CarPlay up and running on my 2016 Tacoma

I promised on one of the other carplay threads to show how the NV Connect/GCH Automotive (aka Auto Play for Toyota) kit worked out for me. I had a friend at a stereo shop take the lead with the install in case we needed anything that might be missing or had problems. We didn't.

Everything needed did come in the kit. I chose not to use the usb extension cord proved (blue cable in the picture of the kit in the box). I got this item from Amazon and used a dremel tool to fit it in my unused plug next to the BSM button (

BATIGE Square Single Port USB 2.0 Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable with Buckle for Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard 3ft

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073HXLKTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

The guys at the stereo shop had heard of GCH Automotive, but not NV Connect. They said it generally is a well put together kit. It was an easy install and I would would feel comfortable doing the install myself now that I have seen it. The one area where I was glad a professional was there is the location where we ran the microphone. I would have put it someplace easier for a DIYer to get to, but the professional wanted a cleaner look.

The screen image in CarPlay mode has a little less sharpness than the factory installed unit in my CX-5, but not significantly so.

If it something anyone else wants to do contact GCH Auto at 951-847-5673. I dealt with the owner Greg Delgado. Retail price is not cheap at $599.

I hope the video link works.

BTW: those are Hondo Garage knobs and Un-holey phone mount kit for anyone who might want to know.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1sHrfyCr4ni8ZqOE52FnOv2zvRlQP-ArV

 

What do you need the iPhone extension for? Bluetooth doesn’t work correctly after?

 

CarPlay itself doesn’t work with Bluetooth, it’s wired only. (Well has been in any vehicle I’ve used)

 

This looks cool, glad someone took the plunge on this. One question, can you use native audio (ie not iTunes) but CarPlay apps at the same time? Example audio from XM with google maps displaying? (Obviously audio notifications won’t work)

 

This kit is a wired unit not Bluetooth for CarPlay functions. So if you want to connect to the CarPlay functions (maps, read emails to you, Siri, etc) it needs a wired connection.
You can use Bluetooth for the phone or any other functions without the wired connection like you normally would as if you did not have CarPlay.
If you want CarPlay to control the audio output it needs to be wired and in Aux mode. If not in Aux mode then the audio comes from the stock radio unit but you can see CarPlay maps etc.

 

Yes. That is how I think I will mainly use it.

 

Impressive. Thanks for taking the time. I'm curious now, your feedback. What do you like better, not better, what cool stuff and what annoyances? Any sacrifices or gains that you either expected or surprised you?

RZ Rob

 

Once I have had a few days to get used to it I will update my impressions. I called my wife on CarPlay audio (aux mode) and regular Bluetooth mode to compare. She said Bluetooth was louder. Might be me adjustment on the phone volume or direction of mic.
On the other had iTunes sounds better via CarPlay the Bluetooth.

 

Why not just buy a carplay compatible aftermarket stereo, with wireless carplay...

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-e4S5HR1RJFx/p_1304400NEX/Pioneer-AVH-W4400NEX.html

 

Personal preference. I don't like the look of most aftermarket units and dash kits. I also like the oem steering wheel controls. If I want that then I need the stereo you listed and an adapter (https://www.crutchfield.com/g_118900/Steering-Wheel-Audio-Control-Adapters.html) for $120. As far as Bluetooth CarPlay my only experience was in someone else's car and it was very glitchy. Maybe some are better, but the only one I have seen was not ready for prime time.

 

I'm surprised to hear CarPlay music audio quality is higher than Bluetooth. I have a Pioneer CarPlay HU in my Vette with a ton of audio done and I found when I swapped to the CarPlay HU it sounded 10x worse than the very early 2000's Kenwood that came with the car.

 

Is this the same NVconnect unit from Amazon? It’s selling for $500... Where did you plug the aux cable it comes with? Thanks for posting!!

 

I think it is weird that the phone seems better via bluetooth yet iTunes is the opposite. Like I said I am still figuring out the ins and outs. Is your CarPlay via Bluetooth?

 

Not sure. Do you have the Amazon link?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-CarPl...rds=nvconnect&qid=1552619185&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

Looks like the Amazon one is an older design (https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-CarPlay-Android-Retrofit-Integration/dp/B07L5QY18S/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=3M6MDUAB127A9&keywords=nvconnect+carplay&qid=1552619184&s=gateway&sprefix=nv+connect%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1-fkmrnull). It has a wired switch to activate CarPlay. The one I got uses the power button only. No "external activation switch".

 

What’s the microphone for?

 

Also this video (not mine) show the connections. We got too focused on getting it running and did not take pictures of the connections.

https://youtu.be/KSa4y9Hfmes?t=10

 

To give voice command for Siri or other apps in CarPlay mode if you want to use that. For example if you want Waze to give you audio commands the system need to be in Aux. If you just want the visual you can be in any of the native radio modes (AM/FM/XM/Bluetooth).

This extra mic does not do anything if you are using the oem unit bluetooth for phone commands or oem navigation commands. It that case the oem mic does the work.

 

It’s via cable.