AutoDAB - any body installed one?

[bambamjj]

Hi All

Stumbled across this today and was wondering if anyone had installed or tried it etc.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_caatalogId_10151_productId_8 75531_langId_-1_categoryId_265865

regards

Jon

[RichardSEL]

See that this is a Connects2 device. You may want to check to see whether, when you tune into BBC Radio2 and you're in a DAB area for that station, that the head unit automagically switches to R2's DAB transmission. This is what my JVC KW-NX7000 does, and other aftermarket head units with full DAB integration.

Can't see from pix whether an additional MFD menu is created for MFSW control. If so (Connects2 market a range of aftermarket radios' MFSW interfaces that put up such an additional menu called "Audio"), then you may have problems (as I did) adding an additional MFD menu for, say Polar FIS+, or turbo boost, etc. See my other thread in this forum:
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?130539-Polar-FIS&highlight=Polar+FIS%2B
These take their info from the CANbus

Any help?
RichardSEL

[bambamjj]

See that this is a Connects2 device. You may want to check to see whether, when you tune into BBC Radio2 and you're in a DAB area for that station, that the head unit automagically switches to R2's DAB transmission. This is what my JVC KW-NX7000 does, and other aftermarket head units with full DAB integration.

Can't see from pix whether an additional MFD menu is created for MFSW control. If so (Connects2 market a range of aftermarket radios' MFSW interfaces that put up such an additional menu called "Audio"), then you may have problems (as I did) adding an additional MFD menu for, say Polar FIS+, or turbo boost, etc. See my other thread in this forum:
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?130539-Polar-FIS&highlight=Polar+FIS%2B
These take their info from the CANbus

Any help?
RichardSEL

Richard, thanks for the help, i have already ordered but hoping it will be ok.

Very interested in the Polar FSI+ been on web site but what are your thoughts, was it easy to install?

[RichardSEL]

Richard, thanks for the help, i have already ordered but hoping it will be ok.

Very interested in the Polar FSI+ been on web site but what are your thoughts, was it easy to install?

Welp, as I posted earlier, I had probs coz of my Connects2 interface which provides MFSW control of my JVC head unit. Polar FIS+ knocks out that interface's "Audio" menu shown on my full height MFD after about 20 mins. That's when the CANbus Gateway module refreshes. So you're then back to operating your head unit by its controls rather than your MFSW's buttons. This fault doesn't show when using an OEM head unit. I re-installed my original RCD500 which is designed to integrate properly with the CANbus and no probs with Polar FIS+ being able to switch between it, head unit control, and the other MFD functions using MFSW's buttons. The programers in Madrid did try to program for better non-OEM radios' integration, but only managed to increase the time delay for the fault to occur.

As regards Polar FIS+'s install, I found it alright. It's connection and power is taken via the CANbus's Gateway control module (cable supplied). You really should have VCDS to ensure that if there are any errors in coding after disconnecting then re-connecting your battery, you can re-code each module from a previously saved Autoscan. Polar FIS uses the redundant (77) Telematics CANbus module path

The Gateway module is behind your Climatronic control panel, fiddly to get to but not impossible from front:
http://www.auto-polar.com/forum/showthread.php?338-Polar-FIS-connection-SOLVED

Do you have a full-height MFD, and a MFSW? How are you controlling your head unit now?

Cheers
RichardSEL

[bambamjj]

Welp, as I posted earlier, I had probs coz of my Connects2 interface which provides MFSW control of my JVC head unit. Polar FIS+ knocks out that interface's "Audio" menu shown on my full height MFD after about 20 mins. That's when the CANbus Gateway module refreshes. So you're then back to operating your head unit by its controls rather than your MFSW's buttons. This fault doesn't show when using an OEM head unit. I re-installed my original RCD500 which is designed to integrate properly with the CANbus and no probs with Polar FIS+ being able to switch between it, head unit control, and the other MFD functions using MFSW's buttons. The programers in Madrid did try to program for better non-OEM radios' integration, but only managed to increase the time delay for the fault to occur.

As regards Polar FIS+'s install, I found it alright. It's connection and power is taken via the CANbus's Gateway control module (cable supplied). You really should have VCDS to ensure that if there are any errors in coding after disconnecting then re-connecting your battery, you can re-code each module from a previously saved Autoscan. Polar FIS uses the redundant (77) Telematics CANbus module path

The Gateway module is behind your Climatronic control panel, fiddly to get to but not impossible from front:
http://www.auto-polar.com/forum/showthread.php?338-Polar-FIS-connection-SOLVED

Do you have a full-height MFD, and a MFSW? How are you controlling your head unit now?

Cheers
RichardSEL

Hi Richard

I have the full-length white MFD and and 8 button MFSW, thanks for info. I will try the AutoDAB and if it does not work correctly with my MFD & MFSW i will just return to *********.

Once again thank you

[patomlin76]

Very interested in this item - it's the best DAB adapter I have seen for VW, as it is hidden and interacts with the original stereo with no visible control panel.

Once you've installed it I'd like to know in particular what the reception is like from the glass mount antenna. Others have suggested a proper DAB antenna is a definite purchase, but this just increases the overall cost.

Thanks!

[RichardSEL]

Once you've installed it I'd like to know in particular what the reception is like from the glass mount antenna. Others have suggested a proper DAB antenna is a definite purchase, but this just increases the overall cost. Thanks!

With a glass-mount DAB aerial (top nearside of windscreen) I get Chill (London-based, I believe transmitted from Crystal Palace)
as far south as Gatwick Airport before it starts to chop in and out as I travel further south on the M3. About 22 miles as crow flies. You can still get reception of that station but the chop in and out becomes more annoying. R2's DAB coverage is virtually national AFAICT, but as mine automatically switches back to FM from DAB when signal drops out can't be entirely sure.

By glass antenna I presume you mean a DAB tuned length rod stick-on on the outside of windscreen and pick-up stuck to inside of windscreen

Cheers
RichardSEL

[bambamjj]

OK, installed Saturday, placed the antenna on the rear glass section of my estate, running the cable was fine but i was about 500mm short so i ordered an extension cable from web. Biggest difficulty i had was hiding all the connector blocks as there is very little room behind the RCD510, the actually unit is sat just under the searing wheel on the left hand side.

Does it work.... Yes but.... it is nt the best, i listen and afoul lot to Radio 1 and it will not pick this up at all, for the moment, but you do get maybe a dozen channels, many local though. Controls are easy once you understand the functionality etc. I currently work Arqiva who are responsible for DSO & DAB Role out and i know that DAB has a few years to go yet before being perfect so i will keep in car as things will improve over the coming year. Fingers crossed. Unless you know you can get a fantastic DAB signal hold off an see what else appears over the coming year or so. Just my thoughts.

regards

Jon