Upgrading Satnav

[mannyo]

My 2001 D2 already has the basic text type satnav that only works on the DIS display in the instrument cluster. The navigation box is in the boot on top of the CD changer, and I have the factory GPS receiver mounted on the boot.

The Current headunit is the Symhony jobbie with a Tape and CD player

If I were to purchase an RNS-D, for example this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Au...item5644ea7c0a

What else would be needed to use the factory GPS receiver, and also get the DIS to display navigation info like the currently fitted system.

[briang9]

someone with much more knowledge than me can advise on that one, but if it can be done, cheaper one may still be for sale here?

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2578

[PsYcHe]

I think the RNS-D is a drop in and will speak to the DIS does it not? It's the RNS-E that's the issue with the DIS (or I may be wrong).

From a connectivity perspective, it should be drop in for the main connections, but you might need to run an extension for the GPS aerial along to the unit, not too hard to do if you can get the cable.

[IT]

RNS-D wont talk directly to the DIS, it has to go through the TMC module which converts Bosch Canbus into Audi Canbus for display on the DIS.

You'll also probably find no GALA feed for the concert 2 head unit, I've been caught out by that before, so you need to tap one off the back of the instrument cluster to feed into the two Gala inputs on the RNS-D.(whilst fitting the TMC behind there no doubt )

Otherwise, yes its a pretty straight forward fit. I'm not aware of seperate coding for 'text nav' or 'full screen nav' so you'll probably not need to do any Vag com coding, but you'll have to unplug the text based Nav controller unit (boot ?) to stop it chattering on the canbus at the same time I imagine.

Very do-able. Step 1 is to get an RNS-D, Navigation CD, a TMC unit, and the 12 pin connectors for the TMC unit. Also, if you get the coax aerial connectors for the TMC unit, you can actually have TMC active traffic working on the RNS-D with the correct disc.

Hope that helps a bit.....

[RanjS8]

My advice would be to go for an rns e instead of the rns d....for reasons stated in Ian's thread at the top....

Then you wont need to worry about the tmc module....and you will be able to get maps up to 2012....where as rns d I think it stops about 2007....

The only issue you have is that you love information in the dis....but the rns e is so much better than the rns d...that it would be worth the sacrifice.

[briang9]

....where as rns d I think it stops about 2007



you can still get RNS-D latest versions Ranj but they are very expensive, you can get "backup versions" sometimes from e-bay but the unit has a bit of a reputation for not being happy with these, I have one and its generally OK but you get the odd read error from the CD, the latest ones also come TMC enabled which allows re-planning round known jams etc, its the RNS-C that stops at 2007 I think

cheers

[mannyo]

Now my car has got through the MOT without needing any work I am thinking about revisiting this and doing things another way.

If I purchase an RNS-D and use it solely to replace the Symphony head unit, ie. not use its navigation function at all and do the swap purely for cosmetic reasons in making the dash look better. For navigation I'll retain the basic "Text" navigation as it seems to work ok for what I use it for, and to get the RNS-D up and running on the DIS would also need to buy a TMC module and wire it all in, which is proberbly beyond my expertise.

So, what would I need to do to achieve this, is it just plug and play or will the car get confused as it would see 2 navigation devices on its network. What about the coding for the BOSE sound system?.

[RanjS8]

Fitting the rns d for main operation will be plug n play in the centre dash....but you will need the tmc module to communicate between the dis and rns d.

I have these going spare so could supply them to you at a reasonable price. But my advice would be to fit an rns e instead.....since all you will need is a kufatec adapter (of which I have a spare one) and gps module (cost about 9.99 on ebay) and you are away.

To get the rns e going you just need a can bus feed to tell it when to switch on when you turn the ignition and light up when you turn the car lights on. This just involves connecting two wires to the appropriate points on the back of the rns e.

Yes you do lose out on Nav information on the dis, but you get so much more in terms of a newer system which is far superior to the rns d in every way.

The only problem you have is ideally you need one from an a6/rs6 so you can trim down sides to make it fit snuggly which are normally about 600 pound and hard to come by whereas you could pick up an a3 version for about 300 pound.....and fabricate something to cover up the gap...

[IT]

RNS-E is the better option if you want to really increase function and modernise the look of the dashboard. Bigger screen, MP3 playback, full European wide mapping, faster and better interface overall.

RNS-D is the better option if you want a more stock OEM look, or can't stretch to the cost RNS-E.

Either way, I think attempting to have them running in parallel with the text based NAV will probably cause more problems, than just installing it properly.

For example, I have no idea how the modules will react when there are 2 navigation (module 37) on the same K line.... ?

How will the instrument cluster know which unit to display in the DIS, when ?

Coding for Bose is simple so dont worry about that......

Where are you geographically - Are you coming to the a8parts open day ?

[mannyo]

I'm down in the South West, so quiet a trek up to A8 Parts unfortunately. I may go the whole hog and do a full RNS-D then. I know the E will be better, but I think out of my limited budget, especially having shelled out more than 2K on the car so far since January.