DNS series head unit (new generation dual core RNS-510 alternative)

[moda]

So where I can get firmware to fix my power on problem?

Send audiosources an email with your version numbers and issues.

I'm very hesitant to hand out firmwares these days now, too many people not reading the instructions, trying to flash the wrong versions and bricking their units.

[Hotbmwm3]

It took a while for Moda to finally make a definitive statement about the product being unfinished and buggy.

Moda, how do you rate Sandy's current customer service and support on the forum?

Do you see the forum primarily as group buy tool for sales and then if anyone has support issues they should email Sandy?

[moda]

It took a while for Moda to finally make a definitive statement about the product being unfinished and buggy.

Moda, how do you rate Sandy's current customer service and support on the forum?

Do you see the forum primarily as group buy tool for sales and then if anyone has support issues they should email Sandy?

Meh. Not a definitive statement, just my thoughts, particularly with the influx of people coming in wanting advice on whether to buy it. Don't want to give them the wrong idea about what the DNS is/was/will be/won't be, you know? I'd say it's particularly dependent on the cost. ~$400-500, great buy. $700+, not so much, you get to a point where you'd be better off spending the money on an OEM RNS or Zenec/Dynavin/Pioneer/Alpine unit. The DNS is freaking miles better than ANY other chinese unit on the market. When you put it in the context of 95% of the aftermarket headunits it competes and wins, but I don't think it can compete with companies that have much deeper pockets and a proven track record like Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood etc.

Edit: The other thing to consider is there is pretty much nothing else that competes with the DNS, really. All other chinese headunits are rubbish. If you want full OEM style, you either just spend the money and get an RNS510 or go for the Zenec (~$1200+) or Dynavin (~$850), or you go for aftermarket style with Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood and an idatalink module and mounting kit (which all adds up to a lot of money). There is nothing else out there even worth looking at, as far as i'm aware?

It's also just the way the market has gone at the moment. WinCE is a dead platform, most manufacturers are going towards Android, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay are the new hotness. The DNS810, with better MFD functionality, better BT, DAB+ radio, get rid of the internal GPS and all other software and JUST use AndroidAuto/CarPlay, that would be my ideal headunit.

As far as i'm concerned I have no issues with Sandy's conduct inside or outside of this forum. He has always been attentive to my messages/emails, certainly can't fault him, and I certainly don't blame him for the way the DNS went. That's all i'm going to say, the question is entirely inappropriate in my mind, anyway.

[pervakovcrea]

I've contacted with Lisa from Audiosources, she said what DNS 610 will be cost 290$, 10$ for navigation maps, 50$ for mirror link box and 85$ for shipping. I'm worry only about sound quality of this device, because at this moment I have Pioneer X-2500BT and it sounds great, but looks like a **it in my car. Also I can't to use multifunctional wheel, I haven't MFD features and some other things. I've also interested in RCD 510, but I need to buy Bluetooth module, parking assist module, and some other original and expensive electronic modules for my car.
And another question. Will it work great with my 10 speakers DynAudio audio system, simply there are only 4 contacts for speakers in DNS.
Thanks a lot

[GeorgeK]

Meh. Not a definitive statement, just my thoughts, particularly with the influx of people coming in wanting advice on whether to buy it. Don't want to give them the wrong idea about what the DNS is/was/will be/won't be, you know? I'd say it's particularly dependent on the cost. ~$400-500, great buy. $700+, not so much, you get to a point where you'd be better off spending the money on an OEM RNS or Zenec/Dynavin/Pioneer/Alpine unit. The DNS is freaking miles better than ANY other chinese unit on the market. When you put it in the context of 95% of the aftermarket headunits it competes and wins, but I don't think it can compete with companies that have much deeper pockets and a proven track record like Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood etc.

Edit: The other thing to consider is there is pretty much nothing else that competes with the DNS, really. All other chinese headunits are rubbish. If you want full OEM style, you either just spend the money and get an RNS510 or go for the Zenec (~$1200+) or Dynavin (~$850), or you go for aftermarket style with Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood and an idatalink module and mounting kit (which all adds up to a lot of money). There is nothing else out there even worth looking at, as far as i'm aware?

It's also just the way the market has gone at the moment. WinCE is a dead platform, most manufacturers are going towards Android, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay are the new hotness. The DNS810, with better MFD functionality, better BT, DAB+ radio, get rid of the internal GPS and all other software and JUST use AndroidAuto/CarPlay, that would be my ideal headunit.

As far as i'm concerned I have no issues with Sandy's conduct inside or outside of this forum. He has always been attentive to my messages/emails, certainly can't fault him, and I certainly don't blame him for the way the DNS went. That's all i'm going to say, the question is entirely inappropriate in my mind, anyway.

I have one of these:

https://avinusa.com/vw-8-avant2-full-android-multimedia-navigation-system.html

Sitting next to me, waiting to be installed and it appears that it answers your question of whether anything can compete with the DNS. I bought it because of the amazing support I've discovered everywhere, including reports of them fixing issues quickly, and the fact he runs the support on his own website.

Combined with that, it also looks stock. I'll let you know how it goes when it's in, but for ~$750 I'm pretty excited.

[moda]

I've contacted with Lisa from Audiosources, she said what DNS 610 will be cost 290$, 10$ for navigation maps, 50$ for mirror link box and 85$ for shipping. I'm worry only about sound quality of this device, because at this moment I have Pioneer X-2500BT and it sounds great, but looks like a **it in my car. Also I can't to use multifunctional wheel, I haven't MFD features and some other things. I've also interested in RCD 510, but I need to buy Bluetooth module, parking assist module, and some other original and expensive electronic modules for my car.
And another question. Will it work great with my 10 speakers DynAudio audio system, simply there are only 4 contacts for speakers in DNS.
Thanks a lot

That's a pretty decent price, to be honest. I'd take that over the hordes of terrible generic chinese units (hell, even the Eonon is like $300USD ish). I'd be interested to see what the Mirrorlink box is like, haven't really seen anyone who has used it.

As far as i'm aware, it should work like any other aftermarket unit with the Dynaudio systems, ie fine. Most (ie all?) headunits will either have 2 or 4 speaker outs (left/right, or left/right front&back), which then goes to a either an amp or passive crossover and distributed to all other speakers. That's just my guess, you'd have to do your own research/find someone who knows.

I have one of these:

https://avinusa.com/vw-8-avant2-full-android-multimedia-navigation-system.html

Sitting next to me, waiting to be installed and it appears that it answers your question of whether anything can compete with the DNS. I bought it because of the amazing support I've discovered everywhere, including reports of them fixing issues quickly, and the fact he runs the support on his own website.

Combined with that, it also looks stock. I'll let you know how it goes when it's in, but for ~$750 I'm pretty excited.

Yea i've seen that. It looks fairly decent. As far as I can tell, though, it seems like a pretty standard generic chinese android unit with a different android skin and aftersales support (the giveaway is the back of the unit, almost all chinese units use the same IO, which is an ISO harness and CAN breakout box, standard pin FM antennas, GPS antenna with standard screw port, and USB/iPod using pin outs, where as units like the Zenec, Dynavin and Audiosources have OEM specific ports, ie for VW units, ISO harness, internal CANBUS decoders and Fakra connections for everything else, ie antennas, GPS, USB etc).

Anyways, as I said, it looks very interesting, you'll have to let us know how it goes, particularly when it comes to OEM integration (MFD/Doors/AC etc).

[Sergey]

Send audiosources an email with your version numbers and issues.

I'm very hesitant to hand out firmwares these days now, too many people not reading the instructions, trying to flash the wrong versions and bricking their units.

Audiosources ignore my e-mails and still silent ((( This bug makes me insane... This forum is my last chance...

[moda]

Audiosources ignore my e-mails and still silent ((( This bug makes me insane... This forum is my last chance...

Read the instructions on the Google docs page linked in the 1st page of this thread, AND this document: https://www.dropbox.com/s/75l4keuonl...ANBUS.doc?dl=0

This firmware ONLY contains MPU and BSP files for units ONLY with the NEW CANBUS module ONLY (ie CAN: VW_02), dated February 2015: https://www.dropbox.com/s/oey7ekhkfo...U_BSP.zip?dl=0

Read all instructions and ONLY flash it if you understand 1) how to and 2) confirmed your unit type matches. It is your responsibility and you are at fault if you damage your unit.

I do have the equivalent MCU file, which I believe is for the new CPU units ('DNS810A'), but I have not confirmed this so I will not post it.

[GeorgeK]

@moda, I just installed it, and everything seems to be working pretty darn well! The MFD doesn't yet show anything but I'm not sure what it should show - phone calls don't do anything and I haven't tried nav yet. I also haven't tried AC yet.

I opened up the canbus app, and it's correctly reporting mileage, doors, and a bunch of other stuff so that's pretty cool. Radio reception is perfect, as it has a Fakra antenna on it. Bluetooth works perfectly - it won't sync my contacts yet but that's probably because I haven't got a couple of SD cards yet to put in it. I'll get some tomorrow and report back with the rest of the things I haven't tried. Oh yeah, and I'll take it for a drive .

[Hotbmwm3]

Are the people that bought the unit from Sandy happy with the customer support they are getting currently?

He seems to have deserted the forum for support given how little he now posts in here

Is everyone getting a quick turnaround on support emails?

If it wasn't for moda's help with support posts, how do people deal with someone in Australia for support?

I thought the point of paying the markup between what Audiosources sells for direct and what Sandy charged was to pay for Australian support.

Seems strange to me that Sandy took the profit and ran away, and Moda is left to do the support on here for free

[Goobz]

@moda, I just installed it, and everything seems to be working pretty darn well! The MFD doesn't yet show anything but I'm not sure what it should show - phone calls don't do anything and I haven't tried nav yet. I also haven't tried AC yet.

I opened up the canbus app, and it's correctly reporting mileage, doors, and a bunch of other stuff so that's pretty cool. Radio reception is perfect, as it has a Fakra antenna on it. Bluetooth works perfectly - it won't sync my contacts yet but that's probably because I haven't got a couple of SD cards yet to put in it. I'll get some tomorrow and report back with the rest of the things I haven't tried. Oh yeah, and I'll take it for a drive .

If you dont mind keeping us updated with how this unit is going I would really appreciate it. It looks like everything the DNS originally promised it would be and more.

I'm at my wits end with my unit. I've had to jump start my car 5 times in the last 3 days. There's no pattern to it either. I've tried to look for one and just don't see it. Before this it was fine for 3 days. Started perfectly every time.

Hello everyone! I need some help ) I bought DNS-620 for my Skoda Octavia A5fl 2010. And I have some troubles with it.
1) It not turn on automatically when I start my car. I need to start car twise or push hardware reset buton.
2)bluetooth microphone is so quiet (people not hear me)

Help me please... It makes me crazy every trip push hard reset

Since getting the new CAN chip installed I have the exact same problem. If the battery isn't flat, I have to start the car twice to get the unit to wake up. Here's a video I shot showing it:

DNS810 issue - YouTube

I've tried both the July and March firmwares with the same problem both times. Also as an added issue for the first few days It continually deletes all my saved phonebook and quick dials but this seems to correct itself after a weeks or so.


If anyone knows anything else I can try I would be all ears.

[Omerta11]

Hi All,
I've been following this thread from the beginning a few years ago, and eventually purchased a DNS810 (new CAN-BUS module version). I also purchased a licence plate rear view camera, HD DVB-TV Unit and Mirrorlink Module.

I have a 2006 Mk5 VW Golf GTI.

My impressions of the DNS810 unit are fair, and as Moda has pointed out it is probably one of the better units out there - but it is far from perfect. It still has a few niggling issues, but no show-stoppers. I also agree with Moda that $700 is slightly excessive considering that in my opinion it is an unfinished product that still requires significant refinement to warrant such a price-tag. I only hope that Audiosources are continuing to develop the product software-wise to fully reach its potential, but the feeling I am getting from this forum is that this may be wishful thinking.

Audiosources aside, the level service that Sandy has provided to me has been good. He has been responsive to my emails, providing assistance when I have needed it.

If I can make a suggestion, I would like to see a presence on this forum from Sandy a little more often - at least on two fronts:

1. The firmware links on the first page of this forum are extremely out of date. It would be very useful if Sandy could regularly notify us when new firmware updates are available and post them. I know that not everyone on this forum are customers of his, so if he wants to make this exclusive for his customers, perhaps he could email us with a secure link or password in order to download.

2. Using his direct line of communication with the development staff at Audiosources, it would be also be useful to be regularly informed of the status and ETA of any developments or bug-fixes. (I know that Audiosources have often over-promised and under-delivered in their communications in the past, so this may be futile!)

My experience with the DNS810 so far:

After installing the unit and accessories, I experienced battery drain issues and the issue of having to start the car twice (literally start the car, switch it off, then start the car again) in order for the unit to start.

Software version status I started with:
BSP: MS9.H.32.1018
MPEG:
MCU: DNS810.A.1010
BT: 031407180
MPU: DNS810.30Oct14.32.VW.V39
CAN: VW_V02.27
MAP:
SOFTWARE:

After some correspondence with Sandy, he sent through some software updates which got me to this:
BSP: MS9.H.32.1018
MPEG:
MCU: DNS810.C.0326
BT: 031407180
MPU: DNS810.02Feb15.32.VW.V45.C
CAN: VW_V02.32
MAP:
SOFTWARE:

Since the updates, the battery drain issue has disappeared and the unit starts each time I start the car.

As of now, the only thing I have noticed of any significance that I would consider a ‘bug’ is that I sometimes lose audio when listening to the radio. From what I’ve been able to ascertain so far, it seems to happen when I’ve switched the car off, but not pulled out the key and left the DNS810 unit running on something other than radio e.g. USB audio. I then start the car, the screen goes white, and a big audible ‘bang’ can be heard through the speakers, and then the VW logo appears. I switch it to radio, and there is no audio. I try to adjust the volume – it shows on the screen, but still no audio. I have to switch the DNS810 unit off using the power button and switch it back on to rectify this. Just to make matters worse, unfortunately I haven’t been able to replicate this consistently.

And finally, I have a request for assistance…
I use an iPhone 5S, and the iPhone cable provided with the DNS810 is the 30-pin plug for the iPhone 4S and below. I have mounted my phone cradle in the corner of my dashboard to right of my steering wheel. I’m looking for a 30-pin to lightning adapter with a cable that is long enough to reach (approx. 50cm minimum). I have searched on ebay and other sites, but have been unable to find anything suitable - yes, there are heaps of adapters available, but the cables are too short.

Have any of you done the same thing as me, and found a suitable cable? Without this, I’m unable to use the Mirrorlink module, and do not have iPod connectivity - I’m forced to use BT link for iPod music, which has very limited functionality.

[Scratchedeos]

I brought the cable up from the DNS into the "ash tray" in front of the gear stick. I have an iPhone 6 and I just use a lightning adaptor to convert the lead. I drilled a small hole in the back of the "ash tray" so the cable would not interfer with the lid hinges. Do you have any instructions for the Mirrorlink module - I have just received one with no instructions. I have a 2007 EOS so the dash is almost identical to the Mk V Golf.

[Goobz]

Firmware upate from Sandy

Hey guys,

After some correspondence with Sandy on Thursday he got back to me with an update for the firmware and also a can module upgrade. I've been running it since Friday and can confirm that silent boot is working properly and I haven't had a single flat battery or needed to double start the car since. I'm still going to give it a week to be sure the problem is completely fixed but I'm pretty optimistic so far.

Finally I'm also able to set the time too!!! There is an option to set it to sync with GPS as well!!!

Links are below for the new firmware. Remember it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are flashing the correct MCU depending on which unit you have. Not mine. If you are unsure, ask rather than bricking your unit!

Firmware: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...A_20150326.zip

This contains the MCU for the newer 'A' type units.

DO NOT FLASH as is if you have an old 'Non-A' unit – you must replace the A9_mcu_iap.hs file with this MCU file:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...AN%EF%BC%89.7z

You can then begin the flash. Remember, copy the UPD file to a blank SD first, then the rest of the files. Start with the MCU (turn on the unit and after it boots, insert the firmware SD into the GPS slot and a dialog box will pop up asking you to update MCU). Once done and the unit turns off, turn it on again and it will perform the rest of the flash. When the MPU update is finished you can turn off the unit and take the card out.



After this, delete all the files on your firmware SD (or use another one if you have a spare) and put this file on it:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/96960779/VW_V02_32.ihs


This is the CAN-Bus update. The process is identical to MCU (insert SD card after the unit boots). Once that’s finished your unit will be completely up to date.

Here's mine after the update ('Non-A' Type):



Remember to confirm which MCU you need before doing this or you will brick your unit. Again if unsure post a pic of your system info page here and someone will be able to help you.

Are the people that bought the unit from Sandy happy with the customer support they are getting currently?

He seems to have deserted the forum for support given how little he now posts in here

Is everyone getting a quick turnaround on support emails?

If it wasn't for moda's help with support posts, how do people deal with someone in Australia for support?

I thought the point of paying the markup between what Audiosources sells for direct and what Sandy charged was to pay for Australian support.

Seems strange to me that Sandy took the profit and ran away, and Moda is left to do the support on here for free

I am actuall really impressed with the service I received from him the other day. I emailed him Thursday morning, and by that evening he had contacted AS and sent me an update that has fixed the problems I was having. Can't ask for much better than that!

[Omerta11]

I brought the cable up from the DNS into the "ash tray" in front of the gear stick. I have an iPhone 6 and I just use a lightning adaptor to convert the lead. I drilled a small hole in the back of the "ash tray" so the cable would not interfer with the lid hinges. Do you have any instructions for the Mirrorlink module - I have just received one with no instructions. I have a 2007 EOS so the dash is almost identical to the Mk V Golf.

Thanks for the feedback Scratchedeos. I did consider doing what you've done, but I was really trying to avoid drilling holes anywhere, plus I like having my phone at eye level. I think I’ve managed to find a 30-pin iPhone extension cable (1m long) that’s a proper 30-pin – meaning it fully supports Data transfer / Charging / Audio & Video transfer / Playback and Control. It took a while to find as most extension cables on the market only support charging. I obviously still need to find an adapter - can you inform me of the lightning adapter you purchased, as again there are heaps on the market that only support charging.

As for the Mirrorlink module, I've checked all of my documentation and unfortunately I couldn’t find any instructions. I'm not certain of the nature of instructions you're after anyway - is to operate it or to install it? I'm assuming you're talking about installing the module. Mine was pre-installed, so I had no need for anything. If you ordered your unit from Sandy I'd pop him an email to see what he can provide, otherwise contact Audiosources direct.

Hey guys,

After some correspondence with Sandy on Thursday he got back to me with an update for the firmware and also a can module upgrade. I've been running it since Friday and can confirm that silent boot is working properly and I haven't had a single flat battery or needed to double start the car since. I'm still going to give it a week to be sure the problem is completely fixed but I'm pretty optimistic so far.

Finally I'm also able to set the time too!!! There is an option to set it to sync with GPS as well!!!

Links are below for the new firmware. Remember it is YOUR responsibility to ensure you are flashing the correct MCU depending on which unit you have. Not mine. If you are unsure, ask rather than bricking your unit!

Firmware: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...A_20150326.zip

This contains the MCU for the newer 'A' type units.

DO NOT FLASH as is if you have an old 'Non-A' unit – you must replace the A9_mcu_iap.hs file with this MCU file:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...AN%EF%BC%89.7z

You can then begin the flash. Remember, copy the UPD file to a blank SD first, then the rest of the files. Start with the MCU (turn on the unit and after it boots, insert the firmware SD into the GPS slot and a dialog box will pop up asking you to update MCU). Once done and the unit turns off, turn it on again and it will perform the rest of the flash. When the MPU update is finished you can turn off the unit and take the card out.



After this, delete all the files on your firmware SD (or use another one if you have a spare) and put this file on it:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/96960779/VW_V02_32.ihs


This is the CAN-Bus update. The process is identical to MCU (insert SD card after the unit boots). Once that’s finished your unit will be completely up to date.

Here's mine after the update ('Non-A' Type):

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16152[/ATTACH]

Remember to confirm which MCU you need before doing this or you will brick your unit. Again if unsure post a pic of your system info page here and someone will be able to help you.



I am actuall really impressed with the service I received from him the other day. I emailed him Thursday morning, and by that evening he had contacted AS and sent me an update that has fixed the problems I was having. Can't ask for much better than that!

Thanks for posting the firmware links Goobz - much appreciated!