Audi A8 D2 oem style reverse camera

[SharkGill]

Hi Ronin, I've bought a Grom USB3 unit so I can connect a phone for wired music and the bluetooth module for handsfree. Did you ever get the camera install functional? Not too familiar yet with the hurdles such as 'GALA signal' you mentioned this has to be cut, how is it cut is it on a switch or phyisicallt disconnected?

[HPsauce]

The GALA signal is an input to the RNS-D, usually clearly marked on any diagram you can find of the connectors, including the label that "should" be on the unit. It's a speed signal used mainly by the SatNav IIRC but also to change audio levels with speed.

My GALA is disconnected via a physical switch to allow video-in-motion (above 5mph?); in my case I mounted this in the blank space to the right of the steering wheel that on non-Xenon models houses the headlight height adjustment, so it looks totally OEM. I used an appropriate switch from a PF A8 as it's that shape hole. It's now redundant since I removed the DVB-T tuner.

As my earlier post indicated, the biggest problem inserting a camera signal into an RNS-D is converting the usual CVBS camera output to RGB. You also need to source that weird DIN-like connector and put 12v on the pin that says video input is incoming. My ancient little box does all of that.

RNS-D.png

[SharkGill]

Thanks for that. I've seen the labels on my unit. I had fitted a reversing camera to my previous D2 which was great. Can the GALA signal be disconnected permanently? what are the disadvantages?

[HPsauce]

You don't need to disconnect GALA to use a reversing camera, but the RNS screen will blank if you reverse at high speed!
My disconnection switch is still there but I never use it now as the TV tuner is gone.

[HPsauce]

I had fitted a reversing camera to my previous D2 which was great.

Intrigued.
Where and how did you fit it? What display did you use (e.g. RNS or standalone), how did the camera communicate to the display and what turned it on?

[SharkGill]

It came with a really old and clunky Kenwood double din which had its own garmin navigation module etc so I swapped it out for a Pioneer DA250DAB head unit with hands free, carplay, Sub in the boot. Having a camera on the barge was essential as it didn have parking sensors. The S8 does have sensors but one of them needs replacing. I'll see if i can dig out some install pics

[HPsauce]

Ah, OK, so much newer kit that the RNS-D you have in the S8.
I'm trying to keep mine as "OEM" as possible, though I did at one point consider upgrading to an RNS-E.

[SharkGill]

I Was looking at a RNS-e unit but I did so much research I ended up frying my brain. At one point it seemed really easy, then I muat have come across another post which confused me so I thought I'd stick with w factory unit. I must have deleted the Pioneer pics but the car is coming back to me next week so I can take pics then. I don't think it looks bad in the car but it's just not OEM enough

[HPsauce]

I've forgotten now what the advantages of an RNS-E were, but it was obviously later technology and an OEM-ish improvement when there wasn't any other alternative.
I think the subsequent changes in technologies, communications, smartphones etc. just make it pointless these days. Work with OEM.

[SharkGill]

I think you're right. Main advantage would have been maps and maybe MP3 playback. Imagine Audi started doing updated head units similar to Porsche's PCM+, I tihnk they're missing a trick