Hmm okay that's interesting. I think I may have input something incorrectly for my vehicle the first time because now it's saying the one I was looking at will work (Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX). So I guess all of the ones on that idatalink maestro list are ones that have climate controls built into their software? If I'm looking at this correctly now it's definitely not as bad as I thought it was going to be.I did a quick search and one avenue is https://www.idatalinkmaestro.com/en/compatible-products/radios
Apparently the idatalink maestro plus a compatible radio allows you to get a new head unit and keep the AC controls.
The good news is that if your car already has a working touchscreen and radio, you already have everything you need to add Apple CarPlay. You don't need to change the factory navigation system or deal with the complicated process of installing an aftermarket radio and adapters for steering wheel controls and backup cameras.Just bought a 2012 king ranch with the Ford Sync 1 system with navigation. It's got the 8" screen where all the climate info is shown on it. I figure that probably complicates an aftermarket head unit because I would need one that can still show all the climate info. When I put that I have that system in Crutchfield I noticed it significantly slimmed down my compatible options. If it was decent at all I'd just put up with it, but the Sync 1 system is just the worst lol. I'd like something that has Carplay (wired or wireless), looks sleek (not gaudy or cheap looking), and that's at least the size of the oem one. If anyone has experience with changing out this system I'd love to see what you did! Also just looking for recommendations from the experts here. Thanks!
Here's a pic of what I have in my truck just so it's clear.
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uhh ok lol😆You already have everything you need there is no point of changing the radio just to get the CarPlay
Gotcha. I know I've heard of that maestro piece before I've just never understood what does what. I'm assuming the maestro takes in all the vehicle wiring for stuff like climate controls and other vehicle info and then plugs into the head unit? Does the head unit just detect the maestro is plugged in and somehow knows how to give the climate control and other vehicle info?You have to run their dash kit and their module. Works awesome after that. What I did in the Mrs 2012 Mustang. Retains steering wheel controls.
I know this you're feeding me an ad but that actually is pretty enticing. I'll check it out. I'd love to keep the stock look if I can get the functionality I want.The good news is that if your car already has a working touchscreen and radio, you already have everything you need to add Apple CarPlay. You don't need to change the factory navigation system or deal with the complicated process of installing an aftermarket radio and adapters for steering wheel controls and backup cameras.
Instead, you can simply install an aftermarket CarPlay module. This will allow you to seamlessly integrate Apple CarPlay with your existing touchscreen and radio. With CarPlay, you can enjoy hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, and access to your favorite apps right from your car's touchscreen.
The advantage of this approach is that it's much simpler and cleaner to install. You won't have to deal with the complexities and potential issues that come with replacing the factory radio and making different adapters work together.
Are you trying to improve the audio quality or just interested in Apple CarPlay? If your goal is solely to have Apple CarPlay, then once you are inside the CarPlay mode, you won't need any other factory features. In that case, it wouldn't make sense to change the radio for an aftermarket one because it would require a lot of resources and additional parts just to add a single feature. However, remember that once you're using CarPlay, you can access all the CarPlay apps.I know this you're feeding me an ad but that actually is pretty enticing. I'll check it out. I'd love to keep the stock look if I can get the functionality I want.
Pretty much just wanting CarPlay. The Sony audio system is good enough for me. I just can’t stand the complete randomness of sync detecting my phone or not, and I like having my Apple Maps on the dash. Which of your products would I be looking at for that?Are you trying to improve the audio quality or just interested in Apple CarPlay? If your goal is solely to have Apple CarPlay, then once you are inside the CarPlay mode, you won't need any other factory features. In that case, it wouldn't make sense to change the radio for an aftermarket one because it would require a lot of resources and additional parts just to add a single feature. However, remember that once you're using CarPlay, you can access all the CarPlay apps.
Also, remember that once you're using CarPlay, it doesn't matter how good or bad the factory sound system is because you won't be using any of its resources. CarPlay relies entirely on your phone for its functionality. It's important to understand that CarPlay only exists within your phone and cannot be accessed without it. Your phone provides the CarPlay interface and display on the screen, while the touchscreen in your car allows you to control the CarPlay features of your phone.
To will need to get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, you would need a plug and play interface that works with your existing factory screen. No changes to the factory setup are required. Simply remove the radio bezel, unscrew four screws to take out the radio, plug in the interface at the back of the radio, and you're done. It should take about 30 minutes, and then you'll have CarPlay or Android Auto available on your factory screen.Pretty much just wanting CarPlay. The Sony audio system is good enough for me. I just can’t stand the complete randomness of sync detecting my phone or not, and I like having my Apple Maps on the dash. Which of your products would I be looking at for that?
Love the idea, but can find literally nothing on your product. No reviews, videos, articles.To will need to get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, you would need a plug and play interface that works with your existing factory screen. No changes to the factory setup are required. Simply remove the radio bezel, unscrew four screws to take out the radio, plug in the interface at the back of the radio, and you're done. It should take about 30 minutes, and then you'll have CarPlay or Android Auto available on your factory screen.
For many years, we exclusively supplied CarPlay to car dealerships. At that time, our focus was on providing CarPlay systems for installation by dealerships themselves, as part of the car sale to their customers. Nowadays, almost every car comes equipped with factory-installed CarPlay. Taking this into consideration, we have made a strategic decision to switch our operations directly to consumers like you.Love the idea, but can find literally nothing on your product. No reviews, videos, articles.
That makes sense. I'd still recommend putting some guides or videos on your website so people like myself can have a little more confidence when considering purchasing your product.For many years, we exclusively supplied CarPlay to car dealerships. At that time, our focus was on providing CarPlay systems for installation by dealerships themselves, as part of the car sale to their customers. Nowadays, almost every car comes equipped with factory-installed CarPlay. Taking this into consideration, we have made a strategic decision to switch our operations directly to consumers like you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your input. This week, we plan to upload videos on our website and in the vendor section. We have become accustomed to the fact that CarPlay functions similarly across various vehicles, whether it's a Ford F150, an aftermarket Sony radio, a Rolls-Royce worth half a million dollars, or any other car. This is because CarPlay relies on the phone. However, now that we are directly interacting with customers, we need to make some changes to provide end-user materials.That makes sense. I'd still recommend putting some guides or videos on your website so people like myself can have a little more confidence when considering purchasing your product.
I think that would be a great idea. It's not that I need to see how Carplay works, it's that I'd like to see how the install process happens, and how exactly it goes back and forth between Carplay and Ford's software. It'll be at least a few weeks before I make my decision on this anyway (got some other issues to fix first) so I'll be looking out for those!Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your input. This week, we plan to upload videos on our website and in the vendor section. We have become accustomed to the fact that CarPlay functions similarly across various vehicles, whether it's a Ford F150, an aftermarket Sony radio, a Rolls-Royce worth half a million dollars, or any other car. This is because CarPlay relies on the phone. However, now that we are directly interacting with customers, we need to make some changes to provide end-user materials.
Ask him to see a working system in a 2011/2012 Sync system. I’m like 99% sure this isn’t possible unless they ad a standalone carplay unit.I know this you're feeding me an ad but that actually is pretty enticing. I'll check it out. I'd love to keep the stock look if I can get the functionality I want.
The maestro box is basically a programmable CAN communicator. When you remove your HVAC controls/screen. You lose the piece of the puzzle that communicates with your stock systems. It connects and talks on the CAN (Controller Area Network). It makes everything work together and be able to your head unit as AC/Heater controls.Gotcha. I know I've heard of that maestro piece before I've just never understood what does what. I'm assuming the maestro takes in all the vehicle wiring for stuff like climate controls and other vehicle info and then plugs into the head unit? Does the head unit just detect the maestro is plugged in and somehow knows how to give the climate control and other vehicle info?
Yeah I'm having a hard time figuring out how they would do it with a simple "plug and play" solution as well. The price isn't cheap either so even if it does work I'll have to decide if it's worth it over a much higher quality screen that I'd be getting aftermarket. That makes a lot more sense on the maestro. Thanks for the explanation.Ask him to see a working system in a 2011/2012 Sync system. I’m like 99% sure this isn’t possible unless they ad a standalone carplay unit.
The maestro box is basically a programmable CAN communicator. When you remove your HVAC controls/screen. You lose the piece of the puzzle that communicates with your stock systems. It connects and talks on the CAN (Controller Area Network). It makes everything work together and be able to your head unit as AC/Heater controls.
