Alpine iLX-407

[AyeCantSeeYou]

https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/apple-carplay-android-auto-ilx-407

Not really sure I'd consider this an upgrade at this point. I recently had it installed and will be contacting Crutchfield tomorrow about a few things I am hoping they can 'fix':

• The media outlets on the front dash and in the center console do not work - no power, no anything! They are 'dead'. This is unacceptable to me.
• The mic that comes with the 407 wasn't installed where I would have preferred it.
• OBD2 error.

Cons:

• Will require replacing the OEM backup camera. OEM is analog, the 407 requires digital. Install is set for Jan. 2nd.
  • http://www.metraonline.com/part/JP-JTKT

IF Crutchfield can solve the problems above, my plan is to upgrade the speakers (Kicker KS), add a subwoofer and amp.

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[AyeCantSeeYou]

SO..... talked with Crutchfield today. Was told that with aftermarket stereo installs, the OEM media outlets won't have any power/function with iDatalink Maestro RR. They know of no workaround.

Did some research on my own and found a solution for the microphone install so that it can be where the original is. Seems simple enough.


Found a solution for usb ports as well. Since I have no use for the cigarette lighter, I'm going to replace it with a usb & hdmi adapter that will plug into the back of the Alpine unit. That way, I'll be able to connect my personal android & work iphone (with a lightning to digital AV adapter) to the unit for hands-free stuff, which reminds me that I need to call back tomorrow and find out if I should get the Maestro RR2 (has bluetooth capability for updating/flashing the unit) and switch it out with the Maestro RR.
https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalog/radio-replacement/hdmi-usb-cbl

For the usb port in the center console - does anyone know how difficult it'd be to run power to it separately so it could be used for charging a phone?

 

[amoyer_01]

SO..... talked with Crutchfield today. Was told that with aftermarket stereo installs, the OEM media outlets won't have any power/function with iDatalink Maestro RR. They know of no workaround.

Did some research on my own and found a solution for the microphone install so that it can be where the original is. Seems simple enough.


Found a solution for usb ports as well. Since I have no use for the cigarette lighter, I'm going to replace it with a usb & hdmi adapter that will plug into the back of the Alpine unit. That way, I'll be able to connect my personal android & work iphone (with a lightning to digital AV adapter) to the unit for hands-free stuff, which reminds me that I need to call back tomorrow and find out if I should get the Maestro RR2 (has bluetooth capability for updating/flashing the unit) and switch it out with the Maestro RR.
https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalog/radio-replacement/hdmi-usb-cbl

For the usb port in the center console - does anyone know how difficult it'd be to run power to it separately so it could be used for charging a phone?

I would just get wire adapters (spades or whatever is on the back of the USB plug) and run new wire to behind the cigarette lighter and tap into those + & - wires. cigarette should already be fused so no need for a new in line fuse.

 

[NC_Overland]

My Gladiator has the alpine system, but everything you mentioned is why I left the factory head unit in my fiancée’s car when I upgraded the sound. I replaced the speakers and added an amp that worked with speaker level inputs. It was a PITA, but it looks stock and she still has the factory Bluetooth, steering wheel audio, back up camera works on the factory nav unit, and power outlets.

 

[AyeCantSeeYou]

Update: Went to the installer yesterday and they took care of the OBD2 error (took the head unit out and did something with the wiring so that I now have vehicle info going to the head unit along with other things) and installed a new backup camera - works just like the OEM part. The 'temp' camera that was being used was wired to the front for use as a trail cam. Worked great until I stopped to help pull some people out of the snow on the way home from work today. Wound up towing them to their house several miles away, then destroyed the camera when they asked me to push their car up to the curb in front of their house. They live at the end of a cul-de-sac, so there was no room to pull them any further. Neighbors had vehicles everywhere but their driveways as well. No big loss though. Was talking to a friend today about fabricating a bracket to move the camera into the grill so it doesn't look like a 3 yr old made it - already in the works!

Talked to them about doing some wiring to get the USB ports powered and that's going to happen on a future visit. Going to insist they install the mic where the factory one is as well.

Replacing the OEM speakers is next. Kicker KS series was recommended. The sound quality from the iLX-407 is a huge improvement over the factory head unit with the OEM speakers. I want more though. (I know, typical female ...)

Editing to add: The start/stop button everyone hates - I no longer have to press that damn button every time I start to go somewhere. This unit remembers the status.

 

[MainePure]

Fyi- Alpine sells this head unit in a complete kit now that has the Gladiator maestro module, wire harness, back up camera adapter module, dash trim and a new media hub with 2X usb and 1X hdmi. I put it in last night and everything worked on startup. Steering wheel controls, usb ports, back up cam, everything. My wife and I took a road trip today and were able to easily swap between carplay for her phone and android auto with mine. Sounds great too. Will be upgrading speakers next but this was a significant upgrade from the stock 5" with no on screen navigation, and I think addressed some of the issues OP was having.

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