Support & News - Latest Update: 24.02.25

Firmware updates and VW animated logo on startup:

Firmware Update via USB: This is, of course, optional; if you are happy, then dont change; at this stage, if you have the correct vehicle showing, you are out in the lead, I will update this page when more improvements or enhancements are confirmed in the firmware versions. These versions will eventually hit the OTA updates and be accessible by connecting through Wifi>Conn>hotspot name and pass corrected to SSID: 1234 / Password: 12345678.

I recognise that several units may have the upgrade cable tucked away; please get in touch if you need help accessing this or visit me for a free update, and I will complete this work for my loyal customers free of charge.

Wifi Update method advisory: If it's not confirmed as being updated by checking with me, you will likely get the same firmware installed over the top with no gains, less any settings you already programmed.

IMPORTANT: Firstly, please check which version of the Digidash you have. Units shipped after January 5th will likely have a Phone Connect menu displaying Android Auto and Carplay options and Logos, they will also have a HDMI input to the rear of the unit.

Earlier orders will have the 'Blue input screen when you go to Navigation and click down to preview HDMI input. These are the Screen mirror type when selecting the right firmware file for you from the links shared later in this post.

DISCLAIMER: These instructions and accompanying files are offered as guidance only. You should have no issues if followed correctly and for the correct unit, just as we have had no problems. Everest-VW shares these updates directly from the manufacturer after personal usage and testing to ensure they are the best known option at the time of sharing.

We accept no liability for any mishandling, misapplication, or adverse effect of updating your firmware correctly or incorrectly. This guide is just that: guidance and advice based on experience shared in good faith. We will of course do all we can to support with any unique issues experienced.

1. Formatting a memory stick in ‘fat 32’ ‘quick format’ by right-clicking and selecting ‘format’ is acceptable. However, the memory stick or SD in usb card reader MUST BE...8..16...OR 32GB in size, NO BIGGER, or SMALLER so it is possible that some larger memory sticks may not work if the unit cannot support larger formats.
2. Copy the single file ‘precisely as it is onto the memory stick. No other files are present. Please note: Do not attempt to extract the file before transferring it to the USB. The Digidash will extract from this file format, but only if the title remains the same and unchanged and not in any folders but in the root directory of the USB storage device.
3. Plug your USB storage device into the ‘Upgrade’ USB port on the back of your DigiDash.
   
4. Let it run through the entire sequence (several restarts) until you are left with Chinese writing in a box for a while on screen. NOTE:  Do not unplug during this sequence; do not interrupt power to the unit.
   
5. Remove the USB and press the ok button.
   
6. The unit will restart, and the language may be changed to Chinese. You will need to move across to the gear icon down until you see Lang, press Enter and then down until you see English.
   
7. Exit the vehicle and lock it for about 15 minutes. If you don't wait long enough, you might not see certain menu items, such as ‘Units’, and or the vehicle will not yet have changed to the T6 van.
   
8. When you return to the vehicle, you should have a T6 van option selected on startup, and you can go back through your settings, which have been reset to stock in most instances (not all).
   

Important: Now is a good time to do the logo update especially if you have the newer board, see notes below since that will probably reset your settings also. Navigate to the new 'REBOOT' command in the that now shows in the CONFIG menu below SETTINGS (the gear/cog icon in the left and right menus) REBOOT in this instance means factory reset and then reboot for many units (retaining new firmware of course). Some units may retain settings, it seems to depend on the vehicles body control module version.

A quick word from me:

Thank you again for shopping with Everest VW. Your continued support means we have the time to invest in more connectivity and compatibility between vehicles and head units. We will continue to support you with new firmware as it is developed. This latest firmware includes the T6 Van model and a colour change option (whole van).

I have also highlighted with the manufacturer that they are calculating our MPG data and, consequently, our miles left until the tank is empty using US gallon data rather than United Kingdom Imperial gallons. They are aware of this issue and are working on a new version, which I will share in the same way just as soon as I receive it. 

I identified this issue by running VCDS live data on consumption during idle. I'm making a comparison to the unit's live data readout. I am also pushing hard to add the split colour option for our vehicles since I now miss the two-tone white and blue options matching my bus.. 

If you have any other issues with firmware, please let me know through the site chat, and I will provide feedback to the developers. I also speak regularly with the CEO and continue to push to improve Everest-VW customers' operational quality.

Open, honest, transparency.. these are the reported issues being worked on for future firmware enhancements:

1. Split colour options (to change the top and bottom of the vehicle separately for the Multivan / Transporter
   
2. The consumption model uses US Gallons to calculate mpg and remaining tank miles (20% smaller gallon than Imperial UK). When fixed this will simply take the unit change to UK Gallon and adjust accordingly.
   
3. Asked about having a PIN protect for settings changes, or at least CALIBRATION.
   
4. Increments to ACC not being uniform five mph steps on some vehicles.
   
5. The maintenance countdown is not converted to Miles with the ‘UNITS’ option adjustment.
   
6. The Compass heading retention at the top of the menu would like another option to be turned off (since very few have retained the navigation CANBUS feed from OEM MiB Navi, etc.
   
7. Increased transparency on some of the HDMI digital views (some black background carries where it does need to) probably needs some graphics layers editing, Only applies to those wanting to stretch larger HDMI input view on 'Max' view for instance.
   
8. The vehicle data view in the centre needs more consideration and an increased font size. For the digital speed option, match the in-dial fonts. Almost all data in this view looks lost if used as a regular dash view for driving, but maybe you need to read ‘Coming Soon’.
   
   

T6.1 & Crafter Update: Thank you so much to my loyal customers who have pre-purchased the 6.1 and Crafter units as you wait patiently for the first batch to be received. I hoped to receive these before the end of January, but they will be a little behind on initial batch production and Chinese New Year celebrations (running for two weeks from the 26th of January). I will further extend this wait to mid-January. Things are moving fast, and this only benefits the initial release since so much has been learned through the 5.1 and T6 units; newer units (since Jan 5th) are now being shipped with standalone Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity. Without anything else, this is fantastic, but read on, and you will hear more about what is coming next.

T5.1 Frames: I greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of the unfortunate few I have supported through shipment-damaged 5.1 units. The initial frame design went through a hand-finishing stage on the outside bezel, which left the material too thin to survive the speedy DHL shipping. The replacement injection mould frames (front, back, and mounting angle plates) are coming. I have several stock units ready for fitting that landed similarly. Again, there was a learning from this that will not be repeated. But everyone has been great about it. New fitting guidance and video footage will be generated in the coming weeks as I return to fitting those units for local customers, including lots of learned tips and tricks.

T5 Units: With the mentioned delays to 6.1 and the Crafter unit design finish, I expect this will be late February or early March; I will update as I get better clarity, and I will always ask if things are changing when in contact with the development team.

UPDATED...Animated Logo Change!!: As a bonus, you can now change your startup screen to display the manufacturer's logo on startup. I love this touch; it is animated and resembles the Bees Knees! Simply access the file from the shared directory linked at the bottom of this newsletter,

Revision 1 Board way - (Blue screen casting instruction style, NOT AA/CarPlay version) put the small file on a USB like the above (same name, on its own, in the root), plug it into the upgrade port, and wait a short moment. Once completed, exit and lock the vehicle for 15 minutes. You will have another unexpected enhancement to your Digidash before your tea is cold. Note: if it didn't go in.. use the Revision 2 way if you have that new menu item in Configuration know. As REBOOT (aka factory settings restore and reboot when translated by me).

Revision 2 Board way - (hdmi on the back, AA and CarPlay in menu) do as above, but the file will not be accepted until you visit the SETTINGS > CALIBRATION. The one where the tank size and speed settings are. Scroll to the bottom and click REBOOT to select yes, then confirm. WARNING! this will reset your settings on this one typically.. but it's worth it for that animated logo goodness.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Same as the firmware update, the USB stick or SD card reader needs to be 8, 16 or 32gb in size. No larger, no smaller. Format Fat32. 

What would you do if you weren’t going to dig out that USB cable before now? Go on, get on it!..

Coming soon: I am testing and configuring an exceptional bit of kit at the moment to turn your head unit into a touch-screen Android device that automatically sends its screen over to the digidash; seamlessly, it starts up and connects automatically, not only massively enhancing what your head unit is capable off, but taking the digidash along for the ride. I am currently working to get these into kits available on the site to add to your existing and ever-evolving Digital Dashboard Experience;

Teaser Video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2365CdUpLx18KbQX9 ← Warning - may cause money to be spent soon!

This starts up with the ignition, no casting, no shares, no wifi, no nothing, remembers the view, can be customised screen size and position, has a built-in sim slot, wifi, GPS, remote control, handles any Android app, offers split screen multi-app options, can be expanded to 256 GB internal storage, can offline store Netflix shows and podcasts, can download all of the UK onto it as offline maps.. the list goes on. This is not reliant on my Alpine head unit and only needs a compatible wired Apple Carplay port to integrate, meaning the OEM stock units could be about to get a serious wakeup! Did I mention that this unit also supports wireless Carplay and Android Auto? So you can optionally use it as a standalone! Which I love! Or go ‘simple’ with a phone connection; it will harmonise those two screens! All we ever wanted was a clear OEM digidash topper for me! VW is never going to give you this level of integration. Get in touch if you want to get on this early. I am installing a few the same way as mine for a lucky few who got caught up in my initial excitement! Which is unlikely to slow any time soon; if you can't tell, im an absolute gadget addict! For those who have had any of those short WhatsApp video calls with me, you will start to understand what drives me with all this. It's a passion and a privilege to earn a living from this community support, so thank you to all who have purchased and continue to be a part of this journey as we bring these brilliant vehicles up to date with exciting new tech!

(In My opinion), I have also completed THE ultimate in-car cinema solution, and I will happily accept a challenge from anyone who thinks they have this one sown up - message me, and we can talk more about the subject. I haven't discussed it much - but I have been working on this for 4 years. Now it's nailed: multiple-screen options dependent on the vehicle setup, 100% discreet, fixed to the point where the kids can watch movies whilst we drive long journeys, movies in bed, easily transferred to awnings and outside, gaming, online, and offline options covered. I know camping isn't about AV - but when the weather throws a curveball or those long winter camping evenings draw in, this is it! Plus, playing touch screen chess with my 8-year-old son every day before school is pretty cool. Occasionally, Steam games are streamed from the home gaming PC, but things are getting too serious at that point! Let's try and keep it simple! Ha.. as if. I have also heavily researched and built an excellent fixed 5G internet solution with discreet external antennas and a Wi-Fi network for the camper, which anyone who is thinking about can get in touch with us for more info. With enough interest, we would be happy to build packages around my solutions and get them into the site in future, with fitting support optional. 

We also work hard to bring wholesale shipments for the best customer experience. We will include free next-day delivery and an optional MFSW (Multi-function Steering Wheel) controller fitted within the unit where this option is selected during ordering.

(Nearly) Final word and my ask: One last thing: if you have read all of this - or I have helped you in some way, shape or form, please support me by passing my site details or socials on to others, like and subscribe where you can - im terrible at all that - but it opens up future trading options and tech support and expansion that I dream of for the future.

Here are all my useful social links; I promise future content and videos will come soon. I have invested in DJI Osmo and even wireless mics to produce better content; I need to dust off my Industrial design degree and get my video edits and branding injected. But it's all coming as time allows; all offers of advice and guidance are gratefully accepted!

Please tell others about your experience and share positive stories through my review sites, which are steadily growing: 

1. Trustpilot: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/everest-vw.co.uk

2. Google: https://g.page/r/CQPAi5B71cGmEBI/review

It only takes a moment, but it helps me for much longer! So - Thank you!

 

Socials: Future content and guidance can be found by following these links:

Everest VW - Bits & Mods - Youtube Channel: Support Videos

everest_vw - Instagram Channel

@everest-vw.co.uk - Facebook Page

www.everest-vw.co.uk - Website Shop

T6 Forum - Pretty Decent active ramble and chatter on Digidash Guinee Pigs (they are still alive... (Kudos, CJW, for instigating)

File Link Folder: I hope you didn't skip this section. If you did, please check that you visited the highlighted links above first to leave reviews, subscribe, or like helpful content.

Firmware File Hosting - The latest firmware is in use (unit-specific). See above!!

Best Wishes and happy camping or whatever you do with yours, all from me until the following newsletter in Spring with enough to update you on; downloadable content on links will be updated as and when with the latest copies of what's hot and not what's not!

Antony Charnley (Ant) 

www.everest-vw.co.uk

sales@everest-vw.co.uk 

Whatsapp Business or mobile: 07841 025 908 

As always, I am available to chat or provide support. I'm proud to support the awesome VW community folks I've met and helped. Big love! And I'll probably see you at a few shows when I get out and about in Everest! This year, if you are going to any or think I should be there, give me a shout!

PPS.

My 2016 California Ocean has started complaining that nearly everyone has lifepo4 batteries these days, and the two 80Ah AGM batteries suck - mainly because they are failing!

I need a guru, someone who knows their way around the Cali Ocean and all its split chargers, anti-shunt, DC to DC, and general Hook-up charging informatics screen goodness that this is, and how to trick into having two 100Ah mega batteries instead. With a budget of around 1K, am I a dreamer? If I am to continue testing and sharing pioneering tech, I need more power, Scottie!

I am willing to trade my supply and skillset with another who certifiably doesn't set fire to things or blow them up regularly. IF my van catches fire, well, im not sure, but it won't be good, and I won't be seen or heard for a long while until you least expect it 😃! 

OK, signing out. Sorry for the rant, but if you read it, you encourage this behaviour.

Ant