Tesla style head unit

Get an OBDII splitter

 

Randy are you iOS or android? Reason I ask is iOS Bluetooth suuuuuuccckkkkssss.....compared to android. I have had both and I can say iOS Bluetooth is horrible compared.....I'm not saying that is the complete issue as the Jury is still out for me on the connection process of this HU but....especially the ZLink app (not sure I'm a fan of it). I think it may actually be the biggest problem here and may be part of what your issue is. I have remote start....I'm usually within Eyesite of the truck as I start it and the unit connects....but I'm still in the figuring out stage. One thing I'm going to try is to completely abandon Zlink and just use it for the Bluetooth connection. The phone portion and the music portion of ZLink is a big question mark for me at this point, I'm afraid it's only so good. My point here is all of this may not be the Unit itself but maybe more a Zlink app limitation. It just doesn't seem like a strong app which is not necessarily a HU issue. I've spoke to several people now about Zlink....and no one is super happy with Zlink and it's limitation.

 

Thanks for your input but this is definitely with the unit and yes I have an Iphone 12. My truck literally sits right outside my house here but depending if I am further up or down the driveway dictates whether or not bluetooth will connect from inside or not. If I am in my truck when I start it the bluetooth always connects religiously well and the music and phone work flawlessly with carplay without any hiccups on this replacement unit. I am also getting great results with music over bluetooth even when not using carplay but just the music player. I’m guessing if the bluetooth doesn’t connect within a specified time after the unit starts then it has missed it window to do so. It always connects though if its close enough or in my truck.

 

Mine disconnects occasionally and will not reconnect and I have figured out that if I simply turn off BT then turn it back on it gives the Z Link a kick in the ass to connect

I started following Sergey's FB group and found out about " Car Link " it is a separate accessory that eliminates the need to use Z Link and a lot of folks seem to say that it solved all of their BT issues

https://www.carlinkitfactory.com/product/new-2-0-wireless-adapter-for-factory-carplay/

 

Thanks but mine has nothing to do with zlink its with the unit itself and it just depends on if I am in my truck or close enough to connect when started. Once connected everything works just as it should

 

You can go to the phone app on the head unit and reconnect Bluetooth. It is the easiest and quickest way if you get disconnected or it does not connect. I’ll post a video later today of how I do it or switch from one phone to another.

 

Thanks I’ve tried that without success however what I found what @Evenflow said, turning BT on my phone off and back on works.

 

I got you and yes I agree....if you miss that initial window....the iPhone definitely has trouble....but I experience that with all Bluetooth apps/devices when it come to this iphone. I have to go into Bluetooth settings and hit the search button. iOS does not seem to be very intuitive when it comes to Bluetooth.

 

I will tell you what would be really trick would be for someone to make the HU/tablet that you could add a sim card to it making it it's on hotspot connected cellularly....I think someone eluded to that in an earlier post, tri-fi or something like that. Add it to your cell plan as an additional device so it's truly a tablet connected to the world wide web all day err day.

 

The joying hu has that. Just added a Sim to mine the other day

 

I considered that same unit from Joying but I’m usually more out of service so having a good GPS works best for my needs.

 

Is zlink the way to use CarPlay and Apple Music? Do I just pair my phone in settings and go to zlink?

 

Yes it is. Pair your phone to the bluetooth settings in the phone app when you open zlink it will connect carplay through your phones wifi but the bluetooth must be connected to the unit first. If this confuses you the open zlink app and click on help it will have directions there to assist you in connecting.

 

Thanks

 

Can you run the google app off your iPhone or do you need WiFi?

 

that's why I was asking if this is just a generic android tablet, something that could theoretically be swapped out for a cellular connected device.

 

You can connect it through your phone’s hotspot

 

Awesome thanks. I’m just getting ready for my install if I’m asking basic questions

 

Nice….good luck with your install and I’m sure if you have questions one of us here can help

 

Thank you I’m sure I’ll be asking questions such as I hear earlier tacos have the heating reversed where is the flip switch like the steering wheel switch?