CarPlay only works with Entune 3.0 and higher...

 

Thanks for the info. I guess this confirms that a CarPlay upgrade from Toyota is never coming for my 2018 Highlander, since I think I have Entunes 2.0/2.5 (and not 3.0).

 

I think that dasaita was a good option when idatalink maestro wasnt available. I see what these systems do and with kenwood working side by side with them, you retain most of what you love about your original stereo while gaining better sound and functionality at the same time. Btw, kenwood, pioneer and alpine are all coming out with 9-10 inch display units by this summer.

 

Thanks for all of the additional info. What is the idatalink maestro? I'm not familiar with this as an option for my vehicle.
EDIT: Did some quick research and it appears to be an interface system for aftermarket radios to provide compatibility with factory features. So I would have to purchase this idatalink in addition to the aftermarket stereo? Seems like a very expensive solution, especially compared to the Dasaita (which I think provides compatibility out of the box). Maybe I'm missing something?

Since I'm not familiar with the Dasaita name, I would probably prefer a solution from Kenwood, Pioneer or Alpine. But who knows what kind of prices they'll set them at for a premium-sized screen (>$750?), and whether the launch of them will end up getting delayed.

 

I've ruled out this option since the screen sizes are relatively small (~6.5" - 8"), and you lose some of the standard vehicle functions by going this route.

I replaced mine with after market. The aftermarket system screen size is significantly larger then the OEM. My stock Etune system is no where near as big

 

Which make and model aftermarket radio did you go with? My OEM Toyota screen is 8" (diagonally), and most of the offerings I could find from JVC, Kenwood, etc were all around 6".

 

Idatalink Maestro Info

When you change out your head unit a lot of the higher end head units allow hook up with the Idatalink Maestro. The Idatalink Maestro allows you to...

www.tundras.com

All the information you need to know

 

Thank you for the additional info about the iDataLink. Unfortunately, the aftermarket radios currently available from the big companies (JBL, Pioneer, etc.) only offer small screens that are around 6"-7". While all I really want is Apple CarPlay, I can't bring myself to downsizing in screen size relative to my OEM radio (8" diag). I do see from a comment above that larger screens are on their way, possibly as early as this summer.

 

I put a maestro and new Alpine head unit in a 2011 Tundra and the sound output was awful. The goal was to add CarPlay which was great. Sure the maestro made everything work but the sound quality suffered. Ended up returning everything to Crutchfield and putting the stock unit back in. I would have a hard time going aftermarket just for CarPlay.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Was that with the jbl amplifier? I had a similar situation with my 09 camry jbl. Using a acis module that worked between the amp and radio was terrible. Never tried maestro, but these tundra guys speak of it in a good light. The sound on non-JBL comes directly from the output of the aftermarket radio, so no crappy sound

 

most likely he had the JBL. it's still possible to get it done, but he was not willing to add aftermarket amp and sub.

 

Hello. I have installed the Dasaita unit in my Highlander. I am enjoying it and the bigger screen. I use Android Auto but you can do CarPlay both wired and wireless. It looks so much nicer than the factory unit. Of course different opinions will arise but for someone who has been used to using Android Auto I understand the need/want of continued use of this feature. Some people can care less but you do what works for you

 

That looks really nice. If you still have it, how satisfied are you with the power and volume buttons? Any issue changing radio channels manually (like when visiting a new location)?

 

What standard Toyota functions did you lose compared to the Entune 2.0 system

 

It's difficult to recall lost features if I never (or rarely) used them, but here's what I recall from memory:

• Lose standard functionality of Bluetooth button on steering wheel; Now it simply serves as a mute button
• Lose OEM mic for calls; Daisaita PX6 radio comes with an external mic
• Lose OEM satellite antenna unless special adapters are purchased; Radio comes with external antenna if you want to use it
• Lose navigation screen from the small screen in the instrument cluster; Other screens are maintained - just the nav is now black
• Lose XM features; Can always use phone XM app if you really want XM
• I 'think' you lose TPMS functionality unless you purchase a fairly costly aftermarket kit; I still need to confirm this one

There are probably more that I have forgotten, or not aware of, that someone will add.

Overall, the features noted above are trivial compared to the features that you'll gain with this amazing radio.

 

I only have my Highlander for a month. Unfortunately I never used the Entune system. I didn't bother since I knew I was changing the radio. I changed the unit 3 days after I got the truck. The 'talk's button (under the mode/hold) doesn't function like it used to. It works as a mute button. Also it uses a separate mic, it no longer uses the factory installed mic. I hope this helps to answer your question a bit.

 

Check this out...

 

Excellent option if you have a 2016 Mustang!

 

That doesnt work for toyota vehicles. Did you see how that updates the ford sync in certain trim level mustang's. He showed you the GT. Just know that this isnt a option. Wrong make....

 

I've successfully installed the Dasaita PX6 and tinkered with it for a couple of weeks. My only regret with this upgrade is not doing it sooner, rather than tolerating the terrible Entune system for the last 1.5+ years. My purpose of upgrading was to add CarPlay, but I completely underestimated how much I would use the extra features this radio provides. I think it's an amazing upgrade for your Highlander.

I have a question for those that have already installed it... How's the performance of the external mic for calls? My wife complains that she hears an echo when she talks. I've tried positioning the mic everywhere in the cabin. I've tried turning the volume of the radio way down when talking. I tried putting a small piece of tape over the mic, which supposedly helped the echo a little (by muffling essentially everything). I even purchased a different external mic from Amazon based on the recommendation of Dasaita customer support. Nothing has worked thus far. I can't find a setting anywhere in the Dasaita settings regarding the mic, such as volume level, noise cancellation, etc.

Please let me know if anyone has tips for improving the mic quality for this radio. Thanks.

 

I have heard people complain about an echo. From what I've read I don't believe it has to do with mic itself. Some say it could do with the software/firmware version (I haven't dived into all of the technical info yet myself. There are forums on a different site discussing that issue) I have my mic in the upper corner of the windshield on the driver's side.

 

Thanks the heads up on the separate discussion regarding the mic. I tried positioning my mic virtually everywhere in the cabin and when no specific location made a difference, I did the same as you and installed it in the upper corner of the windshield on the driver's side. Given the numerous settings and tweaks available with this radio, I'm surprised there aren't any dedicated to the mic (at least that I could find).

Did you do anything special to minimize the echo effect, or have you just lived with it?

 

I don't have any echo issues. I only have my Highlander for a little over a month. I installed the radio a couple of days later. Living in NYC with all that has been going on I haven't been driving as much as I thought yet. I would say I've had about a dozen or so calls which is a very small sample amount. However I only had slight issues on only 1 call but I believe it was the other person's connection. No echoes on none of my calls. I've also been on phone calls while using Android Auto w/no issues.

 

Thanks for clarifying. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but I've been using CarPlay when getting the echo effect (as opposed to Android Auto). Maybe I'll try a standard Bluetooth call (i.e., w/o CarPlay) to see if it makes a difference.

Separate question...do you know if this radio is currently monitoring our tire pressure? I know that external TPMS sensors are required for the dedicated TPMS app. But you can also find "Tire info" under the "Control settings' app. See attached photo. Mine lists 250.0 kPa for all 4 tires, and since it's improbable that all 4 tires have 'exactly' the same tire pressure, I assume this isn't a live reading. So, are you aware if we'll receive any notifications with low tire pressure. Just curious if you know the answer to this.

You mentioned being in NYC, so wishing you good health through all of this.

 

I will check my vehicles screen on the dash tomorrow (still getting used to the ins & outs, learning every little detail). I'm pretty sure the TPMS info you are seeing on the radio is a placeholder. We all know that you are able to purchase an additional unit to connect to the radio for the TPMS info. Thanks for the well wishes. We all can use them no matter where we live. I share them with all as well. Stay safe.

 

In regards to voice quality over carplay is sort of OK, it was near perfect with the Toyota radio.
using BT with this aftermaket radio ilx-w650 sounds pretty bad for voice calls. I knew this going in, it's not my first attempt at carplay. But I will keep it for now and use airpods when possible .

 

I have a 2018 Highlander (Limited Platinum / JBL Audio / 360 Camera) and for 1.5 years I've been searching for the optimal solution to add Apple CarPlay support. I've provided a round-up of current solutions and I'm looking for recommendations.

-Toyota Dealer Upgrade: It sounds like other vehicles are being updated (Camry & Sienna, I think). I was at the local Toyota dealer last week and they said they've heard nothing about upgrade plans on the 2018 Highlanders specifically. Anyone know if it's even possible to upgrade 2018 Entune radios to support CarPlay...and if so, are there any plans to do so yet?

-Beat-Sonix: Beat-Sonic Apple Carplay and Android Auto for 2014-2019 Toyota models with Entune 2.0 and Entune 2.5
Since Toyota doesn't seem to be addressing it, this was my preferred choice since it does exactly what I want it to do. Add CarPlay while allowing me to keep the factory radio and the associated standard vehicle features. I was ready to pull the trigger, but after speaking to Beat-Sonix yesterday, I discovered that their system doesn't work with Limited Highlanders with the 360 Camera. I was told it 'should' be available in 1-2 months.

-Grom VLine VL2: Toyota 2013-2019 GROM VLine VL2 Infotainment System Upgrade Video Interface CarPlay Android Auto
This seems like a costly solution that adds an Android operating system to the factory radio and adds CarPlay functionality. I think I've ruled this one out since all I really want is CarPlay and I'm not as interested in the Android OS.

-Aftermarket Receiver from Crutchfield, etc.
I've ruled out this option since the screen sizes are relatively small (~6.5" - 8"), and you lose some of the standard vehicle functions by going this route.

-Dasaita PX6 Receiver: Amazon.com: Dasaita 10.2 inch Touch Screen 1din Android 9.0 Car HeadUnit for Toyota Highlander Radio GPS DSP System 4G Ram 64G ROM Stereo Bluetooth 5.0 15Band EQ Navigation Multimedia: GPS & Navigation
Since the Beat-Sonix solution isn't available yet for my trim level, I'm strongly considering this option. It replaces the factory receiver, but the screen is large and appears to be very nice looking.
(I'm going to start a separate thread for this option specifically since I have a few questions about it before I pull the trigger).

Does anyone have recommendations based on these options? Thanks!

Alpine ILX-F259 installed in 19 limited - with CarPlay

Hi, I wanted to post a review of my new headunit. First I’ll say that the PAC interface box worked way better than the RR unit from Maestro both for audio quality, backup camera quality, and actually being less glitchy. The maestro was unable to turn the amplifier on and the PAC has zero issues...

www.toyotanation.com

I went with an Alpine unit and kept everything factory. I only lost the ability to fade, and my screen is huge.

 

Did you retain, (or did you even have) the 360 camera view?

 

Hello all. In reference to the TPMS info if one of your tires goes low you will have the indicator lamp on the dash light up. For the info on the Dasaita to show you the correct info as mentioned before you have to purchase the additional piece. But if your tire(s) go low you will know. In reference to the center screen on dash showing more info not sure @ this time. Not in a position to take air out just to test. But once again the dash indicator will light up.

 

Thanks @Clopitre for confirming that low-pressure warnings will still occur with the Dasaita installed. I was planning on simulating a low pressure event in my garage to confirm the indicator light still illuminates, but haven't had a chance to do so yet.

I'm debating purchasing the Dasaita External TPMS kit to see how it works. It's just a bit pricey and I give it about two oil changes at my local Toyota dealership before they lose one of the proprietary stem caps.

 

Hello all. Good to know that you isolated it Z-Link/Car Play. I'm not sure off the top of my head which version I'm on (# wise. It's from the Dec 2019 update/version. I'll check tomorrow for the exact #). If you do get TPMS kit please post again in the future to see if you find it worthwhile/beneficial to get. Hopefully someone can help w/the bluetooth connection issue in the meantime. Also hopefully the next firmware update for Z-Link corrects it as well.

 

I was able to experiment with the OEM tire pressure monitoring on the Highlander with a Dasaita PX6 installed. This confirmed some items while also prompting more questions...

I can confirm what @Clopitre stated previously that the indicator light will still illuminate on the instrument cluster when the tire pressure is low. I relieved the pressure on the driver front tire to 28 psig and the indicator light properly illuminated. See attached photo of instrument cluster.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the "Tire info" screen (under "Control settings" app) on the Dasaita actually does read the tire pressure. I had incorrectly assumed in a previous post on this thread that these readings were not live. The "Tire info" screen correctly indicated that one of the tires had a pressure of 192.5 kPa (28 PSI). See attached Dasaita photo with 192.5 kPa reading.

This experiment also prompted questions about the "Tire info" screen:

• Even though I relieved the pressure on the driver front tire, this "Tire info" screen incorrectly indicated that it was the passenger rear tire that was low. Does anyone know if the tires can be reassigned on this screen?
• Also, is anyone aware if the readings on this screen can be changed to PSI? I've looked everywhere and can't find a setting to change it.

Hopefully this info proves beneficial. If anyone has answers to the above questions it would be greatly appreciated.

 

• This experiment also prompted questions about the "Tire info" screen:
  

  • Even though I relieved the pressure on the driver front tire, this "Tire info" screen incorrectly indicated that it was the passenger rear tire that was low. Does anyone know if the tires can be reassigned on this screen?

  [*]

  I have an ATEQ Quickset for when I change my winter and summer tires out. The program that came with the tool allows you to specify the location of each tire sensor ID including one for the spare if you have a sensor installed. If you rotate your tires and don't update the locations, this would probably explain why it incorrectly indicates which tire is low. Techstream also allows for sensor id's and positions to be updated.

 

Hello all. There is another screen which is the actual TPMS info if you have the additional equipment that can be updated. I have played around with that one. I was able to change it to PSI & Farenheit. That's about it since I don't have the additional equipment. I have not been able to figure out how to change the screen shown in the pic. By any chance did you try to see if the little screen on gauge cluster under info reveal anything (the one showing 'P' fuel range & mileage? )

 

1. I was playing around w/the radio. I wasn't able to find a way to change it from Kpa to Psi. However in reference to the 'wrong' sensor showing up you can try pushing the TPMS reset button. If you watch the video it'll show you how to do so. After you try it drive a few minutes and it should update on the Dasaita unit. It worked for me. I had the tire info screen on when I did so. Also I'm curious if you release air from the tire again if the correct location will show on the radio. I'm not sure if you have your own compressor to do it with again. I'm also going to try to send an email to customer support to see if I can get some sort of clarification on if we can change the info setup or not. Have a great weekend all!

 

1. However in reference to the 'wrong' sensor showing up you can try pushing the TPMS reset button. If you watch the video it'll show you how to do so. After you try it drive a few minutes and it should update on the Dasaita unit. It worked for me. I had the tire info screen on when I did so. Also I'm curious if you release air from the tire again if the correct location will show on the radio.

I just tried this and was unsuccessful. I over-inflated the driver front tire to 38 psig (260 kPa) so that I could track it on the Dasaita "Tire info" screen. The other tires were properly inflated to the recommended 36 psig (250 kPa). On the Dasaita screen, the over-inflated tire incorrectly appeared as the passenger rear tire (as it did in my post yesterday). I then completed the TPMS reset sequence as shown in the video and then took a lap around the neighborhood. Even after all of this, the over-inflated tire still unfortunately displays incorrectly on the Dasaita "Tire info" screen (as the passenger rear tire). I even turned off and back on the Highlander to force the Dasaita "Tire info" screen to repopulate. When it repopulated, it still identified the same tire incorrectly.

It seemed like it worked well for you @Clopitre. Any idea what I did differently and/or incorrectly? Also, if you receive any beneficial feedback from customer support, please let us know. Thanks!

 

Good morning. What worked for me was the info displayed disappearing off of the radio screen and it took a few seconds to reload. Looks like I assumed incorrectly it would know the correct location accurately. I apologize for my misconceptions.

 

Hello all. I hope everyone is doing good and staying safe. I have update regarding the tire info screen. I was told that unfortunately it can't be changed. The settings are within the can bus. We can't update them. Not what I was hoping to hear but at least it's an answer. Have a great day all.