[Raj]

I'd like to chime in here.

I had the above Sony unit, and swapped it out for a cheap Joying unit (see below) because the latter just looked better and sat closer to the dash... It also sounds better because it has an EQ and wireless car play/android auto.

Sony/alpine etc have to use android auto/carplay on licence and can't "copy" their physical design. Joying and other units from China operate in a bit of a grey area as far as licences/design go so they have the latest version of apps etc relatively quickly and come with the app store on the device which allows you to have any app you want.

The downside to having a better end unit is the install does take a little bit more labour. The Sony is extremely easy to install, as close to plug and play as you'll get. The Joying requires a bit more wiring and programming to the car to get it to work exactly right.

View attachment 10842

I am tempted by this by this… Do you have any pics from the side? When you say programming is this the unit itself or the car?

 

[freemansteve]

I do wonder with all the portable units ( branded or not) are in fact the same kit underneath anyway.

As with stereos and many, many other products, people would be gobsmacked if they looked into how "reference designs" get turned into lots of apparently "different branded products" with cosmetic changes.

For white goods alone, walk round Currys and check washing machines, fridges etc - loads are now based on licensed reference designs if you look carefully! That "Bosch" probably is not. That fridge freezer is probably originated by Leibherr etc etc, and Chinese manufacturers have copied that idea to great success. It's about testing which manufacturer can get sales traction and credibility in western markets by selling the same products with different marketing etc.

 

[TomRZZ]

I am tempted by this by this… Do you have any pics from the side? When you say programming is this the unit itself or the car?

There ya go:

2023 Up Gti with Beats head unit upgrade

Hey all, looking to replace the factory head unit with something a bit more functional. Not too bothered about reverse camera working but could do with steering wheel controls. I've read a few posts after searching but nothing conclusive as to what is actually required. Basically I'm looking...

www.upownersclub.co.uk

You have to programme the steering wheel buttons to do what you want them to do? There's a bit of trial and error involved to set it up (as the up isnt specifically listed) then you have to tell the system what you want it to do with each button) It's hard to explain but reasonably straight forward and only has to be done once.

 

[Boost9898]

I am also planning to build the Sony XAV-AX8050D inside my VW up! 1.0 BMT facelift from 2017.
But is it really plug and play? Or do I need converters/solder cables etc?

I contacted someone and they told me that I need some kind of 'conntects2 canbus interface'.
Do I really need it (I don't have steering wheel controls)? What does it do? Is it necessary to have to connect the Sony?

 

[Bessa]

I am also planning to build the Sony XAV-AX8050D inside my VW up! 1.0 BMT facelift from 2017.
But is it really plug and play? Or do I need converters/solder cables etc?

I contacted someone and they told me that I need some kind of 'conntects2 canbus interface'.
Do I really need it (I don't have steering wheel controls)? What does it do? Is it necessary to have to connect the Sony?

I would recommend you buy the XAV-AX8150D it has the HDMI input and is almost the same price, also was the last release .

You do not need the canbus interface, Sony does not support canbus, you just need use simple VW hardness like this one

Volkswagen ISO T-Harness Adaptor - CT10VW01 | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Volkswagen ISO T-Harness Adaptor - CT10VW01 at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

If you would like to buy radio that supports can bus you can go for the Alpine 9 inches iLX-F905D

Alpine - iLX-F905D Alpine Halo9 – 9-Inch Media Receiver, featuring DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Alpine - iLX-F905D Alpine Halo9 – 9-Inch Media Receiver, featuring DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

www.alpine.co.uk

it has some advantages compared to sony
Pros

• Wireless car play
• Release 2022 ( sony was in 2020 for the XAV8150D )
• Bright screen
• Canbus integration ( useless for VW UP IMO )
• Front camera input
• Front and rear sensor integration

Cons

• Cannot go low enough, hide a bit the buttons on the dash
• boot time is slow
• more expensive than Sony

 

[Boost9898]

...

Thank you for you detailed reaction.
I picked up my car yesterday and mounted a magsafe charger on the original VW up! dashboard mount.
The bluetooth and infotainment integration works better than expected, it connects automatically and fast.
My current plan is to see if I still feel the 'need' for CarPlay after a few weeks and decide to build it in or not.

I'll post a photo later on.

 

[Raj]

Thank you for you detailed reaction.
I picked up my car yesterday and mounted a magsafe charger on the original VW up! dashboard mount.
The bluetooth and infotainment integration works better than expected, it connects automatically and fast.
My current plan is to see if I still feel the 'need' for CarPlay after a few weeks and decide to build it in or not.

I'll post a photo later on.

I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve done, and finding out which mag safe charger you used 👍

 

[Boost9898]

I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve done, and finding out which mag safe charger you used 👍

It is not final/a real CarPlay set-up but works like a charm.

I attached a random MagSafe charger from AliExpress on the original VW up! dashboard mount.
The only planned modifications are to raise the height of the charger to prevent the USB from hitting the airco button.
And I ordered a 15 cm USB A > USB C cable with 90 degrees angle on the USB C connector.

 

[freemansteve]

You can get right-angle leads, that helps

 

[Raj]

It is not final/a real CarPlay set-up but works like a charm.

I attached a random MagSafe charger from AliExpress on the original VW up! dashboard mount.
The only planned modifications are to raise the height of the charger to prevent the USB from hitting the airco button.
And I ordered a 15 cm USB A > USB C cable with 90 degrees angle on the USB C connector.

Awesome - does it charge a device okay?

 

[Raj]

My plan is slowly starting to come together. I believe the standard stereo is integrated with the fascia surround. If so can anybody advise how this or a single din adaptor is secured into the dash please? Also are the fixings for the manual air on and climate control the same? TYIA

 

[jimshady]

This doesn't answer the question about manual and climate control but it does show how the facia is removed. Hope it is of help.

 

[Raj]

This doesn't answer the question about manual and climate control but it does show how the facia is removed. Hope it is of help.

Thanks that’s perfect. 👍

 

[Raj]

Finally got round to getting a CarPlay unit. It’s a Carpuride 901 pro. It’s quite a large unit but I did a temp fitting under the original stereo by flipping the dash mount upside down using some of those Velcro command fixings. Its powered from the ciggie lighter and has a usb socket on the unit which you can use for wired Android Auto / Apple CarPlay and charge the phone. It has a built in DSP so the sound when connecting via Bluetooth to the stereo is really good and you can adjust the equaliser. However phone calls are a bit crap for the other person in this configuration as it uses the built in mic so they hear themselves via the speakers like an echo. I overcame this by connecting the phone to the up stereo rather than outputting the device audio and it works really well with the steering wheel controls working perfectly. Blanking the top of gives the upper dash a nice clean look.

However I’m going to be purchasing another smaller unit for comparison but ultimately I think I’ll offer the current one up for sale. If you’re interested give me a shout whilst all the protective films, and adhesive tapes are unused. Also have a hardwire kit with it.

 

[Onepointnine]

It is not final/a real CarPlay set-up but works like a charm.

I attached a random MagSafe charger from AliExpress on the original VW up! dashboard mount.
The only planned modifications are to raise the height of the charger to prevent the USB from hitting the airco button.
And I ordered a 15 cm USB A > USB C cable with 90 degrees angle on the USB C connector.

Don't happen to have a link do you? That magsafe pad looks spot on...

 

[Boost9898]

https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005005196228705.html

 

[Raj]

Finally. 😃

 

[BO51 UPO]

Finally. 😃

View attachment 11290

Which did you buy in the end. I want exactly this for my up gti

 

[Raj]

Which did you buy in the end. I want exactly this for my up gti

I went for the Carpuride W903. Works really well and aesthetically it’s perfect. Might look bulky in the pic but the top is infact lower than an iPhone 11 in a standard cradle

 

[AsphaltAstronaut]

This doesn't answer the question about manual and climate control but it does show how the facia is removed. Hope it is of help.

Really great find!