New wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto for oem 10.25 screen
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
From: california
To anyone interested a CarPlay retrofit, I spent a lot of time researching the different models, and I would highly recommend the carlinkit version. There is very little information about the differences between the models, so I wanted to share my experiences.
The carlinkit version offers wireless CarPlay and a self contained control unit. It is sold on several different platforms, but I purchased mine for a 2015 non-nav is250 from carlinkit on eBay. The seller was very responsive, responding within 24hrs to all of my questions. It’s important to know that for most IS models you need the full kit, not the cheaper usb dongle.
One of the the biggest things to look for when purchasing one of these units is a seller that understands the differences between the infotainment systems in each model car. While the control box is the same (you just change the dip switches) the cables vary depending on whether you have a non nav control ****, nav control joystick, or later model touch pad. If you include these specifications when you order, it avoids many of the installation problems many people have with these kits.
The carlinkit is about $260 cheaper than the beat sonic version, however, the biggest advantage of this kit over the beat sonic is that it contains all of the functions in one control unit including wireless CarPlay, rather than two boxes connected via HDMI. Instead of using analog rca inputs, the box accepts a direct usb or wireless connection, and avoids a lot of bulk and cable management issues. The kit functions like a stock CarPlay system and retains all of the built in features like the backup camera, microphone, and steering wheel controls, and even on the smaller “non-nav” screen, the resolution looks great, not pixelated or stretched.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, but hopefully this helps 3rd gen is owners looking for a CarPlay retrofit.
-Chris
The carlinkit version offers wireless CarPlay and a self contained control unit. It is sold on several different platforms, but I purchased mine for a 2015 non-nav is250 from carlinkit on eBay. The seller was very responsive, responding within 24hrs to all of my questions. It’s important to know that for most IS models you need the full kit, not the cheaper usb dongle.
One of the the biggest things to look for when purchasing one of these units is a seller that understands the differences between the infotainment systems in each model car. While the control box is the same (you just change the dip switches) the cables vary depending on whether you have a non nav control ****, nav control joystick, or later model touch pad. If you include these specifications when you order, it avoids many of the installation problems many people have with these kits.
The carlinkit is about $260 cheaper than the beat sonic version, however, the biggest advantage of this kit over the beat sonic is that it contains all of the functions in one control unit including wireless CarPlay, rather than two boxes connected via HDMI. Instead of using analog rca inputs, the box accepts a direct usb or wireless connection, and avoids a lot of bulk and cable management issues. The kit functions like a stock CarPlay system and retains all of the built in features like the backup camera, microphone, and steering wheel controls, and even on the smaller “non-nav” screen, the resolution looks great, not pixelated or stretched.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, but hopefully this helps 3rd gen is owners looking for a CarPlay retrofit.
-Chris
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 25
From: FL
I am using the carlinkit version (which appears to be identical to the roadtop) with the **** and it is flawless. All of the issues I have seen are either with cars that have the nav split screen or that have the joy stick. That’s not to say the unit won’t work because all of those issues are eventually resolved in the threads I looked at, but the “****” installs are certainly more straightforward.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 10
From: CT
I am using the carlinkit version (which appears to be identical to the roadtop) with the **** and it is flawless. All of the issues I have seen are either with cars that have the nav split screen or that have the joy stick. That’s not to say the unit won’t work because all of those issues are eventually resolved in the threads I looked at, but the “****” installs are certainly more straightforward.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 25
From: FL
Also, I saw some people asking where to put the WiFi antenna. Since I’m a “****” car, I have a tray just ahead of the cup holders that fits an iPhone perfectly. I routed the WiFi antenna from behind the glovebox, under the radio and under the center console so it sits just below that tray.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 25
From: FL
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183870538947
Rookie
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 61
Likes: 7
From: IL
just noticed the vid from peasodos from another post.
I'm thinking that the reason why joystick control is weird is bc depending on the what OEM screen it might be on in the background, your limited by the range of joystick movements since in OEM it tends to "snap" to the next choice on the screen. So when in Carplay, you can be trying to go move a certain direction while the background OEM screen is limited.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 25
From: FL
Believe it or not, the **** acts as a joystick. The **** can rotate or tilt, but the tilt function is very limited in the stock system. However with the CarPlay unit you can use the tilt function to move in any direction no problem.
