Android Auto module

[Trumpet]

Have a 14 limited which means jbl. After driving my wife's buick with aa I started researching upgrades and updates for mine.

Ended up with the Hamilton update module on black Friday sale. Allowed me to keep the current jbl system, which I like. Along with SiriusXM intact.

Install took all of a hour, no special tools. Getting the ribbon cables seated and locked was tiresome but simple.

No real programming needed, BUT its important to follow to the T instructions for Bluetooth connections and then shut the phone off and restart the car to get the proper disconnect to do the screen calibration.

After assembling the Hamilton module under the radio, I added the Xm module attaching it with rtv and holding in place with painters tape while reassembling everything.

Other thing of note, remember the ac control wire Does Not get installed into the radio. It does fit, nothing gets fried, but it'll save having to disassemble it again to move the wire.

I find it works perfectly in AA mode, fast response and takes verbal commands perfectly. Great retention of graphic resolution, and sounds great.

Definitely a option to consider instead of a couple grand to refit a full modern jbl head and amp for the same result.

 

[sport2004]

^^^^ Nice info. I'm glad you didn't bury this in an existing thread showcasing obsolete tech.

I just bought a 2015 SR5, with the entune system, not very good. The prior owner recently installed a Hamilton product. The install is beautiful.

The tech is new to me, but the synch with the iPhone is handy if you can figure it out. I called Hamilton once and oddly enough the rep wasn't particularly knowledgeable, but perhaps understandable since most people can figure out the software on their own.

The HU doesn't have a CD player, nor does it play the AM band. I wish the old HU came with it, since it's not a deal breaker on a good deal.

Looking to improve the sound, not sure that's possible with the current system. If anyone has any ideas, would like to hear them.

 

[OPS CHIEF]

Hamilton

I have a 2017 Off Road. I tried the Dasaita, but it only lasted about 2 years before glitching all the time (Apple Carplay). I switched to the Hamilton premium unit - bigger screen, easier to read, sounds good, and a 3 year warranty. Plus they are somewhat local in case of problems.

 

[sport2004]

I can see why people like these, CarPlay, etc. Right now it’s easier for me to use my iPhone and AirPods to do these things. Still gonna look for an OEM unit for the capabilities.

 

[Trumpet]

^^^^ Nice info. I'm glad you didn't bury this in an existing thread showcasing obsolete tech.

I just bought a 2015 SR5, with the entune system, not very good. The prior owner recently installed a Hamilton product. The install is beautiful.

.

On my 07 SR5 , I found just upgrading the hu to provide a serious sound upgrade. Stayed with the stock speakers and just went with a pioneer multimedia hu.

 

[sport2004]

I figured out how to listen to AM stations using the TuneIn app on my iPhone. It switched right over and there are many options. Not nearly as convenient as turning on the radio.

Being an Alexa user, I saw Amazon Music app badge on the HU app screen. I used the iPhone to find something, and it picked right up. Plus, it shows a queue of suggested music base on what I selected. That is pretty handy.

Yet, no CD player.

 

[sport2004]

"I just bought a 2015 SR5, with the entune system"

Correction, 2019 SR5.

 

[sport2004]

Thoughts on use of the HU/CarPlay. Very convenient, but pretty unsafe to interact with on the fly. The best thing is if a passenger can mess with it for directions and media without distracting the driver.

The alternative is to get in the vehicle, wait for the phone to synch, then spending five or ten minutes messing with it before driving away. It's far easier to use a plain HU to go to radio stations or pop in a CD.

The exception is engaging functions that allow Siri to manage some things hands free.