Retrofitting radio controlled clock

[Adrian E]

I would think it shouldn't struggle - my little AAA powered alarm clock links to the Rugby clock and manages to get a signal indoors through several layers of insulation even with the antenna long since broken off!

A single skin garage with no insulation shouldn't prove too problematic....

[Adrian E]

Well looking on ebay I found 1 of these for sale by our forum sponsors (they've had a few left hookers in to break over the years, apparently) so spoke to Dave and ordered it today

Will need to order the bracket from TPS as A8parts didn't keep it when they stripped the car

[notorious]

Don't order bracket for now. Try to install with screws in the standard recess behind cluster as OEM place for receiver may be difficult to reach. You will only need two screws from my list to install receiver in the recess behind cluster. Or you can use double sided foam tape with some cable tires to fix it anywhere under dash when knee panel is removed.

[Adrian E]

Will I need to remove cluster to install in that spot, or should I be able to get to it from underneath?

[notorious]

I have published photograph where I hold receiver in my hand with wire going to cluster from behind. You can get to this position without removing cluster. You can then fix receive anywhere you want behind the knee panel.

Getting to OEM spot to fix receiver with OEM bracket in the center of dash is only possible if you remove cluster, but it is still very difficult to get to to OEM spot because of space shortage.

I never tried to I install in recess behind cluster. I think audi dicided not to do it for a reason, but I have no ideal for what reason.

You can remove knee panel now before you got receiver and study the area.

Hope it helps.

[Adrian E]

Do you always disconnect battery when doing these little jobs or not worry about it? I don't appear to have the radio code for my rns-e so bit nervous of unplugging!

Will have a look in elsawin for trim removal instructions and see what I can see. Might be just as easy to pull the cluster. It must've been out to do the rns-e wiring so hopefully not too tricky to get out!

Will need to get it coded as don't have vcds

[notorious]

In general I don't worry about battery, but I'm very careful

In this particular situation I have removed instrument cluster and disconnected all connections from it without disconnecting battery. I have done this way many times. This time I removed cluster because I also fitted CAN Gateway behind instrument cluster and that project still continues. That project is not related to radio controlled clock. When I connected connectors back in place I don't remember if connector with clock receiver was connected before or after connector that supplies power to the cluster, so I won't bother if I was you.

With cluster out I tried to access the OEM place for clock receiver in the middle of dashboard. In ELSA Audi claims you can get there through cluster opening, but I just don't understand how I can attach bracket with a screw in such tight place. I tried to leave receiver there temporarily without attaching it, but it didn't catch signal after 2 or 3 days and I explained it to myself because I have heated windscreen which blocks all radio waves. I then put receiver into driver's door pocket (it has long wire) and the antenna symbol appeared next morning. I'm still contemplating about best non-OEM place to attach it to in my car.

If you'll decide to pull the cluster just throw towel on steering wheel upper trim / cowl. If you won't do it the cluster will scratch it. It can also scratch the upper area of steering column surround trim, so be careful. When I removed my cluster first time I have wrapped it with Audi's sticky felt tape that partially protects me form that trouble. I still need to be careful. I personally find that removing knee trim is easier.

How it happened that you don't know your RNS-E code? This is weird.

No VAG COM cable? This is even more weird I can't do anything electrically without VAG COM. I purchased genuine cable recently, but I can sell you my old one. It works with VAG COM v908, which is more than enough for K-line cars. Because I now fit CAN Gateway and experiment with 'over the CAN' diagnostics I need to have latest VCDS so I've got genuine cable. Or just purchase Chinese cable off ebay. It is a must have if you're serious about car.