Bush DAB Radio - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: AcM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2023, 02:53:52 pm
content: Hi all,I'm repairing a Bush DAB radio and I was wondering if there's any way to upgrade it to DAB+ as the core of the radio is FrontiersMart SIENA FS2415 module which seems to be able to decode also DAB+.Thank you

author: cantata.tech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 07:09:38 am
content: What happens when you tune to a DAB+ station? Does it only show DAB?When you say "repair", what exactly is wrong with it? is the module having issues or the radio-case/buttons/amplifer bit?Is the actual radio a stereo or mono unit?Posting some pictures would be helpful so that we can see what you are talking about.

author: AcM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 07:51:46 am
content: The radio is a Bush BD-1709 and does only DAB and it's a mono unit.The problem was no sound and resulted to be a dodgy wire to the speaker.So as I open it I thought that a input power protection is needed and I was wondering if it's possible to upgrade to DAB+I attach some pictures of the radio

author: cantata.tech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 08:10:09 am
content: The answer is "it depends".Congratulations on getting it fixed.I do programming on DAB/DAB+ modules so I can confidently say a few things.The modules themselves may indeed support stereo. You could follow the audio tracks back to the radio-module and find the two wires that come out. A "safe"(?) guess is that one of the pins on either side will be the other audio channel giving you stereo.Where the difficulty lies is that typically with DAB modules, you actually need to feed the module with a "Enable Stereo" command or you won't get stereo at all.I can't see any microprocessor. Some of these DAB modules have everything built in so that they can control a keyboard and lcd and receive input from a volume potentiometer without any microprocessor at all.Accomplishing what you are asking seems to be somewhat challenging from what I can see with the hardware presented. Others might have a different opinion.

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 08:20:42 am
content: My guess is a firmware change is needed to support DAB+. The DAB firmware was probably done to Bush requirements.

author: AcM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 11:47:39 am
content: So seems that the only way to upgrade is to find another DAB+ radio with same core module and similar push buttons and "copy" the firmware.

author: cantata.tech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 01:30:13 pm
content: Not sure because I don't know this particular brand of module.You probably need to find the documentation to the module to know what your options are.That might involve hunting the internet and github to find any code snippets.Usually these modules have a Serial-port/UART that you can send them commands.If that works and you can find out how to talk to the module you might have a chance.It can be difficult getting such documentation, but not impossible.I would buy a development kit, such as this:https://www.raspberry-pi-geek.de/ausgaben/rpg/2020/10/dab-platine-fuer-den-raspi/from Switzerland or the Monkeyboard kit from Australia.

author: wasedadoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2023, 04:33:37 pm
content: Quote from: AcM on January 21, 2023, 11:47:39 amThat method could be a good way to convert a working DAB radio into a doorstop.

author: AcM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2023, 10:55:28 am
content: Not good as a doorstop, it's not heavyAnyway, DAB stations are switching to DAB+ and FM stations someday (not so close) will have to move to DAB+ or to next standard.So my target was to try extend the life of the radio instead of generate more garbage.If not simple I will let it as it is, thanks for your comments.