thinking of abandoning this columbus set up.. sick to death of its friggin pain in the ass

battry drain issues .. bluetooth modules the size of a patio slab.. Rear view cameras hard to find that fit the original VW loom

Anyone tried any alternative touch screen radios that have bluetooth etc built in ??

Tim

I'm sure it is pretty much all fixed with your gateway upgrade, certainly the battery drain will be resolved and your BT setup should then work with the right firmware. The Columbus is an excellent unit and it will cost you a lot for a different head unit if you want a decent one.

Also there is a thread on here where Mike Holroyd fitted a rvc with good results.

With all your mods you are trying to do, then if you cant find a local member with VCDS, and if you have money to spare for another HU, why not buy a genuine cable yourself?

Adam

think im just at a low point with it. 

purchased a RVC but its off a VW with built in boot opener and too large 

BT is working.. but im supprised by how large the unit is

just need to find someone prepared to do the gateway iv got.. JRW offered to code it once so just hoping he replies. otherwise it will be posted to eddie-NL to do

Looked at getting the RVC cable through the boot lid and that wont be easy

I know the Columbus isn't perfect, but I think two of your three issues are down to incompatibility between an older car and newer hardware/software.

There is modified firmware to avoid battery drain and having to upgrade the CAN gateway, but this won't resolve your BT woes. I'm sure it's not the size of the module that is really troubling you, but perhaps that it doesn't work?

A CAN gateway upgrade (c.£70) should resolve both issues as I have upgraded mine and have Columbus & BT working fine.

The BT module is under the driver's seat, and really isn't noticeable (and weighs less than a concrete slab).

The RVC connects to a separate socket on the back of the Columbus AFAIK and this is empty unless TV or RSE is fitted. Finding a compatible loom shouldn't be that hard, but sourcing the right camera might be depending upon what you want.

Don't despair, fix one issue at a time (or two if you upgrade the gateway) and then feel the 'love' come slowly back...

:-)

TY. gateway coding it is then

You starting to feel the 'love' return now?

If Shawbury was a bit closer to Bromyard, I'd do the coding for you. PM me if you are down this way.

Defo post it to Eddie, as he is the expert on this and worth the few quid it will cost you. And speak to Mike H as I remember reading he had a few problems getting the RVC through to the tailgate but solved it in the end, so he will have some tips.

Finally the rvc being the wrong shape wont be fixed by ditching the Columbus and I bet you can sell it on eBay.

It is also well satisfying when it all gets done...

Defo post it to Eddie, as he is the expert on this and worth the few quid it will cost you. And speak to Mike H as I remember reading he had a few problems getting the RVC through to the tailgate but solved it in the end, so he will have some tips.

Finally the rvc being the wrong shape wont be fixed by ditching the Columbus and I bet you can sell it on eBay...

 

TY. messaged him. hope he sees it soon

 

You starting to feel the 'love' return now?

If Shawbury was a bit closer to Bromyard, I'd do the coding for you. PM me if you are down this way.

 

appreciated . TY

Don't give up

 

Remember Rome was not built in a day

If your near Leicester I can code gateway for you :-)

Eddie-NL has offered to code.. 

Thank you all for your help

Reverse camera: I have a boot release one for my hatchback from an Audi A1. Test fitted ok, needs the wiring adjusted though. Now that it's stopped raining.......

Reverse camera: I have a boot release one for my hatchback from an Audi A1. Test fitted ok, needs the wiring adjusted though. Now that it's stopped raining.......

 

will the camera from a VW/skoda transfer into it ?? as i need to retain the connectors used in the vw camera but i do need a better fitting boot release

The only one I've found that fits is the one from an Audi A1. All the others are bigger, so you'd need to adjust the bodywork for the new handle.

 

I've got a Passat one and it's about 20mm bigger than the hole in the Octy tailgate.

but the camera connectors are different ??

id need to swap cameras if its possible

My Pioneer AppRadio fits my needs just fine!

Still more than happy with my ANS810 from audio sources... perfect unit for 250 quid!!

Just seen your pm. I can still code it! I'll reply to you.

If your thinking of selling the Columbus would be willing to buy