Plead for Skoda to offer reverse camera (RVC)

[VAG newbie]

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.

[Guest001]

If you wire the power up right you can have it on all the time I installed one in my Landcruiser ( with a separate screen) but had it with two power feeds, one from reverse light circuit and one from a permanently on circuit with a switch in it,
Why cant you do that and it should then come on when u switch back to it.
Mine cost me $45 for the camera and about $85 for the screen A an afternoon to wire it up

[VAG newbie]

If you wire the power up right you can have it on all the time I installed one in my Landcruiser ( with a separate screen) but had it with two power feeds, one from reverse light circuit and one from a permanently on circuit with a switch in it,
Why cant you do that and it should then come on when u switch back to it.
Mine cost me $45 for the camera and about $85 for the screen A an afternoon to wire it up

Apparently, (this is what the dealer told me, I'm not an expert) hooking up the RVC to the RNS510 is not that simple. They used the third party RVC for VW to install initially, the camera blew up. There is the need of a Skoda specific module or something so you can't simply fit a VW camera, even the factory VW camera, cannot be used on Skoda.

Installing a separate screen on the dash will be a lot easier, but it will look really messy with all tue wiring. I do novated lease every 3 years, having all those wirings and holes drilled on the dash won't do resale value any good.

Not sure if I install the type using rear view mirror as a monitor will affect the rain sensors, but will certainly lose the auto dimming function.

But my point is, Skoda should offer it, even as an option. Let's make that happen through the parliament.

[tonymy01]

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.

When I installed the RVC into my Golf with pre-existing OPS, there is two bits that need to be enabled with VCDS to enable the OPS and RVC to be seen on the screen at the same time (and no button pressing on the screen required). I would suggest that is part of your issue, that they haven't enabled the RVC in the OPS screen. I had the same behaviour as yours when I didn't enable that option, i.e. had to press the RNS screen to toggle to RVC due to OPS being default displayed option.

[VAG newbie]

When I installed the RVC into my Golf with pre-existing OPS, there is two bits that need to be enabled with VCDS to enable the OPS and RVC to be seen on the screen at the same time (and no button pressing on the screen required). I would suggest that is part of your issue, that they haven't enabled the RVC in the OPS screen. I had the same behaviour as yours when I didn't enable that option, i.e. had to press the RNS screen to toggle to RVC due to OPS being default displayed option.

So does your OPS shown on the RVC screen like the factory one for the Passat? I don't have VCDS and I'm a computer idiot and I'm afraid if I get one I might stuff up something and void the warranty (I don't even know where to plug the thingy in!). Maybe I'll ask the dealer to fix that in my next service. However, they told me VW and Skoda is actually different (the dealer is both Skoda and VW, their VW technician blew up the VW RVC initially, that's how they found out), so I suspect it might not work for Skoda.

[pologti18t]

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!
.

HOw will that help you in the short term?

Anyway... are you sure a factory RVC is available for the Superb overseas? I couldn't find it in UK. So what does it have to do with VW Aus?

https://tools.skoda.co.uk/brochure_superb.pdf

KESSY = life saving tech??? Do you need to be reminded where your baby is?

[VAG newbie]

HOw will that help you in the short term?

I don't need a solution in short term. A Superb wagon has been scrapped from my wife's list already. But since I love the Superb so much, when my lease is due in 3 years, I'm thinking of getting another one. I'll be very unhappy if by then Skoda has not offered RVC. If we made it a legislation, then Skoda has to fit a RVC to fulfill ADR. 3 years is enough for that to happen.


Anyway... are you sure a factory RVC is available for the Superb overseas? I couldn't find it in UK. So what does it have to do with VW Aus?

https://tools.skoda.co.uk/brochure_superb.pdf

Yes, I noticed that. So it's not VW Aus, it's VAG in Germany. All of us know that Superb is killing Passat in Europe. But it is not that hard a technology. A dealer can fit it, I'm sure Skoda can fit it in factory. It will only cost about $20.


KESSY = life saving tech??? Do you need to be reminded where your baby is?

Not me, it's my wife and my sister. Both of them on separate occasions have accidentally locked their baby inside. How they can do that is beyond me. Women's mentality is too sophisticated for me (no offense to any female friends on this forum).

My wife's story was, she gave the key to my 18 month old boy to play with while she was loading the groceries in the boot. After she shut the boot lid, my boy pressed "lock" before she had a chance to get in the car. It was in an open car park at a shopping mall on a QLD summer day. Imagine how terrified my wife was! She screamed for help. Another woman passed by, she took out her remote and showed it to my boy, and she kept pushing "unlock" on her remote, hoping my boy would copy. Luckily, my boy was apparently smarter than my wife, he copied her and pushed "unlock". Otherwise we would have to smashed the window with the danger of injuring my boy with the shattered glass. Since then, we would opt for keyless entry whenever possible.

I don't know my sister's version. All I know is she accidentally locked her boy inside the car with the key. But it was an undercover car park. She had to get her husband to leave work to grab a spare key. He was furious, I just laughed and told her to get a car with KESSY. It sounds stupid but when it happens to you, you'll really appreciate KESSY. Just like most of us would think that "I will never run over a kid when I reverse! I don't need a RVC!" I'm sure those people who ran over their own kid think the same way.

Anyway, the RVC is for my wife too. I don't really need it, but she drives my car sometimes.

[tonymy01]

So does your OPS shown on the RVC screen like the factory one for the Passat? I don't have VCDS and I'm a computer idiot and I'm afraid if I get one I might stuff up something and void the warranty
If you are in Sydney i could have a poke around and see if the option is there. Yes, the ops "radar" view comes up on the left hand side of the rear view camera view (automatically). Given you have an rns, i would suspect the software programming is the same.

[VAG newbie]

If you are in Sydney i could have a poke around and see if the option is there. Yes, the ops "radar" view comes up on the left hand side of the rear view camera view (automatically). Given you have an rns, i would suspect the software programming is the same.

Thanks for the info. I'll certainly let my dealer know in the next service.

But I'm still determined to write to my MP. Even if my RVC works after the software upgrade, it is still a very expensive unit at $1000!

[SuperbWagon]

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.


Because people have never been able to cope without the RVC, right? For how many years have people not had RVC and now you won't buy a car without it? By the sounds of it, your wife needs to purchase a Landcruiser Prado so that she doesn't feel the bump when she runs over kids she should have been watching out for.



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.

:facepalm: I have KESSY, but it doesn't seem to have super powers. Taking a bit of responsibility would go a long way.

[Guest001]

Because people have never been able to cope without the RVC, right? For how many years have people not had RVC and now you won't buy a car without it? By the sounds of it, your wife needs to purchase a Landcruiser Prado so that she doesn't feel the bump when she runs over kids she should have been watching out for.
:facepalm: I have KESSY, but it doesn't seem to have super powers. Taking a bit of responsibility would go a long way.

That comment is out of order as there is nothing wrong with trying to make things better. No one suggested she is not responsible but is sensible enough to want to improve things for hers and others children and should be applauded for that.

NOT VILLIFIED

My car has a RVC and so did my Landcruiser,

It was a great attribute as it is very hard to see things down low in a wagon.

As long as you dont completely rely on technology the OP has every right to equip his wife with whatever makes things easier.

I support his quest to get all cars fitted with them as they are a great idea if used in conjunction with common sense and awareness of your surroundings.
From the attitude of your post we would be all better off on pushbikes as they have an all around view.

[tonymy01]

Thanks for the info. I'll certainly let my dealer know in the next service.

But I'm still determined to write to my MP. Even if my RVC works after the software upgrade, it is still a very expensive
Good luck with both those options.
1. Given you have said yourself that your model doesn't normally come with rvc, it is best left up to enthusiasts to resolve, rather than dealers that often have no clue or care and charge like wounded bulls to cover their tech that might only have a slight clue.
2. Mp...haha, ok. My rvc cost $500 to get here from Poland, and my first effort to install (mine) took the good party of a day (with my third effort, Marco's GTI, and with help from Osram, took only 3 hours add we have the technique down pat now), as you can see, it will cost a bit in labour to put in for any normal technician.

I have put the offer out there for you, most enthusiasts on this forum with vcds can help you out as it would only take a few mins to look at for anyone that had done this before, and we do it for love and to help one of out own, not money.

But it seems you'd rather take the hard/stressful way out..

[pologti18t]

Rear cameras a step forward - reverse lenses could become mandatory | thetelegraph.com.au (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/rear-cameras-a-step-forward-reverse-lenses-could-become-mandatory/story-e6freuy9-1226352472881)

[VAG newbie]

Good luck with both those options.
1. Given you have said yourself that your model doesn't normally come with rvc, it is best left up to enthusiasts to resolve, rather than dealers that often have no clue or care and charge like wounded bulls to cover their tech that might only have a slight clue.
2. Mp...haha, ok. My rvc cost $500 to get here from Poland, and my first effort to install (mine) took the good party of a day (with my third effort, Marco's GTI, and with help from Osram, took only 3 hours add we have the technique down pat now), as you can see, it will cost a bit in labour to put in for any normal technician.

I have put the offer out there for you, most enthusiasts on this forum with vcds can help you out as it would only take a few mins to look at for anyone that had done this before, and we do it for love and to help one of out own, not money.

But it seems you'd rather take the hard/stressful way out..

Like my user name suggests, I am a VAG newbie. The superb is the first VAG cars I've owned. So I am no expert on modifications ....etc. Well, I just thought since the dealer fitted the camera for me, they should be responsible to fix it up for me. But if you reckon that is the bad way to go, is there anyone in this forum that has VCDS lives in Brisbane? I am happy to pay a small fee if they can fix my RVC.

With the legislation, yes, I agree it is a hard battle. But what are the MPs for? We elected them, they get paid >$100k for tax payers money, they need to do something. Andrew Wilkie has been obsessed with his gambling machine ever since the first day he got elected. But what percentages of the population are problem gamblers? I would say <1%. Comparitively, what percentages of the population drives a car? I'd say >60%. The other 40% would consists largely of children. So I would say this legislation will benefit >90% of people. Way more important than gambling.

Because Victoria has made ESP compulsory, this made all manufacturer, except Chery, to include ESP as standard without extra costs. Otherwise, they would continue to charge a premium on that, or omit it competely in their base model just to make the price looks good.

So I am fighting this for the greater good, not just for my own RVC. It won't take long, just a letter.

[VAG newbie]

Rear cameras a step forward - reverse lenses could become mandatory | thetelegraph.com.au (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/rear-cameras-a-step-forward-reverse-lenses-could-become-mandatory/story-e6freuy9-1226352472881)

Thanks, that's what I am talking about. I think they just needed a bit of push. I am sick of hearing the government just attacking each other, like sacking someone because he has made an inappropraie comment about the PM's father, or sex scandals one after the other, or how the sheep are being slaughtered in Parkistan...etc. We should force them to do something useful!

[pologti18t]

Because Victoria has made ESP compulsory, this made all manufacturer, except Chery, to include ESP as standard without extra costs. Otherwise, they would continue to charge a premium on that, or omit it competely in their base model just to make the price looks good.


Of course the user pays for it in the end. Nothing is for free.

[K1W1]

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.

I'm sorry but I will take issue with that.
The lack of a reversing camera is NOT a disaster waiting to happen. Whilst you might consider it desirable and maybe you or your wifes driving and spacial awareness skills are doubtful the world will continue to revolve each day without vehicles being fitted with rear cameras and many, many people will drive perfectly safely in the same sort of environments you do without any issues what so ever.

[VAG newbie]

I'm sorry but I will take issue with that.
The lack of a reversing camera is NOT a disaster waiting to happen. Whilst you might consider it desirable and maybe you or your wifes driving and spacial awareness skills are doubtful the world will continue to revolve each day without vehicles being fitted with rear cameras and many, many people will drive perfectly safely in the same sort of environments you do without any issues what so ever.

That's what most people think. "I'll just be careful." "Those who run over their kids are idiots, not me!" "It will never happen to me!" Well, wait until you lose someone you love. In our case, it was our dog, whom we had for 14 years since puppy. He was sleeping at the corner of the drive way, and I can tell you, my wife backed out as slow as possible, but you just can't see a dog lying on the ground behind a wagon because it was so low! So low that even the parking sensor didn't pick up. My wife ran over his back, crushed his spine and made him paraplegic. We had no choice but to put him down. If you had a look at his innocent eye, it was an image that haunted us for a very long time.

Yes, you can say my wife is stupid. How can she lock a baby inside the car? How can she ran over our dog? I can tell you, some people are naturally clumsy! Also we as human beings, we make mistakes. We get tired, we rush sometimes, we get distracted...... those are the times that we make mistakes. It's simple human psychology.

I am an anesthetist and my work will not allow me to make any mistake. Life and death! But we work ridiculous long hours sometimes. Fatigue impair our judgement. So there are many safety measures built into the modern anesthetic machine and monitors to minimize the chance of us making a mistake. These devices are not to replace us (otherwise we'd be out of job!) but it reminds us and warns us when things are going wrong. All these things have been added to make sure next time you have an operation, you will be safe. I have a special interest in this area, and I have implemented many protocols in my hospitals to improve the safety of our patients. My goal is zero mistakes!

Unfortunately, the motoring industry is very far behind on this. Statistically, the chances of us die in a car accident is 10x higher than die in an operation. Why? Because the general public, ie, the drivers, think they don't need all the safety features, these are for retards who can't drive. It's this kind of attitude that is allowing car manufacturers to cut corners. It's the reason why people are actually buying Great Walls and Cherys!

Anyway, even if you take all the precaution you can, unfortunately there will be other clumsy driver that won't take the same precaution, and it could be your loved one that's under his/her wheel next time.

I'm not saying RVC will prevent all accident, but at least it is a step forward in making cars safer. Yes, the buyer may have to pay for it, but if it is legislation and all cars need to fit it, there will be so much competition that car manufacturer would just have to absorb the cost!

I'll also add the fact that females are less developed in the right side of the brain, which is responsible for spatial relations, numbers, sequences....etc, than males. But they are better developed in their left side, which is for speech, language, literacy, comprehension ....etc. This is a scientific fact and it explains why girls tend to talk earlier than boys, and they usually excel in humanity subjects, but tend to do less well in math and science. This also explains why females tend to scratch their cars while parking a lot more often than males, but males tend to write off their cars a lot more than females. I'm not being sexist here (my wife hated every time I try to explain the difference between male and female!), I'm just saying we are made different. (In fact, I prefer to have my wife scratch the car rather than write off the car and jeopardize her life and my boy's lives. This males female superior to male!) RVC and parking sensors, while we boys don't think they are necessary, to many women, they are essential! Just like a pair of glasses, for those with good eye sight will never understand why someone can't live without their glasses.

The majority of drivers picking up their kids at schools are mothers. Already they have a more limited capacity in judging distances (again I'll stress, this doesn't apply to all females, some are born good at judging distances, and this doesn't make female inferior to male) they are usually exhausted (2-3pm is the time that our brain functions at the lowest capacity), they have screaming kids at the back seat to distract the mother, and she might be rushing home to prepare for dinner..... All these added up, is a recipe for disaster. As more and more mothers are driving SUVs to pick up their kids, I think a RVC will definitely help.

Sorry for the long post. I had to be careful what I say in case some female friends in this forum get offended. If anyone finds it offensive, please accept my apology as it was not my intention. I was just trying to explain the reason why my wife finds RVC essential based on scientific fact and personal experiences.

[woofy]

It all makes sense, the bit I prefer to do, is not have animals or kids out in the first place at home. There shouldn't be much need for them to reverse in public and in driveways I refuse to move a car unless the kids are locked behind a gate or inside. No amount of sensors or RVC will help you in time if a kid runs out behind the car. Cars are all lower at the front and higher at the back these days so it is more of an issue. Having said that, if you are reversing you should be looking behind you and not at a screen in front of you.

I'm seeing more and more complacency on inbuilt devices and less about actual personal responsibility, any given day people seem to be driving worse, parking even more badly...and in general don't give a crap about anyone else. I have two big scratches on my not even 1 year old car that the people responsible for didn't own up to, and I'm not surprised....noone cares anymore.

[BlackSuperb]

Reversing cameras are a good idea and should be an option available from the manufacturer.

Sadly, Skoda don't think so even though their parent company provide them as standard issue on all new Passats.

Of course you don't look at them whilst reversing. Use them to ensure a clear path before you reverse then turn and look behind and guide your vehicle.

[DkN]

I don't even know where this topic is headed now, but as for RVC, though not available factory there are many aftermarket options that are MUCH cheaper than what you paid for. Also dealers are sometimes (some would suggest often) incompetent and will feed you crap to cover for it. You have an RNS-510, therefore reverse camera will work if installed and coded properly. The head unit does not blow the camera up, incorrect wiring does.

Check the VW audio section in this forum, there is a group buy for an RVC low unit for about $120 shipped which replaces the boot handle. May need some modification to fit physically for a Skoda, I'm not sure, but it's just one example of your options, if you just did some research before believing everything the dealer says.

As for making RVC compulsory, dear God I hope not. Just another reason for the dealer to charge for another overpriced option. I'm fairly certain RVC is usually close to $1,000 from the factory. I'd understand if it was compulsory to offer it as an option, that's as far as I would go. Certainly not agreeing to being forced into being ripped off when I know my other options.

[VAG newbie]

I don't even know where this topic is headed now, but as for RVC, though not available factory there are many aftermarket options that are MUCH cheaper than what you paid for. Also dealers are sometimes (some would suggest often) incompetent and will feed you crap to cover for it. You have an RNS-510, therefore reverse camera will work if installed and coded properly. The head unit does not blow the camera up, incorrect wiring does.

I believe you, it makes sense. However, there don't seem to be any Skoda owner in this forum who has fitted a RVC that works like a factory fitted one. In fact I had fellow Superb owner in this forum telling me these Kufatec RVCs are expensive and may not intergrate well with the OPS.


Check the VW audio section in this forum, there is a group buy for an RVC low unit for about $120 shipped which replaces the boot handle. May need some modification to fit physically for a Skoda, I'm not sure, but it's just one example of your options, if you just did some research before believing everything the dealer says.

I don't believe everything they said, of course. I had to educate a salesman once, so their knowledge is ignorant at the best. I'm only going back to them because they fitted for me and I expect them to tweak it so it works. I have posted up on the techncal sections of this forum asking for help in Brisbane. I notice that you are in Brisbane as well, can you help me?

Also if any Skoda owner in this forum that has successifully installed a retrofit RVC onto their RCD/RNS510, that works just like a factory one, i.e. RVC screen will show up every time you put on reverse, ad it has the OPS radar screen on the left side of the screen, please speak up. Your experience is priceless.


As for making RVC compulsory, dear God I hope not. Just another reason for the dealer to charge for another overpriced option. I'm fairly certain RVC is usually close to $1,000 from the factory. I'd understand if it was compulsory to offer it as an option, that's as far as I would go. Certainly not agreeing to being forced into being ripped off when I know my other options.

VW can fit RVC and GPS for without raising the price, I don't see why Skoda can't. Almost all Superb's competitors have RVC as standard, and many of them have gone further to include other useless stuff such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic emergency braking, either as an option or comes standard. If Skoda would be stupid enough to charge a premium for RVC when it is mandatory, they will just lose potential buyers. Already the Superb is no longer that good value for money as it is now, especially compared to Passat, it's suicide if they charge the buyer for RVC.

[BlackSuperb]

.....Also if any Skoda owner in this forum that has successifully installed a retrofit RVC onto their RCD/RNS510, that works just like a factory one, i.e. RVC screen will show up every time you put on reverse, ad it has the OPS radar screen on the left side of the screen, please speak up. Your experience is priceless. ....Well, funny you should mention that. I had installed a Kufatec RVC camera to my MY09 Superb. It integrated into the the Columbus Nav, but not entirely seamlessly.

It would come on when ever I put it into reverse, but the whole picture came up on the screen without the OPS display as is on the Passat and Tiguan. It also didn't have the guidance lines that predict the position the car as you turn the wheel.

Now that may be a good thing because it keeps you looking out the back window instead of the nav screen.

I did have the audible beeps though that the OPS system puts out.

I have the unit now removed from my MY09 Superb as I gave the car back recently and am contemplating selling it. It's sitting on my desk at the moment and I just have to get around to soldering some wires back that I had to cut to get it out and it should work. If you are interested, send me a PM.

[VAG newbie]

Well, funny you should mention that. I had installed a Kufatec RVC camera to my MY09 Superb. It integrated into the the Columbus Nav, but not entirely seamlessly.

It would come on when ever I put it into reverse, but the whole picture came up on the screen without the OPS display as is on the Passat and Tiguan. It also didn't have the guidance lines that predict the position the car as you turn the wheel.

Now that may be a good thing because it keeps you looking out the back window instead of the nav screen.

I did have the audible beeps though that the OPS system puts out.

I have the unit now removed from my MY09 Superb as I gave the car back recently and am contemplating selling it. It's sitting on my desk at the moment and I just have to get around to soldering some wires back that I had to cut to get it out and it should work. If you are interested, send me a PM.

Yeah, that's the same as mine. Mine is worse in that you have to manually switch it, although it does give me the option of using OPS or RVC, but not both at the same time.

The guidelines is apparently something separate. Apparently you need another module to connect to the steering wheel. For me, that's not essential, although my wife finds it very useful as she can't tell from what's lefo or right when looking through the camera.

I've got someone who is willing to help me this Fri and I will see if it works on Skodas.

[BlackSuperb]

Shouldn't have to manually switch it. I'm sure I have the info at home that you can wire it so it starts up when in reverse. Do you have a manual or automatic? I won't be home until late next week though. In China on business at the moment. Certainly plenty of Skodas here in Shanghai.

[tonymy01]

Most of the online guides for how to code the rvc do NOT take into consideration if the person has ops. If you have ops, there is two bits to enable, the navigation/radio bit (which all the online guides have), and the ops bit in the body control module or central electrics module (have detailed the exact bit before, am on phone here replying so difficult to search, is easy to find bit anyway once vcds is hooked up and you poke around a bit).

[dArK5HaD0w]

u can have rvc + ops on screen with the skodas, not as a factory fit, but it has been done.
have a look at the following youtube video. its a Columbus in a Skoda Octavia 2 L&K (MY2010).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqrOzN3_WK8&feature=related

i can't confirm if the above has the vw popup camera or license plate light camera.

here is one inside the rear badge. unfortunately i don't have anymore details.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iQLuP0DmP9s

some reading material over at briskoda (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/225967-vw-pop-up-rear-view-camera-in-octavia/).
its for an octavia, but the superb will b the same.

[VAG newbie]

u can have rvc + ops on screen with the skodas, not as a factory fit, but it has been done.
have a look at the following youtube video. its a Columbus in a Skoda Octavia 2 L&K (MY2010).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqrOzN3_WK8&feature=related

i can't confirm if the above has the vw popup camera or license plate light camera.

here is one inside the rear badge. unfortunately i don't have anymore details.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iQLuP0DmP9s

some reading material over at briskoda (http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/225967-vw-pop-up-rear-view-camera-in-octavia/).
its for an octavia, but the superb will b the same.

Yeah, I've seen that video too. In fact, this video started my quest for a better RVC in Skoda. Initially I thought all you need is just buy a genuine VW RVC and wire into the Skoda Columbus. 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.

I would love to have the same system as shown in the video. I can tell you, if someone can install that for us, my wife definitely will put Skoda back on our shopping list, it will be among the top of the list! Anyway, I'll find out Friday.

[VAG newbie]

Shouldn't have to manually switch it. I'm sure I have the info at home that you can wire it so it starts up when in reverse. Do you have a manual or automatic? I won't be home until late next week though. In China on business at the moment. Certainly plenty of Skodas here in Shanghai.

Should be a good chance to pick up some cheap, but genuine Skoda accessory there :)

BTW, I don't think mine is wiring problem. The RVC switch only come up on the OPS screen, ie. in reverse. So it must be a software issue. I'm starting to believe my problem is RVC needs to be enabled by using the VCDS. What I'm afraid is that after enabling, I'm gonna end up the same as you, just RVC and no OPS.

It's just such an annoyance because Skoda would not offer it even as an option. It's no rocket science and it doesn't cost a lot of money. That's why I said it must be a conspiracy by VW! If we make it a legislation, then VW has to green light Skoda to install RVC in their cars, otherwise it'll be sayonara to Skoda in Australia!

[woofy]

To be honest the Superb is due for a refresh of sorts, it wouldn't be unusual for them to just include this standard suddenly, ala the Columbus coming stock in all Octavias 118 and above.

[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!!!!!!!:banana:

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 (http://www.autofidelity.com.au/skoda.html)

[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!

[vEnOm_oz]

Thanks mate.


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!