Quick Q's about the RNS510

[DDg]

Hi all, I'm thinking of buying an RNS-510 to replace my RCD-510 and have a few questions if anyone can help...

1. Different model numbers 'A', 'B' etc - do they simply refer to the software level or are there hardware differences? If it's the former, can they be upgraded/updated?
2. Voice control - similar to question 1 - can older units be upgraded/updated?
3. I have the reversing camera - do they all have the ability to use the feed or does the RNS-510 unit have to be 'reversing camera specific'?
4. Lots of ebay listings state "suitable for Mk5" yet don't mention Mk6. Are they the same?
5. Any other gotcha's or advice?

Ta' all.

[p3eps]

Hi all, I'm thinking of buying an RNS-510 to replace my RCD-510 and have a few questions if anyone can help...

1. Different model numbers 'A', 'B' etc - do they simply refer to the software level or are there hardware differences? If it's the former, can they be upgraded/updated?

It was always thought previously they were the same thing, but it seems to be now that they are actually slightly different.  I think its more to do with the 'HW' version on the back though.  They can all be upgraded - but newer versions seem to handle the updates better without any problems.  Older versions (A) have a problem with the newest firmware where it always starts in Germany until it gets a sat fix!

2. Voice control - similar to question 1 - can older units be upgraded/updated?

Voice control is only available on the latest 2660 and 2680 firmwares.  You need to have a VagCom to enable this though.

3. I have the reversing camera - do they all have the ability to use the feed or does the RNS-510 unit have to be 'reversing camera specific'?

I don't think there is any difference.  I'm hoping my RNS510 that I have will slot straight in with my reverse cam when my car arrives!

4. Lots of ebay listings state "suitable for Mk5" yet don't mention Mk6. Are they the same?

The MK5 and MK6 version are the same - just a firmware upgrade.  If you use old firmware you'll probably lose out on the climate control on screen, and without new firmware I doubt it would work with your reverse cam?

5. Any other gotcha's or advice?

Be careful with foreign sellers as they're likely to be stolen.  Check out vwnavi.com for more information on firmwares etc.

Ta' all.

Hope that helps 

[DDg]

Helps a lot P3eps - it does help, thanks! I know what you mean about ebay - I think I'd be happier paying a little more from a specialist in the UK.

I'll check out vwnavi.com.

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[Aidy06]

Helps a lot P3eps - it does help, thanks! I know what you mean about ebay - I think I'd be happier paying a little more from a specialist in the UK.

I'll check out vwnavi.com.

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There is some trustred sellers on Ebay, try Darren on here (mortytdi) 

[cameluk]

Any version with firmware of 1100 or above will take the camera

Try and get a C if at all possible as that is the latest hardware and will run the latest/future  firmware

Steer clear of A's as it looks like they won't be able to use the new firmware 2700 when it comes out

Its looking likely that VW will be stopping their firmware updates for A & B at 1200 where as the C starts at 2660 onwards, although its not clear what the official support for B units will be, there may be restrictions depending on the hardware level of the B

Voice control only works on firmware 2660 or above

And try and get one with a physical key code card, some of the ones without the keycode have had their insides messed around with to read the codes, and that can cause problems with firmware upgrades turning your expensive navi into a brick 

[DDg]

Good useful info Cameluk - thanks. I'm learning a lot. Spoke to an outfit in Leicester (on ebay) who suggested 'B' and am waiting for Mortygt140 to get back to me (thanks Aidy06 too!).