Wireless CarPlay dongle

Audio, Navigation, Electronic Issues and Fixes
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smithy37
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Post by smithy37 »

Found this thread on Rennlist about a wireless CarPlay dongle so bought one. Reviews seem pretty positive, although there is a cheaper android version available that some people bought accidentally. I bought mine from amazon.com not amazon-prime.co.uk

There is a $60 voucher you can redeem by ticking the box.



I’ll let you know how I get on when it arrives.
Taycan Turbo S
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMPMJ963

Litchfield tuned Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (991.2)

Sold in Jan 2019 - Cayenne Turbo (E3)

Sold in 2018 - Macan Turbo (15):

Madelvic
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Post by Madelvic »

I've been looking too so interested in this

I couldn't see the details of what you have bought......

Thanks
2017 Macan GTS Carmine Red
2005 Boxster S Artic Silver
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smithy37
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Post by smithy37 »

Just click on the amazon picture and it should open in a web browser.

Effectively it’s a plug in USB dongle that pairs with your phone making the PCM think there is a phone physically connected and will initiate Apple CarPlay.
Beware though, there are three varieties and only one works with the pcm and that is the most expensive one. However there is a $60 coupon to redeem which meant I paid £92 after the current exchange rate.

You can still “plug through” the dongle so you can still charge your phone if you have too. This does negate the wireless aspect but at least you don’t have to unplug it giving you both options.

Providing it works as anticipated then it’s winner, winner....
Taycan Turbo S
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMPMJ963

Litchfield tuned Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (991.2)

Sold in Jan 2019 - Cayenne Turbo (E3)

Sold in 2018 - Macan Turbo (15):
Madelvic
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Joined: Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland

Post by Madelvic »

Thanks. interested to hear what your experience in when it arrives.

First time I looked (on another device) the Amazon picture wasn't showing
2017 Macan GTS Carmine Red
2005 Boxster S Artic Silver
Davidone
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Post by Davidone »

Looks interesting. post your experience as soon as you can please.
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smithy37
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Post by smithy37 »

The seller messaged me and asked me for make, model & year of car. I like the fact he did this as it reassures me I chose the right version.
He has a no quibble returns policy but you are left to pick up the postage back to China if you’re not satisfied.

It’s been despatched and estimated delivery is 5th Nov to 21st of November.

Once it’s here I’ll update this post.
Taycan Turbo S
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMPMJ963

Litchfield tuned Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (991.2)

Sold in Jan 2019 - Cayenne Turbo (E3)

Sold in 2018 - Macan Turbo (15):
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smithy37
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Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2015 12:27 pm

Post by smithy37 »

My wireless CarPlay dongle has arrived. It was a bit of a chew to pair and it took a few attempts of forgetting the Bluetooth connection, unplugging the dongle & repairing but eventually it connected.

So far so good and seems to works pretty well. I played some Spotify Content and it appeared to play ok with no apparent loss in sound quality.

Only criticism I have is It uses both wifi and Bluetooth to connect to your phone. This means my phone can no longer connect to my car WiFi hotspot. I am now using the phone antenna for the data signal which is usually in my pocket as opposed to the car SIM card which uses the cars external antenna. Still, as long as it works I’ll be happy.

I’ve read a few negative reports on rennlist about some issues, so I’ll give it a good road test and let you know what I find.

To me it was worth a punt.
Taycan Turbo S
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMPMJ963

Litchfield tuned Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (991.2)

Sold in Jan 2019 - Cayenne Turbo (E3)

Sold in 2018 - Macan Turbo (15):
Madelvic
Posts: 770
Joined: Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland

Post by Madelvic »

Cool. Interested to hear more
2017 Macan GTS Carmine Red
2005 Boxster S Artic Silver
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smithy37
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Post by smithy37 »

I’d hold off buying this for now guys.

The good stuff:
Pretty seemless integration & usually appears instantly.

No loss of audio quality when connected (however read below).

The bad stuff:
Doesn’t always connect and you get a black screen or the CarPlay logo and then the button bounces.

The audio usually stutters for the first 10 seconds. Does this with Spotify, Apple Music & Amazon.
Sometimes the stuttering persists throughout the song. Pressing pause momentarily and then play fixes this.

I have a terrible mobile signal where I live so I have to drive a mile or so before I can access online Spotify songs. I put this down to the phone being masked in my pocket.

Satnav is horrendous. It’s had me off-road in Apple maps, Waze & google maps. I put this down to the signal & the fact wirelessly the dongle cannot access the cars GPS antenna.

The satnav getting confused is the deal breaker for me.

Ah well, at least I tried.
Taycan Turbo S
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMPMJ963

Litchfield tuned Porsche Carrera 4 GTS (991.2)

Sold in Jan 2019 - Cayenne Turbo (E3)

Sold in 2018 - Macan Turbo (15):
Madelvic
Posts: 770
Joined: Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:48 pm
Location: Scotland

Post by Madelvic »

Thanks again

My alternative approach might be to use an older iPhone with a cheap data sim and leave it permanently in the car
2017 Macan GTS Carmine Red
2005 Boxster S Artic Silver
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