Ok i see it.
Thank's

 

If anyone has been on the fence about one of these, they are currently on sale for Easter weekend. I just got one for $464.

 

I did the Mr!2Volt install in my 2015 Turbo yesterday. It was certainly a learning experience.

@Santirx's install video is incredibly helpful, kudos to him for putting such a great walkthrough out there. Having said that, I don't know how in the **** you got the box mounted beside the cabin air filter, I see no way for the cables to reach there without disassembling half the dash. I really wish I would not have even attempted this, I wasted a lot of time and I am not the first to say this.

OEM mic hack did not work for me. I am 100% certain I tapped the right wires for left, right, and ground. Again I wish I would not have even attempted this, more time lost without any gain. I would strongly urge anyone to NOT de-pin the connectors in the plug for this. The pins are very frail and are not made to be de-pinned. If you want to try this, do as someone else in this thread suggested and do a tap / solder job on the wire itself. I ended up removing this, and my solder points were still in tact, so I don't know what went wrong here but this was super frustrating.

Removing the vents was another point I was concerned about being an issue but that ended up being easy. I bought this off Amazon and bent the hook a little more. Was way cheaper than the official tool, worked great for $10, and Santrix's measurements of where to mark the tool were spot on.

My biggest point of frustration in the install was I tested everything before I reassembled... except reverse. Thought I was done, put everything together, put the tools away, cleaned the garage... go to back out of garage, put car in reverse, all I get is a silly P2000 carplay tuner screen, no actual video. Mr12Volt is set to OE backup camera and "gear position". Add in hours of removing, reseating, disassembling the PCM again, removing the OEM mic hack, nothing worked. I went to give up for the night, put car in reverse, same silly tuner screen, once I start moving and the parking sensors engage, the reverse camera video pops up. You have got to be kidding me. I wasted hours on this.

I spent the entire day on this, and I'm quite salty about the whole experience, but at least it's all working. The audio quality is great. The touchscreen response is horrid, which I think is due to the old PCM, not Mr12volt. Swiping almost never works, I have to resort to the dial. The backup camera thing with showing the tuner screen is horrible, I hope there is some setting I am missing to get around this.

 

A few points on this…

1. I’m sorry you had that experience with installation. As I said before, I had two other modules I installed before Mr12Volt, so I was quite experienced with the whole process when I embarked on it. It can be frustrating.

2. I also mentioned the wire harness length as an issue. I mentioned to Mr12Volt and here as well. If I remember correctly, I had to disassemble part of the glove compartment for the wires to be able to fit through certain opening that then provided appropriate length for me to install in location I did. I don’t think I do a good job at showing this in my video, I apologize, but my videos are to be taken as my experience with the whole thing…. I hope you would’ve contacted me on this… I would’ve help you. Let me know if you still need help.

3. I see a lot of people having issues with the OEM mic hack. I’m not sure what is going on with this one. On the pins, there are procedures you can watch on YouTube to de-pin connectors. It is not uncommon, you just need to have the right tools and know how to do it. But I agree, if you are not comfortable, better to go the route you describe.

4. On the rear view camera issue, once you put in reverse, you need to release e-brake. The PCM camera will take over. No settings missed. This is how it works. And whatever you are seeing is a function of the PCM. Is like going from PCM AM/FM to the camera view in PCM when in reverse.. it works exactly the same way.

What I can say for sure is that with these type of mods (especially this one for CarPlay retrofit) I always go in expecting to be done in an hour or so, and it always and invariable take me 2 or 3 hours… no matter how experienced I’ve become…

I tell my wife when she ask how much time I’m going to take doing something in my car, to multiply whatever time I tell her by a factor of 3…😊

 

you did mention the wire length but i took it as more of a this was difficult but doable. i saw no way to do it even if i have a straight path to the mr12volt with the amount of slack in the wire i had. at first i thought maybe there was a better way to route the wires out of center console but that ended up a flop. i ended up putting the unit behind the carpet in the left side of the passenger footwell. i'm good with leaving it there and it's not too hard to get to should i have to update the firmware.

updating the firmware was also a bit of a mess, i'll come back to that.

i can't believe the parking brake thing is the issue with no video on the reverse camera but paying attention today, that seems to be it. i've only had the car a week so definitely didn't realize this and i can't be the only one, hopefully this information saves someone else the headache i endured. to be fair in my other cars the reverse cam shows video even with the parking brake engaged, this seems like a quirky behavior to me.

@signde, on the mic hack…. It would be good if you can check continuity from specific pin to the specific part of the 3.5mm audio connector with a voltmeter set for continuity testing, if you have one.

If there is continuity and you connected to the right pins, then, there is something else going on… but I would start with the basics of continuity. You may have a discontinuity somewhere.

Also, on another point, the diagram and photo showed here is the one for the PCM male connector and not the actual female connector in the harness you need to modify. So, you need to figure out which are the pins that connect to the diagram showed in the connector itself… is like looking at a mirror image of what you need to do. If you used the diagram as is, then for sure you connected in wrong location.

It is a suggestion, only if you want to take on this…

i did go by the diagram you posted in this thread and i watched your youtube video. i definitely realized the diagram is of the male connections on the back of the pcm and i accounted for flipping that. the connectors i tapped align to the ones you initially used for your trial run. i probably should have run a continuity check but too late for that, i ripped it all out because with the backup camera snafu i thought all of it was coming out. no big deal, i put mic in the steering wheel column and i can't see it so it's not going to bother me.

i really appreciate your videos, posts, help and concern here.

 

@signde, on the mic hack…. It would be good if you can check continuity from specific pin to the specific part of the 3.5mm audio connector with a voltmeter set for continuity testing, if you have one.

If there is continuity and you connected to the right pins, then, there is something else going on… but I would start with the basics of continuity. You may have a discontinuity somewhere.

Also, on another point, the diagram and photo showed here is the one for the PCM male connector and not the actual female connector in the harness you need to modify. So, you need to figure out which are the pins that connect to the diagram showed in the connector itself… is like looking at a mirror image of what you need to do. If you used the diagram as is, then for sure you connected in wrong location.

It is a suggestion, only if you want to take on this…

 

so regarding the firmware update, the instructions online are bit of a mess. they mention a power led under the power connections, not the case on our unit, the led is on the front by the sd card slot. they have a link to a youtube video... which uses an external sd card reader, again, not correct for our unit, as best i can tell.

the sd card slot on my unit is a hot mess. inserting an sd card right-side up, there was no spring loaded lock, the sd card just goes all the way in, so far in that you can't get it out without a tool.

flipped over in the other direction, i seem to have found a spring loaded lock, but in my case, it would spring, and click, but the sd card would just fall right out.

i rebooted the unit with it in both directions, holding it in place with my hand for the direction that allowed it to fall out, i don't even remember which direction worked, but i finally got the firmware loaded after a dozen attempts.

 

Good News!! there is now a way to change that pesky Mr12Volt Home Icon, to a Porsche Home Icon. All you need to make this happen is in the video below (also, see video description for file link and written instructions)...

Subscribe to the channel for more content...

 

i was able to photoshop my own turbo background based on the previous image posted in this thread. it's not 100% perfect but it's pretty close.

thanks to @Santirx got the carplay app icon updated with the porsche logo as well the bootscreen with the above image. this is much nicer now.

also set up an apple automation so that music automatically restarts once i get in the car

so far i am impressed with the unit, it functions pretty well with no noticeable lag and boots faster than the similar RSNAV box i was using in my audi. sound quality over fiber most is as good as you can ask for. their support and willingness to help us tweak stuff like the logos/backgrounds is good.

now we just need the wildcard button to advance to the next track. that would be the biggest wishlist item left for me.

 

i was able to photoshop my own turbo background based on the previous image posted in this thread. it's not 100% perfect but it's pretty close.
View attachment 270183

thanks to @Santirx got the carplay app icon updated with the porsche logo as well the bootscreen with the above image. this is much nicer now.

also set up an apple automation so that music automatically restarts once i get in the car
View attachment 270184

so far i am impressed with the unit, it functions pretty well with no noticeable lag and boots faster than the similar RSNAV box i was using in my audi. sound quality over fiber most is as good as you can ask for. their support and willingness to help us tweak stuff like the logos/backgrounds is good.

now we just need the wildcard button to advance to the next track. that would be the biggest wishlist item left for me.

This is fantastic. Love your creativity. I’m glad things worked out well for you. And I fully agree, audio is superb!

 

Just want to add I am so impressed wtih Mr12Volt's customer service. Had a very strange "demo software" script show up in the bottom right corner of the screen that would not go away - no change in functionality at all. Could not find much about this online except in a BMW forum. Messaged MR12Volt through the online chat and had a new unit in my hands 3 days later no questions asked. They are amazing.

 

Now, you should replace the Mr12Volt icon with the Porsche icon…

Mr12Volt Porsche PCM3.1 P2000 - changing Home Icon to a Porsche Home Icon in CarPlay

Subscribe!!

 

So I really want to do this but I am still worried. I had a Boxster prior to my Macan and I did a lot of DIY on the Boxster including replacing the entire head unit so I am not unfamiliar around the electronics. The mod I did on the Boxster that is concerning me the most is there is an Arduino "autotop" mod that you put in. It involves building up and programing an arduino to drop the roof with one touch (instead of holding the button). I built probably 5 complete sets and never got it to work. I posted in the Boxster Forums and nobody could figure out why it wasn't working. It was so frustrating that I said no more DIY for me. But I really want CarPlay. So here I sit, firmly on the fence!

 

Wow, I was gone a bit and thanks again to @Santirx and to @signde, the two things I wanted to "fix"--1) the boot logo to be replaced with the Macan Turbo logo, and 2) the Mr12volt icon to be replaced with the Porsche icon--are now addressed! Thank you both!

Now, the problem. I followed @Santirx's instructions and pulled out the USB cable and inserted by FAT formatted USB drive with the update and bootlogo files and the msn_factory_configs directory with the carplay_120x120.png file, but nothing happens. Am I doing something wrong?

 

You need to do one at a time.

The UPDATE & BOOTLOGO files are related to the splash screen. You need to make sure you remove the *.jpg extension from BOOTLOGO file. It doesn’t suffice to just delete the extension. On a Mac you need to go to file properties and delete the file type there. On Windows, you need to go to the file explorer menu and check the box to show extension, then delete it. The UPDATE & BOOTLOGO files need to be on the root drive of the USB drive. Do not copy anything else. Insert into the USB port and let it do its thing.

Once you update the initial splash screen, then reformat the USB drive… (deleting all content)

Then create the msn_factory_configs folder and save the icon in the folder. Connect again into the USB port and let it do its thing…

 

Does anyone know if there is a possibility of having the diamond button function? Is it a complete no-no?

 

No Go…. No solution out there has come up with a way to incorporate it.

And by the way, I have PCM4.0 with native CarPlay in my 718, and it does not incorporate the diamond button when using CarPlay.

 

it's really a head scratcher to me there are no track forward / back buttons on the macan steering wheel up to at least the 95B2. my 2007 997 turbo even has forward and reverse steering wheel controls and it 100% works even with aftermarket radio solutions like NAVTV.

i am guessing the new gen3 probably have it, but hard pass on those capacitive buttons that also come with that generation.

re: battery - i have had wireless carplay in ever vehicle i have owned for 5 years now. i don't find that it really drains the battery that noticeably unless i am also using navigation. the only time i worry about putting my phone on a charger is when i am on a long (1 hour+) trip.

 

Even if the battery holds up, according to this: Does Wireless Car Play can handle Hi res… - Apple Community the CarPlay is limited to 44.1 KHz and 16 bit using the WiFi connection. For full lossless quality, the wire has to be used, hence my other part of the question about the USB port in the armrest compartment. Namely, if it's possible to use it for wired CarPlay...

 

Yes wireless CarPlay is 44.1 / 16 but that still is CD quality which is not very compressed. The common misconception is people think wireless and then assume bluetooth which is bandwidth limited and heavily compressed but that is not the case with wireless CarPlay. Bluetooth is only used for the initial handshake, after that, the connection switches to peer to peer WiFi.

I'm not about to get into a flame war on whether you could truly hear the difference in better than CD quality audio in this car. Maybe if you have the Burmester option, have upgraded the audio components, or you have really good hearing your mileage may vary.

At any rate, Mr12Volt comes with its own USB cable for CarPlay. The car's existing USB port will not work for that.

 

I completely agree with @signde. I do have a complete upgraded aftermarket system and I can’t hear the difference between wired and wireless when in CarPlay. Maybe my hearing is not as good though…☺.

But if you have Bose, there are about 15 other things you would need to worry about before you even get to wireless vs wired connection to improve audio quality. In any case, Mr12Volt quality of audio, even wireless, is superior than any other aftermarket CarPlay solution.

I hope you are all subscribing to my channel for more content…

 

OK, thank you, folks. I got all the info I needed.

I did subscribe to your YT Santirx, just not under my nickname. Loved the stuff about PDK reset 👍

 

If you mean the resolution of the picture, then I'm sure it is. It has to match the screen. I believe Santirx mentioned the exact size in one of his previous posts.

 

I used the image that was posted of the Macan S boot screen. Has anyone had the same problem where it just thinks it’s a media stick?

 

I am having a lot of complaints during phone calls that they can’t hear me clearly. The installer placed the microphone where the roofline meets the windshield to the left side of the rearview mirror. Is there a better plce to put the mic to be heard moree clearly? Is there an upgrade for a better microphone?

 

Additionally, was wondering if someone could share their EQ settings as there are many different frequencies to adjust. Thanks!

 

After adding my own subwoofer, leaving them all flat sounded the most balanced to me. I have a dedicated level control for the sub though.

 

Nevermind.

 

has anyone had any issues with the mr12volt unit crashing? Mine periodically freezes maybe once a month. I have to unplug the unit to reset it.

 

That’s unusual. Never had mine crash. It was actually very reliable overall.

 

Hi Santirx,

So I actually went with another product and installed it over the weekend. It's more expensive, but the procedure was clearer and didn't require an outside unit. If it would pick your interest... it's the GTACarKits 2nd gen kit for Macans, which I reckon, came out about 3 months ago.

The only reason I mention this is because you went through them all and I figured you'd want to add to your repertoire.

One snag I personally had with the installation is that my radio is fully equipped and there are a ton of cables behind. Other than that, easy install with their how-to video.

 

I bet you a quarter that this is a rebranded Isudar. Looks exactly the same. And assuming you still have to select AUX before selecting CarPlay? Then you are still going through DAC which degrades audio. Mr12Volt, even with the outside box, was much better for me as I was looking for audio quality.

If you look at my Mr12Volt installation video, the board I’m removing is the first gen Isudar. You probably have the 2nd or 3rd gen there, but not much improvement in terms of audio.

Mr12Volt Carplay Module Installation - PCM3.1 - Porsche Macan 2015

But since then, I moved away from Mr12Volt altogether and installed a 12.3” Android Radio unit… results are spectacular…

Installing another 12.3" Android Radio unit in my 2015 Porsche Macan...

 

Great video …..Wow !

 

Hey, I stand corrected. You are right.

I didn't have to press anything to initiate CarPlay but I am sending this board back.

Just watched the new 12.3" unit isntall and I'm speechless.

I am now going to that thread. See you there.

 

Hey, I stand corrected. You are right.

I didn't have to press anything to initiate CarPlay but I am sending this board back. Too many bugs. Will attempt Mr12Volt next.

Do you have any pet-peeves with it? Any bugs or inconveniences?

All bugs were solved. However, the only issue is that although video quality is good enough, it isn’t as polished. But overall, very good.

 

My car is in the independent shop today and I just got a call asking if my radio was not functioning when the car came in. Well, no it was working fine when it came in. I told the tech that I had installed Mr.12Volt so not sure what the issue is. Has anyone seen anything like this?