Hi All,
OK, I spent entirely too much time this weekend trying to upgrade the factory Navi in my '04 Treg. The engineer who designed the digital amp system in the early Tregs should be exiled to the Lada factory. In any event, I had some success and some frustration, thought I would share here.
First off, I picked up the Canshack cable to enable the RNS-510 to work with the '04 Treg. It is a far superior unit than the junk sold by Conexx. I should also be fair in noting that the frustrations I encountered are in my experiments with using the adapter with units other than the RNS-510. Thus, I have been trying to use the adapter for applications for which it is not designed. This is in part because I do not have an RNS-510 at the moment, I suspect it would work brilliantly if I did.
My first test was with an MFD2 that I have had sitting on the shelf. I tried this 2 years ago with the Conexx cable but the result was a persistent whine from the audio system. The MFD2 indeed fired right up after plugging it into the adapter. The sound is strong and clear, with no whine or interference. However, it is not perfect, I suspect the issue being that the cable is expecting a Canbus 2 device and the MFD2 is Canbus 1. First off, the power does not switch off with the ignition. You must remember to turn off the radio or it will remain on indefinitely. I am using it this way for now although I am concerned if it continues to draw other power even when turned off. Second, while the steering wheel volume buttons work, the MFD display does not. Likewise, you do not see the angle at which wheel are turned in the Navi screen. Again, probably because cable is expecting Canbus 2. This could still be a quick nd dirty way to upgrade, especially if Stephan can identify a fix for the power switching. Used MFD2 units seem to be readily available on eBay and elsewhere. The MFD2 is a BIG improvement over the CD based Navi which should have never been released.
I then decided to try plugging in a JVC Navi HU that I previously had in another vehicle. I used a Sosche harness and fed it the RCA cables using low level line out. The first result was no sound. Later, after I had just unplugged the MFD2, and then plugged in the JVC, it did provide sound and seemed to work great. The power switching issue remained. (I did notice that the Sosche wire for switched power is actually coming off the SAFE wire on the factory harness, so I think the Scosche pin outs are not right). Anyway, went back in the house thinking this was the way I would go and even ordered the newer version of the JVC from Crutchfield. Well .... not so fast. A while later I returned to the Treg, started her up, and again had no sound from the JVC. The only way to get it back on was to reconnect the MFD2, then the JVC again. I came to realize that the digital amp switching is being controlled through the Canbus, not simply by electrical. After posting lots of inquiries, there does not seem to be a fix for this. I thus cancelled the order for the new JVC. T
The JVC test brings up what I see as a great opportunity for Stefan, or someone. What may be even more desirable than an adapter cable specifically for the RNS, is to produce one that allows generic (ISO) stereo unit to be used. The only can bus link would be to turn the amp on and off. True, you would lose MFD but this is true even if you go to the hassle of rewiring, replacing the amp, etc. Canshack has already figured out how to pass the audio through, just need to be able to switch the amp on and off. PAC makes an amp switcher for the Canbus Toyota amp, but nothing for VW.
Last step was to go about ordering an RNS-510. Yes, I probably should have thought of this part first. As you probably know, the RNS for the Treg is not the same as for all the other VW models. It has also been discontinued. Thus, these units are now rather hard to find and/or absurdly priced. A was almost ready to pay $1,700 for a factory refurb when I learned that there is a $500 core charge on top of that. I just do not think it is worth it on an 8 year old vehicle. Thus, the irony is that we now have an adapter cable for a navi unit that is not readily available. I thought about the Chinese RNS units but none of those are Canbus 2.0 which means that, AT BEST, you would have the same issues as with the MFD2. Again, I think a cable that could allow you to use Kenwood, JVC, etc. may be the best solution should someone produce one.
Not sure what I will do next. Right now I have the MFD2 in there. The RNS510 just does not seem to make financial sense. It may actually prove cheaper, via an experienced shop, to rip out the digital amp and replace everything with aftermarket. However, if you want to keep the factory look and integration, then the Canshack cable is definitely the way to go.
If you are looking to go to a fully integrated MFD2, it is possible that Stefan offers a Canbus 1.0 version specific to the MFD2 (similar to the older Conexx but without the defects). I have not inquired about this but seems like it could be another good option if it exists.
Hope this helps someone!!
OK, I spent entirely too much time this weekend trying to upgrade the factory Navi in my '04 Treg. The engineer who designed the digital amp system in the early Tregs should be exiled to the Lada factory. In any event, I had some success and some frustration, thought I would share here.
First off, I picked up the Canshack cable to enable the RNS-510 to work with the '04 Treg. It is a far superior unit than the junk sold by Conexx. I should also be fair in noting that the frustrations I encountered are in my experiments with using the adapter with units other than the RNS-510. Thus, I have been trying to use the adapter for applications for which it is not designed. This is in part because I do not have an RNS-510 at the moment, I suspect it would work brilliantly if I did.
My first test was with an MFD2 that I have had sitting on the shelf. I tried this 2 years ago with the Conexx cable but the result was a persistent whine from the audio system. The MFD2 indeed fired right up after plugging it into the adapter. The sound is strong and clear, with no whine or interference. However, it is not perfect, I suspect the issue being that the cable is expecting a Canbus 2 device and the MFD2 is Canbus 1. First off, the power does not switch off with the ignition. You must remember to turn off the radio or it will remain on indefinitely. I am using it this way for now although I am concerned if it continues to draw other power even when turned off. Second, while the steering wheel volume buttons work, the MFD display does not. Likewise, you do not see the angle at which wheel are turned in the Navi screen. Again, probably because cable is expecting Canbus 2. This could still be a quick nd dirty way to upgrade, especially if Stephan can identify a fix for the power switching. Used MFD2 units seem to be readily available on eBay and elsewhere. The MFD2 is a BIG improvement over the CD based Navi which should have never been released.
I then decided to try plugging in a JVC Navi HU that I previously had in another vehicle. I used a Sosche harness and fed it the RCA cables using low level line out. The first result was no sound. Later, after I had just unplugged the MFD2, and then plugged in the JVC, it did provide sound and seemed to work great. The power switching issue remained. (I did notice that the Sosche wire for switched power is actually coming off the SAFE wire on the factory harness, so I think the Scosche pin outs are not right). Anyway, went back in the house thinking this was the way I would go and even ordered the newer version of the JVC from Crutchfield. Well .... not so fast. A while later I returned to the Treg, started her up, and again had no sound from the JVC. The only way to get it back on was to reconnect the MFD2, then the JVC again. I came to realize that the digital amp switching is being controlled through the Canbus, not simply by electrical. After posting lots of inquiries, there does not seem to be a fix for this. I thus cancelled the order for the new JVC. T
The JVC test brings up what I see as a great opportunity for Stefan, or someone. What may be even more desirable than an adapter cable specifically for the RNS, is to produce one that allows generic (ISO) stereo unit to be used. The only can bus link would be to turn the amp on and off. True, you would lose MFD but this is true even if you go to the hassle of rewiring, replacing the amp, etc. Canshack has already figured out how to pass the audio through, just need to be able to switch the amp on and off. PAC makes an amp switcher for the Canbus Toyota amp, but nothing for VW.
Last step was to go about ordering an RNS-510. Yes, I probably should have thought of this part first. As you probably know, the RNS for the Treg is not the same as for all the other VW models. It has also been discontinued. Thus, these units are now rather hard to find and/or absurdly priced. A was almost ready to pay $1,700 for a factory refurb when I learned that there is a $500 core charge on top of that. I just do not think it is worth it on an 8 year old vehicle. Thus, the irony is that we now have an adapter cable for a navi unit that is not readily available. I thought about the Chinese RNS units but none of those are Canbus 2.0 which means that, AT BEST, you would have the same issues as with the MFD2. Again, I think a cable that could allow you to use Kenwood, JVC, etc. may be the best solution should someone produce one.
Not sure what I will do next. Right now I have the MFD2 in there. The RNS510 just does not seem to make financial sense. It may actually prove cheaper, via an experienced shop, to rip out the digital amp and replace everything with aftermarket. However, if you want to keep the factory look and integration, then the Canshack cable is definitely the way to go.
If you are looking to go to a fully integrated MFD2, it is possible that Stefan offers a Canbus 1.0 version specific to the MFD2 (similar to the older Conexx but without the defects). I have not inquired about this but seems like it could be another good option if it exists.
Hope this helps someone!!
