There is some learning needed. Quoting the manual:
Right, but there is no active user input or reprogramming of bus controlers required, it's plug and play -)
Pity the connnects2 doesn't identify the the AVIC on the VW multi functional display. I wouldn't mind seeing Pioneer AVIC in stead of 'active' in the display. And how about this for a project list... get the AVIC and a CAN interface to display navigational info on the MFD... well, keep on dreaming... the problems are endless, find out what (even if) you can get the AVIC to send to the CAN bus, find or build a two way CAN interface (Rosstech VAGCOM?), talk in different CAN dialects to get the correct pictogram in the display and so on. You won't be going to the bar for a while -)
Everything works ok - apart from the power side - I find that when you put take the key out of the ignition - the unit shuts off and powers down completely. Is this correct -
What happens after removing the key (and which sections of the power supply shut down when) might also be influenced by other Acc's installed and the programming of the VW comfort module - for instance, you have the window controls powered and operated from the remote when locking the doors etc. Anyhow, your system response (remove key=shutdown F900) is comparable to my observations and logically correct, assuming that removing the key means you are leaving the car.
Went out tonight when dark and the unit display had gone into a different colour mode - is this the canbus adaptor doing its job with the auto lights mode?
yes and easily checked by taking the light controls out of 'auto mode' (ie manualy switch on your headlights in broad daylight switches the AVIC from day to night colours)
EDIT : forgot to engage brain before putting vingers into gear. The day/night color switch is 'automatic' according to the manual - could be some worldclock related almanac, and the CAN interface dimms the AVIC backlight with lights switched on
Also the Bluetooth works well - but cannot seem to upload my contacts (Nokia 6300) - it seems to sit for ages to upload.
Not related to the CAN interface, but BT sync is a very hit and/or miss affaire, depending on operating systems (my HTC TyTNII for instance would only sync after updating the OS form WM6 to WM6.1, introducing yet other problems in the - multiple - desktop sync I was using on work and home computer) and driver versions. After the ROM update it still took several attempts to get the sync working. The 6300 is on the Pioneer (EU) compatability list, so you should be able to get it going!
Finally the radio reception had some background interferance - With my original fakra connections I had 2 plugs to choose from (White) or (Beige) - I chose the beige connection to fit the adaptor to - is this correct?
Again, no relation to the CAN. After experiencing very poor FM radio reception, that couldn't be resolved by the dealer, I found thet the antenna phantom power supply interface used by the installer (the same dealer by the way) had a very crummy antenna connector that did not connect properly to the F900BT. Central pin to thin? and it also interfered with a plastic ridge in the VW radio bay. I replaced the antenna interface and removed some plastic from the bay and this solved the problem. On that occasion I also found the 2 fakra connectors, tried them both with no immidiate difference on the signal level and also went for the beige. I am still waiting on the respons from the dealer about the difference in the two connectors, but from what I found on the net it might be related to either diversity antenna (there are two thin wires visible in the front windscreen) and/or TMC reception on standard VW radio's requiring two antenna inputs.
Switch the ignition on to the accessory position.
. Re connected the HU and what do you know - it all works. 