Erisin 848, a cheap alternative to RNS510

[Ivo]

After reading another members positive comments on these units I decided to order one and see for myself. They are available on ebay but I got mine direct from Erisin. Sent them an email and got a super best special price including can bus adapter and shipping to Australia for $362AUD. I ordered it Thursday afternoon and received the unit the following Monday. It was shipped with DHL.

I opened it up and found the can bus adapter was inside the box of the head unit. It looked to be reasonably well made. After sitting and looking at it for 10 minutes I managed to figure out how all the cables worked. I removed the old head unit (RCD200) and plugged the new unit in while sitting on the dash just to power it up and give it a quick test before I actually mounted it properly.

The first obvious problem was the aerial connections for the radio were completely different. I will have to source an adapter cable like this BMW / VOLKSWAGEN EURO ANTENNA ADAPTOR: EU-06 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BMW-VOLKSWAGEN-EURO-ANTENNA-ADAPTOR-EU-06-/160607516342?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2564f436b6) I made sure to leave the 2 ends accessible under the tray so I would not have to pull the entire unit to fit the adapter.

I also extended the handbrake earth wire to make things a little easier then earthed it to some steel under the dash. This allows the DVD player to play work while the car is driving (yes I know its illegal). I also wrapped all the pre-cut insulation on wires for alternate fitting ( non canbus etc) in electrical tape.

It also comes with the metal spring tabs that need to be screwed to each side of the unit to allow it to lock when slid into position in the dash. Very easy to fit but I don't think they hold the unit in place as well as the factory ones on the old unit.

It has cables for the TV and GPS aerial as well as a cable for an Iphone/Ipod that need to be routed up to the dash to allow them to work. I decided to drill a hole in the removable tray the sits in the dash above the radio. I made it just large enough to squeeze the largest plug through then the two smaller cable could just squeeze through as well.

With everything wired up I did a test fit with out the spring tabs fitted so I could slide it back out easily if there was a problem.....and there was! The cables for the TV and GPS aerials were hitting the vertical brace that helps support the rear of the unit. This stumped me for a while, looked at different ways and tried to drill it out but due to its shape it was not easy, in the end I just broke the vertical piece off and the unit slipped straight in. I then pulled it back out and fitted the spring tabs and slid it back in. It was snug and secure.

Now for the fun part, testing it out. Initial reaction was.....^%$#% bastid thing just ate a dvd and will not eject it, turns out the slot the dvd slides into was slightly out so it was getting stuck just inside the bottom lip. I put my finger tip on the lower edge and applied a small amount of downward pressure as I pressed the eject button and out it came. I have tried it a few more times and it seems to have got a bit better.

I then connected my Iphone 4 via bluetooth and the hands free worked well. I could also play music with bluetooth but could not see my entire music collection on the screen, only the current album I had I selected on the Iphone. When receiving a call it would only display the number and not the name of the caller. The phone book in the unit only seems to remember the last 20 numbers dialed. It does not display the name, only the number which is a shame. It would be nice to get my entire phone book in there so I could see who was calling etc.

The DVD/CD player worked well playing a movie however due to the angle of the dash its hard to view it from the middle row of seats. A model with adjustable screen angle may be a better option if you want to view it from the rear. Sound quality seemed good and was adjustable front/ rear and left/right with a cool little icon you move around on a display of a car to show where you want the sound.

I then had a play with the GPS, it has an iGo map in it. It seemed to have lots of functions. I had a quick drive around the neighborhood and it seemed to work well but needs more testing/exploring of its functions.

I also connected the Iphone by the cable and it also worked well allowing me to play music as well as charge the phone. It also has the ability to connect to a multifunction steering wheel but I don't have one so not sure how well that works.

I have a bunch of pictures I snapped of the install and will try to get those posted soon. Will report back in a week or so after I have had some more time tom play with it.

[Sunny43.5]

Good one Ivo yes I have ordered a new one for my van because of the price I will just take out the 3 year old one that still works perfectly and fit the new upgraded model with the slide screen etc . My current one also only shows the number in bluetooth but no big deal for me as my phone is just to the left of the steering wheel and I can see the caller if its in my phone book . You will find that your GPS has trip computer which will save your last three trips plus other functions you just need to touch various things on the screen to find sub menus . As for the screen angle, I found as i said in an earlier post that the angle and height of the unit in the dash makes midday vision ordinary so I made a small eyebrow hood which makes a huge difference , the only units that have screens that tilt downwards are single din units with fold out screen these can be adjusted up and down from the vertical . I have even seen a single din unit where the screen even turns to the side to stop the driver seeing the screen .
You should consider putting an isolator switch to replace the handbrake wire this way if pulled over you can flick the switch to turn off the screen . You should also consider a rear mount screen in the roof for the back seat passengers my sons one is a massive 15 inch sucker when he goes MX Racing he will kill time between races watching movies with his mates they all lay on the floor in the back and kick back . Along with a killer sound system I installed for him its like home theatre on wheels !! My unit should be here next week as was ordered last night , once hooked up to my collection of Pioneer subs and splits and two massive amps I will again terorrize the neighbours aaaaargh {If its too loud your too old} Howard PS 59 and growing old disgracefully and yes I still ride a MX bike as well !! here,s alink to one of my infamous crashes 3 years ago YouTube - ‪"Badass " My nickname not really a badass crash‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1GeOE4CHoc&feature=BFa&list=FLx7BKAh53OGo&index=) :facepalm:2 Enjoy!!!

[Ivo]

Nice crash!

Rear screen may be in the future for the kids.

I got the adapter cable for the aerial for $15 from a local car audio shop. Tried to do an auto scan but got nothing. Manually tuned JJJ in and that sounds good but it can barely pick up any other local stations. Never had that trouble with the old unit. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not though.

GPS is good enough. Never had one before so hard to compare it but its got plenty of functions.....just no help menu lol.

Bluetooth calls and music is working really well.

[Ivo]

Went out this morning and tried to use the GPS but it would not start. All I get is a timer icon that continually rotates. I have emailed the manufacturer. Hopefully they can help me get it fixed.

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Ivo have you tried a reset there should be a small button on the front panel just use a biro point and that should reset but you will need to do all your settings again . Now I have noticed that some times the GPS in my unit takes time to log onto the satellites some days it is insantaneous other days not often it can take more than a minute or even longer I am never sure if its an atmosperhic thing as some times sun spot activity can cause problems with reception . Where did you put your GPS antennae ? . Radio reception is something I have a problem with as I think there is some sort of built in FM boost in the factory radio , I don,t listen to radio much anyway but I am tying to solve the problem will let you know .Howard

[Ivo]

Is there any sequence to doing the reset? Or is it just a case of turning it on then pressing the reset?

[Sunny43.5]

Is there any sequence to doing the reset? Or is it just a case of turning it on then pressing the reset?

With our current ones it only needs to be pressed whilst ignition is switched on the other alternative is to either disconnect the battery or pull the main constant power fuse as this will allow the unit to completly start from scratch . Howard

[Ivo]

I completely unplugged it today let it sit for 5 minutes then reinstalled. Still ended up at the same screen on the GPS page. I did a reset (several times) and still no difference.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/07/GPSfault-1.jpg

[IN2VWS]

I would like to hear your opinion on this unit after it has been in your car for 6 months (if it is still in there). Then let us know if it is still an alternative to the RNS510.

[Ivo]

Got an email from the manufacturer. They have sent me a new file to load onto the unit. Will give it a go and report.

[Ivo]

Will do, after reading that Sunny 43.5 has had them for a few years I thought I would take a punt.
I would like to hear your opinion on this unit after it has been in your car for 6 months (if it is still in there). Then let us know if it is still an alternative to the RNS510.

[Sunny43.5]

Hi IVO good to see that they have sent some info for you i remember when one of our now 4 year old units had a glitch with the GPS they sent a micro SD card in the mail with an update and it has worked perfectly ever since . look forward to hear how you go . Howard

[Transporter]

Is this the same unit? AUTORADIO GPS DVD for VW TOUAREG,MULTIVAN T5 OEM RNS510 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AUTORADIO-GPS-DVD-VW-TOUAREG-MULTIVAN-T5-OEM-RNS510-/280700481296?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item415b0d6f10)

[Ivo]

No.

This is what I have.

Erisin ES848V VW HD Car Video Player GPS DVB-T 3D Rotating Menu [ES848V] - US$329.00 : erisin.com (http://www.erisin.com/erisin-es848v-vw-hd-car-video-player-gps-dvbt-3d-rotating-menu_p170.html)

[Ivo]

Software update did not work. I now have to ship back to HK for warranty :facepalm:

This should be fun!

[rob64981]

Who's expense?

I bet its not theres?

Good luck, Rob

[Ivo]

Got to love the internet!!!

I did some searching and found a tech forum where these Chinese radios were being discussed. Found a file that someone had post that was a back up of his GPS MicroSD card that came in his unit. I copied it to SD and intstalled in my unit.......it works! I now have a fully functioning GPS again. Still IGO but a different version, seem to be a bit more detailed in its function!!

STOKED!:banana:

[Sunny43.5]

Got to agree Ivo the nets the best I found this site for upgrades it might be an idea to keep the link Map Updates and Extras | iGO My way (http://www.igomyway.com/map-updates-and-extras) howard

[Ivo]

I had a look on the IGO site. I did not see Erisin as a listed product. I get the feeling the Chinese have pirated the software so there would be no support from IGO. Maybe be worth an email though.

[Ivo]

New software is working great. Just need to find an instruction manual so I can work it all out.

The manufacturer is sending me a copy of the original GPS software on a CD so I can load up the original software again. I will test both versions and see whats best. I have also found that some people have been able to load Garmin or TomTom on these as well.

[lasadave]

Is it worth buying one of these units. Would you buy one after your problems? If not any other units you'd recommend.

regards

[Ivo]

Hard question! Now that its working again I probably would. There are many available on ebay, some are cheaper some are dearer. Some are from sellers in Australia that may be easier to deal with if you have to return it. Depending on the year of you car you may need the can bus adapter.

Radio reception is average. Not a big deal for me as all my music is on my iphone and it works perfectly through the unit.

[Sunny43.5]

My new China unit same as Ivos will be here tommorow , as I have had China units in our 3 vans for now 3 or so years I don,t have any misgivings about them . I know some people would say oh its Chinese it must be cheap yes they are , but just look at the features and try and get a unit with comparable features from some of the major manufactureres and you will pay thousands . I tried about 4 years ago to by a Kenwood unit standard it played DVD,s CD,s /Mp3,s and AM FM radio , it did not have Ipod connection no Bluetooth no TV no back up camera and this for about $1200 , I asked about GPS yes they had an add on unit it will cost you another $900 !!!! . After I picked myself up off the floor , went home and started to look on the net , I will admit my first purchase back then was an Eonon unit with GPS but it was an add on unit now whilst it worked fine the unit would not eject CDs as in the T5 the angle of the dash caused some weird problem that caused the CD,s to stay inside you could see the edge of the disc in the slot so I had to use tweezers to remove discs . I then bought the current units we have had for the last few years from SZWaywell , the old Eonon is still working in my cousins old Toyota 4wd and its fine as its mounted dead level . I will be the first to admit that radio reception is a bit ordinary outside the city but I am not sure if its antennae related with the VW,s or that the tuner is a bit weak , other than that they are fine and trust me I love my music loud !!!! and if this unit wasn,t up to scratch I would have ditched it years ago ,. Howard [if its too loud your too old]

[Transporter]

I have nothing against the Chinese units, as long as the screen is readable.
On the contrary, I had the original CD MP3 radio in my T5 replaced 3 times under the waranty (always problem with the CD). So, it is most likely the dashboard in the van that casued that. :facepalm:

[mikinoz]

Off topic but anyone know where I can find a new Multivan dash piece that surrounds the radio? Mine is for a Delta narrow radio and I need one to suit the wider format unit...

Glad you found that file mate, shipping back to China will suck.

[rob64981]

Off topic but anyone know where I can find a new Multivan dash piece that surrounds the radio? Mine is for a Delta narrow radio and I need one to suit the wider format unit...

Is this the part you are looking for?

VW TOUAREG, TRANSPORTER T5, MULTIVAN FACIA CT24VW07 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-TOUAREG-TRANSPORTER-T5-MULTIVAN-FACIA-CT24VW07-/190339530263?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_FasciaPlates _SM&hash=item2c511ebe17#ht_1311wt_895)

I know its some distance but it might give us some idea.

Rob

[Sunny43.5]

Hi all again well my Easyrising unit arrived today not bad from payment received on the 8th to my door 14th . Any way ripped out the old one typical forgot to remove DVD disc from player [I,ll get it later] plugged in all the RCA and video out cables had to swap the acc wire over to the constant power position and then fired it up . Unbelievable this one makes the old unit look like a dinosaur !! the graphics are brilliant controls are excellent although I do miss the rotary volume knob this one has an up - down button for volume .
The RCA outputs are much better than the old one , this one has so much more head room at low volume and the bass response through the dedicated subwoofer is much deeper than the old one . Digital TV was awesome I can get more stations parked under my carport than our home TV can ! and with surround sound to boot . Will see how it goes on the road later , bluetooth was easy as I did not even have to enter a code put Sony Ericson Experia phone into discovery and it instantly linked up , I have even already fitted an external mic to the unit as the built in one is too far from sitting position . The GPS is all good so many more features than the old one as well , it will be interesting to see if the maps are current , so I will give it a good thrashing over the coming days and let you all know , radio was also much better than I expected as I have my wifes van parked next to mine with the same station on and hers was slightly static mine was clear and strong .
Probably the only slight niggling thing is that because of the Dubs angled dash there is a slight loss of colour depth in some video footage viewing music videos I found some perfect and others slightly washed out , it is a shame that VW ,s designers didn,t create that section with a more vertical shape would have made life easier , any way the eyebrow hood from the old unit still fits so the midday sun wont be a problem with GPS etc , I even lashed out for an extra $29 for a rear view camera comes on automaticly when car is put in reverse . I even thought about another camera for the front just for fun to get a better view when parking etc [maybe later ] I will let everyone know how it goes on reliability over the coming months but if it works as good as the old China unit I ,ll be more than happy . Howard

[Ivo]

Good to hear its working well Howard. Maybe my unit is a dud, cant get TV and radio will not find anything with auto tune and when I do manually tune the quality is very average.

Do you have the TV aerial on the dash or on the roof of the car?

[T5Pete]

pics or it didn't happen

[Ivo]

Got my TV working today, need to make an adjustment in settings........I'm in Australia not Germany:facepalm: Works ok when parked but breaks up when moving.

I also had more of a fiddle with the radio aerial and its working better as well. Still a little static in some locations when driving but overall not to bad.


Howard, how did you attach the external Mic?
Whats the quality of the rear view camera image? Was it plug and play or did you have to wire it up the gear selector?

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Ivo yes the german thing got me as well it wasn,t until I went in to all the sub menus that I realised the local stting had to be changed to Australia , the radio was fine with mine as I already had the adaptor from the other unit , used the Gps today several times worked much better than the old one upgraded maps with heaps more options for the driver I even used the overspeed warning which you can set up to give a percentage tolerance so if you go say 4 kmh it will warn you as the older one would go off as soon as you went over the exact speed limit . I havent hooked up the camera just yet but I did plug it in to test out the wiring so I would not have to pull the unit back out of the dash , all that was need to be done will be connect the cable to the camera on the tailgate to the head unit , then run awire from the reverse light at the back this connects to the camera and also to the head unit you see when the reverse light comes on it turns on the camera and at the same time sends a 12 v signal to the head untit which automaticley gives you the rear view on the screen .
Now the microphone was a trick I originaly had done to my old unit , with the unit on the table at home you remove the 4 screws that hold the front screen onto the main body , once they are out the front comes away easy . Now there are two ribbon wires attaching the face to the main unit ,there is quite a good amount of slack so don,t panic , then you can see the mic solder points on the circuit board it even says mic on the board . All I did was get an old car kit mic cut apiece of wire about a foot long I fed this through one of the access holes in the side of the unit it came out right next to the circuit board then soldered the two wires to the board . As I am getting old and half blind HA HA I used a magnifiying glass to get a better view the two solder points are very close to each other so don,t hold the soldering iron too long or you may cause the two joints to melt in to each other !! . Once done refit the front screen and your done , I taped the wire to the side of the unit and fitted two connectors at the end of the wire , I mounted the mic up near the driver sunvisor and fitted two more connectors to this end and plugged them into the wire on the back of the unit works a treat Howard

My ever present helper !
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k610/sunny435700/IMG_6041.jpghttp://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k610/sunny435700/IMG_6039.jpghttp://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k610/sunny435700/IMG_6038.jpg
In the bottom corner you can see the two solder points for the mic [sorry about small photos ]

[Sunny43.5]

More on the Easyrising unit fitted rear view camera today works a treat now I can see who I have hit when I am reversing cool !!! Howard

[Ivo]

Sound quality improved with that mic? How well does it work for passengers sitting in the back?

I could have done with a rear view camera last night when the P plater slid into the back of me. Wet road and no damage thankfully.

[Ivo]

I have figured out how to get my contacts from the phone onto the unit.......only problem is they are in a random order. Contacted tech support and they said "sorry, that how is, sorry inconvenient you"...... lol.

[Sunny43.5]

Okay 4 days later and the new unit still keeps surprising me , the radio is much better than the old one by a mile , tuned in to FM station The Rebel 94.9 which is based at Beaudesert about 80ks from home and full stereo reception even when I went in to Brisbane central today another 30 ks further from Beaudesert and was still getting strong reception :banana:. Digital TV is all over the shop , because I live half way to the Gold Coast I pick up DVT tv from the repeater towers on the coast when parked at home I get lots of them . I tried to see what was available once on the road virtually no reception from the gold Coast towers on the way into the city . Once in the city retuned and picked up most of the Brisbane based ones [except for HDTV ] broadcasts ., again when driving very limited reception . No big deal who watches free to air TV any more ??? .
GPS still okay so many extra features than the old one had . Bluetooth phone reception is good , only down side is bluetooth music streaming has a slight loss of bass response when compared to the CD/DVD player which is excellent . Reversing camera is neat as when reverse is selected it cuts off the music so you can concentrate better . I havent tried the Ipod connection cable as I will not waste my money on anymore of Mr Steve Jobs restrictive rotten apple products . I have even fitted a steering wheel mounted infared remote control much easier to change things . One only problem with GPS was it doesn,t work in the cross river tunnel 100 foot below Brisbane river , hmmm wonder why ?:facepalm: Howard