Floating head unit (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Jrod
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@skink Have you used an app like Gaia? Does it have the processing power to work a mapping app like that?
I believe that CarPlay relies mainly on the phone's processing power, and the head unit basically acts as an external display. I've used Gaia on an older, cheaper JVC unit and the experience was good. Same for Waze, Apple Maps, Google Maps, etc. I did open all those apps up on the Kenwood but haven't taken a trip with them yet.
The main thing that comes into play is the quality of the touch screen for panning, zooming, etc, and then obviously the size, brightness and glare-resistance of the display for legibility. All those are good on this unit.
It's different with some units like the Tesla-style head units that, I believe, are actually full Android tablets underneath the hood, capable of running apps independently (as well as acting as CarPlay and Android Auto receivers). In the case of running apps natively on those units, you are relying on the head unit itself to do the processing.
Hey @skink, are you still liking the Kenwood? Anything you’d do different, and any experience with whether it bounces around when the road gets rough?
I still like the Kenwood a lot. It does way more in terms of EQ and modes and all that than I need, and the ergonomics of the interface are great. I've had no problems with it.
I very rarely try to do this, because I don't watch movies in the car, but the ability to mirror the screen from the iPhone to play a video is somewhat hit or miss. I hear the Android functionality for this is better and even works over wireless, whereas the iPhone must be plugged in. But again, I've maybe tried that twice and gotten it to work eventually, just not as easy as you might hope.
The main thing I'm after, wireless CarPlay, is very solid. All apps work great. The mid-price speakers I put in with factory wires sound great, except the tweeters are a bit loud and harsh, which I fixed with the equalizer on the head unit. The screen is very responsive and crisp and the HD backup camera looks awesome.
The playback of dashcam videos from the paired Kenwood dashcam is not HD which is kind of a missed opportunity, since the camera itself is, but no big deal.
No bouncing around whatsoever.
You really can't see the clock and the outside temperature anymore, which is mildly annoying, and I never tried adjusting it further to fix that (it's not clear you could easily do that). Parts of the climate controls are obscured but it makes no difference to my ability to manipulate them, you just might not see the top of the gauges.
I wouldn't change my choice of head unit at that time, although I don't know what might be available now. I should have changed out my D light on the dash since I already had some of the trim off to route the mic, but I don't think I would have done anything else differently.
I very rarely try to do this, because I don't watch movies in the car, but the ability to mirror the screen from the iPhone to play a video is somewhat hit or miss. I hear the Android functionality for this is better and even works over wireless, whereas the iPhone must be plugged in. But again, I've maybe tried that twice and gotten it to work eventually, just not as easy as you might hope.
The main thing I'm after, wireless CarPlay, is very solid. All apps work great. The mid-price speakers I put in with factory wires sound great, except the tweeters are a bit loud and harsh, which I fixed with the equalizer on the head unit. The screen is very responsive and crisp and the HD backup camera looks awesome.
The playback of dashcam videos from the paired Kenwood dashcam is not HD which is kind of a missed opportunity, since the camera itself is, but no big deal.
No bouncing around whatsoever.
You really can't see the clock and the outside temperature anymore, which is mildly annoying, and I never tried adjusting it further to fix that (it's not clear you could easily do that). Parts of the climate controls are obscured but it makes no difference to my ability to manipulate them, you just might not see the top of the gauges.
I wouldn't change my choice of head unit at that time, although I don't know what might be available now. I should have changed out my D light on the dash since I already had some of the trim off to route the mic, but I don't think I would have done anything else differently.
@mcqueenracing just checked out the pics in your sig, very nice!
No complaints about the 2000 model year except for the D light, the door lock actuators when it's really hot, and one time, trouble filling the tank when it was really hot.
No complaints about the 2000 model year except for the D light, the door lock actuators when it's really hot, and one time, trouble filling the tank when it was really hot.
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Zooguy
SILVER Star
I really do like the ease of this installation but I have two questions for you.
**First how tall are you?
That will tell me approximately your seating position. I'm 6 ft tall and the top of my head sits approximately two and a half inches away from the ceiling. Being a RAM mount I'm sure you have tons of adjustability to get the screen angle satisfactory.
**Second question while driving off-road or rough streets with your mounting point do you get very much bounce or wiggle while driving?
Anytime I've ever mounted something to hold my cell phone or a screen it inevitably wiggles and drives me crazy. Any chance you have a video of you driving off-road?
I’m 5-10.
No problems that I remember about it wiggling. I sold my 100 earlier this year so no more pics or video.
I used to have a video my son took while driving and it was pretty solid, he was more shaky than the mount
Zooguy
SILVER Star
ThanksI’m 5-10.
No problems that I remember about it wiggling. I sold my 100 earlier this year so no more pics or video.
I used to have a video my son took while driving and it was pretty solid, he was more shaky than the mount
That's the same model I've been looking at.
Based on some of the YT install videos, I would have thought it could sit just a little bit higher?
I know you've been asked about it, but have you looked at adjusting it since install?
I thought I'd revisit this thread with Black Friday sales coming up.
So I'm trying to figure out which floating display to go with the Focal components in the LC; Alpine, Pioneer, Sony, or Kenwood.
I used to be a big Kenwood fan, then they got bought by JVC and their quality really dropped. But understand they're much improved.
I have a tablet for off-road trails using Gaia, but I'm thinking a floating display with all the audiophile bells and whistles and CarPlay would serve both purposes.
Right now I'm sort of leaning towards Sony's XAV-9500ES.
Any recommendations or experiences are appreciated!
So I'm trying to figure out which floating display to go with the Focal components in the LC; Alpine, Pioneer, Sony, or Kenwood.
I used to be a big Kenwood fan, then they got bought by JVC and their quality really dropped. But understand they're much improved.
I have a tablet for off-road trails using Gaia, but I'm thinking a floating display with all the audiophile bells and whistles and CarPlay would serve both purposes.
Right now I'm sort of leaning towards Sony's XAV-9500ES.
Any recommendations or experiences are appreciated!
shtbrwn86
SILVER Star
If Bluetooth matters to you for phone calls then I would look at Alpine. I've tried so many bluetooth stereos over the years (all with dedicated mics) and they all sound like garbage on the other end. Meanwhile people can hear me just fine on my old Alpine in my 1st Gen 4Runner with the top off. I've since put Alpines in my LX and my Kia and they are all great.
Interesting you mention Alpine. When I use the vehicle "configurator" on Crutchfield it says no Alpine units fit the double din 1999 LC.
But on Alpine's website it shows a number of their digital media receivers should work.
When I questioned a Crutchfield rep about this, he said their configurator just shows none of the Alpine's would fit.
I'm still undecided and was a little disappointed no one had any real good floating head unit sales on over Thanksgiving weekend.
shtbrwn86
SILVER Star
There is someone on here that installed an older Alpine floating head unit and he had to cut out part of his bezel to make it fit which wasn't something I was willing to do. But the newer version of that headunit should fit. I'll see if I can find the conversation...
shtbrwn86
SILVER Star
So it was the ILX-F509 someone installed and it looks like it fit. The issue with the older Alpine floating screens is that the screen is too thick, like an old computer monitor. The newer ones are much thinner and thus seem to clear the bezel much better.
That's a big help @shtbrwn86! Thanks for that.
I was wondering if it was simply how far out the screen extended and if it was past the top of the dash in the '99 LC.
I was wondering if it was simply how far out the screen extended and if it was past the top of the dash in the '99 LC.
shtbrwn86
SILVER Star
From what I remember he wanted to install the stereo, put the trim back, then attach the screen but it didn’t clear. He had to attach the screen and then slide the trim around the screen and when he did that the screen was too big to fit through the opening. This is from our chat…
these floating screens don't really fit well In the 100.. I have the Sony XAV-AX100 from 2015.. I still think the best most stock looking unit. In 2025 I admit the screen seems a bit small.. it is just so easy to use / simple flawless CarPlay. the one posted above (AX-1000) is ok but you lose controls.. I would look for an old XAV AX100... I also might try a unit I could fit in the large LX470 opening to take up most of that space.. you will miss having a rotary knob... for volume!
netcase
Someone else already had "IH8MUD" ;-)
Blake1, I appreciate your recommendation and I am probably going to pick up a used XAV-AX100. I’m not sure what I need from a wiring harness and mic perspective. Do you have any accessories or installation suggestions?
Netcase.. man I installed the over 10 years ago now.. and it has been flawless. I put it in a 2001 LX470 and at the time was able to source a harness that was plug and play.. . I think you have a 1999.. that is super easy compared to mine. . I think you can just buy a harness for a 1999 LC. I kept my factory amp which required the adapter.. for you this should be super duper easy for a 1999 .. look at crutch field for the harness.
