Concert 1 to RNS-E

robert

robert

Member
Hello fellow A2'ers,

Since this is my first post here I'd like to start with "hi" and thank everyone for this great resource and meetingpoint.

I want to install a RNS-E into my Audi A2 and understand the modelling needed to make the single DIN dash into a double DIN. (It will be fun.) Also the cutting of the front panel of the RNS-E. I'm not sure about the wiring though, and must ask you professional retrofitters...

The car is an Audi A2 1.4 TDi 2001 no Bose and without FIS (Driver Information System in the dash) and the Concert 1 is installed today. As far as I know, A2's without FIS and with the first generation of Concert only have wires for "Low-/High-BUS" in the dash, which is not the same as "CAN-Bus-High/-Low". Is the CAN-bus found elsewhere, or do I need a CAN-Bus emulator?

Has anyone successfully upgraded the dash to one with FIS?

Any recomendations where to buy a cable to ease the installation. (I want to have video, Dension ice-link and the possibility to retrofit the bluetooth phone system later. I know I can change that later but if I can make that now I'll gladly pay for it.)

Sincerely,
Robert
Sweden
 
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Hi Robert, welcome to the A2oc.
Sorry to be so negative but the only satisfactory way to fit the RNS-E sat nav is to replace the whole dashboard. If you modify the existing cut-out to double din then you end up with no propper locating lugs to hold the sat nav unit in position. I've seen it done and its not recommended. Take a look at the photos on the attached link.
http://www.audi-a2club.de/thread.ph...0&sid=ad4b128c4699859a4675a77fc6b7340a&page=2

I don't recall any of our members upgrading the dash but it should not be too difficult. Your existing unit cannot be converted so a whole new instrument cluster with FIS is required. Once fitted, this will need re coding by your dealer or with the VagCom diagnostic tool.

Cheers Spike
 
I second Spikes opinion here.

As one of the professional retro-fitters to which you refer, I must say that I wouldn't even contemplate your projects - a dash swap and an instrument swap and CAN emulation are just not worth it - get another A2, it'll work out cheaper in the long run.

I'm sorry not to be more positive, but you might as well know the score right from the start.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Thank you both for the upright recomendations.

I know it's a daring job with the dash but as a seasoned model aircraft builder I'm not worried for that task. My plan is to take out the whole piece on the work bench, clean the inside of the dash, take a double din frame from an A4, cut that down and glue the bits with Araldit so that the Audi tools for removing the RNS-E will work. If needed I mill some distances out of aluminium. I might also stiffen the whole piece with some carbon fibre on the inside if needed. (I've read the dash is delicate and removing the bars will make it even more fragile. The weight of the RNS-E does add up.)

I don't really need the FIS but the instrument swap would be nice to do while having the operation.
I'm still not sure if I must use a Can-Bus emulator or if I can find the Can-Bus elsewhere in the car? The Bus-High/-Low is the wrong bus, right?

I guess if I have to use a Can-Bus emulator the instrument swap is impossible.

That URL, Spike, was the first dash conversion, by Mütze. Here's the next one, by Carpinius, made with experience from the first:
http://www.audi-a2club.de/thread.php?threadid=11884

/Robert
 
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I bought a CAN-bus emulator on Ebay from a guy in Germany, so that our 2001 model would take a later Concert CD player.

It seems to work ok, though I may have one or two connections crossed - the unit thinks there is no switched live, so it turns off after an hour and the controls aren't illuminated. Keep meaning to get round to having another go...
 
Hi Robert
You have certainly thought the dash conversion through. I would personally still not recommend it but good luck with the modifications.
If you have not already seen it, the attached link is very helpful. It's not specifically for A2's but it shows a Symphony1 to RNS-E conversion. I think you could get the can bus connections from the instrument cluster without the need for an emulator.
I bought an adaptor cable for my Symphony 1 to CD based RNS-D + Bose from a guy in Germany called Ralf Deventer and was impressed with the service - and his English.

http://www.nsxjr.com/downloads.html

e.bay link http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZnavkom-technik-rheineQQhtZ-1

Cheers Spike
 
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