Aftermarket HU upgrade - Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309E installation

[twr7cx]

I've got a Clarion VZ402A in my MY03 D2a which has been there since around 2011. It's had a few software glitches that I've tolerated for far too long, the LCD screen quality is below average current standards and not always responsive, and Smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto really seems to have recently stepped up, so it's time for an upgrade.

So far I've settled on the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309E < iLX-F309E Halo9 9-inch Floating Display Alpine Electronics of Australia (https://www.alpine.com.au/shop/navigation/ilx-f309e/) >. It ticks my main requirements of:

high quality LCD screen of reasonable size that can handle a bit of sun glare etc
Monitor display angle adjustment - as I've found with my current unit it's most visible when cranked all the way back.
reverse camera compatible - to connect to my current reverse camera that's installed
At least 2 RCA preouts - for connecting to the factory HSE amplifier
Preouts of at least 4V - for connecting to the factory HSE amplifier
Steering wheel control compatible - my current PAC SWI is tuned for the Clarion unit but should be able to change the settings to suit Alpine
Apple CarPlay through Wireless connection - most units are still USB cable connection only which is cumbersome for every time you get in and out of the car


But the biggest selling point on this unit for installation in the D2 dash are the single DIN sizing and the monitor adjustability.
Single DIN size means can be installed in the factory position without any modifications or custom double DIN dash work. There's a very very limited range of single DIN units - Pioneer also has an offering but it's not as feature rich and the Apple CarPlay looks to be USB cable connection still.
The monitor adjustment is not just the display angle which is usual, but also the display height is adjustable:


Adjustable Display Height
The display height can be adjusted +/- 3cm from the center position, allowing for standing and hanging display configurations. You can also adjust the distance of the display to your dash with a 20mm range.

I figure that this should mean, on near the lowest setting, that it covers up that funny little panel gap that sits below the headunit (as the OEM headunit faces were bigger than single DIN). For me personally, I've got a Mudpod mounted on the top of the dash above which might mean less overlap of my switches on that.

Anyways, off to see if I can find one at any of the local stores. Further updates to come in due course.

[Lemo]

Very nice, if I had a spare $1200!!

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190510/a54617dea08aa11ea0a2ceb8dd66884a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190510/5a629009492fea262d273ff4dcc4d5dc.jpg

They look good in a D2

[4runnernomore]

Can’t wait to install mine.

Will have to wait till I get back from holidays though.

cheers Chris

[4runnernomore]

Very nice, if I had a spare $1200!!

Shop around you can get them for much less than that😉

[Bohica]

I'm sure you could find one that is not so cheap. Get a good unit.

[John_D4]

Does the monitor mount feel secure? Do u think it will stand up to 4wd life? I’ve been thinking of getting the same unit.

[gavinwibrow]

Does the monitor mount feel secure? Do u think it will stand up to 4wd life? I’ve been thinking of getting the same unit.


Should not be any worse than a tablet etc, and if that base is as strong as it suggests, better.
I have a pioneer pop out/flip up, but I have to admit I put it away for any severe corrugations or rough track work.

[John_D4]

I had a look at one of these in autobarn this afternoon. Looks like it’s mounted with thick plastic to a steel base. It’s now on the long list of things to do to the d2

[twr7cx]

They look good in a D2

Thanks for the pictures. That's confirmed it for me.
Is that your setup? If so, any chance of a picture straight on - I'm interested to see how far above the top of the dash it sits and how far over the air vents either side it covers? Is the monitor adjusted to the lowest height setting? Happy with the performance of it?



Shop around you can get them for much less than that😉

Agreed. One of the first Google search results has them at 2/3rds of the retail price.
Either way, quality costs. I've had my D2a for almost 10 years now and I haven't found a worthy replacement yet (incoming new model Jeep Wranger Unlimited Rubicon might be a future contender?) so might as well set it up to continue to enjoy.

[Cambo_oldjaguar]

Thanks for the pictures. That's confirmed it for me.
Is that your setup? If so, any chance of a picture straight on - I'm interested to see how far above the top of the dash it sits and how far over the air vents either side it covers? Is the monitor adjusted to the lowest height setting?
Not my car, was a customer's car from last year, I don't have any other pictures.

[4runnernomore]

I am also inter3ted in the reverse camera options.

If if anyone has fitted one, will a normal reverse camera work or do you need to utilise the eye gouging :wallbash:alpine options.

All the research online so far suggests Alpine [bighmmm].

cheers Chris :twobeers::twobeers:

[twr7cx]

If if anyone has fitted one, will a normal reverse camera work or do you need to utilise the eye gouging :wallbash:alpine options.

I hope not. Not so much a price concern but more that I already have a reverse camera installed and wired up neatly and working perfectly. I'd prefer to not have to go pulling off all the panels etc again to replace it.

The online Owners Manual < https://www.download.alpine.com.au//Products/NavigationAV/9AudioVisual/iLX-F309E/OM_iLX-F309E_EN-5.pdf > is missing the section that might answer this, Installation and Connections (pp 78 onwards don't load for me).

[gavinwibrow]

I hope not. Not so much a price concern but more that I already have a reverse camera installed and wired up neatly and working perfectly. I'd prefer to not have to go pulling off all the panels etc again to replace it.

The online Owners Manual < https://www.download.alpine.com.au//Products/NavigationAV/9AudioVisual/iLX-F309E/OM_iLX-F309E_EN-5.pdf > is missing the section that might answer this, Installation and Connections (pp 78 onwards don't load for me).

Yep, doc only goes to page 77 - Specifications, which is consistent with the index!!

[twr7cx]

which is consistent with the index!!

I assume you mean inconsistent with the index as the Index contents shows an Installation and Connections part on pp 78 onwards.

[John_D4]

Does anyone know if you can connect 2 cameras to this head unit?

[twr7cx]

Does anyone know if you can connect 2 cameras to this head unit?

Alpine tech support might be able to advise or your local reseller. As above the connections part of the manual is missing online so difficult to tell for us mere mortals.

Out of interest, what’s your second camera purpose?

[John_D4]

Alpine tech support might be able to advise or your local reseller. As above the connections part of the manual is missing online so difficult to tell for us mere mortals.

Out of interest, what’s your second camera purpose?

1 for reversing and 2nd for the back of the camper. It’s difficult to reverse the camper into its home by yourself (uphill with a blindside).

[Brilly]

Do you know if Hema Maps or similar will work on this setup? Utilising the mobile app..

[drnhill]

Apple CarPlay through Wireless connection - most units are still USB cable connection only which is cumbersome for every time you get in and out of the car



Not wishing to be the bearer of bad news........ but are you sure this is correct?

I have looked at the unit in depth (more than once...) trying to convince myself to buy one but was put off by the fact that Carplay (on this device) is only available via a wired connection. All other functions are wireless though (bluetooth).

If it had wireless Carplay I would have jumped on it last year but decided to wait until (hopefully) one was released with the like. 12 months on I'm still waiting....

[twr7cx]

Do you know if Hema Maps or similar will work on this setup? Utilising the mobile app..

Would be easier to approach that in the reverse - find out if Hema Maps or similar App is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto comparable - if yes, then yes, it will work on this Headunit and many others.

This two year old article on the Hema knowledge base Apps [General] - Do any of the Hema apps work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? | Tech Support Knowledgebase (http://kb.hemamaps.com/article/AA-00549/0/Apps-General-Do-any-of-the-Hema-apps-work-with-Apple-CarPlay-or-Android-Auto.html) indicates no, but a lot has changed in two years...

Alternatively there might be other navigational apps that are compatible? Let us know what you find.

[Brilly]

Would be easier to approach that in the reverse - find out if Hema Maps or similar App is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto comparable - if yes, then yes, it will work on this Headunit and many others.

This two year old article on the Hema knowledge base Apps [General] - Do any of the Hema apps work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto? | Tech Support Knowledgebase (http://kb.hemamaps.com/article/AA-00549/0/Apps-General-Do-any-of-the-Hema-apps-work-with-Apple-CarPlay-or-Android-Auto.html) indicates no, but a lot has changed in two years...

Alternatively there might be other navigational apps that are compatible? Let us know what you find.


Hi TWR7CX,

I called Hema tech support and was advised that would need to check the iOS store when using the device (don’t know if it has a app store itself or if it links through your phone?) if it is there on the devices App Store then it will be compatible..

[twr7cx]

Hi TWR7CX,

I called Hema tech support and was advised that would need to check the iOS store when using the device (don’t know if it has a app store itself or if it links through your phone?) if it is there on the devices App Store then it will be compatible..

Sounds like they're tech support has a lack of tech knowledge in it about their own products... Essentially if their App has been produced to support/work in Apple CarPlay / Android Auto then it will work on this HU.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are just for the input and visual/audio transfer between the Smartphone and the display unit. The display unit doesn't actually have any special smarts in it - the smartphone is the one doing all the work and just providing the graphics and audio outputs to the display and taking inputs in from it. So all the Apps etc are on your phone, not the display. The display will show what apps you have - e.g. I think Google Maps is now Apple CarPlay computable - so if you have it installed on your phone it will show on the Alpine unit, if not, it won't show. It's not installed on the Alpine unit itself.
The good thing about this is that the Alpine unit therefore doesn't require updating as far as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are concerned (Alpine do offer updates for their Alpine firmware) so long as your phone has the latest OS and App version the Alpine will show the latest versions.

Another two year old post, but the Mud Maps rep in 2017 said that Apple haven't enabled the features that they need to make it work < http://kb.mud-maps.com/help/discussions/questions/6992-apple-carplay-compatibility >.

[twr7cx]

Not wishing to be the bearer of bad news........ but are you sure this is correct?

Sadly you are correct.

[twr7cx]

The installation manual included with the unit is a complete seperate booklet. Here is the UK variants (iLX-F903D instead of iLX-F309E) version which gives a pretty good idea:

https://www.alpine.co.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/manuals//2018/iLX-F903D/IM_iLX-F903D_EN.pdf

[SPROVER]

Well after reading all of this thread and seeing what it looked like I decided I would buy one as my head unit is old and outdated. Only ordered it today of eBay. If you are an eBay plus member you can buy it for $823.65 [emoji16][emoji106]
I saved $145 off the normal price. If you want to do the same you can use the code "Pappy" in checkout. But I think you have to use PayPal. Looking forward to getting it!

[twr7cx]

So now that the Speed Sensor Lead connection < Aftermarket Head Unit - connecting vehicle speed pulse line (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/271744-aftermarket-head-unit-connecting-vehicle-speed-pulse-line.html) > is somewhat resolved (at least as much as it will be), I've started considering the next installation complication which is mounting and securing the unit in the dash.

The Installation Manual < http://support.alpine-usa.com/products/documents/IM_iLX-F309_EN_ES_FR.pdf > makes only a minor mention of this on page 5:

151469

Unlike the 20 odd head units I've installed in various vehicles previously, this one does not include one of the universal mounting sleeves / cages, e.g.:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71P8IJ3IWuL._SX569_.jpg
71P8IJ3IWuL._SX569_.jpg (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71P8IJ3IWuL._SX569_.jpg)

I pulled my current Clarion unit part way out and measured the width. Both are within a mm of each other so I'm hoping I can use the Clarion's old mounting cage. I imagine though that the Alpine won't lock securely in place though (the Clarion does and then requires the special included slide tools to unlock it for removal) - hopefully this will be ok and a tight enough fit that it stays in place but with such a large screen hanging on the front I'm not confident...

I considered if I could remove the black centre dash plastic and hard mount it inside the dash instead but from what I've read the stereo has to be removed first in order to remove that centre dash trim piece so that won't work.


I've ordered a USB flush panel mount cable so that I can connect it to the rear of the new unit and panel mount the USB connection either into the Mudpod on the top of the dash or elsewhere suitable in the cabin. As the Apple CarPlay is not wireless but requires USB connection it means can easily swap between the old 30-pin connector Apple iPod Nano in my car and the iPhone when desired. Previously I ran the USB cable into the glovebox and just left the iPod connected in there as I had no reason to connect anything else:
https://tshop.r10s.com/4bc/4d0/081e/412c/60b6/541d/1217/11afe8912aa81e84d038a0.jpg
11afe8912aa81e84d038a0.jpg (https://tshop.r10s.com/4bc/4d0/081e/412c/60b6/541d/1217/11afe8912aa81e84d038a0.jpg)
Alternatively I'm thinking about trying an old iPhone 5s running iOS12 in the glove box as the Apple CarPlay brains. No SIM card fitted, but it can connect to the internet via my iPhone on the automatic Instant Hotspot feature. This will mean instant CarPlay features in the vehicles with no hassle of connect and disconnecting my phone from the USB every time. Phone calls should still come through the unit via bluetooth connection to my iPhone. Messages etc. can be forded to the iPhone 5s from the main iPhone.
The unknown of that setup are - can the Alpine unit handle doing CarPlay with one while bluetooth handsfree with the other (won't know this until tried)and can the main iPhone provide an active hotspot connection for the iPhone 5s whilst also connected to the Alpine for handsfree via bluetooth or can it only provide one connection at a time (I should be able to test this with my iPhone connected for handsfree via bluetooth to my current Clarion unit while hot spotting to my iPad).

I'll always think twice before purchasing Alpine product again. The fact that the Installation Manual was not publicly available on their Australian website has meant I'm chasing these details after purchase rather than before - sales staff are usually much more helpful before you've paid! And if I hadn't managed satisfactory resolution then I would have looked at the double DIN dash modification rather.

[twr7cx]

I finally got a chance to actually spend some time stuffing around with it this morning. A couple of tips for anyone else (such as ) putting one in:

1. Adjust the front-back position of the display unit to the outmost position as per page 4 of the Installation Manual.

2. Do not follow the Attach the Sheet cap instructions on the middle right side of page 4 of the Installation Manual - Alpine are wrong in their own instructions, if you do it, you will see why when you fit the display to the main unit. Instead apply the Sheet Caps to the holes on the display unit, this will give you the flush black look:

151734

3. Here's my recommended display position settings (you can see which holes the screws are put into):

151733

This gives me full visibility of the HIVAC unit while not blocking my Mudpod switches or gauges at all (my old smaller screened Clarion headunit used to block these):

151732

I'm not happy with the units mounting to the dash. Because of the significant weight of the front display it seems to need to be hard mounted. I've pulled the centre dash surround trim off to explore options rather than using the single DIN cage but I can't see any. It's all plastic and either side of it are the centre dash air vents. Have PM'd Cambo hoping he might share his secret from the unit he installed for a customer last year...

[SPROVER]

That's not how far the unit sticks out is it? Does it push in anymore? So it's flush. I need to do mine.

[Eevo]

perfect timing for this thead.
im putting a halo9 in my RRS this week.

[twr7cx]

That's not how far the unit sticks out is it? Does it push in anymore? So it's flush. I need to do mine.

No, the unit is not pushed all the way into the dash as I was putting it in and out as I tested and adjusted the display height and angle.

I found that with the front-back fully in the display fouls on the dash when angled for visibility, hence why it needs to be adjusted to the out position as per the Installation Manual instructions on page 4.

The purpose of the pictures above was just to share with others what I consider to be the sweet spot for display height and angle to save someone else time in testing and adjusting.

[John_D4]

perfect timing for this thead.
im putting a halo9 in my RRS this week.

Would u mind putting 1 in ur D2 so I can see one in person please?

[Eevo]

Would u mind putting 1 in ur D2 so I can see one in person please?

as long as your paying, sure, i can do that.

[twr7cx]

perfect timing for this thead.
im putting a halo9 in my RRS this week.

Why? Can't you fit a double DIN unit into the RRS like you can with the Discovery 3 and 4? If so, you should really reconsider your choice of the Halo 9 and look at the Alpine iLX-107 < iLX-107 - Alpine Electronics of Australia (https://www.alpine.com.au/shop/navigation/audio-visual-receivers/ilx-107/) > instead. Many reasons - first I cannot see anything the Halo 9 does that the iLX-107 doesn't do, secondly the iLX-107 has a big advantage over the Halo9 in that it is Wireless Apple CarPlay (not USB cable only like the Halo9), if your an iPhone user then that should be enough to sell it to you, thirdly, it's $500.00 lower listed price should mean you can obtain it at a much lower price.
The only exception to the above is if you are an Android user as I think it doesn't have the Android Car features at all.

Part of me really wishes I had just spent the time to make up a custom double DIN centre dash surround for my D2...

[twr7cx]

The view from the drivers seat at about my eye level showing it as per how I see it now:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/748f73cdbcb581cbf1c1c3e64687c2c3.jpg

The Mudpod is much more visible than it was with the old Clarion unit.
It’s all working but I haven’t connected the VSS or handbrake leads yet.

[SPROVER]

Looks good in there. Was the wiring of it straight forward enough? Also did you end up using you're old casing from the old head unit?

[Eevo]

Why? Can't you fit a double DIN unit into the RRS like you can with the Discovery 3 and 4? If so, you should really reconsider your choice of the Halo 9 and look at the Alpine iLX-107 < iLX-107 - Alpine Electronics of Australia (https://www.alpine.com.au/shop/navigation/audio-visual-receivers/ilx-107/) > instead. Many reasons - first I cannot see anything the Halo 9 does that the iLX-107 doesn't do, secondly the iLX-107 has a big advantage over the Halo9 in that it is Wireless Apple CarPlay (not USB cable only like the Halo9), if your an iPhone user then that should be enough to sell it to you, thirdly, it's $500.00 lower listed price should mean you can obtain it at a much lower price.
The only exception to the above is if you are an Android user as I think it doesn't have the Android Car features at all.

Part of me really wishes I had just spent the time to make up a custom double DIN centre dash surround for my D2...

you had me convinced until you said it doesnt do android.

[twr7cx]

Looks good in there. Was the wiring of it straight forward enough? Also did you end up using you're old casing from the old head unit?

Yes, fairly straight forward, but there's just a lot of it.

For the main wiring harness I used the Aepro APP8ALPV < Aerpro | First Choice (https://aerpro.com/app8alpv) > but modified it slightly for three things:

1. Ran a direct 15amp wire back to the battery instead of using the original OEM wire.

2. The blue and blue/white wires (I can't remember which is which) need to be swapped - but basically the ISO harness has what is usually the power antenna connection, but the D2 not having a power antenna uses this for the amplifier. A lot of the aftermarket headunits only activate the power antenna when the FM radio function is working, so the amplifier would be turned on then but not during any other listening (e.g. from iPod, DAB, CarPlay, etc.), so just swap the connection around so the amplifier remote wire goes to that place on the ISO harness and leave the power antenna wire free.

3. Chop the speaker ISO half out. As I've got the HSE model it's got the factory high spec audio system including OEM amplifier. This means that although they look like standard speaker wires (pairs of grey, white, purple and green with black striped negatives), they're actually for pre-out which would usually be RCA connections so I had previously fitted RCA connections so they plug straight into the headunits preouts without the need for high to low converters. There's a whole seperate thread on this from 8 or so years ago on here.

There's a few additional parts to be fitted along with the associated wiring:

DAB antenna - onto the front windscreen, passenger side, run wiring behind the glove box.
GPS antenna - onto top of dashboard, passenger side, run wiring behind the glove box.
USB connection to where ever you want it.
Microphone - I ran it up the drivers A pillar and mounted near the Homelink and rear view mirror. Has excellent audio quality there according to my test calls.
Steering wheel control interface - I use a PAC SWI-RC < SWI-RC Wiring Guide – PAC (https://pac-audio.com/swi-guide-center/swi-guides/#2002-land-rover-discovery-swi-rc/10374/24) >, already had this fitted for my Clarion unit and just had to adjust the rotary switch and half the functions work (volume up and down and skip track back) - will reprogram the buttons later to get the skip track up working).
Reverse camera - yellow RCA connection for video and a signal connection into the main hardness loom. Mine is not working so I need to test if it's the signal wire as the camera was working perfectly with the old unit but I hanged the terminal connection on the signal wire from a flat to a bullet style to connect into the Aepro Alpine hardness.

Still two wires I've yet to connect:
Handbrake wire - I haven't connected this yet, apparently you can just ground it out, but I have no need for video when driving so intend to do it properly to the handbrake.
VSS - I haven't connected it yet but there's a whole seperate thread about it at Aftermarket Head Unit - connecting vehicle speed pulse line (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/271744-aftermarket-head-unit-connecting-vehicle-speed-pulse-line.html)

Another thing I've yet to connect is the old roof top dropdown screen up to it. The Alpine unit uses AV/RCA Interface Cable (4-pole mini AV plug to 3-RCA) (can't find it on their website but its shown in the Installation Manual on pages 10 and 15). I'll need to get one before I can connect it. EDIT: while reviewing the manual, I've just realised that this is an AV input into the unit, not an output to a second screen - looks like the Halo9 might not be able to output a video signal to a second screen.

What I did is remove the clock/central locking button unit, button cluster unit and HIVAC unit then you can access all the wiring, run is down along behind where the HIVAC sits so that it's out of the way and then run it up either the left of right side depending on where it connects to the back of the headunit. This meant the headunit was easy to connect up with the wiring and slid in easy.

I've used my old Clarion single DIN cage with a few modifications and bends and it's perfectly fine for road use. I need to make a bit better plan perhaps if I ever got rattling over corrugations though.



you had me convinced until you said it doesnt do android.

Check out the iLX-702D < iLX-702D Alpine Electronics of Australia (https://www.alpine.com.au/shop/navigation/audio-visual-receivers/ilx-702d/) > then. Doesn't have the Wireless Apple CarPlay, but does still have USB version. Also has USB Android Auto. Seems to tick most of the same boxes as the Halo9 but again cheaper purchase price and double DIN should be able to fit neater and easier into a RRS/D3/D4.

[Eevo]

151898

[loanrangie]

151898

So what factory functions have you lost ?

[Eevo]

So what factory functions have you lost ?

factroy map, so no loss there
clock next to speedo, no big loss
4x4 info from the top screen. not a big loss, i didnt use it anyway.

everything else kept

[twr7cx]

Tip for anyone in the future, in the Alpine unit in Settings you can turn the Camera - rear on or off (I've never seen this before, the Clarion was just always automatic when the unit received the trigger signal). I went back through confirming all the wiring before in frustration I actually read the manual (that desperate) and found this...

On a related note, it wants a NTSC input setting, not PAL to work on my camera.

[4runnernomore]

Tip for anyone in the future, in the Alpine unit in Settings you can turn the Camera - rear on or off (I've never seen this before, the Clarion was just always automatic when the unit received the trigger signal). I went back through confirming all the wiring before in frustration I actually read the manual (that desperate) and found this...

On a related note, it wants a NTSC input setting, not PAL to work on my camera.

Does that mean we are relegated to Alpines cameras or do we have other options?

I am fully appreciative o your informative tutorial install which I will be using to help me install mine.

Did you end remembering which blue wires you had to swap on the aero pro harness?

cheers, Chris

[Eevo]

Does that mean we are relegated to Alpines cameras or do we have other options?



im using a non alpine camera.

[twr7cx]

Does that mean we are relegated to Alpines cameras or do we have other options?

No. Well, depends on which Alpine unit you use, some of them were Alpine brand cameras only or required an adapter from the standard yellow RCA connection etc., but in the case of the Halo9 any generic reverse camera should work as it has a standard yellow RCA video signal connection and just requires a trigger wire input connection to the unit to tell it when the vehicle is in reverse and it should show the camera signal.



Did you end remembering which blue wires you had to swap on the aero pro harness?

No sorry, and I don’t plan to pull it back out any time soon, but if I do, I will check.
But basically, the Aepro harness has only two wires, a blue one and a blue/white stripe one. One of these runs to the ISO connector, while the other is loose with a bullet terminal end on it.
The D2 harness only takes one of these, which ever one on the Aepro harness lines up (pin position in the ISO plug) with the D2 ISO plug is the wrong one, cut it and swap it out to the other blue wire that was loose. Sorted.
As a reminder the reason for this is that the blue wire that’s in this position is the trigger for the power antenna which only works in the FM/AM radio Source mode as this is the standard function for his pin in an ISO plug. The D2 however doesn’t have a power antenna that goes up and down, it also (at least in the case of my HSE with the highline top spec audio system) has a factory amplifier so this pin was repurposed for the trigger wire for the amplifier. If you therefore leave the power antenna trigger there the the amplifier will only turn on (and work) for AM/FM radio source and be off for all other sources. Swapping it over puts the correct trigger signal for the amplifier there so it works for all sources.

[fourteen8]

3. Chop the speaker ISO half out. As I've got the HSE model it's got the factory high spec audio system including OEM amplifier. This means that although they look like standard speaker wires (pairs of grey, white, purple and green with black striped negatives), they're actually for pre-out which would usually be RCA connections so I had previously fitted RCA connections so they plug straight into the headunits preouts without the need for high to low converters. There's a whole seperate thread on this from 8 or so years ago on here.

i

I am looking replacing with pioneer headunit but there is no rca out. My D2 has the factory amp and sub.

Can I just connect this (pairs of grey, white, purple and green with black striped negatives) to right connection on the new head unit or I need the high-to-low adaptor before connecting it. Thanks

[twr7cx]

I am looking replacing with pioneer headunit but there is no rca out. My D2 has the factory amp and sub.

Can I just connect this (pairs of grey, white, purple and green with black striped negatives) to right connection on the new head unit or I need the high-to-low adaptor before connecting it. Thanks

Yes, we spoke about this in your other thread already.

1. No you cannot just connect it as the factory amplifier takes a low power input and the headunit's built in amplifier puts out a high power signal that would likely damage your factory amplifier if you directly connected it to the input.

2. Ideally install a new headunit with RCA outputs. Fit RCA connections onto the factory wiring and connect. Done. There's threads on here about this already with pictures and details but tip is that Jaycar sell the RCA connections that you can sold on.

3. Alternatively, purchase a high to low converter. I believe Aepro sell such a product otherwise PM me and I can have a scratch around and see if I have one in my spares box. I definitely have had one here before.

Good luck.

[fourteen8]

Yes, we spoke about this in your other thread already.

1. No you cannot just connect it as the factory amplifier takes a low power input and the headunit's built in amplifier puts out a high power signal that would likely damage your factory amplifier if you directly connected it to the input.

2. Ideally install a new headunit with RCA outputs. Fit RCA connections onto the factory wiring and connect. Done. There's threads on here about this already with pictures and details but tip is that Jaycar sell the RCA connections that you can sold on.

3. Alternatively, purchase a high to low converter. I believe Aepro sell such a product otherwise PM me and I can have a scratch around and see if I have one in my spares box. I definitely have had one here before.

Good luck.

I found this on Jaycar website. Will it work?

Speaker (High Level) to Line Level Converter | Jaycar Electronics (https://www.jaycar.com.au/speaker-high-level-to-line-level-converter/p/AA0482)

[twr7cx]

I found this on Jaycar website. Will it work?

Speaker (High Level) to Line Level Converter | Jaycar Electronics (https://www.jaycar.com.au/speaker-high-level-to-line-level-converter/p/AA0482)

Yes and maybe no.

I highly suggest you keep researching so that you understand the situation and complication involved. As mentioned there's a couple of really good threads on the topic.

Yes, it will work, but maybe no because it says stereo output and I can only see a single pair of RCA connections on it. So you might need two of these units, or a different one with four outputs? Or maybe it has a second set of outputs on the other side not shown in the picture? Jaycar will know. There's limited room behind the headunit, one can usually fit, two might be a struggle...
You then also have the issue of it's outputs being RCA which doesn't match the factory wiring, so again you'll need to do something about that - in which case you'd be better off just fitting a headunit with RCA outputs already and keeping things simple...

[fourteen8]

Yes and maybe no.

I highly suggest you keep researching so that you understand the situation and complication involved. As mentioned there's a couple of really good threads on the topic.

Yes, it will work, but maybe no because it says stereo output and I can only see a single pair of RCA connections on it. So you might need two of these units, or a different one with four outputs? Or maybe it has a second set of outputs on the other side not shown in the picture? Jaycar will know. There's limited room behind the headunit, one can usually fit, two might be a struggle...
You then also have the issue of it's outputs being RCA which doesn't match the factory wiring, so again you'll need to do something about that - in which case you'd be better off just fitting a headunit with RCA outputs already and keeping things simple...

I may be in luck. There are rca pre-out on the headunit sphc10bt that I am thinking to install. So I just need to connect the 1 pair rca to the 4 wires you mentioned earlier on the thread to amplifier? Nothing else I need to do?

SPH-10BT | Pioneer (https://www.pioneer-car.eu/eur/products/sph-10bt/specifications)

[fourteen8]

Looked at Rave but couldn’t work it out which 4 cables needs to go to RCA output of the headunit.

Tried to find 4 colours mentioned but couldn’t find green with black and which colors works as a pair.

[twr7cx]

Did you do some in depth searching here on the forum in the Discovery 2 to find the previous threads on this which outline the details?

The Rave wiring diagram certainly does cover the wiring and can be used to identify those that need modification. Being an factory wiring harness, the wires colours won’t correspond to the standard ISO colour scheme.

[4runnernomore]

Twxr7,

were you able to fit USB and HDMI in your install with ? Running out of room quickly [bighmmm] with mine and any pointers would be great.

cheers Chris

[twr7cx]

were you able to fit USB and HDMI in your install with ? Running out of room quickly [bighmmm] with mine and any pointers would be great.

I have no use for HDMI so didn't look or consider it.
I've run the USB cable to above the dash (through the letter slot air vent that's long been removed) and into my Mudpod dash console. Theres plenty of other ways to do it such as into the glove box or centre console area.

[twr7cx]

I just purchased a CarPlay2Air adapter for my Halo9 < https://www.aulro.com/afvb/communications-car-audio-and-electronics/280430-carplay2air-adapter-wired-apple-carplay-wireless.html#post3021766 >. Will report back on how it goes when it arrives.

[ThorTd5]

I've been looking at the Halo for a little bit. But am curious now its on sale in most places in and low stock, as to weather a newer version/model is about to come out...

[twr7cx]

I've been looking at the Halo for a little bit. But am curious now its on sale in most places in and low stock, as to weather a newer version/model is about to come out...

There will always be new versions coming out. I went with it as it did almost everything that I wanted from it (wireless Apple CarPlay being my only missing feature - which I've now potentially resolved once this new piece of hardware arrives).
I don't imagine that the next replacement will have anything of significance added other than wireless Apple CarPlay and/or wireless Android Auto. So given that they're now on sale and even better value for what they are all the more reason to go with.

[ThorTd5]

There will always be new versions coming out. I went with it as it did almost everything that I wanted from it (wireless Apple CarPlay being my only missing feature - which I've now potentially resolved once this new piece of hardware arrives).
I don't imagine that the next replacement will have anything of significance added other than wireless Apple CarPlay and/or wireless Android Auto. So given that they're now on sale and even better value for what they are all the more reason to go with.

Real good value for money. And I looked into it a bit more, and it is of course COVID that is limiting the stocks, so they are struggling to get more in. But a new model should hopefully be around next year at some point apparently.

[rick130]

Geez you blokes are tempting me!
So over the basic Pioneer head unit I currently have.
I've decided I really, really like the voice activated dialing, seamless Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, etc. of modern vehicles.

Hmm, I do drink piccolo lattes....[emoji849][emoji23]

[Kaaaiju]

Yeah I have one well worth the money
ALPINE iLX-F309E Halo9 9 Apple CarPlay / Android Auto / HDMI / USB / Bluetooth / FLAC / DAB+ Receiver - Autobarn (https://www.autobarn.com.au/alpine-ilx-f309e-halo-9)

Got it from here

[twr7cx]

I just purchased a CarPlay2Air adapter for my Halo9 < https://www.aulro.com/afvb/communications-car-audio-and-electronics/280430-carplay2air-adapter-wired-apple-carplay-wireless.html#post3021766 >. Will report back on how it goes when it arrives.

I can happily say that this arrived and has successfully worked to convert my Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309E from USB only Apple CarPlay to wireless Apple CarPlay.

My only complaint is the loading time is rather long - around 34 seconds from turning on to playing content via wireless Apple CarPlay. About 20 seconds of this seems to be the boot time for the CPLAY2air unit then 14 seconds connecting up to the Apple iPhone. In comparison my Apple iPhone via Lightning USB connection for wired Apple CarPlay takes around 9 seconds, my old Apple iPod Nano connected via USB 30-pin takes 8 seconds and the radio takes only 2 seconds. Based on a discussion thread I had read on another forum, I didn't think it would take so long as other users of the device with various car brand OEM systems had reported loading time reducing from 30 seconds to 15 seconds with some of the updates. I've updated my device and double checked that it is on the latest update. 34 seconds actually is longer than it sounds.
We had our MY12 D4 TDV6 headunit upgraded to a Pioneer DMH-Z6350BT < DMH-Z6350BT - Pioneer (https://www.pioneer.com.au/shop/car/dmh-z6350bt/) > which has inbuilt wireless Apple CarPlay - testing this today I've found it takes 15 seconds if I press and acknowledge the start up warning or 19 seconds if I don't and let it time off. So comparatively this adapter is slow.

A bonus feature that I didn't realise prior to this is that it has a USB connection on it so that a wired connection can be used through the device instead which prevents you having to uplug it from the headunits USB.

[twr7cx]

I've decided I really, really like the voice activated dialing, seamless Bluetooth,

One of the biggest practical things I notice about my Halo9 is the quality of the bluetooth for handsfree phone calls. I no longer get the 'call me back when your not driving' or 'I can't hear you over the car' etc., I'm still driving the same old rattly rig, but the new units microphone and what not just seem to be so much higher quality that the phone conversations are now functional and not negatively effected by driving in the car.

Then with the Apple CarPlay this is extended further as it reads out your text messages you receive and you can dictate replies to it.