Hamilton Motor - Apple Carplay Conversion Kit

[JoeL777]

what is this streaming version of which you speak?

From Hamilton:
"The "Streaming Package" includes an optional small extra speaker that mixes voice commands from Siri/Maps into your otherwise sealed factory radio channels (XM, FM, and AM). This allows you to hear turn-by-turn directions while using the OEM radio channels. Both versions will have turn-by-turn directions playing out of the car speakers while using CarPlay and playing music from your phone."

 

[HighRanch]

Basically the streaming package has built in memory and processing power to run standalone apps directly on the device and allowing you to unlock streaming capabilities. The standard version simply mirrors your phone apps.

 

[Dozer18]

I wanted to come back and update my previous notes from early August.

As I shared then, I was having some issues with the echo (when using Aux as the source), and some issues with the OS and an "Unauthorized Product" error.

Hamilton's customer service was great - prompt and thorough - and helped me sort through it quickly. Switching the source from Aux to BT solved the echo problem and hasn't been as inconvenient as I expected.

They emailed me a software update (when you buy the kit, they include a fresh USB thumb drive for this eventual purpose; during the install, you can wire a USB plug to a convenient location for future updates/wired CarPlay) and I was able to install it without a problem. Solved my "Unauthorized Product" error and I haven't had any issues since. Works flawlessly on every drive.

Buy with confidence, and don't pay anyone else $$$ to install it; it's super easy and is a good opportunity to learn about your truck.

 

[mattyokan]

I just bought a kit and going to install it next weekend… will report back with my experience afterwards.

 

[terdrocket]

I just bought a kit and going to install it next weekend… will report back with my experience afterwards.

Be careful removing and reinstalling the big wood overlay section of the dash. It will crack the clear coat if stressed. Ask me how I know. The Hamilton touch screen kit is great though

 

[Sajan]

Be careful removing and reinstalling the big wood overlay section of the dash. It will crack the clear coat if stressed. Ask me how I know. The Hamilton touch screen kit is great though

Good thing mines already crack lol!
Does anyone know the part number?

 

[terdrocket]

Good thing mines already crack lol!
Does anyone know the part number?

$1500+ for the part

 

[Jdubsalot]

The other issue that I encountered was turning on the system without the trim above the dash fully seated. That will crack under pressure too.

 

[Mac62]

Would you suggest getting the Hamilton upgrade system that has the option up for rear screen videos…or sticking with the base unit?? I have a 21 LC and dont have the rear screens so only need it for CarPlay but I will pay more if the upgraded version has a higher processor or preforms better?? Thanks

 

[Dozer18]

Would you suggest getting the Hamilton upgrade system that has the option up for rear screen videos…or sticking with the base unit?? I have a 21 LC and dont have the rear screens so only need it for CarPlay but I will pay more if the upgraded version has a higher processor or preforms better?? Thanks

If I were buying it again I'd probably spring for the upgraded streaming system. Why? Getting Red Zone on a Sunday is kinda cool... when parked, of course.

But seriously, I hear that it has a slightly better processor and for I think $50 more, it's another way to future-proof a bit. If there's anyone back there using the rear screens it's obviously nice, but how many rear seat passengers aren't going to be on their iPhones anyway?

 

[mattyokan]

I installed it after work today with a friend’s help. Overall went great, other than some slight annoyance getting the radio mounted correctly with the bolts not lining up. I also noticed the drawer mechanism for the phone holder tray underneath the radio on my car has been broken. There’s a cheap plastic latch mechanism and looks like it’s worn down enough around one of the latch corners that it no longer works 100% of the time. Really wish they would make that latch out of metal rather than plastic..

The only issue I had after install was the 360 camera. We missed the fifth gray wire that needed to be connected/crimped together. Sure enough as soon as I fixed that, the camera came back to life. Parking sensors seem to work still too, although the vehicle shown in the new reverse/360 view seems to be a RX grille rather than a LX. Total nitpick

Overall pretty impressed but will have to give it a few weeks to see how I like it. Painless install.

 

[GreatBenzini]

I installed it after work today with a friend’s help. Overall went great, other than some slight annoyance getting the radio mounted correctly with the bolts not lining up. I also noticed the drawer mechanism for the phone holder tray underneath the radio on my car has been broken. There’s a cheap plastic latch mechanism and looks like it’s worn down enough around one of the latch corners that it no longer works 100% of the time. Really wish they would make that latch out of metal rather than plastic..

Asking since you just dealt with this: can you use a step drill and put a hole for the update USB cable through that phone holder tray? Thinking it's an easy/clean way to install without snaking it through the side panels.

 

[mattyokan]

Asking since you just dealt with this: can you use a step drill and put a hole for the update USB cable through that phone holder tray? Thinking it's an easy/clean way to install without snaking it through the side panels.

Yup this is exactly what I did. We drilled into the back of the cheap phone holder tray and put the USB cable through there. There’s a nice bit of dead space on the upper section of the middle behind the phone tray.

I actually cut it and have some usb C connectors on order that we are going to solder onto the cable and then press fit against the hole we drilled. I’ll find the Amazon listing and post install pics after we install that part this weekend

 

[GreatBenzini]

Yup this is exactly what I did. We drilled into the back of the cheap phone holder tray and put the USB cable through there. There’s a nice bit of dead space on the upper section of the middle behind the phone tray.

I actually cut it and have some usb C connectors on order that we are going to solder onto the cable and then press fit against the hole we drilled. I’ll find the Amazon listing and post install pics after we install that part this weekend

Is that update cable also used for a CarPlay hardline connection? Annoying, but not that big of deal if I need a USB-C connector.

 

[mattyokan]

Is that update cable also used for a CarPlay hardline connection? Annoying, but not that big of deal if I need a USB-C connector.

Yeah. It’s one single port for both. It’s a USB 2.0 type A port but we decided to snip it and solder in a type C connector instead.

 

[Vthelexus]

Was very tempted to go with the Chinese one from Ebay or Alibaba but after reading this thread I decided to go with the Hamilton. $600 here I go, lol.