Hamilton Motor Co Thread (3 Viewers)

[Joehoo]

Installed the unit. It’s pretty straightforward. It seems to install like the grom units that I’ve watched videos on. Says made in China. Although the wire harness is really well made.

But for some reason I have no sound while using CarPlay. All other functions with my stock unit work. Climate Controls. Satellite Radio AM/FM all work and play sound. CarPlay pulls up messages, Sirius app, and Waze fine. Just no sound. I’ve disconnected BT from the LC. Switch to A/V on the audio modes. I’ve tried everything. Even going wired vs wireless.

Another gripe. There’s no instructions on switching between CarPlay and stock screen. After trying everything. You hold down the phone hang up button on the steering wheel to go from stock to CarPlay. Drove me crazy trying to get information on that. The link on their website takes you to a generic Lexus video on YouTube, which works nothing like my 14.

I’ve sent an email. I’m going to leave it installed for the time being. Hoping it’s something in the settings somewhere.

Will post an update either way.

Btw paid $484 with a coupon code welcome35

 

[peneumbra2]

Ummm... maybe the unit is low on propane?
Maybe not.

 

[Steinlager]

Installed the unit. It’s pretty straightforward. It seems to install like the grom units that I’ve watched videos on. Says made in China. Although the wire harness is really well made.

But for some reason I have no sound while using CarPlay. All other functions with my stock unit work. Climate Controls. Satellite Radio AM/FM all work and play sound. CarPlay pulls up messages, Sirius app, and Waze fine. Just no sound. I’ve disconnected BT from the LC. Switch to A/V on the audio modes. I’ve tried everything. Even going wired vs wireless.

Another gripe. There’s no instructions on switching between CarPlay and stock screen. After trying everything. You hold down the phone hang up button on the steering wheel to go from stock to CarPlay. Drove me crazy trying to get information on that. The link on their website takes you to a generic Lexus video on YouTube, which works nothing like my 14.

I’ve sent an email. I’m going to leave it installed for the time being. Hoping it’s something in the settings somewhere.

Will post an update either way.

Btw paid $484 with a coupon code welcome35

Same exact problem here with my Hamilton carplay unit. I've been getting by with having the audio still going through the OE Bluetooth and using carplay for the visuals. This works ok until i get a phone call and the audio goes back and forth. Did you ever find a solution?

 

[7000ft]

Installed the unit. It’s pretty straightforward. It seems to install like the grom units that I’ve watched videos on. Says made in China. Although the wire harness is really well made.

But for some reason I have no sound while using CarPlay. All other functions with my stock unit work. Climate Controls. Satellite Radio AM/FM all work and play sound. CarPlay pulls up messages, Sirius app, and Waze fine. Just no sound. I’ve disconnected BT from the LC. Switch to A/V on the audio modes. I’ve tried everything. Even going wired vs wireless.

Another gripe. There’s no instructions on switching between CarPlay and stock screen. After trying everything. You hold down the phone hang up button on the steering wheel to go from stock to CarPlay. Drove me crazy trying to get information on that. The link on their website takes you to a generic Lexus video on YouTube, which works nothing like my 14.

I’ve sent an email. I’m going to leave it installed for the time being. Hoping it’s something in the settings somewhere.

Will post an update either way.

Btw paid $484 with a coupon code welcome35

Don'ts be shocked, but all of these aftermarket units are manufactured in China. Several "manufacturers are using the same basic unit and doing the custom software modifications. CCSC supplied me the most complete installation and setup instructions I've ever seen for an aftermarket part. Even I can understand all of it!
This is what the CCSC system installation instructions say to do:
1. Try turning your factory system source to AUX. to get sound to play thru the Android unit
2. They also say to omit the Bluetooth connection from the factory unit and the cell phone. This then dedicates the cell phone to the Android interface unit. 3. To switch from Factory to Android interface try holding down the HOME button for two seconds.
DISCLAIMER: I just received my CCSC unit yesterday, but have not yet installed it, so can't confirm this is a fix for any other unit manufacturer.

 

[Fisher23]

I installed this today but I have an extra part.

Could someone please tell me where this part goes or what it connects to?

 

[Fisher23]

1. Try turning your factory system source to AUX. to get sound to play thru the Android unit

I only get sound if hard wired, the wireless connection does not work on my android.

 

[Fisher23]

I only get sound if hard wired, the wireless connection does not work on my android.

 

[zippmth]

2013 LC owner here, received the Hamilton unit, installed using instructions and like most of you, ended with no sound. Back to classic view, switched to aux, switched back to Hamilton, no sound. Now Hamilton shows up but CarPlay doesn’t. It is an endless cycle of connecting wireless pairing CarPlay. Reset all my Bluetooth, connect, reconnect phone no luck.

I will try to get live support tomorrow and will report back. Seems all pieces there to let this thing work…

 

[Fisher23]

You may want to read the other thread....

here

Hamilton Motor Company CarPlay kit

Anyone try this unit yet? https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com/products/2016-2020-lexus-lx570-apple-carplay-upgrade-kit Picking up a 2020 next week to replace my 2010 and thinking about a Carplay module addition.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[7000ft]

Buy a unit from Custom Car Stereo Systems: Custom Car Stereo Systems Online Store - https://customcarstereosystems.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOornORqcWxsBVTcwQ0Nk2aoQdPGSUdirLId0yfzVSpsdd6tGF3Bs

I put the CCSC Android interface unit in my 2020 LC200 HE.
All of the apps work,except the "Hey Google" voice recognition commsnd with my Samsung S24. Their technical department is looking into it for me.

 

[Fisher23]

I have not had much luck getting this to work with my SONIM xp8800 phone or with my iPhone 14 pro. Only a few apps show.

HOWEVER I did figure out a work-around which is working great.

I can get into the unit settings and attach the unit wifi to my phone hot-spot.
Then I can down load the apps on to the unit, such a gaia, onx-offroad, music apps, google maps, ARB Fridge, Starlink & the UBCii vehicle code reader.
The apps then show up in the blue apps box and work.

I do have the same problem where the mic doesn't work with the phone apps.
It's like it can't hear the mic. which I use to adding things to my daily calendar.
With phone calls the mic is working.

Now this is NOT like my other vehicles where you just get in and go & everything works.

It takes a few minutes to get everything working then you can go.

 

[zippmth]

2013 LC owner here, received the Hamilton unit, installed using instructions and like most of you, ended with no sound. Back to classic view, switched to aux, switched back to Hamilton, no sound. Now Hamilton shows up but CarPlay doesn’t. It is an endless cycle of connecting wireless pairing CarPlay. Reset all my Bluetooth, connect, reconnect phone no luck.

I will try to get live support tomorrow and will report back. Seems all pieces there to let this thing work…

12/18 Update:
After trouble shooting with the Hamilton support, we decided to try a new unit. I received the new unit, and it is different harnesses than the first unit. It doesn't have external speaker, but does have wireless/bluetooth rectangle receiver. Same install, took about 1.5 hours to install, test, retest, hide the unit under glove box. Everything works as it should! So far I am pretty happy how this unit is working without changing the OEM look... (only thing I would mention is that for "climate" button, you need to switch back to classic view to bring the on screen climate controls)

During the process, Hamilton Support was top class!

 

[Fisher23]

12/18 Update:
After trouble shooting with the Hamilton support, we decided to try a new unit.

Are all your apps showing up or just some of them.?

On mine only some of them show up.
What was your tech guy name? Dave?

 

[davehamilton]

Don'ts be shocked, but all of these aftermarket units are manufactured in China. Several "manufacturers are using the same basic unit and doing the custom software modifications. CCSC supplied me the most complete installation and setup instructions I've ever seen for an aftermarket part. Even I can understand all of it!
This is what the CCSC system installation instructions say to do:
1. Try turning your factory system source to AUX. to get sound to play thru the Android unit
2. They also say to omit the Bluetooth connection from the factory unit and the cell phone. This then dedicates the cell phone to the Android interface unit. 3. To switch from Factory to Android interface try holding down the HOME button for two seconds.
DISCLAIMER: I just received my CCSC unit yesterday, but have not yet installed it, so can't confirm this is a fix for any other unit manufacturer.

There are quite a few differences between the quality of manufacturers in China. We like to say you can have an iPhone made in China or a cheap Huawei.

We have a full installation video for 16-21 LC on our YouTube Channel (Hamilton Motor Company) and a pdf with high def images for 09-15 LC.

Our Chinese manufacturing partners spend a lot of time in NC with us every year. The owner of our factory was an executive at Foxconn previously. Because we use high quality components we are able to afford to back our products with a 3-year warranty.

The chip we use for CarPlay in our interface boxes allows for Native CarPlay unlike some of the cheaply made alternatives that use a cracked version. Our same chip is used in many new vehicles today.

 

[davehamilton]

Are all your apps showing up or just some of them.?

On mine only some of them show up.
What was your tech guy name? Dave?

Unfortunately we cannot control which apps will show up on CarPlay. Not every app had a CarPlay version. For example Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and Sound Cloud all have CarPlay apps but Netflix does not. Not every iPhone app developer has made a CarPlay version.

You can Google if an app has a CarPlay version if particular apps are super important to you (like Starlink). If you also call our tech support we can check it for you before purchasing. We have full Overview videos of CarPlay in the LC200 (16-21) on our YouTube channel also.

 

[Jdubsalot]

12/18 Update:
After trouble shooting with the Hamilton support, we decided to try a new unit. I received the new unit, and it is different harnesses than the first unit. It doesn't have external speaker, but does have wireless/bluetooth rectangle receiver. Same install, took about 1.5 hours to install, test, retest, hide the unit under glove box. Everything works as it should! So far I am pretty happy how this unit is working without changing the OEM look... (only thing I would mention is that for "climate" button, you need to switch back to classic view to bring the on screen climate controls)

During the process, Hamilton Support was top class!

View attachment 3795407

View attachment 3795408

Hamilton support has been extremely helpful for me too.

Email responses on weekends are never expected but greatly appreciated. It's been wonderful dealing with Dave and his team. His product may be similar to the other Chinese made ones but the after sales support makes it the best value in my opinion.

 

[Five70]

@davehamilton do you have an install video / instructions for a 2011 LX570? In a few threads it seems to indicate that there are a few differences between the LX and LC. Thank you!

 

[Jdubsalot]

@davehamilton do you have an install video / instructions for a 2011 LX570? In a few threads it seems to indicate that there are a few differences between the LX and LC. Thank you!

I watched a video on the LX570 radio removal prior to installing mine (2011 570).



You'll need a plastic trim removal tool, a 10mm socket with extension, a flat head screwdriver (to release connectors), and a Phillips screwdriver.

Remove the nav screen and CD player.

Plug the connectors on the new harness into the nav screen and CD player, and plug the factory connectors into the provided harness. The connectors are color coded to match the factory colors.

Reinstall the nav screen and CD player.

Run the wires down the side to the footwell, connect the wires to the unit, and put the unit under the carpet.

Put the Bluetooth antenna under the carpet but closer toward the seats.

Tuck the USB port so it can't be seen but can be pulled out easily.

Test and then reassemble

 

[themanwithnoname]

12/18 Update:
After trouble shooting with the Hamilton support, we decided to try a new unit. I received the new unit, and it is different harnesses than the first unit. It doesn't have external speaker, but does have wireless/bluetooth rectangle receiver. Same install, took about 1.5 hours to install, test, retest, hide the unit under glove box. Everything works as it should! So far I am pretty happy how this unit is working without changing the OEM look... (only thing I would mention is that for "climate" button, you need to switch back to classic view to bring the on screen climate controls)

During the process, Hamilton Support was top class!

View attachment 3795407

View attachment 3795408

About to order one of these units for my 2013. Wish me luck! Nah, sounds like the support is top notch, which is always the key to these types of mods being successful.

Anything I should know about the process? I have the right tools, any suggestions about removing the trim work etc so I don't ham fist it and break something?

Thanks!

 

[fritzz12]

Totally unbiased not paid for just a guy who bought it review…. The Hamilton CarPlay adapter for my 2008 cruiser is the best and the customer service is beyond good better then literally any company I have worked with. Install is quite straight forward on the 2008 the stereo has to be “tricked” and the tech support after hours reached out with in minutes and had me up 15 min after. Screen resolution is great for a 2008 screen and the equalizer has woken up my stereo. Could not recommend more!