MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Sat Nav and Car Audio => Topic started by: Lyons on March 20, 2015, 11:59:46 am

Title: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 20, 2015, 11:59:46 am: These have been out for a while now and I'm wondering if anyone can give some feedback on what they're like? I've read some reviews of them not being great a couple of years ago, but wondered if things have improved in recent times?

I know the OEM 6R0035501D is cheap enough, but I could just do without the hassle of installing it if the windscreen antennas were up to the job instead.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: paulw123 on March 20, 2015, 04:36:55 pm: Had the best rated one from dabonwheels, and it kept dropping out for 1/2 of my daily commute.
Fitted vw polo roof aerial and no problems at all.
I guess if you live under the DAB transmitter you'll be ok :signLOL:
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: galaxie500 on March 20, 2015, 04:53:09 pm: I fitted a windscreen mounted DAB aerial before Xmas and was happy enough but it has recently been losing signal more frequently. The prospect of pulling the headlining, passenger seat and associated trim isn't particularly pleasant but I reckon the time will come shortly. Good luck!
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: paulw123 on March 20, 2015, 04:58:48 pm: If you replace the roof aerial, its not too bad. On a 5door the cable can be tucked under door rubbers and then down A pillar.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 06:36:48 am: I read an older thread that mentioned the base/fixings of the Polo aerial were different to the hole left when the standard aerial is removed.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 06:39:56 am: Quote from: paulw123 on March 20, 2015, 04:58:48 pm
If you replace the roof aerial, its not too bad. On a 5door the cable can be tucked under door rubbers and then down A pillar.

Hmm mine is a 5 door, so it's easy enough? Which part number did you go for? Am I right in thinking there are connections for nav, FM and dab, therefore 3 extension cables need run down to the RNS?
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Golf_GT_TDI on March 21, 2015, 09:34:59 am: Quote from: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 06:36:48 am
I read an older thread that mentioned the base/fixings of the Polo aerial were different to the hole left when the standard aerial is removed.

This could well have been my post, I bought the 2015 model year Polo aerial and it has a different base as detailed here:
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,84892.45.html

So the best option is to go for the previous version of the Polo aerial...

Part number: 6R0 035 501 A
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2F7diesel%2FForum_stuff%2F_571_zps907cc891.jpg&hash=d70ec2a662f055a0ec01c9a70b9f03cccc60c20c)
:happy2:
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 11:37:12 am: It was indeed you. So did you end up swapping it for this 1? And it fits perfectly?

Are the 2 wires there for FM and dab?

What extension cable did you use?
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: paulw123 on March 21, 2015, 02:56:19 pm: Yeah if you have RNs I'd get the one linked in 1st post, ebay Germany is cheapest.
You're original FM cable stays for FM, but you'll need a 3 new cables for phone, GPS, DAB if you want all 3.
I think the other FM for diversity comes from somewhere else, under seat or hatchback? haven't come across it yet. You'll need an FM dual fakra conversion lead at head unit end about £8 ebay.

I still have the window DAB stick on one, if someone wants to pay the postage, you can have it and try your areas signal....

Fitting in 5door was really easy, just don't force the headling too much, but it will bend enough to get the cable under, just remove the airbag plastic labels on pillars and the screw underneath. Worst bit was working upside down on the aerial and disconnecting the old FM cable, a mirror might help, but in the end I yanked on the white plug with some pliers and it came free.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 03:03:46 pm: Ah, I forgot there's already be an FM 1 running up there for the standard radio!

I'll only need one for the DAB then as the RNS I've bought comes with a GPS antenna that'll be good enough for me. Is this the exact cable I'll need; http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/161607245570?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE

I can't see any of the antennas on ebay anywhere.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Golf_GT_TDI on March 21, 2015, 04:06:09 pm: Yeah that's the cable. At present I've decided against modding the roof although I did make a template, if I had the headlining to still swap out I'd do it so I'll go via the 6R0 route
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 05:12:13 pm: Woukd you not sell the 6C0 unit and get a 6R0 one?
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Degudodger on March 21, 2015, 05:17:55 pm: I have the windscreen antenna and intend on fitting it tomorrow, if it doesn't perform i will be retrofitting the DAB+ antenna in the boot lid.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Golf_GT_TDI on March 21, 2015, 07:45:37 pm: Quote from: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 05:12:13 pm
Woukd you not sell the 6C0 unit and get a 6R0 one?

I will probably just been busy and not got round to sorting an advert as yet.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 22, 2015, 08:15:07 am: Just to confirm, is a fakra cable a standard thing? Do the FM and DAB plugs have the same connections?

I assume Ill still need the double to single adapter for the FM on the back of the RNS?
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Degudodger on March 22, 2015, 10:10:35 am: If your car is pre 2008 you'll need to replace the Gateway - Speak to EDDIE-NL.

You will also need one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MFD3-RNS-RCD-510-310-315-210-radio-antenna-aerial-adapter-Seat-Skoda-Columbus/251099055949?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D14e5f4a76e53413d99a3caf8a9f867fa%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D261163681687&rt=nc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MFD3-RNS-RCD-510-310-315-210-radio-antenna-aerial-adapter-Seat-Skoda-Columbus/251099055949?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D14e5f4a76e53413d99a3caf8a9f867fa%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D261163681687&rt=nc)
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 22, 2015, 10:37:51 am: Thanks, will get that ordered too.

Already have s new gateway from Ed.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 22, 2015, 10:46:23 am: Quote from: Lyons on March 21, 2015, 03:03:46 pm
Ah, I forgot there's already be an FM 1 running up there for the standard radio!

I'll only need one for the DAB then as the RNS I've bought comes with a GPS antenna that'll be good enough for me. Is this the exact cable I'll need; http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/161607245570?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE

I can't see any of the antennas on ebay anywhere.

What's the double female end needed for? For the DAB is it not just a single to single I need? Can that double be used but the second one left empty?

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/110918256400?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Degudodger on March 22, 2015, 10:52:35 am: Sorry. Was still half asleep :grin:

On the back of the head unit there are three male plugs. Two for FM (you will need the lead above) and a single one for DAB which will need a separate antenna like the DAB windscreen, Shark fin or boot lid mounted.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Golf_GT_TDI on March 22, 2015, 10:11:22 pm: Black 6m fakra a to A cable...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antenna-extension-cable-FAKRA-female-code-FAKRA-furle-code-black-6-meter-/151579891011
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 22, 2015, 10:33:10 pm: Is the only difference between it and this one the fact that 1 end is in this is at right angle?

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/110918256400
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Golf_GT_TDI on March 23, 2015, 12:02:12 am: That one is a universal cable as it has the Z type Fakra which can connect to any of them, it also has the bonus of the right angle fitment you can use at head unit for more clearance
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: paulw123 on March 23, 2015, 10:19:32 am: The right angled one might be usefull if room is tight at back of headunit, although I had tons of space in my 08.
Also if you flip the purple coloured flap, the blue fakra plug slides off, just leaving the cable which is easier to pass under roof lining.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Phil_H on March 25, 2015, 06:45:40 pm: Will this fit an RNS 315 DAB?

http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/accessories/bluetooth_ants/CX-DAB1/
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Degudodger on March 25, 2015, 08:25:04 pm: Nope. Wrong connector on the end.
Title: Re: DAB Windscreen Antenna
Post by: Lyons on March 26, 2015, 08:03:43 am: I ended up getting a 6R Polo A version for £25.

Thanks for all the pointers.