[gtgoff]

Are any of these options using a digital audio connection rather than the analog aux connection?

 

[TheWojtek]

I don't think the L322 provides a digital aux in.

 

[gtgoff]

Isn’t that effectively what the iPod connection is?

 

[TheWojtek]

In 99% of the cars I know, the iPod connection with this characteristic cable is analog audio + usb for track management via 30-pin iPod plug. This is due to the fact DRM-protected files could not be accessed via USB connection at this time. Apple allowed for it later, in pure USB iPod input (30 pin or Lightning on the other end) which needs to be Apple certified and includes additional hardware/software for decoding the DRM-protected files.
USB does not transmit standard PCM stream as it is in case of a CD changer hooked up to MOST loop, if you put an USB stick with mp3 files it is just a storage device and the whole decoding is done on the headunit side.

 

[gtgoff]

In this case, how does the Invery Bluetooth adapter work? Isn’t it fully digital through the iPod connector?

Alternatively, there’s the CD path you mention. Have none of these CARPLAY units attempted going that direction?

 

[TorontoDee]

Update on my end: After being pleased with everything other than an initial 3 second Echo in a phone call, and having to go wired for AA, I decided to research and try to address both these non-deal breakers with a Bluetooth module to bridge the final gap between the shortcoming of the Navtool box and the end user's smartphone. Good news: for $50, I bought the latest carlink BT module on AliExpress, and all is good now. Completely plug and play. Phone connects wirelessly for AA (CarPlay already did this, oddly enough), no more initial echo, and I am completely satisfied. At this point I'm good. (At least until I get the bug to remove the stock head unit completely and install a 10 or 12 inch screen, which will likely be a project for next year. Having a full OLED screen with 8gb RAM and a truly up to date CPU will bring the vehicle fully in line with the modern age).

 

[ttforcefed]

anyone familiar with naviks? good review here:

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Naviks is proud to offer our HD and regular Navigation systems that will add the GPS capability to your monitor. Naviks is proud to offer our HD and regular Navigation systems that will add the GPS capability to your monitor.

naviks.com

 

[SimonL322]

I now have the NavTool installed in my 2012 Range Rover, with huge thanks to 75Jimmy and TorontoDee!

Installation

I followed the installation instructions from 75Jimmy.

I ran into some trouble fishing the RCA from the head unit down to the radio module as described in the link above, but that was easily solved by removing the glovebox. It was so easy to fish the wires after doing that.

Then I had trouble towards the end, trying re-fitting the dashboard vent - that was solved by unclipping one side of the vent fascia, which made it much easier to get the vent into place.

It's a bit congested behind the glovebox, so I have the NavTool positioned on the side of the centre console. The NavTool is bulky and only just squeezes in here. My car used to have deployable side steps at one point, so there was a module for that here - which I ended up removing to make room for the NavTool. (If I ever find some used side steps, maybe I will have to redo things, but I doubt I will ever find side steps that are in good shape.)

Configuration

I made some adjustments to the audio levels, based on what TorontoDee has previously posted here on the above link. It sounds pretty good.

I had to buy a wireless CarPlay dongle (CarlinKit 5 specifically), as the NavTool's built-in wireless CarPlay was frustrating to use. Pairing was painful, and then after the phone was paired it would only connect to the NavTool sporadically. When it was connected, the audio would cut in and out sometimes.

Review

I'll start with the bad...

Having to select the camera view, and then hold the end call button every time you start the car is a little annoying, especially compared to the Android head unit in my other car that boots straight into CarPlay.

There are no swipe/touch gestures, but this is to be expected given the screen is from 2010.

NavTool maps the mode button to play/pause in CarPlay, but at the same time, it still causes the OEM head unit to change the audio source.

NavTool/CarPlay appears washed out - and changing the brightness in the OEM head unit, or changing the brightness/contrast in NavTool does not do anything to fix this. I know the screen is capable, because all the OEM functions appear great... just not NavTool.

The NavTool video output is analog, so maybe that is a reason why it's washed out ... but because it's analog, small text is not crystal clear on the screen.

It was frickin' expensive for what it is, especially when converted to Canadian dollars... $850 CAD, and then I had to buy a wireless CarPlay dongle on top of that.

Now for the good...

I really like that I retain all the original functionality and aesthetic of the OEM screen. I guess I shall see how often I use that CD changer from now on...

The NavTool was entirely plug and play, which helped simplify the installation somewhat. Installing an Android head unit or the UAD module, requires a lot more disassembly of the dash.

NavTool utilizes the OEM microphone, which is great... I know that Android head units and the UAD module require a aftermarket microphone.

 

[Michael J]

I ended up getting this CarPlay module

Apple Carplay for Range Rover Vogue, Sport, Freelander

⭐ 2 years warranty⭐ Great customer service⭐ Worldwide free shipping Apple Carplay module for your Range Rover Vogue, Sport, Freelander Don't change your ways, use your preferred applications on your original screen with Carplay. Waze, Coyote, Siri, Google Maps, Plans, Apple Music, Spotify and...

thecarplayer.com

 

[SimonL322]

I ended up getting this CarPlay module

Apple Carplay for Range Rover Vogue, Sport, Freelander

⭐ 2 years warranty⭐ Great customer service⭐ Worldwide free shipping Apple Carplay module for your Range Rover Vogue, Sport, Freelander Don't change your ways, use your preferred applications on your original screen with Carplay. Waze, Coyote, Siri, Google Maps, Plans, Apple Music, Spotify and...

thecarplayer.com

I would be really interested in a review of this unit… I didn’t even know this one existed. Y the look of the photo, it looks like you have to disassemble the headunit similar to the UAD one?

 

[rippinmachines]

I now have the NavTool installed in my 2012 Range Rover, with huge thanks to 75Jimmy and TorontoDee!

View attachment 319779

Installation

I followed the installation instructions from 75Jimmy.

I ran into some trouble fishing the RCA from the head unit down to the radio module as described in the link above, but that was easily solved by removing the glovebox. It was so easy to fish the wires after doing that.

View attachment 319778

Then I had trouble towards the end, trying re-fitting the dashboard vent - that was solved by unclipping one side of the vent fascia, which made it much easier to get the vent into place.

It's a bit congested behind the glovebox, so I have the NavTool positioned on the side of the centre console. The NavTool is bulky and only just squeezes in here. My car used to have deployable side steps at one point, so there was a module for that here - which I ended up removing to make room for the NavTool. (If I ever find some used side steps, maybe I will have to redo things, but I doubt I will ever find side steps that are in good shape.)

View attachment 319780

Configuration

I made some adjustments to the audio levels, based on what TorontoDee has previously posted here on the above link. It sounds pretty good.

I had to buy a wireless CarPlay dongle (CarlinKit 5 specifically), as the NavTool's built-in wireless CarPlay was frustrating to use. Pairing was painful, and then after the phone was paired it would only connect to the NavTool sporadically. When it was connected, the audio would cut in and out sometimes.

Review

I'll start with the bad...

Having to select the camera view, and then hold the end call button every time you start the car is a little annoying, especially compared to the Android head unit in my other car that boots straight into CarPlay.

There are no swipe/touch gestures, but this is to be expected given the screen is from 2010.

NavTool maps the mode button to play/pause in CarPlay, but at the same time, it still causes the OEM head unit to change the audio source.

NavTool/CarPlay appears washed out - and changing the brightness in the OEM head unit, or changing the brightness/contrast in NavTool does not do anything to fix this. I know the screen is capable, because all the OEM functions appear great... just not NavTool.

The NavTool video output is analog, so maybe that is a reason why it's washed out ... but because it's analog, small text is not crystal clear on the screen.

It was frickin' expensive for what it is, especially when converted to Canadian dollars... $850 CAD, and then I had to buy a wireless CarPlay dongle on top of that.

Now for the good...

I really like that I retain all the original functionality and aesthetic of the OEM screen. I guess I shall see how often I use that CD changer from now on...

The NavTool was entirely plug and play, which helped simplify the installation somewhat. Installing an Android head unit or the UAD module, requires a lot more disassembly of the dash.

NavTool utilizes the OEM microphone, which is great... I know that Android head units and the UAD module require a aftermarket microphone.

Were you ever able to improve the resolution on the screen? I am keen to install one of these but feel i'd be very disappointed if it looked 'washed out' on the screen.

 

[SimonL322]

Were you ever able to improve the resolution on the screen? I am keen to install one of these but feel i'd be very disappointed if it looked 'washed out' on the screen.

There's not a way to improvement the screen quality unfortunately. The Unique Auto Developments version might be better in terms of screen quality, but there's no way to tell without comparing them side by side.

If I were to do it over, I might consider an Android head unit. You lose all the built-in functionality and looks of the original OEM head unit, but the screen will look better and be snappier.

 

[LexScl]

Hi everyone. I am on my 3rd Rover and oddly have not posted here, but have gained valuable knowledge from other posts. My question is has anyone installed the Navtool Android Auto/Carplay unit on a 2010 to 2012 L322? I installed one in my 2008 and it works fantastic. My 2012 does not have DVD based navigation which is how the 2008 connects, and the Navtool website is vague on how it interfaces. Before I purchase one I was hoping someone could share their experience. I searched the forum but all posts have been for pre-2010 models concerning the Navtool.

2008 L322, 4.4L V8 petrol, Johnson Rods 2", 32" tires, Voyager rack, ARB Awning, Prospeed rock sliders
2012 L322 5.0L V8 petrol, stock

I’ve just got a 2008 L322 4.2L and want to install CarPlay on it. Is this the one you purchased?

 

[NashvilleRover]

Revisiting this thread. I just installed 2 Navtools in my L322’s (11 SC and 12 SC both with 360 cameras since there are a couple of software versions). My screen is washed out and the audio is eh. Why doesn’t the later model hand off with the Navigation button line the earlier L322’s (I know they are different brand radios but that is just so much cleaner. Also I see lots of earlier radio pictures with what appears to be very clear screen display. Anyone made more headway or can I get the instructions that make other users happy with this piece? Thanks all.

 

[addict]

Revisiting this thread. I just installed 2 Navtools in my L322’s (11 SC and 12 SC both with 360 cameras since there are a couple of software versions). My screen is washed out and the audio is eh. Why doesn’t the later model hand off with the Navigation button line the earlier L322’s (I know they are different brand radios but that is just so much cleaner. Also I see lots of earlier radio pictures with what appears to be very clear screen display. Anyone made more headway or can I get the instructions that make other users happy with this piece? Thanks all.

nope I hate my Navtools so much I ordered 5x of a different CarPlay module to install in my L322s.

 

[Skifreak85353]

So is the Unique Auto option still the best in Oct 2025?