I've got a 2007 pre-FL Octavia so am limited in the options for Bluetooth modules if I want phone stuff to appear on the Maxidot.

 

However, I've just come across this which claims to get round the issue:

http://www.carsystems.pl/fis-link-can-box-converter-for-red-dot-matrix-fis-and-new-bt-modules,id687.html

 

Has anyone used one of these? Or heard any reports of how well it works?

Yes and it works pretty well. Three niggles:

the telephone option in the menu is in upper case which looks odd alongside tbe lower case options for the others;

texts wont display on the maxidot; and

Mfsw telephone buttons if you have them don't work.

The second is the most annoying and the manufacturers (auto-polar.com) have told me it is not possible. The third they are still looking into for me but I'm not hopeful.

I am using the 3c8..d module with mine which reads out texts so the second is more of an inconvenience than an issue.

Adam

Yes and it works pretty well. Three niggles:

the telephone option in the menu is in upper case which looks odd alongside tbe lower case options for the others;

texts wont display on the maxidot; and

Mfsw telephone buttons if you have them don't work.

The second is the most annoying and the manufacturers (auto-polar.com) have told me it is not possible. The third they are still looking into for me but I'm not hopeful.

I am using the 3c8..d module with mine which reads out texts so the second is more of an inconvenience than an issue.

Adam

 

Interesting...quite tempted now! :-) Not too fussed by the uppercase menu option and I haven't got a MFSW...and I've never had texts shown on the Maxidot so I guess I wouldn't miss it. Was it pretty straight forward to fit?

 

Would this be the one you have:

http://www.carsystems.pl/vw-bluetooth-premium-highline-module-3c8035730d,id715.html

...or:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-VW-Bluetooth-module-RCD-RNS510-A2DP-Voice-Control-3GS-iPhone-4s-5-3C8035730D-/281229026329?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item417a8e6419

 

Btw, it looks like this one is UHV and rSAP...would this mean I'd need to install an rSAP aerial?

Edited 30 January, 201412 yr by slicendice

I bought one of those 3C8 D modules yes and it was just a simple switch over from my previous module, and although I had to fit an aerial as you say (carsystems also sell the aerial, so get it when you get the fis link box), it is easy to run it along the trim under the door and up the A pillar to the windscreen near the roof.  It gives brilliant reception.

 

The fis link box is relatively easy to fit if you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty.  There is a useful guide here for getting to the gateway on newer cars (http://www.r32oc.com/topic/29242-canbus-gateway-location-removal/), although you might be lucky and find yours is behind the gateway (07 is around when it was moved).  Alternatively, some prefer to get to the gateway behind the relay panel above the pedals, although when I tried this I found there was too much in the way for me to get good access to the gateway plug. 

 

Once you get to the gateway, it is just insert the gateway wiring plug into the fis link and then use the supplied cable and plug the fis link into the gateway.  Then fix the box to the gateway frame with cable ties to stop rattling and you are away.  The fis link also comes with an firmware update cable which I left connected to the fis link (taped in), and then ran to the under dash cubby for ease of future firmware updating (see www.auto-polar.com).  The latter is a lower dash off jobby but that too is fairly simple once you have the light switch out. 

 

Adam

Thanks for the info 

 

I know the gateway on mine is in a beast of a location, buried up somewhere behind the steering column - I know because when I first got my Columbus I needed to upgrade (prevent battery drain) and it was a devil of a job. I was lucky that I had help from someone who knew what they were doing (thanks mikeholroyd! ) but it took him a while and was not easy at all. So might be a bit of a challenge if I do go for the FIS-LINK thing  :S I'll check out that link when I get a mo...

Edited 30 January, 201412 yr by slicendice

No worries.

 

It is a bit more trim and parts removal going in behind the wipers, but much easier access in my experience.

 

Adam