ZZPLAY ITZ-LRB: Advanced CarPlay/Android Auto Integration for Land Rover

Product Components

The ZZPLAY ITZ-LRB kit includes the following components:

• ZZPlay Interface: The main processing unit.
• Main Harness: Connects the interface to the vehicle's electrical system and OE radio.
• GVIF Y-Cable: Used for video signal transmission.
• Velcro sheet: For mounting the interface.
• SMB Antenna: For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Image: A layout of the kit components: ZZPlay Interface box, Main Harness, GVIF Y-Cable, Velcro sheet, and SMB Antenna.

Installation Diagram and Notes

The installation diagram illustrates the connection points between the OE Land Rover Screen, OE Land Rover Bosch Radio, the ZZPLAY Interface, and the antennas.

Image: A wiring diagram showing connections for the OE Screen, OE Land Rover Bosch Radio, ZZPLAY Interface, and antennas, with labels for various cables and ports like GVIF, USB, REAR CAM, etc.

Important Installation Notes:

DIP Switch Settings

When making changes to the DIP switch settings, it is crucial to first remove the SCREEN T-HARNESS plug from the car side. Both the screen and the ZZPLAY unit must boot simultaneously.

Procedure for DIP Switch Adjustment:

1. Turn the vehicle OFF.
2. Unplug the screen T-HARNESS from the car side.
3. Adjust the DIP switches as necessary.
4. Reconnect the T-HARNESS to the car side.
5. Turn the vehicle ON and test the system.

Image: A screenshot of a vehicle's infotainment system menu, showing options like Setup, Audio, Navigation, and Phone.

Connecting Apple CarPlay & Setting Up Bluetooth Phone Calls

Follow these steps to connect your iPhone for Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth phone calls:

1. Wired Connection: If you prefer a wired connection, use a certified Apple cable.
2. Wireless Connection: For wireless connectivity, follow the subsequent steps.
3. Phone Preparation: Before pairing, perform a "hard reset" on your iPhone to prevent potential malfunctions. Consult your phone's manual or online resources for instructions.
4. Bluetooth Pairing:
   • Navigate to your iPhone's Settings > Bluetooth.
   • Your phone should detect a Bluetooth device named "ZZPLAY*****" under "Other Devices".
   • Select "ZZPLAY*****". A Bluetooth Pairing Request will appear on the car screen with a code.
   • Select "PAIR" on the car screen.
5. Contact Sync: After pairing, a notification may appear asking to sync your contacts. Select "ALLOW" to enable caller ID and access to your contacts within CarPlay.
6. CarPlay Connection: You may receive a notification asking for permission to connect your iPhone to the car even when the phone is locked. Select "Use CarPlay". The CarPlay main screen should then appear on the factory radio.
7. Automatic Switching: Once the phone is connected and paired correctly, the screen will automatically switch to CarPlay. If needed, you can select the ZZ2 app to return to the interface's main menu.

Image: A series of screenshots illustrating the Bluetooth pairing process on an iPhone and the car's screen, including pairing requests, contact sync prompts, and the "Use CarPlay" notification.

Controlling the Module

The ZZPLAY module can be controlled using specific button presses on the vehicle's steering wheel or dashboard controls.

• MAIN MENU button (CarPlay):
  • Press Once: Enter or Exit CarPlay mode.
  • Press & HOLD: Enter or Exit CarPlay mode.
• Pickup Phone Call / SIRI wake: Use this button to answer/end calls or activate Siri.
• HOLD to Activate SIRI: Press and hold the designated button to activate Siri.

ATTENTION: With at least system software version (2023-12-05), use OEM Bluetooth streaming (source) for all audio playback from CarPlay/Android Auto.

Image: A close-up of a steering wheel with controls highlighted, and a view of the car's infotainment screen showing the CarPlay interface with navigation prompts.

AUDIO Setup for CarPlay & Android Auto

For optimal audio performance, it is recommended to use the factory Land Rover or Jaguar Bluetooth Audio as the sound source, rather than the AUX input. Ensure your phone is connected to the factory Bluetooth Audio and that the following setting is enabled within the ZZPLAY menu.

1. From the main interface, find and select the 'ZZPLAY' tile (for CarPlay) or the 'Exit' tile (for Android Auto). Scroll to the right and enter 'Settings'.
2. In the Settings menu, navigate to 'System' and then select 'Factory Mode'.
3. Within 'Factory Mode', choose 'Phone Link setting'.
4. Enable the 'Disable phone link audio' option.
5. Return to 'Factory Mode' (one step back) and select 'Reboot'.

This configuration ensures that all audio, including music and phone calls, is routed through the factory Bluetooth Audio source.

Image: A series of screenshots showing the ZZPLAY interface navigation: Main menu, Settings, System, Factory Mode, and Phone Link Setting with the 'Disable phone link audio' option checked.

ZZPLAY Interface Main Menu Overview

The ZZPLAY interface offers two primary menu systems:

• Top Menu:
  • Music: For uninterrupted USB Audio Playback.
  • CarPlay: To enter CarPlay Mode.
  • Android Auto: To enter Android Auto Mode.
  • Mirroring: For Screen-Mirroring iPhone & Android devices.

  This menu also displays currently connected devices.

• Bottom Menu:
  • Bluetooth: To view Bluetooth devices.
  • Video: For uninterrupted USB Video Playback.
  • Video in: To view connected cameras (typically front).
  • Settings: Access to all interface settings.

Image: Two screenshots of the ZZPLAY interface main menu, one showing Music, CarPlay, Android Auto, Mirroring, and the other showing Bluetooth, Video, Video in, Settings, with descriptive callouts for each function.

ZZPLAY Interface Settings Menu Details

The ZZPLAY interface operates independently of the OE radio system. Settings within the CarPlay menu only affect CarPlay functionality, while ZZPLAY Interface settings control vehicle-specific parameters like reverse camera, audio output, and more.

To access the ZZPLAY Interface Menu from the CarPlay system, locate and select the 'ZZPLAY' tile. If no phone is connected, using the activation button (typically used to enter CarPlay mode) will directly access the ZZPLAY Interface Menu.

Selecting 'Settings' from either menu will lead to the ZZPLAY Interface Setup Menu, offering options tailored to the specific vehicle and installation.

Settings Categories:

• General: Allows adjustments for global volume control and specific navigation volume output. Includes an option for auto-pairing user handsets.
• Car Setting: Provides options for camera configurations (Reversing camera, 360 camera, Front camera), Radar, Trajectory, Reversing mode, and Speech button. These settings are specific to how the interface handles camera triggers and types (e.g., data vs. analog wire). Some other vehicle-specific settings may also be found here.
• Display: Enables adjustments for brightness, contrast, and saturation.
• Sound: Allows for bass, mid, and treble adjustments for audio output.
• System: Displays hardware and software information. Provides access to 'Factory reset' and 'Factory Mode'.
• Factory Mode:
  • Echo Cancellation: Helps optimize microphone performance.
  • Advanced Setting: Stores settings that are not typically adjusted by the end-user.
  • Phone Link Setting: Configure preferred connection types for different handsets (iPhone vs. Android), useful for managing multiple phones in the vehicle. Options include wired/wireless for CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Reboot: Restarts the ZZPLAY system without turning off the vehicle.
  • Reversing Camera Mode: Adjusts video standards for connected cameras.

Image: Multiple screenshots detailing the ZZPLAY Interface Settings menu, showing various sub-menus like General, Car Setting, Display, Sound, System, and Factory Mode with specific options listed.

ITZ-LRB FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: I can't hear any audio from the CarPlay/Android Auto system.

A: With the latest software, you must use factory Bluetooth Streaming for all audio, including phone calls. Ensure your phone is connected to the factory radio Bluetooth simultaneously with the ZZPLAY module and set the audio source to 'BT Audio'.

Q: I'm hearing reports of a lot of echo or delayed echo on audio during a phone call. Why is this happening and how can I eliminate this?

A: This issue typically occurs when using the OEM AUX input for audio instead of OEM Bluetooth. The AUX path processes audio through the OEM amplifier, which applies active time-alignment and processing to the audio channel.

Q: Sometimes my phone won't connect, the screen goes black, or CarPlay kicks me out back to the interface menu.

A: For iPhone users, it is recommended to perform a 'Hard Reset' on the phone approximately twice a month. This clears temporary cache and resets processors, improving speed and reliability. Search online for "Hard Reset iPhone [your model]" for specific instructions.

Q: Incoming text responses from SIRI are silent on CarPlay. It mutes the audio but I don't hear the read-out.

A: This can happen for two main reasons:

• The iPhone requires a hard-reset (as mentioned above).
• The phone is connected to the vehicle's OE Bluetooth for both phone calls and audio. In this case, text read-outs might be sent to the vehicle's BT source. To resolve this, you generally want the phone connected to the vehicle for phone calls ONLY. For iPhones, this distinction is often made by adjusting the phone's setup within the OE radio's Bluetooth or Phone settings. Disconnect the phone as an audio player. Note that not all vehicles offer this specific option, but it's common in cars with advanced systems.

Q: Using Android, I cannot get the phone to reliably connect wirelessly (or at all).

A: Android phones can be more sensitive regarding wireless connectivity compared to iPhones. Ensure your Android OS is fully up-to-date and clear the cache on the Android Auto application. Some phones (e.g., from TCL, Motorola) may have protocols that are not fully compatible with all systems. If you encounter persistent issues, using a high-quality USB-C cable for the Android Auto connection is recommended.

OE System Note

After installation is completed, it is essential to verify that the 'Time out home' setting on the OE screen is turned OFF. If this setting remains ON, the OE screen may time out due to perceived inactivity, which can result in a drop-out situation from CarPlay or Android Auto.

Image: Screenshots of the OE system's menu, showing navigation to Screen settings and the 'Timeout to home menu' option, with 'Off' selected.