I’ve installed the Mimics G4 and the Tesla style Android screen and did reviews of those along with others who installed the Tesla screen. You can read about it in the DIY sticky section.

Yesterday I installed Cambo’s Android/ CarPlay GVIF interface and thought I give a quick plug for the device. If you installed my GVIF Gauge setup in the past, this install is similar. If you’re not handy with this sort of thing, a professional install is recommended.

When I fire up the car, I‘m automatically connected to CarPlay.

I then have Current Maps as I need them, Music, Voice to Text if I want it and Phone Calls. Siri places calls and reads texts.

Since the connection is automatic and nearly immediate, two steps bring me into the CarPlay screen if I want it. Touch Navigation then touch a hidden button and viola, you’re in. I’m sure the experience is similar with Android Auto. CarPlay has a nice layout and it’s easier on the eyes than the OEM screen imo. I undocked my phone from the OEM BT connection as it’s no longer needed. Calls are clear to me and the person on the other end of the phone.

If you’re looking to modify your functionality, this is a fine addition.

Thanks to @arenaej for his feedback and help during install! Much appreciated. Nice device @Cambo . I think I’ll keep this one till the next shiny object comes along.

I'm happy to answer any questions.

 

I thought I'd add a video. Also, this is an unsolicited review and I wasn't paid to do it. Lastly, I refer to my wife as camera guy and she's not a fan but doesn't want me to use her name in the videos so camera guy it is:-)

 

I’m interested in purchasing Cambo’s CarPlay, where can I find more info such as price and where to order. The video was very helpful hats off to the camera guy.

 

I want this!!

 

Yea...what he said. Also, sound quality is highly dependant on source with the XK. So how is the music quality through the cambo unit?

 

Mine sounds much better through CarPlay, but my ears are 71…

 

Also interested in purchasing. Can anyone advise how? Thanks!

 

oldjaguar.com, but the site doesn't seem to work now for some reason. He also has a Facebook page and a few other places.

 

delete

 

Sean, you are awesome with your reviews of the technology options.

 

Send an email to his company page "cambo@oldjaguar.com". I did and received a prompt and comprehensive reply

 

See this thread:

Apple Car Play / Android Auto using stock display and controls!
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=281819

 

This is the Mr12volt Android Auto install. Took about 2 hours in all and minimally disruptive. Also totally reversible.

 

There are differences. The most important one is that Mr. 12 Volt doesn't work in the 07-08 models

 

Also, Mr12volt is touch screen enabled.

 

So is the Old Jaguar kit

 

I have a 2006 Jaguar XK. I believe that the Mr12Volt unit will only work on 2009 onwards. With more XK's making their way to the scrap yards I thought a solution was to buy the parts required to make it work so I got in touch with Mr12Volts to ask what I would need to change and if it was indeed an option. Would I need to just the head unit or is all the wiring and other components incompatible?

They replied the following day stating:
"Hi, you will either have to purchase a display which is from 2009 on wards or in about 2 months time, we are coming out with a video board which would also fit on the 2006 to 2008 screen if you can wait. thank you"

Hope this helps people like me with the older XK, mine is a 2006. I am going to ask them to keep me up to date with developments and will up-date the thread when they let me know.

 

I have a 2007 XK and will definitely be a customer for the Mr12Volt kit when it becomes available. Please keep us updated.
Thank you!

 

What is the cost to have this done?

 

Today, I installed the Mr12Volt CarPlay kit in my 2010 MY 5.0 XK Convertible. I won't write out the entire install, but just my observations to some of the steps.

To start: it is best to download the Youtube installer video and to play it with a native video player. I used Apple Quicktime, which allows even frame-to-frame navigation using the left/right cursor keys.

The video skips over some steps, so you need to complete these in between.

0. Preparations

Make sure you have some protective cloth or wrap plastic to protect the center console and the center console control stack.
To be fully safe, I disconnected my battery - pole.


1. Loop out the native Jaguar Bluetooth module from the MOST optical network

I assumed that the top module on the stack right of the battery was the native Jaguar Bluetooth module. I did not need to adapt the MOST plug: it went straight into the provided loop cable.
Also, I did not disconnect the power to the Bluetooth module, as this was not mentioned at all in the installation video.


2. Taking out the display head unit

In my 2010 MY XK, the display head unit could simply be dismounted by removing 4 Torx screws (2 on each side of the unit) connecting to the head unit frame and 2 smaller Torx screws which keep the display head unit to the plastic bezel.
So in my car, there is no surrounding frame around the head unit to take off. This may be a XF-linked video, inserted in the XK installation instructions.
After disconnecting all cables to the display head unit, I could take the unit out without disconnecting any other cables from the center console stack modules.


3. Converting the display head unit to include the Mr12Volt hardware

The installation video is quite explicit on all the necessary steps. It only does not show the mounting of fixation screws when putting everything back together. So watch carefully, so you timely include the fixation screws in the procedure.
Make sure that all the flat cables are nicely routed and tugged away inside the module, so they don't get tampered with when closing up the display head unit.
Fixation of the extra cable with the provided clip is simply done by one of the 2 fixing screws, fixing the closure of the back opening near the MOST cable.
Just take your time and stay calm to ensure that everything is properly seated and mounted. If needed or in case of doubt, go back some steps and verify.


4. Mounting the Mr12Volt cabling

Looping of the MOST cable: It was not clearly mentioned in the video where the provided MOST should plug in. However, when checking carefully, it appears that the MOST connector of the Audio Control Module should be used (a small add-on unit on the back of the stack).
This may be important since the MOST network is sensitive to the connection of the MOST devices in the right sequence/order.


5. Final results so far

The unit immediately worked as instructed. Connecting to it is straightforward.
Switching to and from the device to the native Jaguar screens is simple and intuitive, e.g. using the home button.
All in all, it took me some 2 hours to complete the task, given that I had already taken apart the center console stack earlier.

6. Issues after my installation

I do not seem to get any sound via the Mr12Volt module. My phone indicates a playing song, but no sound.
Also, the Google maps application does not emit any sound as expected.
Maybe, I chose the wrong module instead of the Bluetooth module to be looped-out. I will check now.