XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

Android HU installed in my XJR

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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 04:48 PM
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Default Android HU installed in my XJR

About 10 years ago I replaced the factory Navi HU with a JVC single din. The JVC was a big improvement but has also become dated.

Today I installed a Joying android unit with a 6.x inch screen. I now have a modern HU with bluetooth, 4G wireless, Waze, Sirius app, etc. I skipped the rear camera.

Install was not to bad. I was able to toss the access steering controller as this is built in. Quite pleased with the results.



here is a link to the unit itself.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPqo3DT
 

Last edited by Amphicar770; Nov 25, 2020 at 05:10 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 05:33 PM
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My Clarion is dated as well and I feel the same. That's a descent looking Chinese unit, I'm not sold on the chrome trim even though it matches the shift bezel, ...did you put the Jaguar screen image in it?

I'm looking at either Alpine Halo9 or Pioneer next.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 06:10 PM
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the biggest problem with the earlier android head units was way too much functionality and features that nobody will ever use

finally these newer units have CarPlay and or Android Auto and that’s all i’ll ever need
 
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 08:34 PM
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Looks pretty good!
 
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Highhorse
My Clarion is dated as well and I feel the same. That's a descent looking Chinese unit, I'm not sold on the chrome trim even though it matches the shift bezel, ...did you put the Jaguar screen image in it?

I'm looking at either Alpine Halo9 or Pioneer next.
There is a home screen launcher for these units called Agama. It includes numerous logos including Jaguar. Excellent app for driving.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2020 | 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Highhorse
My Clarion is dated as well and I feel the same. That's a descent looking Chinese unit, I'm not sold on the chrome trim even though it matches the shift bezel, ...did you put the Jaguar screen image in it?

I'm looking at either Alpine Halo9 or Pioneer next.
At 6.2 inches, this fits just right top to bottom. A larger screen will be a more difficult / custom install.

The other thing I like about this unit is that there is no branding on the face. I hate when there is giant, chrome lettering for Joying, JVC, Alpine, etc.
 

Last edited by Amphicar770; Nov 25, 2020 at 09:35 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 06:17 AM
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Most interesting. It looks as if I can make calls with my iPhone without a physical connection into the head unit. I'm curious where and how you routed the microphone and GPS antenna, and whether there's a way to run SiriusXM through it?

 
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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 09:26 AM
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I have my GPS and SIRIUS receivers on the back deck. I ran the wiring down behind the back seat, under that little patch of carpet, into the armrest center council. My SIRIUS receiver fits nicely in under the armrest pocket on the passenger side. I can get you some pics if you'd like?
 
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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by eliotb
Most interesting. It looks as if I can make calls with my iPhone without a physical connection into the head unit. I'm curious where and how you routed the microphone and GPS antenna, and whether there's a way to run SiriusXM through it?
Yes. Bluetooth for phone.

There is an aux in if you wanted an actual Sirius tuner although I do not think you could control that unit from the HU. I am just running the Sirius app which links to subscription on other car without paying extra fees. I picked up a data only sim / plan from T- mobile for $20 a month. That gives me mobile Sirius and Waze, etc. Alternatively you could use phone as mobile hotspot or stream over bluetooth. Multiple options.

For the microphone, gps antenna and 4g wireless antennas, with radio out I ran wires down side (fished them with a coat hanger), across behind the steering wheel and the up along the front pillar. Not too bad if you have a basic trim tool set.

One small glitch, now resolved. I noticed that radio volume was fluctuating while driving and I was not getting AM stations. I rechecked antenna connection but no luck. I then turned off setting to reduce volume when in reverse. That did the trick. I recall people reporting challenges with installing backup cameras where the reverse signal is backwards from most vehicles. I suspect it was somehow related. All good now.

Btw, I do not recall how I did this as it was from several years back when I installed the JVC. I ran speaker wires from original radio harness to some sort of amp connector under rear seat on drivers side. I also used old school crossovers. I am sure the procedure is in some other posting on this site.
 

Last edited by Amphicar770; Nov 26, 2020 at 10:23 AM.
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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 04:27 PM
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My Kenwood DPX501BT does everything w/o a screen, BT hands free calling w/ mic installed by sun visor,phone & WAZE navigation syncs over audio system when in use. USB, seamless Sirius XM radio interface in the head unit with or w/o remote. Most importantly, I can go back to OEM if I choose, as it didn't have to hack up the dash internals for install. It's about 6 years old now but still offers everything I want in a cohesive package.




 
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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by King Charles
My Kenwood DPX501BT does everything w/o a screen, BT hands free calling w/ mic installed by sun visor,phone & WAZE navigation syncs over audio system when in use. USB, seamless Sirius XM radio interface in the head unit with or w/o remote. Most importantly, I can go back to OEM if I choose, as it didn't have to hack up the dash internals for install. It's about 6 years old now but still offers everything I want in a cohesive package.

Nice unit. My JVC served my well. I just wanted to get a more modern look. I like having everything self contained without relying on my phone. I usually drive with Waze it Google and now have those at my fingertips. I also installed TomTom with downloaded maps so even if I am without signal, my gps is good to go.

It's great to have options in lieu of the original HU which is definitely dated.

I actually cut no wires, everything is tapped I could put the original HU back in there tomorrow in about 15 minutes. Not that I would want to.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 08:24 PM
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Yeah I've been the JOYING route in other vehicles, I wish you better luck than I had lol.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2020 | 08:28 PM
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Very nice! Great job!!
 
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 02:52 PM
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Hey Jagustar, have you seen Greverrr's Jag? He's up in Mt Vernon, car looks fairly similar with those rims.

Here's his,....




 
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Old Mar 25, 2021 | 03:56 AM
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Can you confirm what harness you used please? I've decided to go for the bogger 8.8" screen and so far, it has been an almighty PITA!
 
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Old Mar 25, 2021 | 05:35 AM
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That looks really good. I like the simplicity of it. Where did you get the trim piece or did you have to make that?
 
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Old Mar 25, 2021 | 07:32 AM
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That's a hell of a screen to fit in there Ash. The issue with any factory unit, its usually difficult to replace them because of the custom design and the replacement is generally...well...square.
Thus that's why replacements tend to be smaller and designed around to fit.

For a fascia, here's one I used 6 yrs ago, hope its still available if you can use it.... https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-piece-165345/
 
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Old Mar 25, 2021 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by KipnKnox
That looks really good. I like the simplicity of it. Where did you get the trim piece or did you have to make that?
The fascia was from Dynamic Sounds https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/conn...BoCNoEQAvD_BwE

I had to do some pretty basic mounting modifications (which I would now do a lot differently after the first go!) but the screen is remote to the single din unit so my plan is to house the main unit deep in the dash.
I'm trying to source a harness for the unit so I can power it up and review its powerformance.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2021 | 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Amphicar770
About 10 years ago I replaced the factory Navi HU with a JVC single din. The JVC was a big improvement but has also become dated.

Today I installed a Joying android unit with a 6.x inch screen. I now have a modern HU with bluetooth, 4G wireless, Waze, Sirius app, etc. I skipped the rear camera.

Install was not to bad. I was able to toss the access steering controller as this is built in. Quite pleased with the results.



here is a link to the unit itself.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPqo3DT
is this the same plate

https://www.wish.com/product/597aae5..._BwE&share=web
 

Last edited by vincent661983; Mar 25, 2021 at 04:24 PM.
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Old Mar 26, 2021 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by vincent661983
I bought mine quite a few years ago from a shop no longer in business. I can't say fir certain but the one you linked to looks correct.
 
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