I've seen alot of comments on these DAB adaptors that use a magnet for the Antenna ground plane to the vehicle about poor signal. those magnets on the DAB antennas are useless (unless you are in a very strong signal area) What I did - far better, cut the magnet off & crimp a ring terminal to the wire, pick a small area above the roof liner or behind A-pillar trim and remove the paint down to bare metal, drill a hole and fix the ring terminal directly to the body of the vehicle with a self-tapping screw - or you could extend the wire to the nearest ground stud. You will get a far better ground connection to the body, then if you have drilled any holes cover any bare metal with some silicone. The improvement it made was incredible! Only drawback of course, obviously as you are modifying the antenna it would void the guarantee & you wouldn't be able to send it back if needed (I didn't need to anyway)
Thanks for the review, Question for you, after you set up the Highway 600, if you got your sat-nav on your smartphone, does it come through to your car audio system?
If your using fm and the aux lead is not connected, it defeats the object of having the unit if you already have fm. As you have only shown it using fm.
It uses an FM transmitter for radios that don't have AUX input functionality. In settings, choosing line out can switch it from FM transmit to output to the cars aux input port, using the Pure unit as the source.
Good review I like to change My DAB favourite presets if I don't like a song so it would be a real pain holding that button down every time. I'm glad I didn't buy one now. I'll put my Kenwood DAB back in my new car.
Good video thanks, however my microphone is not working. When I make a call or receive a call the other person cannot hear me but I hear them. I checked the wires and setting so everything is correct. I have a bad cable maybe? Or can it be something else?
I'm aware the controller is battery powered but does it turn itself on and off with the ignition and resume where it was from when switched off? I'm looking at getting one for my van but I don't want to have to turn it on separately every time I get back in van, I need it to just work when I start the van just as the existing radio does.
It has an auto shutdown, which you can on timer in the settings. To be honest, it’s two seconds work to turn it on or off anyway, so not any real hassle. It’s a great system either way 👍
@@RealWorldCarReviews You didn't really answer the question? If your someone whos in and out of a van or car lots during the day it is a massive faff to keep switching it back on and , waiting for it to set up. I can see your point if you use your car once a week. I've just ordered one and it's going straight back if it doesn't auto switch on... the instructions online say its auto on but your the second person to imply you've got to manually put it on. From my understanding the antenna reciever box switches on with the engine and then automatically starts the controller a few seconds later.
@@RealWorldCarReviews Ordered it on Amazon yesterday (but actually the Kenwood version of this one) arrived this morning and its amazing!! I primarily bought it for the Bluetooth calls facilities because its rare to find an external mic on any plug in kit. I didn't want the DAB at all, I stream everything from my phone. But wow its blown me away. The DAB actually works without all that stuff attached to the glass and body. I haven't plugged in the clear aerial and I removed the metal magnetic contact. All my DAB stations work fine from inside the glove box. But Bristol has lots of transmitters and has strong signals of all kinds, it may well be location rather than aerial that determines how good DAB is. To answer the original posters question, if you just want it for bluetooth audio streaming and calls then yes it connects automatically and you don't need the controller once it's paired. I left the controller in my house, went for a drive and it all connected up automatically. But actually flicking through some DAB channels there's some good music out there so I put it back in the car. Microphone absolutely crystal clear none of that muffled rubbish you get from 'built in' mics. My only criticism is the measly 1m of microphone cable and its a 2.5mm jack so I'm going to have to buy extension cable on Ebay as no one stocks it in the shops. Couldn't be more pleased, but please note ***This is the Kenwood version KTC 500 DAB *** and it probably has a different software setup.
@@nudisco300 Probably a bit late for you but in case anyone else is wondering, I've had these on about 4 cars and I set on default timeout, never turn it off, and batteries last at least 2 years. You don't need to worry about it.
Not sure if its the antenna or where I live but the signal is very poor I cant use it for DAB radio which is annoying but FM radio it is, although works well with my iPod music
Thanks for the review. I’d like to purchase this unit but I was asking myself one thing. If I play music from my phone directly to my car stereo: will the pure display what song is playing? And will the play and other buttons on the device work? Or will it do so only if the music is playing trough the pure unit itself?
Hi I have one and have the following issues, 1)won’t sync contacts with iPhone keeps saying check phone, 2) I have Spotify premium and when you try and play a song using the highway controls and You press Play the soundtrack comes out my phone not my car, The dab radio works fine and normal Bluetooth music works ok out the car speakers. 3) can’t make calls as hasn’t sync any contacts.
Thanks for your explanation. It really help me fix mine and everything works fine. But immediately when connected by new batteries is on 2bars and I wonder why? Also, how and what can you use to remove the device adhesive pad without damaging your car? Thank you.
Alpine is equivalent to the Highway 400 (without the Mic ability) Kenwood KTC 500 (discontinued) is the same as the Highway 600. They are all the same just under different brand names.
Because it’s a stand-alone unit. Otherwise there’d be wires everywhere. I’ve had the same batteries in it since I was sent it, so they last for ages. It’s really not an issue.
@@RealWorldCarReviews For the original price it really should have the option of a micro usb power port. The official Pure install shows how easy it is to fit this unit. Very easy to hide wiring in pillars/footwells and it wouldn't take much to hard wire into the cigarette lighter feed either. Most other ones I looked at are usb powered only, although they do have less features.
sarcastixx74 Fair enough, although tbh as mentioned it really isn’t an issue as they last for so long. I’ve had them in for around 9 or 10 months now and they’re still fine so it won’t cost much at all to keep going.
@@RealWorldCarReviews At the 55 quid it is being sold at now on a well known auction site I'd say it is well worth it, no way would I be paying anywhere the original 140+ RRP! Cheers
The receiver is powered by the 12v supply. Only the controller is powered by batteries, just like the remote control for your TV. Or is your TV remote wired into a power supply?
I've seen alot of comments on these DAB adaptors that use a magnet for the Antenna ground plane to the vehicle about poor signal. those magnets on the DAB antennas are useless (unless you are in a very strong signal area) What I did - far better, cut the magnet off & crimp a ring terminal to the wire, pick a small area above the roof liner or behind A-pillar trim and remove the paint down to bare metal, drill a hole and fix the ring terminal directly to the body of the vehicle with a self-tapping screw - or you could extend the wire to the nearest ground stud. You will get a far better ground connection to the body, then if you have drilled any holes cover any bare metal with some silicone. The improvement it made was incredible! Only drawback of course, obviously as you are modifying the antenna it would void the guarantee & you wouldn't be able to send it back if needed (I didn't need to anyway)
Been using this unit for years. You taught me a few new features that I didn’t know it had. Thanks !
Glad I could help! 👍
Thanks for the review, Question for you, after you set up the Highway 600, if you got your sat-nav on your smartphone, does it come through to your car audio system?
Thanks for this review, been looking at the 400 as I already have BT phone connection. You've answered the majority of my questions! Cheers!
If your using fm and the aux lead is not connected, it defeats the object of having the unit if you already have fm. As you have only shown it using fm.
It uses an FM transmitter for radios that don't have AUX input functionality. In settings, choosing line out can switch it from FM transmit to output to the cars aux input port, using the Pure unit as the source.
Was going to get one but the app is not supported so just went for the 400
Good review I like to change My DAB favourite presets if I don't like a song so it would be a real pain holding that button down every time. I'm glad I didn't buy one now. I'll put my Kenwood DAB back in my new car.
Good video thanks, however my microphone is not working. When I make a call or receive a call the other person cannot hear me but I hear them. I checked the wires and setting so everything is correct. I have a bad cable maybe? Or can it be something else?
I'm aware the controller is battery powered but does it turn itself on and off with the ignition and resume where it was from when switched off?
I'm looking at getting one for my van but I don't want to have to turn it on separately every time I get back in van, I need it to just work when I start the van just as the existing radio does.
It has an auto shutdown, which you can on timer in the settings. To be honest, it’s two seconds work to turn it on or off anyway, so not any real hassle. It’s a great system either way 👍
@@RealWorldCarReviews You didn't really answer the question? If your someone whos in and out of a van or car lots during the day it is a massive faff to keep switching it back on and , waiting for it to set up. I can see your point if you use your car once a week.
I've just ordered one and it's going straight back if it doesn't auto switch on... the instructions online say its auto on but your the second person to imply you've got to manually put it on.
From my understanding the antenna reciever box switches on with the engine and then automatically starts the controller a few seconds later.
@@nudisco300 It takes the same amount of time to boot up as a touchscreen system would. A few seconds.
@@RealWorldCarReviews Ordered it on Amazon yesterday (but actually the Kenwood version of this one) arrived this morning and its amazing!! I primarily bought it for the Bluetooth calls facilities because its rare to find an external mic on any plug in kit. I didn't want the DAB at all, I stream everything from my phone.
But wow its blown me away. The DAB actually works without all that stuff attached to the glass and body. I haven't plugged in the clear aerial and I removed the metal magnetic contact. All my DAB stations work fine from inside the glove box. But Bristol has lots of transmitters and has strong signals of all kinds, it may well be location rather than aerial that determines how good DAB is.
To answer the original posters question, if you just want it for bluetooth audio streaming and calls then yes it connects automatically and you don't need the controller once it's paired. I left the controller in my house, went for a drive and it all connected up automatically. But actually flicking through some DAB channels there's some good music out there so I put it back in the car. Microphone absolutely crystal clear none of that muffled rubbish you get from 'built in' mics. My only criticism is the measly 1m of microphone cable and its a 2.5mm jack so I'm going to have to buy extension cable on Ebay as no one stocks it in the shops.
Couldn't be more pleased, but please note ***This is the Kenwood version KTC 500 DAB *** and it probably has a different software setup.
@@nudisco300 Probably a bit late for you but in case anyone else is wondering, I've had these on about 4 cars and I set on default timeout, never turn it off, and batteries last at least 2 years. You don't need to worry about it.
Just installed one of these , works great with just the ignition on but gets no signal or channels with the engine running, any ideas ?
Not sure if its the antenna or where I live but the signal is very poor I cant use it for DAB radio which is annoying but FM radio it is, although works well with my iPod music
Brother this is a lie this is not a good unit this is a brilliant unit 😂😂😂
Thanks for the review. I’d like to purchase this unit but I was asking myself one thing. If I play music from my phone directly to my car stereo: will the pure display what song is playing? And will the play and other buttons on the device work? Or will it do so only if the music is playing trough the pure unit itself?
I can’t remember. It’s been a long time since I reviewed it. I would visit the manufacturer page
Hi I have one and have the following issues,
1)won’t sync contacts with iPhone keeps saying check phone,
2) I have Spotify premium and when you try and play a song using the highway controls and
You press Play the soundtrack comes out my phone not my car,
The dab radio works fine and normal Bluetooth music works ok out the car speakers.
3) can’t make calls as hasn’t sync any contacts.
I would contact the manufacturer directly about those issues
I got my 600 from ebay, it cost only £55.00 works great but fm transmitter is weak compared to my Chinese DAB Bluetooth car kit.
i can’t connect mine to Spotify. it just plays for a second then stops. i can’t figure out how to sort this, does anyone know? thanks!
Thanks for your explanation. It really help me fix mine and everything works fine. But immediately when connected by new batteries is on 2bars and I wonder why? Also, how and what can you use to remove the device adhesive pad without damaging your car? Thank you.
You could heat it up mate ie with a hair dryer
It reads and displays the battery level of a connected phone.
Try some lighter fluid on it - magic at getting rid of sticky messes
well done good vid mate :) waiting on the 600 from Amazon
Thanks Geoff. Enjoy using the system 👍
@@RealWorldCarReviews Thanks :)
Did you have to earth the dab aerial?
I'm having a issue with this on phone calls I can here incoming but they are unable to hear me outgoing.
I would contact the manufacturer directly.
Make sure you’ve pushed the microphone Jack right into the receiver, it should sit flush!
How is the signal go from the antenna to the USB unit, since you just put the aux into the usb unit ?
The Highway system automatically connects to the aerial once it’s plugged into the power source.
Does the 3M sticky back attachment come with the unit?
Yes
Hi can't get spotofiy none premium to work was it a miss print on video cheers
Try updating the system maybe. If not I would get in touch with them.
I have a external aerial antenna, passive. Can i use whit this ? Is possible in the settings turn off the mode "antenna Active" ?
I would contact the company regarding that.
No external aerial are not compatible
@@shehanf87 are you sure? Whit same connector tecnically there Is no difference..
My contact names haven’t synced , it only shows the numbers, how do I fix this ?
JT1985 Hi. They should just transfer over. Try deleting your phone from the BT memory on it, and the restarting. If not, give PURE a call
CarProductsTested called Pure and they said that’s normal
Mine does not show contact numbers and keeps saying Spotify not enabled
Why does it need batteries if it plugs into a 12v power outlet?
Kevin Keelan The power outlet plug is to power the antenna.
CarProductsTested that makes sense. Does it send the dab signal to the headunit via Bluetooth or fm? I want as few cables as possible.
Kevin Keelan Hi. So sorry for the late reply. It does it through FM transmission if it doesn’t have an aux-in plug.
It is available for just 30$
alpine looks exactly the same
I think it might be
Alpine is equivalent to the Highway 400 (without the Mic ability) Kenwood KTC 500 (discontinued) is the same as the Highway 600.
They are all the same just under different brand names.
Pure appear to have many screen fails on radios.
Why the hell does it run on batteries??????!! See this for 55 quid now - still not worth it if the bloody thing is in the stone age running AAA batts.
Because it’s a stand-alone unit. Otherwise there’d be wires everywhere. I’ve had the same batteries in it since I was sent it, so they last for ages. It’s really not an issue.
@@RealWorldCarReviews For the original price it really should have the option of a micro usb power port. The official Pure install shows how easy it is to fit this unit. Very easy to hide wiring in pillars/footwells and it wouldn't take much to hard wire into the cigarette lighter feed either. Most other ones I looked at are usb powered only, although they do have less features.
sarcastixx74 Fair enough, although tbh as mentioned it really isn’t an issue as they last for so long. I’ve had them in for around 9 or 10 months now and they’re still fine so it won’t cost much at all to keep going.
@@RealWorldCarReviews At the 55 quid it is being sold at now on a well known auction site I'd say it is well worth it, no way would I be paying anywhere the original 140+ RRP! Cheers
The receiver is powered by the 12v supply. Only the controller is powered by batteries, just like the remote control for your TV. Or is your TV remote wired into a power supply?