CALLING ALL RNS-E OWNERS/POTENTIAL OWNERS

What price are you willing to pay for a custom PVC cover for your RNS-E?

  • £30

    Votes: 11 57.9%

  • £40

    Votes: 6 31.6%

  • £50

    Votes: 2 10.5%
  • Total voters
    19
  • Poll closed .
C

cazza1729

Filthy Oil Burner
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Hi,

As a new RNS-E owner who has read the Theft thread, I'm understandably a little paranoid now about where I park my car. Many people have suggested buying protective covers, but none are available on the market. I've made some enquires to various custom plastics companies and would now like to gauge interest amongst the good people of ASN about ordering a PVC cover for your RNS-E.

The cover itself would be PVC plastic, custom moulded so that it sits flush against the unit over the two dials with four legs that plugged into the removal key holes. I'm working on designs for the outside of the cover, but options at the moment are blank panel, Audi rings or perhaps a decal of a Symphony type unit so that at first glance through the window it looks like you've got a less expensive console unit.

Now the important bit, pricing. To re-tool a machine to run off these covers has a starting cost of over £10,000 (not including delivery, packaging etc), so minimum numbers needed for orders will be 1,000+ at between £30 and £50 a unit. What price would you, as a RNS-E unit owner, pay for a custom plastic cover that won't provide guaranteed protection against a burglary but may deter potential thieves?

Thanks
 
Just slap a sticker on the back "No RNS-E left in this vehicle overnight"...

Serously tho, unless it looks like a MK1 TT headunit cover, sounds like too much faff and i'll stick with the headunit I have and avoid the stress.

Good luck tho!
 
Interesting idea but I can't see you ever selling enough to make your money back.
 
Its just an idea at the moment, but need to explore the potential market before going ahead with it!

It would just plug into the four key holes and sit over the RNS-E, no faff involved for the customer. A sticker may not deter a thief who would just have to walk around the vehicle to look into the side windows to see if you had one or not, and removing them each night would be a drama. £30-50 to protect a unit worth £1,318 from Audi seems like a bargain to me, excluding the potential damage to side windows, doors, dashboard and hassle of replacing it!
 
Staz said:
Interesting idea but I can't see you ever selling enough to make your money back.
Click to expand...

I know, the problem being that re-tooling machines is an expensive business, so the cost per unit ratio for low order numbers is unappealing at the consumer end.
 
Won't this just cause criminals to break into all A3s because it might be an RSN-E hidden behind a standard headunit fascia? It will take them only a few seconds after breaking your window to determine whether it's a real or dummy headunit cover, by which time they'll either whip out the RNS-E anyway or just run off to try the next one they come across.

Personally, I think doing this (and advertising the idea on a public forum) will just lead to more people's A3s getting broken in to, regardless of whether they have an RNS-E on display or not.
 
Jameze said:
Won't this just cause criminals to break into all A3s because it might be an RSN-E hidden behind a standard headunit fascia? It will take them only a few seconds after breaking your window to determine whether it's a real or dummy headunit cover, by which time they'll either whip out the RNS-E anyway or just run off to try the next one they come across.

Personally, I think doing this (and advertising the idea on a public forum) will just lead to more people's A3s getting broken in to, regardless of whether they have an RNS-E on display or not.
Click to expand...

I'd have to disagree, the idea of protective covers has already been floated on this forum, just no one has picked it up and run with it. ASN is not the largest communities, and while criminals may use it to identify potential targets, if I was to sell these then it would be through a variety of means including on the Bay and (eventually) through specialist dealers so the information would get out eventually.

I'm extremely dubious that a PVC cover would have a direct result in causing higher proportions of Audi break-ins across the A3 range!
 
At the moment criminals no doubt look into people's cars and think "Yep, there's an RNS-E in there. We'll have that...". From what I understood about your original post was that you'll be making a black fascia with silver knobs (to presumably look like the standard Audi headunits) to sit over the RNS-E, hiding the fact that you have one. Surely this will shift these criminals' minds into thinking "There either is or there isn't £500 worth of RNS-E in there, it will take me 2 seconds to smash this window and find out though..."

Wouldn't that just put all A3 owners a potential target for a broken window, thereby making the break-in problem worse?

That's just my personal opinion, but I'm against the idea for that reason.
 
Jameze said:
Won't this just cause criminals to break into all A3s because it might be an RSN-E hidden behind a standard headunit fascia? It will take them only a few seconds after breaking your window to determine whether it's a real or dummy headunit cover, by which time they'll either whip out the RNS-E anyway or just run off to try the next one they come across.

Personally, I think doing this (and advertising the idea on a public forum) will just lead to more people's A3s getting broken in to, regardless of whether they have an RNS-E on display or not.
Click to expand...

Jameze said:
At the moment criminals no doubt look into people's cars and think "Yep, there's an RNS-E in there. We'll have that...". From what I understood about your original post was that you'll be making a black fascia with silver knobs (to presumably look like the standard Audi headunits) to sit over the RNS-E, hiding the fact that you have one. Surely this will shift these criminals' minds into thinking "There either is or there isn't £500 worth of RNS-E in there, it will take me 2 seconds to smash this window and find out though..."

Wouldn't that just put all A3 owners a potential target for a broken window, thereby making the break-in problem worse?

That's just my personal opinion, but I'm against the idea for that reason.
Click to expand...

Sorry but, are you serious?
 
Jameze said:
At the moment criminals no doubt look into people's cars and think "Yep, there's an RNS-E in there. We'll have that...". From what I understood about your original post was that you'll be making a black fascia with silver knobs (to presumably look like the standard Audi headunits) to sit over the RNS-E, hiding the fact that you have one. Surely this will shift these criminals' minds into thinking "There either is or there isn't £500 worth of RNS-E in there, it will take me 2 seconds to smash this window and find out though..."

Wouldn't that just put all A3 owners a potential target for a broken window, thereby making the break-in problem worse?

That's just my personal opinion, but I'm against the idea for that reason.
Click to expand...

I disagree, and thanks for your opinion, but if you don't have a RNS-E and aren't planning on getting one, please stay off this thread. The likelihood of this affecting you is minimal in terms of being broken into and I don't have to have your consent for the project!
 
Jameze said:
Won't this just cause criminals to break into all A3s because it might be an RSN-E hidden behind a standard headunit fascia? It will take them only a few seconds after breaking your window to determine whether it's a real or dummy headunit cover, by which time they'll either whip out the RNS-E anyway or just run off to try the next one they come across.

Personally, I think doing this (and advertising the idea on a public forum) will just lead to more people's A3s getting broken in to, regardless of whether they have an RNS-E on display or not.
Click to expand...

Dont think they would break in just for a "might have an rns-e" the expected payout wouldn't be worthwhile for them, too much risk with no garuntee of a rns-e being there. But who knows, my mate had a break in when he left his ashtray open with coins totaling £5....
 
immolator said:
Sorry but, are you serious?
Click to expand...

Nope, I wrote it all for the laugh...

cazza1729 said:
I disagree, and thanks for your opinion, but if you don't have a RNS-E and aren't planning on getting one, please stay off this thread. The likelihood of this affecting you is minimal in terms of being broken into and I don't have to have your consent for the project!
Click to expand...

I was offering an opinion and voicing my concerns. After all, you posted it on a public forum. And I do have an RNS-E for the record.

sliced said:
Dont think they would break in just for a "might have an rns-e" the expected payout wouldn't be worthwhile for them, too much risk with no garuntee of a rns-e being there. But who knows, my mate had a break in when he left his ashtray open with coins totaling £5....
Click to expand...

My dad had his car broken into because he left some change in his centre console. Police told him some thieves will break in for a quid if it's on display.



In response to OP's poll... wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy an old standard headunit from a scrapyard and take the front off? That will hide your RNS-E and save you a few quid.
 
Jameze said:
Nope, I wrote it all for the laugh...



I was offering an opinion and voicing my concerns. After all, you posted it on a public forum. And I do have an RNS-E for the record.



My dad had his car broken into because he left some change in his centre console. Police told him some thieves will break in for a quid if it's on display.



In response to OP's poll... wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy an old standard headunit from a scrapyard and take the front off? That will hide your RNS-E and save you a few quid.
Click to expand...

Quite apart from the fact that the head unit won't have legs to slot into the keyholes and will therefore need another method of attachment, it will protrude out from the centre console by a considerable amount and look just like a head unit thats been stuck onto another unit underneath.
 
cazza1729 said:
Quite apart from the fact that the head unit won't have legs to slot into the keyholes and will therefore need another method of attachment, it will protrude out from the centre console by a considerable amount and look just like a head unit thats been stuck onto another unit underneath.
Click to expand...

You'd be surprised.
 
Jameze said:
You'd be surprised.
Click to expand...

Not really, the 'face' of a Symphony head unit can vary between 5-15mm wide depending on age, which as the existing RNS-E sits flush to the dashboard could only protrude out away from the dashboard. It would also not fit over the existing RNS-E dials
The back of the head unit would likely scratch the RNS-E screen as they're not flat. It also would need to be secure via legs as you can't use adhesives which you'd have to make yourself and then fit to the head unit.

I don't understand your problem with the project, its designed to assist you as a RNS-E owner!
 
10+ years of say nav rns-d / rns-e ownership, with no issues I will take my chances.

That said, to be fair, I am fussy where I park.

The neatest solution I have seen so far was a modified flat steering lock, that covered the sat nav and prevented it from being pulled out the dash. Might bd a cheaper solution.
 
Best way to avoid an RNSE been stolen is to kill the permanent supply to the it. So then it can't be powered up for thieves to slide down the screen to get the final removal key in. I have thought of a way of doing it that only takes a few seconds to do when you leave and enter the car.
 
Good idea but the dash board would end up taking a bigger hamming. Lol put baby sun visors on all windows so that they can't see it or put a blancet on top of the dash or buy a car cover.
 
a3_sline_tdi said:
Best way to avoid an RNSE been stolen is to kill the permanent supply to the it. So then it can't be powered up for thieves to slide down the screen to get the final removal key in. I have thought of a way of doing it that only takes a few seconds to do when you leave and enter the car.
Click to expand...

I don't fancy replacing my dashboard when, as already posted on the RNS-E theft thread, the thieves use crowbars to get the unit out!
 
is it just me or has anyone else found this threads gone a bit *****y lol
In my opinion for someone to try and come up with an idea too a problem isn't a bad thing, I understand everyone is rightful to there own opinion but I think the opinions have got a bit strong.
IMHO I think people cover things for a reason and if I was a criminal I'd think if it's covered over its worth something. Good idea to try and come up with something though.
Like the idea of a extended modified steering lock more
 
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AndyA3170 said:
is it just me or has anyone else found this threads gone a bit *****y lol
In my opinion for someone to try and come up with an idea too a problem isn't a bad thing, I understand everyone is rightful to there own opinion but I think the opinions have got a bit strong.
IMHO I think people cover things for a reason and if I was a criminal I'd think if it's covered over its worth something. Good idea to try and come up with something though.
Like the idea of a extended modified steering lock more
Click to expand...

I have to agree and, having seen the error of trying use ASN for the benefit of its users, I will bow out of the thread. My windows are getting security filmed on monday instead.
 
cazza, thumbs up to you and well done for the idea.
I think the fact you have done that and tried to benefit people says a lot in itself even if everyone doesn't agree.
 
I too thought about a cover to hide Rns-e but, getting it to look flush with the dash and to stop the unit been stolen. the only way this would be to use a non Rns-e headunit as a blank, other wise the thief would know something was wrong and still try to break in!
 
audi upgrades
No one who doesn't have an RNS-E is going to go and buy a cover, so theives will know there is one behind the cover.

And surely it is cheaper to have a run of 3D printed covers rather than the traditional tooling setup?
 
thesmileyone said:
No one who doesn't have an RNS-E is going to go and buy a cover, so theives will know there is one behind the cover.

And surely it is cheaper to have a run of 3D printed covers rather than the traditional tooling setup?
Click to expand...

Now that's a much better idea than a tooling machine costing 10k plus! 3D printer and then finishing with some paint (as I don't believe the printers can put colour on too). I think you'd sell a few, so 3D printing would get your idea off the mark without a huge initial outlay.

I agree its got a bit aggressive in this thread. Everyone's entitled to an opinion and its good to hear opinions from both sides. I have an RNSE too and to be honest I'm not convinced I'd need a cover myself. But if the quality of the finished item was good enough and only £15-£20 I might be tempted to have one for when I park in areas I don't know that well.

Love to see a prototype to make a final decision. But don't approach as a big investment as I feel the market is too small and a lot of owners won't want the faff of remembering to slot the cover on at the end of each journey. Wouldn't want anyone to waste thousands of pounds of their own money. Good luck with it!
 
MacrosTheBlack said:
Now that's a much better idea than a tooling machine costing 10k plus! 3D printer and then finishing with some paint (as I don't believe the printers can put colour on too). I think you'd sell a few, so 3D printing would get your idea off the mark without a huge initial outlay.

I agree its got a bit aggressive in this thread. Everyone's entitled to an opinion and its good to hear opinions from both sides. I have an RNSE too and to be honest I'm not convinced I'd need a cover myself. But if the quality of the finished item was good enough and only £15-£20 I might be tempted to have one for when I park in areas I don't know that well.

Love to see a prototype to make a final decision. But don't approach as a big investment as I feel the market is too small and a lot of owners won't want the faff of remembering to slot the cover on at the end of each journey. Wouldn't want anyone to waste thousands of pounds of their own money. Good luck with it!
Click to expand...


i Agree with both arguments, and credit to cazza1729, as John McClane once said "At least i'm thinking Goddamit!!!!!"
 
It is a shame Audi didn't make it a lot more secure when they designed the dashboard !!!! However people will also argue it makes for easier retrofits i suppose !!
 
great idea but sadly too late for me, when my rnse was stolen i decided to just put a concert cd player in. been over 8 thefts in last 2 weeks and they alway use torch to make sure so i'm a bit paranoid now. they enen did one 60 mins after the first one in same road.
 
Id be interested, yes people who know there audis/cars will realise there is something behind the cover but if its just a thief thats passing and hasn't got a clue if he sees the rnse of course hell go for it, if he sees a cover that's been well made and like its supposed to be there I don't think they'll think nothing of it. I was working on a Laguna yesterday that had a slide down cover great idea. I would be interested in two covers mate.
 
nluk100 said:
Why bother when you can already buy the cover on fleabay for less than a tenner? Security Dummy Face Panel Cover for Double 2DIN 7" Car Radio Stereo DVD Player | eBay
Click to expand...

I think that would work cause when the criminal see's that he will burst out laughing and wake everyone up lol
The way I see it most criminals who are into stealing RNSE's do it cause there good at it and most probably have the unit sold before they even take it. I know it's not possible for every situation we park our cars in but at home I'd rather spend the money on a camera or an epic security lamp. Car wise if I was majorly concerned maybe try and upgrade the alarm to a ear deafening DB level. You could lock your unit away in a safe and there is someone who will still try and take.
 
As mentioned on the other thread, I'd be interested in something like this. Can kinda see both sides of the arguement above though.

Yeh, it won't stop every theft as people who target Audi's for these RNSE's, will quickly wise up or won't be fooled at all. But it may deter chance thiefs who are non the wiser. May be a good idea gauging interest and seeing other peoples views from different sections of the forum?

Keep us updated though mate, nice to see somebody try to do something about this problem! :thumbsup:

P.S. I wouldn't of thought the product in the above link will work on the RNSE due to the buttons.
 
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I'd definitely be interested in one of these, i'll be keeping a close eye on this thread. :superman:
 
If they are determined enough they will steal it. Id rather they just took it than crow barred the dash board
 
there is never going to be a way to stop thieves stealing RNSE's to be honest. best thing to do is for people to stop buying them on ebay that way there is no demand thus no need to supply but that will never happen so its a vicious circle.
 
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a3_sline_tdi said:
there is never going to be a way to stop thieves stealing RNSE's to be honest. best thing to do is for people to stop buying them on ebay that way there is no demand thus no need to supply but that will never happen so its a vicious circle.
Click to expand...

yep, but you have still got to take into account supply creates its own demand.
 
audi upgrades
I get the whole if thieves want something they'll get it no matter what but you have to try and protect your belongings! Its as if you're saying if a thief want to steal your car you'll gladly hand over your keys, you cant just let them win.
 
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