Just so that everybody is in the loop, I went through the full installation of the T5 DigiDash on Friday, I've got a fully documented installation guide coming just as soon as I can fully back the unit. I would say the fitment is about 90% there with no trims or cuts required. It does benefit from a perimeter close cell phone tape seal. I think for the next one I do I would opt for 6mm by 12mm for a snug fit. The contour around the top corners is very close but not perfect, And the 6 mm lift on the unit with the tape sitting behind the front lip should sit it just right.
I was anticipating that there would be some further issues with the firmware, but at this point it does appear as though it's not quite ready for general consumption. Signs of promise are there with full functionality just the same as the T5.1 and T6 units including the HDMI input working well. Basic CAN engine signal is there, speed RPM etc, but at present it doesn't seem to have a communication with the vehicles convenience module or equivalent BCM which I know you guys didn't get.
I would say that with this age of vehicle we have to be very careful to understand that the baseline vehicle condition with particular interest in what has been done with the electrics over the years. Multiple owners over 20 years conversions and with the advancement of lots of different security and media installations in and out may have rendered some T5 vehicles unsuitable for such a device. I'm aware of a potential known issue with the convenience module under the driver's seat with an upward located socket, where condensation tracking the floor plan is known to get trapped and potentially cause shorting.
I'm interested to hear from anybody who has had difficulty detecting can high and low for aftermarket stereos for instance I have seen a vehicle where the key back was taking one of the can signal wires up to 12v, not what you want to be seeing, but my first assumption is that perhaps this convenience module under seat short maybe occurring on this one.
So watch this space, I think there's quite a few early adopters out there posting the results of their install which are that the only useful features you get are an RPM and a speedo none of the settings take hold or store mainly because it can never communicate with the ECU correctly, both indicators have only lit green on the dash only but still functional behind the scenes, various engine lights appear to be lit on the digi dash but from experience rest assured this does not indicate that these messages are being correctly read and interpreted, more so, that no signals are being read or interpreted and the unit is programmed to warn when it can't make contact with specific modules.
Anyway just been open and frank rather than flaming the manufacturers a massive thank you to anybody else out there who is persevering and in contact with their installers or manufacturer direct as I am, patience is the key and if you don't have the patience and perseverance then wait for those that do and thank them for their efforts. Is a miracle that this is coming and it will be worth the wait. The first time I installed a T6.1 we had to make cuts all over the place and the unit wouldn't even start up The next firmware we got pretty much everything came to life, then the 3D model appeared, a few signal detections and reprograms for the firmware and everything's working lovely now.
It won't be going on my website as a listing until it's MOT worthy, that's just me and I don't want the headaches. I will say nothing about anybody choosing to do this since getting it out there is part of the community development that these units really do benefit from, but just proceed with an open mind and with caution.
My phone or word would be if you do want to buy one of these early be prepared that you may possibly need revisions to the circuit board, you may possibly need the wiring harness replacing, And you almost certainly shouldn't start transferring circuit boards unnecessarily these units only make an external connection using the wiring harnesses so please remember you can leave both units whole and reach the cables between the two if you are careful and make enough slack up. The two OEM vehicle plugs are simply pin to pin extensions and then the new plug coming off to the unique grey and black connector goes into the virtual dash unit plugging it in this way externally gives you the chance to play test experience and see what's going on at both ends without having committed to major installation adjustments to your vehicle.
I have to admit I had hoped for a slightly more advanced unit at this stage, but it is what it is, And there are so many vehicles out there that will never receive this level of attention and have the opportunity for an upgrade like this so let's hang in there and support the development community positively without jumping on the flaming bandwagon so to speak.
I will update this thread again when there's more to tell thanks.
Ant - EVEREST-VW
I was anticipating that there would be some further issues with the firmware, but at this point it does appear as though it's not quite ready for general consumption. Signs of promise are there with full functionality just the same as the T5.1 and T6 units including the HDMI input working well. Basic CAN engine signal is there, speed RPM etc, but at present it doesn't seem to have a communication with the vehicles convenience module or equivalent BCM which I know you guys didn't get.
I would say that with this age of vehicle we have to be very careful to understand that the baseline vehicle condition with particular interest in what has been done with the electrics over the years. Multiple owners over 20 years conversions and with the advancement of lots of different security and media installations in and out may have rendered some T5 vehicles unsuitable for such a device. I'm aware of a potential known issue with the convenience module under the driver's seat with an upward located socket, where condensation tracking the floor plan is known to get trapped and potentially cause shorting.
I'm interested to hear from anybody who has had difficulty detecting can high and low for aftermarket stereos for instance I have seen a vehicle where the key back was taking one of the can signal wires up to 12v, not what you want to be seeing, but my first assumption is that perhaps this convenience module under seat short maybe occurring on this one.
So watch this space, I think there's quite a few early adopters out there posting the results of their install which are that the only useful features you get are an RPM and a speedo none of the settings take hold or store mainly because it can never communicate with the ECU correctly, both indicators have only lit green on the dash only but still functional behind the scenes, various engine lights appear to be lit on the digi dash but from experience rest assured this does not indicate that these messages are being correctly read and interpreted, more so, that no signals are being read or interpreted and the unit is programmed to warn when it can't make contact with specific modules.
Anyway just been open and frank rather than flaming the manufacturers a massive thank you to anybody else out there who is persevering and in contact with their installers or manufacturer direct as I am, patience is the key and if you don't have the patience and perseverance then wait for those that do and thank them for their efforts. Is a miracle that this is coming and it will be worth the wait. The first time I installed a T6.1 we had to make cuts all over the place and the unit wouldn't even start up The next firmware we got pretty much everything came to life, then the 3D model appeared, a few signal detections and reprograms for the firmware and everything's working lovely now.
It won't be going on my website as a listing until it's MOT worthy, that's just me and I don't want the headaches. I will say nothing about anybody choosing to do this since getting it out there is part of the community development that these units really do benefit from, but just proceed with an open mind and with caution.
My phone or word would be if you do want to buy one of these early be prepared that you may possibly need revisions to the circuit board, you may possibly need the wiring harness replacing, And you almost certainly shouldn't start transferring circuit boards unnecessarily these units only make an external connection using the wiring harnesses so please remember you can leave both units whole and reach the cables between the two if you are careful and make enough slack up. The two OEM vehicle plugs are simply pin to pin extensions and then the new plug coming off to the unique grey and black connector goes into the virtual dash unit plugging it in this way externally gives you the chance to play test experience and see what's going on at both ends without having committed to major installation adjustments to your vehicle.
I have to admit I had hoped for a slightly more advanced unit at this stage, but it is what it is, And there are so many vehicles out there that will never receive this level of attention and have the opportunity for an upgrade like this so let's hang in there and support the development community positively without jumping on the flaming bandwagon so to speak.
I will update this thread again when there's more to tell thanks.
Ant - EVEREST-VW
