Excellent site. Thanks for the help. I am going to have a go at upgrading my columbus. Have read this link but 1st dumb question how I do I know which Columbus unit I have? I have a 2010 plate, skoda superb II

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=23779.0

You can get a local member with VCDS to code it for you or you can remove the unit from the dash (ease out the surround trim with a broad-bladed knife, then 4 torx screws (no.20, I think)) - the unit number is printed on the back.

If you can access the secret menu then you can find out what software version your Columbus is (hold down the setup button for about 30 secs. you'll go through the first set up menu, then the radio menu and - hopefully - get to the secret menu a few seconds later).

The software version will change depending upon what version of firmware is installed. Exsme: mine is a hardware 'A' revision and the software tells me it's a 'B' revision. I'm running 4xxx firmware).

Ned's correct that VCDS can code it to your car, can activate the hidden 'test' menu and a lot more. Or pulling the stereo out is quite simple: lots of guides and advice on this forum.

My GTI forum is also worth a look on these matters.

HTH

Nah, no secret menu. Damn. How do I find local member with VCDS?

Cheers

There is a listing of VCDS owners on this forum and also a map, but not all are on the map.

Nah, no secret menu. Damn. How do I find local member with VCDS?

Cheers

Hi,

If you go down the firmware route in the link I've sent you, your current version will be irrelevant anyway. If you're burning to know, though, popping the unit out of the dash is far easier and quicker than finding someone with VCDS.

Cheers,

Ned.

Going through upgrade now. Disk working ok but it's seems to be stuck on the HDD update bit. Got a screen saying loading status 42%, SWL, HOST, APPL @ 100%. HDD next but been on 0% fir about 10 mins now with 209 mins remaining on bottom right hasn't altered?

It can take around 15 mins if it gets stuck - mine did (as was reported by many people).

Leave it and see what happens.

Been stalled now for 40 mins and won't let me take the DVD out?

Try pressing <, > & either eject or 'i' at the same time (some work with the 'i' button some work with the 'eject' button).

This effectively reboots the Columbus.

Ok but before I do that this is where it is stalled. It does say time remaining 209 minutes. Is it possible that the firmware is so old it might take that long?

Shouldn't take that long. All upgrades seem to take about 1 hour.

Took your advice and re-booted, and put in the file this time on a CD as opposed to DVD. Worked a treat. Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for help.

It has however wiped the maps, I have up to date maps to burn to DVD, so shall do later. Do new maps take as long as the upgrade?

New maps will also take about an hour.

You've discovered that your Columbus likes CD's, but the later version of the maps won't fit on a CD!

Burn slow. Verify. And fingers crossed.

Yeah, just tried the maps. Its a 5GB file so burnt onto a dual layer DVD, No joy. Will try again, burning at very slow speed. Blinking heck!

They are fussy about their media & burn speed!

Although mine seems to prefer cheap media!

Yeah - you need to try some different discs.

Wow, that was hard work but all done. Maps and everything upgraded. Tesco DVDs worked and at 4 x speed.

I can get 7 digit postcode which was the most important. can't see anything else new on the Columbus?

Did ask the question but no one picked up on it. Can you turn the sat nav voice speech on/off from the front screen?

Cheers & thanks for the help and Merry Xmas.

You have to go into Settings/Setup then Navigation. I think a button the front would be much handier!

You have to go into Settings/Setup then Navigation. I think a button the front would be much handier!

Yep, my last system had that, 1,000 times easier. 90% of the time I drive with voice as I know where i am going, I use sat nav for time of arrival and TMC kicked in even if sound was off. Much easier.

Anyway, thanks for help

There are three modes you can select: on, off & dynamic.

The first two are self-explanatory, the third means she stays quiet until you deviate from the planned route or the TMC reroutes you due to traffic.

HTH

Bit like the wife then! Shall try. Thanks.