Zenec ZE-NC2010 impressions.

[CMcK]

After a bit of a wait I now have the Zenec NC2010 head unit fitted into the Golf. First impressions are very favourable. It looks right at home in the Mk V with the same kind of piano black finish as the area around the screen on the RCD310 and the buttons are a bang on match for the rest of the dash. Even the typeface on the buttons looks spot on.

The unit integrates very well with car in other ways too. It really is a straight swap for the factory head unit and comes with a canbus adaptor which retains operation of the steering wheel controls and displays info on the MFA screen between the rev counter and speedo. This even appears to extend to the unit using the cars ambient light sensor to determine when to change navigation map colouring.

The UI is very slick and responds quickly to inputs and shows little lag even with the navigation software. The graphics are ok but not really to my Mac using tastes but they are functional and not heavy handed at trying to be stylish. The viewing angle of the screen is good I was able to see it easily from both of the front seats. They even included a cleaning cloth for the screen.

Audio quality is a step up from the RCD310 even though we are still using the factory speakers for now. Rumping the volume up produced little distortion that I could hear. Playback from CD is good but I think the lossless files on my iPod and iPhone just shade it overall in terms of sound quality.
The radio reception seems fine with the usual RDS, TA etc features all present and correct.
Now playing info is displayed on the MFA showing album, artist and track.

I haven't been able to test the TMC module though as the reception dropped off dramatically with the TMC receiver plugged in. The shop I bought the unit from is going to source a replacement from the supplier.

The built in Parrot bluetooth module worked flawlessly with my iPhone and the built in microphone is good enough quality that I decided not to use the included external microphone. The cable on the external microphone did look a bit on the short side for mounting on the A pillar though.

The navigation software is iGo 8 which I believe is also used by, amongst others, Pioneer on their head units as well. The maps came preloaded on the 4GB of flash onboard the unit and they also include a 4GB USB flash drive to use for future updates and media playback.
The navigation software is straight forward to use with good use of 3d and virtual renderings of motorway signs which is a far cry from the aged PCM module in my other car. The spoken directions are clear and sound quite natural but when directions are issued the music is only faded and not paused which is what I am used to. Is this common with other built in navigation systems?
Having the option of a split screen on the main display is good. And as you have the navigation display on the MFA anyway you can choose to turn off the navigation info on the main screen altogether.

I haven't tried a DVD in the unit yet or any other other video source for that matter. I'll probably try something just to see if it works or if forum members have any questions.

The little media box with the USB and aux in connection is mounted in the glovebox and isn't intruding on the space in there. Works fine with my iPhone even charging it.

Overall I'm really quite impressed with this unit. I had narrowed it down to a choice of the Zenec unit or the Pioneer F9110BT but the Pioneer has a lesser feature set, no canbus integration and cost £300 more. It's basically just the F910BT with a Golf specific facia.

The owner of the shop I bought it from was really impressed as well. He had tried to push me down the Pioneer route originally but after seeing the Zenec in action he felt that he could quite happily recommend it to other VW owners.

[elvismiggell]

Mind if I ask how much that set you back?

Sounds pretty sweet!

[CMcK]

The NC2010 was £999.99 fitted from a local retailer. I've since seen it online for under £900. Compared to the price of other double DIN units I think it offers reasonable value for money. And it's a lot cheaper than buying a VW nav, BT module and iPod connection from eBay.

I will post some pictures later on.

[boyd1963]

I quite fancy his unit but was put off because I believe that the button illumination is white. KIs this the new standard for VW cars as my 2005 Touran has got red button illumination?

[CMcK]

I'm in the same boat as yourself with red illumination in the mk V. To be honest the white light from the Zenec doesn't bother me. Red, white and blue illumination at night makes your car very patriotic inside!
I really need to post some pictures and let my fellow forumites see how it looks.

[AdamG-DK]

Hi,

I'm also considering this unit for my new Scirocco. Could you by any chance post a picture of the unit turned on at night?

I'm a little concerned on how the white illumination looks together with the red illumination of the rest of the buttons... i just want to be sure it looks good :-)

[CMcK]

I'll hopefully have time to post a few pictures tonight.

[CMcK]

Got a couple of fuzzy snaps but I cannot get into my Flickr account to post them. Need to try hosting them somewhere else.

[CMcK]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3946614589_3aa3ffb5b0.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3945103247_e470ec21a9.jpg

I'll get some daylight photos at the weekend. And if I can fathom out how to improve the night time pictures I'll try again.

Just noticed that I haven't shown the info from the headunit being displayed on the MFD. I'll get that next time.

[boyd1963]

Actually the white buttons do not look too bad. I emailed Zenec to ask what the logic was for having white buttons but needless to say they did not reply.

Having had the unit for a little while now are you still happy with it? Are the maps up-to-date?

Could you possibly post some real screenshots. 3D map, bluetooth interface, ipod interface (track names etc)

Cheers

Boyd

[CMcK]

I think the white buttons will be to suit the mk 6. We're still happy with the unit and have given the navigation a bit of a workout now and it performed very well. Finally got through to get the new TMC aerial fitted and it seems to be working fine now.
I've even accidentally found some more features of the navigation software. I daresay that these screens are in the manual but who reads that?

I don't know how up to date the maps are but you would have to hope they were current when the unit went on sale in the summer. Compatibility with the Naviextras site should be later this month so more add ons and updates will be readily available. Although that requires access to a Windows PC which is inconvenient for me personally.

I'll do my best to get some pictures of the various functions and some better night time shots this week. Is there any sequence of features you would like to see in particular?

[boyd1963]

Hi,

I'd just like to see real screenshots as all I have seen so far have been marketing photos. I am interested in all the screens but specifically the 3D map, bluetooth interface, ipod interface (track names etc)

Daylight shots would be good as well to show how good the contrast is.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Boyd

[Issac Hunt]

Buy an MFD3 instead!

[boyd1963]

Buy an MFD3 instead!

I would if it was the same price and had built in Bluetooth.

[DanoS4]

Price is a bit off-putting, especially with the other options out there - it's VERY competitive imho! :D

HOwever, where did you get it from? I've been struggling to find a Zenec dealer (amongst other Chinese DVD manufacturers) in the UK.....

Thanks :)

Dan (must change my user-name - no S4 anymore!)

[boyd1963]

What about here

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/zenc2010-original-looks-65-inch-monitor-and-sat-nav-for-vw-seat-p-13827.html


CMcK, do the track names appear in the display between the speedo and rev counter? I presume taht directions do as well. Sorry forgot what it is called.

[richard@thebrae]

Hi can you tell us where this unit is manufactured please ? Germany or China, and is the operating processor from "Zoran" and the Nav side of it operating by WinCe.

[CMcK]

What about here

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/zenc2010-original-looks-65-inch-monitor-and-sat-nav-for-vw-seat-p-13827.html


CMcK, do the track names appear in the display between the speedo and rev counter? I presume taht directions do as well. Sorry forgot what it is called.

Yes. If you circle through the screens on the MFD you get the relevant audio info displayed. For example using the iPod the MFD will display track, artist and album info.

When using the navigation this is replaced by a surprisingly useful navigation display.

Regarding the country of manufacture etc I'll need to have a look on the box. Zenec are owned by a Swiss company ACR AG though and a recent posting on Mobilewhack suggests the kit is assembled in Europe. My guess would be the Czech Republic
. As far as I know it is a WindowsCE based device and uses an ARM processor. I don't know much more about the hardware other than what is on the Zenec site.

The navigation software is iGo from Nav N Go and is also used by Pioneer, Harmon Kardon and Clarion amongst others. Maps are provided by TeleAtlas.

[Issac Hunt]

I would if it was the same price and had built in Bluetooth.

But this thing cost £1k didnt it?

My MFD3 and bluetooth kit were much cheaper than that.

[richard@thebrae]

But this thing cost £1k didnt it?

My MFD3 and bluetooth kit were much cheaper than that.
Was that an RNS 510, and was it new ? and from where ?

[Issac Hunt]

Not new but was only 6 months old. From a certain auction site.

[spoonies]

I installed one in my '06 passat 2 weeks ago.
Installation was very simple. The only missing connection was to the second aerial connection (diversity) on the Passat which degrades radio signal in some areas on FM and gets no AM signal. This wont be a problem with the Golf and I've had no response from Zenec about diversity adaptors!
I chose this as an upgrade from a Pioneer HD3-BT which was an excellent unit, but didn't look very well integrated with the dash.
I immediately carried out the software upgrade and was impressed with how accurate the instructions are from the website. I have also installed the scameras data from Naviextras and the TMC lifetime subscription.
TMC works as well as it did on my pioneer unit and is useful for those of us that spend the day on the road.
The camera data is generally quite accurate and includes a clever function with averaging cameras keeping a track of your average speed between them giving both a visual and audible warning when you start to exceed the average.
The unit also has a very good speed limit warning system that allows you to set the threshold for both built up and open areas so that you don't get too fed up listening to it telling you you're over the limit on the motorway.
It allows you to set the alarm levels at various percentages of the speed limit, ie 100% in 30 limits, perhaps 110 to 120% in other areas.
The maps seem to be up to date. Mine are dated Qtr2 2009 and include changes that have been made on the roads I know up to approximately the end of 2008. They are much more up to date than the late 2008 set I bought for my Pioneer unit.
I've only tested the waypoints function a couple of times with up to 10 different addresses, but it seems to work well and includes an optimisation button. There is a small bug with the visuals on that screen, but it works OK.
The audio side of things is better than the factory fit units, but falls well short of the exceptional quality of output on the Pioneer, lacking the effects I was used to for things like , studio, sitting room, stage etc. However, if you've not had these things before, I am sure they won't be missed and the sound quality is perfectly adequate for a car unit.
The Parrot bluetooth has been the biggest disappointment. The software upgrade included updates for this, but the sound quality I am getting through the external mic is apalling and I have had to switch back to the internal mic which is adequate, but not good.
It is possible there is a fault with the external mic on my unit and I will get it checked out.
Connectivity via Bluetooth to my Blackberry curve is fine with the address book transfering correctly. The unit also successfully controls the MP3 function on my phone correctly streaming the audio through the head unit very well.
Connectivity to SD cards and USB sticks works fine, as does input from other audio sources via the input port which fits nicely to the side of the centre console.
Overall, this seems to be a high quality unit that looks good and performs well. The most important feature for me is the navigation and it is significantly better than the Pioneer (and my TomTom). I look forward to the few remaining software glitches being sorted.

Colin

[CMcK]

Was that the 06/11/09 update you are referring to? I've noticed a big improvement with radio reception with the update. And the radio software is due another update soon as well.

The Parrot module has been fine sound quality wise since I bought the unit. The module did have a flaky one day with my iPhone and calls but has never acted up since then.

I've yet to try the Naviextras stuff but I don't use Windows so it's going to be impossible for me to do so without using someone elses computer.

I would like to see alternative skins, themes and wallpaper for the system though. It would be nice to have a big VW logo at boot time instead.

[spoonies]

Was that the 06/11/09 update you are referring to? I've noticed a big improvement with radio reception with the update. And the radio software is due another update soon as well.

The Parrot module has been fine sound quality wise since I bought the unit. The module did have a flaky one day with my iPhone and calls but has never acted up since then.

I've yet to try the Naviextras stuff but I don't use Windows so it's going to be impossible for me to do so without using someone elses computer.

I would like to see alternative skins, themes and wallpaper for the system though. It would be nice to have a big VW logo at boot time instead.

Hi
Yes it was that update. Can't comment on reception before, but is that a Golf you've installed it in with one aerial Fakra lead?
I noticed they're threatening an update to the RDS software, this may well help!
I agree, some "skins" options would be nice, especially for the night screens which are not easy and perhaps the ability to load in your own start up screen would be good and would allow us to add to the OEM feel of the device.

[CMcK]

I thought that the Golf Estate had the diversity aerial? So what's the difference with the Fakra model?

On the wish list topic I would also like two other features the ancient PCM system in my other car has. Namely a map screen and SMS support.

[Brianmgnns]

Really enjoyed reading your post. I have a 2009 Golf Mk6 and have the predecessor of your unit, the Zenec MC-2000. This does not have Sat Nav as I already had a widescreen Sony unit and is made specifically for the Mk5 series having the blue and red background and buttons rather than white.
I found it difficult to use at the start but I persevered and upgraded the firmware through the SD card slot. I can now play DVDs and songs from my iPod, use it for my phone and it works from the steering wheel buttons. It is far superior to VW units in my opinion.

My problem now is that I want a unit with white lights to match the Mk 6 dials and also to work properly with my new iPhone 3Gs as the old unit wont show last number dialled etc. and have decided to sell my Sony Sat Nav and upgrade to the NC-2010, so thanks for the detail on it.

[mo88]

Looking to buy one myself and wondered where you go this unit from?
Did you consider fitting it youself?
Regards

[Brianmgnns]

I live in N.I. and bought the Zenec unit as part of a trade-in deal. It cost me £500. The unit was purchased from and fitted by Audio Advice in Portadown Co Armagh; check out their website for details.
The fitting was straightforward enough, you remove the cover panel on the heater controls with a special pry bar tool (dont risk it with a screwdriver!)and then remove the cowling on the original VW unit and then remove the fours hex headed screws which hold the unit in place. Fitting is a reversal of removal. The microphone for the bluetooth is threaded up the side of the "A" pillar and clipped on the top of the rubber on the inside of the windscreen.
The beauty of the Zenec system is that unlike the VW units you do not need any extra attachments for your phone or if you have an amplified system. For example the uprated VW units need a bluetooth kit around £300 and RCA adapter s for amplifiers around £300. I also like the fact that the Zenec plays DVDs from your iPod or direct from DVD and SD card.
I was going to change mine to the later Zenec 2010 model with sat nav but I am considering just keeping a separate sat nav as I use hire cars when I am in England.

[mihaimihai]

Hi guys, I just ordered one of these and I was wondering if Park Assist functions (parking sensors visual display and Park Assist commands) will be displayed on the screen as this equipment is connected to the car CAN. My car is a 2008 Highline Passat B6. Any additional information is welcome, thanks in advance!
Kind regards,
Mihai

[turkkan79]

Hi i have ZENEC NC2010 on my Tiguan. When i reached 70 km per hour, image on dvd player goes off and sound continues. Do you have any idea how can i cancel this restriction?

[mihaimihai]

Hi i have ZENEC NC2010 on my Tiguan. When i reached 70 km per hour, image on dvd player goes off and sound continues. Do you have any idea how can i cancel this restriction?

Enter Settings/Misc/Password and enter this code 200905 scroll down to Parking and select Ignore. This will cancel the "Video in motion" protection but it's on your risk to drive and watch dvd !

[turkkan79]

Thanks for your interest mihaimihai, i will try and inform you...

[jdenver]

Im looking at this unit for my Transport T5.1 59 plate 2010 model, the radio in there at the moment is a RCD210. Will this unit fit and being connected to the can-bus if I select reverse gear will the head unit change to the video input. Also will the speed functions work on the sat-nav or has the van got to go back to VW to have these set in the van's computer software?. Any help will be much appreciated.

[CMcK]

I've finally installed the November 2010 update on the NC-2010. A very solid update especially the rewritten tuner software. The radio is crystal clear now and the whole unit seems a little bit snappier in operation.
The nav software adds traffic camera warnings and the Bluetooth software is revised with slightly improved audio quality from the built in mic.

[vwvroom]

Hi, first post here.

Can you drag the map around when in map viewing mode (not in route)?

Thanks

[vwvroom]

Sorry, more questions about this unit -- let me rephrase them:

[EDITED after reviewing the manuals on zenec.com]

1. Can you drag the map when in map viewing mode? (I don't mean during travel/navigation)
- Per the manual, yes -- please correct me if I'm wrong

2. Can you see the map of a chosen POI?

3. Is there a zoomable, draggable overview map of the route?

4. Beside Audio and Navi, is there a Phone/BT display on the MFD? (for cmparison, VW RNS-510 & RNS-315 display the the phone name, the cell operator name, as well as dynamic icons for battery and signal strength)

5. Will it turn ON with the ignition OFF but they key IN? This one is a biggie. After parking, I like to sit in the car and listen to audio books, or go to a drive-in (yes, there is still one around here). The Zenec FAQ says key has to be in the ACC Position (which doesn't exist for VW. It only has ON, which would turn on the cluster and other things, using up the battery more!). I hope the FAQ is outdated and the newer firmware would address this -- but that's just my wild hope. Can anyone clarify? Will it turn ON if the ignition is OFF but the key stays IN (which is VW's pseudo-ACC/key-sense position).

I currently have the RNS-315 with on 2011 US Golf Estate (they sell it here as the Jetta SportWagen), but after getting used to TomTom personal GPS, the navigation screen of the RNS-315 leaves me wanting more, yet I want to retain the MFD-integration, so the only other option available right now, that i know of, is the ZE-NC2010.

But if no. 5 is true, that's a big disadvantage for me.

Cheers

[CMcK]

I will print off your questions and have a look at them during the week.

Edit: I see there is another minor software update for the 2010 now available. I will apply that first before looking at the above list of questions.

[richard@thebrae]

Look at the VW Kenwood unit it is unique to VW dealers and integrates fully. Here is the link to it on this forum.

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=111999

[CMcK]

Sorry, more questions about this unit -- let me rephrase them:

[EDITED after reviewing the manuals on zenec.com]

1. Can you drag the map when in map viewing mode? (I don't mean during travel/navigation)
- YES.

2. Can you see the map of a chosen POI? - YES.

3. Is there a zoomable, draggable overview map of the route? - NO.

4. Beside Audio and Navi, is there a Phone/BT display on the MFD? (for cmparison, VW RNS-510 & RNS-315 display the the phone name, the cell operator name, as well as dynamic icons for battery and signal strength) - NO. Didn't have my phone in the car though.

5. Will it turn ON with the ignition OFF but they key IN? This one is a biggie. After parking, I like to sit in the car and listen to audio books, or go to a drive-in (yes, there is still one around here). The Zenec FAQ says key has to be in the ACC Position (which doesn't exist for VW. It only has ON, which would turn on the cluster and other things, using up the battery more!). I hope the FAQ is outdated and the newer firmware would address this -- but that's just my wild hope. Can anyone clarify? Will it turn ON if the ignition is OFF but the key stays IN (which is VW's pseudo-ACC/key-sense position). - NO.



I hope that is of some help.

[mihaimihai]

Sorry, more questions about this unit -- let me rephrase them:

[EDITED after reviewing the manuals on zenec.com]

1. Can you drag the map when in map viewing mode? (I don't mean during travel/navigation)
- Per the manual, yes -- please correct me if I'm wrong

2. Can you see the map of a chosen POI?

3. Is there a zoomable, draggable overview map of the route?

4. Beside Audio and Navi, is there a Phone/BT display on the MFD? (for cmparison, VW RNS-510 & RNS-315 display the the phone name, the cell operator name, as well as dynamic icons for battery and signal strength)

5. Will it turn ON with the ignition OFF but they key IN? This one is a biggie. After parking, I like to sit in the car and listen to audio books, or go to a drive-in (yes, there is still one around here). The Zenec FAQ says key has to be in the ACC Position (which doesn't exist for VW. It only has ON, which would turn on the cluster and other things, using up the battery more!). I hope the FAQ is outdated and the newer firmware would address this -- but that's just my wild hope. Can anyone clarify? Will it turn ON if the ignition is OFF but the key stays IN (which is VW's pseudo-ACC/key-sense position).

I currently have the RNS-315 with on 2011 US Golf Estate (they sell it here as the Jetta SportWagen), but after getting used to TomTom personal GPS, the navigation screen of the RNS-315 leaves me wanting more, yet I want to retain the MFD-integration, so the only other option available right now, that i know of, is the ZE-NC2010.

But if no. 5 is true, that's a big disadvantage for me.

Cheers
All your questions can be answered by YES, including the last one. I have installed the latest software, downloaded directly from their ftp site (sorry, no further details as I promised!). It works great integrated perfect with the CAN of my car (Passat B6 from 2008). If you have more questions please let me know!

[mrloseth]

hello

im wondreing where you did find the new uppdate for the zenec nc 2010 ?
i went to the web site to zenec and the number i did find there was:

APP_V 2.89.24_03X1_101217
MPG_V 2.4.18_0XXX_101217
MCU_V 2.2.93_03X1_101217
an mine is:

APP_V 2.89.26_0361_101217
MPG_V 2.4.18_0371_101217
MCU_V 2.2.93_0361_101217 ADP1V20

Do i have the newest software ?
and another problem with mine is that the speed camera does nor wourk,i have activate it on the menu but i dont get any cameras on the screen.
do you have any recomendings for an download?
are there eny hidden meny on the zenec ??

regards marius

[DSG4ME]

To the best of my knowledge Zenec is Binatone under another name, just so you all know, and with that knowledge the Kenwood looks like the best option imo.

[bodlang]

Hi, I was performing a oftware update on my NC2010 and it failed with a Checksum error. I now have a non-functioning unit as it's a just a black screen and message box prompting for a USB stick to update. Does anyone know a Zenec dealer who can fix this for me?

[mihaimihai]

There is a recovery procedure, you'll find it on Zenec site. I used it with good results, you need to use both SD and USB stick.Good luck!

[bodlang]

Hi mihaimihai

Thanks for the reply. I already have. The recovery procedure fails at the same point with a checksum error. I have contacted Zenec but from what I read I have little expectation that they will respond.

I've also tried removing CDC.dat from the Application folder (thus bypassing the checksum) but that causes both regular update & recovery update to crash after/while installing Password.exe.

I think I need to get it to an expert! :-/

[mihaimihai]

If it fails with checksum error it might be a hardware problem

[bodlang]

Just for reference should this be searched: The checksum error was caused by using a cheap USB stick not storing the file structures correctly.

Co-incidently to this the BlueTooth module has failed. Zenec Support have responded suggesting it is hardware fault but as it's over 12 months old they will not fix it. Pretty poor for a £800 unit! Looks like i'm going to have to send it to Germany and it's likely to cost £££ just to get it working again. Not impressed at all!

[DSG4ME]

Doh, repeat post by me.