Does this make any sense?
I have this idea of replacing my 2006 sc430 navigation screen with a 7” tablet similar to this one (https://www.ebay.com/itm/284934875728) that has built in bluetooth, wifi CarPlay and Android auto, camera input, usb etc. Since the unit is only 17 mm (.67”) thick it seems feasible that it would fit comfortably into the current nav screen housing, without disturbing much else. (Ie, no need to relocate the tilt activation board.. as many previous upgrades seem to require). I would run the audio output (3.5mm plug) through a Grom Aux adapter interface which should make it show up under CD1 as an auxilary input. Using this setup I could in essence, through Car Play, access everything I have on my cell phone, nav, phone, music, YouTube etc. I have 3 times tried to contact Grom via e-mail to get confirmation that my steering wheel controls would operate, but they can’t seem to respond…Are they still in business? I’ve read through just about all the posts regarding Navigation/radio upgrades and the lack of a good auxillary input for our beloved SC seems to be a sticking point. Most solutions (Naviks, NavTool etc) seem to be geared towards bluetooth/wifi/wired integration, which is superfluous with the unit I’m considering. I have purchased a second Navigation unit for testing, but have questions about the Grom before I proceed...as well as any know/unknown pitfalls the collective experience of this group might offer… Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

I can't and won't speak to the GROM question, but my GTA CAR KIT works just fine with the steering wheel controls.

 

...funny I just got off the GTA Car Kit page. They're a little skimpy describing the units' functionality, (couldn't find where they actually document that steering wheel controls will work)...but you have cleared that up. One question for you though...does the input show up as CD1???? thanks
We'll see how long it takes GromAudio on this forum to get back to me....I've also tried their facebook page...and others on there have commented on their lack of response...sad story...

 

This is what it shows on my '07 SC:



I've got 2 GTA Car Kits and couldn't be happier. They both work beautifully, and are very capably supported.

My experience with GROM was far different.

Good luck

 

I made it with android radio. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ispreloading=1

 

I tossed the stock nav screen and (first) replaced it with a unit from Bejing that a) turned out to have spotty satellite recognition when placed under the dash and b) was of such poor vid resolution and quality that it was virtually unviewable in daylight. I tossed Mao's 79 quacks unit and replaced it with a 250 quacks Garmin of similar dimensions, which works splendidly as a replacement nav unit, though it does not integrate with the stock speakers (resulting in somewhat muffled directions and phone conversations) and --lacking any vid inputs--only is compatible with the Garmin wireless backup camera which goes through batteries like something through a goose. But the tilt and door mechanism still function (you must save that board from the stock setup) and you have not changed the appearance of the dash. Though I've long ago replaced all the original speakers (no modding), I find the ML system (with aux/bluetooth added, 100 quacks) more than adequate.

I myself would be leery of something that sells for a c-note while purporting to provide Tesla-like service.

While we are at it however, I am intrigued by the $800-$1,000 units that have started to pop up on AliBaba and EStray, a combo climate control/radio/android piece that apparently slides into the stock ML/climate bays. They claim to include a CD player and to integrate with the steering wheel controls. But I'm also leery--given the spotty specs posted--of risking a grand. Anyone know anyone who has tried one of these?