Alternative to RNS-510 Navigation/Bluetooth...

[J_u_l_e_s]

I came across this the other day, in the classified section of Watercooled.org.
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=12612

It's not the RNS-510 but it looks OEM, more like an upside down MFD2. Apparently it costs $899, and is fully compatible with steering wheel controls and has Bluetooth built in. Has Hi-Def touchscreen, TV Tuner and other fruit, but no HDD but has SD/MMC compatibility. Navigation utilises the Route 66 mapping system.

I've no invested interest with the reseller, but thought it might be useful for others who don't want to splurge on the RNS-510. For that price, it seems like a bargain.

www.auspack-electronics.com

[Discotheque]

hmm definitely worth considering at that price.

[mrx]

Nice find. A much more realistic price.

[CL455]

there got a group buy happening - i'm sure if u can get him on here there will be more ppl interested i'm sure 1 of them

[misterstig]

i'd be keen

[MK5GTI]

I wonder what the "BRIT" button does?

[schneller]

I called Rob a few hours ago to ask a few questions.

BRIT = Brightness

Navigation is Route 66.

If you look at his website you see there is a Toyota one aswell - its software is identical to that. and in the gallery area you can see some screen shots on the Toyota unit.

He said he hasnt seen one in person yet because they are still coding the unit for our market.

He has been told steering wheel controls will work but is unsure about MFD... but i have a half MFD so wont bother me.

He wasnt to sure what type of TV tuner it had.

The unit included an iPod cable.

I forgot to ask if the Nav voice overlays the music or not... or whether the unit can navigate the same time as playing music/video...


..schneller..

[J_u_l_e_s]

Transforms your car into an Aston... James Bond style
I'm guessing Brightness?

[schneller]

forgot to mention that the maps are read off the SD Card - so unsure if you can store music on there as well.

..schneller..

[nayfen]

if music and sat nav work at same time. im keen for group buy

[-mission-]

This bit I like ...

"All GPS units come with Route66 preloaded maps of Australia"

Makes the $700+ VW map option a little bit of a JOKE !! :laugh:

- M -

[J_u_l_e_s]

Thanks for the update schneller!
Maybe a bigger SD card? Folders for maps, and folders for other stuff like music, pics etc.

My big question to the reseller was whether it can utilise the highline MFD (somehow I doubt it will). Hope to find out soon....

[MK5GTI]

Originally Posted by J_u_l_e_s

My big question to the reseller was whether it can utilise the highline MFD (somehow I doubt it will). Hope to find out soon....

That would be a concern for me too. I have the highline display and I find myself looking at the MFD SatNav instructions rather than the big display, more often than not.

[BarneyBoy]

Wow, nice price for those features.
I'd love to know the prices for the BlueTooth option as well as the camera option.
And if the iPod integration is only AS GOOD as the factory one, it'll absolutely blow the factory option out of the water! I mean: price the factory satnav, BlueTooth kit, iPod kit, and reversing sensors ($3000 + $800 + $300 + $800 = $4900!)

[MK5GTI]

As a further alternative. For someone like me, who already has the factory SatNav, has anyone ever inquired as to whether an alternative GPS software system would work in the OEM unit?

I don't have any major problem with the SatNav unit itself, it's the "Whereis" software that lets the whole thing down as far as l'm concerned.

Surely the factory unit wouldn't be made just to take one form of software only, hmmm?

[schneller]

BarneyBoy,

The unit has Bluetooth built in (its not an option) it is included.

I am pretty sure a camera comes with it (but dont quote me on this one). But will be a bit tricky to install both camera and cable.

The unit also comes with an iPod cable (no need to purchase any adaptor)...

I just want to make sure that the unit can run the GPS and play music/video at the same time. As in the GPS cuts in when giving direction then goes back to music.


..schneller..

[J_u_l_e_s]

According to the update on the Watercooled forum, the camera does come with it as does the TV tuner.... according to the vendor:

Hi All

Thanks for your questions and interest, I will try and answer most of them.

First, this unit is new to Australia and it is currently undergoing programming for region 4 DVD and mapping software. I have had an order in place with the manufacturer for some time and will have stock around mid March.


The AVC-9000 is an after market version of the RNS-510 with a few key differences, one of which is the AVC-9000 does not come with an internal hard drive. The other difference is the mapping system which is entirely different. My understanding is that the RNS-510 comes with VW own maps which cost a fortune to upgrade. The maps found in the AVC-9000 are route 66 (2007 Q3).

The unit will be plug and play and will suit the wiring loom in your current vehicle. The steering wheel remote functions will work, the only thing i am not sure about if it will work with the head up display in the dash. This is a question I have posed to the manufacturer and am waiting on response.

It comes with an IPOD adaptor, night vision reversing camera and TV aerial as a package.

I have been advised that the screen is an LG touch panel with 336960 pixels. I will get the full specs for you on screen brightness from the manufacturer.

I am getting a list together of people to contact, please send me an e-mail if you would like to be added to the list for a demo when the stock arrives.

Thanks

Rob

[moomoonel]

china made stuff but does the job
if I am not selling my car I definitely getting one

[mljchan]

good find jules. looks very tempting .

[BarneyBoy]

Originally Posted by schneller

BarneyBoy,

The unit has Bluetooth built in (its not an option) it is included.

I am pretty sure a camera comes with it (but dont quote me on this one). But will be a bit tricky to install both camera and cable.

The unit also comes with an iPod cable (no need to purchase any adaptor)...

I just want to make sure that the unit can run the GPS and play music/video at the same time. As in the GPS cuts in when giving direction then goes back to music.

..schneller..

Holy cow. I'm nearly out of questions...

OK, one more. Can the unit access other information held on the SD card?
If yes, think about this: you can buy an 8GB SD card for $100, and Sandisk have just released a 32GB!! model (http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item...nce_Card.aspx), so who needs a 30GB hard drive?

If you could do this, I'd be soooo interested

[mister_duck]

Yeah at that price, im very tempted to buy one as well

[burtybear]

Originally Posted by Tensixty6

That would be a concern for me too. I have the highline display and I find myself looking at the MFD SatNav instructions rather than the big display, more often than not.

Likewise...Mind you how would you be turning your Kraut into a Brit??? As long as it's not of the Spears variety