RNS-E Upgrade - Completed!
- Thread starter Skipton01
- Start date
ben
Administrator
I'm going to put a fitting guide up in the next few days for a 'standard' RNS-E retro-fit - i.e. for someone that already has a Double-DIN space. I've got all the photos - just need to complete the text - so if anyone is about to embark upon this task before then - then let me know and I'll get a move on...
Skipton01
Admin Team
Should really have taken photos during my install, but I was on a bit of a mission at the time!
It would probably only have put people off anyway seeing a nude A2 (in the dash area anyway).
I take it that you are all done and dusted now and that you're gone one better and fitted the Bluetooth module? I am still thinking about having mine done, but my phone isn't compatible apparently (XDA2i).
CHeers,
Mike
It would probably only have put people off anyway seeing a nude A2 (in the dash area anyway).
I take it that you are all done and dusted now and that you're gone one better and fitted the Bluetooth module? I am still thinking about having mine done, but my phone isn't compatible apparently (XDA2i).
CHeers,
Mike
ben
Administrator
No bluetooth yet - I also have a phone that is only partly compatible (SE P910i). Last thing for me to do is flash my Icelink Plus to 2.17 tonight - it's currently running 2.10, which doesn't work as well with the RNS-E. 2.15 brought in some useful iPod-navi features too...
Ben
Ben
ben
Administrator
I'm running 2.17 now - seems much improved. I downloaded from:
http://install.dension.com/ICE-LINK_PLUS_FW_217.exe
Extract the file are read the history_21x.txt file:
FYI: 3.09 is on there too - but that currently doesn't work with Audi head units.
Ben
http://install.dension.com/ICE-LINK_PLUS_FW_217.exe
Extract the file are read the history_21x.txt file:
FYI: 3.09 is on there too - but that currently doesn't work with Audi head units.
Ben
Skipton01
Admin Team
Nice one Ben - pity they haven't implemented the MP3 tag info being displayed in DIS, like sd cards do - BMW can do it, so why not us?
Oh and the elapsed track time still goes up to 0:09 then resets when you're in CD6 mode!
I've flashed to V2.15 but as yet can't see much difference to the old firmware, never mind though, keeps me off the streets!
Cheers,
Mike
Oh and the elapsed track time still goes up to 0:09 then resets when you're in CD6 mode!
I've flashed to V2.15 but as yet can't see much difference to the old firmware, never mind though, keeps me off the streets!
Cheers,
Mike
robert
Member
It's seams to be a Dremel job but you must also consider the fittings. I'm up for it, but I must say I don't want to talk you into it.
We have two URL's to the German A2-forum in the parallell thread here (named "Concert 1 to RNS-E"). Please join that one and consider the warnings from the professionals...
We have two URL's to the German A2-forum in the parallell thread here (named "Concert 1 to RNS-E"). Please join that one and consider the warnings from the professionals...
toby1
Member
RNS-D vs E
I'm certain Mike or Spike will know the answer to this.
I'm eyeing up a 2002 Sport with factory sat nav. This will be, I presume, RNS-D since E was never fitted - I hope that's right. I've been stalking the forum on this subject for weeks, and my conclusion is I would be better off changing cars than carry out this work. Not only because my tool kit amounts to a reversable screwdriver which may not be quite enough.
I have a few things to weigh up, but I take it if I subsequently wanted to change D to E, this is a far simpler operation not just because the dash is the correct size?
So what are the major differences between the two? Is the Sat Nav plus RNS-D (as I think it's called) a decent system, e.g. post code search?
My main concern is what I might be able to sell my current car for, compared to what's being asked for this Sport - but that's another matter. In other words, how much would I expect to contribute on top of whatever mine's worth? Another forum, I know! But I'm allowing £1000 for the factory satnav if fitted retrospectively - certainly not by me.
Cheers guys.
I'm certain Mike or Spike will know the answer to this.
I'm eyeing up a 2002 Sport with factory sat nav. This will be, I presume, RNS-D since E was never fitted - I hope that's right. I've been stalking the forum on this subject for weeks, and my conclusion is I would be better off changing cars than carry out this work. Not only because my tool kit amounts to a reversable screwdriver which may not be quite enough.
I have a few things to weigh up, but I take it if I subsequently wanted to change D to E, this is a far simpler operation not just because the dash is the correct size?
So what are the major differences between the two? Is the Sat Nav plus RNS-D (as I think it's called) a decent system, e.g. post code search?
My main concern is what I might be able to sell my current car for, compared to what's being asked for this Sport - but that's another matter. In other words, how much would I expect to contribute on top of whatever mine's worth? Another forum, I know! But I'm allowing £1000 for the factory satnav if fitted retrospectively - certainly not by me.
Cheers guys.
Hi toby1
As you thought ,Audi only ever fitted RNS-D sat nav's to the A2.
Any car with the double-din size dash is relatively easy to retrofit with sat nav. If you specifically want the RNS-E version then why not consider buying a car with a Symphony radio unit and DIS instrument display. This way you get the correct dash without the extra expense of a sat-nav unit you are going to change anyway. Other advantages of starting with RNS-D sat nav already installed are minimal other than the car will almost certainly have DIS and a CD changer in the boot.
The older RNS-D version is CD based and the head unit takes map discs only - it cannot play music CD's. You would need a map disc for each country - expensive if you are touring europe. It has a post code search but won't take full codes but it does list all street names and allow input of intersecting streets. For more info take a look at the link to the full owners manual.
http://www.nav-plus.com/instructions/operation.html
My knowledge of the RNS-E version is limited but Mike will no doubt provide an overview of the newer system.
Cheers Spike
As you thought ,Audi only ever fitted RNS-D sat nav's to the A2.
Any car with the double-din size dash is relatively easy to retrofit with sat nav. If you specifically want the RNS-E version then why not consider buying a car with a Symphony radio unit and DIS instrument display. This way you get the correct dash without the extra expense of a sat-nav unit you are going to change anyway. Other advantages of starting with RNS-D sat nav already installed are minimal other than the car will almost certainly have DIS and a CD changer in the boot.
The older RNS-D version is CD based and the head unit takes map discs only - it cannot play music CD's. You would need a map disc for each country - expensive if you are touring europe. It has a post code search but won't take full codes but it does list all street names and allow input of intersecting streets. For more info take a look at the link to the full owners manual.
http://www.nav-plus.com/instructions/operation.html
My knowledge of the RNS-E version is limited but Mike will no doubt provide an overview of the newer system.
Cheers Spike
Skipton01
Admin Team
Hi Toby,
Spike has pretty much covered what I was going to say, so I'll keep my comments limited to the RNS-E.
The main difference between D and E is the fact that the E is still current, so maps are available right up to the present day (well, May 2006 is the latest), as opposed to 2003-ish being the last D map disc.
Also, the whole of Western Europe, Scandinavia and Ireland are included on the E's dvd and the system is very fast at calculating routes, both at the start of a journey and dynamically, should you take a wrong turn.
The control interface is MMI style so is very intuitive to use, you basically have 4 buttons arranged around a central dial. The dial acts as an input device and the 4 buttons map to 4 options or sub-menus shown in the corresponding corner of the screen.
The dislpay is also substantially larger at 7 inches and is a widescreen format. There is the ability to add bluetooth, DAB radio, Freeview and various other Audi modules to the RNS-E as well.
The dvd player cannot play back dvd movies directly (as yet, but there are various companies and individuals working on a way round this), but it can play back music cds and mp3 cds, although not at the same time as navigation.
There are also 2 Sd card slots behind the screen, capable of taking 4 gig cards, so you'll never be short of a song or two!
Hope this helps in your choice and should you decide that you need an install doing in the future, please get in touch.
I would also like to reinforce Spikes point about getting an A2 with just a Symphony installed. As long as it is a 2002 or later car, there will be CAN bus and so swapping to RNS-E will be just as easy as from RNS-D. The bonus is that it'll be cheaper, or you may get BOSE or other extras for the same money.
Cheers,
Mike
Spike has pretty much covered what I was going to say, so I'll keep my comments limited to the RNS-E.
The main difference between D and E is the fact that the E is still current, so maps are available right up to the present day (well, May 2006 is the latest), as opposed to 2003-ish being the last D map disc.
Also, the whole of Western Europe, Scandinavia and Ireland are included on the E's dvd and the system is very fast at calculating routes, both at the start of a journey and dynamically, should you take a wrong turn.
The control interface is MMI style so is very intuitive to use, you basically have 4 buttons arranged around a central dial. The dial acts as an input device and the 4 buttons map to 4 options or sub-menus shown in the corresponding corner of the screen.
The dislpay is also substantially larger at 7 inches and is a widescreen format. There is the ability to add bluetooth, DAB radio, Freeview and various other Audi modules to the RNS-E as well.
The dvd player cannot play back dvd movies directly (as yet, but there are various companies and individuals working on a way round this), but it can play back music cds and mp3 cds, although not at the same time as navigation.
There are also 2 Sd card slots behind the screen, capable of taking 4 gig cards, so you'll never be short of a song or two!
Hope this helps in your choice and should you decide that you need an install doing in the future, please get in touch.
I would also like to reinforce Spikes point about getting an A2 with just a Symphony installed. As long as it is a 2002 or later car, there will be CAN bus and so swapping to RNS-E will be just as easy as from RNS-D. The bonus is that it'll be cheaper, or you may get BOSE or other extras for the same money.
Cheers,
Mike
SpeedEight
Member
Symphony I to RNS-E
Hi Guys,
I'm picking up my 2001 A2 1.4 TDi on Saturday and would like to upgrade to the RNS-E.
I've got the Double Din slot and DIS so that's a good start. The current radio is the Symphony I. I've been reading the threads on here and the various links that people have suggested but I wonder if you could answer a few questions?
So here goes:
1. The unit itself, I need to get the A6 model don't I? Can someone who only has a GCSE in woodwork cut down a RNS-E to fit the A2? Seriously though I don't want to make a pigs ear out of this and is the biggest worry in the whole thing. Any tips on doing this, pictures, tools used, etc?
2. The guide on here http://www.nsxjr.com/downloads.html for the Symphony I to RNS-E is for an A6, are the steps to hook into the CANbus similar / the same / completely different in the A2?.
3. Second hand units seem to come with the code card, GPS antenna and DVD map disc. I think I need a Fakra aerial converter and wiring harness to convert what I have already to the RNS-E connectors, is this correct? I believe this can be sourced from the Ralf guy mentioned on this thread if you tell him what you need? Are there any other bits I'd need?
4. VAG-COM recoding, bit confused in this area. If you have the correct lead and the software on your laptop what happens then? Does this plug into the car's diagnostic port which then communicates with the RNS-E (when hooked up) or does it plug directly into the RNS-E? The lead / software seems quite expensive for a one off job, can it be loaned?
Anything I've missed?
Thanks in advance for any info you can give me
Ian.
Hi Guys,
I'm picking up my 2001 A2 1.4 TDi on Saturday and would like to upgrade to the RNS-E.
I've got the Double Din slot and DIS so that's a good start. The current radio is the Symphony I. I've been reading the threads on here and the various links that people have suggested but I wonder if you could answer a few questions?
So here goes:
1. The unit itself, I need to get the A6 model don't I? Can someone who only has a GCSE in woodwork cut down a RNS-E to fit the A2? Seriously though I don't want to make a pigs ear out of this and is the biggest worry in the whole thing. Any tips on doing this, pictures, tools used, etc?
2. The guide on here http://www.nsxjr.com/downloads.html for the Symphony I to RNS-E is for an A6, are the steps to hook into the CANbus similar / the same / completely different in the A2?.
3. Second hand units seem to come with the code card, GPS antenna and DVD map disc. I think I need a Fakra aerial converter and wiring harness to convert what I have already to the RNS-E connectors, is this correct? I believe this can be sourced from the Ralf guy mentioned on this thread if you tell him what you need? Are there any other bits I'd need?
4. VAG-COM recoding, bit confused in this area. If you have the correct lead and the software on your laptop what happens then? Does this plug into the car's diagnostic port which then communicates with the RNS-E (when hooked up) or does it plug directly into the RNS-E? The lead / software seems quite expensive for a one off job, can it be loaned?
Anything I've missed?
Thanks in advance for any info you can give me
Ian.
Hi Ian
Not sure if you have already read this but Ben's recently published guide will answer many of your questions
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4556
Cheers Spike
Not sure if you have already read this but Ben's recently published guide will answer many of your questions
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4556
Cheers Spike
SpeedEight
Member
Cheers Spike that's ideal! I read that he was planning on writing one but didn't know it was in the 'knowledge' section.
Nice one Ben if you're reading this, excellent guide!
Cheers,
Ian.
p.s.: This is why the internet is so ace
Nice one Ben if you're reading this, excellent guide!
Cheers,
Ian.
p.s.: This is why the internet is so ace
ben
Administrator
Hi Ian,
There are a few of us with appropriate VAG-COM cables - so depending on where you are located, one of could probably help. In fact, I see you are located in Nottingham - are you able to make our next social? Both Mike & I will be there armed with laptops and VAG-COM:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-11-26;&e=9&c=1
Check here also:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4251
craigyb from the navplus.us forums is in the North East somewhere I believe - he also has this kit.
Ben
It's not that difficult - you just need to prepare and go slow. I used a junior hacksaw for the short edges and a longer hacksaw for the base. I then used a mixed pack of wet & dry from halfords wrapped around a planned bit of 2"x1" wood (any stiff flat edge that you can push to and fro will do) for the final finish.SpeedEight said:
I believe it's the same process, yes. Spike has done this bit of the conversion I believe.SpeedEight said:
Yup to all answers. I bought my leads from kufatec. He wasn't very helpful - but I got what I needed eventually (after some mods to the pins & wires - e.g. I have hard-wired my Dension adaptor into the harness). If you haven't bought the RNS-E yet - try and get one that is relatively recent - e.g. 2005/2006 manufacture date on the label. I doubt if they are technically any different than the earlier ones - but it's less likely to have any troubles.SpeedEight said:
It plugs into the car diagnostics port in the driver's footwell. You can then communicate with several of the cars computers - including the RNS-E and DIS using Vag-Com.SpeedEight said:
There are a few of us with appropriate VAG-COM cables - so depending on where you are located, one of could probably help. In fact, I see you are located in Nottingham - are you able to make our next social? Both Mike & I will be there armed with laptops and VAG-COM:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-11-26;&e=9&c=1
Check here also:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4251
craigyb from the navplus.us forums is in the North East somewhere I believe - he also has this kit.
Ben
Last edited:
Hi Ian
You could also try Ralf Deventer for the wiring harness and aeriel adaptor. He was quite helpful when I bought bits for my (now old hat) Symphony1 / Bose to RNS-D conversion.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ADAPTER-Audi-...ryZ76082QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
One last tip - If you don't already have the radio removal keys, buy the genuine Audi ones from VagParts. I tried the Autoleads ones from Halfords and had great difficulty in getting them to lock-in (my radio was very tight)
By comparison, the Audi ones were a dream to use.
Cheers Spike
You could also try Ralf Deventer for the wiring harness and aeriel adaptor. He was quite helpful when I bought bits for my (now old hat) Symphony1 / Bose to RNS-D conversion.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ADAPTER-Audi-...ryZ76082QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
One last tip - If you don't already have the radio removal keys, buy the genuine Audi ones from VagParts. I tried the Autoleads ones from Halfords and had great difficulty in getting them to lock-in (my radio was very tight)
By comparison, the Audi ones were a dream to use.
Cheers Spike