Nav+ interim status (aka Dan Gold ROCKS!)
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Nav+ interim status (aka Dan Gold ROCKS!)
For those who are interested in going down this path, <a href="http://www.tvwiz.net/navigation/">Dan Gold's Website</a> is required reading!
I'm posting this "interim status" because I'll be on vacation the next couple of weeks and wanted to let the group know what I've figured out so far.
First off the good news:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_installed.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_screenshot.jpg">
Background: USA Spec 2001 (05/01 build) A6 2.7T 6spd with Symphony (I) and Bose, plus CD changer in trunk.
Goal: install NAV+ while avoiding cutting/tapping existing wiring harnesses, and without tearing car apart to route Audi GPS antenna to rear deck.
Status:
-Nav+ installed and running!
-Non-Audi GPS antenna in use mounted on front driver's side dash, wire routed under dash to back of Nav+.
-Non-Audi 26pin connector in use - more info to come.
-Steering wheel radio controls running!
-No TMC/CAN gw acquired yet.
-No cluster communications whatsoever.
-Bose amp/speakers running.
-CD changer running.
-GALA unconfirmed
-Reverse wire unconnected.
Issues:
-CAN bus *NOT* present in 20pin connector to Symphony Radio!!! I'll have to pick this up somewhere else.
-20pin connector in my car is *1* piece, not 3. I had a cool way to deal with the 3pc setup, but have fallen back to plan B.
-Putting Nav+ back into dash with extra connectors for no-cut install is a major PITA, and might be enough to discourage future adopters.
-Reverse wire not located - but then I haven't looked
The big pisser is that the CAN bus pins are empty on my car's connector, so I'll have to dig around and find another pair I can tie into somewhere else.
As I mentioned, I didn't want to tear the whole inside of the car apart to get the Audi GPS antenna routed to the rear decklid. Further I wasn't excited about paying $200 for an Audi version of a $50 antenna. Dan kindly measured the voltage on his and reported that Nav+ provides +5V for the active antenna. I then acquired off eBay a <a href="http://www.micropulse.com/19100.htm">Micropulse 1915PB</a> and a <a href="http://www.micropulse.com/19100.htm">Micropulse 1913PB</a>. Both work fine, the 1915 providing 25dB gain, and the 1913 35dB. I'd hoped the extra 10dB would let me hide the GPS antenna in dash, but I'm not there yet, so here it is in a "temporary" location:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_gps_antenna.jpg">
The 35dB and 25dB variants seem to find about the same number of birds - although the 35dB is arguably slightly better it's not a big difference.
I'm not having a ton of luck finding another appropriate CAN pair, and am *NOT* enthused about pulling the instrument cluster to get to them. Given that, this install may be more permanent than I think
I'm posting this "interim status" because I'll be on vacation the next couple of weeks and wanted to let the group know what I've figured out so far.
First off the good news:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_installed.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_screenshot.jpg">
Background: USA Spec 2001 (05/01 build) A6 2.7T 6spd with Symphony (I) and Bose, plus CD changer in trunk.
Goal: install NAV+ while avoiding cutting/tapping existing wiring harnesses, and without tearing car apart to route Audi GPS antenna to rear deck.
Status:
-Nav+ installed and running!
-Non-Audi GPS antenna in use mounted on front driver's side dash, wire routed under dash to back of Nav+.
-Non-Audi 26pin connector in use - more info to come.
-Steering wheel radio controls running!
-No TMC/CAN gw acquired yet.
-No cluster communications whatsoever.
-Bose amp/speakers running.
-CD changer running.
-GALA unconfirmed
-Reverse wire unconnected.
Issues:
-CAN bus *NOT* present in 20pin connector to Symphony Radio!!! I'll have to pick this up somewhere else.
-20pin connector in my car is *1* piece, not 3. I had a cool way to deal with the 3pc setup, but have fallen back to plan B.
-Putting Nav+ back into dash with extra connectors for no-cut install is a major PITA, and might be enough to discourage future adopters.
-Reverse wire not located - but then I haven't looked
The big pisser is that the CAN bus pins are empty on my car's connector, so I'll have to dig around and find another pair I can tie into somewhere else.
As I mentioned, I didn't want to tear the whole inside of the car apart to get the Audi GPS antenna routed to the rear decklid. Further I wasn't excited about paying $200 for an Audi version of a $50 antenna. Dan kindly measured the voltage on his and reported that Nav+ provides +5V for the active antenna. I then acquired off eBay a <a href="http://www.micropulse.com/19100.htm">Micropulse 1915PB</a> and a <a href="http://www.micropulse.com/19100.htm">Micropulse 1913PB</a>. Both work fine, the 1915 providing 25dB gain, and the 1913 35dB. I'd hoped the extra 10dB would let me hide the GPS antenna in dash, but I'm not there yet, so here it is in a "temporary" location:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/525/nav_plus_gps_antenna.jpg">
The 35dB and 25dB variants seem to find about the same number of birds - although the 35dB is arguably slightly better it's not a big difference.
I'm not having a ton of luck finding another appropriate CAN pair, and am *NOT* enthused about pulling the instrument cluster to get to them. Given that, this install may be more permanent than I think
#4
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Actual install in a weekend...
Lots more time spent upfront planning/acquiring parts
However, if you don't have/want the CAN integration and if you happen to want an <a href="http://www.fis-box.de/produkt-d.html">EFU</a>, I've been talking to the folks at <a href="http://www.techreactions.com/efu.htm">Techreactions</a> about a variant of that product kit which would allow near-drop-in of a Nav+ in conjunction with your EFU install....
However, if you don't have/want the CAN integration and if you happen to want an <a href="http://www.fis-box.de/produkt-d.html">EFU</a>, I've been talking to the folks at <a href="http://www.techreactions.com/efu.htm">Techreactions</a> about a variant of that product kit which would allow near-drop-in of a Nav+ in conjunction with your EFU install....
#5
Great job. A little piece of advise inside...
You don't need the reverse signal, unless you plan on driving around town in reverse. I haven't connected the reverse on my navi+ and it works just great without it.
I don't know if you have a need for the TMC, but it works fine without it, and you can code the navi+ so you don't get the error message on start-up. (let me know if you need halp with that)
The CAN I beleive is for getting the navi+ directions up on your instrument cluster on 2002+ cars. I haven't got CAN in my car so I don't have that oportunity.
Do you have the latest revision software in the Navi+ ? - You do if you can zoom down to 50 meters and can enter intermediate destinations. Let me know if you have it or not and I can give it to you with instructions on how to install it.
Good luck with the rest of your install.
PS: I am using a bosch antenna that I mounted in the center of the car all the way up under the front windscreen. I think it's as discreete as it gets and you can easily push the cable down underneath the foam list over to the right hand side where you pull it in behind the glove compartment. No holes needs to be drilled at all.
Here's a few pics of my antenna (sorry about the poor quality):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3753.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3754.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3756.jpg">
I don't know if you have a need for the TMC, but it works fine without it, and you can code the navi+ so you don't get the error message on start-up. (let me know if you need halp with that)
The CAN I beleive is for getting the navi+ directions up on your instrument cluster on 2002+ cars. I haven't got CAN in my car so I don't have that oportunity.
Do you have the latest revision software in the Navi+ ? - You do if you can zoom down to 50 meters and can enter intermediate destinations. Let me know if you have it or not and I can give it to you with instructions on how to install it.
Good luck with the rest of your install.
PS: I am using a bosch antenna that I mounted in the center of the car all the way up under the front windscreen. I think it's as discreete as it gets and you can easily push the cable down underneath the foam list over to the right hand side where you pull it in behind the glove compartment. No holes needs to be drilled at all.
Here's a few pics of my antenna (sorry about the poor quality):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3753.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3754.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20953/img_3756.jpg">
#6
So what software version did you have?
Dan's site refers to the versions by the build date, but in Mode, Settings, Version mine lists as <b>SoftwareVersion 0105</b>. I think the version on Dan's site is 0102. I can't really see any differences between 0102 and 0105 (S8 had 0102), apart from possibly the water colour is a slightly lighter blue...
Still waiting on my dealer's response, will email you when I hear anything.
Chris.
Still waiting on my dealer's response, will email you when I hear anything.
Chris.
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#8
AudiWorld Super User
EFU looks like a great idea and the price is right...
I have a tough time messing with factory electronics that I feel have a less than optimal life span.
I really like the mod you've done.
What is your out of pocket at this point?
I really like the mod you've done.
What is your out of pocket at this point?