@Circumnavigator , so the bottom line is that the only hardware you need is the Mr.12volt unit.
Separate from that, as specified above, you need to get the option turned on via SDD.

 

Thanks. This helps a lot.

With the impending purchase, something I’ve been thinking about a lot is future collectibility.
Not necessarily to make money, but to preserve the bloodline so to speak.
If I alter anything from original/OEM, like the ‘Tesla’ style head unit, I want to be sure it’s reversible and I preserve the original.

Im probably over thinking it. But that’s how my brain works.

Obviously the mr12v doesn’t mess with and only enhances original/OEM, connecting to most. But a part of me wonders if removing the head unit and preserving it will prolong its life. Not a strong feeling, just a thought.

 

So, just for my knucklehead brain's clarity, my coming 2008 xkr that does not have the iPod/ACM, will have the needed USB module?
So just have my indy shop with SDD tun on USB?

 

Don’t need the hardware, just SDD software activation.

 

@Circumnavigator, you might as well have your technician turn on both the "Accessory USB unit" and “Auxiliary audio input” at the same visit. As described in my post #13 above, "Accessory USB unit" requires access into SDD’s Engineering Mode using a password. Be sure the technician you use has this ability; i.e., they must have either a subscription or a version of SDD that allows offline use.

In contrast, enabling “Auxiliary audio input” does not require Engineering Mode but it can also be done easily while enabling the "Accessory USB unit" in SDD's Engineering Mode. They are simply separate line items in the list of personalization parameters for modification. In SDDv130, "Accessory USB unit" and “Auxiliary audio input” are line items #530 and #499, respectively. By having the “Auxiliary audio input” also enabled, you may always fall back to the less expensive and less complicated Bluetooth-adapter upgrade for streaming from your phone.

If you want to know the steps of how to get into SDD Engineering Mode to turn on any options you desire, read the section regarding steps to activate the Parking Assist Camera using SDD in my post, "Activation and Installation of Rear Park Assist Camera in 2009 Jaguar XKR", and substitute the line items "Accessory USB unit" and “Auxiliary audio input” for the “Park assist camera” line item. All other steps would be the same.

I recommend getting the SDD work completed before purchasing either Mr12Volt or a Bluetooth adapter because these add-ons will not work without enabling them with SDD.

 

Thanks @KurtC !
Seems there are two threads on the same subject going on, as a resurrected an older one from another owner.

While I have the SDD130-002.ova file downloaded, it will be a while before I’ll be buying the $500 VCM needed to connect the laptop to the car, so not in a rush on sorting all that out.
Did see an old thread on a pwd generator thing for engineering mode that I haven’t found yet.

But yes, my local Indy shop only works on JLR vehicles and has the something-trix subscription, so I’m fairly sure they have what is needed.

I would love to have the SDD setup at some point, but I’ll start searching for a bored and generous helper when the time comes.

Thanks again!

 

@Circumnavigator, my post about activating the Park Assist Camera also details where to download and how to use the password generator (by Rhys Morgan) that will work with your SDDv130 download. I’ve found it to be safe and works flawlessly. The JLR TOPix subscription that your local shop seems to have is expensive and not needed since you have SDDv130 which works offline.

When you’re ready to go the DIY route, just keep watching eBay for both “Ford Rotunda VCM” and “Iota DLS-55” and you should be able to pick up used ones in good condition for +/-$250 and +/-$100, respectively. Then, along with the SDDv130 you already have, you’ll have the software, vehicle communication interface, and power supply necessary to do any modification or diagnosis you want on a Jaguar XK/XKR up through MY2012. That’s what I did and I wound up purchasing two VCMs and an Iota power supply. You should be able to land both a VCM and an Iota power supply for about what you’ll spend for 2-hours of tech time at your independent shop.

 

Thanks Kurt. Yeah I got 1.30 from mindbudda’s gdrive.
just went to the GitHub for the other.
Im a 25+ year tech guy, so have plenty of old laptops. But no copies of Win7 or XP. Well I have the CDs lol, but not a CD player to be found anymore.
Also have oracle VM site saved.

I saw in another forum that there are tons of variations, so maybe not… but is there a thread here (thought I remembered seeing one) with step by step from VMware to windows to SDD install?
a nice little walk through if you will?

EDIT: Seems the .ova file from mindbudda may have all that built in. OS and all, minus the nice GitHub download.
Now to figure out how to get it all together.
Im big corp so we use Kubernetes.

 

Guys as this seems to have morphed into an SDD question, can you please PM each other or start a new thread or better still take it to the general tech help section?

 

I just wanted to drop a note and thank everyone for their responses and advice. I’ve been busy with work, house move and business move and only now had the chance to read it all and reply. Thank you.

 

PS. Does anyone want to buy some ACM and iPod connectivity gear that it now appears I didn’t need to buy?