RNS 510: What if digital takes over?

[chapel]

From time to time there's news to the effect that analogue radio may be discontinued in the UK. If it comes to pass, what happens to those of us who have brilliant Dynauio RNS 510 Radio / CD systems? Is VW preparing any sort of upgrade or technical 'fix' that will keep our expensive systems working?

[trix]

Until the government start working with the manufacturers to incorporate digital pick up into all radio equipment as a base standard (home radios & ipod upgrade connectors etc too) I really don't think there is anything at all to worry about. Imo its certainly not going to happen in the next 5 more like 10 years as they have to give a certain amount of warning as happened with the analogue tv signal switch off (unless you plan on keeping your car that(!) long). Equally with radio its more likely to have to happen on a more international scale as well due to the likes of shipping transmissions etc.
Its all just wind.

[whiteDevil_170]

Plus the signal needs sorting as its patchy

[chapel]

Thanks for that: My last Scirocco - a GTX - lasted 25 years, so I actually was taking a longer term view!

[chelspeed]

Chicken and egg isn't it. The government won't give a date for switchover for some reason and car makers won't fit DAB as standard until they are faced with a definite date for switchover.

I think the government should come off the fence and say switchover in 5 years whatever the % take up is at that time and stick to it. Faced with a deadline everyone would then go with the future and invest in DAB.

It worked with TV, lots of prediction of little old ladies left without a TV (a good thing in my view......) but it never happened.

And yes I'd expect full coverage of DAB to be completed within the 5 year window.

[Mark V]

The latest RNS 510's being fitted are DAB units.

[salsajoe]

The latest RNS 510's being fitted are DAB units.

and there are firm plans to erect a further 180 masts to improve coverage nationally.

[dimexi]

The latest RNS 510's being fitted are DAB units.

I guess this is version P RNS510?! Strangely, it doesn't state it in any specs I have seen so far (on ebay)

[mr gee]

I have a version P RNS on my Beetle and nowhere does it indicate any ability to pick up DAB

[chelspeed]

Mine has DAB and very good it is too. Holds the station virtually all the time round here (Cotswolds) whereas the DAB in the Focus Asbo that it replaced would lose the signal every 10 miles or so.

No idea what version it is though.

[uklee]

My RNS510 has DAB - i only found out when i got it home from the showroom to play with it.
DAB wasn't listed in any of the sales or accessory literature that were current when i was buying my car (August 2013) , even the salesman who talked me through my cars features upon collection stated 'You have the upgraded radio ( from the RNS315) it's only a pity these don't come with DAB like the more basic ones - i dont know why VW do that ... " !!

My car was built during July 2013 , and the sticker on the headunit says it was manufactured in May 2013



I have to agree with chelspeed - the DAB reception is excellent , and even holds onto the minor (local) DAB stations for a very long while after i've left their area.
I only wish that the Nav system had speed camera locations in the POI

Lee

[dimexi]

That's a version C you have there Lee, and I am surprised it has DAB. Maybe there are special revisions of version C with DAB, I will do a search on eBay to see what I find. I am looking to buy an RNS510 soon, have my eyes on the version P - mainly cos it's the latest, I'd be chuffed if it came with DAB.