Columbus issues - DAB replacement?

[Tonyp5a]

Hi,

I'm having trouble with the Columbus unit in my 2012 Superb 170 4x4 Estate and it's booked in for the dealer to have a look at it, with their commentary that it may have to be replaced.

Does anyone know if it is possible to fit a similar unit, but with DAB (not standard on my car)?

Thanks

Tony

[stevehg]

Yes, there is a kenwood unit with DAB that is a direct swap.

[DCC]

Yes,

I have installed a Columbus DAB system..... very easy.
Ebay....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-COLUMBUS-RNS510-DAB-2014-RNS-510-LED-V10-MAP-NAVIGATION-VERSION-H-/221403534283?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item338cadd3cb

No problem with supplier... item looks brand new and fast delivery

Aerial part number....   6R0035501D
Ebay.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEU-Original-Antenne-6R0035501D-Golf-VW-SKODA-Radio-Telefon-GPS-/271429676669?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item3f32782e7d

Delivery was a bit slow.... 16 days.... not fault of supplier but Polish Post system

Extra FAKRA cables from.... (2 required)....
Ebay.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120994818248?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

Fast delivery


DAB reception outstanding !.... massive improvement in FM signal as 6R0035501D has FM aerial as well as DAB.

 

[Tonyp5a]

Thanks for the speedy response, much appreciated.

[milesunder]

Hi DCC,

 

Really interested in doing the DAB upgrade.

 

The link you have shown for the sharkfin shows an extended aerial. I know some of the earlier Superbs had this style of aerial and were non DAB. Is the extension for the DAB version as my sharkfin doesn't have this extra aerial or is there another one available?

 

Also does the Columbus autoswitch between FM and DAB depending on Signal strength?

[DCC]

Yes, the 6R0035501D has GPS, Mobile, FM and DAB aerials.

Would guess the whip section is used for FM & DAB.

 

Search for images of the 6R0035501D and you will see the four Fakra connections.

 

As said there was a massive improvement in the FM reception.... I live in a poor reception area.

 

DAB reception is better than FM with this aerial !

 

Yes, it autoswitches between DAB and FM. When autoswitch to FM from DAB the display shows this change of status.

[milesunder]

So just to confirm do all new Superbs with a Columbus with DAB have the whip aerial as standard?

Also slightly off topic when I bought my car from Skoda it didn't come with the radio code. Can I ask a dealer for the code or should it have come with the car?

[lowedb]

Does anyone know what sort of cost a Columbus with DAB is from a dealer? 

 

According to the workshop manuals on the estate version the DAB antenna is in the rear window. Now the amplifier and cable won't be fitted, but I wonder if the pattern is there on the glass? 

[slater7]

Yes,

I have installed a Columbus DAB system..... very easy.

Ebay....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-COLUMBUS-RNS510-DAB-2014-RNS-510-LED-V10-MAP-NAVIGATION-VERSION-H-/221403534283?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item338cadd3cb

No problem with supplier... item looks brand new and fast delivery

Aerial part number....   6R0035501D

Ebay.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEU-Original-Antenne-6R0035501D-Golf-VW-SKODA-Radio-Telefon-GPS-/271429676669?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item3f32782e7d

Delivery was a bit slow.... 16 days.... not fault of supplier but Polish Post system

Extra FAKRA cables from.... (2 required)....

Ebay.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120994818248?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

 

Fast delivery

DAB reception outstanding !.... massive improvement in FM signal as 6R0035501D has FM aerial as well as DAB.

 

Im really interested to change my Columbus for DAB one...do I need 2 cables? I think for my installation I will need only extra cable for dab - am I right?

And could you tell me where the original cables run through the car to columbus unit ? 

Edited 25 January, 2015 by slater7

[StuartTunstall]

I am quite impressed with the "standard" Columbus DAB unit that came with my MY2015 Superb, great reception... DAB is a big improvement on FM for long trips.. I.e I travel from York to Cardiff once a year, as a rule for the trip I try to listen to Smooth FM, on FM I would have to wait until I could pick it up on FM, then retune a couple of times on-route, then lose it just before Cardiff... 

 

On DAB I can hear  it at home, and do not touch the radio until I get back home... perfect reception the whole trip... 

[tecton]

Hi,

 

Just upgraded my columbus head unit to the DAB version. Have a temp screen DAB antenna, looking to replace with the 6R0035501D base, and 6R0035849A whip antenna. Can see from the post by Slater7 that additional FAKRA cables are required, do you have a part number / link for these?

 

Cheers