ANS-810 / ANS-510 (PROPER RNS-510 alternative)

[wai]

Ok, an update on the installation of the ANS-610.

The dual FAKRA to DIN adaptor (as opposed to the twin unit I had also purcahsed) has been installed this morning, and the AM radio works!!!

I am in Blacktown (Sydney) and so should not really have any issues, but with just the single FAKRA unit that came with the unit, there was no AM reception. Just to be sure, I double checked AM reception before I shut it down and replaced it with the dual FAKRA unit. Essentially, you need both of the antennae provided in the harness to be connected. I tried modifying the twin unit I previously purchased to fit the dual socket in the harness, but the filing and sanding needed to be too extensive, and then when fitting it to the socket in the harness, the one with the locking peg had to be rotated and the other plug would not go in.

So, if you have dual socket in your car's wiring harness, get the dual FAKRA unit. If you have two separate sockets in your car's wiring harness, get the twin FAKRA unit. The only way to accommodate both would be to supply a small converter that takes it from twin FAKRA to dual FAKRA. It would only need to have something like 20 mm of cable but would make things a lot easier. Oh yes, the dual FAKRA unit has a rectangular amplifier body and I uses some double sided tape to attach it to the back of the unit. Just don't stick it near the top of the back, but around midway.

The only bits I have not been able to install are the USB cable and the iPod/iPhone cables. The reason is that I cannot find a path to get the cables out. I will have to leave that for a later day. Not a big one for me as I would rarely use it (if ever).

Oh yes, one interesting thing with the radio stations I had previously tuned. As I took the opportunity to remove the unit completely and sort of tidy things up behind the unit, I lost all by radio pre-sets. I just got some extra practice in tuning the radio

[starionx]

Just in response to what I said in the previous page, if you are having issues with GPS locking onto satellites, go into the Primo2 folder, then save\profiles\01 and open system.ini. In this file delete all lines under the [gps] heading, including baud and port.

I'm having these issues too. I tried the above workaround. Slight problem... there is NO system.ini file in the 01 folder.

I guess this can't be good.

[DkN]

I'm having these issues too. I tried the above workaround. Slight problem... there is NO system.ini file in the 01 folder.

I guess this can't be good.

Lol, this file is meant to be created by Primo when it first sets itself up. Just rename your entire save folder, start Primo up and let it do its first run all over again (where you have to wait a few minutes for it to finish), then copy over the custom POIs etc like I mentioned from the old save folder.

[starionx]

How do you Save, Rename, Delete files/folders on the unit?

[gviddy]

I have recently reminded them of this, that if they want to keep the timeout function it needs to be at least 30 seconds. It's within a list of suggestions though and they have been focusing on iPod, but it should be implemented soon.

If only they open sourced their software...

[wai]

How do you Save, Rename, Delete files/folders on the unit?

I suspect you are going to have to put it in your PC and do it there.

[starionx]

I suspect you are going to have to put it in your PC and do it there.

I think that will be a little problematic. Not sure how I would connect the headunit to a PC.

[wai]

I think that will be a little problematic. Not sure how I would connect the headunit to a PC.

The folders are on the navigation microSD card, and that I would thought that it would be put in the carrier and then into a card reader on your PC.

[Search Engine]

Can I buy from you and get a recommended installer in VIC

Picking up a 2011 Multivan next week.
Interested in upgrading to an 810 unit.

If I buy from you in QLD, do you have a recommended installer in Melbourne ?

Cheers

Concatenated information last updated 24 September 2012

Selling information on the unit is at the end of this post.Please try to read through / watch the demo video before asking questions, I will attempt to update this post with information gathered in later posts as best I can.

I am offering both the 8" version and the 6.5" version of the units, both run identical software. The 8" still looks perfectly stock when installed, but the purists can grab the 6.5" replica ANS-510 for $10 less. These units are European CE Certified.

These models are also compatible with Skoda and can be changed to green button and interface theme.

Picture of the 8" ANS-810 unit:



Picture of the 6.5" ANS-510 unit:



Please ignore the colour difference in the pictures, the button lighting on both units match stock buttons perfectly.

Alternative units are also available by special order, At the moment they include:
a 7" version for Touareg and T5 owners (ANS-710);
a 7" version for the usual cars that sits in between the ANS-810 and ANS-510 (ANS-610);
a 6.5" version for the older generation B5 Passat / mk4 Golf / Bora etc (ANS-420 black or ANS-410 silver)

Pics below:




These special order units are not stocked and will be brought in when I restock. Alternatively, if the number of people waiting on special order unit reaches 3 (does not have to be the same unit), I can make the order straight away. One-off shipments for the impatient will require a premium of $35. Other than external design and screen size, these units are identical to the ANS-810 / ANS-510.

Pics of the ANS-810 installed in dash here

Notable features:

OEM-feel interface based on the RNS-510, no tacky, cheap UIs
Fully compatible with steering wheel controls + MFD display
RDS station name saved in radio station presets
Full IPAS & Reverse camera compatibility
Flexible media compatibility, plays WMA, mp3, MPEG-4, divx etc from SD, USB or DVD/CD
Diverse digital ASP control - great audio quality, significant improvement over factory RCD-310
decent Bluetooth phonebook functions - includes BT music / radio streaming via your phone
Navigation directions fade the front speakers only
Latest Australian maps with speed and red light camera warnings and comprehensive, up to date POIs that are user-customisable.
ARM11 hardware with 700Mhz CPU & 128MB RAM
NO BATTERY DRAIN on any CANBUS including older ones with RCD-300 or RCD / RNS 500.

Image of back of the unit:



From left to right we have:

iPod / USB adapter
iPod cable
USB cable
audio & video outputs / inputs cable
GPS antenna
CANBUS cable
single FAKRA antenna adapter

The audio & video outputs / inputs cable has 11 RCA connections as below:
front L+R & rear L+R Out
subwoofer out
aux video in
aux L+R in
video 1+2 out (if you're really adventurous, hook up some rear seat LCD screens )
reverse cam in

The unit has a built in 4x60W amp. To clarify, the actual audio outputs that connect to the car's wiring loom are obviously speaker-level using the built-in amp, but all audio outputs from the split 11 cable pictured above are line-level, as the way it should be for future upgrades to the audio system. These outputs are 2V.

For OEM Reverse camera, there is a module available that will allow it to connect to the RCA video input - this module will cost $35.

For those who do not have a reverse camera, you can get an OEM badge style reverse camera from me, more info in this thread:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f201/vw-replica-badge-style-reverse-camera-73949.html

This replica RVC (which is high quality and detailed down to the drain pipe) costs about half the price of a genuine one and is designed for aftermarket units with RCA connections.

Cheaper alternatives are available depending on the model - for Sportwagons, Touraegs and Tiguans, the boot handle type camera is available for $65 (this is really also a replica of the OEM camera, which can be found varying between $300 to $600), and for most other models a generic licence plate light replacement type camera is available for $35. The thread above on the badge style camera also has more information on these two types of cameras.

For those who want it, I also have HD DVB-T tuners for digital TV available for $95.

Videos of the unit in action:

In my car (mk5 Golf), old unit design with no dials and different hardware buttons (same interface otherwise):

My car has no OPS and reverse camera, so here's a video of the ANS-510 (6.5 inch version), with fully functional OPS & reverse camera (seen at 4:27):

The unit also displays full AC controls on screen, but this only works on the white MFD (so mk6 for Golfs). Some pictures here:

Audiosources Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Limited


Limitations / Developments
Most of these limitations are being mitigated as the software for ANS is constantly and vigorously developed, and they do pay close attention to user feedback (and especially me since I established a good relationship with the head tech ). Currently:

Radio reception - on my car, FM is fine but a bit more susceptible to interference, while AM is non existent. However most people report excellent AM signal, so it may be something to consider. A DAB+ solution is being worked on and I will update everyone when this is available - this should solve all radio signal issues.

Currently the BT phone function is not up to OEM standards - it handles phone calls and phone books fine, but it cannot display contact list on the MFD, nor can you control pick up / reject with steering controls, although there is an auto-answer function that picks up the call after a few rings but at the moment turning this feature will result in the loss of the ability to reject calls.

I gave feedback on phonebook display in the MFD, the technician acknowledged that this is programatically more difficult to achieve, but he will definitely look into it.

Also after feedback, they will be updating the music interface of both the iPod (to include shuffle button - iPod menu is the only screen missing this button) and the SD card menu, and will now work on cover art display, plus various file browsing improvements. For those who are happy enough with putting all music in one folder on SD / USB and letting it shuffle, this wouldn't be much of an issue in any case.

Some very exciting updates are going to come to the ANS through firmware updates, which is a no-brainer on these units, takes 2 mins and no chance I can see of bricking the unit. Coming updates include class-leading OBD functions - it's all being kept very hush-hush atm but I have seen an (exclusive ) preview of the interface, and let me tell you that is no overstatement.

I can also tell you that while these units come from China they are far superior to the $400 units you can find from eBay. Audiosources have really been upping their game and taking it to a whole new level, in terms of quality of both the hardware and the software. They have even sold into dealerships in Germany.

SELLING AND PRICING INFORMATION
As a distributor I am offering local 1 year warranty and as I actually stock these units there are no painful waiting periods should you have an issue. Further, I speak Chinese natively and as such am in direct IM contact with the head technician, who does not speak English. With 2hr time difference and no misunderstood email communications I can solve issues quickly and receive the latest updates, which of course I will provide for free to everyone who buys these units from me.

I am offering the ANS-810 at $640, and the ANS-510 at $630, shipped within Australia. This is inclusive of GPS software, maps and POI - cheaper landed than direct from Audiosources. I prefer payment by bank transfer, but I also accept PayPal.

For the special order units, prices are as below:
ANS-420 in grey or ANS-410 in silver (B5 Passat, mk4 Golf, Bora etc): $620
ANS-610 (7" version of the usual ANS-810 / 510): $640
ANS-710 (Touareg, T5): $650

If you are overseas, you can buy the unit directly from Audiosources. I will offer what help and advice I can, but if you require firmware support, I do this for a one-time permanent subscription fee of $25 AUD, for which I will add you to my list of customers and you will receive all significant future firmware updates and associated support.

Any queries about the unit, you can PM me or post directly in this thread for the sake of amassing information.

Cheers

[starionx]

The folders are on the navigation microSD card, and that I would thought that it would be put in the carrier and then into a card reader on your PC.

DOH!! I forgot that the software was on the sdcard.

[DkN]

Picking up a 2011 Multivan next week.
Interested in upgrading to an 810 unit.

If I buy from you in QLD, do you have a recommended installer in Melbourne ?

Cheers

This thread is a good starting point to find willing forum members to help out:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...elp-75300.html

Otherwise any professional audio installer can help you out, although VW specialists are preferred. Once you explain to them it's plug and play, even your dealer could help you out, but they are likely to charge a lot more. The only thing that you have to think about is the iPod / USB cable which needs to be wired from the back of the unit to a location you like, for example glove box. Installers should be able to do this no problem because they would have to similarly wire through to the glove box for VW factory MDI systems.

DOH!! I forgot that the software was on the sdcard.

For a minute I thought you wanted to mess around with the core software on the actual head unit, lol.

[alf13]

Hi guys,

I'm sure but this may been answered before. My current MDI (USB) connection is in the centre console. With the ANS 810 will I need to reloacte these in the glove box?

[starionx]

Hi guys,

I'm sure but this may been answered before. My current MDI (USB) connection is in the centre console. With the ANS 810 will I need to reloacte these in the glove box?

The MDI becomes redundant. The ANS-810 has its own USB and Icrap cables that you can connect things to and the easiest place to have these is in the glovebox.

[DkN]

The MDI becomes redundant. The ANS-810 has its own USB and Icrap cables that you can connect things to and the easiest place to have these is in the glovebox.

Yup although if you are willing to spend some effort looking I'm sure you can find a way to get the cables through to other places, including the center console if you already have an MDI there.

[prince]

Has anyone tried a Lightning adapter with an iPhone 5 with this headunit? I might be getting a new phone sometime soon.