New Double DIN - Apple CarPlay & DAB

[chrismscotland]

Looking to replace the existing stock CD Player/ Radio in my MR2 - big fan of having DAB Radio and would like to be able to easily use my iPhone for calls, music, etc so Apple CarPlay makes sense (especially as the MR2 doesn't have any steering wheel controls).

I'd been looking at a couple of Sony units until I realised they didn't have DAB Radio - but I wondered if anyone else had any suggestion on a good DAB/CarPlay Double Din?

[stewart@boro]

Give the Pumpkin range a look.
Although I don't have the newer DAB radio as I did mine about 4 years ago the unit I have is good, and they are reasonably priced too

[Bossworld]

The only thing I'd ask is whether you can easily see the screen on a double-din/reach to use it?  Can't quite remember who I was talking to at Ding Day last year but they were saying they struggled to see the screen given how low down it is.

I'm 6' 2" so I have to have my seat all the way back for the sake of my knees, but it means I have to lean forward to adjust the stereo.  As per the 'what have you done to your MR2 today' thread, I've picked up a Sony rotary commander which works with Sony units and Pioneer it would seem, so may work with some of the CarPlay enabled ones from those brands?

Agree with having DAB but as a left-field suggestion, I have a Pioneer DEH 8700DAB which has Siri, AVRCP (so full track/playlist control over bluetooth), DAB and bluetooth phone handsfree.  The cheapest double-din touch screens don't have DAB, and when I was looking for one with CarPlay and DAB last year you seemed to be talking £400+.

With all that said, this one is on offer - https://www.halfords.com/technology/car-audio/android-auto/pioneer-sph-da230dab?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Car+Audio-_-Android+Auto-_-509346&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=xapawwxqaq&istBid=tzir&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868555897|agid:49387676292|tid:pla-425152212714|crid:203456299578|nw:g|rnd:4688626070914858163|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:1006955&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuZih-MmC3QIV6J3tCh25CwbCEAQYASABEgIf_fD_BwE

Did Apple ever sort out wireless carplay or does it still need a USB?

[1979scotte]

In a soft top I personally don't see the need for a big touch screen jobby.
As long as it has Bluetooth you can stream everything off of your phone.
Although I have Android unlimited data and 4G 90% of the time.

[Justin.D]

In a soft top I personally don't see the need for a big touch screen jobby.
As long as it has Bluetooth you can stream everything off of your phone.
Although I have Android unlimited data and 4G 90% of the time.

Agreed. I was considering a nice Double Din touchscreen affair, but I can hardly see the 'now playing' on my single din display with the roof down.

I reckon I have no chance of hitting the right touchscreen buttons, especially as it sits so low in the car

[chrismscotland]

Thanks everyone - I do appreciate the low position and probably more concerned about that from a using it as a "Sat-Nav"perspective - I find that Siri works pretty well so having CarPlay should let me do most things through voice rather than touching it, that said I tend to be able to press things OK on the current stereo when my hands on the gearstick!

I did consider just getting a Single or Double DIN "traditional" stereo with DAB and iPod Control but none of these seem to have Siri/Voice Control/ Bluetooth Handsfree - could always add a separate (probably better) Garmin/Tom Tom Sat Nav and have it mounted higher up for when I really need it.

[Justin.D]

I don't think I really appreciated how much Siri and Voice Recognition was a key factor - fair play then, Double Din Touchscreen for the win!!!

I have one of the Sat Nav Discs mounted just under the lid of the dash top cubby. The lid shields the sun nicely when it's in use

[Smcknighty]

I have a double din CarPlay. Works ok, screen is a long way from where you should be looking so feels a bit dangerous when using sat nav


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[darrenjuggins]

Hi,

I've installed the Sony XAV - AX100 into the MR2 Roadster.

Apple Car Play / Android Auto.

In a word perfect.

Forget DAB with car play you can just use your phone data for all your listening needs.

Your music, all the radio stations you like via iplayer radio or tune in or which app you like that works with car play.

Screen is 6.4 inch and it has a real volume knob.

I had a Sony previously with the wired stick remote, which is ideal ( you'd have to source this separately if you can find one) but all works perfectly.

Currently Apple maps works with it for Apple and in future as ios12 comes out you'll be able to use waze, google and more.

So for £300 you get sat Nav (via your phone, music, radio via data and wired mic for voice.

Ideal replacement for your double din unit, if your running a single din, just get the pre facelift surround off dean rosier for £30 and your sorted.

Cannot recommend for an ideal replacement unit.  Just ensure your sim has enough data... running virgin 45gb a month - £18 a month... you won't need that much, but that was the deal I agreed at the time.

Hope you get what you want but this is perfect for me.

Go have a look on UK roadster on Facebook you'll see pictures posted there

[chrismscotland]

Quick question for those more in the know than I!

I know that in instances where you want to retain use of Steering Wheel Audio Controls there's extra wiring etc that I need - for the MR2 do I need to buy a fitting kit for a new Stereo?

[chrismscotland]

Hi,

I've installed the Sony XAV - AX100 into the MR2 Roadster.

Apple Car Play / Android Auto.

In a word perfect.

Forget DAB with car play you can just use your phone data for all your listening needs.

Your music, all the radio stations you like via iplayer radio or tune in or which app you like that works with car play.

Screen is 6.4 inch and it has a real volume knob.

I had a Sony previously with the wired stick remote, which is ideal ( you'd have to source this separately if you can find one) but all works perfectly.

Currently Apple maps works with it for Apple and in future as ios12 comes out you'll be able to use waze, google and more.

So for £300 you get sat Nav (via your phone, music, radio via data and wired mic for voice.

Ideal replacement for your double din unit, if your running a single din, just get the pre facelift surround off dean rosier for £30 and your sorted.

Cannot recommend for an ideal replacement unit.  Just ensure your sim has enough data... running virgin 45gb a month - £18 a month... you won't need that much, but that was the deal I agreed at the time.

Hope you get what you want but this is perfect for me.

Go have a look on UK roadster on Facebook you'll see pictures posted there

Darren, I really like the look of that one actually and it was only the lack of DAB that put me off.
I do like the physical volume knob, etc though.
Looks neat in the car too - I might just go with one of these and use TuneIn, can always add a separate DAB Unit (Pure) later on if I feel the need I guess.

Out of interest, do you know which of the Stick Remotes it was? I've seen the X-4S around

[darrenjuggins]

Hi,

Seriously as long as you've got data forget DAB, you get far more choice via the apps and none of the tuning in stuff or extra aerials.

The x4S that's the one, you just put the bracket on the Binicle and then attached the remote to that, very neat.

It is wired, so you just need to thread the wire into the dash and around to the unit, very simple, but works a treat, track selection, volume, etc....

Finally - you can update the background image - I've replaced it for a colon mR2 picture for start up and done the same for it in my Civic Type R... I'll put some pictures up when I'm next in the car.

[Bossworld]

The RM-X2S is apparently identical in terms of operation and doesn't always go for as much money on eBay. Just lost out on a spare tonight for £15.

Just make sure you get one with the mounting bracket

[chrismscotland]

Managed to source a Brand New X4S with the mounting bracket, etc - also got a bid in for another so if I get that I'll put it in marketplace.

Should hopefully arrive so I can get it fitted at the weekend and more "permanently" fit the microphone.

I do wish the aerial wouldn't extend unless I'm using the FM/AM Radio though!!!

[tricky1138]

Managed to source a Brand New X4S with the mounting bracket, etc - also got a bid in for another so if I get that I'll put it in marketplace.

Should hopefully arrive so I can get it fitted at the weekend and more "permanently" fit the microphone.

I do wish the aerial wouldn't extend unless I'm using the FM/AM Radio though!!!

Where are you finding these? I've been searching for ages for one, after loosing mine somewhere in the garage. No doubt as soon as I buy a replacement it will show up!

Let me know if you get the second one! I'd be interested.

Also you can wire in a switch to stop the aerial going up and down.

[chrismscotland]

Will give you a shout, I found mine on eBay.

Are there any instructions/guides for wiring in an aerial switch? Would be up for doing that!

[tricky1138]

Will give you a shout, I found mine on eBay.

Are there any instructions/guides for wiring in an aerial switch? Would be up for doing that!

Most people wire it to the passenger window disable switch, and I'm sure there's a how to on here. I'll find it and post it here.

[Bossworld]

Managed to source a Brand New X4S with the mounting bracket, etc - also got a bid in for another so if I get that I'll put it in marketplace.

Should hopefully arrive so I can get it fitted at the weekend and more "permanently" fit the microphone.

I do wish the aerial wouldn't extend unless I'm using the FM/AM Radio though!!!

Would you mind reporting back if the backing plate on yours actually sticks?  I've got a feeling it's the vinyl around the column/shroud that prevents it happening (I used to try and stick my Pioneer card remote to the centre console using very high strength velcro, but the adhesive never takes).

Unsure if it's because it's 10+ years old or if the adhesive isn't PVC/plastic friendly (more likely).

[Joesson]

Will give you a shout, I found mine on eBay.

Are there any instructions/guides for wiring in an aerial switch? Would be up for doing that!

Most people wire it to the passenger window disable switch, and I'm sure there's a how to on here. I'll find it and post it here.

Found it for you @tricky1138  /  @chrismscotland -
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=5453.0
It's in this audio/ security/electrical section
but the thread title is
'Using the passenger window switch for something else'
I will ask via this post of @shnazzle if the title could be changed as it's something that is often asked but difficult to find if you don't know where to look.

[chrismscotland]

Thanks - might take a look at that this weekend, might as well do any cable/wiring at the same time I need to reopen some of the trim to tidy up my audio cabling for the head unit.

[tricky1138]

Will give you a shout, I found mine on eBay.

Are there any instructions/guides for wiring in an aerial switch? Would be up for doing that!

Most people wire it to the passenger window disable switch, and I'm sure there's a how to on here. I'll find it and post it here.

Found it for you @tricky1138  /  @chrismscotland -
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=5453.0
It's in this audio/ security/electrical section
but the thread title is
'Using the passenger window switch for something else'
I will ask via this post of @shnazzle if the title could be changed as it's something that is often asked but difficult to find if you don't know where to look.

Cheers. Also found it covered in one of the how to's:

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=17670.0

But still thought we had one dedicated to the mod. Maybe we need one wrote up and added to the how to?