Free Handsfree Solution

[onyertod]

Sorry if this is old news to some ...

Wife got new iphone and wanted to use it hands free in our Octavia.

So we bought a 3.5mm - 3.5mm jack cable at **** Smith.

Connected one end to the aux socket in the Octavia jumbo box, other end to headphone socket on iphone. Choose aux on Bolero and voila, one cheap handsfree soloution. Works well.

Off now to look for a cradle.

[logger]

Thats a good idea. Might try doing something similar on my Golf. No charge capability but keeps you legal.

[Ocy_RS_TDi_Kombi]

If you have bluetooth in your Octavia, you can play audio from your iPhone straight to the Bolero stereo via the BT-Audio option on the stereo - no cable required.

Just start playing tunes on your iPhone, and on the iPod screen a bluetooth symbol should appear in the bottom rite corner - click on this so it's blue. Go to Media on the stereo and in the top rite corner of the display a button labelled BT-Audio appears. Simply press this and music will play straight from you phone to the stereo.

Cheers

[onyertod]

. No charge capability.....

True, but for $1.97 (free postage) on eBay you can buy a USB car charger!

[brad]

Yeah, I do that with my Nokia Xpress music phone. It has a dedicated music chip (sound is excellant) so I play off the 8gb microSd & when the phone rings, the music automatically stops & the phone funnels through the 8 speakers. Heaps better sound than any other proper handsfree kit I've ever used. Just plug in a charger & it's all good.

Have also done it with my iPhone (which is fubar atm).

The downfall is that playing off the CD (loud) means you can't hear the phone.

Would prefer full bluetooth integration & MFD/steering wheel control functionality but don't get enough calls to justify the ~$500+ instal time for Skoda Bluetooth.

BTW, I initially used a 500mm cable but it was a pain. Now have a 500mm but it is on a self winding reel - much tidier.

[aarondc]

For a recent trip I bought a Garmin - it has bluetooth and connects with the phone no probs. Instant handsfree.

[brad]

For a recent trip I bought a Garmin - it has bluetooth and connects with the phone no probs. Instant handsfree.

Hows the sound quality over the tiny speaker?

I've been kind-of spoilt by the integrated bluetooth in the Outlander and the quality of the sound using this cheap method in the Octy.

[JAZ_RS]

Sorry if this is old news to some ...

Wife got new iphone and wanted to use it hands free in our Octavia.

So we bought a 3.5mm - 3.5mm jack cable at **** Smith.

Connected one end to the aux socket in the Octavia jumbo box, other end to headphone socket on iphone. Choose aux on Bolero and voila, one cheap handsfree soloution. Works well.

Off now to look for a cradle.

Did you actually get this going? Music is no drama but when I go to dial a number I just get low static since it mutes the audio. I tried it also getting the passenger to call me while I had music playing through the phone and no go:(

[K1W1]

Did you actually get this going? Music is no drama but when I go to dial a number I just get low static since it mutes the audio. I tried it also getting the passenger to call me while I had music playing through the phone and no go:(

I can't see how that solution will work for anything other than music. When the iPhone has a headset plugged in (which is what it thinks it has with that solution) it will also look for a microphone attached as part of the headset. In this case there isn't one.
I got the MDI interface on my RS and the iPhone works a treat for music through the Bolero and still connects via Bluetooth to my screen mounted GPS. Hopefully next week they will have the correct Bolero bluetooth kit for cars without steering wheel controls then I will simply use Bluetooth to the Bolero and control the phone through it.

On a separate note the MDI interface only works with the newer iPods and iPhones. My 40GB "car" v3 iPod charges via the MDI but won't play music. Rather than buy another iPod I'm simply going to get a 16GB SD card for under $100 and dump a heap of music onto that then leave it in the slot on the dashboard.

[JAZ_RS]

I can't see how that solution will work for anything other than music. When the iPhone has a headset plugged in (which is what it thinks it has with that solution) it will also look for a microphone attached as part of the headset. In this case there isn't one.
I got the MDI interface on my RS and the iPhone works a treat for music through the Bolero and still connects via Bluetooth to my screen mounted GPS. Hopefully next week they will have the correct Bolero bluetooth kit for cars without steering wheel controls then I will simply use Bluetooth to the Bolero and control the phone through it.

On a separate note the MDI interface only works with the newer iPods and iPhones. My 40GB "car" v3 iPod charges via the MDI but won't play music. Rather than buy another iPod I'm simply going to get a 16GB SD card for under $100 and dump a heap of music onto that then leave it in the slot on the dashboard.

I was going to go MDI and bluetooth, but chose to go the AVC route which now I've found won't work on Mk6 models:( Apparently there is a model coming Jan, lets wait and see...

[backdoc]

I was going to go MDI and bluetooth, but chose to go the AVC route which now I've found won't work on Mk6 models:( Apparently there is a model coming Jan, lets wait and see...

How much are the AVC models?

[kenvik_7]

Hi all,
I didn't want to new thread about the Fiscon / Kufatec bluethooh systems (which have been discussed a some extent in various Skoda & VW threads here at vwwatercooled), but I had some questions about this system.

1) My DSG RS sedan (hence multi function steering wheel) will be arriving in 3-4 weeks, and I wanted to install a fiscon bluetooth system and integrate it with the Bolero + MFD. Reading about the various features on Kufatec's website, I'm still confused about whether I need a 'Basic' or 'Plus' model. I realise that the Plus is meant for Columbus (since it integrates with the Navi system). But does the 'Basic' provide all the other features i.e. display of phone list etc on the Bolero screen, integration with the Bolero sytsem i.e. make use of the 'phone' button?, integration with the MFD and steering controls?
2) Is it better to get this system installed via the Dealer or via specialist independent installers? The price I believe will always be higher at the dealer, and my dealer is going to make use of a outside company anyway (so he will basically act as the middle man making his extra commission). So my question is, if there are warranty issues or installation troubles (I worried with how much panneling has to be removed to install the mic) - will the dealer be responsible for installation of this system, and hence its better to go through him?
3) For people who have installed the 'Basic' or 'Plus' system, can you please provide a ball-park estimate? or can I PM anyone if they don't want to disclose the pricing?

Thanks a lot

[K1W1]

1) My DSG RS sedan (hence multi function steering wheel) will be arriving in 3-4 weeks, and I wanted to install a fiscon bluetooth system and integrate it with the Bolero + MFD. Reading about the various features on Kufatec's website, I'm still confused about whether I need a 'Basic' or 'Plus' model. I realise that the Plus is meant for Columbus (since it integrates with the Navi system). But does the 'Basic' provide all the other features i.e. display of phone list etc on the Bolero screen, integration with the Bolero sytsem i.e. make use of the 'phone' button?, integration with the MFD and steering controls?

I have a Fiscon plus (manual trans no sw controls).
IMO it's brilliant, best Bluetooth I have ever used in any car in terms of audio quality.
Yes you get the Phones "phone book" on the Bolero screen to select from to make calls.
Yes it displays that name oi the person calling on the Bolero of they are in the phone book or a number if they are not if they have caller ID enabled.
The Bolero "Phone" button is used to bring up the phone controls on the screen. I believe that the button on the steering wheel of the DSG cars does the same function.
You answer or hang up calls on the screen (Again I think the sw controls can do that on DSG cars).
You can set the Maxidot to display the call info but as far as I can see if you do that you get no other info so I don't bother. It may be better with the steering wheel controls.
I have no idea what the system cost my dealer installed it as part of the vehicle purchase. From what I can see on Briskoda it's a straight forward job that any reasonably intelligent person could do themselves if they wanted to. The only "watch out" is running the mic wire up the A pillar where there is an airbag. BTW, my mic is in the top right of the windscreen not in the mic vent in the overhead light console but as I have already said it works great.
I believe that the factory mic does not connect to the Fiscon.

One thing I have noticed with the Fiscon and an iPhone. You do not need the MDI full stop.
The iPhone will send music to the Fiscon via Bluetooth so you retain full control of the iPhone which is something you loose totally with the MDI. A $20 charger will let you power the iPhone way cheaper than an MDI.
Don't forget that with the MDI you need to purchase an interface cable after the MDI cost at nearly $100 from your dealer or cheaper overseas.
The volume control on the Bolero controls the volume of calls independently of the radio volume and can be adjusted during calls. It took me a while to work out why my calls were very quiet when the radio was a normal or loud.
It's a little annoying that receiving an email or text when the phone is connected via Bluetooth causes the radio or music to mute for a couple of seconds but that's a Bluetooth thing.

[aslsw]

So is this different to the bluetooth kit offerred by the dealers? I haven't included bluetooth in my order, but when I mentioned to the dealer that I was interested he said they would fit it when the car arrived at cost price.

But if there is a better kit out there, do I need to source it separately and see if they will install it for me?

[K1W1]

As I understand things the official Bluetooth kit only works with the steering wheel controls (in the case of the vRS that means DSG cars not manuals). The Fiscon is an after market unit that is widely used in European cars.

Fiscon website here (http://fiscon-mobile.com/)

[BlackSuperb]

I got the Official Bluetooth kit for my RNS510 as a dealer fitted option. $450 and it was a Nokia one which had no connectivity with the RNS510 other than to use the speakers and mute the sound from the radio/music. The steering wheel controls worked with the Nokia kit.

I replaced it with one that has full connectivity with the RNS510 (should work on your Bolero too) and I have it detailed here. (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showpost.php?p=422357&postcount=15)

I suppose in hindsight, I could have installed it myself and saved $160. I watched the guy do it and it was easy, plug and play virtually (not counting the coding using the VAGCOM.).

[selurs]

I got the Official Bluetooth kit for my RNS510 as a dealer fitted option. $450 and it was a Nokia one which had no connectivity with the RNS510 other than to use the speakers and mute the sound from the radio/music. The steering wheel controls worked with the Nokia kit.

I have this kit on my RS. It works with the steering wheel, but if you want to place calls you're out of luck. Doesn't bother me, as I got it to answer calls rather than place them (although the fact I can't see who is calling me is a tad disappointing), however it does give you a useless button on the Bolero (well, it functions as mute, but certainly does nothing phone related).

Theoretically this kit supports Bluetooth audio streaming, but I can't confirm that as my phone doesn't work the way the kit expects it to. I'm guessing you probably have to have a Nokia :grr:

[maca]

Sorry if this is old news to some ...

Wife got new iphone and wanted to use it hands free in our Octavia.

So we bought a 3.5mm - 3.5mm jack cable at **** Smith.

Connected one end to the aux socket in the Octavia jumbo box, other end to headphone socket on iphone. Choose aux on Bolero and voila, one cheap handsfree soloution. Works well.

Off now to look for a cradle.
Been doing this for agesssss.

Damn Skoda drivers....












:grouphug:

[kenvik_7]

I have a Fiscon plus (manual trans no sw controls).
IMO it's brilliant, best Bluetooth I have ever used in any car in terms of audio quality.

Hi K1W1, thanks for the information. This does answer many of my questions. I will try and do a bit more research about the installation of the mic, and then decide whether I'm comfortable opening up the A-pillar panelling & side air-bag to install the mic (as per illustrations given on the Fiscon website). I did read on Briskoda that this is fairly easy and that its outrageous paying so much ($200 - $300) just for installation. But as I also read that post 2010 models require some Vag coding (i.e. it is no longer direct plug-in-play), I would as it is need to find someone in Adelaide who can do this coding for me.

Anyway, I can see that the Fiscon Basic is about $450 (excl Tax) + shipping to Oz or the Plus is $515 (excl Tax) + shipping. So might as well go for the Plus even though I don't have a navigation unit right now.

Now to see how much the dealer or a specialist garage charges for providing and installing the Plus kit. If its too expensive, then I might as well order a kit and buy my own VCDS for coding.

Anyone knows any Fiscon Bluetooth installers in South Australia?

Thanks for the tip about not needing an MDI, good to hear that the A2DP works fine.

[K1W1]

The A2DP sometimes works too well. I've had a couple of occasions where I've finished a call and all of a sudden started getting iPhone music when I didn't want it and haven't actually touched my phone. The joys of Bluetooth I think.

[aslsw]

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but my car must be coming in the next fortnight or so and I suddenly realised that I have done nothing about this.

I have the same questions as kenvik_7, to summarise:

- roughly how much will the Fiscon cost to install? and
- who can do this work? If I take it to someone other than the dealer, does this affect the warranty?

Thanks,

AS

[K1W1]

I answered all I know previously.
Maybe ask the dealer who they use for their radio work and approach that company directly.

[kenvik_7]

Hi,
I'm in the same position as you, waiting for my car any day now. Its already sitting with Patricks Auto for over 2 weeks now!
In the mean time, I found a couple of installers of Fiscon Bluetooth here in SA (but this site lists installers in all states) - Advanced ICE - In Car Entertainment (http://www.advancedice.com.au/) (see under 'resellers')
The best price I was quoted was $800 installed. The dealer quoted me a much higher price (nearly double!), and stated that they would be using a third party to to this job, and it would not be covered by standard manf. warranty, since it is a non-VW/Skoda part. If this is the case, then I might as well go directly to the installers, who give 12 or 24 months warranty, depending on whom you talk to.
Hope this helps you aslsw
cheers

[aslsw]

Hey, our cars must arrived on the same ship, because mine arrived two weeks ago as well. Spoke to the dealer this afternoon and he's heard nothing from Patricks yet.

K1W1, thanks for your earlier responses but I guess I just needed a little bit more assurance that this was do-able. The list of resellers in the link provided by kenvik_7 is perfect - one of them is local and I have used them before for other work.

[dodgey]

Must be the same as mine then... Arrived on the Manon...

More than likely, mine will be off to Derek at European Autotech to fit the Skoda Bluetooth unit (not the Nokia one sold by Skoda here)

Or if you are brave, you can get the kit yourself and DIY... ;) (At least we don't need to do the maxidot upgrade too)

http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/bluetooth.html

[K1W1]

More than likely, mine will be off to Derek at European Autotech to fit the Skoda Bluetooth unit (not the Nokia one sold by Skoda here)


As I understand it there only one official kit and it it the "Nokia" one that uses the rsap protocol which is why iPhones and Blackberrys woun't work with it.

[kenvik_7]

Yup, mine arrived on the Manon too, got discharged at Melbourne on 28th March, but haven't heard anything since then. Don't know what is holding up the car at Patricks, and the Dealer also is claiming not to know. Some guys with the VW Golf MkVI forum are saying that their cars may have got held up due to bug infestation or something.
Anyway, this is pissing me off now, since every month the interest rates keep going up and I can't seem to sign a loan without the actual car getting registered.
Let me know how much you get quoted for your Fison kit aslsw.
cheers

[dodgey]

As I understand it there only one official kit and it it the "Nokia" one that uses the rsap protocol which is why iPhones and Blackberrys woun't work with it.

Yes, that is correct. In Australia, there's only 1 official kit and it is the Nokia one. However, Skoda actually has 2 other kits that they do sell (but not sold in Aus) that ties into the whole system. The one I am getting from EA is the cheaper one with no RSAP and is the standard one that is sold in Europe (but not UK) so it works with iPhones, etc and then there is a more expensive one that has RSAP and have a very short phone compatibility list. If you ask Skoda Australia, they will only deal with the Nokia one.

The standard kit is also the same kit that people are purchasing (not via VW Aus) for their VWs in Australia as they sell the more expensive premium bluetooth kit. You have to check the part numbers carefully though.

Kufatec.de has all of them for sale. The premium bluetooth kit (with RSAP), the standard bluetooth kit (no charging tray), the FISCON-PLUS, and the FISCON-basic. (in descending pricing) The FISCONs are the best value for money though.

[kenvik_7]

Hi Dodgey, I checked the Kufatec.de website and think I found the 'standard skoda bluetooth kit' you are refferring to. Is it this one? KUFATEC GmbH - Handyvorbereitung Bluetooth Skoda Octavia 1Z 36254 (http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1061_Bluetooth-Handsfree---Retrofit----Bluetooth-Only----Octavia-1Z.html) - and costs $549 Euros as compared to $399 (for Fiscon Plus?). Could you please let me know what is real advantage in spending more for this 'standard kit' as compared to 'fiscon' one? I understand the advantages of it being non-rsap, but what else?
Also could you please post (or PM me) ball park prices you have been quoted for supply & install of this kit (and also Fiscon Plus one)?
Thanks

[dodgey]

Hi Dodgey, I checked the Kufatec.de website and think I found the 'standard skoda bluetooth kit' you are refferring to. Is it this one? KUFATEC GmbH - Handyvorbereitung Bluetooth Skoda Octavia 1Z 36254 (http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1061_Bluetooth-Handsfree---Retrofit----Bluetooth-Only----Octavia-1Z.html) - and costs $549 Euros as compared to $399 (for Fiscon Plus?). Could you please let me know what is real advantage in spending more for this 'standard kit' as compared to 'fiscon' one? I understand the advantages of it being non-rsap, but what else?
Also could you please post (or PM me) ball park prices you have been quoted for supply & install of this kit (and also Fiscon Plus one)?
Thanks

Hey kenvik_7

There's no real advantage in getting the standard kit over the FISCON one, other than it is the OEM kit that Skoda supplies in Europe. The FISCON units are also non RSAP (lol, for a technology that is supposed to be good for us, it makes things worse) Heck, if you get the FISCON microphone that attaches in the appropriate spot in the Skoda, you wont see a difference, and in fact, you will get even more options for less. A2DP and DIS addons. (I'm not sure about the DIS addons as I believe we have a white screen that it might not work on)

I have not queried Derek about costings as yet, but will let you know as soon as I do. He's done quite a few of the "OEM" Skoda installs in VWs and I think also on his own GTI and Superb, so it's more peace of mind that it can all be done "right" as he sells and installs the "OEM" Skoda kits too.

I really thought about the FISCON Plus kit for a while, but as yet, have not found anyone who brings them in and installs them into VAG cars all the time. Looking at the work involved, I'm not too keen on doing it myself.

[K1W1]

I can get A2DP from my iPhone through my Fiscon.
I only found out because for some reason (very occasionally) after I hang up a call I start getting iPhone music through the Bolero. As long as the phone is in my pocket and not connected to the MDI in the glove box it's easy enough to stop and I must admit that it only happened two or three times and hasn't for ages.

BTW there are two other things about the Fiscon that are worth mentioning.

If you have a large number of phone numbers (I probably have close to 500 contacts many with multiple numbers and email addresses, etc) the Fiscon Bluetooth takes way longer to start up than the Bolero music from an SD card. Makes the SD card look fast actually.

When a call comes in it shows on the Bolero screen and an "unknown number" until you answer it. Once you press the answer icon the number shows or if the person is in your address book their name shows. If you want to screen calls while you are driving the Fiscon is not good.

[woofy]

I had music come via my handsfree Blueant unit yesterday, it wasn't supposed to be doing it, and yet it did.

[kenvik_7]

Thanks Dodgey, I will investigate if anyone in SA supplied and installs the Skoda kit.

Thanks kiwi for pointing out this issue about the Fiscon not being able to show call identity until you press 'answer'! Well, i do like to screen calls, especially while driving, but if I can't find anyone installing the Skoda kit in Adelaide, then I will have to live with the Fiscon.