Add ons
Post any addons or improved hardware you've found.
GPS Antenna
- Original RSNAV Antenna - Difficult to get satellites over 30 when placed under center speaker grill, and Google Maps jumps all over the place when navigating. 10-15ft accuracy.
- Fakra Male Plug GPS Capable of getting a few satellites around 30. Reduced jumps in Google Maps. 3-15ft accuracy.
- Active GPS Antenna Fakra Has good reviews. May be worth trying.
- OEM Antenna - Multiple sattelites well over 30. 3-10ft accuracy. If you have a MMI system with GPS, you can use the cars built in GPS antenna. However, there is a risk of GPS malfunction in both RSNAV and MMI if antenna impedance changes by poor material or workmanship. You will need a Fakra extension cable. Disconnect the GPS fakra connector (blue MMI+) from the back of the MMI unit, and connect it to the RSNAV with the extension cable. In order to make the extension cable fit, you will need to shave down a piece of plastic that sticks out on the side of the round connection. There are two pieces that stick out, one will not line up with the connector. Unfortunately, you also have to shave a piece off of the RSNAV GPS connector. *DO AT YOUR OWN RISK*. Alternatively, get a Fakra "Z" extension. it is universal and will fit all color Fakra connectors.
Screen Protector
- Some people are trying this screen protector. Please post opinions once received.
One can use a computer screen protector and cut it to size. For this, take the factory screen protector off the display, and stick it on the aftermarket screen protector. Then use this as a guide to cut it to size. Try fitting it before taking the layers of film off the sticky side, and adjust as necessary. One can use an extension of sticky tape to help peeling off the protection foil progressively from the back, starting in one corner of the screen. A "dorisave" branded reflection reducing foil has given a quite factory-like appearance.
Mobile Data Antenna
- Original RSNAV Antenna - Not very strong signal, and bounces around between LTE, 3G, and EDGE in places where phone gets solid LTE signal.
- Proxicast 3G/4G/LTE 3.5 dBi NOT an improvement. May get slightly better signal, but fast.com showed consistently slower speeds than original.
- OEM Antenna - Solid LTE singal. If you have a MMI+ system with a SIM card slot, you can use the cars built in GSM antenna (supported frequencies are unknown). You will need a Fakra extension cable and a Farka to SMA adapter. Disconnect the data antenna fakra connector (Pink MMI+) from the back of the MMI unit, and connect it to the RSNAV with the extension cable and adapter. In order to make the extension cable fit, you will need to shave down a piece of plastic that sticks out on the side of the round connection. There are two pieces that stick out, one will not line up with the connector. *DO AT YOUR OWN RISK*. Or just get the right cable straight away, so you don't need to mess with the connectors.
Thoughts: When searching for an improved antenna, finding one that supports US frequencies seems to be a problem. Many dont support as low as 1700mhz, or as high as 1900mhz for Tmobile LTE. Keep this in mind based on your carrier.
DAB+ via USB receiver
It is possible to get DAB+ reception with a suitable SDR (Software Defined Radio) USB Dongle. The android software needed is a driver for the chipset and an application for playback. Welle.io is one application that works. For stable reception, a proper antenna is necessary. These are available as aftermarket window antennas, or from Audi. Best place to get an original Audi antenna module is salvaged from eBay (Part 8T8035225A or similar, depending on car model). It will connect to wiring already present in the rear window, and one will need to inject 12v "phantom power" into the antenna cable with a power injector.