RCD 510 DAB Conversion.

Buck85 · Post by **Buck85** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 5:35 pm

I Have an RCD 310 fitted in my Caddy and I'm thinking of swapping it out for a 510 DAB. Will it need an extra antenna for the DAB? Also will my bluetooth still work?

Gibbo · Post by **Gibbo** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 7:32 pm

Yes to antenna I don't know about Bluetooth although the I have dab unit for sale in correct section matey ;-)

Buck85 · Post by **Buck85** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 7:49 pm

Is the antenna a VW part, I can get? Still need to get the unit but I can't get on that bit yet cos I'm new. Can you email me the details?

Gibbo · Post by **Gibbo** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:48 pm

I don't want to break any rules of forum, But I think as its in the for sale section it's ok to tell you (if not please remove doc apologises) this is eBay item number 331672780570 and no don't need VW dab aerial mind cost £20 from eBay

Buck85 · Post by **Buck85** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 9:02 pm

Thanks for that I'll give it a look. Apologies if I've broken any rules.

Gibbo · Post by **Gibbo** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 10:05 pm

Buck85 wrote:Thanks for that I'll give it a look. Apologies if I've broken any rules.

it wasn't you mate no probs, in the for sale section I've said open to sensible offer

Geraout · Post by **Geraout** » Tue Oct 06, 2015 7:50 am

Doesn't affect the Bluetooth. In fact it gives a much better display that you can use to dial numbers, answer calls etc without faffing about with the steering wheel stalk. Don't know about the RNS315, presumably you would have to disable its internal bluetooth.

You do need an additional DAB antenna which plugs into the separate black connector on the head unit.
You have 4 main choices;

You can use a stick on ribbon antenna on the windscreen and feed the wire down the a pillar trim - costs about £20.

You can fit a magnetic mast type roof mounted antenna (also works inside) cost about £15.

You can install the OE VW DAB antenna in the door mirror and feed the wire through the door - costs about £60.

You can install a roof mounted antenna. This involves drilling through the roof and routing the cable through the head lining and A pillar. Cost for an aftermarket antenna about £45, or an OE VW one about £60.

In terms of reception the best is the roof mounted option. Windscreen mounted is the worst and frequently drops out. OE door mirror is very good, and the magnetic mast is probably as good as a windscreen ribbon if mounted internally, and as good as the OE mirror type when mounted on the roof although you have a trailing cable to hide.

I tried the windscreen one first but had such poor reception that I went for the roof mounted OE version which is perfect - no drop outs at all and can pick up distant DAB stations.

IainH91 · Post by **IainH91** » Mon Dec 21, 2020 9:17 pm

Geraout - got a link or part number for the OEM DAB aerial?

CADDY2K.com