Will I loose my DAB radio ?

[VWKev]

Hi all, just popped into my head... one of the first things I'll be upgrading when I get my GTi is the RCD510 to the RNS510. With the DAB radio connecting/fitted to the RCD510, will I loose that If I swap to the RNS510 or is there a way I can keep it ?

[mortygt140]

The DAB radio will probably be an external module that is connected to your RCD510 so once changed over you should still have the DAB on the RNS510.

Darren

[FroGTI]

I second that: we don't yet have digital radio in France, so I don't think VW will include the DAB as a matter of course in their radio units. I suspect it is a separate module, like the TV option (on other VAG cars, not the Golf).

[p3asa]

Not sure Kev but I came across this last night by accident
http://www.volkswagenaccessories.co.uk/accessories/SearchAccessories.do?range=Golf&groupId=&modelId=&text=&pager.offset=20
It suggests the RCD510 have different units whether you have the DAB, reversing camera or plain old RCD510

[FroGTI]

Not sure Kev but I came across this last night by accident
http://www.volkswagenaccessories.co.uk/accessories/SearchAccessories.do?range=Golf&groupId=&modelId=&text=&pager.offset=20
It suggests the RCD510 have different units whether you have the DAB, reversing camera or plain old RCD510

I stand corrected. Bit surprised though...

[VWKev]

Damn it, ok thanks guys.

[p3asa]

I stand corrected. Bit surprised though...

I reckon if it was an add on unit then it would be a well known upgrade but I've never seen anyone comment on that even altho it has been asked a few times on other forums.

[mac7]

I stand corrected. Bit surprised though...

I reckon if it was an add on unit then it would be a well known upgrade but I've never seen anyone comment on that even altho it has been asked a few times on other forums.

I've found a diagram of the back of an RCD510 which shows a DAB aerial connection. Whether that indicates a built-in DAB tuner or not is still uncertain though - but it might be of help:

http://www.my-gti.com/1313/volkswagen-rcd-510-pin-assignments

This site also seems to have a lot of info regarding the various hardware versions of the RNS510, firmware upgrades, reverse camera, TV, etc.

[VWKev]

Thanks mac7

[p3eps]

Not the greatest photo I know - but it was taken with my phone!
Here is my RNS510 A-version (which is currently living under my computer desk!).
The PIN diagram on my-gti is different to my one.  It still has all the connectors - apart from that No.1 - DAB aerial input... although they're in slightly different places.

Judging by this, it must mean that the DAB tuner is built into the RNS / RCD - and if this is the case, you won't be able to do a simple swap unless you buy an RNS that has DAB built in.    I'd imagine this would only be available in version C units?

I'm not convinced by the DAB anyway, as the car I test drove with it didn't get a good signal hardly anywhere!  Perhaps you should test out your one Kev before diving in and buying an RNS.  If you don't get a great signal - then swap it for a standard RNS.