tachtevrenidis

two questions on this:

1) can't you use the USB that is already in the center storage compartment (this was asked above, but I am not clear). This assuming you never want to use that USB port on the stock Comand unit anymore
2) can't you use the mic that is already in the benz again assuming you never want to use it to dictate comand instructions

IMO, this would make it a much more appealing proposition. Wiring new mics and new usb cables is not desirable.

sdvictor

Unfortunately, they operate on a separate mic and USB port. I don't know why it was done this way personally, but I would've liked it. That said, it's still an extremely appealing proposition because I don't have to see the hot dumpster fire that is COMAND. But, I just keep both cables tucked away, and it's not noticeable. The mic is tucked in the headliner for me and not noticeable.

tachtevrenidis

thanks for the reply! I assume that if I did not want to be able to talk to carplay, I don't need the mic? Also does Carplay work with bluetooth connected iPhone or it has to be a hardwired connection? If it did then it might eliminate both of those for me!

K

srfrboy

I don't think that CarPlay works with bluetooth in this application. I guess you don't nee a mic if you never need to speak to the CarPlay system. A usb must be ran to interface with the CarPlay box from Unichip.

I am high disappointed that their box didn't work in my GL. Not sure why it didn't work, but they are backordered until April 20th. I may change my mind on the refund since that is taking so long and just wait for a replacement.

Chedman13

So far no luck then with Carplay on the older GL's?

DaveW68

Victor got it to work in his rig. I believe srfrboy received a defective unit.

srfrboy

After calming down, I decided to wait until they replace their inventory and send me a new unit. I believe that the LDVS cable from UniChip was the cause. However, they wouldn't tell me once they got it back what the cause was. Only that they would send out another until once they got more back in inventory. Est. April 20th.

DaveW68

This makes me happy that I have an Android based phone as I won't be tempted to do something like this.

sdvictor

Yeah, I sorta bricked it this weekend when I did a firmware update. They remotely troubleshooted it for me last night and fixed.. The update allows me to independently control the nav, music and siri/telephone volumes to a pre-set volumes that I want. Still working fine.
I will say this, they are rough around the edges in the way they operate, and I feel like they still have a way to go in learning how to deal with a more savvy American/European customer base. This is what happens when you're working with a bootstrap sort of operation. But, the people I deal with are honestly earnest and wanting to learn and work with the engineering team to provide updates and such; and willing to help.

I'll give you an example. I told my contact that sold me the boxes that the apple maps don't go to night time map consistently between my E and GL. Shot to photos to her, and send her a diagnostic log (plugging in a USB stick into the port will dump a log). She is actually putting that request into an engineer to see if they can fix that control element better.

The product is fine for my application in my opinion, understanding the limitations (using USB and needing to set the aux input in audio) makes me keep realistic expectations. It's clean and unobstrusive. Android Auto support is supposedly coming soon. Also, I really think that 10.25 inch android screen retrofit that people are doing on the E class is chintzy as hell.

Anyone in the seattle area want to see it in my E class or GL; feel free to ping me.

ooklaa65

I enjoy using my cars stock navigation unit. Why do you guys go so crazy over apple stuff.

mbdr

carplay is nice, we just need solution not form China

sdvictor

So I got a software update that fixed this plus a feature that automatically allows the box to automatically switch over to the 360 camera when I hit reverse and back to carplay when I switch back into drive.. They get pretty fast with software updates for small features here and there when I request for them. for srfrboy, I totally understand the blank screen issue that you're facing now because I'm more willing to be a guinea pig. There's different screen resolution configs depending on the year, and there are certain settings and config files that are really specific to individual screens. Learned that through the continuous software updates that I did as I trouble-shooted the box. I had a few days of blank screens this past week to, and it's understandably frustrating. In the end, some patience was required, but I think personally worth it still.

Still working as of yesterday.

NYtoNCGL450

My 2015 GL450 is an earlier production model. Will this device work or no? Thanks!

sdvictor

I think you gotta reach out to them and speak with them directly. I'm just posting about my personal experience. I imagine it should work.

NYtoNCGL450

Nope, no dice. I have COMAND 4.7 and you have to have 5s1 or newer. D'oh!

sdvictor

NTG5.1+ units are just a OBD2 dongle that unlocked the capability. On NTG 4.5/4.7 (which is what I also have), it's an actual box that connects in the dash behind the stereo system.

NYtoNCGL450

sdvictor

These are two different solutions.

NYtoNCGL450

sdvictor

That dude mbdr doesn't like them being in China, but I went with these guys: http://www.unichip-tec.com/

Look at my other threads on my history and you can see some of the stuff I worked on.

tachtevrenidis

I saw @sdvictor's setup and it is darn cool! FYI

srfrboy

I had a guy from Unichip reach out to me via email last week. He was a product specialist and said that if I wanted, they would send me a new unit and walk me through the installation process. I agreed to be patient and will work with them. I really appreciate the follow through that they are doing and attempting to work with me. Thank you Unichip. I recant my ranting and raving earlier in this post.

srfrboy

The unit that I received and will receive once they are back in stock, will work with your Command unit.

Chedman13

srfrboy

Yes they do make a product that does that.