The guys at UAD support actually contacted me over the weekend and we had a short exchange. They think that a different power loom may solve the problem and they have sent it out today. This is the 40 pin block that provides a number of breakouts to power the UAD unit. Hopefully that will arrive tomorrow, and I can see if it makes a difference.

 

Not stupid - the auxillary connection would be when you wanted to listen to sounds from the Android Auto or Apple Carplay unit. However you could if you wanted to, listen to the radio while using Android or Apple apps on the screen. However at the moment you cant listen to anything, Because the cars audio amplifier powers off shortly after the car/unit is switched on. So it doesn't matter what the source is, because the amp is off and you cant switch it on. Hope that helps with the clarity.

 

Maybe it goes into economy mode when it doesn't detect a signal.

 

Do you have DAB + digital radio?

I have the NLI HU HARMAN BE L003 (without DAB), by changing it and changing the antenna, plus activation with SSD, we should be able to have it.

 

Nope, It actively stops what you are listening too. And there is no way to switch it back on, without the car going into power down mode (lock and wait 15 mins)

 

Thats a slightly different thread. I have DAB radio in my car, so it is not something I have researched. But based on information from TOPIX, you will need a different AHU (harman unit), one that has the DAB feeds under the display and rear camera feeds. You will need the DAB aerials fitting and the amplifier for them, and of course SDD with the ability to change the cars build file. There is another thought. In that DAB was for european markets, not sure how it would work outside them. Let us know how you get on.

 

Well it looks like we have a winner. I have had some great support from UAD. The sent me a second power cable, not the main 40 pin block, but the cable that connects from this to the unit. That has stopped the amplifier unit powering off. I have also received an update to the firmware that has made the Android Auto connection a lot more stable. So I can now focus on finishing off the Videos, and sharing those. But pleased with the results so far. Proper test will come after lock down :-)

 

Paul , can you change the Harmon by only removing the armrest. Is the UAD unit similar size ?

 

Are your steering wheel controls working?

I installed my Naviplus unit and while the steering wheels control do work, they need remapping as the rewind button is currently launching Android Assistant. Hope to get updated firmware in the coming week to fix this

 

You only need to remove the access panel. The UHD unit is small enough to fit in that space. On the rear of the Harmen unit you will need to disconnect the Purple Fakra connector and the big 40 pin block.

 

The controls on the steering wheel work fine when the display is displaying the normal Jaguar menus. The volume control works fine within Android auto, I havent tried the others, but I suspect they dont interact with the UAD unit and just continue to do what they did before.

 

The system is now installed, I still need to sort out some way of securing the unit so it does'nt rattle around, and better wiring solutions for the USB cable and Mic, but we have managed a level of technology improvement without having to change the look of the car. And its all reversible - "no wires were damaged in the filming of this upgrade"

 

Regarding my experience with Naviplus, the volume, rewind, fast forward buttons work fine for me in the Jaguar menus.

However, in Android Auto they haven't been mapped correctly with the volume up and rewind button launching Android Assistant (same buttons launch Siri in Carplay). Hoping they can fix this else I'll have to look at alternatives

 

I think all this engineering is amazing but is it really worth it? Seems like a lot chances for screw up, even unintended. Will you ever recover the investment? Does it matter?

 

That's a question for each individual to answer for themselves. Personally, it's not worth it, but others may have different needs/wants.

 

If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in your F-Type, the options are to do this, or to buy a 2018 model...

 

As promised I have uploaded the videos of the install for anyone that would like Android Auto or Carplay added to their car, but doesnt have the features as part of their original build.
Part 3 - Rear Bulhead Trim Part 4 - Connecting the unit Part 5 - Configuring for Android Auto
Hope that helps the curious :-)

 

Another option would be to put 20" wheels on your phone.

 

A HUGE thank you, Paul. I've been watching this with more than idle curiosity. I appreciate all your efforts.

 

One final video - just on Android Auto, and why I wanted to add it into my car...