MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Sat Nav and Car Audio => Topic started by: Markydee on December 01, 2012, 11:04:50 am
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After much deliberation I have ordered one of these units off eBay - think I got a pretty good deal- brand new with receipt/ warranty and everything included from Volkswagen in Cambridge for £475?
Was looking at the RNS but seems a minefield getting one off eBay and unfortunately can't afford a new one from eddie :sad1:
Also wanted blue tooth and mdi so was looking at rocketing costs for the RNS.
Still not convinced the right decision but its done now. :rolleye:
Anyway my questions are:
Anyone had any experience with these?
Also ordered the iPod lead - has anyone got any suggestions as to how to minimise the look of cables coming out the front of the unit? (Stupid design and was almost a deal breaker) - was thinking of hiding iPod in cubby under steering wheel maybe?
May just get mini USB stick but how do I structure folders on disk - same as many do with sd card on RNS I assume - anyone know of a how to thread?
Cheers all
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Is this the VW approved kenwood unit?
If so they have loads of different accessories on the kenwood site for it, I think there is an ipod lead you get that goes in the back of the unit
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Hi yeah it's the VW approved one - ill take a look at the kenwood site.
Cheers :happy2:
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Seriously looked at one of these before I went for the RNS510. They look great in the car and everything is there for you for a fraction of the price of the RNS. You'll love it.
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Ihave fitted a few of these in customersvans.
One of the main reasons i havent put it in my car is the ipodlead out the front. they are also a little slow turning on and changing tracks on the ipod but you get used to it. it isnt too bad tho
When you fit it make sure you turn animation off in the menu as it slowsit down alot.
If anyone is looking to get one i would recommend the new DNX521DAB. Fitted a couple of these and they are so much better than the older one they are qwicker and smoother intergration also the ipod comes out the back of the unit.
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Cheers for the responses so far. Been looking on net at various forums some suggest the posibilty of connecting an iPod via the rear mini USB but can't find anything definate.
Can anyone suggest anywhere to fit in the midlands?
Also can I just copy playlist directly from iTunes to a USB stick or is it a but more complex than that?
Cheers again
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We've been building the display units for the new vw Kenwood option for the Volkswagen dealers. The dab headunit with a next base head rest monitor and vw phone touchscreen kit. Good bit of kit the Kenwood headunit with everything on it, sure you can put an iPod lead in the back of it and route the cable to where you'd want.
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Ive just bought myself the new Dab version (DNX521DAB). Double the money but its a nice bit of kit. Has pretty much everything you want, only shame with the new one is that options such as climate control display and parking sensor display does not work on the MK5's. The Bt version is near enough the same though....enjoy :)
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Cheers Beetie
Looked at your unit - looks great - out of my price range though unfortunately.
How have you found the BT? Read some reports of issues with connection issues with iPhones but others state it faultless?
:happy2:
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I was looking at the vw Kenwood approved ones but went for the alpine ine-s900r instead
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After much deliberation I have ordered one of these units off eBay - think I got a pretty good deal- brand new with receipt/ warranty and everything included from Volkswagen in Cambridge for £475?
Was looking at the RNS but seems a minefield getting one off eBay and unfortunately can't afford a new one from eddie :sad1:
Also wanted blue tooth and mdi so was looking at rocketing costs for the RNS.
Still not convinced the right decision but its done now. :rolleye:
Anyway my questions are:
Anyone had any experience with these?
Also ordered the iPod lead - has anyone got any suggestions as to how to minimise the look of cables coming out the front of the unit? (Stupid design and was almost a deal breaker) - was thinking of hiding iPod in cubby under steering wheel maybe?
May just get mini USB stick but how do I structure folders on disk - same as many do with sd card on RNS I assume - anyone know of a how to thread?
Cheers all
£475!! Thats nearly half trade price!! Now thats a bargain :happy2: It is older model/stock but a great price. I spoke to Kenwood last tuesday and they're still selling them trade for over £700 plus vat.
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Not too bad a deal. Bit of haggling involved but thought too good to miss at that price. Even better when I received a genuine invoice/ receipt from VW Cambridge - seller said he was a dealer - thought he just meant an independent audio dealer not VW main dealer.
I'm thinking can sell on if decide it doesn't live up to the RNS and not lose too much.
Am now starting to hear some very good reports though.
Just why on earth did Kenwood stick the USB on the front?!!!
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Not too bad a deal. Bit of haggling involved but thought too good to miss at that price. Even better when I received a genuine invoice/ receipt from VW Cambridge - seller said he was a dealer - thought he just meant an independent audio dealer not VW main dealer.
I'm thinking can sell on if decide it doesn't live up to the RNS and not lose too much.
Am now starting to hear some very good reports though.
Just why on earth did Kenwood stick the USB on the front?!!!
Snap! I got my unit from him as well. Was a tad surprised when I went to pick it up, thought someone was selling the units under the covers... Turned out to be the after sales manager of the branch! Was a nice enough chap, very helpful and tells me they always have bits and pieces going and cheap prices.
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Yeah that the guy - seems a nice enough bloke.
Just had confirmation from ups it has been delivered today so will have a play after work.
Have you got yours installed yet? What are your thoughts on it ?
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I have had mine in for a couple of weeks now. Had a amp and sub etc installed which I have grounding issues with but thats in a different thread. The unit looks good and integrates with the steering wheel, every button does something. The unit can be a little laggy sometimes but nothing that wants to make me scream.
You should get all the cables needed to fit the unit including iso Cambus etc. Mine also came with fitting instructions and highlighted what will integrate and what won't (climates control and asking sensors etc)
In terms of fitting it tells you to put the gps on to of the unit as it' magnetic but I found it took quite some time to find any satellites so I moved it on top of the plastic blower which works better. The top grill should cover it out of sight.
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Cheers for the advice - did u update the firmware before u installed it or was it already up to date?
If u did what was involved?
Thanks again :happy2:
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Yes I updated to version 1.8 which is the latest. All you need to do is put the files at the root level on a USB stick. Put the system into standby, go to Menu, setup, system, version (can't remember the menu of the to of my head :drinking:) . This tells what code the system is on. If the files are valid the update button highlighted
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Cheers mate - some great info. :drinking:
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I'm looking at getting this HU fitted so have rang a few car audio places - been quoted £65 but then said I'd need to buy a quad lock harness (surely this is already included on a VW specific unit)? And also an Ariel booster ( is this required?). Also rang VW main dealer and they quoted £59. If it was a simple install I'd go with the VW dealer but the vehicle already has a nokia Bluetooth kit installed and the VW specific iPod connection in the armrest. I don't want these ripping out incase I want to remove the kenwood at alter date. I can see this causing problems as I'm unsure on a main dealers knowledge /experience with ICE?
Sounds like the audio specialist is going to try to flog me loads of extras I don't need though - guy said he'd installed the same unit in a sirocco this week and he had to replace ISO for quadlock- is this the case?
Any held/ advice, as always, will be greatly appreciated :happy2:
Cheers
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Hi Markydee,
Did you get it fitted in the end. If not, it is pretty straight forward. If you purchase the headunit from the place we did (VW) the harness should come with the unit. To be honest I think it comes with the unit anyway!I dont think you need the ariel booster either as I do recall an adaptor coming with the headunit. In regards to the bluetooth and and Nokia handset VW will not touch any of that, just ask them to leave any spare wires tucked in round the back.
Cheers
Randeep
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Hi Randeep
Not got it fitted yet - It's an xmas pressie from the mrs! Hope to get it fitted next week! Yeah got mine from VW so harness etc included.
One question - Everywhere I am ringing for installation quotes is saying i'll need an ariel booster/adapter or change the whole ariel?
Does anyone know if this is the case - I presumed it would just be plug an play?
Anyone had reception issues on the kenwoods?
If adapter is required which one do I need? What are the options for replacement ariels.
Cheers
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Finally goy this unit fitted at the weekend by COVICS nr Coventry - quality work, nice guy, great price, certainly knew his stuff. Can thoroughly recommend his work if anyone is looking for a decent place for an install.
Anyway first impressions of the Kenwood are spot on. Great unit.
Nav is perfect as garmin usually is - reception great with GPS antenna located under vent nicely hidden away.
Bluetooth - faultless with iPhone 4S, paired straight away, downloads phone book instantly, phone quality excellent with mic located on top of rear view mirror- looks very neat. Tried to install in unit for interior light but would quite fit but hardly noticible where it is - looks much better than on A pillar.
DVD - great - 10 speaker surround sound DTS superb.
iPod interface - this bit pains me as it is awesome - works instantly, plays iPod video faultlessly etc. I was hoping it wouldn't be great as I don't wont to use leads at front of unit!
USB - purchased tiny 32gb thumb drive - filled to max with music - found that total numbers of folders allowed per device is 255 so had to re- structure my library but now all works faultlessly, shows I'd tags, album art etc. even sorts itself to can play playlist by genre, artist etc by using the I'd tags.
By far the best thing though is the sound quality - blows the rcd300 out of the water, never thought for a second that standard speakers could sound so good!
Overall I'm chuffed and would recommend one to anyone - not quite Oem but looks great IMO, especially with new start screen loaded on :happy2:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2F9b5e5bc2a8408fb4ffa770168ce298ca_zps23959dd6.jpg&hash=bf19952b7e04fa8c20f7153f66af199c72b14962)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2F9efc5d523240150e4d9447a6b36d748d_zpsaca936e2.jpg&hash=18bbd9309722002119f4b26b86f1734040c68fdd)
Just changed the start up screen to this-
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2Fd72233c36e72f93de458e55d63c62097_zps82acd67f.jpg&hash=7d9c3bbef8f7aa03f59e683655f22cfbee46563e)
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looks really good that unit--take it there is a cover that goes over the usb slot when not in use :happy2:
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Cheers :happy2:There is indeed a cover that slides over the USB port - the pics shown are with my USB drive plugged in - went as small as could find but think its actually too small as doesn't fill the open slot.
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Hi, I am looking at one of these too,
I have a few questions ....,, just one or two :laugh:
Does it have internal storage ? If so how much??
Can you connect USB or iPod into the back of the unit?
Does it show the sat nav directions on the mfd??
Does it connect straight into the factory wiring???
And finally,,, :rolleye:, can you make a call by just pressing the phone button on the steering wheel and "saying" the name of the contact you want??.
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Hi
No internal storage but I have a 32 gig USB thumb in and works no probs - may even take a 64 if u want more.
There is a mini USB in rear of unit but seems to be only for map updates - can't seem to get a definitive answer on this - going to give kenwood a bell.
No sat nav on mfd - just says "kenwood"if select audio option but I always have mfd showing mpg etc anyway - not an issue to me as why have a 7 " screen if going to look at a 2" dot matrix display. Nest nav instructions show on bottom of screen for all sources if u don't want full map displayed on screen. Vice versa track info is displayed at the bottom if you are displaying full screen map.
Fitting is just plug and play to original loom - canbus, Ariel booster etc all there.
I've not got steering wheels controls (yet) but all apparently work as with OEM kit, the unit does support voice dialling so can't see why this would work with MFSW either.
Loads of info on the seat Cupra forum - just google model name etc. some guy on there has put together a whole web page on the kenwood with really usefull links for updates etc - loads of great info - well worth a read if your considering 1.
I was dubious when I purchased mine but am defo glad I got it now its installed - great bit of kit and I can only recommend...
Did I mention the sound quality improvements! :smiley:
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Great write up - still have yet to fit this unit into my car - had planned to over Christmas but it rained so much!
Just a couple of questions, if you don't mind. How did you manage to change the boot-up splash screen? I really like the idea of using the VW Navigation logo - I think it makes the unit much more OEM. Does it have to be a specific size & file format?
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Take a look at these links - all the info you need...
Some great info on this site with a link to a guys site that contains links for firmware updates, Bluetooth updates, how to guides etc... Have a look... Can also get free lifetime subscription to garmins traffic servi ce for free which works a treat..
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=317369
http://darkmoon.dyndns-ip.com/dnx520vbt
Loads of start up screens here so take ya pick...
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f78/rns-510-custom-boot-screens-67987.html
Guide on how to change start up screen...
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1033549/kenwood-dnx8120-custom-start-up-screen
Loads of info on kenwoods site too - instructions on how to change start up screen etc are included in the instruction manual that comes with the headunit - you can download an electronic copy of the manual from me woods site if you haven't got it.
I also accidentally ordered 2 iPod leads from kenwood so am going to put one on eBay - rrp £60 - but if you're are interested in buying one let me know - was only looking for £20.
Enjoy you're headunit - it's a great bit of kit and the sound is awesome, Bluetooth and nav are both faultless, been looking at getting the reverse camera today £120 on amazon.... Tempting :happy2:
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Few more pics of the unit...
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2Fb8b30c797375d4b16aa08878bc67b511_zps662e0350.jpg&hash=12f6db65939de786e5ac5e828dca56d3c78c2b92)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2Ffabe7e4bf9246d0f5c2ad5da149aef8e_zpsf3fa555a.jpg&hash=0e15b967488aaf37f41ef1e8425dddf2c0839aeb)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fq675%2FMarkydee27%2Ff61750c34e55747cc01d12c5784ae61f_zps3b6013d1.jpg&hash=bdfb99f5d749f565ffa425e17471a379a921cd15)
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Many thanks - i appreciate all the info! I'll go away and read up on the manual as I've missed some bits in there on the splashscreen.
Look forward to having this fitted - was worried I'd made the wrong choice compared to an RNS510, but I keep looking at cost of headunit, plus bluetooth module, plus MDI, and I still think what I paid for the Kenwood is better (paid nowhere near the RRP of £999!).
Cheers for the extra pics - it looks great. I'm off to look for a mini USD drive now...
Coming from my mkiv with a MFD1 & the VW upgrade speakers all round, I was pretty disappointed with the RCD300 in the ED30. Sounds as though just the headunit alone helps improve the sound.
Also - cheers for the offer on the Ipod lead - weirdly, my unit seems to have this included already!
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No worries :happy2:
I was the same - was looking at a 510 but to get new with all the functionality (bluetooth/ mdi/ can bus if needed) you need to spend serious cash, - put in a drunken cheeky offer on a kenwood on eBay & won it. Really wasn't sure I'd made the right decision until it went in- I think you will be pleased, does everything you could want and has played every file type I have thrown at it, looks good in the flesh too. Hasn't let me down yet.
I had the rcd 300 in my eddy too - was so disappointed with the sound and the iPod prep - changed it within 2 months of owning the car. I had a mk 4 V5 & the system was so much better in that. The kenwood defo makes a marked improvement - the addition of a sub & I reckon it would be pretty near perfect.
No probs with lead just thought I'd offer it incase u were looking to purchase one - did well to get it included!
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Hi,
I just installed my Kenwood. Its great. One thing thats on my mind though is the GPS antenna is currently sitting on top of the unit, just below the main vents. Where did you place your GPS antenna? I had originally hoped to mount it a bit higher, but couldn't really find anywhere else.
My fingers are frozen solid from fitting it in there today, so think i'll wait until tomorrow for any adjustments if needed.
Now to change the start screen and have a play :smiley:
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Hi mate
Mines higher up than that but I don't know where exactly as I paid to have it installed and had nipped out for a fag and came back as the trim was all being put back together - he said it was high up though.
You can test your signal strength on the unit though and mine says its working within a 35 ft accuracy most of the time. Been meaning to take things apart to have a look at moving the antenna as have hear of people getting11 ft accuracy.
Had mine installed since x mas and it has only got confused once but that was on a tree lined street.
Read somewhere that it should be mounted on a metal base so either on the unit or there is a stick on metal plate that comes with the kit (mine is still on the box).
There are loads of threads on here about the best place to locate the antenna if u use the search function - may take a look at mine this weekend.
Let me know how u get on and your accuracy readings.
Some good start up images here
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f78/rns-510-custom-boot-screens-67987.html
:happy2:
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Awesome, thanks for that. How exactly do you check the accuracy? Is it in the Nav mode? or the Settings?
I'll check accuracy and move the position if necessary. All I can say is, it can be a bit of a pig to actually get to the torx screws. I found myself perched on the edge of a seat bolster with my head squished against the windscreen! at least no one was around to point and laugh...
Also, I tried the startup screen about half an hour ago, it loaded images from those link from my USB Drive, by they didnt seem to set? Is it due to them being .png files? or did you use the burn ISO method?
Sorry to bombard you with questions, thanks :-)
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No worries
The image files need to be jpegs so just rename them " .jpg" then u shouldn't have any issues.
To check the signal go into the nav mode and on the top left corner there will be bars showing signal strength (like on a mobile phone) click on these bars and another screen will open telling you accuracy and how many satellites you are receiving. :happy2:
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Great, thank you!! :grin:
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Just for your information, I went for a drive tonight and checked the signal on the GPS.
The antenna is situated just below the two main vents and is resting just on top of the Head Unit. My signal ranged from 45ft (under a tree) to 11ft (in a car park by the beach)
Thank you for all your help, I got all the startup/ background screens loaded up too :smiley:
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Looks like a fantastic unit. Great write up :happy2:
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Have any of u guys been able to get DVD player to run all the time? As in driving as soon as I move off screen goes blank! I want it to play all the time, also the SMS feature does this work on yours
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You would have to chop the harness about to get DVD in motion I believe. Heard u Could ground the wire to the parking brake but don't think this is the case as DVD still plays on mine if I take the handbrake off - it just goes off when I go above 5mph which would suggest its linked to a speed sensor - this may be needed for the nav too? There is probably a way round it but u would need someone who knows what they are doing to modify the loom? It obviously isn't made that way for safety reasons - not really a good idea to be watching top gun whilst gunning it down a B road!
The SMS function only works with certain phones - check the kenwood website for compatibility with yours. Doesn't work with my iPhone.
Adminkatana I reckon u will with that level of accuracy - checked mine and I'm getting similar results - I'm getting 13 ft on the open road and 39 under trees etc and it works fine day to day :happy2:
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Great, thanks again for all your help.
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Yeah nothing to do with hand brake, it only switches off when u are moving, that'll be why SMS isn't working I've an iPhone too.
As regards to GPS antenna I mounted mine in top left of windscreen, was a bit of a pain but that's where my last one was for my vw sat nav was mounted along with a blackberry hands free cradle. But I wanted to upgrade.
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I got the local fitter to give me 'movies in motion', basically it is earthing the handbrake cable. This makes the TV, DVD and phone work on the mov. I found not being able to dial out unless on preset numbers a pain. I'm no fan of multi screens around the car either so the passengers can keep an eye on the screen while I drive - as yet I haven't actually used it apart from in London rush hour traffic to listen to the news.....so really one of those things you want, then you get, then find you don't use!
marky, thanks so much for summarising all of this, really helpful. The only problems I have had are updates (which I now have good instructions for so will try next week), and the radio reception is hit or miss, not decided on what to do about that yet. Also re map updates, I'm not clear on whether they have to be done in the back SD slot or front, conflicting instructions from Kenwood or Garmin.
Other than that it is a great unit, and so much cheaper that the VW ones. Regrets, I can't get the optical parking sensor, sometimes the unit is slow. Also the standard splash screen from VW is hideous and totally lacks effort. I tried changing it in the past but no joy so will again follow these instructions. Reception is sometimes iffy and seems to get interupted by mini-cab radios (!). Last one is the unit lights cannot be wired to come on if the unit isn't on, but there is a little triangle near the 'on' button to assist, would be good to know if this was addressed in the latest unit.
Good points, it works with the MFSW and actually does more than the VW unit. Also looks very OEM, especially if you also change your aircon knobs for the round/silver type.
oh and it isn't compatible whatever you do with iphones and sms, i called and asked. one nice touch as well is if you hold the FNC key you can switch off the screen alone, handy at night as it can be quite bright.
overall i like it, and certainly was a better purchase than some of the dodgey looking ebay units, plus I know it isn't nicked!