2016+ LX570 Carplay Upgrade

[MrKushy]

Ah, gotcha. Consider me less than incompetent, if there's a word for that level of ignorance when it comes to wiring and electricity.

No. No such ground to be found on the box, wiring harnesses, etc. It's ok. Crutchfield is replacing it. However, the imaging when connected in Android Auto mode doesn't take up the full screen on the LX. So, I'm looking for a replacement anyways.

Have you tried out any of the competitor options with success?

 

[grinchy]

No, I haven’t used such a box. Others may have though and will likely jump in.

 

[nhibbs3]

No close-up pics of the install yet. It's still taken apart due to not putting in the time during the workweek.

What exactly do you mean by grounding? It's a "plug and play" sort of system with harnesses that swap out (or daisy chain), and some input/output wires that go into black boxes.

The buzz starts/stops when I disconnect/connect the Aux cord from the box which also connects the HDMI and microphone.

View attachment 2912632

Hey - New here... 2018 LX 570.

I joined specifically so I could learn more about the Android/Apple interface. I bought the Crux version on Crutchfield...took the entire freaking dash apart only to find that the Aux cable gives off an obvious and consistent buzzing sound. Returning the item with the dash still torn apart like an open heart surgery patient.

1) Any issues noted with the sound quality on the other models in this thread?
2) Anyone tried with Android and not Apple? It seems most of you leaned towards Apple functionality.
3) Anyone else tried any of the "name brand" (eg Beat-Sonic) versions? I'm usually not one to gamble on the effort of installing an Aliexpress item.

Thanks in advance

I wouldn’t be afraid of an aliexpress unit. I put one in my Porsche 911 lol it works great. All of these name brand ones are just rebranded Chinese/Korean units anyway. Se seems the ai aliexpress ones are the only ones that use fullscreen not stretched so that is the only option I m considering

 

[dstock]

I installed the cheap aliexpress option linked above. The picture doesn't fill the screen only the right 2/3rds. No real help from the seller other than change dip settings. Anyone know what dip switches should be on/off? The joystick is a nightmare to use as well.

 

[Lawdoglc]

I installed the cheap aliexpress option linked above. The picture doesn't fill the screen only the right 2/3rds. No real help from the seller other than change dip settings. Anyone know what dip switches should be on/off? The joystick is a nightmare to use as well.

Hopefully you got his worked out by now but try the settings for rocker on this. There is a setting in options that makes it so that only left/right movement on the joystick get a response from the carplay box. Try changing that.

 

[dstock]

Thanks! I got a response from the vendor and have dip 2&3 “on” which worked to fill the screen. I have a 2020 so maybe I should try 2 & 4 from your picture tho? I have leanered how to manage with the remote and it’s not too bad. The up down button works on most screens and then left right is the way to navigate. I mainly use Siri which is great. No button pressing just say “hey Siri” and she does just about anything you need.

I am pretty happy with it. Picture looks great on it.

 

[AnyMal]

Thanks! I got a response from the vendor and have dip 2&3 “on” which worked to fill the screen. I have a 2020 so maybe I should try 2 & 4 from your picture tho? I have leanered how to manage with the remote and it’s not too bad. The up down button works on most screens and then left right is the way to navigate. I mainly use Siri which is great. No button pressing just say “hey Siri” and she does just about anything you need.

I am pretty happy with it. Picture looks great on it.

Post some photos if you can.

Thanks.

 

[nhibbs3]

Thanks! I got a response from the vendor and have dip 2&3 “on” which worked to fill the screen. I have a 2020 so maybe I should try 2 & 4 from your picture tho? I have leanered how to manage with the remote and it’s not too bad. The up down button works on most screens and then left right is the way to navigate. I mainly use Siri which is great. No button pressing just say “hey Siri” and she does just about anything you need.

I am pretty happy with it. Picture looks great on it.

Awesome! Glad it fills the screen now! Does it look stretched out at all? Or is it the true widescreen CarPlay with 5 columns of icons instead of 4?

 

[trevorr90]

Just installed my Aliexpress unit a few hours ago. Works like a charm, everything worked but only issue is the joystick being all wonky and difficult to use. Anyone have afix for that?

Otherwise, everything works as it should.

'21 LX if that matters

 

[AnyMal]

Just installed my Aliexpress unit a few hours ago. Works like a charm, everything worked but only issue is the joystick being all wonky and difficult to use. Anyone have afix for that?

Otherwise, everything works as it should.

'21 LX if that matters



View attachment 3004916

Which one? Got a link?

 

[trevorr90]

Which one? Got a link?

259.09US $ 35% OFF|Wireless Carplay For Lexus Nx Rx Is Es Gs Rc Ct Ls Lx Lc Ux Gx, 2014-2020 Android Auto Mirror Link Airplay Car Play Functions - Car Multimedia Player - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

They're pretty much all the same though

 

[AutomtcNoStatic]

259.09US $ 35% OFF|Wireless Carplay For Lexus Nx Rx Is Es Gs Rc Ct Ls Lx Lc Ux Gx, 2014-2020 Android Auto Mirror Link Airplay Car Play Functions - Car Multimedia Player - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

They're pretty much all the same though

Assuming you might have the OEM second row screens does the system allow for mirroring what is on the main screen to the rear screens while in use? Maybe setting the OEM system to rear, as if your playing a DVD, allows for all three screens to display the same content?

Wishful thinking I suppose.

 

[trevorr90]

Assuming you might have the OEM second row screens does the system allow for mirroring what is on the main screen to the rear screens while in use? Maybe setting the OEM system to rear, as if your playing a DVD, allows for all three screens to display the same content?

Wishful thinking I suppose.

Can't be any help there sorry! Base model 2-row '21 LX lol

 

[MrKushy]

Got my 2016 lx570 right before Covid 19 and today I just finished doing the carplay upgrade on it. I did some researches and find a couple of solutions before I pull the trigger and want to share my experience with you guys so you know what to pick if you want to upgrade LX's info system.
1. OEM Screen Projection
So our car has device projection function which can go thru Aux port and basically what you have to do is transfer your phone's charging port to HDMI and then use a device to transfer hdmi to three color rga cable and then from three color rga cable to single aux cable. This function is OEM but there is one limitation which is when vehicle is in motion, you can only hear sounds instead of seeing the videos. Beat sonic has a DVD/NAV bypass solution that you can use to see videos when vehicle in motion. Beatsonic also has the phone mirror kit which I think is just a combo of nav bypass and video port convertor. The good thing is that you can use it with any devices but there is also disadvantage that since it is screen mirroring, you have to keep your phone screen on all the time and locking you phone will freeze it.
2. Beatsonic Carplay Upgrade
Right now it is about 600 bucks and it provides you upgrade to capability with Carplay and Android Auto. They provide great installation tutorials and provide customer support since they are based US. Going thru the installation takes around 3 hours. The only reason why I did not pick it is that their carplay projects apps with a 4x2 grids which makes the whole thing looks distorted because I feel the interface was designed for a smaller interface like IS and they just stretch it horizontally.
View attachment 2307504
3. Grom Vline 2
Grom vline2 gives an upgrade more than Carplay and Andriod Auto because the console itself is an android based system so you are putting an android tablet into your car and let it project to your car screen. Right now it is priced between 550-600 bucks and they have certified dealer that help you install it in case you don't have anytime to DIY and the labor is around 250 bucks. You can directly use any apps like google maps, waze instead of connecting your phone to it as long as it has internet connection. With an android system, Carplay and Android Auto can be added to it easily. The reason why I prefer beat sonic over grom vline is that it is an android system and as my experience with android phones, all of them get super slow after one year even if you are having the legacy andriod phone for that year like Samsung S20 so I am just afraid that this console will become super slow in the future and it will be much more pain to use it. But if you have experience with grom vline after using it with a period of time, please correct me if I am wrong.
4. Unbranded Carplay Console from Aliexpress
I end up getting some unbranded carplay console from aliexpress and it is around 300 bucks. I think it is self developed system and it has more function than beat sonic which includes wireless and wire carplay, wireless and wire andriod auto, iPhone airplay (iPhone wireless mirroring function), USB video play but has less than Grom Vline since it is not andriod system. It displays carplay apps with a 5x2 grids and the resolution looks much better than beat sonic. The bad thing is that their technician has no idea on how to install it and the customer support is none when you have trouble to install it. But after two day's try and with the reference of beatsonic video on youtube, I am able to install it successfully and have it run smoothly. It supports our 360 surround camera when in back up mode but it does not support the auto surround-view camera when the vehicle is in slow speed.
View attachment 2307506
View attachment 2307507
View attachment 2307508
In conclusion, I would say that if you have enough time to work on your car and love exploring new things, you can get the unbranded console from aliexpress and DIY but don't expect any helpful customer support during installation. If you want to save your time and have a fully supported customer service, I would recommend you buying beatsonic or grom vline even though their prices are higher but it is worth it.
I will also keep updating in future how everything goes whether the system can run smoothly after a period of time and any bugs or glithes it has.

Did you have any issues with your joystick not being responsive? I bought one off of Aliexpress and installed it today. Mine appears to have the same menu as yours, so likely a very similar model.

 

[nhibbs3]

Just installed my Aliexpress unit a few hours ago. Works like a charm, everything worked but only issue is the joystick being all wonky and difficult to use. Anyone have afix for that?

Otherwise, everything works as it should.

'21 LX if that matters



View attachment 3004916

How does the 360 camera work? I have mine setup to turn on the 360 camera at low speed does it come up over the CarPlay display smoothly?
what is messed up with the joystick control? How does it behave?

 

[MrKushy]

How does the 360 camera work? I have mine setup to turn on the 360 camera at low speed does it come up over the CarPlay display smoothly?
what is messed up with the joystick control? How does it behave?

All of the cameras work just fine...reverse, front at slow speeds, 360. Automatically switches between the two systems. Flashes the OEM screen for a fraction of a second when moving back to Android Auto, but that doesn't bother me.

I now have 2 issues:
1) The joystick basically feels "dead". So, you know how when you're in the OEM system the joystick automatically kicks back to the central position after you move it in any direction? My joystick just moves and stays to whatever position you are selecting as if the car were turned off. This is only in the Android Auto Wireless and not the OEM Lexus system. The joystick comes back to life when back in Lexus mode.
2) When I move the selector in Android Auto the selector moves in the OEM system as well. Additionally, when I make a selection or hit Enter the same action occurs in the OEM system. I've placed plenty of accidental phone calls now through the OEM system since selections are being made while I'm toggling in Android Auto.

I sent a message to the Seller last night, but they are in China. Waiting to hear back.

 

[nhibbs3]

All of the cameras work just fine...reverse, front at slow speeds, 360. Automatically switches between the two systems. Flashes the OEM screen for a fraction of a second when moving back to Android Auto, but that doesn't bother me.

I now have 2 issues:
1) The joystick basically feels "dead". So, you know how when you're in the OEM system the joystick automatically kicks back to the central position after you move it in any direction? My joystick just moves and stays to whatever position you are selecting as if the car were turned off. This is only in the Android Auto Wireless and not the OEM Lexus system. The joystick comes back to life when back in Lexus mode.
2) When I move the selector in Android Auto the selector moves in the OEM system as well. Additionally, when I make a selection or hit Enter the same action occurs in the OEM system. I've placed plenty of accidental phone calls now through the OEM system since selections are being made while I'm toggling in Android Auto.

I sent a message to the Seller last night, but they are in China. Waiting to hear back.

Oh thanksFor the update! I hope they can fix the joystick

 

[nhibbs3]

I bought one of these from aliexpress but its so hot out I haven't gotten around to installing it. Man I wish I had an air conditioned garage.

 

[swampfox14]

any update on the joystick issue/solution?

 

[AnyMal]

From all my ongoing shopping, im leaning naviks.
But it seems they all use aux override for audio.

I dont like my fully digital path being weakest linked to a unidentifiable DAC.
And then over 2 pole TRS at that. Im using apple music high res lossless, there is still loss over bluetooth, but the conversion is in the ML system If im not mistaken.
The audio is an area im still learning, but i believe its a digital path to the ML.

Driveway king @grinchy , what say you?