Aftermarket carplay on 2017 RX350
#1396
[QUOTE=tfrancois;11297558]
Can this be done with the lsailt?
This Roadtop Carplay interface just keeps giving. Earlier today I went out and bought a Google Chromecast with GoogleTV to hook up to the Roadtop's HDMI port. This thing is bad ***... It's like having a Nvidia Shield in you car but only uses 5 Volt DC, 1.5 amp, 7.5 Watts max.
I don't see any reason to buy a Carplay interface that runs android apps. It could never come close to competing with GoogleTV. The GoogleTV interface is so smooth for entertainment apps and is easy to use with the provided remote. For its size and only pulling 7.5w, it's really fast and as stable as you're going to get.
[
/QUOTE]
I recently installed the Grom Audio VLine2 in my 2017 RX and did the EXACT same thing here - in fact my HDMI/USB connector is setup exactly as yours is (in the same place as well) and I use my FireTV stick without issue. So many options now to play/watch in my vehicle on the 12.3" screen, I actually look forward to long trips in the car. I'm def glad my 2017 didn't come with factory Carplay. I'd much rather the setup I have now and will be hard to give it up when I decide to upgrade the model year in a few years. Was lucky and got a mint 2017 with only 20K miles so don't have to worry about that just yet!
I don't see any reason to buy a Carplay interface that runs android apps. It could never come close to competing with GoogleTV. The GoogleTV interface is so smooth for entertainment apps and is easy to use with the provided remote. For its size and only pulling 7.5w, it's really fast and as stable as you're going to get.
[
/QUOTE]
I recently installed the Grom Audio VLine2 in my 2017 RX and did the EXACT same thing here - in fact my HDMI/USB connector is setup exactly as yours is (in the same place as well) and I use my FireTV stick without issue. So many options now to play/watch in my vehicle on the 12.3" screen, I actually look forward to long trips in the car. I'm def glad my 2017 didn't come with factory Carplay. I'd much rather the setup I have now and will be hard to give it up when I decide to upgrade the model year in a few years. Was lucky and got a mint 2017 with only 20K miles so don't have to worry about that just yet!
#1397
I also have a Grom Vline2. Can you explain, if the interface for the FireTV Stick automatically boots up on the screen once it is plug in or is there an option I have to choose to switch to the FireTV Stick?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#1398
I just got my Roadmap device, install went perfectly fine. I'm doing some testing BEFORE I button things back down. Here are some issues that I'm having.
1) Remote Lever navigating around the menus is TERRIBLE. To finicky. I can get around but man its aggravating and my wife will not put up with that. So hopefully there's something I'm missing or can do.
2) No audio via Apple CarPlay. I can see my Pandora music timer going but there is NO SOUND at all. I have sound coming from my built in radio, etc.
3) there is a white horizontal bar flashing on the bottom of the screen. Not sure if the scaling is off or I need to do something to adjust that or not.
4) I cannot hear or people cannot hear me during a call. I can hear voice prompts about a text message but not sure if this is the OEM feature or the RoadTop device.
I've checked the dip switches and they are correct for my vehicle.
Does any one have any recommendations?
1) Remote Lever navigating around the menus is TERRIBLE. To finicky. I can get around but man its aggravating and my wife will not put up with that. So hopefully there's something I'm missing or can do.
2) No audio via Apple CarPlay. I can see my Pandora music timer going but there is NO SOUND at all. I have sound coming from my built in radio, etc.
3) there is a white horizontal bar flashing on the bottom of the screen. Not sure if the scaling is off or I need to do something to adjust that or not.
4) I cannot hear or people cannot hear me during a call. I can hear voice prompts about a text message but not sure if this is the OEM feature or the RoadTop device.
I've checked the dip switches and they are correct for my vehicle.
Does any one have any recommendations?
Last edited by whiteghost; 06-03-22 at 12:30 PM.
#1399
Code:
Touch Pad/Remote Lever = Remote Lever
Code:
Using Car's BT Phone = on
Code:
Mic Echo PreConfig = lx570
Last edited by natedahms; 06-04-22 at 05:28 AM.
#1400
Thanks for the help!
1) I have the touch pad in the settings of the Roadmap device set to REMOTE LEVER. Ok, I'll give that a shot with using the left/right and then enter button instead of pushing down on the joystick.
2) I did not know about this AUX setting and will set this up. I will also delete all Lexus Bluetooth devices and delete the Lexus Bluetooth on my phone. Another question related to this...does this mean in the future I'll need to select AUX every time we get in the vehicle to get the audio working? If so, that kind of sucks...I hope not and hope that its automatic from then on.
3) I'll keep looking around about this issue and check the display settings and verify the dip switches.
4) I will delete the all Bluetooth connections and use just the Roadmap Bluetooth. I'll also, configure the mic echo preconfigured to LX570.
Another question to clear up. I am assuming I need to go into the Roadmap settings and change the "AA Menu/Back Key to ON?
1) I have the touch pad in the settings of the Roadmap device set to REMOTE LEVER. Ok, I'll give that a shot with using the left/right and then enter button instead of pushing down on the joystick.
2) I did not know about this AUX setting and will set this up. I will also delete all Lexus Bluetooth devices and delete the Lexus Bluetooth on my phone. Another question related to this...does this mean in the future I'll need to select AUX every time we get in the vehicle to get the audio working? If so, that kind of sucks...I hope not and hope that its automatic from then on.
3) I'll keep looking around about this issue and check the display settings and verify the dip switches.
4) I will delete the all Bluetooth connections and use just the Roadmap Bluetooth. I'll also, configure the mic echo preconfigured to LX570.
Another question to clear up. I am assuming I need to go into the Roadmap settings and change the "AA Menu/Back Key to ON?
#1401
The following users liked this post:
whiteghost (06-03-22)
#1402
I just got my Roadmap device, install went perfectly fine. I'm doing some testing BEFORE I button things back down. Here are some issues that I'm having.
1) Remote Lever navigating around the menus is TERRIBLE. To finicky. I can get around but man its aggravating and my wife will not put up with that. So hopefully there's something I'm missing or can do.
2) No audio via Apple CarPlay. I can see my Pandora music timer going but there is NO SOUND at all. I have sound coming from my built in radio, etc.
3) there is a white horizontal bar flashing on the bottom of the screen. Not sure if the scaling is off or I need to do something to adjust that or not.
4) I cannot hear or people cannot hear me during a call. I can hear voice prompts about a text message but not sure if this is the OEM feature or the RoadTop device.
I've checked the dip switches and they are correct for my vehicle.
Does any one have any recommendations?
1) Remote Lever navigating around the menus is TERRIBLE. To finicky. I can get around but man its aggravating and my wife will not put up with that. So hopefully there's something I'm missing or can do.
2) No audio via Apple CarPlay. I can see my Pandora music timer going but there is NO SOUND at all. I have sound coming from my built in radio, etc.
3) there is a white horizontal bar flashing on the bottom of the screen. Not sure if the scaling is off or I need to do something to adjust that or not.
4) I cannot hear or people cannot hear me during a call. I can hear voice prompts about a text message but not sure if this is the OEM feature or the RoadTop device.
I've checked the dip switches and they are correct for my vehicle.
Does any one have any recommendations?
The connections were different from the video "professor garage" uploaded however I was able to figure it out since all the connections were specific to certain cords.
It all seems to be working well except I have no audio at all. I removed/"forgot "my cell phone from the car as recommended and also ensured that the car is in the aux setting. My pandora also shows that it's streaming but no audio whatsoever on that or from calls.
I'm about to put it back together now and is hoping someone has a working solution.
Thanks!
#1403
ROAD TOP wireless CarPlay - Android Auto installation experience and initial impressions
I bough the Road Top few weeks ago and installed it couple of weeks (using Professor Garage on YouTube as guideline). I ran my USB and additional camera (for my trailer) cables to center console so that they are readily accessible.
I have been trying to work out few of the issues with the vendor since then. So far happy with vendors responsiveness and helpfulness.
I have a 2016 RX with Navigation (12.3" screen) mouse (Joystick) and 360 camera 📸
Here are the issues I had and what I figured out and what was suggested by vendor remotely:
1- Mouse was very finicky and erratic - Vendor suggested that I install the mouse connection cable to the mouse and change the toggle switches accordingly. That improved it greatly
2- Bluetooth calls would go through AUX instead of RX OEM Bluetooth. - changed the setting in Road Top and also with the change of toggles after installation of mouse connection it is much better. Still occasionally calls go through AUX. I have to go to OEM screen and uncheck HANDSET in Bluetooth call then sound comes through car Bluetooth.
3- Screen was shifted up and the remaining OEM was visible (about 1/8") from bottom and kept flickering. - Vendor created an update file and I installed on unit and it is good now.
4- Music from phone was playing through AUX at lower quality. - I connected my phone to RX as media and phone and switch to Bluetooth input. Then use the play button on dash to start the phone music (Spotify) and the music is played through OEM Bluetooth input ant good quality, while the display shows apple CarPlay
If you want sound from CarPlay (Map or text message reading from Siri then your input must be on AUX.
Siri still works by holding the unhook phone button on steering wheel, even if you are on Radio or Bluetooth input. It hears you, but you can not hear it back since it routes sound through AUX.
I have both an Android and Apple phone and find that CarPlay has been better with mouse movements and less connection issues. I have to physically connect the Android occasionally through USB to connect Android Auto. CarPlay connects regularly, wirelessly.
I will test it for few more weeks for mid-term performance and report back. Hoping that long term it will be reliable.
Stay Tuned for more updates in the future.
I bough the Road Top few weeks ago and installed it couple of weeks (using Professor Garage on YouTube as guideline). I ran my USB and additional camera (for my trailer) cables to center console so that they are readily accessible.
I have been trying to work out few of the issues with the vendor since then. So far happy with vendors responsiveness and helpfulness.
I have a 2016 RX with Navigation (12.3" screen) mouse (Joystick) and 360 camera 📸
Here are the issues I had and what I figured out and what was suggested by vendor remotely:
1- Mouse was very finicky and erratic - Vendor suggested that I install the mouse connection cable to the mouse and change the toggle switches accordingly. That improved it greatly
2- Bluetooth calls would go through AUX instead of RX OEM Bluetooth. - changed the setting in Road Top and also with the change of toggles after installation of mouse connection it is much better. Still occasionally calls go through AUX. I have to go to OEM screen and uncheck HANDSET in Bluetooth call then sound comes through car Bluetooth.
3- Screen was shifted up and the remaining OEM was visible (about 1/8") from bottom and kept flickering. - Vendor created an update file and I installed on unit and it is good now.
4- Music from phone was playing through AUX at lower quality. - I connected my phone to RX as media and phone and switch to Bluetooth input. Then use the play button on dash to start the phone music (Spotify) and the music is played through OEM Bluetooth input ant good quality, while the display shows apple CarPlay
If you want sound from CarPlay (Map or text message reading from Siri then your input must be on AUX.
Siri still works by holding the unhook phone button on steering wheel, even if you are on Radio or Bluetooth input. It hears you, but you can not hear it back since it routes sound through AUX.
I have both an Android and Apple phone and find that CarPlay has been better with mouse movements and less connection issues. I have to physically connect the Android occasionally through USB to connect Android Auto. CarPlay connects regularly, wirelessly.
I will test it for few more weeks for mid-term performance and report back. Hoping that long term it will be reliable.
Stay Tuned for more updates in the future.
The following users liked this post:
gromaudio (06-17-22)
#1404
For those interested in GROM VLine VL2 system for Lexus 2017 RX 350 with factory nav, we have Father's Day special today with $50 off. Coupon code is DAD22. The correct module (LEX89VL2) is available here:
https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex89.html
If you have Lexus RX 350 2017 no-nav, different model will be needed (LEXKVL2):
https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lexk.html
https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex89.html
If you have Lexus RX 350 2017 no-nav, different model will be needed (LEXKVL2):
https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lexk.html
#1405
I’m having the exact same issue, how did your ground the wire? Did you tape the round nub thing to the radio metal frame?
#1407
The main issue I see is iOS is straight trash... which is exacerbated because this Carplay interface isn't 100% OEM Carplay...
1) There is no option in iPhone settings to select what type of Bluetooth connection you want, Phone or Audio.
2) There is no option in iPhone settings to preferer a WiFi SSID.
2) There is no way to choose a preferred map, podcast or music app on an iPhone.
3) Apple AI chooses your playback destination
iPhone uses AI to determine these last three things. WTF was apple thinking? They some how think their AI knows what I want to do better than I do... Apple obviously caters to less technologically advanced uses that need the phone to make decisions for them.
To get around these limitations first thing you have to do is go into your iPhones Bluetooth settings and "Forget" the OEM Lexus Bluetooth.
Then go into Lexus Bluetooth settings and "Forget" your iPhone.
Then re-pair them but DO NOT give Lexus RX OEM Bluetooth permissions to your iPhone contacts or messages. If you do the OEM Lexus phone screen will occasionally take priority over Carplay.
Then go into Lexus UI settings.
Click Bluetooth
In Bluetooth Setup click on your phone's name
Then at the bottom right click "Device Info"
Change "Connect Audio Player From" = "Device"
Then go into your Bluetooth settings in your iPhone and Disconnect from the OEM Lexus Bluetooth connection. (not forget, just disconnect)
Then back into the Lexus UI's Bluetooth settings for your phone's name and click "Connect as a Phone" leaving Connect as Audio Device disconnected.
This is the only way I've found to prevent an iPhone from connecting for both Phone and Audio every time you start the car.
Then go into Roadtop settings.
Wheel key swap = < No swap >
Touch Pad/Remote Lever = Remote Lever > (If you have Joy Stick)
AA Menu/Back Key For Left/Right Switching = ON (This allows you to jump to different sections of Android auto's new split screen using the Menu and Back key)
Using Car's BT Phone = ON
Then in Roadtop settings
Go into CarPlay/AndroidAuto
Enable Carplay U/D Key = ON (This enables the up/down buttons between Map & Menu)
Then on your iPhone, go into
Settings
>Accessibility
>Touch
>Call Audio Routing
Select "Bluetooth Headset"
Then find and open the "Shortcuts" app on your iPhone
Click "Automation" at center bottom of screen
Click "+" in upper right corner of screen
Click "Create Personal Automation"
Select "Bluetooth"
Device = LEXUS RX OEM bluetooth connection
Click "Next" in upper right corner of screen
At bottom "Search for apps and actions"
Type "WiFi"
Select "Set Wi-Fi"
Click "Next" in upper right corner of screen
Click "Done"
This automates turning on WiFi every time your iPhone connects to Lexus OEM Bluetooth. Its just a fail over incase your WiFi is off or has a issue connecting to Roadtop Carplay because it's connected to another WiFi connection that Apple's AI prefers.
Then do the same again... But this time
YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE CAR CONNECTED TO CARPLAY
Click "Automation" at center bottom of screen
Click "+" in upper right corner of screen
Click "Create Personal Automation"
Select "Bluetooth"
Device = LEXUS RX OEM bluetooth connection
Click "Next" in upper right corner of screen
At bottom "Search for apps and actions"
But this time...
Type "Change Playback Destination"
Select "Change Playback Destination"
Click the blue word "iPhone"
Then Select "Carplay"
Click "Done"
* If you are not connected to Carplay, Carplay will not come up as an option.
This automates your playback to Carplay when connected to OEM Lexus Bluetooth. Its the only way around Apple's AI choosing for you based on what you use most.
You have to set Source to AUX on OEM Lexus UI.
Even with these fail overs, sometimes Lexus UI will auto switch from AUX to Bluetooth when you start the car. Doesn't happen often but does happen, so if no audio, that is most likely the reason.
All these work arounds and automations above are equivalents of settings a top tier Android has natively.
Also note Carplay will not work while your iPhone is connected to a VPN. In all fairness, Android Auto doesn't work while connected to VPN either, but a full screen message will pop up in Android OS letting you know there's a error within Android Auto and tells you to disconnect from your VPN. I guess Apple likes to keep people guessing.
Last edited by natedahms; 06-22-22 at 05:41 PM.
The following users liked this post:
rxtimes2 (06-21-22)
#1408
I HIGHLY recommend the Grom VL2 for RX350 owners! The support team is US-based and therefore you'll get quicker responses to your support questions, you get both CarPlay and Android Auto for the price, AND the build quality is outstanding and does not require you to switch out the 12.3" screen. I shockingly installed it myself following the guides in this thread and everything works! Very happy customer.
#1409
SOLVED: regarding the clear wifi connection (music) and the choppy/clipping in and out sound bluetooth connection (google navigation voice)...in my case i didn't have to use any grounding wires for the roadtop unit. It was a simple firmware update the vendor sent to me and i updated it via usb. I was previously on "CUST Version: LR166" and updated to "CUST Version: LR168_a". Music/navigation sound all good. Caller still hears an echo though, might have to try out connecting phone to OEM bluetooth only. Another thing, the navigation voice was way too loud over the music and I didn't know how to adjust it...turns out if you adjust the "alert volume" in the roadtop audio settings it will adjust the google navigation voice volume. Mine is set to 7.
#1410
Anyone upgraded to the newest MCU on the Lsailt?
My unit is now blinking every second with an audible clicking noise. The remote touch no longer works. It isn't the turning on at all.
Is my unit bricked?
My unit is now blinking every second with an audible clicking noise. The remote touch no longer works. It isn't the turning on at all.
Is my unit bricked?