devoneddie

Yes, I see you're quite right, On the http://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/ under FAQ is the following: "Why are not older devices in supported navigation systems ŠKODA? Older systems ŠKODA were not designed for this concept of updates and therefore for these retained the original method." I guess the "original method" is going back to paying £200 for a legit update version or a cheap (and potentilally risky) illegal DVD. Seems a severe burden for owning an older vehicle.

This is DevonEddie again about updating Columbus SatNav (see my original message 29 March 2015). I never got around to bying an "illegal" DVD on line, so I'm still stuck on Verion 8 as originally installed in 2012. Early last June I received an email from Skoda offering free map and software updates online. They referenced website http://updateportal.skoda-auto.com/. I have only just got around to trying it. I first found the VIN box was very sensitive, giving "Invalid VIN" error messages. After several tries, I concluded copy-and-paste doesn't work. I at last got in by entering the VIN character-by-character. I then got a message "There were no software updates for the VIN", this despite my map data and software are still on Version V8, I suspect that after having several "Invalid VIN" errors, their system has concluded I'd already successfully downloaded the update. Any suggestions how to get around this? Or have I misdiagnosed the problem? I'm still a confused (and now frustrated) owner. My version is so old I frequently find myself driving across fields, with "Doris" (as we call her) going mad trying to get me out!

Many thanks for your prompt replies, particularly Skippy41 for such clear instructions. Worked a treat. A great help and a great website!

I plan to leave my Superb Elegance Estate (Sep 2012 reg) for about three months in a semi-public car park at a marina in Germany. I would like to disconnect the battery for that period so I don't come back to a discharged battery. Despite reading the Handbook (which recommends disconnecting the negative terminal under such circumstances) I cannot find out how to lock and unlock the car while the battery is disconnected and the bonnet closed! I would be willing to experiment, but don't like the downside consequences. Seems a simple thing to do, but I cannot find any reference to locking/unlocking the car manually while the battery is disconnected, or dead, for that matter. Any suggestions?

Devoneddie here again - I'm now the formerly Confused Columbus Owner This forum certainly does what it says on the label. Many, many thanks to all for your very prompt and excellent advice. I visited my Skoda dealer yesterday, and after a bit of research on their part, they agreed the DVD they sold me was out of date and offered to exchange it for V-11. They insisted their DVD contained only map data, not firmware (eg radio, bluetooth,etc) update, which I think is incorrect in view of the price but irrelevant - I don't need a firmware update. We agreed neither of us were well informed when they sold it to me, and on that basis we settled on a full refund. I have found two reputable-looking web suppliers of V-12 map update DVD for my RNS-510, which makes it easy for me to load the data. They are priced at £19.99 and £34.00 respectively, both very reasonable compared to my £200 lol! The latter supplier offers future updates at 50% discount. Neither have any on-line details on loading, but I presume that comes with the DVD or instructions are imbedded in the disk. Any advice on which is recommended? I understand I can't name the suppliers on this forum.

I'm new to this forum, and despite trolling through all the Columbus entries, I'm still confuse about upgrades to the original installation in my Superb Elegence Estate, registered Sep 2012. When I bought the car in Feb 2013 (demonstartor model), it did not come with a SatNav disk or cartridge. Pressing Setup and hold for 15 seconds yields following installed system version information on the screen: P/N 3T0035680E, H/W Version H61, S/W Version 3984, Supplier Navteq, Map Version HDD 7690. On the advice of my local Skoda dealer I have bought from them P/N S3T0051859M for £200 incl VAT. The package (unopened) is labelled "Skoda Navigation DVD Europe West (V9) for Superb (3T), Yeti, Octavia (1Z)".and on backside "Navigation DVD Europe West (V9) A2C31261503, Navteq". They said I could easily load it myself. Before I break the seal on the package, I have some questions: (1) Is this the correct upgrade? How do I compare the version info on the screen with that on the box? (2) I presume from the cost, this must be an upgrade of the entire Columbus system. Do I need that, or is there a cheaper way to upgrade just the maps, for example? (3) How often are map upgrades available, and how does one determine the date of any particular upgrade (eg V9)? Many thanks for your understanding - I know these sorts of questions get asked often and must be tedious, but I would appreciate some advice from someone who knows! I don't mind climbing moutains, but do appreciate a word with someone who has done it before!

Just joined - have an almost-three-year-old Superb Elegance Estate, and love it. Former Saab owner (owned six over the years), and now learning equal respect for my Skoda. Never thought I'd find a sutable replacement, but I have. Great vehicle; no regrets.