DAB = no Multi Device Interface (MP3)

[slo007]

Hello,

I recently ordered a Golf GT which was already produced and available for sale in VW's production lot in Germany. It seemed like a good choice since I don't have to wait 12 weeks until it arrives (only 5).

The car comes with the DAB radio option which, unknown to me, excludes the hardware to connect an iPod or MP3 player to the car's stereo. Had I known this I would not have ordered this particular vehicle! :(

Anyhow, the car is on order and I want to be able to play my extensive MP3 collection via an AUX or USB connection. I've asked the dealer to find a way around the restriction, but was wondering if anyone else has seen or heard of a way to enjoy their MP3s on a VW radio with DAB?

Any advice would be nice! ;)

[VictorPapa]

Have you got the 510 audio or the 310 because the 510 has an SD card slot so you could use that?

I've also opted for DAB but with the 510 so I should be ok.

[Griff449]

I take it that the stereo picks up the mp3's then from the SD card?

[VictorPapa]

Yes.....as far as I understand. I think I saw some clips on YouTube that show the SD card slot in action.

Like the MDI, you can't have the rear view camera with DAB so I suspect it's all to do with inputs.

[Griff449]

I have orderd the 510 which says it comes with the sd card so will be interesting............... See if you can find the links bud :)

[VictorPapa]

On to it now........

[WeegieBob]

Guys - forgive me here for being stupid, but I've got no experience whatsoever with MP3's and the like, what is an SD card and what does it do?

I've spec'd a 510 mainly because I wanted better quality and the "other" bits come with it, so it would be nice at least to know what they're for.

WeegieBob. ;)

[VictorPapa]

This one is of an RCD510 on a Scirocco but it works the same:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WFdZxX0zbM


On a Tiguan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebM0NPwGLlk&feature=related


And on a Golf:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yPhyGWWr10&feature=related

[Griff449]

The SD card is a storage media card that comes in cameras and the like and which you should be able to transfer digital music MP3 from your pc and onto the card. There will be a card slot in the stereo as well.................... I believe thats how it works!

[WeegieBob]

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

WeegieBob. ;)

[slo007]

Mine has the standard 310 stereo, so no SD card option for me. :(

[Griff449]

Still a high quality stereo system though bud :) Do you still have the external IPOD/MP3 cables?

[slo007]

Still a high quality stereo system though bud :) Do you still have the external IPOD/MP3 cables?

I haven't received the car yet (April). As I understand it will come without the cables.

I'm hoping the dealer can arrange something differently, otherwise I might try to upgrade to the 510 stereo (depending on cost) so I can use the SD port. I could just play MP3s via the CD player - not sure how good (compatible) that is yet - we'll see!

[slo007]

Dealer came back to me with the following:

"There is a good possibility that an I-pod connecting lead can be fitted to your car. That would mean that the lead would be situated in your glovebox and once your i-pod is connected you can control all buttons through your cars stereo as normal. The cost for this would be 160 inc vat."

"Please be aware that until we connect this lead we are not 100% sure for certain that it will work but we are more than hopeful."

I hate uncertainties - not sure what to do next. :confused:

[Griff449]

Well if it dont work dont pay .................... :) Let us know how you get on

[machine]

If they can't fit a lead then you should be able to play mp3 files burnt to a CD, bit of a compromise but better than nothing.

[Hotspur]

To transfer data to/from a SD card your PC/laptop will need to have a built in card reader or an external reader which will connect to a USB port.

You can get a multi card reader from Amazon for about a fiver. It will show on your computer as an external drive. Drag and drop files from the computers explorer

[Griff449]

Well I think I will check with the dealer just to make sure that my GT does come with the correct IPOD cable now I have ordered the 510 upgrade................. Would not be too happy if my IPOD wont work because there is no cable in there that should be as according to the spec!

[iallen1@btinter]

Fetched my new Golf today, not sure which stereo in mine 1.4 TSI SE , but i asked about ipod not working and they gave me a short lead which makes it work

[Griff449]

Cheers for tha mate :)

[slo007]

I asked about getting a 510 upgrade to the 310 stereo already in the car and the dealer told me it's not possible - factory fit only. :(

[iallen1@btinter]

my stereo works with a cd in MP3 formatt so i reckon i will just burn albums to a disk

[CharlesCourtney]

The SD card is a storage media card that comes in cameras and the like and which you should be able to transfer digital music MP3 from your pc and onto the card. There will be a card slot in the stereo as well.................... I believe thats how it works!

I have the 510 with DAB on my Golf Plus, I was planning to add the IPOD interface at a later date, however I find the SD card slot more than enough so that idea has gone out of the window.

I Had the 500 in my last Golf Plus and really only put it in my new one for the 6 disk changer (it was later changed to the 510 due to model changes and the dealer added the DAB FOC as I had to wait 8 months for the car) but only have one CD in the unit the SD card is the source of choice.

Was a bit annoyed that with the DAB you also loose the TIM (Traffic Information Memory) function - however (in London anyway) the DAB "Traffic" station is just as good.

[slo007]

my stereo works with a cd in MP3 formatt so i reckon i will just burn albums to a disk

I decided to go this route for the time being. I'm not very keen on letting the dealer open up the dash and have to deal with strange noises when I pick up the car (or stupid scratches that should not have been there).

[JoseSpring]

Yeah, when you buy the RNS510 with the car it should come with an ipod cable. If it's not there when you collect the car you should defo ask the dealer for one.