Installing and testing the Grom Vline2 Android Infotainment System to get Apple CarPlay (Updating) (1 Viewer)

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Yes - made all available connections. What does the 16 pin do?
I think it runs the rear entertainment if you have it - I don’t. I left in unplugged because I heard some people had volume control issues but I think those have been fixed with GROM updates.
 
I’m gearing up to install mine as it just arrived.

In regards to cust service I have to say I have gotten very consistent timely replies to the emails I’ve sent them. And I’ve asked a lot of weird questions. Just as an FYI for those that are considering GROM. Maybe some past members had different experiences.

Below is the response about projecting to the rear screens. I’m guessing it may not work depending on the resolution of the screens. Previously Heath said the HDMI out would be useful when they move to Android OS 10 which supposedly in the works.


Hello MJ,
The HDMI out works to only mirror the main screen. It only works for screens that support 480p resolutions.
Thanks,
Heath
 
Where did others install the box? I wanted to be able to access the box if needed. I know they suggest the glove box. Anyone else have a good spot to put it?
 
Where did others install the box? I wanted to be able to access the box if needed. I know they suggest the glove box. Anyone else have a good spot to put it?
Installed mine last night. After some debate, I figured it would be most serviceable if I put it under the kick plate.


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I put mine at the passenger seat footwell. Seems to work well and stays out of the way. Remains accessible if you need to unplug the main cable. I ended up using the accompanying brackets to drill into the plastic piece, using some small screws for the attachment.
 
I put mine at the passenger seat footwell. Seems to work well and stays out of the way. Remains accessible if you need to unplug the main cable. I ended up using the accompanying brackets to drill into the plastic piece, using some small screws for the attachment.

Mine didn't ship with the brackets. Zip ties do the job I guess...still need to do some cable management.
 
Not to hijack the thread but don’t think we need another install thread. My experience so far

installed it today. Took about 1.5 hours. I spent another 1.5 hours fiddling with it. And figuring out it’s quirks.

1) the video on YouTube for the GROM LC200 install is spot on. But he skips going thru all the connections. Although they are self explanatory it was weird that he didn’t mention anything about routing the wires etc.

2) I left the 16 pin in and trialed it plugged and unplugged and my sound quality was unchanged.

3) there are quirks.
it wouldn’t hold the Wi-Fi connection and kept disconnecting despite having a good signal.

I was able to hold a connection to my iPhone hotspot and uploaded the update for the software. But it lost that a couple times. But it would download it in pieces so eventually I had 100% of the update. And the Wi-Fi problem went away.

i upgraded the firmware and I developed a flickering line at the bottom of the screen. I unplugged and replugged all the connections to no avail. Email to GROM sent. But I’d hold off updating the firmware unless you feel like you have to. I’d like to try rolling it back.

At first the touch screen didn’t work OEM or GROM. It kinda freaked me out and I redid all the connections. But strangely it started working. Not sure if during booting or looking for Wi-Fi or something but I haven’t had that issue once the system was up and running.

I did have issues with sound from the GROM screen apps. At first I could barely hear the sounds of my finger input. But CarPlay worked fine. Then apps run from GROM had no sound. But I think I figured it out (correct me if I’m wrong) a lot of the quirks are based on the fact that the GROM uses 3 different connections. Wi-Fi to an internet source. Bluetooth. And it’s own local Wi-Fi network to wirelessly connect to iPhone in order to run CarPlay.
I think when the GROM unit was searching for my iPhone to launch CarPlay then the sound on the GROM screen wouldn’t work.

4) hdmi out to RES did not work. And I believe his email stated would only work on displays that use 480p. Not sure what the OEM RES screens are but they look like 0.5p to me….
If you have a Amazon Firestick you can cast your GROM/CarPlay screen to the firestick. I confirmed this. But then again firestick can do Netflix and prime and Disneyplus anyways. But I’m case you wanted to mirror another app like Gia gps….but I usually carry one on long trips and hotspot to my phone

5) a wireless keyboard is a must to input your Wi-Fi password etc…

6) I left on the floor of the passenger footwell for now until I decide on a final location as well as figuring out this flickering line.
Also I am gonna experiment with the gps antenna location before final location for it as well

7) gonna mess around with adding apps and getting to know the program. But looks promising

hope this helps.
Looks super weird to have that modern CarPlay screen on the LC200.
 
I put mine behind the head unit too, ‘21 TLC. With my old ‘08 it was a tight fit but in the ‘21 there is a lot of space. I ran the usb cable out of the bottom of the drives console, leaving the factory usb in place. Easy to plug in a lightening cable for an extra charging port or wired CarPlay on long road trips.

I had an issue early on with the screen line issue. It was remedied with a firmware update. Only issue I have had is on occasion I get a static in the wireless connection when streaming music. I usually just put the phone into airplane mode and reconnect or switch to wired connection. I love the GROM - excellent $500 upgrade worth every penny. 🍻
 
I've been sitting in mine fir a month and having second thoughts / just lazy to install it. I would part with it for group buy face value $480 or so? Located in Southern California, DM if interested.
 
How is it working out?
I have a '14 LX I was thinking of installing one in. Apple car play work okay?

So far...good. Very limited use at this point. I haven't had any of the scary screen issues and reverse works fine. I updated everything immediately and I have noticed a couple things.

1 - You need to update firmware before you try to update the vline software image even though they are not presented in that order.
2 - Don't install Gapps until everything else is updated.
3 - Wireless Carplay seems to have a mind of it's own when connecting. After that, it "seems" solid.
4 - No difference on the connecting/disconnecting the 16pin. Wonder if this is an LX/LC variation. LX seems fine.
5 - Google play apps like switchpro and victron are not very usable (random crashes and UI sucks). I was hoping to use third party apps more, but that's probably not going to work out.
6 - Carplay Audio level seems lower. Tried to increase the input level, but it was already at 100%.

I'll try to update the thread after I spend more time with it.
 
So far...good. Very limited use at this point. I haven't had any of the scary screen issues and reverse works fine. I updated everything immediately and I have noticed a couple things.

1 - You need to update firmware before you try to update the vline software image even though they are not presented in that order.
2 - Don't install Gapps until everything else is updated.
3 - Wireless Carplay seems to have a mind of it's own when connecting. After that, it "seems" solid.
4 - No difference on the connecting/disconnecting the 16pin. Wonder if this is an LX/LC variation. LX seems fine.
5 - Google play apps like switchpro and victron are not very usable (random crashes and UI sucks). I was hoping to use third party apps more, but that's probably not going to work out.
6 - Carplay Audio level seems lower. Tried to increase the input level, but it was already at 100%.

I'll try to update the thread after I spend more time with it.

Thanks for the reply. Look forward to hearing an update.
 
Day one with the vline2.
One issue is when my iPhone gets within range of Wi-Fi signals it recognizes like office or home i think it disconnects the local Wi-Fi and CarPlay goes on the fritz. Wish iPhones let you prioritize Wi-Fi signals.
I changed mine to ask before joining any network. Let’s see if that works. Or may go to wired CarPlay when I’m around town.

grom responded about the jittery lines. But they had trouble opening the video file I sent them. But at least the responsive. Hopefully they’ll have a solution. Ir a way to roll back firmware and see if that was it.
 
Good posts here - as an FYI there is a decently active Facebook group for GROM that tends to have a larger audience providing feedback. Some folks have been playing with alternate launchers instead of the the GROM Dashlinq.

Right now the current FW (50/51) is definitely buggy and has been breaking the reverse camera among other thigns.

I believe the CarPlay audio issues may be fixed with the latest Vline update, but I know that it was actively being worked.
 
Mine is arriving in a couple of days

I guessed i should of asked before ordering.... Google maps work ok with this?

Thanks
 
I use the GROM as a conduit for Carplay and use navigation there.
Google used to be just fine, but I noticed recently it screw with cutting off audio...even though I set it not to announce directions.
Apple maps works seamlessly and they do seem to be alot better then in the past

OR....I use GROM to play apps like Netflix and Disney which Carplay won't allow

I have used GROM for Gaia and OnX Offroad and I think I tried Waze once too.
 
I use the GROM as a conduit for Carplay and use navigation there.
Google used to be just fine, but I noticed recently it screw with cutting off audio...even though I set it not to announce directions.
Apple maps works seamlessly and they do seem to be alot better then in the past

OR....I use GROM to play apps like Netflix and Disney which Carplay won't allow

I have used GROM for Gaia and OnX Offroad and I think I tried Waze once too.

Thanks for the feedback. Mine arrives Friday! Woot!

I have a 2020 ram with CarPlay and notice just recently that Google is cutting off the audio on that also, factory OEM stereo and everything, but Google cuts it off, and I have it at same as you, not to announce directions. FWIW
 
Installed my VL2 a couple hours ago.

Took less than 45 minutes. Plug and play as advertised (rare).

Quick test shows the rear camera and steering wheel controls function just like OEM

Time will tell but I’m super happy at the moment
 
Where did others install the box? I wanted to be able to access the box if needed. I know they suggest the glove box. Anyone else have a good spot to put it?

Underside of the centre shelf in the glovebox. Accessible and hidden away...:)
 

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