mhosts

I just got my 2012 Audi A3 8P and I'm planning an RNS-E upgrade to replace the the DD Concert Radio.

From what I understand, since I already have a Double Din radio, I do not need to modify anything or order any new parts (plug and play).

I've noticed that all RNS-E kit's I find come with a GPS antenna similar to the one on my Old Pioneer X920-BT. My car DOES have a sharkfin antenna on the back roof. Can this be used for GPS? or do I have to use the one that comes with the unit.

If i do have to use the one that comes with the unit, is there a way to mount it so that it's not visible on the dash? from what I undertand, these antennas need line of sight to the sky to work properly right?

Thanks in advance.

Also, if there's anything else I should be aware of please let me know!

spleen

Looking to do the same thing myself. What I understand is that You should be able to get at the GPS cable fron the sharkfin in the inside left compartment in the trunk. There is a panel you can open, and that is where the cables for satelite radio go. If you look inside and have a blue fakra connector, that will be the one coming from the Sharkfin. You then need to run a sharkfin gps extension cable from there up to the dash.

If you want to PM me your email address, I can send you some documents I have that might describe it better than I do, and have some DIY pics etc.

mhosts

Nice! If you could post some pics that would be great.

I haven't found an RNS-E to put in yet though. Once I get my hands on one, I'm sure this info will come in handy.

FourCircle

Please send me some pics (if possible) or documentation. I read several forums and nobody has found the Fakra connector of the OEM GPS Antenna (Sharkfin). Someone even removed the inside panel of the vehicle roof and he didn't find it. I'm really interested in making the change (I currently have an Aftermarket Fakra GPS antenna on my dash).

It is hidden in the trunk is quite possible, since the FM amplifiers are also into the trunk.

For those interested, I just made my Concert3 to RNS-E retrofit (2012 Audi A3 TDI Progressiv). Here is my DIY experience on this forum: https://www.audiforum.ca/2nd-gen-a3-typ-8p-8pa-2003%96present-84/diy-concert-3-rns-e-retrofit-2012-audi-a3-67572/

FourCircle

spleen

Alright, I'm feeling like a bit of an idiot. I can't find anything about it now either, though I was sure I could before. I guess I must have mixed up some of my reading in threads for A4s and S4s with our A3s.

Here's a link to a discussion of the location in A4 Avantes:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...31#post3571631

And here's a link to the one reference I found where someone says it IS possible, but doesn't really talk about how, so maybe he's confused...

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-...s-antenna.html

Really sorry for getting everyone excited when aparently I was just being an idiot.

Can I ask if either of you have gone into that compartment in the trunk? I just checked mine, and from the outside, I can only see the 2 SAT radio connectors (will be 1 SAT radio connector in some cars). If there is a GPS connection here, it should be blue, so I think I'll cut those wires free sometime soon and have a look inside in case the GPS connector is just being hidden by the other 2. What did anyone else find in here?

FourCircle

John from AudiForum.us open his trunk panel to resolve the FM antenna amplifier diversity problem (retrofit Concert to RNS-E). Link: audiforum.us/threads/converting-symphony-ii-antenna-system-for-use-with-rns-e.5662/page-4

He never talk about the Fakra Connector under the trunk panel.

If someone finds the Fakra connector of the sharkfin antenna, please PM me, I'm very interested to find it.

4Circle

spleen

I've attached 2 pics of the cables inside the box in the left side of the trunk.

The coloured ones are the SAT radio antenna, I know. Can anyone tell me what the other connector is? I assume it's the other connector for SAT radio that takes the audio up to the head unit?

So there doesn't seem to be any GPS antenna in there, dammit...

spleen

Apparently, if it is in your car, it's bundled up inside the drivers side trunk panel, just above the subwoofer. I haven't checked for mine yet, but will sometime...

Got this from vortex forum, where I posted the question.

spleen

Good news! Went into the driver's side trunk panel today (well, my mechanic did with me hovering over his shoulder!) and found the GPS antenna cable!

It came down the rear most roof pillar, and was tucked behind the subwoofer. We were able to fish it out from there without needing to remove the subwoofer at all!

To check yours, first pull out the rear lighting unit from the headliner. This will let you see the bottom of the sharkfin. Mine clearly had 4 wires coming out. 2 were the SAT radio antennas, 1 was the telephone antenna, and the final one was the GPS. So if you know how many SAT antenna connectors you have, and you do find 2 more wires coming out of the sharkfin, there is a good chance that you already have the GPS antenna in there like I did!

We tucked the GPS and "tel" antenna leads into the same compartment where the SAT radio receiver usually goes in the side of the trunk to hook up once I get all the gear together.

FourCircle

Thank you for finding the Fakra connector. I appreciate. I will remove the subwoofer cover this spring to connect my RNS-E. I will keep you informed. Thank you again. 4Circle.