Hi,

I have successfully fitted my Columbus unit and thanks to firmware from Josi, have managed to get it up and running. Maxidot display is fully functional, but reverse and climatic displays don't show. (not such a big deal now).

For my next project I am looking at this:

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=17964

for the bluetooth (phone) and ipod connectivity.

I have had to untick the BAP settings for the radio through my Ross-Tech cable / VCDS to get the menus to work in the maxidot. With it ticked, the audio and navigation menus disappear. I have come across the following threads for fitting to a facelift model, mine is a pre-FL (2008) Octavia RS.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/182892-dension-gateway-5/page__p__2220463__hl__dension__fromsearch__1#entry2220463

and

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/187210-dension-gateway-5-gwf1v21-working-fine-in-octy-ii-facelift/page__p__2275491__hl__dension__fromsearch__1#entry2275491

My question is will this unit work with the Columbus. Has anyone had success at installing this or a similar type of kit?

Many thanks

Tom

I asked Dension support about Gateway Five compatibility with pre-FL Octavia and RNS-510, and they answer was:

We really do not recommend to buy it for your configuration and can not support it if it does not work

I'm going to test GWF1VC1 at local dealer in some two weeks.

Thanks Josi,

Dension replied to me they have not tested it yet, so did not know if it would work. Please let us all know if how your test goes.

Tom

Friend of mine tested GWF1V21 (BAP) in pre-FL Octavia with Columbus, and - all worked as expected, including full Maxidot/RNS-510 integration.

This is very interesting because pre-FL cars don't have a BAP and his Columbus was coded for non-BAP operation too, but it looks like Dension has implemented some fallback to older-style DDP protocol in case if BAP is not available.

I also got information from him that GWF1V21 (BAP) differs from GWF1VC1 (CAN) only by DIP switches settings, so it must be possible to change the mode of CAN/BAP operation just by toggling correct switches.

Friend of mine tested GWF1V21 (BAP) in pre-FL Octavia with Columbus, and - all worked as expected, including full Maxidot/RNS-510 integration.

This is very interesting because pre-FL cars don't have a BAP and his Columbus was coded for non-BAP operation too, but it looks like Dension has implemented some fallback to older-style DDP protocol in case if BAP is not available.

I also got information from him that GWF1V21 (BAP) differs from GWF1VC1 (CAN) only by DIP switches settings, so it must be possible to change the mode of CAN/BAP operation just by toggling correct switches.

Do you have the DIP Switch settings for the CAN as I have got a BAP and can't get the media player options to show on my Bolero?

I have the dension GWFIV21 in my FL MY11 Octy with Columbus.

It works OK however not very reliable.

Occasionally the phone wont pair up when starting the car, The MFD menu disappears occasionally and it has issue downloading phonebook.. But for the price its good value especially since it has IPOD dock and USB.

Upgraded to a Columbus and everything works swimmingly.

Looks like Dension have a good product here - Handsfree and MDI for under £200!