GROM VLine Owners (Please post only if you've owned this device) (1 Viewer)

[burtlively]

Update on my Grom:
Tremendous customer service experience!
Grom worked with me extensively to fix my issues. System works flawlessly.
I upgraded my Tundra’s Vline to A12 with no issues whatsoever.
I cannot speak to other’s experiences with GROM’s service, but they have fixed my issues every time I’ve had any.

 

[lx200inAR]

From what I read on the Fb owners thread, they are working feverishly to resolve issues with the A12 upgrade. I think one of the biggest was breaking wired CarPlay. That has been resolved with latest update. Hopefully they are still working on the portrait/landscape issue with Android apps.

 

[jetstream23]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the GROM VLine VL2 for my 2009 LC. Still have a couple questions/concerns but the reportedly new, upgraded hardware and the Android 12 OS are making this an easier decision.

Does anyone know if you purchase a new VL2 now does it ship with A12 loaded? I'd have a strong preference for that rather than having to immediately do a software update the minute it arrives.

Does the VL2 now use the factory microphone instead of its own separate mic that needs to be routed?

The 2009 LC does not have USB, only the 3.5 Aux. For wired Carplay would you simply route a Lightning-USB cable to the Grom unit? I'd prefer wired vs. wireless Carplay.

Appreciate any answers/info. TIA

 

[c4xplsv]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on the GROM VLine VL2 for my 2009 LC. Still have a couple questions/concerns but the reportedly new, upgraded hardware and the Android 12 OS are making this an easier decision.

Does anyone know if you purchase a new VL2 now does it ship with A12 loaded? I'd have a strong preference for that rather than having to immediately do a software update the minute it arrives.

Does the VL2 now use the factory microphone instead of its own separate mic that needs to be routed?

The 2009 LC does not have USB, only the 3.5 Aux. For wired Carplay would you simply route a Lightning-USB cable to the Grom unit? I'd prefer wired vs. wireless Carplay.

Appreciate any answers/info. TIA

Can’t speak to the android version but as far as the USB, yes - you’d just need the USB extension to connect the lightening cable.

You could also put one of these into the blanks on the right side of the steering column for a cleaner look.

USB Pass through to suit Toyota

USB Passthrough to suit Toyota Switch *for stock levels, please call our warehouse on 1300 504 060

www.ecvisionsound.com

 

[WickedCrawler]

Hey all, waiting for my VLine VL2 ro be delivered for my 2015 LX. I plan on installing and leaving the box behind the screen and using a USB extender cable to have a connection in my glovebox (for updates and peripherals) vs having the whole box in the glovebox and taking already limited storage space.

Those of you that have done it that way, can you share pics, experiences, and advice for this? How did you set it back there so it would be secure and not rattle?

Another question. Does the factory USB port allow carplay connection with the VLine or is a direct USB connection only via the VLine USB port?

Any advice and guidance would be appreciated!

@gromaudio

 

[c4xplsv]

Hey all, waiting for my VLine VL2 ro be delivered for my 2015 LX. I plan on installing and leaving the box behind the screen and using a USB extender cable to have a connection in my glovebox (for updates and peripherals) vs having the whole box in the glovebox and taking already limited storage space.

Those of you that have done it that way, can you share pics, experiences, and advice for this? How did you set it back there so it would be secure and not rattle?

Another question. Does the factory USB port allow carplay connection with the VLine or is a direct USB connection only via the VLine USB port?

Any advice and guidance would be appreciated!

@gromaudio

For my 14 LC, the box can just nestle in behind the screen. I tidied up the cables with Velcro straps as well so it was clean. If you use the USB converter cable as shown a few posts up, then that will bypass the factory USB into the grom device. Just make sure to plug the USB cable into USB1 on the Grom (USB2 doesn’t pass CarPlay). Otherwise, you will have to run a separate USB cable somewhere else like the glovebox. Personally I like the clean factory look when possible so I opted to go with the $12 conversion cable and use the factory USB hook up for CarPlay.

It’s one of those installations that you’ll “see what I mean” when you go to put it all back together. It fits together pretty well. I’ve had the head unit and screen out of my land cruiser at least 10 times… Really not difficult to do.

 

[WickedCrawler]

For my 14 LC, the box can just nestle in behind the screen. I tidied up the cables with Velcro straps as well so it was clean. If you use the USB converter cable as shown a few posts up, then that will bypass the factory USB into the grom device. Just make sure to plug the USB cable into USB1 on the Grom (USB2 doesn’t pass CarPlay). Otherwise, you will have to run a separate USB cable somewhere else like the glovebox. Personally I like the clean factory look when possible so I opted to go with the $12 conversion cable and use the factory USB hook up for CarPlay.

It’s one of those installations that you’ll “see what I mean” when you go to put it all back together. It fits together pretty well. I’ve had the head unit and screen out of my land cruiser at least 10 times… Really not difficult to do.

Thank you!! I’m all about the factory look and using my factory USB for CarPlay. Can you hook me up with some details/link on the $12 conversion cable? I went back to the grom site to my specific model and was hoping they would have marketed that cable as an add on but no dice. I want to make sure I order the same thing you did!

 

[lx200inAR]

If you are going to bury the box in the dash, it might be a good idea to wire in a switch in line with the power to it so you can power cycle it easily. I haven’t needed to power cycle mine that often, but it does require it sometimes. Might be able to accomplish this pulling the right fuse, but I’ve never looked into that.

 

[c4xplsv]

Link to cable - not sure why this isn’t just included w the unit since you specify make/model at time of purchase. Make sure to hook into USB1 at the GROM unit and you’ll also need to use supplied usb extension cable as the cable below is more of an adapter and won’t reach.

USB Retention Cable VLine Lexus Toyota Acura Honda

USB Retention Cable VLine Lexus Toyota Acura Honda

gromaudio.com

Helpful thread - more on GROM

GROM VLine for CarPlay Android Auto in Toyota Land Cruiser 2010-2012

Hi all, We recently installed the GROM VLine VL2 system for CarPlay Android Auto integration into the factory car stereo of Toyota Land Cruiser 2010-2012. Here is step-by-step install video: We show how to connect the system to the back of the stereo and display and how to route the cables to...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[WickedCrawler]

Link to cable - not sure why this isn’t just included w the unit since you specify make/model at time of purchase. Make sure to hook into USB1 at the GROM unit and you’ll also need to use supplied usb extension cable as the cable below is more of an adapter and won’t reach.

USB Retention Cable VLine Lexus Toyota Acura Honda

USB Retention Cable VLine Lexus Toyota Acura Honda

gromaudio.com

Helpful thread - more on GROM

GROM VLine for CarPlay Android Auto in Toyota Land Cruiser 2010-2012

Hi all, We recently installed the GROM VLine VL2 system for CarPlay Android Auto integration into the factory car stereo of Toyota Land Cruiser 2010-2012. Here is step-by-step install video: We show how to connect the system to the back of the stereo and display and how to route the cables to...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thank you! Just got off of help chat with GROM and they say it has not been tested with the LEX78TVL2 unit that I ordered. For less than < $20 though, it might be worth the gamble to test myself.

 

[c4xplsv]

Yea I don’t blame you, just don’t fully reassemble the dash before testing - once upon a time (or two) learned that the hard way

I’d be surprised if the same generation LX didn’t work - Toyota/Lexus doesn’t really have many functional differences. Most are cosmetic w the same brands underneath. I’d be surprised if they really had a different model Panasonic head unit in the 570 vs the LC.

 

[WickedCrawler]

Yea I don’t blame you, just don’t fully reassemble the dash before testing - once upon a time (or two) learned that the hard way

I’d be surprised if the same generation LX didn’t work - Toyota/Lexus doesn’t really have many functional differences. Most are cosmetic w the same brands underneath. I’d be surprised if they really had a different model Panasonic head unit in the 570 vs the LC.

Just ordered it, which means my install will now be delayed but I will post my test results here to help anyone else out with that question.

 

[propernorf]

Hey all, waiting for my VLine VL2 ro be delivered for my 2015 LX. I plan on installing and leaving the box behind the screen and using a USB extender cable to have a connection in my glovebox (for updates and peripherals) vs having the whole box in the glovebox and taking already limited storage space.

Those of you that have done it that way, can you share pics, experiences, and advice for this? How did you set it back there so it would be secure and not rattle?

Another question. Does the factory USB port allow carplay connection with the VLine or is a direct USB connection only via the VLine USB port?

Any advice and guidance would be appreciated!

@gromaudio

I'd advise against placing it behind the screen, since if you need to access the device for hard rest or troubleshooting you'll need to take your whole dashboard off, instead place it it underneath the glove box. This placement is more more accessable and gets more air in the hot summer days.

 

[WickedCrawler]

I'd advise against placing it behind the screen, since if you need to access the device for hard rest or troubleshooting you'll need to take your whole dashboard off, instead place it it underneath the glove box. This placement is more more accessable and gets more air in the hot summer days.
View attachment 3686252

Thank you! I think I will take your advice!
I saw a pic somewhere that has it behind the carpet there to the left.

 

[WickedCrawler]

I'd advise against placing it behind the screen, since if you need to access the device for hard rest or troubleshooting you'll need to take your whole dashboard off, instead place it it underneath the glove box. This placement is more more accessable and gets more air in the hot summer days.
View attachment 3686252

Went ahead and installed mine today and place it in the same spot you did here. Not even bothering waiting on using the stock USB location adapter. I ran a 6’ USB cable from the USB1 slot through/under the center shifter area and ran it up through a the corner closest to me of my BH3D cup holder and that’s clean and perfect for me. Here’s a pic of what that looks like. The whole setup works beautifully and rejuvenates my old girl!

 

[jetstream23]

From what I read on the Fb owners thread, they are working feverishly to resolve issues with the A12 upgrade. I think one of the biggest was breaking wired CarPlay. That has been resolved with latest update. Hopefully they are still working on the portrait/landscape issue with Android apps.

Had a helpful chat session with someone from GROM today. They do seem to be very responsive and answered questions I have as I'm getting ready to buy a VL2. I won't speak for them directly but the indications I got are as follows:
1. The wired CarPlay and portrait/landscape issues have both apparently been resolved.
2. They have been issuing updates approximately once per week.
3. They are planning to soon start shipping newly ordered VL2's with Android12 already installed so that customers don't have to do the upgrade themselves. It sounded like this was weeks away, not months.

 

[skymast]

Glad everyone is having better luck with the VLine. I installed min in the glove compartment and plan on relocating it below in the next few days. I haven't had to do a hard reset but I would hate to have to take everything apart to do so.

Curious if those who have done the updates recommend doing them and what the benefits / new features are. Thank you.

 

[Bryanmc]

I did the A12 update a few days ago. I only use the VLine for wireless CarPlay so I didn't have any additional apps I was worried about losing. So far the unit seems much quicker and responsive, but haven't been running it long enough to know if there are any longer term problems.

 

[82SC]

I’ve been in contact with them about other issues.

But they said to wait a couple weeks if I haven’t updated. They are guessing it will be at the steady state of A8.1 mid August and then they will start rolling out changes to the UI.

 

[jetstream23]

I did the A12 update a few days ago. I only use the VLine for wireless CarPlay so I didn't have any additional apps I was worried about losing. So far the unit seems much quicker and responsive, but haven't been running it long enough to know if there are any longer term problems.

I will likely be using the GROM for CarPlay almost exclusively. Is there a reason you went with the VLine instead of the VLite? My understanding is that the VLite gets you CarPlay but not the additional Adroid apps?

I don't know if VLite has the available upgrade to A12 though.