Sat nav installation - which is the best option?

[birdsd01]

Morning all,

After dropping my map in a puddle, doh! I am looking to buy my first sat nav. I have a double din dashboard, so an integrated solution is an option. Does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone fitted a powered cradle, for a tom tom unit say? I am keen not to have wires over the dashboard, and would like to make it easy and quick to remove.

Thanks, any advise wisely taken!

David

 

[murdo]

I have a double din dashboard, so an integrated solution is an option.

Depending on your budget, I would source an A6 RNS-E unit from a reliable eBay seller and enlist your local A2 guru/specialist to assist with the fit! If you are braver than me, then theres also a 'how to' as you prob know.
I think the club has updates for the DVD available as well which is a bonus. Although an expensive option at about £400 plus fitting, it would be the best one IMHO when you benefit from the right dash set up.

 

[spike]

Hi David
If your priority is the factory fit look then consider the RNS-E solution as Murdo suggested. There is a fitting guide on the forum - http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4556 but if you don't fancy 'diy' they you'r not too far away from Skipton01 who I'm sure would do the installation for you at a very reasonable price

Cheers Spike

 

[wngl]

Hi David
If your priority is the factory fit look then consider the RNS-E solution as Murdo suggested. There is a fitting guide on the forum - http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4556 but if you don't fancy 'diy' they you'r not too far away from Skipton01 who I'm sure would do the installation for you at a very reasonable price

Cheers Spike

Hi Spike,

Thanks for the link - I haven't even got my first A2 yet and this article has got me scouting for a suitable RNS-E in anticipation! I have a couple of questions (having fitted sat nav to a couple of mercedes previously); 1) would it be possible to pick up the GALA signal from the foot well rather than having to remove the instrument cluster (on the Merc there is a well know point to pick this up under the passenger seat and it takes about 20 mins to remove & refit the carpet etc to do it - much less stress than removing the cluster don't you think?). 2) What do I need to look for in the potential A2 (e.g. a double din unit etc?. 3) would this RNS-E be usable/adaptable for say a 2001/2002 A2?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Audi-A3-S3-DV...14&_trkparms=72:1299|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

Cheers

Cheers

 

[Skipton01]

To fully make use of RNS-E, you need an A2 with a full Driver Information System ( the display between the clocks - there are 2 versions, the one with only half a display will not be able to show navigation instructions properly).

Also, the car should be a post 2002 example, so that CAN bus is assured - cars without CAN will not be able to interface fully with the RNS-E.

A double DIN dash is also a must, unless you fancy shelling out another £600 on a new dash (it cannot be modified from single to double DIN).

As to the GALA signal, there is no feed in the footwell - it only ever goes from the clocks to the radio. There are other speed signals, but none that will work with the headunit.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[spike]

Just adding to Mike's summary, a new climate control unit with rounded lower corners is also required.
For anyone with a pre 2002 car who really wants RNS-E, more research is advisable but it may well be possible to take CAN high and low feeds from the instrument cluster. This has been documented on a 2001 Audi A6 Symphony 1 to RNS-E conversion so our older A2's should be similar. This is the link - http://www.nsxjr.com/docs/RNS.pdf

Cheers Spike

 

[Skipton01]

You are quite correct Spike, but as I've never seen a successful implementation of sourcing CAN from the back of the clocks, I didn't mention it.

You can of course round off the lower corners of the climate panel, rather than buy a new one (they're not cheap at well over £300!!) - I have done this on a few occasions.

Cheers,

Mike