Newbie here; first post so take it easy on me if this has been asked before. I've spent a couple of days searching these forums and those at nwnavi.com to get an answer to my question, to no avail.

I have a '99 Octavia SLX which I want to put Sat Nav in. For many reason, including my wifes issues with things hanging from the windscreen, an OEM VW/Skoda/Audi/Seat MFD unit is preferred.

I think I have sorted all of the problems I might come across, such as needing an autochanger, having to VAG-COM in to change the settings, using a p&p wire and GPS antenna. However, I'm stuck confirming one thing.

It seems that these units require a speed source, either from ABS pulse or GALA that the radio currently uses or in the most modern ones, maybe from the CAN-BUS. My question is, does my car have any of these?:confused:

The current HU is a Grundig 411, which I don't think has the GALA volume control. So my real question is, will I be able to use a revD or revG VW MFD (or RevA/B Skoda unit) in a '99 Octavia. I'd rather not use a rev A or B VW unit as I understand these don't use the DX mapping that is being updated.:thumbdwn:

If anyone knows whether this can be done, or better still, has managed to do it, I would be greatful for a reply.

Regards

John

Your Plug and Play loom will take care of the connections.

I fitted one to a Fabia using a VW G, and the Plug and Play loom which works fine.

Thanks for the reply Stu, much appreciated.

Looking at all the photos in here, the VW or Skoda units look so much better than any of the aftermarket units, so I'm pleased I can fit one. I can now hit ebay in search of the perfect MFD for my car!

Thanks again, great forum this!

John

VRStu: As I understood it,

J

Yes sorry, perhaps I should have made it a little clearer.

I'm not saying which MFD will work in the early cars simply that the Plug and Play Loom is designed to overcome the connection problems with the CANBUS/ABS feed when fitting an MFD.

I think you are right about the early ones being of a lesser spec and possibly non DX.

Ah, right, so maybe not as simple as I thought. So was I right about this whole ABS pulse thing being critical?

From what I can gather, all of the Octavias have the speed pulse on PIN 1 of connector A on the ISO radio connector, or at least does when adapted. This information has been gleaned from other suppliers of fitted Sat Nav units when setting out their wiring instructions.

I suppose that leaves the question; can the VW revD and G units gain their speed data from the ABS pulse, or do they need to gain their data only from the CAN-BUS. I had heard a suggestion somewhere, probably VWNavi, that the revG uses CAN to talk to the steering column controls and the secondary display. Maybe I need to go there to get the answer....unless anyone here knows?

I really don't think a non-DX system would be an option as the maps aren't updated anymore. Not much use using maps from pre-2003.

Cheers

John

I think these are the right maps. 2007 edition.

United Kingdom - Ireland 2007 - Blaupunkt TravelPilot

J

Cheers 51octytdi. Thats interesting stuff. I still think I would prefer a revD onwards, inorder to get the colour screen, but maybe beggars can't be choosers.

I spent an unhealthy amount of time last night reading the excellent vwnavi.com forums. From what I can gather, the rev A and B MFD units only worked on ABS pulse, and therefore don't work in newer cars. The rev D unit can be confirgured to use either GALA or ABS pulse, while it appears that the rev G may only support GALA (Not sure on that one).

I suppose that leaves one question; if I want any VW/Skoda RNS units to work I need to know if a '99 Octavia SLX has an ABS pulse feed to the radio connector. It has ABS, but I'm not inclined to try wiring into the braking system to find it. It would seem that I would need this evenif I want to use an aftermarket system like the pioneer AVIC-X1, which also relies on ABS pulses for distance.

Well if anyone knows for certain, I'd appreciate your response. I think I might try firing off a question a vwnavi.com as well.

Many thanks for your help on this one. I think I am getting closer to an answer, whether it is positive or negative remains to be seen.

Cheers!

OK, I found an answer to my questions so I thought i would make my contribution to the forum by putting a bit of in.

I spoke to a Skoda service center about this whole speed pulse nonsense. It appears that my '99 SLX TDi does have a speed signal on Pin 1 of the radio connector. Whether this is GALA or ABS Pulse, we weren't able to determine, but either way this is result.

The upshot would seem to be that I can put a VW MFD verD into the car. I'm satifed I've done enough searching to not feel annoyed if it doesn't work out in the end, time to go shopping.

I'll report back if it works out, just in case anyone else who happens to own an old Octy wants to put a sat nav unit in. Not everyone can own a new car :P

Thanks for your help.

John

Even if the speed pulse doesn't work the sat nav will still work on GPS only it just isn't quite as accurate regarding distance from turns etc..