Plead for Skoda to offer reverse camera (RVC)

[dArK5HaD0w]

Again I was told by dealer it can't be done, different module or some bull**** like that. He basically said the only way is to take out the Columbus and install a VW RNS510, which is a very expensive exercise.

in the videos above, u can clearly see the "columbus" units being used. no surprises there with the dealer telling u it can't b done.

in addition, the columbus IS a rns510 unit. just a different version of the firmware & facsia/cover.
i would've said CANBUS, but the again, the above videos are with a skoda. so it elliminates that aspect.

[VAG newbie]

IT WORKED!!!!!!!

I got help from one of our fellow forum member here. He tweaked for 2 hours, and I can tell you, it wasn't easy! There is some conspiracy with VW that they prevent Skoda's Columbus system to work with the OPS. We even tear my RNS510 off and put his RVC, it just didn't want to work. (however, at least it proved my dealer was lying about VW camera can't be used on Skoda's columbus. It can be used, except without correct coding it won't show OPS)

When he was about to concede defeat, we tried a last resort, and somehow it worked! I don't know how he did it, but he did some "manual override" thingy and it works perfectly now.

So what I have now, is whenever I put on reverse, it will automatically show the RVC view with OPS on left. It will go back to the default OPS screen when put on D gear, which is perfect for 3 point turn/tight parking spot. When I put on reverse again, I have to push the front parking sensor button though, to get to RVC again.

Not 100% perfect, but it's a great leap forward, and I'd say it's 99.99% perfect now.

It still won't stop my quest to make RVC ,mandatory though.

[readerr0r]

Hi all, I was helping out VAG newbie today,

we spent a while trying to get it going, we were trying everything. Then VAG n showed me a VW based tutorial and I noticed the required tick box was missing on the Skoda unit in VCDS. I manually entered the code and it worked!

He still has issues with the 3rd Party Camera, as it shuts down the instant you go out of reverse (VW Cameras wait about 5 seconds, extremely helpful in multi-point turns.).

Many thanks to Michael for not freaking out while I had his dash in bits

If any Skoda owner is experiencing the same issue in Brisbane, feel free to PM me!

[VAG newbie]

Dealer ruined my fix to the RVC!!!

I just had the 15000km service. I asked them to look at the camera as it occasionally shuts off and show color bars. According to readerr0r when he helped me fixing the RVC, he believed it was because I had the wrong module and non genuine camera. Since I paid $1000 for the dealer to fit the camera, I thought they should be responsible to fix it.

Big mistake!!! They just tried to update the firmware on the RNS510 and said more time is needed to diagnose the problem. What they've done is they ruined the OPS!!

So far, reversing has no issue. RVC will come on, the little OPS on the left side will come on. But when I put in drive, no more OPS, just like what I had before. Originally I can just push the parking sensor button to bring it back, but not anymore! Just when I needed before Xmas!!

Will definitely go back to dealer demanding them to bring it back. I'm afraid they'll have no idea what to do and make things worse.

So I'll continue my quest for Skoda to provide RVC. Even though many VW enthusiast can fix the issue easily, the problem is the "qualified VW trained technician" from "authorized" dealer will ruin it if the RVC is not factory fit.

[Shakey]

I'm very happy with my Superb in every way except, the lack of a factory fitted RVC. I do have a dealer fitted camera, which is integrated to the RNS510, that comes with a touch screen button for me to switch between OPS and RVC. Sounds high tech and almost like factory fitted.

But a third party is still a third party. Yes, the RVC will turn on every time I put in reverse, but when you put the gear to D, and to R again, the RVC will not turn on. This is particularly frustrating when you are parking into a tight space which you need to switch between R&D many times. That unit also cost me $1000 to install, the most expensive RVC I've ever seen.

Because of this simple reason, when we are looking for a car for my wife, Skoda is eliminated out right! She drives kids all the time. She drops them off and pick them up in school, no RVC is a disaster waiting to happen.

Skoda's persistance of not offering RVC, even as an option, is a real mystery. More and more manufacturers are adding RVC into their models, especially the larger cars. Even VW have made RVC standard across the passat range. Skoda is claiming itself as "simply clever" by creating lots of practical, family friendly features into their cars, the omission of this potential life saving technology into their car, is "simply stupid".

My suspicion is VW Aus is behind all these. By making RVC available to VW, and making KESSY (another potential life saving technology, you'll know if you accidentally locked your baby inside the car under scorching heat) available only to Skoda, is a manipulation of consumers.

Of course, Skoda / VW Aus will not pay any attention to this forum, and writing email to them is a simple waste of time (they hire high schoolers to answer emails), I am planning to write to my local federal MP, to make RVC a requirement for all new cars sold here in Australia, just like fence is compulsory for any domestic pools! No need to mention of Skoda or VW, as long as it becomes legislation, then Skoda will be forced to install RVC into all their models!

If anyone in this forum agrees with me, I ask that we all work together, write letters to our local MP. If we get enough MP in the parliament supporting this, it will pass as a legislation.

G'day everyone. Just had a reverse camera installed into my MY13 Skoda Superb. I've attached some photos and I would highly recommend the company that fitted the camera and made some computer changes to allow OPS and the reverse camera to work together and enhance the OPS/Camera ability. The fit was very professional. My trim was pulled apart and a new wiring loom was run beside existing loom to make it look more like a factory finish. The loom was sprayed with anti vibration adhesive to make sure there were no rattles etc. Original VW/Audi/Skoda wiring loom and parts used. For those interested I would highly recommend this company situated in Moorabbin (South/east of Melbourne). They only deal with VW,Skoda,Audi,Bentley,Mercedes,BMW etc. They are specialists and have ability to tap into vehicle computer to change settings. I can honestly say that the fit was extremely professional and you can't tell that it's not a factory fit. The company is called - Autofidelity - situated at 26-28 Kilpa Road Moorabbin, Victoria. Website- Autofidelity - Skoda

[Hazza]

Hi Shakey. Looks great. Do you known the part numbers of the parts used?

[Shakey]

Hi Shakey. Looks great. Do you known the part numbers of the parts used?

Sorry for the late reply as I have been away. OK, I have only a receipt in front of me from Autofidelity P/L and it shows the following.

Supply 1 (ITEM) AUP1097 - VW RNS -510 Reverse Camera
Supply 1 (ITEM) AUP1056 - Audi A1 (8X) Skoda Camera complete with wiring harness.

I can't tell you any more than that. I works great and comes on everytime without fail. I have both Camera and OPS working together as they should. Comes on everytime it's in reverse. Good rear vision and excellant rear vision in day or night.

They did a fantastic job and I would highly recommend them. Car was pulled apart very carefully with wiring placed into original harness. Looks like a factory fit. Highly recommend them.

[Hazza]

Thanks for the info.

It does look like they have done a very good job. The problem is i'm in Sydney. I wonder if I can order the parts from them. I will give them a call. Cheers Shakey.

[vEnOm_oz]

Hi Shakey,

Thought I will revive this thread. I am very much interested in adding an RVC on my soon to arrive Octavia RS. I believe Autofidelity is the company local VAG dealers use to retrofit the RVCs. Could you please give me some indication of total price for the whole process including parts, you can PM me if you prefer. Also, how long does it take for the work to be completed?

Thanks.

Sorry for the late reply as I have been away. OK, I have only a receipt in front of me from Autofidelity P/L and it shows the following.

Supply 1 (ITEM) AUP1097 - VW RNS -510 Reverse Camera
Supply 1 (ITEM) AUP1056 - Audi A1 (8X) Skoda Camera complete with wiring harness.

I can't tell you any more than that. I works great and comes on everytime without fail. I have both Camera and OPS working together as they should. Comes on everytime it's in reverse. Good rear vision and excellant rear vision in day or night.

They did a fantastic job and I would highly recommend them. Car was pulled apart very carefully with wiring placed into original harness. Looks like a factory fit. Highly recommend them.

[Shakey]

Hi Shakey,

Thought I will revive this thread. I am very much interested in adding an RVC on my soon to arrive Octavia RS. I believe Autofidelity is the company local VAG dealers use to retrofit the RVCs. Could you please give me some indication of total price for the whole process including parts, you can PM me if you prefer. Also, how long does it take for the work to be completed?

Thanks.

I've PM you. Total cost $720 including all parts and taxes. Car will be gone for one day. Make sure you book it in. Tell them I sent you!