CARABC Wireless Carplay & Android Auto Module User Manual

1. Product Features Introduction

The CARABC Wireless Carplay and Android Auto Module is designed to upgrade your Porsche's infotainment system, providing seamless integration of smartphone functionalities. This module supports both wired and wireless connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing your driving experience with navigation, communication, and entertainment features.

• Supports Apple CarPlay, Carlife, and Android Auto.
• Wireless phone-link capability.
• Powered by Sunplus SPHE8368-U chip (800MHz) with LINUX OS.
• 128MB SLC NAND FLASH for stable, high-performance operation.
• Integrated design (60x39x6mm) for easy installation.
• Enables positioning, navigation, voice search, Bluetooth, and music functions on the original screen.
• Supports multi-format video output (Analog CVBS, LVDS HD, Digital RGB888).
• Two-channel CD stereophonic sound output.
• Maintains original car operating system and MIC for high-quality sound and echo control.
• Smooth 1080P multi-format video playback (including H.264).
• Supports USB-HOST connection.
• UART connector for touch screen and button operation.
• Extendable for reverse video input, AHD HD input, front view, and DVR.

2. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the CARABC Wireless Carplay and Android Auto Module.

3. Setup and Installation

3.1 Product Accessories List

Before beginning installation, ensure all components are present:

• Main Module PCB
• Power Cable
• RCA/USB Cable
• Data Cable
• BT & WiFi Antenna
• Microphone Cable
• FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit)
• LVDS IN/OUT Cable

3.2 Product Installation (General)

This section provides a general overview of the wiring connections. Refer to the specific diagrams for your PCM version.

1. Connect the provided LVDS cable to the original display cable and the module.
2. Connect the module's power cable to the original power cable.
3. Connect the Rear View CVBS and Front View CVBS cables for camera inputs.
4. Connect the 12V OUT for camera power (for front & rear cameras).
5. Connect the MIC IN and MIC-OUT cables.
6. Connect the USB cable for phone/USB stick.
7. Ensure CAN, Power, 12V OUT, GND, and BACK connections are correctly made.
8. If there is noise, unplug the indicated cable (refer to diagram).

3.3 Product Installation (PCM3.1 Specific)

For PCM3.1 systems, pay close attention to the FPC and fiber optic cable connections.

1. Refer to the DB connection of Porsche PCM3.1 for FPC installation.
2. Connect the antenna.
3. Connect the USB expansion for USB flash disk, mobile phone, and software update.
4. Connect FRONT-CVBS for front video input.
5. Connect REVER-CVBS for reversing video input.
6. Connect ACC, CAN_12V, REVERSE, BATT+, and GND as indicated.
7. Transfer the original fiber optic cable from Figure 1 to the corresponding connector in Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram).
8. Connect the speaker cable to the loudspeaker.
9. Connect the extra microphone cable.

3.4 FPC Connection and System Switching

This step details the connection of the Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) and how to switch between the original car system and the module's interface.

1. Connect the FPC from the LCD module to the main PCBA of the OEM head unit.
2. Ensure the provided FPC and video interface (PCBA) are correctly connected.
3. To switch between the original car system (OEM UI) and the module's interface (Add-on UI), press and hold the "INFO" button on your car's head unit.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Original Car Button & Dip Switch Explained

The module integrates with your car's existing controls for a seamless user experience.

• Steering Wheel Controls:
  • Use the call buttons to make and receive calls.
  • Long press the call button (typically 3 seconds) to switch between the original car system and the module's interface.
  • Short press the call button to hang up a call or long press to activate Siri/voice assistant.
• Head Unit Controls:

  

  • Audio Channel Switching: Use the designated button to switch audio channels.
  • Phone Answering/Hang Up: Use the PHONE button for call management.
  • Volume Control: Rotate the knob left and right to adjust volume. Press and hold for 10 seconds to recover the system.
  • Next Song: Use the arrow button for next song.
  • System Switch: Long press the INFO button to switch between systems.
  • Navigation: Use NAVI button for navigation functions.
  • Left and Right Rotation: Use the rotating knob for menu navigation.

4.2 First Connection Operation (Wireless Apple CarPlay)

To connect your iPhone wirelessly to Apple CarPlay:

1. Enter the CARPLAY menu interface.
2. Navigate to "Settings" and then select "Discover and connect devices".

   

3. On your iPhone, go to Bluetooth settings and search for the device named "CX_BTFC4BBC1A1D94" (or similar).

   

4. Pair your iPhone with the device.
5. Once paired, a prompt will appear on your iPhone to "Use CarPlay with 'CARPLAY'". Confirm this connection.

   

6. The CarPlay interface will then display on your car screen.

   

Note: After the initial Bluetooth pairing, ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your iPhone for automatic CarPlay connection in the future. For the first connection, you can also use a USB wired method, then enable wireless CarPlay on your phone, and after 15 seconds, the wireless connection should establish automatically.

4.3 First Connection Operation (Wireless Android Auto)

To connect your Android phone wirelessly to Android Auto:

1. Enter the installation Settings interface, then navigate to the wireless Android Auto Settings.
2. Click on the pair option for "CX_BT..." (as shown in P2 for CarPlay).
3. Use your Android mobile phone's Bluetooth to connect to "CX_BT...".
4. After successful pairing, the Android Auto interface will appear.

   

Note: For the first connection, it is recommended to connect via USB wired method. Enable wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on your phone according to instructions, then disconnect the data cable after 15 seconds. The wireless connection should then establish automatically.

4.4 Function Operation Description

The module offers a range of functions accessible through its interface:

• Wired/Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto: Access your smartphone's features.
• Screen Mirroring: Mirror your Apple or Android device screen.
  1. Disconnect any active wireless CarPlay/Android Auto connection.
  2. Click the "Mirroring" icon.
  3. Connect your phone via USB.

     

  4. For Apple devices, confirm the prompt on your phone.
  5. For Android devices, an "Autolink" download box will appear. Download and install the app. Re-insert the USB, and confirm "Open the USB default connection box".
• USB Multimedia Playback: Supports lossless audio and 720P video playback from a USB disk.

  

• Camera Support: Supports original car's rear-viewing camera, aftermarket rear-viewing camera (CVBS/AHD), front-viewing camera, and 360 panorama (CVBS/AHD).

  

• Audio EQ Adjustment: Adjust music and navigation volume separately.
• Original Car MIC Support: Utilizes the original car microphone with automatic correction for calls.
• Original Bluetooth Call Function: Supports the car's native Bluetooth for calls.
• AUX In Function: Expandable for digital TV.
• Wired Baidu CarLife: Requires activation in factory settings (password: 0301).
• Online Navigation: Supports multiple map options and real-time traffic updates.

  

• Smart Voice Assistant: Use voice commands for various tasks.

  

• Music Playback: Play mobile music and USB music with Hi-Fi sound quality.

  

5. Maintenance and System Settings

5.1 Commonly Installed System Function Settings

Access and adjust various system settings for optimal performance.

• Audio Settings: Adjust Main Volume, Navi Volume, In Call Volume, Ringer Volume, and Voice Assistant Volume. It is recommended to use the default values unless specific adjustments are needed.

  

• Automatic Echo Cancellation: If you experience echo during calls, enable this feature in Audio Settings. Before enabling, adjust the original car's volume to a normal range (50-70 is recommended) for better echo cancellation.

  

• Language Settings: Select your preferred language from the installation setting interface.

  

• Advanced Features (Camera Settings): Configure settings for aftermarket or original cameras. If using an AHD camera, select the corresponding frame rate.

  

• UI Settings: Customize user interface elements such as Driver Position and Wallpaper.

  

5.2 System Upgrade

To ensure your module has the latest features and bug fixes, you can perform a system upgrade.

1. Access the "Information" menu, then select "About Version" to view current system information.

   

   

2. Copy the upgrade files (ISPBOOOT.BIN and OSU_SETTITINGS folder or Update file) to the root directory of a USB disk.
3. Insert the USB disk into the module's USB port.
4. Return to the main interface, go to "Settings" → "Version Information" → "About Device" → "Update".
5. Click the corresponding file to start the upgrade.

   

Important: Do not power off the device during the upgrade process. Ensure the USB disk file name is correct and verify the version information before proceeding with the upgrade.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with the CARABC Wireless Carplay and Android Auto Module.

• Blurred or Indistinct Screen:
  • Check the LVDS cable connection to the host. A poor connection can cause display issues.
• No Sound from Carplay:
  • Ensure the Carplay sound channel is selected as the original car's AUX input.
  • If still no sound, play music from the aftermarket system, then switch to the original car's AUX to activate it.
  • Verify that the sound is routed through the USB AUX channel.
• Echo During Calls:
  • Go to Audio Settings and enable "Automatic echo cancellation".
  • Before enabling, adjust the original car's volume to a normal range (recommended 50-70) for better results.
• Carplay Connected but Black Screen / No Sound:
  • Turn off mobile Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • Check if the installation interface displays normally.
  • If reversing, ensure settings are correctly configured in the after-sale interface.

7. User Tips

No specific user tips were provided in the available data. However, based on common usage:

• Always ensure your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled for seamless wireless CarPlay/Android Auto connection after the initial setup.
• For optimal audio quality, experiment with the Audio EQ settings to match your preferences.
• If you experience any connectivity issues, try restarting both your phone and the car's infotainment system.
• Keep your module's software updated to benefit from the latest features and stability improvements.

8. Warranty and Support

CARABC products undergo strict functional and performance tests to ensure quality. All products come with a warranty.

• Warranty Period: All products enjoy a one-year warranty service.
• Warranty Exclusions: The free warranty does not cover:
  • Damage due to scratches, dirt, or deformation after the warranty period.
  • Inconsistencies or alterations in the warranty card and purchase certificate.
  • Unclear or missing bar code on the host machine body.
  • Damage resulting from improper use, maintenance, repair, or refitting not in accordance with the product manual.
  • Damage due to force majeure (e.g., fire, flood, traffic accident, lightning, earthquake).
• Technical Support: If you cannot install the product or encounter other problems, please contact CARABC customer support.
  • WhatsApp: +8618923410098
  • Email: 5660103@qq.com

For further details, you may refer to the User Manual (PDF).