Owczar

Hi,

I am preparing to install mirabox on LS430. I have found device on China:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5G-WI...b-6a6479242df7

It based on realtek RTD1185 chipset so it should works quite smoothly. Audio output 24 bit.
Example:

I have installed in my car AV to RGBS converter for rear camera, so I decided to add new functionality.

I have builded six paths switcher to switch input video and audio signal.

Rear camera and mirabox will be connected to switch. After turn on mirabox by switch, signal will be switch navigation screen to mirabox. When I put rear drive, signal will be switch to rear camera view.

For audio signal there will be separated switch. I will be able to switch both - audio and video, only video, only audio.

Wiring diagrams draft:


My signal switcher:




I have just prepared wiring on car and connect my signal switcher.
Audio will be connected to amplifier on radio input line - it works perfect - sound volume, balance, bass etc are controled by radio.




Switches will be installed on armrest, so I have decided to use telephone wirings (my car was equipped with mobile phone but I have installed BT kit).
Probably I will add AUX near the switches.





To do:
Mount and connect switches on armrest.

At this moment I am waiting for an mirabox.

toantran99

Nice. Didn't know you can tap the backup camera

Owczar

It is not so easy but you can. I have connected by diy converter, but you can use navtool for example:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...line-ul-3.html

Car is preapred for mirabox. Audio and video switches were installed. I am looking for smoe leather to finish switch panel on armrest.

KING

iTrader: (1)

Love the clean, organized work.

Can't wait to see how you'll mount the whole system, keep up the good work!

Owczar

Whole system is not ready yet - I must use relay with aprox 5 sec delay to do not restart mirabox during engine start. But it looks that everything works fine. Video quality on YT is not so realistic because of brighntess problem and poor video camera quality. On realm it looks better.

Sound quality is very good. I can play movie and music directly form usb or by miracast.

jackies

iTrader: (5)

So you replaced the screen?
What about AC controls?

Owczar

No, this is OEM nav screen. All functions works as before. When I switch to nav screen I can select input by switch in armrest:

One button is for switching from oem navi signal to mirabox, and the second one to switch audio outpu from FM to mirabox. When both switches are in 0 position everything works like without mirabox.

During mirabox using I can normally switch to audio and set up all options like from radio or cd - volume, bass, balance, treble etc. The same with climate control.

Mirabox can play music in background without connection with phone. I plug usb, start playlist by app in phone and then everything works automatically.

On third movie I have switched to oem nav screen on 15 sec.

jackies

iTrader: (5)

Oh, I understand now. I thought you installed the aftermarket big screen unit from the first video.

Owczar

There was enough time to test this device. Everything works fine

Owczar

What we need to connect Mirabox to OEM navigation and audio systems.

The first thing is CVBS to RGBS converter. I used DIY converter. Author of this project have used the same converter on audi (VAG group), so I suppose converter for VW from aliexpress should works fine on our LS:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/After...7-cdefea158bd3

Or you can use dedicated navtool but price is four times bigger.
http://www.navtool.com/LexusLS_01-06.aspx

The next thing is audio and video signal switcher (if you have navtool you will only need audi switcher). I have separate switches for audio and video, but it could be made by one switch.
I have used four relays for audio and four relays for video. I have DIY relays modules, but you can buy similar modules on aliexpress for couple of dollars:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs-...2-f464e478df8c

If you don`t want to find wires on armrest you can use remote to steering those relays modules. Example:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-T...d-2ca2dc950b0a

Or one channel to steering both at the same time:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Porta...0-f747863e8705

The last thing is mirabox:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5G-WI...603807371.html

Total cost with VW CVBS converter will be about:
49$ converter
63$ Mirabox
3x7$ relays and remote modules

49+63+21=133$

If anyone will be interested, I will provide wiring schematics. I think, that it could be done without hurry in one day.

asujithdr

Thanks Owczar for the info. Greatly appreciated. I am going to look into this.

asujithdr

Hi Owczar, I am understanding more of the set up, but at a newbie level, please forgive my ignorance.

I understand the CVBS to RGBS converter. I guess the RGBS end plugs directly to the Nav without any wire cutting or splicing.

The relays and switches are needed to get the smooth switching between Mirabox output and OEM system output on the screen and ML amplifier. This needs to be done both for audio and video, and preferably with separate switch for maximum options.

Can you give the wiring schematics on how to set up the relays and switches. Do you need all the channels in the 4 channel relay for audio? Then separate relay for video?

Is this relay module from my local shop adequate? http://www.jaycar.com.au/arduino-com...odule/p/XC4440

And lastly about the 5 second delay set up, can you detail how it works and the purpose?

Thanks for your time and help.

Owczar

Converter will be plug in between navigation unit and LCD. You will disconnect rgbs signal from nav by relays and plug output from converter.

So you can use two channels remote controller.

I will upload them on the evening. I have found, that minus signal isn`t connected to car ground, so I decided to switch all four signals.

Yes, it is compatible - but remember to buy 12V version.

I haven`t implemented it yet, but I will add relay with condensator on mirabox power line. I will add more info after tests.

AndyDo

Hi Owczar,
I want to replace CD by a bluetooth head unit but I dont have wiring schematic for speaker. Could you please help me about wires? I just want to listen to music on my phone and handfree with bluetooth only. My cars is ls430 2003 and my head unit is JVC. Thank you so much

Georgeyang

I've 2001 lexus LS430 and I'm very interested in your post. Could you please provide wiring schematics to me? thank you very much.