Installed Chinese CarPlay - and it works really well!

feanor · December 10, 2022

Hey Kurowi,

I tried the install myself - also the rotary knob....but have no controls from it.

Have the audio working fine, and Siri, and music and Nav.....but cannot figure out the issue.

The kit came with 3 x passthrough connectors for the radio, however only 2 fit. Im wondering did you also get three, or maybe I was sent the wrong cable. I also tried 2 variations of the switch setting, one with only 5, and the other 3,4,5. No joy.

Mr_Groundhog · December 11, 2022

On 9/27/2022 at 12:13 PM, wharfhouse said:

Yes, same with me - I found that a phone holder that slots into the CD opening works well and now use Google Maps on my mobile phone - it's perhaps a touch low but I can live with it - I have a Pixel 6 and can also use Google Assistant and tell it via voice where to navigate and also make phone calls, which of course then routes through the car Bluetooth system. If you also want to listen to music over Bluetooth from the phone then you can also have the Google Maps nav over the Bluetooth too and through the car speakers. It delivers a reasonable solution without taking the car apart...

what do you mean by maps via bluettoth? you mean the guiding voice that gives you directions in google maps playing through the car speakers, right?

feanor · December 12, 2022

On 12/10/2022 at 7:34 PM, feanor said:

Hey Kurowi,

I tried the install myself - also the rotary knob....but have no controls from it.

Have the audio working fine, and Siri, and music and Nav.....but cannot figure out the issue.

The kit came with 3 x passthrough connectors for the radio, however only 2 fit. Im wondering did you also get three, or maybe I was sent the wrong cable. I also tried 2 variations of the switch setting, one with only 5, and the other 3,4,5. No joy.

Never mind - I got it working

immotek · January 10, 2023

I have this exact same unit in my 2017 IS 300h which works absolutely fine except the screen flickers every 10-15 seconds or so.

Ive been in touch with the manufacturer who have suggested some cables have been incorrectly connected - it was put in by the previous owner so I think I need to take it apart and have a gander.

One question I did have is that the colour and audio on mine are somewhat "off" - I was wondering if you changed any of the colour and/or equaliser settings on yours at all?

Im running the premium nav. Thanks!

immotek · January 16, 2023

On 12/10/2022 at 7:34 PM, feanor said:

Hey Kurowi,

I tried the install myself - also the rotary knob....but have no controls from it.

Have the audio working fine, and Siri, and music and Nav.....but cannot figure out the issue.

The kit came with 3 x passthrough connectors for the radio, however only 2 fit. Im wondering did you also get three, or maybe I was sent the wrong cable. I also tried 2 variations of the switch setting, one with only 5, and the other 3,4,5. No joy.

Hi Feanor,

I just opened mine up this weekend gone to sort out the screen flickering issue - which I did.

I noticed on my system the DIP switch is set to 1234 (on) and the rest off, even though the manual suggests it should just be number 5 on.

If I followed the manufacturer instructions and just set switch 5 to on, none of the controls would work (premium nav with joystick).

To their credit, the manufacturer is very easy to get hold of on WhatsApp. I got the unit from AliExpress.

Where did you get your unit - might be worth reaching out for support?

EDIT: ignore the above, I saw you got it working!

oldhan · January 16, 2023

Hi Immotek.

Im seriously considering buying and installing the roadtop carplay to my system. Like you, I have the premium nav with the joystick. I have a few questions if thats ok.

1) Can you use carplay and listen to the dab radio in the oem system at the same time?

2) Hows the phone call quality from CarPlay?

3) how the joystick compatibility with the screen?

I had more questions but can't think right now.

Thanks...

immotek · January 16, 2023

3 hours ago, oldhan said:

Hi Immotek.

Im seriously considering buying and installing the roadtop carplay to my system. Like you, I have the premium nav with the joystick. I have a few questions if thats ok.

1) Can you use carplay and listen to the dab radio in the oem system at the same time?

2) Hows the phone call quality from CarPlay?

3) how the joystick compatibility with the screen?

I had more questions but can't think right now.

Thanks...

Hi Han,

In response:

1) Yes - just set the audio source to DAB either going back into the OEM system or via the steering wheel, I do this often when I dont have a podcast on. (you need to set it to AUX for the Carplay audio to come through - note the mic will still work, so you can use Siri/Google Assistant but you wont hear any response).

2) Everyone I have spoken to has commented on how good the call quality is from my side to them. Sometimes I get some interference with their audio but I still havent quite figured out if thats an issue with the phone signal or the car audio, its too intermittent for me to care.

3) I wont lie, the joystick is the worst part of it, it takes some getting used to but once you figure out the nuances its generally fine. My worst gripe is that around 10% of the time if you click the joystick (to select) it sometimes moves right and selects, infuriating when it cancels a phone call for example! What made life easier for me was figuring out that the home, up/down and menu buttons are also usable and save a lot of joystick manipulation.

Honest opinion is that this would be a 10/10 if it werent for the ****ty joystick controls - I think those with knob and/or touch would have a much better time. I would still rate it 9/10 though as it really does drag the whole system into the modern world and it works really well with a modern device. You also have a lot of scope for adjusting screen (colour, contrast, saturation) and audio settings (EQ, loudness, etc...) which is great.

Any questions please do feel free to ask!

oldhan · January 17, 2023

11 hours ago, immotek said:

Hi Han,

In response:

1) Yes - just set the audio source to DAB either going back into the OEM system or via the steering wheel, I do this often when I dont have a podcast on. (you need to set it to AUX for the Carplay audio to come through - note the mic will still work, so you can use Siri/Google Assistant but you wont hear any response).

2) Everyone I have spoken to has commented on how good the call quality is from my side to them. Sometimes I get some interference with their audio but I still havent quite figured out if thats an issue with the phone signal or the car audio, its too intermittent for me to care.

3) I wont lie, the joystick is the worst part of it, it takes some getting used to but once you figure out the nuances its generally fine. My worst gripe is that around 10% of the time if you click the joystick (to select) it sometimes moves right and selects, infuriating when it cancels a phone call for example! What made life easier for me was figuring out that the home, up/down and menu buttons are also usable and save a lot of joystick manipulation.

Honest opinion is that this would be a 10/10 if it werent for the ****ty joystick controls - I think those with knob and/or touch would have a much better time. I would still rate it 9/10 though as it really does drag the whole system into the modern world and it works really well with a modern device. You also have a lot of scope for adjusting screen (colour, contrast, saturation) and audio settings (EQ, loudness, etc...) which is great.

Any questions please do feel free to ask!

Thank you for that.

VinHundred · January 15

Hello, I will need help.
I have an IS300h with the 10" screen with split screen.

I have two situations:

1. I connect #E Recovery can to #A (old car no split display)
= The OEM split screen works perfectly BUT the carplay is not controllable.
Test carried out with the toggle switch on: 2.4 AND 1.2.4

2. I connect #E Recovery can to #A (old car no split display) AND I connect #C (Can control) to #F Rocker controller which is connected to the remote touch. Result: the split screen no longer works and the operation of the remote touch is catastrophic but reacts on both systems.
Test carried out with the toggle switch on: 2.4 AND 1.2.4

Has anyone had this before?

corpjones · January 15

On 1/16/2023 at 11:56 AM, immotek said:

Hi Feanor,

I just opened mine up this weekend gone to sort out the screen flickering issue - which I did.

I noticed on my system the DIP switch is set to 1234 (on) and the rest off, even though the manual suggests it should just be number 5 on.

If I followed the manufacturer instructions and just set switch 5 to on, none of the controls would work (premium nav with joystick).

To their credit, the manufacturer is very easy to get hold of on WhatsApp. I got the unit from AliExpress.

Where did you get your unit - might be worth reaching out for support?

EDIT: ignore the above, I saw you got it working!

I am after a unit too, any chance you can PM me (or post here) what seller you purchased from? trying to use someone who fellow members here have used before 🙂

immotek · January 18

Hey @corpjones, I use this one: Wireless CarPlay for Lexus NX RX IS ES GS RC CT LS LX LC UX – Road Top

Just make sure to select the correct navigation option based on your car (e.g trackpad, joystick etc..)

Here is a post I made which includes installation instructions:

corpjones · January 18

6 hours ago, immotek said:

Hey @corpjones, I use this one: Wireless CarPlay for Lexus NX RX IS ES GS RC CT LS LX LC UX – Road Top

Just make sure to select the correct navigation option based on your car (e.g trackpad, joystick etc..)

Here is a post I made which includes installation instructions:

Thank you so much for all the info, taking all that apart scares me so will have to try and find someone reputable to do it for me

jackdublin · February 2

Installed one recently and music played via AUX is terrible as compared to usual Bluetooth. Did anyone experience the same issue? Any idea if it is possible to play music via Bluetooth while being connected via Android Auto at the same time?

corpjones · February 2

4 hours ago, jackdublin said:

Installed one recently and music played via AUX is terrible as compared to usual Bluetooth. Did anyone experience the same issue? Any idea if it is possible to play music via Bluetooth while being connected via Android Auto at the same time?

Which one did you go for?

jackdublin · February 5

On 2/2/2024 at 8:02 AM, corpjones said:

Which one did you go for?

Done it via one of the local businesses, so not sure which decoder exactly they used

feanor · February 13

On 2/2/2024 at 3:10 AM, jackdublin said:

Installed one recently and music played via AUX is terrible as compared to usual Bluetooth. Did anyone experience the same issue? Any idea if it is possible to play music via Bluetooth while being connected via Android Auto at the same time?

I'd guess it is ground related, I remember I had a spare black wire, and until I connected it to ground audio wasnt good.

After connection, it was perfect, I just wired it to the car's metal frame.....which should all be ground. Maybe have a look for a floating black wire

BogdanSpac · February 19

Hello, I have one concern. If I have full 10" display, will the Carplay/Android auto be full screen, or centered as the picture posted by the op? Thanks!

stevemanfa · March 18

Is anyone still using the road top until and if so is it worth me buying it or is there something better now.

Thanks

_3rd · March 19

On 3/18/2024 at 7:48 PM, stevemanfa said:

Is anyone still using the road top until and if so is it worth me buying it or is there something better now.

Thanks

I’ve got TopRoad box about 5 years ago and it lasted 2 years until failed (blank screen). Unfortunately, was already out of warranty.

Then I went for the cheapest 10.25” screen with CarPlay built in from Ali, no issues for now (1.5 years).

stevemanfa · March 20

Is the one with the screen better than the first one and will the original system still work.

Thanks

_3rd · March 20

RoadTop box was booting up and connecting to my phone quicker and control knob was working. 10.25” screen one - to navigate in Android/AA/Carplay have to use touch screen (steering wheel audio control and radio panel work fine with all media players available for AA and CarPlay), however factory control knob and factory infotainment is still accessible and works fine (I believe there are more expensive versions with knob control/trackpad/touchpad support - I paid £320 including tax and shipping, RoadTop box was £250 that time).

Conclusion: with factory bigger screen I would go for RoadTop box, however need of research if they updated anything to make it working for years, not just under warranty.

oldhan · June 3

Finally after almost a year ordering and receiving my Roadtop module from Aliexpress, I installed it. Took a few hours to do and wasn't as bad as expected.

Been using for a over a month now and have thoroughly tested it out.

My car has the premium Navigation, joystick and ML sound system.

Module has equaliser settings adjustment so I tweaked it as best i could to get the best sound which is not bad at all as its coming via Aux.

Theres an option on the module to use the OEM car blutooth for phone calls. I use this so call quality is perfect.

The joystick controls are ok, you dont feel that haptic feedback when using it with OEM system. One you get used to it, its easy. Also you can use the arrow up and down to move and use the enter buttons to select.

The steering wheel can change tracks but the voice control button for Siri doesn't seem to work. When pressed it uses the OEM voice control. However, its not needed because you can just say Siri and the system recognises it.

The buttons to skip tracks on the centre console dont work with CarPlay.

You can listen to OEM radio while using carplay but there wont be any Navigation alerts and Siri voice.

What I noticed is as I have the premium Navigation with split screen. After install, I cant select anything on the right side of the OEM screen. The cursor bounces back to middle and left side. Not sure why this happens. I contacted the Roadtop customer services who gave me tips to try but didnt work.

The roadtop CS were helpful to be fair and efficient in replying.

I had never used Waze before installing CarPlay and have to say its great to use it on the screen just to see where the speed cameras, police, traffic, etc are located.

The module is situated in the passenger footwell. I bought a USB to USB C cable so I could extend the length of the USB cable supplied. I wanted to feed the cable to the centre storage compartment but didnt have the tool to make a hole in it so in the end I just fed it out by the drivers seat and it can be hidden by that piece of material by the seatbelt lock.

I cant think what else to write but if there is any questions, feel free to ask. Here are some photos.

corpjones · June 4

11 hours ago, oldhan said:

Finally after almost a year ordering and receiving my Roadtop module from Aliexpress, I installed it. Took a few hours to do and wasn't as bad as expected.

Been using for a over a month now and have thoroughly tested it out.

My car has the premium Navigation, joystick and ML sound system.

Module has equaliser settings adjustment so I tweaked it as best i could to get the best sound which is not bad at all as its coming via Aux.

Theres an option on the module to use the OEM car blutooth for phone calls. I use this so call quality is perfect.

The joystick controls are ok, you dont feel that haptic feedback when using it with OEM system. One you get used to it, its easy. Also you can use the arrow up and down to move and use the enter buttons to select.

The steering wheel can change tracks but the voice control button for Siri doesn't seem to work. When pressed it uses the OEM voice control. However, its not needed because you can just say Siri and the system recognises it.

The buttons to skip tracks on the centre console dont work with CarPlay.

You can listen to OEM radio while using carplay but there wont be any Navigation alerts and Siri voice.

What I noticed is as I have the premium Navigation with split screen. After install, I cant select anything on the right side of the OEM screen. The cursor bounces back to middle and left side. Not sure why this happens. I contacted the Roadtop customer services who gave me tips to try but didnt work.

The roadtop CS were helpful to be fair and efficient in replying.

I had never used Waze before installing CarPlay and have to say its great to use it on the screen just to see where the speed cameras, police, traffic, etc are located.

The module is situated in the passenger footwell. I bought a USB to USB C cable so I could extend the length of the USB cable supplied. I wanted to feed the cable to the centre storage compartment but didnt have the tool to make a hole in it so in the end I just fed it out by the drivers seat and it can be hidden by that piece of material by the seatbelt lock.

I cant think what else to write but if there is any questions, feel free to ask. Here are some photos.

Thank you for your post, good info 🙂

Quick couple of questions:

- Any chance you can PM me where you purchased it from? I also want to buy it

- Have you noticed any difference to the ML sound system quality? I've got a late 2013 Premier with ML and never been impressed with the sound system, I suspect its because the Bluetooth codec is the older one with less bandwidth, i'm hoping getting roadtop would also improve this due to upgrading the Bluetooth version.

oldhan · June 4

9 hours ago, corpjones said:

Thank you for your post, good info 🙂

Quick couple of questions:

- Any chance you can PM me where you purchased it from? I also want to buy it

- Have you noticed any difference to the ML sound system quality? I've got a late 2013 Premier with ML and never been impressed with the sound system, I suspect its because the bluetooth codec is the older one with less bandwidth, i'm hoping getting roadtop would also improve this due to upgrading the bluetooth version.

Theres a setting on the module that allows you to manually set up your sound preferences using equalisers. If you play with these, you can taylor how you want it e.g, More bass, treble etc. Theres also a master volume slider which allows you to make the system louder or lower.

ZXSpectrum · July 18

Is there any update to this? I have a 2014 IS300h F-Sport with ML and the smaller screen. I would prefer something with the bigger screen that will still give me good audio via the ML system but also can use apple carplay.