll soon see products appearing that are less power-hungry. The DAB handhelds around at the moment not only need power for the DAB module, but also for backlit displays, for example. The ability to turn the backlight off indicates that they do at least drain some of the resources. DAB modules with low power consumption are a necessity for mobile devices and we'll see these modules adopted into future handheld DAB products. Watch this space Ed.
Thursday 11th March 2004
I notice your site continues to display information about the 'Modular Technology PCI DAB card'.
I have one of these cards, which I bought nearly a year ago. I was interested in the fact that it is still available for sale.
I have not been able to contact the manufacturer for at least 4 months. No-one answers e-mails. The software upgrade (currently v1.035) released to account for the BBC Xml format data stream, does not work. It just crashes the card/programme. The card works fine - the software does not. It just crashes. It does not retain downloaded information or stored 'recording timers'. Can you tell me if this card (or other newer/replacement) product is still available?
I have to use (and have done so for 5 months or more) the freeware programme DABBAR in order to make timer recordings with the Mod Tech card, since its own software does not work.
The software version (latest v1.035) actually blocks any other programme (such as DABBAR) from relaying sound to the sound card, so I use an earlier version and DABBAR in combination.
Leon
The software upgrade is similar to that provided for new Psion Wavefinders - have you tried posting to the Wavefinder forums (www.wavefinder.co.uk)? At one time, the BBC DAB guide was in its testing stage - I don't know if this would make any difference to the stability of the new software? The card is certainly still available, that's why it's listed on our pages. Having a Wavefinder myself, the freeware software for it is better and less bloated than that supplied by the manufacturer. Anyone with a Mod Tech card care to comment? Ed.
Thursday 11th March 2004
Re: Letter of 7th March. It seems I am out of luck on the Six Nations on DAB digital radio - I was playing with my DAB on Saturday and could not find Scotland v Italy anywhere digitally.
I think you are right re: the Tests, I seem to remember they were broadcast on Five Live Sports Extra last year (provided that there was no park football being played that the football obsessed BBC could broadcast)
Tim
Scotland and Wales matches can be found on their respective local DAB digital radio multiplexes. This isn't much use if you are out of their coverage areas. As you suggest, the schedules are usually filled with footy coverage on the weekends and this goes for Sports Extra too. Radio 4 could provide a "secondary" service to DAB listeners (with its FM output being the "primary") when it broadcasts Six Nations coverage. Ah well, talkSPORT is experimenting with split output for MW/DAB. Interesting. Ed.
I have two LaGIO R-102 DAB radios. Can I get replacement aerials to attach to these items?
HB
I don't think the LaGIO R102 has an external aerial socket, but I may be wrong. If it has, you can find aerials for DAB here.
I would imagine, though, that the telescopic aerial is fixed to the unit by a small screw at the base of the aerial. It may be possible to connect a length of coaxial cable to the base of the existing aerial and a "dipole" or new aerial to the other end. A length of cable can be stripped back to reveal the core wire and outer shielding. You might experiment with an old TV aerial to see if you can achieve better results than with the existing aerial. Ed.
Thursday 11th March 2004
Could anyone advise if the Goodmans GPS280 I have purchased is supposed to produce stereo output. Normal output is currently mono but for a very brief period following initial switch on, it produces excellent stereo. I have connected it to an external digital aerial which appears to make no difference. Any information would be gratefully received.
Tony
The Goodmans is indeed capable of stereo output and shouldn't behave in the way you have described. I may be stating the obvious here, but it's worth checking if the station you are tuned to is broadcasting in stereo (check our DAB station lists if you are unsure). Other than that, it sounds like a problem with the DAB module; I would take it back to the shop and exchange it for a new unit. Ed.
Thursday 11th March 2004
My name is Nicola and I am an Ambulance Technician for a midlands ambulance service.
One of my Paramedic colleagues, Ray, is planning to run from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool tower for the children's charity Dreams Come True, for terminally ill children. This will be a mammoth task of 35 miles in 20 days which will include participation in the London Marathon.
The proposed itinerary is as follows:
Saturday 10th April - Paris Eiffel Tower to Chantilly
Nicola
I wish Ray well in his endeavours - a truly astronomical task for a worthwhile cause. Nicola didn't give any specific contact details for donations, but if anyone would like to make a donation I'm sure a quick search on the charity "Dreams Come True" should help. Any stations along wishing to publicise this can drop me a note and I'll forward Nicola's details. Ed.
Bought DAB for BBC services in Bristol Thursday 11th March 2004
I bought a DAB digital radio a couple of months ago - almost entirely for the BBC services. Living within 2 miles of the centre of Bristol (I thought one of the largest cities in the country) I stupidly didn't check what stations I would receive, only to get the radio home and discover that I had no BBC coverage. To make matters worse, I have since scoured the web (including the BBC) to try and find out when I will be able to receive the BBC DAB service but entirely without sucess.
Does anyone know when I may be able to get BBC DAB?
I have a fairly cheap model with no place to connect any additional aerial; is there anything else I can do?
Dan
As one of our correspondents recently pointed out, the Pur Down transmitter is due to come on-air soon (by that I mean a wait of months rather than years), which will mean much better reception for the BBC national multiplex in Central Bristol. Having lived in Bristol, just south of the city centre, I was able to get good coverage with my Wavefinder (not the most sensitive device, it has to be said!) in some parts of the house, so it may be worth moving your radio around a bit, perhaps within line-of-sight of the Mendip Hills if possible. Ed.
I am about to travel to the USA. Whilst there I plan to take advantage of the weak dollar and purchase a portable DAB radio. My question is: would such a device work in the UK?
Stuart
The USA has its own digital radio system - IBOC - so you won't find DAB over there. Travel a bit further north into Canada and you'll find Band L DAB digital radios - the UK currently uses only Band III, with Band L to follow in approximately 2007, so beware of any hard sell! Unless you can find a dual-voltage unit (i.e. one that can switch voltages automatically), there may also be problems with the voltage differences between the two countries.
Just to make you aware I live in Colchester which is situated in north Essex, approximately 56 miles from Central London and with my Pure DAB radio and no extra aerials I am able to pick up all local multiplexes and all four of the London multiplexes i.e Capital, Heart , etc. with a signal strength of 72 - 84. Just shows how far the digital signals are travelling, not sure that I am supposed "officially" topick up these signals. Not complaining though!
Marcos
A little self-promotion here! I have started an 80s show on Xtreme 1431 (website at www.xtreme80s.co.uk).
Phil
Sounds good. Ed.
Sunday 7th March 2004
I have been doing some research looking for a DAB system; I came accross this from Tivoli:
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting). Although DAB is being heavily promoted in the UK and to a lesser extent some parts of Europe, there is currently sparse global interest in the medium (most notably, the USA). Many of the major manufacturers regard the DAB market too limited at present, and are paying close attention to future developments. A major issue for manufacturers of high end products, such as Tivoli Audio, is that of broadcast quality. Many transmissions are heavily compressed resulting in poor audio quality, which even the highest quality radios and tuners cannot compensate for. Generally, FM transmissions still give superior audio performance. At present other than a supposedly wider choice of stations, DAB has little to entice manufacturers such as Tivoli Audio to produce suitable models, although if DAB technology should improve then Tivoli will design and produce a DAB radio embracing their existing standards of excellence. It is worth noting that, for the time being, there are no plans whatsoever to switch off analogue transmissions."
Is there anything in what they say?
John
I spoke to a representative of Ruark, which handles Tivoli products in the UK, who had on display the first working prototype of the Tivoli DAB radio, at Bristol Sound and Vision last month. Tivoli products are expensive - they are aimed at the type of people for whom style is just as important as sonics. The Tivoli DAB is no exception and with an anticipated price tag of GBP200.00 for a DAB-only machine, rather expensive. Tivoli is an American company and, thanks to their completely different take on digital radio (with XM satellite radio and IBOC, for example), it has been difficult to persuade the boss to take the plunge and give the go-ahead to manufacture a DAB radio, effectively for use outside the USA. They do want to see how the market develops, but certainly with only a few manufacturers in the driving seat, now is surely a good time to jump on board.
With regard to audio quality, multiplex operators ought to be careful not to shoot themselves in the foot: it's all very well to keep adding stations to multiplexes, but when it's at the detriment to the audio quality of existing stations, one begins to wonder what manufacturers of mid and high-end products (and indeed the listeners that have forked out for them) might be thinking. Ed.
Do you know if I can pick up BBC Radio 4 longwave on my digital radio? I can't seem to find it, which means no Six Nations rugby (unless "The Powers" shift some insignificant football match for it) and no cricket in the summer.
Tim
Six Nations rugby can be found either on Five Live or 4 longwave on analogue radio. On DAB digital radio, it is carried on Five Live and, I believe, Five Live Sports Extra. Generally speaking the cricket can be heard on the part-time station Five Live Sports Extra on DAB digital radio, except when other sporting events clash (usually international football or Wimbledon, for example). If you want to check the schedule for Sports Extra and perhaps compare it with Radio 4 LW, you can do. Radio 4 LW only "appears" dynamically on DAB digital radio when programmes such as "Yesterday in Parliament" or "Morning Service" are being broadcast. Ed.
Saturday 28th February 2004
I am hoping to buy a new DAB radio for my uncle who is registered blind and is now 91 years old. He listens to the radio a great deal as he is unable to see the television. He recently had a bad fall and is at the moment confined to bed. I am looking for an easy to use radio for him - preferably something lightweight with headphones so he will not disturb others (he is also hard of hearing). Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Barbara
I would suggest a good, trusted Evoke 1 from Pure Digital would fit the bill reasonably well. It has a headphone socket around the back, although headphones are not supplied. Its preset buttons are arranged in such a way that it would be difficult to run into problems with the operation of the radio: the power on/off and tuning dial are very distinguishable from the preset buttons. Up to 6 stations can be stored in memory for recall later, but it is equally easy to scan through the stations using the tuning dial, if required, to find stations for him. The other alternative might be the Acoustic Solutions Portal 2, but I have not tested this radio. Ed.
I am mulling over the idea of purchasing my first DAB digital radio, but funds are limited. I've noticed on your site three models I like the look of. I've tried looking at manufacturer's sites and product info on some is lacking. So out of the Bush Personal DAB, Grundig Personal DAB and Perstel DR101, which do you recommend for listening around the house, in bed and occasionally on the move. Thanks, Ian.
Ian
If you can do without listening on the move, I would suggest a "portable" model such as the Pure Evoke 1 might suit you better over the Bush or Grundig handhelds - you can use headphones with the Evoke, too. It depends on how strong the DAB signal is, but you'll often find that a portable model with telescopic aerial is consistently better at receiving stations than a handheld that uses the headphone cable as the aerial.
If you must have a handheld model (vital if you want DAB out and about it must be said!) then the Perstel DR-101 is a good buy, but it suffers from having a prominent (i.e. long) telescopic aerial that must be extended to pick up a good signal (i.e. you look silly walking down the road with it). It's had mixed reviews for indoor use, but it depends on signal levels - difficult to predict.
I tried the Pure PocketDAB 1000 at Bristol Sound and Vision show - the event is held in a hotel and the PocketDAB did a good job at locking onto stations. The only difference between this and the Grundig/Bush models is one less battery; the DAB module inside is exactly the same and the software/interface is the same as in the PocketDAB. It's more of a stretch for your budget, but I would go for the Pure PocketDAB 1000 every time.
Why not choose a model that you can take back if it's not to your satisfaction? Ed.
I'm new to this DAB technology but I'm very much torn between the Pure PocketDAB and Ministry of Sound DAB handheld radios. I work in a car manufacturing plant and, as you can imagine, there is a lot of electrical equipment and machinery in use. With an ordinary FM radio it is nigh on impossible to pick up any stations due to the electrical interference caused by the machinery. My main question is would DAB technology be able to withstand this problem and still pick up stations?
Roger
Well, steel framed buildings are supposed to cause problems with receiving signals, but I would guess that you may suffer from the same problem in your situation. My advice would be to buy from a place with a money-back offer if you are unsure. Ed.
Have recently bought a Perstel Bluenote DAB digital radio handheld. It's brilliant to carry around and have access to new radios stations that are actually enjoyable to listen to. The only drawback is that it gets through batteries like no tomorrow! Where can I get a mains adapter - the universal adapters on general sale do not seem to fit a 2.8 mm dia plug as specified in the handbook.
Mike
I'm stumped - any suggestions from other Perstel Bluenote owners? Ed.
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