DAB

But I don't think the 173 BT is a dab unit

 

You're right. I must be losing the plot.

 

Dabonwheels have a remote control JVC one for £99 ish
If you can afford it i'd recommend the Alpine DAB though!
Do it once, do it right, that stereo should give you at least 10 years of joy - so its less than £20 a year really

 

I got good reception using an external glass mount antenna - not as good as the bee-sting but OK. That may be worth a try and no drilling either.

 

Unless someone nicks it. Or I sell the van and leave it in.

 

So its a Marmite piece of kit if it's only good for 10 years? Or you saying technology will have changed to another system so rendering this useless?

 

I was just trying to help the OP justify it to himself. So I said at least 10 years, although you never know with any electronic stuff these days, as I'm sure everyone builds in redundancy so they can sell more stuff.

 

What aerial have you got? Problem I have is I didn't want to start drilling holes in the bodywork.

 

I have one of these on both the van and car as the both already had holes in the roof
http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/JVC_HAL-2__DAB_car_aerial.html

but loads of mag mounted ones are available
http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/DAB_car_aerials.html

 

That's similar to mine

 

Haven't got round to upgrading yet. Been messing about with some old head units I had already first...good to have some tunes in the van! I think the one I'd settled on might have some irritating quirks (I did find it in the rubbish) so I've been looking at DAB units again.

Anyway, Halfords have got 20% off at the moment if you take in your old radio.

...I wonder what they're doing with the old ones.