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I've had sort of mixed results doing that with the EC Offroad module (the one that works with the factory display) instead of CarPlay. The upside is that you get the full functionality apps, the downside is that the controls tend to be far less driving friendly (smaller buttons and generally requiring more concentration to use them). Having a larger screen rather than the factory screen would mitigate the downsides.
.. It would be really cool if the knobs were configurable and came with several label options (or no labels) so you could use the left / right knobs for driver / passenger temp or use them for fan speed / driver temp, etc.
www.ecvisionsound.com
www.belsee.com
www.aliexpress.com
Yes the EC Offroad unit comes with the two control boxes. That is one of the reasons I went with the EC off-road. I couldn’t tell exactly for sure what pieces or parts were missing from the other companies that I would have to figure out later or once I got the unit. I also thought at the time I made my decision that the EC off-road firmware might be a little more battle tested in Land Cruisers. But now that I have it I am not too sure this is the really case. At least when I ask a bunch of detailed questions I do not get the impression that they are heavily into the programming of these units. It is nothing like the Phoenix auto Facebook group stuff done by Sergey. I agree that they are generally helpful kinda sorta.I've had sort of mixed results doing that with the EC Offroad module (the one that works with the factory display) instead of CarPlay. The upside is that you get the full functionality apps, the downside is that the controls tend to be far less driving friendly (smaller buttons and generally requiring more concentration to use them). Having a larger screen rather than the factory screen would mitigate the downsides.
Using the hotspot on an iPhone can be an exercise in frustration as it will not automatically connect to something like these head units. Using an Android phone or a dedicated hotspot solves this and, at least with the EC Offroad interface I'm currently using, allows simultaneous use of Internet on the Android unit and CarPlay.
I contacted EC Offroad over the weekend with a few questions about my interface module (that works with the factory display), their current Tesla style unit, and asking if they anticipate newer Tesla style units (updated hardware, etc.) for the 200 series moving forward. As usual, they sort of kind of answered most of the questions
I asked about specifics on what the bottom left and right control knobs do on the current Tesla style unit: "The bottom left knob does AC fan speed, The right knob does in our case passenger AC but your case driver side master AC." This might be problematic when my dad or mom are passengers as they will inevitably be difficult to train to NOT touch the knob on the right
I asked if they had a video or a series of still photos showing the HVAC controls and they said they don't currently have one available to do that with.
Their reply regarding newer Tesla style units was: "We are working on a new 13.6 unit but still a few months away."
I've been looking around at Tesla style options that are compatible with my 2020 and it looks like, in general, the options are compatible with 2016 and newer LC's. What I've found is:
EC Offroad (obviously):
13.6inch Head Unit to suit LC200 Sahara / VX 2016+
13.6inch Head Unit to suit LC200 to suit SAHARA/VX 2016-2021 Rear Screens no longer supported Screen Size 13.6 Inch Operating System Android 11 Ram 8 GB Samsung Rom 128 GB Built in Storage Screen HD IPS Screen, Samsung Panel Processor Intel Octo Core CPU Carplay Wireless Carplay Android...
Belsee:
Belsee Best Aftermarket Wireless Apple CarPlay Android 9 Auto Head Unit Tesla Style Screen for Toyota Land Cruiser 200 LC200 2016-2020 13.3 inch IPS Touch Screen Radio Replacement GPS Navigation Audio Video Multimedia Player Bluetooth PX6 Wifi Stereo
• SKU: TTH14. Built-in Android 7.1 / 9.0 system special autoradio for Toyota Land Cruiser 200 LC200 2016-2020 • Android 7.1 system Quad-core PX3 chip, Ram 2GB, Rom 32GB • Android 9.0 system PX6 Hexa core, Ram 4GB Rom 64GB • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for android phone and iPhone •...
ZWNAV:
Amazon product ASIN B08Z7CKGMCTesla Screen Android Player For Toyota Land Cruiser 200 LC200 Car GPS Radio
Brand Name:ZWNAV Origin:CN(Origin) Din:Double Din Certification:CE Out Power:4*45W Max External Memory:64G Operating System:Android Digital Media Format:Video CD Digital Media Format:Mp3 Digital Media Format:Mp4 Digital Media Format:WMA Digital Media Format:JPEG RAM:4G Material Type:ABS...www.zwnav.net650.57US $ 33% OFF|For Toyota Land Cruiser 200 J200 Lc200 V8 Roraima 2015~2020 16 Inches Android 11 Car Multimedia Player Gps Dvd Radio Navigation - Car Multimedia Player - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
The ZWNAV looks like it's pretty much identical to the EC Offroad unit, but at a much lower price.
The aliexpress pricing of the ZWNAV may be deceptively good as it doesn't appear to include support for the factory 360 camera. The ZWNAV products on the Amazon link, at a higher price, specifically mention support for the factory 360 camera.
@kcjaz - looking at your other thread where you posted some photos showing the install, it looks like the EC Offroad Tesla head unit comes with a Canbus adapter box AND a separate parking assist decoder box - is that correct? If so, this may be where EC Offroad is providing value for the extra cost versus buying the ZWNAV products. Even though EC Offroad hasn't been good in my experience at answering questions fully or answering all questions when multiple questions are asked in a single email, answers can usually be obtained after a few back and forth emails and there's no language barrier to deal with.
I think I'll see if I can contact ZWNAV to get some clarification on camera support from the various sources, but it may just make sense to sit tight for a few months and see what EC Offroad's next version brings. I don't have a problem paying the extra money for EC Offroad if they offer extra functionality, but I don't really want to pay more than double for the exact same thing.
Regarding EC Offroad's involvement in the programming, what I've been able to piece together is that they have some input on some of the default settings and features (such as automatically starting CarPlay on the newer version of the module that I have), but that's about it. Inclusion of the 2 control boxes may be another place where they had input to ensure as much of the factory camera functionality as possible remains after the swap. I really wish that Phoenix had something for our LC's as they would most likely be the best option. They definitely are not software developers or anything like that - they're car audio installers selling a relatively complicated product and want to have at least a few special features to attempt to make their product the compelling choice. I think their business model is geared more towards having a shop do the installs rather than DIYers, which most likely results in fewer questions most of the time. So they seem a bit befuddled dealing with those of us crazy enough to DIY
.Yeah, the EC Offroad guys are helpful, ultimately, but it often takes too many round trips feeling like you're being a PITA asking the same questions over and over until you get answers for everything you asked. I'm currently on round 2 of the questions I asked over the weekend.
@SharpeCat another idea here
Thanks boss, I am building a website this month so I can get organized. Mud is going to have a decent section!
Does your 08 have rear entertainment? My 2013 does. If so I'm referring to the DVD player mounted in the ceiling that those in the rear seats can see. It looks like this.
I suspect you know this, but newer models have screens on the back of the front seat headrests, which is probably what @SharpeCat was expecting.
Someone else already did a ton of legwork to figure out another option:
forum.ih8mud.com
Yep. I know Trekboxx has a cover available for those, too.
toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com
Yeah, I get the OCD aspect of it - it would also bug me to have a screen there that doesn't do anything. Which makes me glad that I purchased a HE without 2nd row entertainment. $5K for that part is nuts. I realize the mounting bezel part of it is custom, but there shouldn't be anything special about the screen that comes close to justifying that price. I have a hunch a lot of the price on parts like these is for the inventory side of the operation as they probably don't get replaced very often, but sort of kind of have to have the part available.
Heh, the only option with the 2013 was exterior color. Everyone got the RES.
I have some DVD players in the headrest, if there's one on the ceiling I've missed it this entire time. And yes, those screens are very expensive and it's a shame I don't use mine; I plan on repurposing them later/maybe updating to 1080p. If anyone needs them let me know; for cost of ship and maybe a coffee XD.
