I'm toying with the idea of fitting a Columbus / RNS510 head unit in my 2012 VRS estate.

It came with the Bolero / Kufatec fiscon combo.

I'm just wondering what I would need to complete the install?

Is the Kufatec compatible with the Columbus or will I have to buy a new Bluetooth module?

Are there any bits other than the head unit that I need?

I realise the Columbus will need coded in using VCDS.

Columbus, a GPS antenna, and probably a new shape fascia surround as the two units are a different shape.

 

Fiscon is compatible with the Columbus, no problem. As long as it's the Basic Plus version you'll be fine on all counts.

 

And yes, coding to make things work properly.

 

There's a Columbus for sale in the link in my sig btw.

yep, as above.  my car came from the factory with bolero.  i added fiscon bluetooth.  i later added a columbus - works fine with the fiscon, just like the bolero did.

 

you'll need the puck type gps antenna (works fine under the dash) which are a few quid on ebay and the dash surround as the columbus is a different shape to bolero.   it won't need coding to work, but if you want the info to display on maxidot then the nav option will need to be ticked on vcds.

 

 

is it worth it?  absolutely yes.  its a great unit.

Get one.

 

There will be no regrets.

How much they running at nowadays? Upgraded to a Bolero years ago cos they were too pricey at the time.

You can get them for around 275 - 350

mine came with factory fitted and i love it, my friend has a bolero, the columbus is streets ahead

Can I ask..

 

I have the nice-looking (but I think a bit cheapo) Balero in my 2010 Vrs, but as it never came with the bluetooth connectivity upgrade, doesnt have any kind of GPS, the screen is a bit lo-res. and the SD card reader is unfeasably slow when reading folders (not loose mp3's I'll admit), I'm thinking about getting the Columbus unit as I want it std looking with the relevant functions (such as heating, rear parking display etc).

 

So questions:

1. does the Columbus have a better (less minecraft!) screen resolution?

2. does the std columbus have built-in gps that will work if I just plug the unit into my car (with the additional of an antenna/cable or two)?

3. does the columbus (I'm thinking of the S/H ones from Lithuania on ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131553229817?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

have bluetooth connectivity as standard (I imagine not), if not, is there a product that I can get what will do the job relatively cheaply?

4. I assume that it is pretty much replace the unit, add gps antenna, replace the facia with a different shaped Columbus one (link?), get it coded with someone who has VCDS.   Am I on the right track?

 

1. No

2. No, external antenna is neccesary, but can be install in dashboard

3. No, only RNS310 (Amundsen+) has built-in BT.

4. Yes, yes, yes, yes and may be second FM/AM aerial instaled again in dashboard.

1. Yes. Much better.

2. No. But a GPS puck should be supplied with it and thus just plugs in the back.

3. No. As stated only some Anundsen+ units have it built in and are worth looking out for.

4. Yes. Second aerial will already be in place if you have a FL Octavia, Yeti, or most VAG cars since about 2010.

The better Columbus units are about £350-400 still. Avoid ones starting in '1Z0'.

Unless you want to play DVD's whilst stationary or want a larger screen or want a HDD to store music on (32Gb cards work in an Amundsen and is more storage than the Columbus has for music) then I'd look for an Amundsen+ with BT (look for a MAC in the sticker).

1. No

2. No, external antenna is neccesary, but can be install in dashboard

3. No, only RNS310 (Amundsen+) has built-in BT.

4. Yes, yes, yes, yes and may be second FM/AM aerial instaled again in dashboard.

So point 2 - the only thing that stops the columbus from being a working satnav is an antenna lead, and the software and controls?

1. Yes. Much better.

2. No. But a GPS puck should be supplied with it and thus just plugs in the back.

3. No. As stated only some Anundsen+ units have it built in and are worth looking out for.

4. Yes. Second aerial will already be in place if you have a FL Octavia, Yeti, or most VAG cars since about 2010.

The better Columbus units are about £350-400 still. Avoid ones starting in '1Z0'.

Unless you want to play DVD's whilst stationary or want a larger screen or want a HDD to store music on (32Gb cards work in an Amundsen and is more storage than the Columbus has for music) then I'd look for an Amundsen+ with BT (look for a MAC in the sticker).

Thanks for that!

So..

Point 3 - actually dont like the look of the RNS310 (seems to have a smaller screen?) and think I would rather the Columbus (even if only in erms of looks), so do you know what the Skoda/VAG kit P/N is to upgrade the columbus? Is it this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121295685399?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (or similar?)

There are lots of different BT modules out there, but the link is to one of the sort you need. And £140 is about right on price.

If the Columbus in. Attach the GPS antenna. Code the vehicle. And that's it.

So point 2 - the only thing that stops the columbus from being a working satnav is an antenna lead, and the software and controls?

 

No, just the GPS unit. You don't *need* MFSW or MaxiDot to use it. The software is built-in as are the controls.

 

Not necessarily need to code the car either, comes down to what it was in before. Columbus will use DDP(old) or BAP(new). Mine came from a BAP car, 30 seconds with VCDS and then it was DDP.....but this was so it would display in MaxiDot.

 

The other main difference between a Amundsen(RNS-31x) and Columbus(RNS-510) is that whilst the 31x has more features "out of the box", you need to sell your first-born to be able to afford updates......whereas Columbus is exceptionally easy.  

Just fitted my Columbus which, had the quadlock not been a bit stubborn coming out of the Bolero, took about 10 minutes. Full integration with maxidot (07/57 Scout) but MFSW doesn't appear to work. I now have 'factory fit' sat nav plus Bluetooth all for around £300.

Stream -> Bolero -> Columbus in less than 6 months!

I believe there is a firmware update on the internet that will get most of the MFSW buttons working.

I replaced my Bolero with a Columbus on Wednesday evening... 30 minutes after collecting my car. Got a Columbus off eBay rev C for 280, gps antenna for 10 and then the fascia trim from a local dealer for 58 quid. Surprised at how much the fascia trim was!

Definitely worth it though

I believe there is a firmware update on the internet that will get most of the MFSW buttons working.

Any pointers as to where and how gratefully received!!

Here's an explanation of what to do: http://forums.ross-tech.com/showthread.php?326-RNS510-steering-wheel-buttons-don-t-work

There is a firmware update to download on the net already. Probably on 'My Gti' or 'GPS Underground' or 'VW Navi' forums.

I replaced my Bolero with a Columbus on Wednesday evening... 30 minutes after collecting my car. Got a Columbus off eBay rev C for 280, gps antenna for 10 and then the fascia trim from a local dealer for 58 quid. Surprised at how much the fascia trim was!

Definitely worth it though

So did you have to route a new mic/cable up into the grill in the headlining pod or is it already there as standard (in for example a 2010 vrs F.L.)?

Just fitted my Columbus which, had the quadlock not been a bit stubborn coming out of the Bolero, took about 10 minutes. Full integration with maxidot (07/57 Scout) but MFSW doesn't appear to work. I now have 'factory fit' sat nav plus Bluetooth all for around £300.

Stream -> Bolero -> Columbus in less than 6 months!

Er.. wtf is a quadlock?

The mic/ wiring is not there as standard - that needs adding if you want phone functionality.

In totally non technical language the quadlock is the thing into which all the wiring associated with the head unit is fed and which then plugs into the back of the head unit.

What Sarge said!

I routed my mic behind the glovebox, up the A pillar and across the front of the roof lining to the grill in the interior light. Not difficult.

So did you have to route a new mic/cable up into the grill in the headlining pod or is it already there as standard (in for example a 2010 vrs F.L.)?

Only got the Columbus at the moment, so the mic/wiring is not applicable. I do have a 7P6 Bluetooth module plus mic etc on the way, and to fit it I will need to route the mic up the a pillar, above the headlining and into the light unit at the front.

1. Yes. Much better.

2. No. But a GPS puck should be supplied with it and thus just plugs in the back.

3. No. As stated only some Anundsen+ units have it built in and are worth looking out for.

4. Yes. Second aerial will already be in place if you have a FL Octavia, Yeti, or most VAG cars since about 2010.

The better Columbus units are about £350-400 still. Avoid ones starting in '1Z0'.

Unless you want to play DVD's whilst stationary or want a larger screen or want a HDD to store music on (32Gb cards work in an Amundsen and is more storage than the Columbus has for music) then I'd look for an Amundsen+ with BT (look for a MAC in the sticker).

Why are the ones starting with "1Z0" to be avoided ?