Recent experiences with Zenec NC2010 ?

[drsmithy]

(Rather than revive several old threads with essentially the same questions, I thought I'd put them all here.)

I have recently acquired an '08 (MY09) Golf GTI and as it only has the stock stereo, am looking at some upgrade options.

My primary criteria are:
a) Good BT/iPhone integration - caller ID, call lists, etc in the MFD, ability to dial from the head unit, steering controls work, etc. I don't consider voice control particularly compelling.
b) Good iPod/iPhone/other MP3 source for music - tracks displayed in MFD, wheel controls work, etc.

I'm indifferent about Nav. I have a $100 GPS (or my phone) that works for the rare occasion I need directions. With that said, my wife does like having the current speed limit on hand (particularly now we have the GTI ).

The VW options seem to be either an RCD510 or RNS510. Given the RNS510 Nav functionality is pretty minimal, and that all those $1000 jobs off eBay are clearly of questionable origin, I started leaning more towards finding a locally sourced, second-hand RCD510, or go third-party.

So I dropped into Northfield Moorooka yesterday and after a chat the young bloke there suggested a Zenec NC2010, for between $2500 and $3000 fully installed. This would have everything - Nav, great BT/iPhone/MFD integration, great iPod/MP3 integration, SDHC slot, etc, etc - though obviously more expensive. My rough estimate for the local RCD510 (~$500) + Bluetooth (~$500, 9w3 or Fiscon) ) + MDI (~$200) + installation (~$250 ? I'm not against trying to install it myself, but I've never done it before and don't have a VAG-COM to do the coding) comes to around $1400-$1500.

Having another option to consider, I went and did a bit of research. I found several threads here from team_v and others about their experiences with the Zenec, which appeared to be largely good (better than stock, was the impression I got) except for the Nav functionality. However, most of these posts were 6-12 months old.

So, my question is: does anyone have recent experience with the Zenec units ? Are the Nav-related problems that have been posted before (map availability ?) resolved ? Would you recommend them over the dodgy-option RNS510 or RCD510 ?

Regarding those Euro-sourced RNS510s, does anyone have any _bad_ experiences they'd like to recount ?

Cheers.

[omb]

I got one last week, enjoying the unit. Here is my post from a different forum on it.
I am also in Brisbane send me a PM if you want any extra info.

Only other Problem I have had with the NC-2010 is that it likes to read USBor SDHC data
in the order it was written to the memory unit. This can be easily fixed by downloading DriveSort
which reorders correctly and saves everything for you.


_________
This Head unit puts out better sound than the RNS 510 and is much easier to use. Plus it looks just AWESOME!!

Blue tooth unit is parrot and the quality is excellent, includes external microphone.
It has movies on the move on by default which is a positive for me but a negative for some.

The unit has a MDI like device for Iphones, Thumb Drives & has a 3.5mm audio jack in.
I used a sandisk 32GB SDHC card for songs and the load time with about 18gb of data on the card in about 3-4 seconds a file has began playing. Alot of the cheap Chinese units can take 1-2 minutes to start as they like to scan all folder contents before starting some refer to this as LAG. I have also tested 32GB Sandisk Thumb drive no issues and once again minimal lag compared to my old cheap china Head Unit.

The Blue tooth unit downloads a copy of your phonebook onto the Head unit allowing you full access to not only contacts but also call logs. (Tested Iphone 3GS, Samsung Galaxy S2 & Iphone 4). I take a lot of calls on the road so the phone book is needed so I can see just who is ringing.


Also BT screen allows you to scroll thru and play movies and Sound files directly from the connected device via a menu button on the screen. (Tested Iphone 4)

Retrofitting into my existing Reverse Camera System was a simple matter of connecting a RCA Plug.

SatNav is powered by Igo maps and you have to register online to update. I have registered but have not yet run the upgrade utility on the head unit (you down load this and run it via thumb drive attached to the HU). Map date on the system is Late June 2011 and I'd imagine the firmware should be up to date as well.

Took it for a run yesterday down south to an area that has had alot of roadwork done in the last 12 months. All new flyovers on the Freeway were marked in the correct location. Overall SatNav ran very well no issues apart from the Traffic Module not being licensed.

With VAGCOM VCDS reprogramming it is possible to get the Zenec Headunit to output to the Dash Readout. As my Trendline does not have the correct module extended dash readout is not available. Hopefully when the MF steering Wheel comes out t will be retrofittable with a new module.

Overall a great unit and while the RRP is around $2200.00 it is well worth buying rather than a RNS 510 + VW Premium Blue Tooth + VW MDI which supports less playable formats than the Zenec. I got mine installed for $2k which felt about right.

[NewtoVW]

Do you know if the Zenec 2010 being sold in Australia is locked to region 2 DVDs? The asking price is a little over the top. I was buying this great Pioneed designed to be just swapped in from Germany and then realised Pioneer in Australia would not supply compatable maps. Having already paid for it th egy in Germany was fantastic and offered the Zenec. th elist price is 999Euro but being exported it doesn't have their VAT. He would even organise the Oz maps for 120 Euro or I could buy myself off Nvaiextras for US$120. I can get it fitted for $350 or do it myself. It is effectively half the price. I would assume the Australian distributor if he is genuinely buying from Zenec and not just retail would get for less than I can. It tuned up in a week. the price include postage. Sadly ozzie dollar ahs dropped a bit but still no justification for prices we are being charged here. The Pioneer was only 500 euro with more features than local models. German retailer said there was no need for Vagcom programming with Zenec.

[NewtoVW]

Installing the Zenec is about half an hours work into a golf if you are not putting in a reverse camera. First plug all the cables into the back of unit. Takes 10 mins. they can only go one way. Follow diagram. then 15 mins with a very small scredriver and T20 torx bit on a little hndheld driver and you are done. Pry the surround. Start a top right corner. Dont rush, just slip it in carefully and lever, then across top, down sides and you are done. Remove 4 screws. Unplug and plug in,screw up and put in trim.
If you want o be neat with gps aerial remove the airvent above radio. It takes a bit of gentle convincing. It seems to need the other 2 screws half way down sides of opening removed, but then it comes. Squeeze gps aerial in above vent duct. Use some good double sided tape, to secure it, but its pretty tight., maybe roll up and tape the few metres of aerial cable. tape it to radio aerial cable to keep out of way. Push all the cables back so they fall in space behind so you dont squash them when insering radio. Push radio in, screy up and finished. Forgot you need to have the usb and jack for ipod and updating put somewhere. Easiest is take to glovebox. If your other half insits it be in the the centre consol, get the car into daylight outside and sopend an hour fiddling with the console and reinstalling.
You need to remove console, back cupholder and airvent section first., 4 screws then come out, then screw under plastic lip above existing jack, lift. Put the usb box in the console, wires through old hole, up next to clutch or break peddle at front of console, you can grab it and plug in 9before installing radio). then tuck wires aunder edge of console all way back, place the box back over handbreak, careful not to get cable caught over a little lug where front screw goes. then its just a bit of fun to get it back together. I did it but reckon glovebox save you an hour of work. Definetly run any camera cable across behind carpet under steering wheel, then tuck under edge of sill trim, you can easily lift back seats up (push back and pull up) get it to boot.
If you use one of th enumber plate replacement light camera's its so easy.,
remove th black bottom of bumper, 2 screws and some clips, put new light fitting in (you can work it out - slip old bulb into it - no wiring needed). You had to take the black bit off the bumper so you could get the camera cable throgh to boot.
Easiest was is poke it through a 20 cent size plastic plug and you are done.
i won't suggest where to get power for the camera as it depends. Easiest way if you ae not technically minded is get a cigarette light plug with wires on it and attach and just put in accessory socket in boot. No need to splice or join anything.
You can get the units through authorised disptributors in UK and Germany for about $1200 and $110 for Australian maps on Naviextras. Zenec give fantastic support. had a few queries about the wiring, and their tech people got back to me even over their summer holidays.
If you do the camera, that is a hard job.

[NewtoVW]

This is a simple question and don't want to bother Zenec support.
Can you mute the radio and still get navigation directions?
Also does you units GPS keep going back to GPS time everytime you sttart the car. $2000 Installed is pretty good, I was being asked $2700 so went and got my own and did it.

[chylld]

Do you know if the Zenec 2010 being sold in Australia is locked to region 2 DVDs? The asking price is a little over the top. I was buying this great Pioneed designed to be just swapped in from Germany and then realised Pioneer in Australia would not supply compatable maps. Having already paid for it th egy in Germany was fantastic and offered the Zenec. th elist price is 999Euro but being exported it doesn't have their VAT. He would even organise the Oz maps for 120 Euro or I could buy myself off Nvaiextras for US$120. I can get it fitted for $350 or do it myself. It is effectively half the price. I would assume the Australian distributor if he is genuinely buying from Zenec and not just retail would get for less than I can. It tuned up in a week. the price include postage. Sadly ozzie dollar ahs dropped a bit but still no justification for prices we are being charged here. The Pioneer was only 500 euro with more features than local models. German retailer said there was no need for Vagcom programming with Zenec.

thread resurrection!

this definitely sounds like the way to go for the zenec. does it output to the multi-function display without vagcom programming?

[dinoaus]

I would be interested to know if it works with the multi-function display in the Polo TDI/TSI. I have one installed by the dealer, and the MFD doesn't currently work. The dealer is telling me that it's not compatable with the Polo TDI, only the Polo GTI.

[Ryan_R]

Regarding those Euro-sourced RNS510s, does anyone have any _bad_ experiences they'd like to recount ?

Cheers.

No issues to speak of, that + the BlueTooth retrofit I did was one of the best upgrades for me (besides the APR tune perhaps)

Try searching YouTube for videos that show how to operate each device as that might impact your decision.

[chylld]

No issues to speak of, that + the BlueTooth retrofit I did was one of the best upgrades for me (besides the APR tune perhaps)

any more info on this bluetooth retrofit? i thought my R was going to come with bluetooth but that was only standard from MY12 on and my car's a MY11.5

[Ryan_R]

Instructions are here:

http://www.carsystems.pl/media/instrukcje/Installation%20instructions%20for%20Bluetooth%20v1.4.pdf

[Aurange_Tiguan]

I've been trying to study up on comparisons between the RNS510 and Zenec NC2010 for the last few weeks now. I haven't found any other contender that matches the capability of these two. I'm still without a navigator for my MY12 Tiguan at this stage.

The criteria I've used to compare are:

Unit cost:
NC2010: $1995 (zenec.com.au) | RNS510: $3000 (dealer)
$1400 (Car Audio Centre) GPB789.99 with GPB110 shipping, correct as at 11Nov11
$1188 (ACR) EUR889.95 using Paypal, correct as at 14Nov11

Frequency of street map updates
NC2010: 2011 Q3, Naviextras @ 119.95 EUR | RNS510: 2010, Whereis/Sensis

MFD navigation directions
NC2010: YES | RNS510: YES

Dead Reckoning (retains positional accuracy in multi-storey car parks, built up areas and distributor tunnels where GPS signals are distorted or blocked)
NC2010: NO | RNS510: YES

Internal storage (This is for map data. Note, Naviextra data for AUS & NZL for the NC2010 only requires 135Mb space)
NC2010: 4Gb-8Gb | RNS510: 10Gb+

Reverse Camera Integration
NC2010: Not compatible with OEM. Either requires $250 adapter or Zenec camera (also $250) | RNS510: no issues with OEM camera

USB Music (I only require a few Gb of space for my music; I prefer to update reguarly from network storage)
NC2010: YES, but replaces OEM | RNS510: default factory

Bluetooth
NC2010: YES, but replaces OEM | RNS510: default factory

iPod
NC2010: YES, but replaces OEM | RNS510: separate extra

I'm liking the feature-rich interface of the NC2010 over the RNS510. There are several other features of the NC2010 that I like, but these are not affecting my choice. Prices listed above are from local sources.

From those who have the Zenec NC2010 fitted to their cars, could you please PM me how you obtained the unit? I've searched extensively online, but the majority of online sellers that provide the NC2010 for less than $1400 (equivalent) mostly ship exclusively to Germany or UK. How long was the delivery timeframe?

[chylld]

You ought to check out these impressions of the Zenec unit - unfortunately it's not all smooth sailing, there is plenty to learn beyond raw specs.

I'm attacking the aftermarket nav scene from the other end - I got the eBay dig_options unit and am so far loving it. $560 including shipping and reverse camera. The only thing I wish it had was dead reckoning, but GPS picks up in a few seconds anyway provided I'm not in the middle of a city.

To compare it against the specs you've listed:
Price: $560
Map updates: 2 years included
MFD nav instructions: No (just says "NAVIGATION")
Dead Reckoning: No
Internal storage: Virtual cd stacker (it rips audio CDs onto internal storage)
Reverse camera: Non-OEM but included
USB music: Yes, replaces OEM
Bluetooth: Yes, replaces OEM
iPod: Yes, replaces OEM

[TDZ]

Aurange_Tiguan i just noticed you're from Perth, so i'll just add the following, as i've been looking also at the Zenec (still undecided at the moment) Westside Audio in Cannington has stock and are an authorised reseller, shoot them a quick email and are quick to respond to emails and have been quite helpful so far. They gave me a quote of $2250 installed for the NC2010 which i think is quite reasonable, but they charge an arm an a leg for the reverse cam... $525 :O

[chylld]

Aurange_Tiguan i just noticed you're from Perth, so i'll just add the following, as i've been looking also at the Zenec (still undecided at the moment) Westside Audio in Cannington has stock and are an authorised reseller, shoot them a quick email and are quick to respond to emails and have been quite helpful so far. They gave me a quote of $2250 installed for the NC2010 which i think is quite reasonable, but they charge an arm an a leg for the reverse cam... $525 :O

The unit is actually plug and play - it is ridiculously easy to install especially in a golf 6 (just requires a flathead screwdriver and torx t20 bit). given that the cheapest quote i've received is $1850, you're paying $400 for 5 minutes' work!

[Aurange_Tiguan]

Aurange_Tiguan i just noticed you're from Perth, so i'll just add the following, as i've been looking also at the Zenec (still undecided at the moment) Westside Audio in Cannington has stock and are an authorised reseller, shoot them a quick email and are quick to respond to emails and have been quite helpful so far. They gave me a quote of $2250 installed for the NC2010 which i think is quite reasonable, but they charge an arm an a leg for the reverse cam... $525 :O

Yeah, I emailed them earlier this week to get a quote on the unit ($1999) and installation ($250), but mainly to see what I need to interface with an OEM reverse camerea. According to Zenec Australia, the component needed for that (ZE-RGB-L) is $249, which is about as much as Westside's equivalent alternative camera ($250), but with installation ($270) it's pretty excessive, not that I'll require that service.

I did finally get a UK online store that is willing to ship to Australia, though. Combined with the £110 shipping, the total cost for the NC2010 from Car Audio Centre is $1400.