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Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

2008 Freelander 2 i6 HSE Auto Sumatra Black

DAB / DAB+ Digital Radio Retrofit 2006-2012 models

OK, I wasn't planning on doing this, but seems that now I am...

First of all, if your car did not have DAB fitted from the factory, then NONE of the wiring is present for the DAB system, so you have to add it all yourself. You also need a means of editing the CCF to activate the DAB function.

The system in the 2006-2012 "Alpine" audio cars is a bit different to the 2013-2015 "Meridian" cars like what Stuart is doing. This upgrade is only possible on the "Alpine" branded Midline or Highline audio systems. The base audio systems do not have the MOST fiber optic network, which is needed here.

The DAB has only really 3 basic components;

DAB module, mounted in the left side of the boot, on a mounting bracket
DAB antenna amplifier for the Band-III reception, in the roof cavity, connected to the left rear window antenna
DAB antenna in the roof mounted sharkfin for L-Band reception
Then all the wiring, cabling and fiber optic that is missing.

The DAB/DAB+ module receives digital radio signals via the antennas, decodes them and then transmits to the car radio head unit over the MOST fiber-optic network. The module also receives instructions from the head unit over the MOST network; tuning, channel selection, etc.

So let's look at them in more detail.

DAB module

Here i'm only looking at the EU/AUS digital radio which is DAB, which is being supplanted by DAB+, there are different digital radio systems for the US, known as SDARS or HD-Radio. The concept is the same but components are different. The changeover from DAB to DAB+ in JLR vehicles was in 2013MY so

The earliest FL2 had the DAB module p/n 6H52-19C032-AC, followed on by -AE, -AF, -AG and -AH, these are the DAB modules, not the DAB+ ones! The DAB+ modules started with p/n CPLA-14F720-BD followed on by -BF, -BG, -BH, -BJ, -BK, -BL, -BM and the latest version right now is -BN.

Click image to enlarge

That's a pic of a DAB+ module. The wiring connections are the same as the earlier DAB module. These modules are used in various Land Rover and Jaguar models. And the XF in particular is interesting as there was a crossover between the new and old DAB/DAB+ modules, and the new & old sound systems (the older Alpine/Bowers&Wilkins, to the new Meridian), there was also a crossover in the Discovery/RRS as well with the Harmon Kardon branded system.

Long story short, I am 99% confident that the new DAB+ modules work in the older cars that originally only had DAB...

DAB Radio Amplifier

This little amp sits up in the roof lining, and connects to the antenna in the left rear side window. It's basically a signal booster / isolator. The p/n is seen in the picture, but they seem to be forgotten when anyone breaks up a car, and they are reasonably cheap to buy new as p/n LR032814

Click image to enlarge

The connection from this little amp is to the window (press stud), to the DAB module (Coaxial with Fakra connectors) and it gets power on a single wire from the radio head unit (chassis ground is negative)

Roof Antenna Sharkfin Dome thingy

Cars without Navigation or DAB from the factory don't have one of these roof domes. And the cars that did had different ones depending on the vehicle specification.

Digital Radio, Navigation with Dynamic Guidance, TrafficPro,
Digital Radio, Standard Navigation, TrafficPro
Satellite Radio, Standard Navigation, TrafficPro
Digital Radio, No Navigation
Satellite Radio, No Navigation
etc. etc..

For the DAB the roof dome antenna is only for the L-Band reception, same for DAB+, for us here in Australia the DAB+ broadcasting is only on the Band-III so technically I don't need the antenna in the roof dome. Which is good because my car doesn't have one.

Wiring and cabling

As i mentioned before there is no wiring present at all in the cars that did not have DAB fitted in the factory. The body harness' are different. Not a dealbreaker just a bit of work.

So wiring/cabling needed:

MOST fiber optic extension to run from the right side of the boot where the audio amp & phone are, to the left side where the DAB module is mounted. This needs to be a shade under 2m. G̶e̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶f̶r̶o̶m̶ ̶e̶b̶a̶y̶.̶ , you can get them from Land Rover! Also need to open up the MOST ring to put this additional piece in.

Power to the DAB module. 12V, 2-wires, w̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶t̶a̶p̶ ̶o̶f̶f̶ ̶s̶o̶m̶e̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶n̶e̶a̶r̶b̶y̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶s̶w̶i̶t̶c̶h̶e̶d̶ ̶c̶i̶r̶c̶u̶i̶t̶.̶ , there is a power adaptor cable from Land Rover.

Click image to enlarge

̶P̶o̶w̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶D̶A̶B̶ ̶a̶m̶p̶l̶i̶f̶i̶e̶r̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶i̶n̶d̶o̶w̶ ̶a̶n̶t̶e̶n̶n̶a̶.̶ ̶T̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶m̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶"̶p̶h̶a̶n̶t̶o̶m̶ ̶p̶o̶w̶e̶r̶"̶ ̶w̶h̶i̶c̶h̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶e̶s̶ ̶f̶r̶o̶m̶ ̶
t̶h̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶a̶d̶ ̶u̶n̶i̶t̶.̶ ̶P̶o̶w̶e̶r̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶o̶n̶l̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶w̶h̶e̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶a̶d̶i̶o̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶t̶u̶r̶n̶e̶d̶ ̶o̶n̶.̶ ̶I̶'̶l̶l̶ ̶j̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶t̶a̶p̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶p̶o̶w̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶g̶o̶e̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶
A̶M̶/̶F̶M̶ ̶a̶m̶p̶l̶i̶f̶i̶e̶r̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶s̶i̶d̶e̶,̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶a̶i̶l̶g̶a̶t̶e̶.̶ Well there is no separate power to
the roof amplifier, it must really just run through the coax as a phantom power. No problem!

Click image to enlarge

Coax cable from the DAB module to the DAB amplifier for the window antenna. Fakra connectors. W̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶c̶u̶s̶t̶o̶m̶ ̶m̶a̶d̶e̶.̶ purchased from Land Rover

Coax cable from the DAB module to the sharkfin. Again Fakra connectors & custom made, but i'm actually just going to get a blank made to short it out. This will stop any DTC's being thrown about the antenna being open circuit. Because i'm not going to use the antenna in the roof. In the UK or EU you probably will need this.

So yeah! Seems that you can buy the complete Coaxial cable assembly from Land Rover as a spare part for the 2006-2012 models....

Click image to enlarge

Programming

There is a field in the CCF which I can see which need to be changed to activate the DAB. Not a big deal.

So that's the plan...

Have ordered the DAB+ module, and will get an order off for the other bits & pieces this week...

Not sure that I actually want or need DAB+ radio, but a project is a project... it's all Stuarts fault!

EDIT

So it's really not that complicated... here's all the parts needed;

Click image to enlarge

1x DAB+ module from Jag / Land Rover (check p/n's above)
1x LR001689 Radio Antenna Amplifier for the roof
1x LR032814 Power adaptor cable to DAB module
1x LR005457 Coax20 cable repair assembly
2x LR005448 Most12 cable repair
1x MOST black connector (I had a spare one, but it's YPC911470 from LR)
1x LR007984 Mounting Bracket
Some nuts & bolts to mount the bracket
1x Roof Antenna Assembly (if you want/need Band-L)

Hopefully have this done in a few hours, if I can get access to the car... 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

Last edited by Cambo on 13th Feb 2016 12:41 am. Edited 4 times in total

26th Jan 2016 6:58 am

bxzx16v

Member Since: 11 Jul 2013
Location: Sunny Sheffield
Posts: 629

2012 Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Auto Barolo Black

Fantastic write up .

Mark 2009 FL2 TD4 SE (Sadly gone)
2007 FL2 TD4 GS (The wifes , gone after 8 great years)
2012 FL2 SD4 SPORT LE(Gone and missing it)
2015 DISCOVERY SPORT 2.2SD4 HSE (Now gone)
2014 Ford Bmax 1.0 ecoboost ( Gone but what next )
2014 Ford Focus 2.0tdci Zetec S (Gone,but what a car)
2020 Ford Fiesta ActiveX 1.0 Ecoboost
2024 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 Tsi SEL

26th Jan 2016 5:54 pm

Stuartc

Member Since: 01 Dec 2014
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 2292

2015 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Auto Aintree Green

Whoohoo!
2 fields within CCF? I thought there was only 1? Or is this on your MY? MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

27th Jan 2016 1:46 am

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

Yeah sorry you're right, just one.

Well i've just sent off an order to Dan for a heap of stuff. Let's see if this is going to work or not.

When I checked my model year it said 91% of these cars were "without Digital Radio System" and 8% were with "Sirius Radio System" which is for the USA. None actually had DAB.

Further reading tells me the DAB was not introduced until late 2008 or early 2009. Mine being a December 2007 build 2008MY, I guess that's the reason.

Found lots of threads on various forums of people complaining back in 2008 and 2009 about the cars not being fitted with DAB (here's one example http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.p...dio/page2)

So it seems up really up against it, it's either going to work or it isn't lol 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

27th Jan 2016 2:38 am

Stuartc

Member Since: 01 Dec 2014
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 2292

Makes it more fun this way!
When I found out my car was being delivered without DAB and asked for the module to be fitted, the dealer said it was impossible as it's a factory fit only.
As you know Cambo, this is absolute bull , so I don't believe people whom outrightly dismiss something can't
be done!!!! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Last edited by Stuartc on 27th Jan 2016 12:34 pm. Edited 1 time in total

27th Jan 2016 3:49 am

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

I'm not saying it can't be done.

I just get a little nervous when i'm the first to do it

(not the first time i've been the first to do stuff like this, but that doesn't make it any easier) 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

27th Jan 2016 12:10 pm

Stuartc

Member Since: 01 Dec 2014
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 2292

Aaah "hello"!!!!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained! - well I keep telling myself this and remind me of this when I finally get around to dismantling the interior and roof lining as I'm not really looking forward to this bit
The electrical stuff is easy as long as you do your homework and in your magical words which will haunt me to my death bed "double wrap"!!! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

27th Jan 2016 12:36 pm

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

OK have updated the first post!

Running on the back of Stuart's successful retrofit into a 2013-2015 car, and that my care package from the UK arrived this morning, looks like mine will be done tonight.

Much simpler in the earlier cars by the looks... 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

11th Feb 2016 1:20 am

jlcrompton

Member Since: 06 Nov 2013
Location: bolton
Posts: 229

2007 Freelander 2 i6 HSE Auto Stornoway Grey

How much did it all cost?
Thinking of doing this myself as my fm/am signal is really poor I6 WITH GAS CONVERSION
HST BODY KIT
OSRAM LED DRIVING FOGS
CARS LOOKING GOOOOD!

11th Feb 2016 9:37 am

taztastic

Member Since: 03 Feb 2011
Location: North West
Posts: 8652

DAB is pretty poor around here too, I live in the shadow of Winter Hill and it drops out a lot, not sure where you are or travel but have a look at coverage
I still can't get DAB at home

11th Feb 2016 10:14 am

Stuartc

Member Since: 01 Dec 2014
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 2292

I've been driving around all day and my reception has had no dropouts at all. New toy and all
Reception is great well here it is at least MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

11th Feb 2016 11:41 am

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

Well my install is done and working perfectly!

Click image to enlarge

Took about 3-1/2 hours in the end, a bit of stuffing around because there was no plug-n-play for the power to the DAB module as I thought. Well if there was I sure couldn't find it... so I had to tap into the +12V line coming out of the rear fuse box, but it's on the fuse which is for DAB so it's kind of legit...

One of the MOST fiber optic cables I had was way too long as well, so it's all looped up. I've corrected the list of parts to order so that this mistake doesn't happen to others.

Also had to drill a hole for the new mounting bracket, didn't have the hole from the factory, which is not really surprising since in December 2007 when mine was built there was no DAB available on the new cars.

The rest was just as planned... some pics from the install.

Click image to enlarge

Module mounted on the new mounting bracket. The towing module also goes on the same bracket.

Click image to enlarge

Green antenna amplifier mounted in the roof and connected to the window. Also the coax is connected there.

Click image to enlarge

Tapping into the power from the fuse box. I soldered this joint.

Click image to enlarge

Everything in and ready to be covered up. Can see the MOST fiber coiled up. Not the nicest install but it works so... meh...

The sound quality is excellent, way way better than regular FM, and i'd say not far behind CD. Been out for a drive and it was a good strong stable signal, no dropping out.

Very happy with the result, and getting it done so quickly

2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

11th Feb 2016 1:24 pm

Stuartc

Member Since: 01 Dec 2014
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 2292

Amazing, well done Cambo
Just shows you what can be done with some know how and right tools.
Even bigger achievement that your car was built before LR even made it available in the Freelander 2.
Amazing!
Your correct about the sound quality, it's great! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

11th Feb 2016 1:34 pm

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

jlcrompton wrote:
How much did it all cost?
Thinking of doing this myself as my fm/am signal is really poor

Cost me about $380 aussie dollars in parts, that's about £190. But in the UK you would also need the roof antenna and they are about £60 on top. But you wouldn't have to pay the extra shipping costs I did, there was about £50 just in shipping.

I've got a contact in Essex who can handle the CCF editing if anyone in the south is interested in doing this sort of retrofitting. 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

11th Feb 2016 2:06 pm

Cambo

Member Since: 08 Mar 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 408

Stuartc wrote:
Amazing, well done Cambo
Just shows you what can be done with some know how and right tools.
Even bigger achievement that your car was built before LR even made it available in the Freelander 2.
Amazing!
Your correct about the sound quality, it's great!

Yeah, it's ok...

I'm just glad it worked lol 2008 Freelander 2 HSE Si6 Black/Black - Hers
2009 Jaguar XKR 4.2 S/C Portfolio
2005 Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C Black/Cranberry
2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L AWD - Gone

11th Feb 2016 2:07 pm

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