RNS 510 Which one do I buy today at 1200

[Britishlion]

Hi All

Tried posting in a different section but buying one today so need some urgent help !

What does an A version do differtly to a B or C .

I know A is older , does that mean it is slower ?????

Also I have a 2006 56 , manufactured in October 2006.

Does that mean I need a CAN gateway for a Version C only to prevent battery drain ??

If that is the case why wouldnt I just by a B and save £130 on a Gateway !

Sorry for the rant ! I am v confused and about to part with a lot of money !


 

[Norbreck21a]

As far as I'm aware (and stand to be corrected on this), most of the differences between A, B and C units were firmware based. I know that a B version unit can have the latest firmware designed for the "C" model installed (which effectively converts it to a "C" anyway).

I have a "B" model, and am running with firmware 1100. Darren (mrotygttdi, the RNS god), advises that if you have a CAN Gateway older than revision "L" (which I think is build later 2007 early 2008), then running a later firmware will result in battery drain.

As I said, I have the "B" version with 1100 and my CAN Gateway is on old "E" version. I've left my car for 5 days and no battery drain issues at all. Apparently the only thing that my "older" firmware doesn't give me over the later 2600-2800 series is support for 32gb SDHC cards (standard is only 2gb CD), no speed alerts and no voice control (using the optional voice control upgrade accessory). These are not biggies for me, so am happy to run with my 1100 and save the hassle of upgrading my CAN Gateway.

I also believe that the newer Version "C" units are shipping with LED screens which apparently give a crisper screen display (although I can't really moan about my old povvy screen in my "B" unit.)

Hope this helps.

[Britishlion]

AHHH !

So the main reason for me buying one is for Sat Nav and the ease of being able to put an SD card in and playing all my music !

So that would meen I would need a B with later firmware !

I am not to bothered about speed alerts (does that mean cameras??)

or voice control ! god gave me two hands !

Thanks Norbreck21a

[Richn83]

If you get a B version it will plug and play, and will likely not have battery drain issues with a 2006 installed can gateway, as you only get issues with firmware 1200 or above.

And I would go for a B over an A, as although most of the features and performance is based on firmware, the internal hardware was also progressively updated as there are different hardware versions.

Safest bet is a B, and if you want other features later on these can be upgraded along with the gateway.

[Britishlion]

So the guy has just phoned


He has offered me a C version for £450, it is from a breakers yard so no antenna but these seem cheap on ebay


for this price would you go for the C or hold on ???

[Richn83]

For the price as long as the condition is acceptable then I would go for the C but you will have to update your canbus, as it will likely have battery drain issues, do you have VCDS to check the code of your canbus?  for the price you can have a C version and update your canbus.  For what you could pay for a B version.

[Britishlion]

no although i am going to vw now for a different reason would they charge to check ???

[Richn83]

probably unless they are already plugging into the diagnostic port, but could be worth a shot!

[Britishlion]

thanks rich

[mortygttdi]

I would say a C version from a breakers yard is unlikely cos they have only just started coming through in the 2010 cars, so a crashed damaged car straight from the factory is highly in-probable is that a word????

I have had a C LED version apart already and it is different inside, small changes to the gyro and tuner boards it is also quicker than a B version with C firmware.

Darren

[Richn83]

So in all likely hood the breaker is probably flogging a B unit with C firm-ware or is talking out of his arse then?  Think from the title you will have made your decision earlier today so if its a B or C then it will be fine.  And on my unit at least the version letter was a suffix to the part number, so you will know for sure when you fit it.   

Either way RNS is probably the single biggest improvement you can make to the inside of the MK5 so a top mod and money very well spent! 

[Britishlion]

Thanks one and all ! I am the proud owner of a B version RNS

I declined the kind mans offer of a C and bought a B from a local audio shop in Manchester.

B on the part number 

[mortygttdi]

well done mate hope you like it, has Rich said it is a great piece of kit for a standard headunit. I couldn't do without mine now.

[Britishlion]

thanks monty

does anyone know if there is a fitting guide on the forum ??

I have searched but to no avail !

any help would be appreciated