Changing from RNS510 to RCD510 - aerial required

[flashp]

Hi all, I want to change my head unit from an RNS510 to an RCD510 and my issue is with aerials. My current aerial looks the same as that specified for DAB reception outwardly but is it the correct part? Did VW just use one common part to suit all applications and leave redundant connections unused or do I need a new aerial?

This is what I have currently:



If anyone has any advice on the steps required to change and hardware required I'd be very pleased to hear.

For info the vehicle is a 2009 Pirelli (as sig).

Thanks in advance.

[J400uk]

Sorry for stating the obvious but you realize swapping from the RNS 510 to RCD 510 will mean loosing Sat Nav? The antenna looks like its setup for GPS and FM only I'd say. Don't think DAB was offered back in 2009 but could be wrong.

[flashp]

Sorry for stating the obvious but you realize swapping from the RNS 510 to RCD 510 will mean loosing Sat Nav? The antenna looks like its setup for GPS and FM only I'd say. Don't think DAB was offered back in 2009 but could be wrong.

That's OK, sounds batty I know!
I rarely use NAV but miss BBC6 Music everytime I get in the car 

I might see if I can drop the trim on the hatch opening and get sight of the aerial base and see how many connections it has as a start.

[SI-R32]

you can change the aerial you have now to one with dab, fm, and nav should you decide to go back, your after 1K0 035 501 J

not to hard to change say an hour, but you will need a new lead to the front of the car 5 or 6m most guys use to the dab port on the RCD

[paulw123]

can't see your photo, do you have a shark fin?
Why have vw made aerials so difficult to understand..

would you pass the extra DAB cable under roof lining & down a pillar, or under seats & carpet?

[Eddie-NL]

buy the proper DAB antenna for the golf (FM & Dab only)

works out around £90 from the dealers

sell your shark fin to someone who has nav

[flashp]

Thank you all for your comments & assistance, I believe I know what's to do now. 
No doubt there'll be more questions later!

[paulw123]

could you leave what you have and fit this into the hatch?
looks quite big, so does that mean better DAB reception?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Oem-DAB-Aerial-With-Fakra-Extension-Cable-6m-Rns510-Dab-Rcd510-Rns315-/281287355494?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item417e086c66

been told this is overpriced & cheaper from dealer....

[SI-R32]

i know the person selling these and gave him some of the comments on this thread, he said he would do £85 posted for the parts, which isn't actually to bad.

just thought I'd let you know

[flashp]

could you leave what you have and fit this into the hatch?
looks quite big, so does that mean better DAB reception?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Oem-DAB-Aerial-With-Fakra-Extension-Cable-6m-Rns510-Dab-Rcd510-Rns315-/281287355494?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item417e086c66

been told this is overpriced & cheaper from dealer....

I wonder how well these work?
I was told that generally any antenna that's outside of the car will work better than one that is inside. More relevant to me possibly as I live in an official coverage area but it's actually still pretty poor in reality.

[flashp]

buy the proper DAB antenna for the golf (FM & Dab only)

works out around £90 from the dealers

sell your shark fin to someone who has nav

That's a good price for an OE fitment. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to the NAV unit or not. I used it at the weekend and then also used a portable Garmin and I have to say that the Garmin was better in every way for Navigation.
I've always managed to do quite well with Nav units, the latest I bought has free lifetime map updates. Sold my old one for £50 and bought this for £90 on offer in Halfords. It's economical to update hardware this way which clearly isn't the case with a built in unit.

[paulw123]

Yeah I read somewhere that the metal car roof kind of works with the roof aerial as well to give a better reception.
But the aerial base with DAB is no larger, so all the electronics must be squeezed in.
Still I've bought this, the polo one, but yet to fit it.

[flashp]

Yeah I read somewhere that the metal car roof kind of works with the roof aerial as well to give a better reception.
But the aerial base with DAB is no larger, so all the electronics must be squeezed in.
Still I've bought this, the polo one, but yet to fit it.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on with it if you wouldn't mind updating here?

[flashp]

Sorry for stating the obvious but you realize swapping from the RNS 510 to RCD 510 will mean loosing Sat Nav? The antenna looks like its setup for GPS and FM only I'd say. Don't think DAB was offered back in 2009 but could be wrong.

You are correct, dealer confirmed it wasn't offered.

[flashp]

you can change the aerial you have now to one with dab, fm, and nav should you decide to go back, your after 1K0 035 501 J

not to hard to change say an hour, but you will need a new lead to the front of the car 5 or 6m most guys use to the dab port on the RCD

I think this is whatI'll do. I can return the car to standard when sold without bother. Thanks for the part no.