Voice control and A5 Cab

[thetoothdoc]

Has anyone managed to activate the voice control function for the cab ?
I had a quick try with someones vagcom but couldnt access the correct control section.
I assume it has be deactivated due to increased noise in the cab ? the buttons on the steering wheel but when pressed comes up with a statement that the button is not used.

[Cosmicblue]

Excellent timing Toothdoc - I was sat waiting for the lady wife today, browsing the handbook via MMI and stumbled accross the bits on voice activation - looks really rather nifty.

On the B7 Cab with the RNS-E DVD Navigation it was disabled by default from the factory even though (and just like the A5) there was a button for it on the steering wheel. CraigyB up in Manchester turned mine on last time.

I have asked the dealer - my Cab's LH door mirror is heaterless so I'm dropping it on Friday anyway if they can turn it on - it will be worth half an hour's worth of labour if thet can get it working.

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by Cosmicblue

Excellent timing Toothdoc - I was sat waiting for the lady wife today, browsing the handbook via MMI and stumbled accross the bits on voice activation - looks really rather nifty.

On the B7 Cab with the RNS-E DVD Navigation it was disabled by default from the factory even though (and just like the A5) there was a button for it on the steering wheel. CraigyB up in Manchester turned mine on last time.

I have asked the dealer - my Cab's LH door mirror is heaterless so I'm dropping it on Friday anyway if they can turn it on - it will be worth half an hour's worth of labour if thet can get it working.

Hey Cosmic - if you get it V-Cmd sorted please see if the techy will share with you how it was was enabled and post it for the rest of us.

loc said it was something to do with the 5F codes. See post http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthrea...65/index3.html (#68)

Cheers

[loc]

Yeah, 5F is the module "location" for the MMI 3G main unit, so it would be logical voice control is coded/adapted through that. Just my speculation and, again, RNS-E example (the A3/TT/R8 navi) shows that Audi could also ship different firmwares for voice and without, so no guarantee a simple coding exists to enable voice control in MMI 3G Cabriolets.

AFAIK, VAG-COM doesn't yet know any codings for the 5F unit? Unless a very recent update does. But of course a dealer's VAS system might - and comparing codings in Coupés and Cabriolets 5F units in VAG-COM might also be helpful.

[loc]

Since the question of voice control in A5/S5 Cab seemed to pop up so often, I wrote an article about the entire topic:

Is it possible to enable voice control/speech dialogue system in an Audi cabriolet?
http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...cecontrol.html

[thetoothdoc]

Cosmic
Any luck with the voice control when the car was with the dealers ?

[Cosmicblue]

Toothdoc - no, I had to cancel the appointment due to a change of diary schedule and I've since discovered that the suspected faulty mirror was caused by the pillock in the drivers seat not having the mirror switch in the centre position

I have no grumbles at all with the car - so no excuse to go to the dealer....

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by Cosmicblue

Toothdoc - no, I had to cancel the appointment due to a change of diary schedule and I've since discovered that the suspected faulty mirror was caused by the pillock in the drivers seat not having the mirror switch in the centre position

I have no grumbles at all with the car - so no excuse to go to the dealer....

....so easy done TBH

[thetoothdoc]

Had a reply from Audi CS re: voice control

"Thank you for your email regarding your Audi A5 and the factory fitted MMI 3G HDD satellite navigation system.
I am not aware of a reason for the voice recognition to be deactivated. Your local Audi Centre is kept informed of the latest technical information by the manufacturer and will be happy to look into your enquiry and investigate further. "
Spoke to my dealer who could not find that my vehicle had been fitted with this and told me that this was a factory fit module only and couldnt be retrofitted by them , not sure I am convinced especially as no one else seems to have this facility and it wasnt on any option list.

[shmee150]

Seems like I am shortly to have the same problem as you, I am hoping there is a solution and look forward to hearing it.

Tim

[thetoothdoc]

The definitive answer ?

"I have checked the factory specification of your vehicle, which confirms that the voice control module is not included. Unfortunately this is not available as an option on the A5 Cabriolet. "
Ian Tinsley
Customer Service Advisor
Audi UK

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by thetoothdoc

The definitive answer ?

"I have checked the factory specification of your vehicle, which confirms that the voice control module is not included. Unfortunately this is not available as an option on the A5 Cabriolet. "
Ian Tinsley
Customer Service Advisor
Audi UK

Hey Toothdoc, guess you were as unsurprised as was I with the official response, especially as we always new the answer anyway that it is 'not an option' for the cab.

The real question is can the A5 Coupe voice control module be fitted to the A5 cab to enable the system as it seems VAG-COM cannot do this?

I can't believe the system architecture would be different given that the mic etc is fitted to both variants. If so, what work would be involved to fit the module, just a simple replacement job? There must be an audi teckie out there somewhere that could find out....

Cheers

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by Mulski

Hey Toothdoc, guess you were as unsurprised as was I with the official response, especially as we always new the answer anyway that it is 'not an option' for the cab.

The real question is can the A5 Coupe voice control module be fitted to the A5 cab to enable the system as it seems VAG-COM cannot do this?
I can't believe the system architecture would be different given that the mic etc is fitted to both variants. If so, what work would be involved to fit the module, just a simple replacement job?

Cheers

If we can find out I'll give it a go!

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by shmee150

If we can find out I'll give it a go!

If I could find out the answer before May, I'll let you know how it works

Cheers

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by Mulski

If I could find out the answer before May, I'll let you know how it works

Cheers

I look forward to seeing! I just can't see how the kit won't be there, but I imagine if it was we'd know how to enable it. It doesn't make sense.

But nonetheless I look forward to hearing about it!

[Mulski]

Found this today.

Have sent a mail to kufatec to ascertain whether it can be retro-fitted to the 2010 cab model, and if so what's involved.

http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_i...udi-A5-8T.html

Cheers

[loc]

Originally Posted by Mulski

Found this today.

Have sent a mail to kufatec to ascertain whether it can be retro-fitted to the 2010 cab model, and if so what's involved.

http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_i...udi-A5-8T.html

Cheers

Sorry, no luck - that is the MMI 2G SDS module. MMI 3G has no physical SDS module and AFAIK no A5 Cabs have been shipping with MMI 2G.

Is it possible to enable voice control/speech dialogue system in an Audi cabriolet?
http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...cecontrol.html

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by loc

Sorry, no luck - that is the MMI 2G SDS module. MMI 3G has no physical SDS module and AFAIK no A5 Cabs have been shipping with MMI 2G.

Is it possible to enable voice control/speech dialogue system in an Audi cabriolet?
http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...cecontrol.html

Hi loc. understand your argument, and your article whilst interesting doesn't provide a solution; not a critisim, just the current situation, and as Audi do not seem inclined to enable/embed voice command on the cab, the only other option is an aftermaket solution.

As kufatec appear to have resolved this for the MMI2G along with other technology solutions, it may therefore present them a viable business case - subject to sufficient interest - to develop a solution for the MMI3G.

Afterall someone has to raise the idea for any solution to materialise.

Cheers

[Cosmicblue]

That response actually says that there isn't a separate SDS module, so what is there for the Coupe is most probably also in the Cabrio - but turned off.

The previous B7 Cabrios with RNS-E DVD Navigation - were like that, the steering wheel had the button for voice control but the software was disabled in the factory.

CraigyB up in Manchester enabled mine, worked a treat.

[Mulski]

Okay so what loc et al seem to be saying is that for MMI3G the 'voice module' is a software component embedded within the system rather than a seperate physical hardware module.

So, in order to enable it it would probably require either a software upgrade by Audi (not likely) or b) and aftermarket solution (software and/or hardware) as there appears to be no 'current' solution with VAG-COM.

Cosmic; as you have already had a relationship with CraigyB (??) in Manchester would you see if he is exploring a means by which to resolve and enable the current system and in the meantime, I'll continue with kuftec and others who may be able to assist.

Cheers

[Cosmicblue]

Have asked the question Mulski.

Incidently CraigyB has tried to join this Forum and his application was denied, his practical insight and ability to enhance Audi systems is probaly the best in the UK - it is a shame not to have him here.

[S5-CAB-10]

I have seen this issue discussed before but need some clarification. My U.S. brochure clearly states that voice command is included. Is the lack of voice command limited to the euro spec A5/S5 cabs??

[loc]

Mulski:

Hi loc. understand your argument, and your article whilst interesting doesn't provide a solution; not a critisim, just the current situation, and as Audi do not seem inclined to enable/embed voice command on the cab, the only other option is an aftermaket solution.

Sure, I get it, you really want a solution and I understand perfectly! Even though I don't have an A5 Cab, I'm really interested in the solution myself.

However, what my article does provide, is the framework within which I believe the solution must be. What Kufatec are providing above clearly wasn't and isn't compatible with the A5 Cab.

The solution is likely a VAG COM coding (if the speech software/hardware is always present and just disabled), some sort of software retrofit/hack like is available for the older RNS-E (illegal perhaps but available nevertheless), or a swap of the MMI 3G head-unit.

3) A5/S5 with MMI 3G Navigation or Navigation Plus

Prior to launching the A5/S5 (and possible future A7 Cabriolet), Audi never shipped full MMI in a non-fixed roof car. Earlier cabriolets relied on radios or RNS-E (and its predecessors). As far as I know, the previous full MMI, MMI 2G, never shipped in an Audi cabriolet and the MMI 3G in A5/S5 Cabriolet with (and only with) factory navigation is the first full MMI in an Audi cabriolet. If for some reason (market differences or something), someone has an Audi cabriolet with the earlier MMI 2G, see this article for how to retrofit a voice control module in MMI 2G. In MMI 3G there is no separate voice control module.

So, in MMI 3G there is no separate voice control module, it is all built in the MMI 3G main unit. In fact, voice control is standard on the MMI 3G in known markets and vastly improved over the old voice control in MMI 2G which was optional. It is just that, again, for whatever reason, Audi has chosen to strip this feature from the A5/S5 Cabriolet. This is reflected in the price of the MMI 3G, which is a little lower on the A5/S5 Cabriolet compared to the A5/S5 Coupé. But if the MMI 3G main unit (located at address 5F for all you VAG-COMmers out there) already houses voice control, surely it can be re-enabled simply?

One can hope. Judging by the scenarios 1) and 2) above, either of two possibilities is likely: the voice control may be there, just dormant, and require a simple coding activation - or, it might be like the RNS-E, that the voice control has been removed from the firmware/hard drive (unlike RNS-E, the MMI 3G, the Plus version, also has a hard drive) and requires firmware changing to work. But there are also some more sinister scenarios, one of them relating to the way SVM (Software Version Management) system and codes are employed by Audi in the MMI 3G, the system might require a code and a real-time online authorization from Audi to get voice control, and judging from past experience Audi might not give you such a code/permission - probably not even for a price.

Retrofitting an MMI 3G from a car with voice control might work, but again the SVM system, component protection etc. requiring dealer attention (that they may be unwilling or unable to give) are bogey men hunting you when it comes to MMI 3G retrofits (you may want to read this and this as well as the links there).

At the time of writing (and I am sure this will change down the road as more is researched), the main problem is: the info just isn't out there and Audi sure ain't talking. Let us hope for a good outcome for this, best being a simple VAG-COM coding solution...

[javii]

I have retrofited MMI 3G into my MY2009 A4 B8. I buyed the 5f unit through ebay and the unit came from an A5 Cabrio. Now everything is working but no SDS. Now I have MMI 3G without SDS, like cabrios

I'm not sure if it will be able to adapt/coding something with VCDS and enable it. A solution will be buying a 5f from a non-cabrio car.

BTW I think part numbers for 5f unit in a4, a5 and a5 cab are the same, so the problem should be in the software.

best regards

[loc]

Originally Posted by javii

I have retrofited MMI 3G into my MY2009 A4 B8. I buyed the 5f unit through ebay and the unit came from an A5 Cabrio. Now everything is working but no SDS. Now I have MMI 3G without SDS, like cabrios

I'm not sure if it will be able to adapt/coding something with VCDS and enable it. A solution will be buying a 5f from a non-cabrio car.

BTW I think part numbers for 5f unit in a4, a5 and a5 cab are the same, so the problem should be in the software.

best regards

If the part numbers for 5F (and assuming 5F is where the voice control is) are the same for Cabrio and other models, then it most likely is just a coding/adaptation issue. Audi usually seems to have different part numbers for items with different software in them even if the hardware is the same, because workshops need to be able to replace a part based on the part number. If, and I haven't checked but if, if the part numbers are the same then likely it is just a coding issue. Someone post their 5F long coding and maybe some adaptation channel info in a Coupe and compare it to javii's...

On the A3/TT navigation device the RNS-E the part numbers for voice control enabled units are different, even if the difference there is too only in software (but not only in coding).

[javii]

Problem solved!

SDS can be enabled with VCDS

http://audiforum.us/mmi/13459-change...html#post81597

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by javii

Problem solved!

SDS can be enabled with VCDS

http://audiforum.us/mmi/13459-change...html#post81597

I don't really understand, but this sounds like absolutely fantastic news! Actually I'm really confused, ignore me.

[loc]

Great stuff javii, again thanks.

I updated it to my signature's VAG COM page too so it is easily found in the future as well.

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by javii

Problem solved!

SDS can be enabled with VCDS

http://audiforum.us/mmi/13459-change...html#post81597

Originally Posted by loc

Great stuff javii, again thanks.

I updated it to my signature's VAG COM page too so it is easily found in the future as well.

SUPERB NEWS !!!!!

Thanks guys and loc, thank you for your patience and perseverance in helping us cab owners obtain a solution to enable SDS - really appreciated.

Cheers

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by Mulski

SUPERB NEWS !!!!!

Thanks guys and loc, thank you for your patience and perseverance in helping us cab owners obtain a solution to enable SDS - really appreciated.

Cheers

Are you going to be the first to do it? Looking forward to knowing how it goes