New Maestro Radio Solution

I'm installing a 4200nex with maestro in a 2015 4runner limited with JBL. I'm seeing and following all the info here as best as I can considering I'm a noob to this. My questions are, do I need a antenna adapter to plug into the radio for general radio signals or does the maestro handle that? Second, do the AUX input cables coming from the TO2 harness plug into anything? 3rd, the reverse camera, do I have to use the harness included with the maestro. Do I just connect the yellow RCA into the head unit and that's it? Or is there something else? Next is using the stock USB to trigger android auto. ��*♂️

Thanks for any and all the help. This thread has been extremely useful.
 
Shopping List for 2010 to 2013:
USB Adapter - Metra AX-TOYUSB-2 (This is for the glovebox)

Just wanted to let everyone know this is not entirely correct for all 2010-2013's. I bought the AX-TOYUSB-2 and tore my dash halfway apart tonight looking for the elusive "multimedia interface ecu" as it's called in the FSM. I ended up tracing the USB cable from the glove compartment, and it ran right to the OEM stereo. My plug appears to fit the AX-TOYUSB, but won't know for absolute certain until it arrives on Sunday.

As a reference, I've got the factory nav, non-JBL system in my 2012.
 
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Just wanted to let everyone know this is not entirely correct for all 2010-2013's. I bought the AX-TOYUSB-2 and tore my dash halfway apart tonight looking for the elusive "multimedia interface ecu" as it's called in the FSM. I ended up tracing the USB cable from the glove compartment, and it ran right to the OEM stereo. My plug appears to fit the AX-TOYUSB, but won't know for absolute certain until it arrives on Sunday.

As a reference, I've got the factory nav, non-JBL system in my 2012.

OK, I confirmed that my 2012 uses the USB harness that the later models use. I used the PAC USB-TY1 and it hooked up perfectly right at the dash connectors.

Additionally, I didn't like how iDataLink asks you to tap into the stock wiring for the reverse cam if you're using the TO1 harness. I understand why they did it (they would have to provide two more connectors to cover the options), but I like to avoid tapping into stock wiring if possible. I had the 16-pin connector for my camera harness, so I bought a Metra AX-TOYCAM1 harness for about $12, and then re-pinned it for my needs:

Em4bo9b.jpg


BDT31aF.jpg


I think the best advice I can give is to pull your stock radio first to see what you have back there, and then order your harnesses. I should've done this, and I ended up wasting a little money and a lot of time.
 
I am about to order a Kenwood DDX8906s with the Maestro adapter etc. After speaking with crutchfield they said that the usb adapter that is used to connect the factory usb to the new head unit is not Apple Carplay compatible. The head unit has wireless carplay so not a huge deal but I was hoping to keep the usb port in the dash to plug in the phone when charging and having the wired carplay connection. Then have a second usb in the glove box for thumb drives with music downloads. I attached a link to the adapter. It does clearly state that it is not compatible with carplay or android auto.

Metra AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable Allows you to connect the factory USB port on select 2012-up Toyota and Lexus vehicles to a new car stereo at Crutchfield



Has anyone run into this or is anyone using the factory usb port for carplay?
 
I am about to order a Kenwood DDX8906s with the Maestro adapter etc. After speaking with crutchfield they said that the usb adapter that is used to connect the factory usb to the new head unit is not Apple Carplay compatible. The head unit has wireless carplay so not a huge deal but I was hoping to keep the usb port in the dash to plug in the phone when charging and having the wired carplay connection. Then have a second usb in the glove box for thumb drives with music downloads. I attached a link to the adapter. It does clearly state that it is not compatible with carplay or android auto.

Metra AX-TOYUSB USB Port Cable Allows you to connect the factory USB port on select 2012-up Toyota and Lexus vehicles to a new car stereo at Crutchfield



Has anyone run into this or is anyone using the factory usb port for carplay?

I used the adapter when I switched headunits. Carplay works just fine.
 
That's encouraging. From Crutchfield's comments and the notes on the adapter they have had some issues with compatibility. Do you know if you used that same adapter?

I also have the Metra AX-TOYUSB adapter and it works with CarPlay without issues.
 
I also have the Metra AX-TOYUSB adapter and it works with CarPlay without issues.

I am going to give it a shot. I spoke at length with a Crutchfield advisor and he said that the original factory USB's can be problematic with Carplay or AA because they only have the minimal circuitry and wire gauge to support just music file transfer and charging. Adding in the Carplay signal could cause issues where CP would not work depending on what you are trying to do. Seems like a blanket statement that may not apply to all vehicles. Will update after I install.

Thanks!
 
I am going to give it a shot. I spoke at length with a Crutchfield advisor and he said that the original factory USB's can be problematic with Carplay or AA because they only have the minimal circuitry and wire gauge to support just music file transfer and charging. Adding in the Carplay signal could cause issues where CP would not work depending on what you are trying to do. Seems like a blanket statement that may not apply to all vehicles. Will update after I install.

Thanks!

I got all my stuff from Crutchfield and the USB adapter was not listed as compatible. This seems to make some sense based on the advisor's comments. I ordered it anyway and again no issues with using it.
 
You will be fine as long as you are using a decent, quality cable. Don't use a cheap thin one. Carplay and Android Auto check for resistance from the deck to the phone.

For my work we had to check out some cable issues, using a PAC 10ft extension and different cables from Best Buy. Platinum brand failed but surprisingly Insignia branded lightning cable ran with no issues.
 
You will be fine as long as you are using a decent, quality cable. Don't use a cheap thin one. Carplay and Android Auto check for resistance from the deck to the phone.

For my work we had to check out some cable issues, using a PAC 10ft extension and different cables from Best Buy. Platinum brand failed but surprisingly Insignia branded lightning cable ran with no issues.

I'm on my 3rd cable for AA now. 1st one was too long (12ft) and always had connectivity issues. 2nd one, Samsung 6ft, lasted all of 2 months because was too thin and wear and tear got it. Just put an Ankoda from Amazon in last month, so far it's holding up MUCH better than either of the first 2. Although I'm still waiting on Ram Mount's wireless charging cradle so I can have Wireless AA!
 
I'm on my 3rd cable for AA now. 1st one was too long (12ft) and always had connectivity issues. 2nd one, Samsung 6ft, lasted all of 2 months because was too thin and wear and tear got it. Just put an Ankoda from Amazon in last month, so far it's holding up MUCH better than either of the first 2. Although I'm still waiting on Ram Mount's wireless charging cradle so I can have Wireless AA!

I've been using wireless AA on my One Plus 3T for about 6 months now, and it's fine most of the time, but it can take significantly longer for AA and my head unit to recognize. Once it's connected its stable, but getting connected can be a pain...s o much so that I usually still plug in.

My battery also isn't what it used to be anymore, and it drains very quickly when wirelessly connected. I'll upgrade at some point to something that wirelessly charges, but since the phone hasn't slowed down any, and it still lasts a full day on a single charge, I don't want to spend the $$ to upgrade.
 
I got everything installed over the weekend and I am pretty happy overall. The Kenwood headunit made a huge difference in sound. Loving the features etc.
Couple of questions.

1)when Carplay initially boots up I get some slight skipping or glitching in music play. It goes away eventually. Anyone else experiencing this?

2) When I plug into the factory usb port my phone (iphone 11) says this device is not supported. I honestly have no idea if I am connected through the usb or just wirelessly. It sounds good and charges so not sure if it matters. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

I may end up getting this and just replacing the factory USB port and rca port. I never use the rca anyway.
Beuler USBD-Kit Dual 3' USB cable extensions with dash mounts for a variety of vehicles at Crutchfield
 
I got everything installed over the weekend and I am pretty happy overall. The Kenwood headunit made a huge difference in sound. Loving the features etc.
Couple of questions.

1)when Carplay initially boots up I get some slight skipping or glitching in music play. It goes away eventually. Anyone else experiencing this?

2) When I plug into the factory usb port my phone (iphone 11) says this device is not supported. I honestly have no idea if I am connected through the usb or just wirelessly. It sounds good and charges so not sure if it matters. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

I may end up getting this and just replacing the factory USB port and rca port. I never use the rca anyway.
Beuler USBD-Kit Dual 3' USB cable extensions with dash mounts for a variety of vehicles at Crutchfield

1. Mine does this 1 -2 times within 15 seconds of connecting. OK after that.
2. I have iPhone 11 and no issues. Can turn WiFi off on phone and connect it using USB to see how it goes.
 
I got everything installed over the weekend and I am pretty happy overall. The Kenwood headunit made a huge difference in sound. Loving the features etc.
Couple of questions.

1)when Carplay initially boots up I get some slight skipping or glitching in music play. It goes away eventually. Anyone else experiencing this?

2) When I plug into the factory usb port my phone (iphone 11) says this device is not supported. I honestly have no idea if I am connected through the usb or just wirelessly. It sounds good and charges so not sure if it matters. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

I may end up getting this and just replacing the factory USB port and rca port. I never use the rca anyway.
Beuler USBD-Kit Dual 3' USB cable extensions with dash mounts for a variety of vehicles at Crutchfield

You may just need a firmware update.
 
My Kenwwod with wireless Carplay will do this when connecting/disconnecting the USB while already connected wirelessly. I think Carplay is just confused is all. It keeps working and running just fine.

Occasionally I need to plug the phone in to get wireless working. I think it mostly happens after the phone is rebooted and needs that wired connection.
 
1. Mine does this 1 -2 times within 15 seconds of connecting. OK after that.
2. I have iPhone 11 and no issues. Can turn WiFi off on phone and connect it using USB to see how it goes.

Thanks. Sounds like it’s not unusual. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t have something strange going on. It works great after about 2-3 minutes.

Now I need to decide when I want to reflash the maestro dad gummit! I should have added more customization.

Great thread. Thanks to everyone.
 

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