RNS-E & Rear View Camera

[AvanTTix]

Checked!

I realise a Rear View Camera on an Audi may consider by some totally useless, and well may be it is... but let me tell you it's so cooooooooooool...

I followed this DIY over on NavPlus.us (now Audiforums.us), but here's a summary of what's needed:

OEM Parts
Rear View Camera: 4L0-980-551 (list price: $283.90)
Door Handle: 4L0-827-574-3FZ (list price: $143.60)
Camera Retaining Clip: 4L0-980-553 (list price: $6.92)
Tapping Screw: N-909-159-01 (list price: $0.33)

Kufatec Parts
35538 - IMA Integrated Multimedia Adapter control version "Basic-Plus" (price: €158.82)
35542 - Wiring harness for IMA Audi RNS E "Basic / Basic-Plus" (price: €24.37)
35676 - Wiring IMA auto switch Rear View Cam Audi RNS-E (price: €2.51)
36136 - Connection kit original rear view camera VAG to IMA (price: €32.77)
Shipping - FedEx - €59.00
(Exchange rate on 24Dec2008: $1 = €0.695971)

When looking these parts up on Kufatec webiste, remember that all the prices listed there include a 19% tax which will be deducted once selecting NA as the shipping destination. It took 2 weeks over Christmas/New Year for the parts to arrive.

Here are all the parts:



And this gives you an idea of what needs to be done to wire it all properly:



The instructions provided by Kufatec are actually quite good in term of where each wire needs to go. As an FYI the CAN High wire is D1 and the CAN Low is D2 of the RNS-E quad-lock connector.

Here's the door handle and the rear view camera installed:



Although the door handle isn't designed specifically for a B6A4 Avant, it fits right in.

This is a short of the door handle from within the trunk, it shows how the camera should be installed, the wiring facing away from the centre of the door handle.



I didn't take any actual pics of removing all the trims from the tailgate, the D-panel, roof-liner, etc... so that we could thread the wiring through the proper chanels back to the RNS-E. But let me tell you that getting the wiring through the weather-proof rubber hose that links the tail-gate and the roof is a b!tch... make sure you grab one of these metallic coat-hanger, it will be handy...

Note to whose of you who have an Avant: the wiring provided by Kufatec is barely long enough for us to reach the RNS-E, which means you end-up w/o any choices for the location of the IMA. It will be behind the glove box.

The next step is to tell the IMA module about the presence of the RVC. This is done by selecting CD/TV on the RNS/E and then following the IMA instructions. The IMA menu is displayed in the DIS.

For us in North America, in order to have the RNS-E switch automatically to the RVC when the reverse is engaged, the RNS-E needs to be coded to Lamborghini mode. Coding the RNS-E to Lambo mode is done using a VAG-COM. Access the control module for the RNS-E: 37-Navigation, go into Coding and change the second digit to 1. In the VAG-COM, it corresponds to the one for Audi A2. Once that is done, go into Channel 4 and update the value from 0 to 1. Save it all and you're done w/ the VAG-COM stuff. BTW my RNS-E software is version 0150.

There are a couple of down sides to setting the RNS-E to Lambo mode: the start up screen is the Lambo emblem, and losing some of the satellite radio functionality, but I don't care about either, I don't have sat radio anyway.

If you do not switch to Lambo mode, then you will have to hit the CD/TV button of the RNS-E to display the feed from the RVC.

Once that it is all installed, wired and coded and the reverse is engaged, voilÃ*:

[jokas]

That IS AWESOME!!

[NjKreuzer27]

kool

[derleicaman]

Hey Steph, congrats on the latest mod! Thanks for the clear summing up for doing this mod. I'd been following this thread on the old navplus forum and almost pulled the trigger on doing it last summer. You put the last pieces into place for me and I'll be doing this one this spring!

[koolade9]

Just ordered the first half of the parts from audi...I'll make the kufatec order this afternoon...

I asked this in the other thread, but is there a reason you're still using 0150 sw instead of 0200?

Also, I'd be really interested to see if 0260 will work with the rear camera:

8P0 919 884 AC (2008-0260) North America (5A) - DISABLES TV FUNCTIONALITY

I'll probably start poking around that forum this afternoon for further info...

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the great writeup as always Steph.

Now if you can wire in a forward firing camera too it would be a blast to record videos for cruises.

[audibmi]

Once again you amaze us with your detailed writeup. I remember back in the days when you were the first to retrofit the RNS-D, then the RNS-E, and now this rear view camera!

Very impressed with the clarity of the video image. I note that the image is reversed (letters on the license plate are backwards). If the IMA adapter can receive multiple video sources, would an ipod video hookup be possible? I thought different start-up screens were limited to the euro software.

The 260 software deletes the video input funtionality to give AUX input. You have to do a forced software index downgrade if you have 260 software from the 2009 DVD.

Some questions:

1. Is video in motion (VIM) unlock required since car is moving so slowly in reverse?
2. Can camera be toggled on when car is not in reverse gear?

[enigma1406]

I'm going to do this mod soon as well. Thanks for the write up.

Also, I'd be really interested to see if 0260 will work with the rear camera:

From what I've read, no you can not use 0260. If you do have the newer maps, you can flash the 0200 software but soft code it to 0270 so that when you put in the new DVD it doesn't flash it to 0260. 0270 disabling TV input means no reverse camera/dvd player/etc.

[koolade9]

I'm going to do this mod soon as well. Thanks for the write up.



From what I've read, no you can not use 0260. If you do have the newer maps, you can flash the 0200 software but soft code it to 0270 so that when you put in the new DVD it doesn't flash it to 0260. 0270 disabling TV input means no reverse camera/dvd player/etc.

Just to clarify, I should be able to keep my 0200 SW, soft-code (I'll have to lookup/learn how to do this part) my rnse to 0270, then I can run a 0260 map disc without it trying to force the 0260 sw upgrade... Is that correct?

Steph,

Thanks again. I've got all the parts ordered, now I just get to wait for fedex... I'm assuming your 2-week delay was due to the holiday season so perhaps I'll get them a little quicker My OEM parts should be here Wednesday

[koolade9]

Very impressed with the clarity of the video image. I note that the image is reversed (letters on the license plate are backwards). If the IMA adapter can receive multiple video sources, would an ipod video hookup be possible? I thought different start-up screens were limited to the euro software.

I'm going to say the polarity on the image is intentional...as if you're looking at the screen, and something is on your physical left, it would be confusing to see it on the screen on your right, and vice versa. (not sure if you were questioning it or not...)

When looking at the ima adapter, it has the capability for 2 inputs, so the answer should be yes to a video ipod. Although it mentions needing a splitter to run two sources...that part will have to be researched a little further. I was thinking the same thing... The only other start-up screen is for Lamborghini mode on the US sw...you're correct, the rest are EU only...

1. Is video in motion (VIM) unlock required since car is moving so slowly in reverse?

VIM should only cut out after 5mph (or is it 15mph...I don't recall), so I guess the true test would be for him to find an open parking lot and pick up the speed to see if it cuts out... Unless you already have it unlocked.

[AvanTTix]

...is there a reason you're still using 0150 sw instead of 0200?...

Yes, I'm lazy...

I've got the files for the 0200 software but I just can't be bothered to burn a CD...

[AvanTTix]

If the IMA adapter can receive multiple video sources, would an ipod video hookup be possible?

The IMA can receive multiple video feed, at least one more, but I don't know specifically about an iPod.

I thought different start-up screens were limited to the euro software.

Coding to Lambo mode is different than changing the start-up screen. The start up screen is based on a value stored in one of the adaption channels, while the switching to Lambo mode is done via Coding. The difference should be easier to understand once you start playing w/ the VAG-COM and the RVC.

Some questions:

1. Is video in motion (VIM) unlock required since car is moving so slowly in reverse?
2. Can camera be toggled on when car is not in reverse gear?

I don't have a VIM hack on the RNS-E so that is not necessary as long as you don't drive over the video feed shut-off limit, which I doubt you would while reversing and using the RVC at the same time.

When following these wiring instructions, there is no video feed until the reverse is engaged. However there might be a way to wire it up so that the feed is on at all time. Although I'm not sure how that would work if you had another video source.

[audibmi]

Steph, you mentioned in your other thread you were looking for chrome buttons for the RNS-e to match your silver trim. You have two options:

The easy install that slips on. Its a smooth finish, not rough like OEM:

http://www.tachoringe.de/catalog/pro...5588b9bad8fb76

If you want the OEM version, contact Haagie over at audiforums.us. I got my RNS-E from him and he sells them. They do require you to take apart the face place though.

[enigma1406]

Just to clarify, I should be able to keep my 0200 SW, soft-code (I'll have to lookup/learn how to do this part) my rnse to 0270, then I can run a 0260 map disc without it trying to force the 0260 sw upgrade... Is that correct?

Yes. Do you have the 0260 map disc? I still only have the 0200 map disc...can't justify spending so much money every year.

[koolade9]

Yes. Do you have the 0260 map disc? I still only have the 0200 map disc...can't justify spending so much money every year.

i spent some time over at the old navplus pages and figured all that good stuff out. I probably won't be running the 0260 maps... the areas don't affect me at this time, and the enhancements aren't worth the $ IMO. I would've liked to run the firmware just to have altitude though...that woulda been cool.

altitude vs. having a backup camera...hmmmm hahaa

Although I think there has to be a solution for the rvc and 0260...just because there has to be cars they sell from the factory with with an RNS-E and an rvc... hell, what about the new lambos???

[RVT]

Great data. Thanks one and all.

Now..... Why isn't anyone hooking up a forward mounted IR camera to this system? Or to a lesser degree a night vision system? Seems the IR would be more interesting/fun to have....

Just curious...

Vince

[koolade9]

Got the install finished up tonight. It took about a week for everything to get here from Kufatec.

Just some notes:

On the IMA harness, 12v and gnd weren't labeled as such, they were only labeled in german. After referencing the manual in deutsch, I determined:
Masse = ground
Zuendlogik = 12v

Everything else with the instructions/write-up went smoothly.

Avantéix, thanks again for the write-up!

[AvanTTix]

You're welcome...

As an FYI, if it doesn't switch to the RVC feed when you engage the reverse the next time you drive the car, you may need to repeat the coding of Channel 4 in the RNS-E. Mine forgot it so we had to recode again. It's been fine since then.

[jef]

I have a problem to connect Wiring harness for IMA Audi RNS E "Basic / Basic-Plus" . You say connect colour of wire on pin x or y,the pboblem is i have no colour on wires, trere are all white..
If i understand, the camera connetc have 4 wires red, brown, white and black: it's these wires tha you connect to IMA?
On the Wiring harness for IMA Audi RNS E "Basic / Basic-Plus" i have 4 white wires: what is it?
at the opposiet i have 2 cinh and and black connetcor: what is it?

Thanks for your help

[AvanTTix]

The manual/instructions from Kufatec are misleading since it mentioned coloured wires but I think pretty much everyone gets gray/white wires.

The wire labeled "Masse" is the ground, i.e. the "brown" wire", the wire labeled "Zuendlogik" is the power, i.e. the "red" wire, and obviously the wires labeled "CAN Low" and "CAN High" are the "black/yellow" and "black/white" wires respectively.

The red/white connectors at the other end of the wiring harness for the IMA interface to the RNS-E are RCA's for audio input while the smaller black connector is the external device control line for a DVD player or others devices.

[jef]

i have all materials to put the camera on a Audi A3. I have a problem....
connetcion to RNSE quad lock: you say connect black/white, black/yellow, ... the problem is i have no color on my wires.... like photos post by avanteix
how can i do

[AvanTTix]

Like I said in my post above, all kits seem to come w/o coloured wires. I listed the correspondence btw the colour and the label on the wires.

ps: Je vois que t'habites en France, si tu veuts me contacter via PM n'hesites pas.

[RS4 Jedi]

I REALLY want to do this. I dont have vag-com though..Or really know what it is..I'm new.

[AvanTTix]

VAG-COM is a diagnostic tool & software from Ross-Tech.

[FASTONE]

Steph,
Will the list of parts you posted above work for all Audis? I have an 06 A4 and want to make sure before pulling the trigger? Merci d'avance. Frank

[AvanTTix]

I don't see why they wouldn't. The door handle seems to be the same across all platform. There wasn't an option for the B6 for the review camera, yet the door handle fit right in. It's from another platform. The guy who wrote the DIY on NavPlus installed it on his B7, so you should be good.

[FASTONE]

Thanks man!!

[jef]

So i installed all the same parts on my Audi A3 Sportback like all instructions....

on back RNSE i replace a connetcor by the IMA connector but somme wires were connected to the old connector, is it normal?

In fact the old connector which is replaced by the IMA connector... what purpose the old wires serve?

[koolade9]

For the menu in the DIS, when you're in TV mode, Hold the 'setup' button...when you release it, you'll be in setup mode. If you can't get that to work, the IMA may not be hooked up correctly, although if the TV option shows up, you should have it wired properly... IIRC, once you code the IMA to see the camera, you should start seeing video from it.

[jef]

All is good, super, but

on back RNSE i replace a connetcor by the IMA connector but somme wires were connected to the old connector, is it normal?
In fact the old connector which is replaced by the IMA connector... what purpose the old wires serve?

[koolade9]

All is good, super, but

on back RNSE i replace a connetcor by the IMA connector but somme wires were connected to the old connector, is it normal?
In fact the old connector which is replaced by the IMA connector... what purpose the old wires serve?

Are you referring to the video input cable? What did you have plugged into the RNS-E before?

[sakimano]

Are you referring to the video input cable? What did you have plugged into the RNS-E before?

kool/steph...can you please give

1. an approximation on cost all in, in US dollars (looks like $1000)
2. an approximation on time
3. an approximation on technical competency required to DIY from 1-5 (1 being me, 5 being master Audi tech/car stereo installer)
4. an approximation on pain in the ass factor.

thanks!

[koolade9]

kool/steph...can you please give

1. an approximation on cost all in, in US dollars (looks like $1000)
2. an approximation on time
3. an approximation on technical competency required to DIY from 1-5 (1 being me, 5 being master Audi tech/car stereo installer)
4. an approximation on pain in the ass factor.

thanks!

1. Cost was right around $900 iirc... When Steph & I bought our stuff, kufatec was still based solely out of Germany. Now, there's a location here in Orange County. I've been to their shop and the guys there are legit Basically, you'll save $ on international shipping, & customs charges. It looks like the prices on kufatec.com reflect the exchange rate already...

2. It took me an afternoon to install mine. I was also installing a couple other things so it added a bit of time on my part. Plus, I took my time and was really methodical on the install... The most difficult and time consuming part was just getting the RVC harness through the factory loom/grommets in the trunk... it wasn't difficult, just slow going.

3. The install really isn't complex. I'd probably give it a 3, just because you have to know your way around a wiring harness/connector and know how to pin/de-pin harnesses. The wiring itself is about as plug & play as it gets, and the instructions are very straight-forward. Combined with Steph's write-up and pics, you have everything you need to get it done

4. Only pain in the ass was routing that wiring through the loom in the trunk (and it really wasn't that bad...I just have low patience at times), other then that, it was pretty much cake.

[jef]

Befor connecting IMA i had a 32 pin connector with 3 wires:
- pin 6 Aux NF In Right
- pin 21 Aux NF GND
- pin 22 Aux NF In Left

What is it for?
Is it for the Aux connection (i have a jack near my hand brake)

[koolade9]

Kufatec Parts
35538 - IMA Integrated Multimedia Adapter control version "Basic-Plus" (price: €158.82) ($263.95)
35542 - Wiring harness for IMA Audi RNS E "Basic / Basic-Plus" (price: €24.37) ($39.95)
35676 - Wiring IMA auto switch Rear View Cam Audi RNS-E (price: €2.51) ($3.95)
36136 - Connection kit original rear view camera VAG to IMA (price: €32.77) ($53.95)
Shipping - FedEx - €59.00
(Exchange rate on 24Dec2008: $1 = €0.695971)

Updated prices from kufatec.com are in bold above. Quick math puts it at around $800 plus shipping & tax.

[koolade9]

Befor connecting IMA i had a 32 pin connector with 3 wires:
- pin 6 Aux NF In Right
- pin 21 Aux NF GND
- pin 22 Aux NF In Left

What is it for?
Is it for the Aux connection (i have a jack near my hand brake)

Must be for your aux connection... I've never tried to integrate one so I'm not sure... That not being hooked up shouldn't affect your RVC though. As a part of trouble shooting, I would check your coding, as perhaps the RNS-E is only coded for Aux-in...

[AvanTTix]

Updated prices from kufatec.com are in bold above. Quick math puts it at around $800 plus shipping & tax.

BTW as an FYI Kufatec has now a "US based website" w/ prices in US$. It's kufatec.com. I'm not sure which one is cheaper though.


*EDIT*... nevermind I just read your summary above and saw you posted that already...

[AvanTTix]

1. Cost was right around $900 iirc... When Steph & I bought our stuff, kufatec was still based solely out of Germany. Now, there's a location here in Orange County. I've been to their shop and the guys there are legit Basically, you'll save $ on international shipping, & customs charges. It looks like the prices on kufatec.com reflect the exchange rate already...

2. It took me an afternoon to install mine. I was also installing a couple other things so it added a bit of time on my part. Plus, I took my time and was really methodical on the install... The most difficult and time consuming part was just getting the RVC harness through the factory loom/grommets in the trunk... it wasn't difficult, just slow going.

3. The install really isn't complex. I'd probably give it a 3, just because you have to know your way around a wiring harness/connector and know how to pin/de-pin harnesses. The wiring itself is about as plug & play as it gets, and the instructions are very straight-forward. Combined with Steph's write-up and pics, you have everything you need to get it done

4. Only pain in the ass was routing that wiring through the loom in the trunk (and it really wasn't that bad...I just have low patience at times), other then that, it was pretty much cake.

I would have said pretty much the same thing.

Getting the pins out of the harness and routing the wires through the weather proof grommet are the most time consuming and tricky tasks b/c they require patience... a lot of it...

[D-Mar]

Would anyone happen to know the specifications of the Audi OEM Rear View Camera (#4L0-980-551)? Picture quality, viewing angel, dimensions?

I'm trying to find out if there are cheaper, higher quality alternatives available.

[koolade9]

Would anyone happen to know the specifications of the Audi OEM Rear View Camera (#4L0-980-551)? Picture quality, viewing angel, dimensions?

I'm trying to find out if there are cheaper, higher quality alternatives available.

see Steph's pics... The OEM cam has everything you could want in an RVC.