Radio options

[Greegiecee]

So, I like my little Altea, but I find the radio really boring. It's ok, but I have the old CD/MP3 player.

I wanted something that I can connect a cable to the CD changer connection to create an aux connection to use my ipod. Unfortunately my one doesn't have the AUX feature.

Do any of the VW or Skoda radios fit as a direct replacement (with the exception of the surround plate which I know needs to be bought. I don't want to go changing cables, I just want to plug and play so to speak.

Can anyone suggest a headunit that is compatible?

Cheers

 

[mac music]

if you want an VW one check out the ones that are option 7 here

http://www.my-gti.com/719/differenc...d-210-rcd-310-rns-310-rcd-510-and-the-rns-510

other options are

kenwood 521 http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/vw/DNX521DAB/details/

or pioneer http://www.pioneer.eu/uk/products/25/111/241/AVIC-F9310BT/page.html

or get a single din set up & stick pretty much anything you want in

dont forget to get the right connects2 adapter so your steering wheel controls still work

MM

 

[skard]

I had a Zenec NC2010, if you search you'll see pics of it installed. Assuming it comes with the original wiring it is completely plug and play as if it was OEM.

 

[Greegiecee]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Mac_music, I was a bit confused by option 7 on the list as I could see any?

I should have mentioned, I am looking for something a little more simple. I was wondering if the VW RCD 310 would work? I know they were used in some SEATS too.

Also, I've read about some issues with battery drain etc and also having to change the CAN gateway, any idea if these will also have to be changed on mine?

Thanks again

 

[skard]

What age is your car? Generally if it is a 57/08 onwards it will have a suitable CAN gateway. You can physically check this by removing the glovebox and you'll see it, or in a VCDS scan. L variants onwards are ok (some K revisions were ok depending on the software version).

Yes the VW units will work, you won't get the CAN gateway battery drain with an aftermarket stereo.

If you just want Aux, will something like this not work? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OEM-AUX-I...Parts_SM&fits=Car+Make:VW&hash=item2ecf79211f

 

[Greegiecee]

Thanks, my car is an early 2006 so I suspect it would neen teh CAN gateway replaced then?

My radio doesn't have the CD/AUX switch, only the CD switch so unfortunately the AUX IN cable doesn't work (I learnt the hard way by buying one first :\ ) but thanks. My only other option is to buy another standard altea radio but one which has the CD/AUX function on it, but it is just such a bland boring looking radio!

 

[skard]

Yes you will definitely need a CAN gateway if you go OEM.

I see what you mean now about the missing button, no point replacing it with the same uninspiring looking stereo!

Also look at the RCD510, you can get the DAB version for £160-200 too, but be careful buying one sent in the post as the multichanger is so, so sensitive, as I found when a courier broke one I sent.

 

[Greegiecee]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into both those options then. I'll let everyone know the end result

 

[mac music]

Thanks for all the feedback.

Mac_music, I was a bit confused by option 7 on the list as I could see any?

I should have mentioned, I am looking for something a little more simple. I was wondering if the VW RCD 310 would work? I know they were used in some SEATS too.

Also, I've read about some issues with battery drain etc and also having to change the CAN gateway, any idea if these will also have to be changed on mine?

Thanks again

sorry trying to be to clever , any thing with option 7 will fit ,

you will need to connect via the canbus or flat battery seems to be the result the Vw units should just plug in and work ( i think)

 

[Greegiecee]

Thanks Mac

One other question. What is the deal with steering wheel controls if I go aftermarket? I am now leaning that way as the CAN Gateways seem to be both pricey and not that easy to find. Given that I am wanting something to use my iPod with it probably also makes the most sense.

 

[skard]

You can get a used CAN gateway for £35+, or a new one precoded for about £70 from Eddie-NL. It sits behind your glovebox which is easy to remove via some torx screws.

Isn't really any dearer than an aftermarket interface to retain steering controls and give it a switched live.

 

[mac music]

Thanks Mac

One other question. What is the deal with steering wheel controls if I go aftermarket? I am now leaning that way as the CAN Gateways seem to be both pricey and not that easy to find. Given that I am wanting something to use my iPod with it probably also makes the most sense.

i used a connects2 interface it comes as part of the adapter loom & has brand specific head unit wiring on it

they are about 33 quid or so on ebay , this one of for a pioneer

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEAT-Alte...cles_Terminals_Cabling_ET&hash=item519c7813b7

MM