Searching for an RCD 310 or 510 with DAB for my new roomy, I saw this:

http://www.satnavsystems.com/main/vw-dab-radi-upgrade/

which looks like properly integrated DAB in the VW version of columbus, the RNS 510.

Anyone have any experience? It looks good in the video. No prices or information I could see, though.

Looks like some sort of FM interface as the maxidot shows FM7 preset - a bit like the FM transmitters for iPod/mp3 players. The clever bit is using these erring wheel buttons to control it

I have being thinking of one of these:

http://www.autodab.com/

But don't know if will work as integrated. Anyway I would consider to place the antenna on the roof (instead of the plastic plug I have currently), since I know from earlier experience that a window DAB antenna is not the best.

After a recommendation on this forum I bought a Pure 2500 which works very well. Plugs into the Aux port in the glove box so if you only listen to one or two stations it really is a good solution:

Columbus is now available with build-in DAB.

I am considering it, but it is a quite expensive unit - maybe after christmas ....

Columbus is now available with build-in DAB.

I am considering it, but it is a quite expensive unit - maybe after christmas ....

I've just spoken to Skoda UK, and they still claim that it's not available.

They are stating that it *MIGHT* be available by the end of the year, but they won't promise anything.

I'm waiting on placing my order until I know for definite what's happening.

Do you have a link to an official Skoda page that has Columbus DAB information?

Thanks,

Andy.

I've just spoken to Skoda UK, and they still claim that it's not available.

They are stating that it *MIGHT* be available by the end of the year, but they won't promise anything.

I'm waiting on placing my order until I know for definite what's happening.

Do you have a link to an official Skoda page that has Columbus DAB information?

Thanks,

Andy.

Hi Andy.

I poped the question here in Denmark and the answer was that it could be ordered from Tuesday (20 nov). I tried to find more info on the web, since the dealer did'nt know much about the details. But also I had no luck finding anything.

Cheers

Soren.

Edited 19 November, 201213 yr by i-s

Thanks Soren.

Hopefully, more details will surface in the next couple of weeks.

Did your dealer give you any idea on the price of the DAB equipped Columbus? Is it much more expensive than the current unit?

Was chatting to a Danish colleague about ordering my car today, and couldn't believe how expensive the Superb is over with you guys.

He then explained the rather interesting import duty you have to pay. All I can is 'WOW!'.

Thanks Soren.

Hopefully, more details will surface in the next couple of weeks.

Did your dealer give you any idea on the price of the DAB equipped Columbus? Is it much more expensive than the current unit?

Was chatting to a Danish colleague about ordering my car today, and couldn't believe how expensive the Superb is over with you guys.

He then explained the rather interesting import duty you have to pay. All I can is 'WOW!'.

Yes ... arrrrghhh .. this dreadful "registration tax". My own Superb was about 62.000 £ ... urrghhh ..

I was offered the Columbus with DAB incl. a GPS antenna and a DAB antenna (the one from the VW transporter) for 1130 £ as a DIY kit. I don't know if you consider that expensive or not, but here it is slightly more than the Columbus without DAB.

Edited 19 November, 201213 yr by i-s

That sounds pretty good, price wise. In line with UK pricing for the Columbus.

Here's hoping we get the option soon.

I took delivery of the dealer's Mar 12 L&K trim Superb Estate and that came with a Columbus with TV (digital and analogue). As DAB is in the digital TV spectrum, guess what, you also get DAB radio. I was delighted to be given the chance to listen to Test Match special on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra but beware that DAB reception is very susceptible to being blocked by cuttings, high buildings, trees etc. Great if you are stationary and you can receive the relevant broadcasts but unless you are driving in flat country the DAB reception is subject to frequent blocking (that's why we mount domestic TV aerials high!) Being able to watch TV when stationary turns out to be quite useful when you are using the car as a waiting room!

Barnowljenx; Are you not in fact getting some DAB stations carried by a Digital TV MUX not via the DAB radio system? I suspect you do not get all the DAB stations although you will get all the BBC ones plus quite a few more from any digital TV tuner.

Richard46 you may be right - I had not thought there was a difference. Seems a bit odd to occupy 2 bits of spectrum for the same programmes. Are you sure that the DAB Radio frequencies are different from the Digital TV frequencies?

Barnowljenx;

About 25 radio stations are available on TV Muliplexes;

http://www.freeview.co.uk/Channels

Which is fine if like me you mainly only listen to the National BBC stations.

There are however some four times that number of stations on the actual Radio dab frequencies; including many local ones;

http://www.enjoydab.co.uk/dab-stations.aspx

You cannot get those on the second list with a TV tuner unless they are on the list of Freeview stations.

The radio stations are IIUC squeezed into the TV digital multiplexes in spaces not big enough for another TV channel. Apparently it has proved quite popular so why not? See;

http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/dtt_channels.html

These are not DAB Radio frequencies; they are TV Muliplex frequencies.

HTHs

Barnowljenx;

About 25 radio stations are available on TV Muliplexes;

http://www.freeview.co.uk/Channels

Which is fine if like me you mainly only listen to the National BBC stations.

There are however some four times that number of stations on the actual Radio dab frequencies; including many local ones;

http://www.enjoydab.co.uk/dab-stations.aspx

You cannot get those on the second list with a TV tuner unless they are on the list of Freeview stations.

The radio stations are IIUC squeezed into the TV digital multiplexes in spaces not big enough for another TV channel. Apparently it has proved quite popular so why not? See;

http://www.dtg.org.uk/industry/dtt_channels.html

These are not DAB Radio frequencies; they are TV Muliplex frequencies.

HTHs

Actually it looks like there are more like 35 stations on Freeview according to that last link so your TV Tuner still gives a lot of choice.

I contacted the company (SatNav) on the first link with a few questions about invalidating warranties etc. and seemingly this is a stand alone unit that doesn't fit internally to the Columbus, but is a stand alone unit that interfaces into the rear of the unit and the control head to the steering wheel controls, it only costs £395 including installation and Vat and they can call out to your houses to fit the units in location.

I'm giving it serious consideration upon my return to the UK as it will be a cheaper alternative to the fully fitted Columbus making it a more vesitile piece of equipment and enjoyment to my new toy..

RoDM

Edited 30 December, 201213 yr by RoDM

I contacted the company (SatNav) on the first link with a few questions about invalidating warranties etc. and seemingly this is a stand alone unit that doesn't fit internally to the Columbus, but is a stand alone unit that interfaces into the rear of the unit and the control head to the steering wheel controls, it only costs £395 including installation and Vat and they can call out to your houses to fit the units in location.

I'm giving it serious consideration upon my return to the UK as it will be a cheaper alternative to the fully fitted Columbus making it a more vesitile piece of equipment and enjoyment to my new toy..

RoDM

Please keep us posted on whether you go ahead and it is a viable alternative as I am certainly interested.

Sorry Guys updated the wrong entry

 

RodM

Edited 21 January, 201412 yr by RoDM