Optical Parking System

[geoffp]

Hi,

I need to confirm the the following re a probable 2009 Passat Wagon purchase.

1. If I replace the standard in-dash radio system with a 3rd party system like the Clarion NX509A, will I loose the VW Optical Parking System?

2. If I do will the parking sensors still generate an audible tone - i.e. will the tone work for the front and rear sensors or are they tied into the VW default radio in dash display? This is REALLY important.

3. Parking assist looks like it displays in the console, however will it work if I have replaced the VW in dash radio (with the Clarion).

4. Can the VW parking camera be used by a 3rd party in-dash display (once again probably the Clarion NX509A)?

5. Also, where is the factory fitted parking camera installed - on the tail gate, on the bumper bar?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice - I really need to confirm the above before I pull the trigger and order the car.

Many thanks,
GeoffP.

[tryingavw]

Hi,


3. Parking assist looks like it displays in the console, however will it work if I have replaced the VW in dash radio (with the Clarion).

Many thanks,
GeoffP.

PARK ASSIST displays in the MFD, but the RVC comes on at the same time.

[Jayse]

Hi,

4. Can the VW parking camera be used by a 3rd party in-dash display (once again probably the Clarion NX509A)?

5. Also, where is the factory fitted parking camera installed - on the tail gate, on the bumper bar?

Many thanks,
GeoffP.

Hey Geoff,

I'm pretty sure the RVC (parking camera) only comes fitted with the RNS510 SATNAV unit. The cameras position is next to the number plate on the tailgate. Don't think you'd want to get rid of the RNS510, it's an amazing bit of kit! As for it's compatibility with other systems, i'll leave that one in the capable hands of Swallowtail.

Cheers,
Jayse.

[bennobee]

I thought the RVC was a option now.......

Anyway its fitted under the lip where you press the button toe open the boot (below the vw badge on the lid)

[geoffp]

No worries, I have change the spec on my car order - only having leather seats now.

[Swallowtail]

Hi,

I need to confirm the the following re a probable 2009 Passat Wagon purchase.

1. If I replace the standard in-dash radio system with a 3rd party system like the Clarion NX509A, will I loose the VW Optical Parking System?

2. If I do will the parking sensors still generate an audible tone - i.e. will the tone work for the front and rear sensors or are they tied into the VW default radio in dash display? This is REALLY important.

3. Parking assist looks like it displays in the console, however will it work if I have replaced the VW in dash radio (with the Clarion).

4. Can the VW parking camera be used by a 3rd party in-dash display (once again probably the Clarion NX509A)?

5. Also, where is the factory fitted parking camera installed - on the tail gate, on the bumper bar?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice - I really need to confirm the above before I pull the trigger and order the car.

Many thanks,
GeoffP.

Sorry geoffp, I don't know... all my experience is with using the VW head unit. And the sedan doesn't have a reverse camera...

[Maverick]

Hi,

I need to confirm the the following re a probable 2009 Passat Wagon purchase.

1. If I replace the standard in-dash radio system with a 3rd party system like the Clarion NX509A, will I loose the VW Optical Parking System?

Yes the factory headunit performs the generation of the graphics.

2. If I do will the parking sensors still generate an audible tone - i.e. will the tone work for the front and rear sensors or are they tied into the VW default radio in dash display? This is REALLY important.

I believe that the front sensors make a tone through the front speakers and the rear sensors through the rear speakers but you should be able to connect the beeper to the controller off the standard pdc units as it has an output (at least the wiring diagram shows it).

3. Parking assist looks like it displays in the console, however will it work if I have replaced the VW in dash radio (with the Clarion).

Maybe not as it's integrated with the headunit.

4. Can the VW parking camera be used by a 3rd party in-dash display (once again probably the Clarion NX509A)?

The short answer is no but the long answer is anything can be done with converters but it's not that easy to come up with something that works reliably and it's going to cost you a packet.

IMO there's only one way to go if you want that level of integration and that's keep the factory integration and either go the audio upgrade or do the amp/speakers after you get it.

[geoffp]

Yes the factory headunit performs the generation of the graphics.

Thanks Maverick, I thought that was the case but wanted to confirm.

I believe that the front sensors make a tone through the front speakers and the rear sensors through the rear speakers but you should be able to connect the beeper to the controller off the standard pdc units as it has an output (at least the wiring diagram shows it).

The PDC Unit - is that the logic board that interprets the "pings" from the parking sensors?

Sounds like there is a separate unit for front and rear - is this correct?

I will tell the Autobarn installers and see what they can work out as well.

I was hoping that was the case - fingers crossed.

IMO there's only one way to go if you want that level of integration and that's keep the factory integration and either go the audio upgrade or do the amp/speakers after you get it.

I will be going a Clarion aftermarket fit out with the following components:
VX709A, NP509A, Clarion Reverse Camera, CCA723 and CAN Bus Interface.

Also putting in the following (from Hold My Phone) to hold and charge my iPhone 3GS:
Thru-Connect Adjustable Holder - AUD $121.00 (SKU 915290)
then EITHER
Angled Mount - AUD $48.99 (SKU 653652)
OR
Console Mount - AUD $48.99 (SKU 633604)

No holes required to fit these holders.

Thanks for your input Maverick

[Maverick]

Thanks Maverick, I thought that was the case but wanted to confirm.

The PDC Unit - is that the logic board that interprets the "pings" from the parking sensors?

Yep.

Sounds like there is a separate unit for front and rear - is this correct?

Only the one so you won't know it's the front or the back unless there is a different tone (which there probably is).

[G-rig]

Hi Geoff, I tend to think you're better off sticking with the RNS-510 and genuine add-ons, or you may make life a bit hard for yourself trying to achieve the same level of integration and won't look as nice.

After having done both i'm much happier now with the VW gear, and have done an extensive audio upgrade so you'll be able to achieve great sound with the right gear (I've got an Audison BitOne.1 processor, Dynaudio 3way set, Arc amps and a stealth sub). Not sure on your exact goals but things like after market speakers, amps and processors can be added to the car later and it will look 100% stock/stealth.

Some other guys up here with R36's are running the RNS-510 into high level inputs on the Arc mini amps with great results.

[geoffp]

Only the one so you won't know it's the front or the back unless there is a different tone (which there probably is).

As long as I get a tone, I reckon I can work out if it's the front or rear I am really looking forward to the front sensors - will certainly help when parking front first into cemete walls, etc.

Hi Geoff, I tend to think you're better off sticking with the RNS-510 and genuine add-ons, or you may make life a bit hard for yourself trying to achieve the same level of integration and won't look as nice.

After having done both i'm much happier now with the VW gear, and have done an extensive audio upgrade so you'll be able to achieve great sound with the right gear (I've got an Audison BitOne.1 processor, Dynaudio 3way set, Arc amps and a stealth sub). Not sure on your exact goals but things like after market speakers, amps and processors can be added to the car later and it will look 100% stock/stealth.

Some other guys up here with R36's are running the RNS-510 into high level inputs on the Arc mini amps with great results.

G'day G-rig,

I will probably leave the stock speakers, etc in.

I am more interested in changing the head unit to get an integrated multimedia station, GPS with BT for my phone.

I know the VW stuff can do the same (and I could get to keep the Optical Parking Sensors), but the salesman at Barloworld did say to me that if I BT my phone then the radio stops working while the phone is BT connected.

Sounded like crap to me but they "should" know what they are talking about.

If you can point me to a few threads where ppl are discussing 3rd party replacement units as a comparative feature wise to the VW RNS-510, MDI kit and BT kit, I can have an objective view.

Price wise I am looking at about $3,600 for the Clarion install as opposed to $3,300 (RNS-510 & MDI) + BT kit (can't find a price for that).

Thanks,
Geoff.

[G-rig]

Hi Geoff, not sure if there are that many threads on here but was just sharing my experience and stuffed around with it a fair bit.

The prices are fairly similar but without knowing the ins and outs of the Clarion HU not sure how well the bluetooth will work (most built in BT isn't that great and you may have to manually push each contact like with the Eclipse unit - and wont integrate with the MDF). I assume you've allowed for steering wheel control module (if you want them to work) and farka antenna boosters etc? Just a heads up - the radio reception of after market units is quite average unless you run a new antenna, not sure if that's important to you?).

I've got the MDI and find it quite good. Navigation through the menus/artists etc is a little slower than the hdd/Sd but easy to live with.

Not sure what you mean exactly by 'BT my phone', there is an initial pause then the chime when you pair the device on entry/exit to the car. Unless you are talking about streaming music? Check out the skoda kit, can be had for around $700 from overseas and you just need someone to help with the installation. A2DP doesn't work with it but i don't think streaming music is worth for battery drain and quality.

[Maverick]

I know the VW stuff can do the same (and I could get to keep the Optical Parking Sensors), but the salesman at Barloworld did say to me that if I BT my phone then the radio stops working while the phone is BT connected.

Sounded like crap to me but they "should" know what they are talking about.

Salesman was full of it.

If you can point me to a few threads where ppl are discussing 3rd party replacement units as a comparative feature wise to the VW RNS-510, MDI kit and BT kit, I can have an objective view.

I looked at the alternatives ~18 months ago when I was waiting for my car and nothing came close to the features the RNS 510 offered nor the integration into the car. You won't get navigation data appearing on the MFD for example nor will the telephone be able to be used from the MFD including phone book etc.

The RNS 510 now offers features like voice commands for just about every feature.

Price wise I am looking at about $3,600 for the Clarion install as opposed to $3,300 (RNS-510 & MDI) + BT kit (can't find a price for that).

You can pick up a RNS 510 from the EU for under $2000 landed and the bluetooth for around $650 from the UK. The RNS 510 is a drop in replacement and the bluetooth is around 3 hours work depending on how you wire it in.

No CAN bus adapters, no stuffing around and 100% integration into the car.

And looks great, unlike the aftermarket headunits IMO.

[Swallowtail]

Absolutely - I reckon you'd be nuts given the prices are that close. RNS510, keep all the integration, upgrade the firmware on the RNS510 to 2660 - gives you 32GB SDHC support, and voice control - Bluetooth go the Skoda Bluetooth imported for under $600 now. You'll haev a fully integrated setup that is OEM, keeps the OPS setup, etc. If it's a wagon get the VW RVC too...

Just my 2c.

Oh, and I'm one of the ones running RNS510 into Arc Audio amp and high quality speakers. Brilliant setup. If you think the stock ones are OK you should see them when you get them out. Tinplate and cardboard LOL...

[geoffp]

OK,

You guys are swaying me a bit here.

So, I had a bit more of a look last night and this morning online and have quite a few more questions.
(Glad I do have some time before the car is delivered so I can research this a bit more).

NB: I appreciate the advice I am been given here

Firstly, if I do proceed with an RNS-510, MID & BT fitout, who would you recommend to do a "proper" job of the install?
(I cannot change my car order now so this gear would have to be fitted out after delivery - I live in South Eastern Melbourne suburbs, around Narre Warren).
NB: I can't do the install myself, I'm an absolute noob when it comes to this sort of thing.
EDIT: After reading one of Swallowtails threads looks like maybe Volkspower - would you guys recommend them for this install?

I have read that the non factory fitted GPS antenna has been mounted on people's dash which would look like crap IMO.
Does the original fit into the roof line somewhere?
Can I get the antenna fitted out of site?

Can I get the MDI installed into the centre glove box - like this?
Do I need a special cable as well for the OZ MDI to fit to my iPhone 3GS?

Could I get the Reverse Camera fitted into the VW logo on the wagon boot or would it be installed elsewhere?

You won't get navigation data appearing on the MFD for example nor will the telephone be able to be used from the MFD including phone book etc.

What info is displayed on the MFD when using the GPS?

What data does the RNS-510 phone book suck across from my iPhone 3GS?

Does it pull across SIM card contacts, or can it access my contacts list (which is synced to my Mobile Me and work Exchange accounts - I have currently 690 contacts).

I think I confused what the salesman said, I believe he mentioned that if you are using the GPS for directions, then you can't listen to any music.
Was he right or wrong?
(I currently use my GPS with the audio muted and listen to music at the same time with the Pioneer AVIC).

Bluetooth go the Skoda Bluetooth imported for under $600 now.

I read your thread here Swallowtail, so believe it is iPhone 3GS compatible?

Is the phone microphone already factory fitted or is it part of the BT kit?
Where is it fitted, is it hidden away or mounted in plain view (I'm thinking of aesthetics here).

Can I get an exact parts list, best place(s) to purchase and prices so I can calculate exactly what this will cost me please.

I think I would need the following:
RNS-510
MDI
MID iPhone 3GS cable?
Skoda Bluetooth
VW Reversing Camera - Is this part of the RNS-510 or an extra bit of kit?

Can't think of anything else.

Thanks,
Geoff.