Hi

From poking around on here and various other places I believe the VW RNS510 OEM nav unit will fit an Octavia (under which circumstance it becomes Columbus!). However, there seem to be various other parts/components that are required as well if you want full iPod integration and the ability to use your phone with it...Bluetooth etc.

My understanding at the moment is that the RNS510 as it stands provides sat nav (v6 being the latest maps...?), CD/DVD player, SD card reader and 30GB hard drive (10GB of which is for maps, leaving 20GB for music, etc). I also believe that in order to get full iPod integration (i.e. track names on screen, control iPod via unit controls, etc), you'd also need a VW MDI - something like this....is that right?

What I'm also wondering is what other bit(s) of kit would one need in order to be able to use a phone with it? I know there's a button on the unit marked "Phone", but I'm not sure what functionality that provides "as is"...? I seem to remember reading somewhere (struggling slightly to remember exactly where) that there is a Bluetooth kit that can be fitted (sits under the driver's seat) that provides Bluetooth connectivity for phones - would that integrate fully with the RNS510 and allow names to be viewed on screen, numbers to be dialled via screen/controls, etc? How about the Maxidot display? And does it come with a microphone, or would that need to be purchased seperately?

Also, will the "Aux In" in the jumbo storage unit by the handbrake still work with an RNS510 fitted?

I'm sure the upshot of all this will be the conclusion that the cost of getting and fitting all the bits would be substantial....or as it's more commonly known, prohibitive! :-)

Thanks

yes you'd require MDI for iPOD intergration, that kit would be perfect you should still also keep you aux in if the loom it comes with is wired up correctly, if not its an easy enough mod

as for bluetooth, this should explain http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/bluetooth.html

oh and as for fitting, speak to Ben at Shark Performance if you dont fancy doing it yourself

+1 for Ben but to be honest, its a five minute job for just the main unit but it >might< require coding so its worth considering getting somebody with VAGCOM to perform the work. Ben is just such a guy. The MDI interface works a treat as does the Bluetooth but do beware - there are different types of factory Bluetooth RSAP, non-RSAP etc etc.

Me too Ben at shark performance is you man he has done lots to my car the guy is very helpfull and he knows what he is doing

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Given my level of ability, it would undoubtedly be considerably less pain, blood and expense to use Ben's services!

So is the "Phone" button on the RNS510 of any use at all without Bluetooth fitted?

Edited 7 April, 201016 yr by slicendice

+1 for Ben but to be honest, its a five minute job for just the main unit but it >might< require coding so its worth considering getting somebody with VAGCOM to perform the work. Ben is just such a guy. The MDI interface works a treat as does the Bluetooth but do beware - there are different types of factory Bluetooth RSAP, non-RSAP etc etc.

Sounds like a potential pit-fall! What's the difference between the different types of factory Bluetooth? Would it affect the level of integration with the RNS510? Or is it more the connectivity capabilities of the device that would vary?

And when purchasing, is it obvious exactly which one you're getting?

avoid r-sap unless you have a compatible nokia (mainly N-series phones)

Sorry to butt in here, but regarding the MDI, is it a seperate unit ?

I have bolero ordered with MDI, so if I change it for the Columbus, can I keep The MDI unit, and connect up to Columbus ?

Thanks

Yes, MDI is seperate.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Given my level of ability, it would undoubtedly be considerably less pain, blood and expense to use Ben's services!

So is the "Phone" button on the RNS510 of any use at all without Bluetooth fitted?

With no bluetooth fitted the phone button mutes on the Bolero, don't know if this is the same on the Columbus though..

With no bluetooth fitted the phone button mutes on the Bolero, don't know if this is the same on the Columbus though..

Yes, I have a Columbus fitted in my car without any phone connections and when the phone button is pressed it mutes the radio or if listening to music from the hard drive it will stop playback and resume from where you stopped it when you press the phone button again.

Perhaps worth adding that a VW RNS510 will light up blue and show an (IMHO) awful VW badge on start up. So I'd look for a Skoda one, green lighting and Skoda badge

The GSMII module is non rSAP and GSMIII is rSAP, for the latter you will need a rSAP compliant phone that has remote sim access. The iphone, Nokia N900 and some HTC phones dont support it at all or not very well. Nokia phones running symbian do mostly support rSAP. It is a better technology for signal and call quality however if your phone does not support it and your not willing to change your phone you will need to get the GSMII vw/skoda bluetooth.

GSMII

Part numbers 1Z0 035 729 A, B, C or D

Versions A, C or D

According to UVWorldwide cars with production date;

25/05/2009 to 22/06/2009 use - D Kits

22/06/2009 onwards use - C Kits

Version B

Fits Tiguan, Golf Mk5, MY08 Passat and earlier and is for the Red MFD

If you get a kit you will need; Bluetooth interface, Bluetooth antenna, OEM Microphone, Bracket, Carpet Cover and Retrofit cable loom from bluetooth unit to Head unit.

GSMIII

5N0 035 730 A

Fits; VW Golf Mk5&6 / Passat / Eos / Tiguan / Touran / Touareg / Scirocco, Skoda Octavia / Fabia / Roomster / Superb, Seat Altea

This is the rSAP unit so the phone will need to be rSAP compliant. As Novero who is Nokias automotive group manufactures this unit and rSAP was made by nokia. Nokias are the most widely supported.

If you get a kit you will need; Bluetooth interface,OEM Microphone, GSM antenna, Carpet Cover Retrofit cable loom from bluetooth unit to Head unit

You don't need the Bluetooth antenna as it's built into interface like you do with the GSMII and the unit has mounting points so you dont need a bracket either.

Edited 8 April, 201016 yr by ollybroad

http://novero.com/

Then click on Novero for automotive and then skoda.

GSMII

Part numbers 1Z0 035 729 A, B, C or D

Versions A, C or D

According to UVWorldwide cars with production date;

25/05/2009 to 22/06/2009 use - D Kits

22/06/2009 onwards use - C Kits

There is also a 1ZO 035 729 version (without a letter suffix)

+1 for Ben but to be honest, its a five minute job for just the main unit but it >might< require coding so its worth considering getting somebody with VAGCOM to perform the work. Ben is just such a guy. The MDI interface works a treat as does the Bluetooth but do beware - there are different types of factory Bluetooth RSAP, non-RSAP etc etc.

Has anyone got a web linky or email for Ben @ Shark Peformance?

cheers, H.

http://www.sharkperformance.co.uk/