RNS-D...Is it worth it??

[witwer4444]

Hey guys

I am looking at purchasing a used RNS-D unit from a member here on AZ and he has had it in his A6, I believe. It comes with the DICE ipod connector and antenna, and it looks to be in excellent condition. The link is below and the seller is in Brooklyn.

http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=16559&cat=all

However, my real question is, is the RNS-D even worth $500?? I mean its 7-8 year old nav technology, but I think having a nav would be awesome. I dont want to got the aftermarket route because I want to keep my car as factory as possible and I know as rare as these units are, it will make my car one-of-a-kind. Do any of you have experience with these units, and are they even worth it??

TIA guys

O, and 1 more thing, where can you pick up a faceplate for this unit that will match our facelift dash??

[TurboAudiGuy]

Why not get the RNS-E for about $700-900

[witwer4444]

i hear that the newer RNS-E is a lot harder to put in and messing with the electrical system of my car somewhat scares me...

[fikes]

just a fyi. There is two different types of that unit. One has wider wings on the side that was bad for b5 versions as opposed to the a6 like this one. As well to use the "nav" for what its made for you need the map cds and a cd changer or you will have to load each cd one at a time.

[audispeed]

I like mine. You dont have to load CDs often at all. If you are concerned about it, look to see what regions each cd covers. The company is called Nav-Teq.

[TurboAudiGuy]

I believe this is for a B5 http://www.metacafe.com/watch/444044/audi_navigation_rns_e_installation/

[witwer4444]

Im not worried about only having 1 CD slot as I do now with my symphony II system, so having the nav CD in at all times isnt a big deal. I use my IPOD ALWAYS with the FM transmitter.

Audispeed, could you post a pic of your dash?? How did you find the right faceplate for the nav unit to fit your dash?? Part no.??
Also, what antenna source will I have to use?? Just a normal antenna out the back or can I use one of those small trunk units that are the trunks of the A8's.

Anyone who has done this please add any input.

Thanks again

This is what I'm goin for:

http://www.audiworld.com/news/99/navigation/nav5.jpg

[fikes]

it is hot but unless its going to get used often its a waste.

[witwer4444]

And yes, I will use the nav 90% of the time when I'm driving

Also, do you guys know of any sites or links that tell a little bit more about the unit?? I know almost nothing about the features of the unit. Are there any drawbacks?? For example, the pixels dont fade out like our LCD displays or do the units freeze up??

[audispeed]

Too lazy to go get a pic of my car right now. As far as antennas go, mine is mounted on the metal bar behind the instrument cluster in the dash. It gets more than enough signal there. The antenna is a standard nav antenna and is about 2"x2"x1". As far as I know, pixels dont fade and the unit doesn't lock up. However, most units will need to have a "modified" cd in order to work properly. There are several sources to show you how to do this including a navigation plus forum.

[witwer4444]

how about this one??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-A4-S4-B6-CD-Navigation-RNSD-Radio-Navi-headunit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c39Q 3a1Q7c72Q3a1171QQ_trksidZp4506Q2ec0Q2em245QQhashZi tem29ff64cd1dQQitemZ180378455325QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5 fVideoQQsalenotsupported

It was taken out of a 2002 B6 and includes the antenna, and radio removal keys. However, there is a small silver strip at the bottom of the unit, can this be taken off?

And I'm still wondering about faceplates as well guys...

TIA again

[Cronogr]

I think it's better to go with an aftermarket solution but if u want ur car to look like stock ok then go for the rns. Anyway u probably will need a new interior console from an s4 or rs4 to make it fit properly and faceplate it's not so difficult do it urself but don't know about the electrical stuff

I would suggest a unit like this one it will save u from the trouble
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8229/audia4kenwood.jpg

[witwer4444]

My buddy has a flip out and all he has is trouble, trouble, and more trouble with it. The only option I would ever do thats aftermarket would be a pioneer 7" screen with the red buttons and the customizable startup to show the audi rings, but the red lights on that dont match the red lights on the dash, its more of a clear red, where the audi lights are duller red. Thanks for the input though

[witwer4444]

Here we go:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUDI-A4-S4-SAT-NAV-RNS-WITH-MODUAL-PART-N-8D0-035-192-G_W0QQitemZ220450581907QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsP arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3353e0ed93&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1689%7C 293%3A3%7C294%3A50

This is a UK version from a 2001 S4 so it will fit flush with the dash. Will this work okay in a US Spec A4?? What needs to be done to it to work in the US??

[witwer4444]

And another question, our facelift B5's have the symphony 1 unit correct?? And What does the 2 DIN mean?? I guess these navs have to work with 2 DIN wiring or something like that...?

Help would be appreciated and thanks so much already for your help

[hiwords1]

2 din mean the size of the radio. you know how they also have HUs half the height? well those are single din. i've been looking around to RNS-D too but i don't get very far with my car and when i do, i know where i'm going anyways lol. i've seen a couple of b5s with the RNS-E on the forums, do a quick search you might get lucky and find it lol.

[Cronogr]

One question if anyone knows, do they still upgrade the rns-d ? new firmware maps etc ? Can u run an alternative navi program on them ?

[witwer4444]

hey Hiwords,

thanks for the reply man, its good to see you're still around the audi scene. Anyway, I am not interested in the RNS-E for several reasons, mainly the price, but also its a PITA to install and it wont even match up with the color of the interior (grey on black).

Hiwords - you never did send me those pics of the tips on your exhaust.....lol

[witwer4444]

One question if anyone knows, do they still upgrade the rns-d ? new firmware maps etc ? Can u run an alternative navi program on them ?

Thats another good question...

you know what we need: SOMEONE who knows what they're talking about and have plenty of experience with the RNS-D specifically.

In all, I've spent about 8-10 hours of research so far and there used to be a website that could answer all of my questions in one but its no longer in use: navplus.us

[audispeed]

I dont know if updates are available for the RNS-d. Check out Nav-Tek, they make the cds and you will find your answer there. I currently run 2005 version cds without any problems. I would go with the s4 unit that you posted. However, for it to work, you will need to create a dummy disk to load first before you load the map disk. It is my understanding that pretty much all of the rns-d units require this as I dont know that it was ever available in the US. As far as the b6 unit you posted, the top and bottom require trimming. A dremel will do the job well enough. You will, however, have gaps on the sides of approximately 1/2 inch.

There are a couple nav-forums that can help you out. As far as double din, you already have it if you have a 2000+. Wiring changes are minimal. I am not electrically inclined and had no problems. You have to splice 3 or so wires total.

[witwer4444]

audispeed, perfect, thanks for the input.

- so yours is a Euro-Spec, correct?? And Where did u pick it up from??

[audispeed]

audispeed, perfect, thanks for the input.

- so yours is a Euro-Spec, correct?? And Where did u pick it up from??

Somebody on here. I had also looked on ebay, but I found this one the cheapest. I believe, and I could be wrong, that all rns-d units are euro spec.

[Cronogr]

http://deletionpedia.dbatley.com/w/index.php?title=Audi_Navigation_Plus_(deleted_03_M ay_2008_at_04:30)

Great link from what i just read the rns-d doesn't worth the trouble maybe an rns-e if it's possible to fit on the b5 will be sweet

[speeding-g60]

i just skimmed this thread, but i have some additions for you as far as info.

the D-nav works good. i put one in my '01 4.2L A6. i like it. even works the cluster display which is cool as well.

i have copies of all the USA discs.

the install was not hard at all. the hardest part was to put the thing back in the dash really, and also to connect the two wires into the cluster.

i have the converter to run an external DVD player even while driving, have not hooked it up yet (been 2+ yrs haha).

you HAVE to run a changer if you want to listen to CD, as the slot on the D-nav is for the NAV-tech disc only. you do NOT have to keep loading discs unless you are travelling out of your "disc" area frequently.

mine controls the Phatnoise directly, and its pretty cool.

i do not think a C model will work in a B model car, but i am unsure about that one.

this is a European only option, as well. when i took the car to get keys coded, the Audi stealership was eye hustling it all over.... they had not seen one in a car haha.

if you need some linkz to websites i can scare some up.... i signed up to alot of them when i did this.

[k0mpresd]

However, for it to work, you will need to create a dummy disk to load first before you load the map disk.

this is not accurate. just rip the disc to your pc, edit 2 text files, save the iso, burn. simple.

edit: here you go. edit again: and it looks like its only 1 file on newer discs. i had to edit 2 files. i still have the original mercedes southeast disc i used too. [:)]


Here's what you do.

1) You will need an ISO editor. Many of these exist such as WinISO, MagicISO, ActiveISO, etc. These programs allow you to edit ISO files which are basically CD image files. Most of these programs you'll have to purchase: some limit you to amount of data you can write back to the CD, others limit you on time. I used MagicISO to make the ISO image from CD. Then I used ActiveISO to edit the ISO and write it back to a CD-R. I couldn't get ActiveISO to take a full ISO image of the disc, and MagicISO was limited in the amount of data it can write without buying the full package. So there you go....

2) Insert your first NAV CD into your computer, open your ISO program, and "Make ISO from CDROM". Every program is going to refer to this differently, but it's all talking about doing the same thing; making an ISO image of a CD in the drive.

3) Once that is finished, you should see a file called <whatever you named it.iso>

4) You need to modify ONE of the files in that ISO image. Since I used ActiveISO, it has the ability to edit files directly in the ISO image. So open the ISO with ActiveISO. Directions to edit files in the ISO are here: http://www.ntfs.com/iso_image_edit.htm

5) Edit the file PARAM.SYS using the directions: http://www.ntfs.com/iso_image_edit.htm

6) We are going to modify the PARAM.SYS file, then add it back into the ISO image. Note that we ARE NOT MODIFYING ANY SOFTWARE OR REVERSE ENGINEERING ANYTHING, ONLY CHANGING TEXT CONFIGURATION FILES THAT ARE INDENTED FOR THIS PURPOSE!!!!

7) in notepad, edit the PARAM.SYS file.

8) You will find parameters for several different navigation systems. Look for the one marked "AUDI 2DIN, VW_2DIN" number 605. It looks like this:

#[550] # RNS4-VW basic
# SWProduct = navusa_m
# NOMAP_ENBL = TRUE
# BDATA_PREFIX = !~
#
#[605] # AUDI_2DIN, VW_2DIN
# SWProduct = navusa_m
# BDATA_PREFIX = !~
#
[1100] # DX_R70 / RNS4-FH / DX-R52
SWProduct = navusa_m
NOMAP_ENBL = TRUE

9) The middle set is what we want to change. The # symbol is used to tell the navigation system to ignore whatever comes after it, so we are simply going to remove the # symbols ONLY BEFORE OUR MFD UNIT so that the Navi disc does not ignore it. This will allow both the Audi Navi+ and the VW MFD to work.

10) when you are done, it should look like this:

#[550] # RNS4-VW basic
# SWProduct = navusa_m
# NOMAP_ENBL = TRUE
# BDATA_PREFIX = !~
#
[605] # AUDI_2DIN, VW_2DIN
SWProduct = navusa_m
BDATA_PREFIX = !~

[1100] # DX_R70 / RNS4-FH / DX-R52
SWProduct = navusa_m
NOMAP_ENBL = TRUE

11) Save the file

12) In Waldo's original message, he mentioned editing a CONFIG.SYS file. There is no CONFIG.SYS file on the 4b disc, so this step is not needed; it's for earlier discs, usually used to properly configure the MFD from being a European Navi unit "NavECE_m" to a US Navi unit "NavUSA_m" If your MFD system currently works, then you've already done that step, so I'm not including it.


13) That's it. Now depending on your ISO editor you'll need to re-add them back to the ISO image or whatever your ISO editor requires. ActiveISO doesn't require this as per their instructions here: http://www.ntfs.com/iso_image_edit.htm

14) Now you should be able to use any CD burning program to burn your modified ISO back to CD. I just clicked on the BURN ISO button in ActiveISO to make the new disc, however any CD burn program should be able to read and burn ISO files to disc.

[hoganalley]

http://audiforum.us/

New Navplus.us

[witwer4444]

kompresd, what is exactly the point to editing the nav CD's? Are they the new ones made for the RNS-E you're talking about and then have to be edited to work on the RNS-D? Im confused....

speeding-g60, Do you still own your A6? Could you post a pic of your dash? And what do u mean a C wont work with a B? I've seen the RNS-D part no. for each model and theres like -G, -H, -B, and what not, but those are for the different models. Is that what you're talking about

Oh and this guy claims that his unit wont work in a B5:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180378455325&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[speeding-g60]

i can later tonight. i believe the shape of the faceplate is off a bit. like maybe the A6 is wider angling out or something. dunno as i dont have a B-series car...

and about the color difference? it looks really close, not far enough off to warrant worrying about. at least to me anyhow.

and D-nav is CD-ROM based software....
RNS-E is DVD-based. thus, RNS-E takes one single disc (i think?) for the whole USA, and D-Nav takes like 10-12.... i have the whole set (backups) for D-nav.... and other car brands work as well, like Benzo's....

i know this is an RNS-E, but this is a C-chassis cars shape of the face. notice how much wider it is than the B-series? that is the reason why you cant use one to the other. i have heard of people trimming the larger unit edges to fit in a smaller chassis car dash, but i wouldnt do it....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-A6-S6-Allroad-CD-SD-DVD-Navigation-RNSE-Radio-Navi_W0QQitemZ180380010832QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_A udio_Video?hash=item29ff7c8950&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12|39%3A1|72%3A1171

[speeding-g60]

so this is one for a B-series car.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Audi-Navigation-Plus-A4-S4-A6-S6_W0QQitemZ170355364999QQcmdZViewItemQQptZTechnik _Auto_Hi_Fi_Navigation_Einbau_Navigationssysteme?h ash=item27a9f89487&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1229|293%3A1| 294%3A50

and this is one for a C-series car, like my A6.

http://cgi.ebay.de/NAVI-PLUS-AUDI-A6_W0QQitemZ170355392161QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCE_Auto _Hi_Fi_Autoradios?hash=item27a9f8fea1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1229|293%3A1| 294%3A50


notice the width difference of the faceplate?

[witwer4444]

so the b5 and c5 have b-face interiors, wheres as the newer c6, b6, and b7 have c-face interiors? I can see the difference I guess if thats what you're talking about.

So what will I have to do about getting a CD to work then? Install a trunk mounted OEM CD Changer or what?

Oh and I'm even thinking about purchasing the FUNK button to put up next to my fog light buttons to change the nav from dvd in-motion, to nav. back and forth, on and off. That will work, wont it??

The nice thing about that S4 unit from the UK is that it will fit in my cars dash, whereas the c5 unit like yours would have gaps like you're saying. Heres what my car would look like with the unit. (My interior is identical to that one, except that ones brand new)

http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii433/witwer4444/nav5.jpg

[speeding-g60]

with D-Nav, to hear anything other than radio you will need an external source, such as a factory trunk mount changer or like what i have, a Phatnoise.

and no, i think the B5 and C5 are totally different from each other. like i said earlier, i dont have experience with B-anything cars, other than the motors for my drag cars.

i "think" the faceplates are different between the two, is what i am getting at, as far as all the research i did on it when i got mine. and i "think" the C-5 is WIDER than the B-series, so you would have gaps if you tried to use a B-series headunit in a C-series car....

dunno what a FUNK button is either. the D-Nav face has buttons for the dvd or whatnot. i had to get a special adapter for it to be able to be used, just have not wired it in.

my D-nav controls all the functions of a stock changer, and even all of the functions of the Phatnoise. Phatnoise is a 20Gig harddrive system.... tons and tons of music on it. and even the factory steering wheel buttons work on it as well.

[witwer4444]

o my bad, i feel like an idiot now with the b and c cars you were talking about. it just threw me off without the number behind the letter (B5, B6 for example).

This is the Funk button, and I heard to watch dvd's while in motion with the nav-d you need to wire a switch or something from the GATA wire, or just cut it and you will always be able to. I read a thread about this on audiforum.us i believe.

http://oempl.us/images/A4_B6_Funk.jpg

FUNK in German means RADIO, and in the b5 and b6 A4 cop cars, there were these buttons on the dash to turn the sirens on or what not. So this is a OEM part and can be wired to anything you want. Its kinda cool and I never knew what I would use one for until now, and theres nothing better than having FUNK in your audi, right?? haha

Heres a german b5 cop car:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/krk230/GermanyTripSeptember2005985.jpg

[witwer4444]

so a phatnoise box can play CD's and MP3's?? And how much do these cost??

[speeding-g60]

Phatnoise.... just a 20Gig harddrive that operates off of the factory headunits.

no cd's at all in my car anymore. i feel that with about eight million songs, i would never have a need.

http://www.phatnoise.com/ but it seems to be discontinued....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audi-Phatnoise-Phatbox-Digital-Media-Player-Light-Use_W0QQitemZ120445532692QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Au dio_In_Dash_Receivers?hash=item1c0b1cfa14&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A50

[witwer4444]

for me though, I have an ipod and dont need another mp3 source. I figure I can hook up a DICE ipod connector to the NAV-D just like you can with the stock Symphony HU. I just want to know how I can play CD's just in case I ever sell the car and the new buyer wants to play a damn CD in his car. What are my options??

[speeding-g60]

changer.

[audispeed]

this is not accurate. just rip the disc to your pc, edit 2 text files, save the iso, burn. simple.

edit: here you go. edit again: and it looks like its only 1 file on newer discs. i had to edit 2 files. i still have the original mercedes southeast disc i used too. [:)]


maybe half accurate [;)]

I tried that and the disk didnt load for me. The second set of isntructions I found said that you load the modified disk, eject it, then put in your OEM map disk. That is what I did/do.

[speeding-g60]

maybe half accurate [;)]

I tried that and the disk didnt load for me. The second set of isntructions I found said that you load the modified disk, eject it, then put in your OEM map disk. That is what I did/do.

load dummy disc. then insert Map disc. seems to me what i recall as well.

[witwer4444]

how about installing the oem trunk changer? Is that as easy as plugging it into the nav unit and it will work?

[speeding-g60]

yes, that is what i meant.... changer = OEM changer.

[witwer4444]

haha yes i know thats what you meant, but what i meant was how would i go about doing that? (installation)

[k0mpresd]

maybe half accurate [;)]

I tried that and the disk didnt load for me. The second set of isntructions I found said that you load the modified disk, eject it, then put in your OEM map disk. That is what I did/do.

interesting. i never had to do that. i had one of these back in like 2005? i just ripped the map disc, edited the files, burned, and was good to go.

[speeding-g60]

haha yes i know thats what you meant, but what i meant was how would i go about doing that? (installation)

are not the factory cd changers already installed in the rear trunk side? its just a DIN plug in behind the headunit. thats all...

[witwer4444]

the rear cd changers were factory in the 98's, 99's, and early 00's I believe. They were used in the concert units before the symphony I's were introduced in mid 00 and 01 with cd changers in the actual unit itself. Thats why I am still unsure if I can plug a 6 CD changer into a facelift unit.

[speeding-g60]

check with the seller..... and i dont know what is a facelift unit

[witwer4444]

what i meant by faceilft unit is that the symphony I was made for the facelift b5's.

[audispeed]

I have my stock cd changer wired into the RNS-D. My car came with it as I have a 99.5.

Kompressed, I did everything you did, but the edited disk wouldnt load itself. Apparently it tricked the unit or something so that you could load the original disk in. You only need to use the edited disk if the unit loses power.

[kampfer]

Hmmm... I think I'm going to jump on this, if I don't like it I can always sale it again

[k0mpresd]

Kompressed, I did everything you did, but the edited disk wouldnt load itself. Apparently it tricked the unit or something so that you could load the original disk in. You only need to use the edited disk if the unit loses power.

maybe i used a different edit? i dont really remember to be honest. i know that i used the modded disc the whole time i had the unit.

[audispeed]

maybe i used a different edit? i dont really remember to be honest. i know that i used the modded disc the whole time i had the unit.

If it works it works. THere may be various different methods of doing it. Can't argue with that[drive]

[k0mpresd]

ah, i think i found the other edit. i dumped the original mercedes commander disc i have.

in the config.sys file, i think these are the edits needed.

from:


# Konfigurations-File fuer Produkt TypD

[NavECE_m]

NavECE_m.EXE # Typ D CAN-Product Deutschland Version


[NavUSA_m]

NavUSA_m.EXE # Typ D CAN-Product USA Version

to:


# Konfigurations-File fuer Produkt TypD

[NavECE_m]

NavECE_m.EXE # Typ D CAN-Product Deutschland Version


[NavUSA_m]

NavECE_m.EXE # Typ D CAN-Product USA Version

take that fwiw, because its all from memory. but i think thats correct. seems like it would make sense. it would call the euro exe to run the usa map stuff. or thats the way i understand it anyways.

edit: ill mod, rar, and upload a modded version if someone wants to test it. i sold my d unit back in 2006.

[onemoremile]

Audizine Telematics forum. (http://www.audizine.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=68)

[witwer4444]

soooo guys....

pics of your interior with the RNS-D?? Thanks

[hiwords1]

you know i sent you a pm a could days ago.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/Seattle_Mariners/11c2_31.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a395/valoblk/SNC10264.jpg

[witwer4444]

Hiwords -

ya i got your message but that link was about the newer RNS-E unit. I am not interested in that. thanks again man and dont forget about those exhaust pics. haha

[hiwords1]

well if i can't find a complete write up for the RNS-D into the B5 and i can for the RNS-E you already know the E version is better lol.

[k0mpresd]

here is an edited southeast disc if someone wants to try it.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZRM2LHK1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KGV0GFZK

edit: btw. heres some pictures from my old install. apparently i had no idea how to use a camera back then. [>_<]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/0bc3e285.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/1dc68200.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/navinstalled027.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/navinstalled030.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/navinstalled032.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/k0mpresd/pics102905318.jpg

[black99.5a4]

the rear cd changers were factory in the 98's, 99's, and early 00's I believe. They were used in the concert units before the symphony I's were introduced in mid 00 and 01 with cd changers in the actual unit itself. Thats why I am still unsure if I can plug a 6 CD changer into a facelift unit.

They didnt start indash changers till symphony 2 in the b6. All b5's were optioned with a rear changer from i think 97+. prefacelift was mounted under the deck lid, facelift were mounted in the compartment on the left.

[witwer4444]

They didnt start indash changers till symphony 2 in the b6. All b5's were optioned with a rear changer from i think 97+. prefacelift was mounted under the deck lid, facelift were mounted in the compartment on the left.

My 2.8 b5 is fully loaded from 2001 and doesnt have a rear changer, just a single slot in the symphony I HU.

[black99.5a4]

My 2.8 b5 is fully loaded from 2001 and doesnt have a rear changer, just a single slot in the symphony I HU.

I said optioned.. not standard.

my 99.5 has a changer in the cubby in the trunk where the factory tool box is.

[witwer4444]

guys I got my hands on a b5 specific unit now I need help getting the accessories for it since it is only the unit itself.


If any of you have antennas, harnesses, map disks, or ipod adapters for the rns-d specifically, then please let me know and I will take them off of your hands.

Also, more input on the installment process would be lovely.

some of you have already gotten pm's about help and bonus rep will be given out to those that help. also, if any of you can commit to helping me first hand I will be willing to compensate you with some extra cash via paypal.

TIA

[Siena]

Should look good when done - did you end up getting the one from the UK-spec S4?

[witwer4444]

no I found one on the US eBay motors site that a guy in San Francisco had. He said he bought it a year ago from another B5 owner and never got a chance to install it. I am guessing its been in the US for a few years now but obviously came from the UK just as all of them did. And yes, it is a B5 specific RNS-D unit, so it will fit perfectly.

I cant wait to install, now if someone could just help me out....

[Militant-Grunt]

Forget about the RNS-D, the RNS-E is far superior, not to mention that it will make your radio sound better. The wiring is not that difficult, the only difficult part is making the unit light up when you turn on your headlights. Other than that you can get a harness that is directly plug and play.

[Chard]

you'll need that wiring harness in k0mpressed's pics with the yellow wires coming out of them. You'll have to splice them into your stock radio harness, IIRC, and you might have to add a couple pins.

I'm not sure if you'll get the DIS to work since you have CAN, but it works in my car (99.5 with all red DIS).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/chard/Audi%20Interior/photo.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v125/chard/Audi/3-5-08008.jpg

[witwer4444]

I thought I could get the Display in the cluster to work since I have CAN? I am confused. And did you install it yourself?

[speedydragon]

wow the rnsd display is so much smaller than the rnse.

[witwer4444]

OK so I just got the RNS-D in the mail and it is flawless (at least by looks).

Now, I dont have any of the nav accessories yet but can I still plug this thing in to get at least the radio to work?

Let me know, thanks

And I cant tell which of the numbers is the radio code. Its either 0986 or 1024

[minira]

you really need one thread for your same topic man. no need to make a new thread for questions regarding the same thing...

[witwer4444]

ya i know my bad. I tried to delete the other ones and I thought the other one was in the telematics forum but I think its gone now.

[Chard]

Yes, you can plug it in to get the radio to work, but you won't be able to get GPS w/o the antenna. You'll still need to have the harnesses to get the radio to work, after you do your splicing.

The radio code is a 4 digit number...you can try either of those. IIRC, it won't lock you out completely if you enter the wrong code only once, but I wouldn't keep trying as you'll eventually have a waiting period where the unit needs to be powered on during lockout for a given amount of time before you can try again.

I think you'll have to get a CAN emulator to get your DIS to work. You can always try to just plug it in and see, but I believe you'll need the emulator. My cluster is non-CAN (99.5) and I didn't need anything to get the DIS to work.

[witwer4444]

got ya

Ya I took the nav to a custom interior specialties shop today and they ordered me the antenna and radio keys for free and are gunna put it in tomorrow with my assistance. I'll upload pics and what not tomorrow.

I'd just like to thank everyone who has helped me through this so far.

I'll keep ya updated.

[jerseymike68]

thanks for these information

[witwer4444]

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/DSC02983.JPG
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/DSC02984.JPG
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/DSC02985.JPG

I tried one of the two codes on the unit and it was the wrong one. That was at 1:30 and its now 2:45 and the unit is still locked. Theres one more code I can try but it wont unlock and I was told you have 3 chances to try and then if not then you have to wait 30 minutes. Any tips? Do I have to keep the unit on for 30 minutes? Or do I have to completely unplug every plug in the unit and plug it all back in? Let me know ASAP as I want my RNSD!!

Oh and the unit isnt in all the way because I want to be able to take it out if needed so thats why it looks weird

[A4-Achtung]

Looks very clean. But i'm still glad i went with an Avic instead, has allot of nice features and so much customization.

[witwer4444]

guys - unit is still locked after 5 hours and wont unlock. I have two codes, tried one of them and it didnt work but now I want to put in the other code and it still hasnt unlocked. Do I need to unplug the entire unit and replug in all back in? Help here......

[audispeed]

You have to leave the unit on for an hour and then it will clear. You can leave your car off, but turn the unit on by pressing and holding the knob.

[witwer4444]

I tried both codes, 1024 and 0986 and neither worked. Is there anything I can do now? Man I am soo bummed.

[Chard]

is it locking you out each time you do it? i remember when i first installed mine, it wasn't taking the code right away for some reason...took it eventually.

[witwer4444]

ya ill try again. it was weird. i have tried twice so far and the second time with the second code it looked like it got in and then locked up again. thanks for the input, I really hope I can get it working

[HotSauce]

Don't mean to rock your boat, but I'll never understand why people don't go aftermarket - Like the F700 or something.

[Chard]

i went with rns-d for seamless integration in the interior and for the functionality in the DIS. granted, it's an inferior system, especially compared to today's units, but you can't beat the fit and finish.

[witwer4444]

Don't mean to rock your boat, but I'll never understand why people don't go aftermarket - Like the F700 or something.

I dont mean to rock your boat either but as great as other aftermarket units may be, they also lower the value of our cars. If we were driving 1990 ford fiestas with a nav unit, then yes, the value would go up on that car. But with anything worth of value (no offense ford fiesta's), such as our beautiful german made automobiles, adding something like the RNS-D into our cars makes them something unique that will fetch much more when it comes time to sell the car. I now know that I have one of the only B5's in America with an RNS-D, as well as Chard above.

And I also have to add that the look of my RNS-D is unbeatable.

[witwer4444]

is it locking you out each time you do it? i remember when i first installed mine, it wasn't taking the code right away for some reason...took it eventually.

OKay I waited an hour and typed in the code and pressed okay and it says under the code: "SAFE-Pin nicht angeschlossen!"

What do I do now, turn the unit off? Press Ok?

I dont want to screw this up because it said this last time and then it locked up again

[Chard]

can you contact the original owner? don't keep trying if you don't know the code is for sure correct.

[witwer4444]

I doubt I can find the original owner. Will a VAG COM fix this? Should I try the code again in an hour? I typed in the right code, that message appeared and nothing happened, but it didnt say "Unit Locked". I tried to click okay again and nothing happened. I turned it off and on and nothing happened so then I typed in another code and it locked up so idk.

And I dont have a gps antenna hooked up to it or a nav disk in it yet, just the normal plug ins that were plugged into my Symphony 1. Does that have anything to do with it?

[Chard]

are you sure everything is wired correctly on the radio harness? i recall having to add a pin in slot 5 and jumping it to slot 7, which gives it a +12V from the battery. this had something to do with SAFE.

i'm only going off old emails...the original site which had the instructions is down.

[BrokeDown[20V]]

"SAFE-Pin nicht angeschlossen!"



For those that do not know, that means the PIN is not connected.

All I can help with.

[witwer4444]

Chard -

I was just going to ask about this SAFE stuff

I read through your old post in Audiforum.us from 06 stating your situation that you had about the SAFE and how it took you a couple of days for it to work. Now navplus is down but audiforum.us is the new navplus.com I guess because people were illegally selling nav disks on the old site which caused them to create the new one.

The nice thing about it is that they transferred all of the old threads so you can still search your thread, just as I did.

Now back to this SAFE thing, what do I have to do with the pins? Like I said, I just plugged in everything that was in my normal radio HU into the RNS-D and everything works on it, the lights, the power, and what now, I just need to get past this SAFE screen mode. So what about the pins? And I didnt plug in a red 10 pin harness that was plugged into the stock HU.

Uhhhh this is confusing. I already have an old nav disk ordered, I just need to order an antenna.

I wish someone who knew exactly everything about NAV + would come over to my house and help me. Oh man that would be awesome.

[Chard]

haha i understand your frustration...it took me a while to get everything working but it was worth it in the end. there was a nav website originally done by dan goldman which provided the most info you could ask for, but the site is gone.

here's a copy/paste from my old email:

"I DID jump the +12 Batt in harness 3 from pin 7 to pin 5 for the Safe signal +12, so the safe signal IS connected"

Cross reference the pins from your old unit & harness to the new unit.

Your wiring is going to be a bit different than mine because you have a CAN instrument cluster (my 99.5 is pre-CAN) but that's only for the CAN-H and L wires for the DIS and shouldn't affect anything else.

[witwer4444]

are you sure i have to do this in a facelift model and how do i do this exactly?

[witwer4444]

So I need to pull out which pin and put it in which pin? I have no wire going into pin 5 and a wire going into pin 7, switch those?

[witwer4444]

bump

I currently have an audio-less audi

please help

[witwer4444]

OH MY GOD!!!! WHAT THE HELLLL

I just went out to see if I could switch out the pins or what not from last nite and I cant even find the #3 harness. Last nite I had everything plugged into the RNSD except for the harness #3 and placed everything back in the dash for the nite and just went back out only to NOT find the harness again.

What the fuck I am so mad right now. Its like the harness turned into a bug and crawled back somewhere. HOLY SHIT THIS IS SOOOO GAY

I want to blow up my car right now

[Chard]

like i said, you have to jump the wire from pin 7 to pin 5 so that it's getting the power.

[witwer4444]

perfect and just to make sure, what does the #7 pin power on the stock HU?

Oh and to do this I just need to wiggle a paperclip or something it there to release the tab and pull the wire/pin out, correct?

[Chard]

I am not sure, I don't have radio keys and I can't check my setup. I'm just going off an old e-mail I had. My assumption is that you're not removing pin 7 and putting it into pin 5, but that you're creating a new pin in 5 and splicing the wire from 7 into 5. I might be mistaken and you might have to get 7 and stick it into 5. I don't have the wiring diagram so I'm not sure.

Yes, you should be able to get something in the pin in order to compress the locking tabs and slide the pin out of it's location. A needle might be better, but a paperclip might work.

[witwer4444]

ya I tried a paperclip, but what exactly do I need to unclip in there? Are the two metal tabs, that the pin goes in, the clips? Ive tried for about 30 minutes now and cant seem to get it out. Hmmmm

[hoganalley]

Keep going. I'm sure you know what the connectors look like by now, but you have to push in the tabs from the outside of the connector and push or pull the wire back. You need a piece of metal that you can press down on a little. I made my paper clip smaller than the width of the connector so when I put it in and pressed down the design of the clip helped press down the tabs. I can get a connector out in less than a minute now. Keep trying, it'll come.

[witwer4444]

are you putting the paper clip into the side the wire goes into or the side that the metal prongs are where the pin clips into?

[hoganalley]

http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt162/hoganalley/tmp.jpg

it's tough at first but you're trying to push in that little tab on the side of the clip. There is one on either side. I've pushed the clip out both ways, through the front and through the back. If you do it through the back you need to have something to push the clip out towards the rear. THE CLIPS ONLY GO IN AND OUT 1 WAY. Also, something you may be missing.....there may be a plastic clip that holds the clips in. I'm not sure which connector it is, but there could be a sleeve that you have to move and then you can slide the clip out. What colour is the connector and how many holes are in it?

[witwer4444]

its a black 8 pin connector with the yellow slide. And ya I pulled that out. But I just spoke on the phone with a guy from minnesota that is very knowledgable with these units and told me specifically NOT to pull this out but instead go to the dealer and buy another wire, splice 7 and plug the new wire into it that way. What do you think, is it okay to pull this out like you're saying or leave it in and buy that wire? He says 7 must stay in and powered because it is the plug that powers up the unit.

[Chard]

that's probably why I went with the assumption that I spliced the wire from pin 7 into pin 5. Yes, you'll have to get more wiring looms from the dealership so that you can create new pins in the blank spots. Once you have the loom in your hand, you'll know exactly how it fits in the harness and how you'll need to take it out if you have to.

Sorry, if I had radio keys I would just slide my deck out and check out my wiring so you can compare it to yours.

[witwer4444]

Went to the dealer earlier today, picked up a wire, snapped it into slot 5, stripped wire 7, wrapped wire 5 around wire 7, taped it up, turned it on.

And TADA!!!

The RNS-D is amazing. There is nothing else that is cleaner looking and there is so much you can do with it, and I dont even have the nav hooked up yet!! I can adjust the telephone volume, GALA speed volume so that it turns up when I speed up, you can even change the color of the display!!!

Now I cant wait until the nav is up and running, but that wont be until after this long weekend. I'll keep you updated.

And a shout-out go to Steve(Hoganalley) and Jon for all the help. Without you guys this would of never happened!!!

[witwer4444]

Guys I just got the disk. And I think Im the biggest idiot in the world.

Here is a pic of the disk I ordered:
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/audi_disk.jpg

I inserted the disk and it spit it back out and basically said that it was the wrong one.
I think this disk is for the voice navigation that came as an option for our years, and can only do things of that nature. Am I correct?

That leads me to my next question. Who has RNS-D Disks, and where can I find them? And if I find one, how can I make sure it will work in the nav? Does it have to say TravelPilot on it?

[CHEROHALA]

Quick question, i typed in the wrong code in my rns-d; now its locked. anyone know the procedure to get it unlocked? thanks-dan

[neljoe]

I´ve got a RNS-E... much better than the RNS-D and worth the differenc€:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e300/neljoe/DSC02244-1.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z54RXtWX2bE

I guess it was a first here in Portugal!

[:)]

[Vrdady]

Contact navtech that's who sells the disks

[Chard]

Guys I just got the disk. And I think Im the biggest idiot in the world.

Here is a pic of the disk I ordered:
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/audi_disk.jpg

I inserted the disk and it spit it back out and basically said that it was the wrong one.
I think this disk is for the voice navigation that came as an option for our years, and can only do things of that nature. Am I correct?

That leads me to my next question. Who has RNS-D Disks, and where can I find them? And if I find one, how can I make sure it will work in the nav? Does it have to say TravelPilot on it?

That is a D-unit disc. You probably have a C-unit and need a C-disc.

[witwer4444]

Do any of you guys know how to wire the TMC to the cluster and RNS-D?

I just recieved a brand new (reman'd) TMC box from Germany and a harness to install it but I cant figure out the wiring.

Thanks

[neljoe]

Do any of you guys know how to wire the TMC to the cluster and RNS-D?

I just recieved a brand new (reman'd) TMC box from Germany and a harness to install it but I cant figure out the wiring.

Thanks

Check out this PDF:

http://www.nsxjr.com/ted/TED_RNSD.pdf

But basically, on page 3 and 6 you´ll see that 2 wires that come from the TMC must go into the Grey Connector (pin #5 = CAN H and pin #6 = CAN L).

I couldn´t find any info here in Portugal and i used one on "nsxjr´s" PDF´s to retrofit my RNS-E perfectly!

[hail]

[witwer4444]

Ya that guide is hard to follow if you are custom making the harness like I am.

He just has it on there but doesnt tell you how to make that harness.

[maddmaxx]

witwer4444,

1st of all, thank God that I found this thread.
I've been searching for over two days now for some specifics and have a lot of good information, but your accomplishments match exactly to what I am trying to do (car type/RNS-D type/etc).

I am trying to do EXACTLY what you accomplished here with my 2001 A4 B5.
Step one though for me is trying to find the exact unit that you did.
Do you have any part number, or specifics that I can use to get the same RNS-D Nav+ unit that will work?

[Mellowdo.ob]

I have an RNS-D installed in my B5 & all was working great until my Navi disc got stuck!!! @_@" Have had no luck getting that disc to spit out...anyone else encountered this problem? I can still use my Phatbox & radio, but the Navi won't load up (says to "insert disc" when it's already inside, sigh). Thanks in advance~ ^^

[witwer4444]

^ Stick something to wedge the slot open but do it carefully (Small flathead with microfiber works). Be patient, it can take a few tries to get it to push out.

[Mellowdo.ob]

^ Stick something to wedge the slot open but do it carefully (Small flathead with microfiber works). Be patient, it can take a few tries to get it to push out.

Thank you, kind sir ^^

Hmm, not quite sure what you mean by "wedge the slot open" - like carefully use a covered small flathead to push the disc around a bit?

I'm sure you are familiar with the RNS-D & that the front slot is open... =X

[witwer4444]

Thank you, kind sir ^^

Hmm, not quite sure what you mean by "wedge the slot open" - like carefully use a covered small flathead to push the disc around a bit?

I'm sure you are familiar with the RNS-D & that the front slot is open... =X

Just like I said, stick a screwdriver with a cloth over it into the opening of the slot, DO NOT stick it in far enough to touch the disc.

Im very familiar with the RNS-D, spent 5 years behind the wheel with one and used it everyday.