Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Phill]

As most of you are probably aware analogue radio transmissions are to cease in 2015. Has anyone thought about the implications of this with regard to the thousands of classic vehicles with older radio equipment that will be affected by this move? Is there some means of converting these older radios to DAB, or will it mean replacing the radio with a modern one that will be out of place?

[ukdave2002]

There will be a number of options:
you could have existing equipment converted, there will be DAB radios which will transmit in analogue (much as mp3 converters do today) and when all the big boys move off analogue I'm sure there will be smaller stations willing to broadcast on the freed up airways.

Dave

[Bayliss Thomas]

News tonight stated that the Government may extend 2015 deadline in view of the number of radios that will be deemed next to useless.

[Roger-hatchy]

Are you aware that Digital equiptment uses more power / electricity.

So much for the "reducing carbon footprint" statements.

[victor 101]

Your so right Roger, I bought a dab radio a few weeks ago and was surprised that batteries last 12hrs on fm but only 4hrs on digital. On the same subject a friend is getting rid of his plasma tv because it uses so much electricity.

[rob needs]

Buy one with rechargable batteries , 'pure' do them.

[Nic Jarman]

We spend most of our time reducing our oxide footprint
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1936 Morris 8 Series 1
1973 MGB roadster
1977 MG Midget 1500
Dax Rush

[doctorwhen]

Whilst I'm still hunting for the ideal classic car, I do currently own a couple of lovely old vintage radios, and know of several people who own them, too... obviously, those will be affected.

Currently, the DAB signal where I live is awful. I can "seek" two or three stations at most (usually excluding much of the BBC), neither of which are to may taste, wheras I can pick up the entire local FM spectrum.

Neither has anyone come up with a decent mobile DAB platform for cars - there's going to have to be an awful lot better coverage by 2015 for that to work... which begs the question: Just how much investment are the government expecting in the infrastructure during a recession?

If they aren't available already, I'm assuming someone will make "re-transmitters" available (or at least they should!): A device capable of picking up DAB and re-transmitting it as an FM signal at low power (like those "wireless" iPod adapters for the car), so those of us who have retro/vintage radios at home or in our vehicles can continue to use them!

I like gadgets and new technologies, but only when they WORK. Make DAB work first, then I'll consider it as my primary radio source. Until then, I'm AGAINST the digital radio switchover.

[scott_budds]

I wouldn't bother getting rid of your old radios just yet, if the big boys do pull out and stop transmitting there will be many smaller companies jumping into the void that will be created. Im sure it wont happen any way as its just such a waste of time! Even if it does all go and I have to eat my words I will just use my fm transmitter. For those who dont have one its a little gizmo you plug into your ipod (or tape player even) and you just tune you radio in so you can listen to what you want and theres no need to touch your radio....ok so the people with older non FM radios may be a bit stuck...but I still dont think it will happen!!

Buddsy
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Im looking for an Elan plus 2 for my next resto project...if you see one think of me please!!

[peter scott]

I think I heard recently that there will be no analogue switch off until a very large proportion of the public transfer to DAB. DAB is a very poor digital standard and should really be abandoned in favour of more recent ones. I can't see this transfer happening for many years and by then there may be pressure to drop DAB anyway.

As has been suggested there will always be alternative means to keep old AM or FM sets operational, so nothing to fear.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[doctorwhen]

[Phill]

It might be possible for rally organisers to set up their own temporary short range radio stations. If all these bands are freed up there are all sort of uses that they could be put too, not just for vehicle rallies but air shows, steam pageants ect. Just think how having a dedicated and exclusive radio station could enhance an event such as the Goodwood weekend

[Penman]

Hi

[Richard H]

[Rick]