Columbus Sales & Repair.

[Rustynuts]

A few members have had repairs carried out by me over the past few months so I thought it'd be better to post in here. I repair and /or sell Columbus units (and the VW version RNS510) in my spare time. Possible repairs start at security code retrieval, through software re-installs and upgrades, to component replacement such as hard drives, radio boards, dvd drives, replacement touchscreens, etc. and complete replacement units if beyond repair.

 

So if your Columbus has a fault, screen been damaged by some means, sat nav lost its way, or any such issue, drop me a message and it's possibly fixable.

 

You'll need to get the unit to me in North Yorks obviously, and postage both ways will be your cost. If it's beyond economic repair or you decide not to go ahead with any repairs once diagnosed, then just return postage and a small charge for diagnostics will apply.  If you're local then you're welcome to drop in and collect etc. at mutual convenience (don't forget, we have real lives to live as well as work).

 

I aim to be as cheap as possible really and all prices are based on what it costs me and my time . It's a service for Briskoda members only, and as a bonus I'll offer discounts for full Freedom members. Simply join Freedom and the discount will be applicable. Common faults are damaged or scratched screens, satellites not found, no sound, boot errors (unit rebooting or failure to start, white or black screen), dvd drive failed or noisy, complete failure (no activity at all), and software problems.

 

Not all faults are repairable, and the largest number of faults I deal with are failed software updates (second to damaged screens). If you've tried updating your unit and it's dead, then it may be that you've made yourself a paperweight or a door stop.

 

Please note, the earlier LCD units are not something I repair or deal with I'm afraid. Spare parts availability (or lack of), and the fragile nature of the units means it's not practical to repair them.

 

All Columbus units are now shipping with V16 maps installed.

 

I can now also replace touchscreen displays from the MIB Amundsen and Columbus units.

 

 

Edited 16 January, 2019 by Rustynuts

[Rustynuts]

Some prices: Note the prices in Green are discount prices for Full Freedom members (Freedom Market not included I'm afraid).

 

New: - Amundsen MIB unit screen replacement: -         £95      £80

 

New: - Columbus MIB unit screen replacement: -         £95      £80

 

Software reload & maps reinstall: -                       £60    £55 (This is usually a repair for various faults such as boot loop issue, splash screen corruption etc.)

 

LED screen replacement : -                                     £95      £80

 

Radio board replacement : -                                    £110      £100

 

DAB radio board replacement : -                            £145     £130

 

Power board replacement : -                                   £45      £40

 

Fan plate replacement : -                                        £20      £18

 

DVD drive replacement : -                                       £80      £70

 

Security code retrieval : -                                        £15      £10

 

Hard drive change / upgrade : -                               £50      £45

 

SD Card reader replacement : -                               £30       £25                     

 

Any other failures or repairs, please enquire.

 

Mainboard replacement : -   Usually not available due to cost of components vs exchange unit.  Please enquire if yours has failed.

 

Please note. The latest C14 hardware (firmware 6270 - 6276) is not included in this price list. Please enquire if your unit is faulty.

 

If your unit is beyond economic repair I can supply replacement units at competitive rates, with part exchange deals for your broken unit if practical.

 

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Various items for sale (subject to availability). UK Delivery included.

 

GPS antenna (magnetic/3mtr cable) : -                   £10          £9

 

Standard Columbus unit : -                                   £340     £315  None available.

 

Columbus SSD unit : -                                            £370      £345  None available.

 

Columbus DAB/HDD unit : -                                  £385      £360  None available.

 

Columbus DAB/SSD unit : -                                   £395      £380 Two available.

 

As you can see, it's often worthwhile becoming a Freedom member and taking advantage of the savings available.

 

As an added bonus for Freedom members: Technical support for software reload / repair if feasible for free.

 

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Edited 28 January, 2022 by Rustynuts

[kwmax]

hi can you repair a bolero 510 non nav. fault on fm only intermitant cutting outant is not at fault thanks

[Rustynuts]

Sorry mate. I can't repair the Bolero units I'm afraid. I've also replied the same to your pm.

[Rustynuts]

I have a limited stock of DAB bundles available. These consist of a DAB Columbus, an OEM DAB/GPS/FM/Phone sharkfin antenna, and two 6mtr Fakra extension cables. Essentially, everything you need for a DAB installation. Replace your rear mounted standard antenna, pull the cables through, fit the head unit, a bit of coding, and that's pretty much it. Antenna kits are new, Columbus will be second hand but good condition.

 

The price for the kit will be £475 for standard members, and £445 for Freedom members. Delivery now free, or collection.

 

 

Currently no DAB antenna kits available.

Edited 3 March, 2019 by Rustynuts

[RainbowFire]

Dear aunty Nuts,

 

I have a Columbus in my Scout, all is good in the hood, except when I crank up the volume (you can't listen to Pink Floyd on less than 50%!) but nowhere near 100%, it sounds like amp is distorting the sound and clipping. I didn't have this problem when I had an RNS510 (I swapped the 510 for the Columbus). Is there anything in the coding I should be looking for, or am I going to need a repair? There's no external amp in the car. It's not a massive problem personally, as I now drive an E36, but my dad complains every now and again.

 

Thank you in advance. :)

[Rustynuts]

There are settings you can adjust with VCDS for "Equaliser", which adapts the output for different vehicles and their speaker setups. Check this page for a bit more info. If you still have the RNS510 (or a scan log from when it was fitted) then you could replicate the coding of that, apply it to the Columbus, and see if it improves the sound quality?

[RainbowFire]

There are settings you can adjust with VCDS for "Equaliser", which adapts the output for different vehicles and their speaker setups. Check this page for a bit more info. If you still have the RNS510 (or a scan log from when it was fitted) then you could replicate the coding of that, apply it to the Columbus, and see if it improves the sound quality?

 

Cheers, I'll have a look at that one.

 

Sadly (?) the 510 was traded for the Columbus. There was a VW owner who had a Columbus, and I had a 510, so we swapped.

[Rustynuts]

Well, if you have a VCDS scan from when the RNS510 was installed, the long coding will be in that log.

[RainbowFire]

Well, if you have a VCDS scan from when the RNS510 was installed, the long coding will be in that log.

 

Have rebuilt the laptop twice since then, so sadly not :( :(

 

Will crack out VCDS tomorrow and have a poke around

[ashfan]

I`m tempted by one of your DAB kits, if you have any left.

 

Just one question, would you be interested in a "part ex" for my Columbus, working perfectly,  with V13 maps and firmware 4238 (I think). I know I can get the hidden menu anyway.

 

There might be one problem and that is the code wasn`t passed to me when I bought the car.

[Rustynuts]

If you can get the part number from the top of the unit on the label then let me know. A picture would be ideal. We'll talk about a part exchange based on that data.

Cheers.

[ashfan]

Yes I can do that. I'll get onto it tomorrow, I'm a bit busy at the mo

[ashfan]

Here you go. I`ve included one of the unit turned on just to show it working

 

 

[Rustynuts]

Messaged you mate.

[tubbytommy]

ive just exchanged my old non dab columbus for a dab version and new aerial with rusty nuts.

 

very pleased with the new unit dab aerial and coding.

 

thanks for the help much appreciated   

[Rustynuts]

Cheers mate. Pleasure to meet you.

[Rustynuts]

I have a limited stock of DAB bundles available. These consist of a DAB Columbus, an OEM DAB/GPS/FM/Phone sharkfin antenna, and two 6mtr Fakra extension cables. Essentially, everything you need for a DAB installation. Replace your rear mounted standard antenna, pull the cables through, fit the head unit, a bit of coding, and that's pretty much it. Antenna kits are new, Columbus will be second hand but good condition.

 

The price for the kit will be £475 for standard members, and £450 for Freedom members. Delivery £20 extra or free collection.

 

Just one left now...

[ashfan]

ive just exchanged my old non dab columbus for a dab version and new aerial with rusty nuts.

 

very pleased with the new unit dab aerial and coding.

 

thanks for the help much appreciated   

Same here. Unit fitted, coded, and all working. Free coffee and free lesson on keeping marine fish thrown in, excellent service.

Many thanks Rustynuts. To my great shame I forgot to ask your first name.

[Rustynuts]

Aye. cheers to you as well.

[Clive]

Same here. Unit fitted, coded, and all working. Free coffee and free lesson on keeping marine fish thrown in, excellent service.

Many thanks Rustynuts. To my great shame I forgot to ask your first name.

 

Yes I recently met and received great service from Rustynuts , no fish keeping lesson though   

[hutchysrs50]

I can also vouch for Rusty, I've been dealing with him for a guess a few years now and recently purchased one of his DAB kits, everything works perfect and would happily deal with again! I did get my free gift also

[Nathanio]

Bought a Columbus off Andy for our Fabia. Was incredibly helpful and was sent when he said it would. Offered fitting advice and even followed up to check we were happy.

10/10 from me and SWMBO!

[Conor1974]

I am currently struggling to get a decent signal with a cheap Magmount DAB aerial connected to our Columbus. 

 

Is it possible to buy just the sharkfin DAB aerial and associated leads?

 

Thanks.

[tubbytommy]

I am currently struggling to get a decent signal with a cheap Magmount DAB aerial connected to our Columbus. 

 

Is it possible to buy just the sharkfin DAB aerial and associated leads?

 

Thanks.

yup exactly what i did supplied by rustynuts, been great so far