Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

CarPlay CarPlay adapter to convert to wireless CarPlay?

What about the USB-C model from Carlinkit.... did they stay with the USB 2.0 spec provided by the ARM926 chip? or switch to a different one that provides USB 3.0? 3.0 probably would be a waste right now since I'm not sure if any headunit OEM or aftermarket uses that yet (the WC6600NEX switched to USB-C, but no clue on the speed) yet USB-C 2.0 is rather unusual to come across in itself. I'd take mine out of my car and plug it into my surface to check, but it's buried in my center console connected inline with my USB port's cabling and I don't feel like fishing for it. Plus it's my day off from work and I want to be a non-tech today 😂😂
 
Last edited:
StLouisCPhT said:
I mentioned the wrong model. I meant the WC6600NEX, not the C2550NEX (which I have but am still considering upgrading from). The WC6600NEX, which is Pioneer's newest modular HU, also lacks built in GPS functionality, yet provides wireless carplay and wireless android auto. Unless Pioneer was granted an exception, it is not a licensing requirement either.
Click to expand...

From the WC6600NEX user manual:

Please attach the GPS antenna in order to use Apple CarPlay over Wireless.
Click to expand...

Also, the installation manual shows a diagram of the WC6600NEX and there is a connector for the included GPS antenna

The WC6600NEX does not advertise GPS as a feature (seems it has no built-in navigation maps), but as with all certified wireless CarPlay devices, it does provide a GPS receiver.
 
bookemdano said:
From the WC6600NEX user manual:



Also, the installation manual shows a diagram of the WC6600NEX and there is a connector for the included GPS antenna

The WC6600NEX does not advertise GPS as a feature (seems it has no built-in navigation maps), but as with all certified wireless CarPlay devices, it does provide a GPS receiver.
Click to expand...

Interesting, this is the complete opposite of what I was told and shown at CES.
 
StLouisCPhT said:
I agree. That is why I phrased my comment the way I did.

Btw Larry, I’d love to discuss the Surface line more with you, but I couldn’t find a way to send you a pm.
Click to expand...

I bought a few of these for my company for the field engineers to use. They work well but basically are a really thin, powerful, convenient Windows machine. I bought all the accessories, dock, keyboard, pen etc. Very good value. I’ll think about it. I honestly don’t do much with my MacBook now, but again, I like the Apple experience and integration.

I don’t think you can PM here? I’d post my email, but I’m kind of leery of that.
 
For some reason, PMs here are called Conversations. Just click on someone's name to the left of their post and in the pop-up click on "Start Conversation"
 
  • Like
Reactions: LarryJoe33
The earlier posts about C2PLAY AIR and custom "apple chip set" is hyperbole from them. The C2PLAYAIR is basically a rebadged version of carlinkit non USBC model. It uses the same firmware and update servers.

As to the firmware confusion why they reply to some that 1.22 is the newest of course makes no sense since we all know there is 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, and now 3.18. I definitely would would tread lightly on IOS updates and carlinkit updates while things are working well. Naturally if there not it makes sense to update.

Hopefully Carlinkit will keep their promise and continue to post firmware updates. Maybe one of thier hardware software engineers took ill or worse. The fact that some units ship with 3.18 leads me to believe they still have a development team though its now been close to 2 months since then. Either way love the wireless capabilty.
 
anthover said:
The earlier posts about C2PLAY AIR and custom "apple chip set" is hyperbole from them. The C2PLAYAIR is basically a rebadged version of carlinkit non USBC model. It uses the same firmware and update servers.

As to the firmware confusion why they reply to some that 1.22 is the newest of course makes no sense since we all know there is 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, and now 3.18. I definitely would would tread lightly on IOS updates and carlinkit updates while things are working well. Naturally if there not it makes sense to update.

Hopefully Carlinkit will keep their promise and continue to post firmware updates. Maybe one of thier hardware software engineers took ill or worse. The fact that some units ship with 3.18 leads me to believe they still have a development team though its now been close to 2 months since then. Either way love the wireless capabilty.
Click to expand...

It cant be a re-badged version of the non USB-C version. I have had both. T USB-C version works correctly with my steering wheel controls where the previous version didn’t.

That means something inside the box is definitely different despite the update server being the same.
 
alanplum said:
I can’t comment on whether the hardware is different (But it must be due to the addition of a USB-C port)
Click to expand...

Hi Alan, quick question, does the Carlinkit 2.0, have an additional, free USB port (traditional or usb-c) at the opposite end of where you plug it into the car? So you can charge your mobile if needed?

thanks for your help!
 
Last edited:
D3ggy said:
It cant be a re-badged version of the non USB-C version. I have had both. T USB-C version works correctly with my steering wheel controls where the previous version didn’t.

That means something inside the box is definitely different despite the update server being the same.
Click to expand...

I think maybe you misunderstood what he was saying. He was saying that the CarPlay2Air is identical to the earlier (non-USB-C) version of the Carlinkit. Whatever hardware differences there may be between the old Carlinkit and newer USB-C version remain to be determined.
 
garethmat said:
Hi Alan, quick question, does the Carlinkit 2.0, have an additional, free USB port (traditional or usb-c) at the opposite end of where you plug it into the car? So you can charge your mobile if needed?

thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
It does have a normal USB opposite end to the USB-C. I don’t use that port (always wire free) so can’t comment if it charges.
 
I remember some people were talking about using alternative USB-C cables with the new carlinkit module but had trouble getting them to fit. Anker's USB-C cables fit the enclosure perfectly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LarryJoe33
-Correct I was saying the Car2PlayAir and NON USB Carlinkit were the same. Only thing we know for sure about the USBC one is most seem to come with 3.18 and that they have a USB connector.

-It is not odd to have fitment issues with cables happens with cases all the time on Iphones. PIA that they made tolerance tight. Though that might have been intentional to have the connection be stable hard to pop out by accident.

-Thanks Stlouis about the pass though i always wondered prior to purchase. After I realized i had an xtra acessory slot available I no longer needed since I ran an extra power adapter to my Anker wireless charger so no wires at all to the phone.
 
I don't know about a lot of the other manufacturers, but some GM vehicles have a 2 part usb cable. These adapters are perfect for keeping your usb port free but still having wireless.

I hadn't switched out the cable yet, that's why the small one is still present.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0018.JPEG
    IMG_0018.JPEG
    557.3 KB · Views: 253
StLouisCPhT said:
I don't know about a lot of the other manufacturers, but some GM vehicles have a 2 part usb cable. These adapters are perfect for keeping your usb port free but still having wireless.

I hadn't switched out the cable yet, that's why the small one is still present.
Click to expand...
Oh, I would have to do that, but my Cadillac XT5 has the ports inside the console storage. Not very accessible for repairs like yours are. But also not in the way during "normal" use.
 
tdar said:
Oh, I would have to do that, but my Cadillac XT5 has the ports inside the console storage. Not very accessible for repairs like yours are. But also not in the way during "normal" use.
Click to expand...

The Gen 1 Cruze is like that also.
It’s been years since I was in a Caddy, but it should still have the same removable console side panels and 2 part cable from the radio to USB port.

mnsportsgeek said:
Do you know how the system behaves if you plug in a phone for wired carplay while another is connected via wireless? Does the wired one take priority or does nothing happen and the wireless phone continue to work?
Click to expand...

Wired CarPlay is given priority. Even happens if you have a single iPhone connected wirelessly and plug it into the port.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mnsportsgeek
I just had a phone call on my usb-c unit and there was no lag or static for either person.

But to be honest, I am probably going to sell mine and upgrade to the new WC6600NEX when it arrives. Pioneer just confirmed to me that it is compatible with the 7” and 8” screens of the C5500 and C2550 models, which allows me to still have a nice OEM look in my Cruze.

Of course, if carlinkit’s engineers fix the 2 aftermarket radio issues I discovered, I’ll keep it. Not sure if they will though. Even though I’m using a Pioneer HU, my car is still an 2011 and not on their official list.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back