Hi Guys,

I've been searching through threads about the Columbus unit but I am still struggling to make sense of it all, it seems there's several hardware versions, several software versions, and several Firmware versions, Each being compatible with only some vehicles.

 

I was originally looking to get A Kenwood DNX521DAB to avoid all the hassle involved with a Columbus retrofit but Luckily have managed to pick one up relatively cheap off Ebay.

 

Now the model number is

1Z0 035 680A

HW H04

SW 1004

It has a Skoda Nav DVD (V2) with it but has no leads or antennas!!!

 

I have a 56 reg VRS and basically I need to know, in simpleton terms how I can achieve these objectives in the most cost effective way.

 

objectives:

Update to the most recent version of the nav software possible, avoiding battery drain or incompatibility issues etc. (pref. with speedcams and full postcode search etc)

 

Have Bluetooth ability enabled to sync to my galaxy s4.

Make the most of the unit I have with the car i have.

Not bothered about maxidot etc.

 

 

Required Purchases????

I have VCDS, is that all i need to code it???

what leads and/ or antennas do I need???

Any other hardware???

Do I need a new can gateway??

 

 

 

Any help will be greatly appreciated. I have read through most posts on the unit within this forum but with so much info its hard to get a clear picture.

 

any part numbers would be helpful also if anyone has a surround for the unit to fit 2006 with climatronic.

 

Again many thanks in advance to all that answer.

 

Officially I think it's this firmware: http://www.my-gti.com/1769/volkswagen-rns-510-firmware-upgrade-to-version-2680-2682-2684-2686-2688

But I bet there's a modified firmware that is newer and avoids battery drain as well.

You'll need a GPS antenna (I have my old one going spare) but otherwise no other cables. You'll only have one aerial cable while the Columbus has two inputs, so connect it to the inner one and don't worry about the other.

Bluetooth is not built in to the Columbus. You'll need an extra box and cabling for that.

Yes, VCDS is all you need.

adamal will be along soon (I bet) and will be able to advise on getting a newer firmware on an older Columbus unit.

Thankyou for clearing this up..

With a very comprhensive n concise answer.

That link is it a downloadable update for the firmware???. how would I update the unit?? write to cd and then load via the disc drive..

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=300958865635

Also Is that the bluetooth box n cables I would need.

Many Thanks once again.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

The BT link is a 'premium' kit which gives text messages on the Columbus head unit. You can tell by the external aerial (with purple plug).

But I don't know if it is compatible with your early unit.

I'm not even sure the 1Z0 units could show text messages.

There is a link on the page I linked to that allows you to download the firmware ISO which you burn (not copy) to CD/DVD. Burn slow (1x) using third party software.

Once done insert the disc into your Columbus and let it do its thing for about an hour.

While I have used My GTi downloads several times without issue, I cannot guarantee that updating your unit won't 'brick' it.

Read the warnings on the page and decide for yourself if it is worth the risk.

If I were you I would try going straight to modified 4024 firmware, specifically modified for your unit. This will give you much improved functionality but it will wipe your maps so you will need to source an updated disk.

That will largely depend on your dealer and whether they are the type that update maps for 40 quid or 200 quid! Sometimes more up to date maps come up on eBay as a genuine disk, but beware copies. I once got a disc from a bankrupt stock merchant and it was genuine but when I updated to 4024 myself, I needed a newer version and went to a VW dealer who did it cheaply as I was buying parts.

The firmware is here and if you PM me your email I can send you a file which should sort the battery drain issue too if it does occur after updating, although I don't think it will drain. You shouldn't need a new CAN gateway.

http://www.rnsfirmware.com (use the first link).

KBs instructions are spot on regarding the burning to disc and how long it takes etc. and the risks etc. I have also always recommended using good quality media like TDK or Verbatim.

Do you have steering wheel controls?

Finally regarding maps you will need v7.2 or newer to get the full functionality, although v7 or above will give 7 digit postcode searching. Personally I would look for v8 or newer.

Adam

I knew you wouldn't be too far away Adam...

Standard BT module fitting kit looks like this: http://www.carsystems.pl/vw-bluetooth-kit-7p6035730k-retrofit-newest-version,id600.html

But no idea if it is compatible with your car / HU / phone combination. Sorry.

Just had to finish my curry....

5k0035730d or newer bluetooth units definitely work with the head unit and modified firmware and all phones - I know as my hu is as old as yours and I have this bluetooth working with multiple phones. But I think the link in KBs post will also be fine.

The one you link to, if it is indeed a 5n0035730b as stated (it is a very contradictory ad in places), will only work with some phones (not iphones but maybe your s4), although it will show in your maxidot if you have it and show texts I believe.

I have one of those very units spare that you could try for free if you wanted but personally I would be looking at a newer unit as above.

Thanks guys for the info.. u guys defo know ur s$€¥ hope you enjoyed the curry Adam.

Kb no need for apologies mate you have been a great help. Very appreciated.

Yeah im not fussed about maxidot as it stands I just want up to date sat nav and seamless bluetooth integration.. im guessing the premium kit wouldnt work with a 2006 car from the sounds of it but I wouldnt need the extra text facility I dont think..

Adam can I ask where ur based.. it may be an option to try your bluetooth unit n if it works possibly purchase???? Would the newer bluetooth units have any compatibility issues with my year of car??

But basically as it stands I need to;

Get fakra antenna

Get bluetooth (most recent can source)

Source 4024 firmware.

Followed by map update.

Many thanks guys will keep u posted.. im sure ill have more questions ad things progress.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

I have a 'hockey puck' style GPS antenna going spare now I have a GPS / GSM shark fin on the roof. PM me if interested.

I've noticed it's cheaper to buy the wiring & mode for BT separate off eBay (item numbers 190955457387 & 300787169114 for example). But you'll need to check that the BT module gives you the compatibility / functionality you want.

The firmware is here and if you PM me your email I can send you a file which should sort the battery drain issue too if it does occur after updating, although I don't think it will drain. You shouldn't need a new CAN gateway.

http://www.rnsfirmware.com (use the first link).

What a muppet!!.. ok so dont need to source firmware!!

Ive PM'd email mate cheers

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Cheers KB ill check those part numbers when I get chance..

At work..

PM'd u also!!

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Its probably necessary to upgrade the firmware before bluetooth as I think there are minimum spec requirements for bluetooth in terms of firmware.

The older so called premium kits 5n0... a, b or c work in older pre facelift vehicles but they are not really premium in that they only connect by RSap which limits which phones work. They were called premium back in the day but these days more recent premium units also connect via HFP which connects with most phones.

These newer units which are 5n0... d or above (or 3c8...) may partially work in older cars, but need maxidot for pairing etc and that bit won't work.

However, 5k0... d or above (or 7p6...) use only HFP and hence work with most phones. They also work with older cars, but can be fully controlled via the head unit, and although maxidot doesn't work in these older cars, its not really needed for pairing to these modules.

My spare module which is a 5n0... b is one of these older so called premium modules but as your phone maybe one of the few that work with RSap, it may do you. I'm in South Wales but could post if of use.

You will need a loom but you will need that anyway, even for a newer module, and as all modules use the same connections and can be bought separately and cheaply, you will not waste anything. You are then welcome to try mine and if it works we can come to some cheap arrangement I'm sure.

By the way, I didn't seem to receive a PM?

Adam

This thread may help: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/228343-bluetooth-guide/#entry2684282

Hi,

just to give an update purchased and installed BT module (7P6) bluetooth has coded brilliantlly seems to be working with the columbus also..

I can confirm that the firmware update also went smoothly with no issues..

I would like to thank all for the advice.. it has helped a great deal..

2 things however;

The navigation sees my car as positioned somewhere in eastern europe for some reason.. I cant seem to get it...I have navigation checked in vcds can gateway..

Also I dont seem to get any climatronic display or reversing display on the columbus unit... is this just the standard without facelift or have I missed something coding it???

Do a search for 'Regensburg syndrome' (I think that's how you spell it as this might be your problem with the GPS location. Or a duff GPS antenna.

Climatronic & PDC display can be made to show up but will need some rewiring & new controllers. Perfectly normal but not ideal.

Cheers Fixed the sat nav wasn't regenesburg syndrome was me not resetting the unit correctly

Also found that the bluetooth streaming only outputs via right speakers... reading up seems theres a couple wires short between BT module n connector block..

Anyone know of any diagrams circulating to establish where these new wires would need to go in order to have BT output through all speakers

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Cheers Fixed the sat nav wasn't regenesburg syndrome was me not resetting the unit correctly

That's good news.

And hopefully this is to: http://www.my-gti.com/173/volkswagen-skoda-bluetooth-pinouts

Right can anyone help with this??

After playing about with firmware updates and a can upgrade I have still been unable to resolve the battery drain issue.

My car is 56 reg Vrs

Columbus unit is

1Z0035680 A

HW H04

SW 1004

BT MODULE

7PS 035 730K

What number CAN Gateway is compatible.

7N0 907 530F??

Would this one work fix the battery drain and is it compatible???

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=221433291061

Any help would be appreciated as prev updated can but didnt work cant remember model number for that.

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See my answer to you other identical thread in the Octavia section...

Here's the post (only because my answer is more relevant here)...

Seek out the modified firmware for a 1Z0 Columbus that avoids battery drain.

You can get 3810nor firmware on the Internet that works.

I'll see if I can find some links before 'adamal' sees this thread and posts the answer.

www.rnsfirmware.com is the place to go for older unit firmware. You can go to 4020 for older units, as per the links.

I did with no issues with the exact same unit. This should provide extra functionality including 7 digit postcodes, and solve battery drain but you will need to reinstall maps and music...

With reference to the PDC and climate display I'm currently looking at getting a Polar FIS+ advance module that, among many other things, coverts the CAN messages and allows the Columbus to display them without needing to change the controllers.

Phil

I would be surprised if it does the pdc graphics Phil as that requires a different CAN circuit to be connected to a different parking sensor controller. I would be surprised if that effect can be emulated by a conversion of a CAN signal.

I thought the box basically adds stuff to your maxidot by interrogating the Gateway, adapting CAN signals and interacting with the ECU (a bit like vcds), but I don't think it alters controller behaviour.

If you get one you can, however, probably use a newer BT module with more functionality including maxidot integration on a pre FL..

The output from the controllers remains untouched but the polar fis unit converts it to a newer signal that the Columbus understands.

See here for a list of features brought out in a firmware update for the polar fis:

http://www.auto-polar.com/i-fis-update-v030b0-02-10-2012.htm

As you can see one of them is OPS emulation.

I've bought a 5N0 Bluetooth module which does what I want and will integrate with maxidot.

Phil

Edited 7 May, 201412 yr by Phil-E

That is news to me even though I check this website quite regularly!! I have been working with them to refine the firmware on the simpler unit they produce for integrating pre FL cars with newer BT modules.

It will save you some grief if it does do this but at 250 quid I would be checking exactly what that line means. It could mean that it enables it on FL cars only, and even if not, there may be issues if you have front sensors(?). This is because the pre FL set up uses one buzzer for eight sensors, while the newer OPS on FL cars uses two for eight sensors.

Drop them a mail at [email protected]. The programmer who answers is really helpful.

Adam