DAB upgrade options

[Adam_B]

Hello.

I have a mk5 gti dsg with an RNS MFD2 and cd changer, having had a DAB radio in my previous car I am missing it!

What are my options please? I've done a couple of searches on here but struggling to get my head around all the RCDs and PKBs etc 

Is it straight forward to swap out the current unit for a VW DAB unit? Id quite like to keep the CD changer but im not bothered about the sat nav. Ive fitted aftermarket DAB radios in my old car and our mauds citroen but these were both straight forward ISO square plug and play jobbies, I presume the Golf will be a bit more difficult?

Apologies if there is a guide on here I couldnt find anything suitable searching

cheers 

[dodds-gttdi]

I have just got my hands on an RCD510 DAB. The RCD radio is the non-nav radio. The RNS radio has nav, don't know if you can get a DAB version of it.

Been spending a lotta time researching what aerials, connectors, etc are necessary. You can buy all VW equipment but it's quite expensive.

VW offer a long cable (front to back of car) and an aerial that hides behind the plastic of your bootlid. This option is £100+.

Other options are a run-of-the-mill front windscreen aerial that will normally have a female SMB connector. The jack at the back of the RCD510 is a FAKRA Type A. So you'd need a FAKRA Type A (or Z which is universal) to SMB adaptor then the window aerial. Adaptor ~£5, aerial ~£20.

Hope this helps.

[Degudodger]

You can get an RNS-510 DAB but they are as rare as mermaid sandals and as such command a premium.

If your car is pre mid 2007 chances are you will need to replace the Gateway, speak with Eddie-NL, he can provide you one precoded.

WRT which DAB head unit to get, ensure it is not a Chinese version.

My choice of antenna would be - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Oem-DAB-Aerial-With-Fakra-Extension-Cable-6m-Rns510-Dab-Rcd510-Rns315-/281227862807?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item417a7ca317

[john a]

VW offer a long cable (front to back of car) and an aerial that hides behind the plastic of your bootlid. This option is £100+.

Do you need a DAB specific mast/base to work in conjunction with that hidden part?

Other options are a run-of-the-mill front windscreen aerial that will normally have a female SMB connector. The jack at the back of the RCD510 is a FAKRA Type A. So you'd need a FAKRA Type A (or Z which is universal) to SMB adaptor then the window aerial. Adaptor ~£5, aerial ~£20.

Hope this helps.

You don't need a Fakra/SMB adaptor, the SMB connector will push quite securely into the terminal without being locked in place by the Fakra connector.

I've moved my RCD510DAB into my wife's mk5 so have an RCD310DAB in the sales section.

[th3_f15t]

Have you considered the Kenwood upgrade, available through any Volkswagen dealer?

http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/vw/DNX521DAB/

I've just bought one myself, and all the reviews seem to ay they are much better than a stock Volkswagen unit, and technically cheaper than specifying one on a new car. It's about £1,000 fitted by the dealer, or do what I've done, buy one second hand and fit it yourself (fitting still pending). Cost me £450.

[J333EVO]

Anyone fitted the VW specific Blaupunkt Philadelphia 835 as it has DAB, Nav and built in Parrot Bluetooth as I think it looks better than the Kenwood unit as it retains an OEM look.

 http://www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk/car-audio/philadelphia-835-dab-vw-seat-skoda-specific.html

[arris]

I have a rcd510 DAB i got as was just at right price when i was after a rcd510.

Although i have a window mounted aerial in the dash it doesnt work, and havent really got the inclination to route it properly and dont think i can justify the extra £100 for a proper aerial so the dab function is just wasted 

[Jenks]

ooooh, like the look of that Blaupunkt, havent seen that 1 before!