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Whilst I'm waiting for a refund, and then replacement, anyone know where I can tap into the factory gps aerial connector and split to the android unit? On the missus Merc it was super easy with a splitter with a diode and appropriate fakra connectors M/F.
You bring up a VERY good question and one I messed up when I did my Android install.
I could not find anyone who could answer that so initially I installed a separate GPS antenna because I was warned that GPS antennas back feed voltage to the head units and simply splitting the signal might cause electrical failures somewhere in the system or it might not work as an antenna if there was too little power.
But later I read on the forum that people were just using a "Y" lead with Fakra connectors to split the signal and they reported no problems using the factory shark fin to feed both the stock and Android units. But no one else reported so it was kind of a one off? He did point me to the Y connector and they are cheap.
Here is what I purchased as there are many Fakra connectors and the colors usually mean something too. I have a 2014 XJR so it may be different from what an XF requires but probably not as things are very similar across the models. It just connects to the GPS lead going into the back of the stock head unit. So no need to access the base of the shark fin. Which is a bitch to do because it's under the headliner and you have drop all that and mess with the Pano glass roof. Something I have so far stayed away from.
My only caution is I have not yet installed mine as I have not been motivated enough to tear things apart (again!) to put the "Y" connector in and remove the second GPS antenna I have in the corner of the front windshield.
I like the diode idea and kind of thought that would be a good safety feature but he did not use one and said both navigation systems still worked fine?
If you do install this please post back as I don't like the second antenna and wanted as clean an install as possible.
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Last edited by clubairth1; Dec 30, 2023 at 10:01 AM.
Thanks for your response, I've been thinking about this situation and bought the exactly same connector myself, however whilst this drama with my jag screen has been going on, I managed to install one in my the missus' MB and I was steered very firmly by their community to a splitter with diode as it causes all sorts of issues on the MB's due to both devices trying to power the GPS module (flickers and screen blackouts). Just for safety sake I am going to get one with a diode to rule out any future issues. This is the one I have on order Z M to ZF90 SMAM90 and will connect the diode blocked part to the android unit.
Will let you know how it goes, but its likely to be some time as I'm only just sending back the current one and I need to wait for my money back before ordering another really.
Wow great find!
I think I will order that one as the added diode gives me more confidence. I agree that both navigation systems will be trying to power the antenna (Or take power from the antenna?) and that will or might cause problems. Glad to see another car brand mentioned so nothing special with the Jaguar systems. I hope anyway!
Interesting as I can't find any with Diodes on EBay.
Which length did you order? I got the .5M now but that Aliexpress listing has a 30cm lead which would take less space behind the dash.
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Last edited by clubairth1; Dec 31, 2023 at 12:12 PM.
Same here, I thought the 30cm would prob be ok, but for safety sake went with the 0.5m too just in case I needed the slack when sliding the unit back in or something like that. I did find one on amazon too though, but IIRC it was £20+ so stuck with cheap alix route.
Will do and thanks again for solving this mystery!
I have had that Fakra "Y" connector sitting on my bench for over a year trying to decide if it was worth the chance to just split the signal and see what happens.
Just was not sure.
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So I still haven't got a replacement yet but I wanted to send a warning about some other suppliers. I tried a few cheaper looking aliexpress suppliers with what looked like the same unit. However in small print it mentions "no touch function on factory menu" having contacted the supplier I am shocked and stunned that this is the case, but fitting their unit they say:
"the screen is not touchable
you need to use the original button to adjust everything you need "
and
"sorry to explain wrongly
the screen is touchable
no touch function of the factory menu means that you can not adjust the factory setting by our screen
because there are android system and factory system after installation of our android car radio device"
I did query that this would mean no longer being able to use the heated seats, adjust stereo settings, and many other functions, and they confirmed this is the case.
So please be aware if ordering from an unverified source the potential issues.
So it turns out that they are no longer making this particular android unit and that is why everywhere has not been able to supply one (even though its still advertised). I purchase, answer random emails nothing turns up and have to ask for a refund (aliexpress/alibaba/etc...)
However I am assured they are looking to replace it with a similar unit (i imagine identical looking), but no longer using the MediaTek Helio P60/P70 and they are swapping to a Qualcomm CPU. NTAudios has said they will email me as soon as they have stock available.
Apologies for resurrecting this old thread. I just wanted to add to it in case anyone else removes one of these units from their car and finds that the oem unit screen turns off seemingly randomly. After much investigation and replacing batteries and RCJB, it turns out the answer is to replace the display unit. It's plug and play - no coding required - and they are dirt cheap now (I paid £30 delivered via the bay).
Super easy and works without being a hideous blob on your dash!
Since i only got around to this earlier this year, thought it was worth updating a better solution.
My biggest regret was not just doing the install myself (didnt have time) because its laughably easy.
Super easy and works without being a hideous blob on your dash!
Since i only got around to this earlier this year, thought it was worth updating a better solution.
My biggest regret was not just doing the install myself (didnt have time) because its laughably easy.
AH! You only got round to it this year, I purchased the Unique unit Four years ago,
New years resolution I think i might get round to Installing it in January
how has it been with you so far
Its been good overall and im glad i did it, but sometimes it gets confused connecting - but likely my fault, because android auto hates VPNs and i tend to forget to turn it off. The other weird thing was it reset an idle setting so it would revert to the home screen while navigating, but once i found the setting with the engine off, that went away. Full touch screen in android auto and Navigation button smoothly bumps over to the added unit. Money well spent.
