OBD2 output to RNS 510?

[Mdarius]

I'm totally new here so I think I can get away with some stupid questions for a minute. I searched and didn't find: Has anyone tried or figured out how to get our OBD2 data output to the screen of the RNS 510 infotainment system?

I was reading about the DEF Purge (did I get that right?) using a bluetooth/wifi reader and an app on your phone to track it. I use my phone for a lot of things. I would love to just have the display on the nice big center screen in my car.

I was looking on Ebay and there are replacement units that seem to have more functionality, like screen mirroring to an android, or even Android Auto. I'm just wondering if anyone has done anything to make tracking your vehicles vital statistics more integrated into the VW ergonomic ecosystem rather than having add on screens hanging off the dash and vents and stuff.

Thanks!

 

[casioqv]

I have heard about firmware updates to enable the backup camera at any time... if so, a series of adapters would probably be able to get your phone screen data sent to the backup camera input, and could we wired with an A/B switch. I'm sure it would be a big project, and the video quality would be quite low... possibly unreadable text, and certainly no touch screen communication. It's hard to imagine how that would be preferable to just mounting the phone on the dash IMO.


For my Treg I've thought about doing a similar process to wire up a second "backup" camera underneath the car, for positioning the wheels and looking at obstacles offroad.

 

[Mdarius]

I have heard about firmware updates to enable the backup camera at any time... if so, a series of adapters would probably be able to get your phone screen data sent to the backup camera input, and could we wired with an A/B switch. I'm sure it would be a big project, and the video quality would be quite low... possibly unreadable text, and certainly no touch screen communication. It's hard to imagine how that would be preferable to just mounting the phone on the dash IMO.


For my Treg I've thought about doing a similar process to wire up a second "backup" camera underneath the car, for positioning the wheels and looking at obstacles offroad.

Agreed. There are probably some NASA level projects that could accomplish this that wouldn't return the value. I was thinking something as complicated as using an old phone under the dash and having a video input to the unit. I haven't explored the inputs for this thing, so I don't know how easy or hard it would be.

As for your Touareg, I have explored the camera thing for my Land Cruiser. I worked with a guy at Crutchfield to put together a package of cameras, mounts, and connections to display up to 6 different views from outside the car onto the center stack. It's not too cost prohibitive at around $400 to $800, depending on what you are looking for. Consider the cost of repairs for one off road trip without a spotter where you pinch your exhaust or take out your oil pan. It's good prevention.

Edit: I found the link in my email. I was exploring the possibility of bypassing the head unit altogether and operating off an Android phone or tablet exclusively, plus the cameras. A little out of the box, but I like to ask questions.

https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rXYEc001/cart/EmailCart.aspx?emKey=2315732

 

[Lightflyer1]

It would probably be easier to just upgrade the head unit to another android based one that would communicate directly with the BT dongle. I did this in my old Excursion diesel to connect to the Torque app for readings. Worked well except for the reception on the radio wasn't very good for some reason. It would also connect to my phones hotspot and could do anything android based like email, text and mapping and stuff. If I were you I would be thinking along this line instead.

I had a Joying unit. They make some for VW specifically.

https://www.joyingauto.com/android-...o/4gb-vw-head-unit.html?product_list_limit=30

 

[Vince Waldon]

Yup,. any Android head unit + a Bluetooth dongle + the Torque app = real-time customized gauges to your heart's content.

Sent from my Moto X Play using Tapatalk

 

[casioqv]

As for your Touareg, I have explored the camera thing for my Land Cruiser.

Thanks for the info!


As a joke solution, you could probably get gauges up on the RNS-510 by making a cardboard mount to hold the phone running TorquePro outside your car behind the backup camera. Then drive in reverse, or try to short out the signal from the shifter switch so it thinks it's in reverse while still forward...

 

[Mdarius]

Thanks for the info!


As a joke solution, you could probably get gauges up on the RNS-510 by making a cardboard mount to hold the phone running TorquePro outside your car behind the backup camera. Then drive in reverse, or try to short out the signal from the shifter switch so it thinks it's in reverse while still forward...

Hahaha! You are a sick man.

 

[Mdarius]

Yup,. any Android head unit + a Bluetooth dongle + the Torque app = real-time customized gauges to your heart's content.

Sent from my Moto X Play using Tapatalk

This really seems like the right solution for a lot of things. The old unit is cool, but newer aftermarket units are cheap and have so much more capability.

 

[tadawson]

If OBD even gives you what you want . . . compared to the VAG protocol, it's pretty close to useless . . .

 

[Mdarius]

Does anyone have any experience using the iDataLink Maestro with an aftermarket unit? From what I understand it allows you to integrate the head unit into all(?) the integration you enjoyed with the factory setup and more. I think the RNS 510 gives us:

1. Steering wheel control
2. Integration with the driver data center on the dash...there's another acronym/name for it I've seen on the forum...can't remember...
3. Integration with the microphone button - mute and phone calls depending on settings
4. Use of the stock microphone (are there more than one?) I read they aren't great and the aftermarket microphones might be a better option anyways?
5. Backup camera - newer units have the lines turn with the steering wheel...
6. Climate control, heated seats, etc.
7. There's some integration to the "analog" clock on the dash
8. Maps and navigation - again, directions integrated to the driver information center on the dash
9. In my 2013 I can...I mean...my passenger can watch a DVD while the car is moving. The aftermarket units only allow this with the parking brake set. (I wonder if I could bypass this with a switch or resistor or...)
10. Full use of the Fender audio system. I've read some threads where the system didn't sound as good or respond the same after installing an aftermarket unit. I really like the sound the system provides now and recognize it could be better with better controls and options.
11. Voice control

What else does the stock RNS 510 give us that we might lose with an aftermarket unit?

Edit: I just looked at the Joying link provided above by @Lightflyer1. Cool! It looks like they do this without the iData Link Maestro. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Fixmy59bug]

Look into the RCD330+

I believe I read that it will operate 100% like the OEM radio while adding Carplay or Android Auto (depending on which model of RCD-330 you get).

The only thing is that the RCD-330 does not have the Sirius XM tuner built in. However, if you use it, you can just download the app on your phone and use it through the radio.

 

[Mdarius]

Excellent...

 

[tadawson]

Without Sirius, you lose the ability to 'live route' around changing traffic conditions,which the RNS does quite well. The RNS has lifetime traffic, iirc, so even if you find a another source, and a unit that will do it, it's a rebuy . . .

2 - MFD is the term that is being elusive.
6 - With tactile controls just below, not sure if the HVAC on the head 2 inches from the other controls has any value (and I turned that off in hours in the first few days and never missed it.)
4 - I think there are two - driver and passenger, and ours sound quite good.
7 - I think the clock is full CAN bus. MFD, RNS, and analog clocks track and set together.
9 - RNS should have denied video in motion as stock as well. Somebody likely applied the patch for that to your unit.
10 - valid point. There ar specific RND settings in VCDS to apply EQ for the Fender back end.
11 - Voice control on the stock RNS was disabled by VW on later cars (again, with VCDS can be reenabled) but it's one of very few things on the RNS that I find poor enought that I don't use it.

 

[Mdarius]

Without Sirius, you lose the ability to 'live route' around changing traffic conditions,which the RNS does quite well. The RNS has lifetime traffic, iirc, so even if you find a another source, and a unit that will do it, it's a rebuy . . .

2 - MFD is the term that is being elusive.
6 - With tactile controls just below, not sure if the HVAC on the head 2 inches from the other controls has any value (and I turned that off in hours in the first few days and never missed it.)
4 - I think there are two - driver and passenger, and ours sound quite good.
7 - I think the clock is full CAN bus. MFD, RNS, and analog clocks track and set together.
9 - RNS should have denied video in motion as stock as well. Somebody likely applied the patch for that to your unit.
10 - valid point. There ar specific RND settings in VCDS to apply EQ for the Fender back end.
11 - Voice control on the stock RNS was disabled by VW on later cars (again, with VCDS can be reenabled) but it's one of very few things on the RNS that I find poor enought that I don't use it.

I wish this forum had a "Like" button. Thanks for your help!

The idea that the previous owner applied a patch to modify the RNS implies to me that he/she was more technical and interested in their vehicle than the average owner. This gives me hope that maybe they were part of a forum or other interest group and took decent care of their car. Too far of a stretch? Maybe...

 

[Lightflyer1]

Probably too far a stretch. Many things are posted here that almost anyone can attempt with some success.

 

[tadawson]

Agree.Video in motion required little more than burning an image file to a CD and stuffing it in the slot as I recall . .