Re: Apple CarPlay for older 405's
So i've had an exchange of emails with the manufacturer and wanted to share what I've learnt thus far
The kit you buy seenms to be a 10.25" screen that has Android built in that. This screen has the same back enclosure as the Standard Equipment and the way you keep all the original functions to is remove the 2 internal boards from your Headunit and put them inside this new screen ( headunit )
This seems a simple job TBF as shown in this video
https://youtu.be/JpamFhCet60
The kit then has a wiring harness ( to make it Plug & Plug ) with the addition of a Mic ( I assume to allow you talk to the Android OS Apps ) , GPS Receiver ( I assume so the Andriod OS APPS can use GPS ) and a GPS Speaker ( which I'm told is for the GPS Audio but I don't understand why this won't come out through the speakers )
See the pics for the kit
So, install seems very simple and totally stock ( except a MIC )
Obvisouly this kit doesn't offer CarPlay out of the box but as it's an Android Headunit adding this dongle seems to adds that functionalty
https://www.redmondpie.com/apple-carplay-u...r-any-car/
These are the questions I've asked along with the asnswers I received
Q Do all original functions still work like Climate Seat control, Massage seat control, Ambient Lighting control, Surround Cameras etc ?
A YES
Q Does the OEM voice control button work with Siri in Apple Car Play mode?
A NO
Q Why does the his new unit need GPS Anntena, GPS Speaker, External Mic as all these things should be passed to the headunit from the OEM cabling ?
A Because this android head unit system is independent from the original multimedia. And the original multimedia's functions will remain
Q Does the original OEM Nav still function ?
A The OEM Navi will work as usual.
Q Also, does this support Apple CarPlay via the OEM armest mounted USB port ?
A I don't think it support Apple CarPlay via the OEM Armrest Mounted USB.
It supports aftermarket CarPlay Dongle. Its price is US$60.
Q I’ve looked at your advert and I don’t see where a USB port is, I see a wiring harness, I see a GPS receiver, I see a MIC and I see a GPS Speaker ( but sure what this is for ? ) but no USB port
A check attached please.
It has 2 USB ports.
Q There is no Microphone is that kit, is one not required ?
A The mic will be included
Q What is the purpose of the GPS Speaker ?
A The GPS speaker will be used for navi voice.
Q I’m right in saying that the 2 black panels either side of the existing display that had soft buttons are replaced with virtual buttons on the new 10.25” display ?
A yes the screen will be replaced with 10.25" full touch screen.
Q Does the audio that comes out of the Android system ( for example if you’ve installed the App Spotify ) come out of the car audio or the GPS speaker ? Why is there a speaker just for the GPS audio ?
A Because the connection will be via AUX.So the speaker is just for navi voice.
Q Do all the steering wheel controls work when using the android system or if the carplay dongle is attached and car play is active can a phone call be accepted and cancelled using the steering wheel controls ?
A Yes