Simple solution to Android Auto/Apple Car Play in your LC500

[K22MDL]

One of the downsides in not buying a 20/21 plate LC500 is the lack of update to the aging infotainment system for Android Auto or apple Car Play.  If you haven't used apple or Android in your Lexus (or any car for that matter) you'll never go back. The navigation systems on offer alone, (Waze, Google Maps, TomTom etc) are far superior to the built-in satnav let alone all the other integration it offers. 

I came across a relatively cheap method of adding it by an additional screen but didn't want to dangle the device off the windscreen. It's also a fair reach from the driver’s seat if you wish to input any of the CarPlay's features.  

I went through quite a few before choosing this one, reasons being it's a capacitive 1080 HD screen (others I tried had poor resolution & resistive screen) &  a 7" display. Most are 9 & 10 inch, but they obscure other information on and around the centre console & leave too much hanging over the left (or right in LHD) passenger compartment so leggy persons will hit the side of the display. 

The Car Play screen is a 7" device by APHQUA and is available on amazon for £219GBP,  (See:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B6V9DT8J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  )   If you contact the manufacturers help desk they will also replace the start up splash screen with a Lexus one FOC.  Nice!

The mount is from a company called Brodit (see https://www.brodit.com/en/filter?texts=655377 ) remember to choose LHD or RHD !!  It clamps to the side of the passenger grab rail and is really sturdy. Pity it’s not nicer looking as it’s just 3D printed but there it is.

To complete the mounting hardware I used an iBolt AMPS adapter plate from amazon (see:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009AYLYWA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)  I used the double sided sticker to fix to the Brodit mount and then drilled the four holes for the screws supplied with the adapter plate. Not sure it's entirely necessary but I did anyway. What's nice is the entire mount is easily removable if desired. 

The APHQUA is powered by it's supplied 12V DC plug & that together with the audio output cable (another amazon purchase see: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06Y37Z8LV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ), plugs in to the two sockets under the arm rest. This literally completed the installation. 

I will get the cables routed upwards into the corner of the glove compartment area but that's a job for my auto-electrician later in January when he fits the BlackVue cameras front and rear. 

Any questions drop me a PM.   Merry Christmas!