Oh shit, this is about to get good. [emoji23]

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In short, we worked with the Apple during the development to maximize the performance of our product.

 

Ok cool, but are any of you able to make the touchpad on the center wheel work? Now THAT would be impressive.

 

So now that I see three different products in this thread, which one is the best one to buy for the money? and how much are each one?

 

I think we better not get into that on this thread!!! The vendors have very strong opinions....

 

Get the RF Kap Eng!

 

When this thread is all said and done, I'd like to know the least damaging solution that delivers CarPlay. I don't want to change out my whole head unit. If there is a simple piece of hardware to install that allows me to use the existing infotainment without ripping out the dash, tell me where to send my money. Otherwise, I am lost here.

 

The installation is simple. Takes maybe 30 mins with proper tools to install. The differences are about the hardware and software being implemented on the module.

 

I have the KAP unit. It once froze but after unplugging and replying has been fine. It sounds like a couple in the forum have had issues where the screen went black but then came back up after locking the car and waiting a few minutes. I emailed KAP and there initial response was "we don't know what you mean". They haven't responded since...

 

I am interested in doing this maybe since this thread has become multi vendor maybe we make a sticky at the beginning that has all of their urls for easy finding. Is this possible?

 

A sticky would be a great idea! I think a mod has to do that ? Not sure....

Information on adding Car Play / Android auto to Giulia models that do not have the capability from the factory. (2017 models in the US):

The addition of Car Play / Android Auto to early model Giulias requires the installation of a small hardware box that must be connected to the factory ECM (electronics control module) located below the steering wheel in the drivers footwell. There are currently 3 companies offering the hardware which includes a small hardware box, antennas for bluetooth/wireless, additional mic for voice commands and a wiring to connect the unit. Each company has their own firmware, hardware and support.

Tools needed:

• T20 and T30 torx screwdrivers
• Trim removal tools (can use flathead screwdriver but its harder and can scratch trim)
• Suction cups for removal of central USB panel below AC controls (trim removal tool will work but it you might slightly scratch the panel around the tool insert points)
• Flashlight
• Lots of patience and agility!

Companies offering the needed hardware:

ENG-Custom : ENG-Custom
Cost : $360 launch price (current?) without shipping

The first unit I heard of was Eng-Custom. I reached out to them in Jan and the price was $360 without shipping. However they did not have units at the time. In Feb they said they were awaiting stock from Asia. In March they said there was an understandable delay due to Covid. I have not heard from them again. Forum member from this company: Eng-Custom

forum members with this unit:
Walter, Stelvio1973

KAP Unit (South Korea) : KAP TRADER
Cost: $250 plus 55$ for DHL

The second unit I found out about was KAP which I ended up purchasing. Kap was quick to reply and charged 250$ for their unit plus 55$ for DHL shipping from South Korea to the US which was extremely fast. I did reach out to them once after purchase about a bit of screen noise in day mode on CarPlay and also to mention our forum but have not gotten a reply. During the purchase process they said firmware updates would be made available on their website as they become available. No forum members from company appear to be registered on the forum.

Form members with this unit:

Paulryanmini, MorganB (me), rumifaizer, Stealthmagic27, Moose8106,Passa84,TrypleX, George3630

RF Car Systems: 商品详情 or Rfcarsystem
Cost: 390 Euros shipped

I was unaware of the RF car systems unit (also referred to as Ruggero on an Italian Afla forum) when I purchased my KAP unit but did read good things about it on the Italian alfa forum.

Forum members from this company are Alex00544 and Rfcarsystem.

forum members with this unit: realdavemathews

Forum members with units but not sure which (possibly RF Car System) :Bohuaibohuai, yxaero,mjb, JSR

Installation information provided by forum members begins here:

Apple Carplay for 2017 model, we may just had a new option!

Something like this may work. With the second power only usb male connector plugged into one of the Giulias usb outlets https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07H166C2G/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_uKWMEbPE3B8QF

www.giuliaforums.com

The install takes some time and effort. Plan on a challenge. It is physically difficult as most of the work is done in the drivers footwell. It requires removing a few trim pieces, freeing the factory ECM from below the steering column, disconnecting 2 cables from the ECM which are challenging to disconnect due to physical location, adding wiring to connect the ECM to the new hardware, installing a USB cable either in the drivers area or by connecting it to the USB port below the AC and an additional mic (installed below steering wheel or next to factory mic or in empty space behind the rear view mirror trim).

It all seems very early and obviously each supplier feels their unit is better . I think time will tell with ongoing firmware updates and any functionality enhancements as well as a lasting unit that performs well in all temps. I'm in TX so curious to see how KAP does in the heat of the summer. Currently not driving enough to form a full opinion but it does work fine so far. Of course as Apple updates CarPlay and iOS versions supporting firmware updates will be crucial from any supplier.

Please let me know if there are errors or what units you have if I've left you off or confused what unit you have!

 

Nice job MorganB!

 

@MorganB ; Great work [emoji106]

I also have RF Carsystem £365 (inc 4% Paypal fee) delivered.

Arrived yesterday, will fit on Friday.

I chose RF because I felt more confident in future updates, having read this whole thread.


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@MorganB ; Great work [emoji106]

I also have RF Carsystem £365 (inc 4% Paypal fee) delivered.

Arrived yesterday, will fit on Friday.

I chose RF because I felt more confident in future updates, having read this whole thread.


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Thanks! I hope the install goes well! Let us know what your impressions are !

 

KAP trader responded to my email about the black screen. They would like a video emailed to them if this happens to anyone again. Yeah, I know. Video of a black screen.

 

Good to know. If it happens to me again I'll video it and show myself doing long presses on menu and the power for the unit with no response.

 

What would be really useful is a video of each system showing the installation. I'd love to see the step by step for each. That would really prove whose is easiest to install and also how long it takes.

 

Honestly Vesparider I think they all take about the same time. They are all units that piggyback on the existing ECM under the drivers side steering column and require the same plugs to be disconnected / reconnected. We do have some photos that are basically step by step contributed by members.

 

ENG told me they will have the update firmware to solve the black screen issue about a week later. He is very helpful I can ask him question anytime by whatsapp and response instantl.

 

How is the update made available? Does the system connect to WiFi and download it?

 

Yes right, ENG sent me the update by email.

 

Installed the RFCarsystem yesterday, took me a couple of hours as I was trying to be ultra cautious with trim etc.

Everything went ok following the helpful guides on here.

The lower trim was actually different to the installation instructions I have a RHD late 2017 Veloce. However it was fairly easy to remove as it was only held by plastic rivets and spring clips.

I didn’t bother with the centre console USB, I just positioned the CP USB socket near the OBD socket and ran a lightning cable over the transmission tunnel to where I normally mount my phone.

If I need to do an update then I’ll just plug jump drive in near OBD

I put the mic behind the Alfa mic in the headliner as somebody else did in a previous post.

Really like it ... I’m left handed so that makes navigating easy on a RHD car.

Wow I was aching afterwards, I got my body into positions that it hadn’t been in for quite some time [emoji1787]


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Wow I was aching afterwards, I got my body into positions that it hadn’t been in for quite some time [emoji1787]

I feel you on that. I felt that I was trying out to be an acrobat ha ha. Congrats on the install! Enjoy CarPlay and let us know how it goes. I finally got my screen replaced as the original one had failed and had crazing everywhere so I'm enjoying CarPlay even more now!

 

Nice work! I agree about keeping the USB port for updates. You're is supposed to have screen mirroring right? How is that?

 

Nice work! I agree about keeping the USB port for updates. You're is supposed to have screen mirroring right? How is that?

 

Thanks [emoji120] I haven’t tried the mirroring as yet, I think CarPlay has to be disconnected from wifi to do so.
Tbh I have all the apps I need via CarPlay so probably won’t use that function.


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I bought the ENG-Custom module for my early build 2018 Stelvio. It was shipped very quickly...i got it a few days after ordering.

The install is a bit of a bitch, not technically, just because of lack of room in the footwell. My hands are all cut up, lol. But it's done and I love it. It's very responsive and everything works perfectly.

Also the guys at ENG-Custom are fantastic. I had a bit of an issue so I messaged them and got a reply back in 30 seconds, literally. He walked me through the issue and stayed with me until I verified all was working.

 

I bought the ENG-Custom module for my early build 2018 Stelvio. It was shipped very quickly...i got it a few days after ordering.

The install is a bit of a bitch, not technically, just because of lack of room in the footwell. My hands are all cut up, lol. But it's done and I love it. It's very responsive and everything works perfectly.

Congrats on the install! I agree it isn't easy but worth it for sure. Glad to hear ENG-Custom is responsive!

 

That's a very nice looking interface. Honestly nicer than with the KAP unit I have

 

I was torn on which one to get. I decided on the ENG-Custom module because I wasn't clear if the Kap unit could do split screen. I saw someone say no, but also saw a supposed pic of a kap split screen. Anyway...I knew the other one could so I decided not to gamble and ordered the ENG. Plus they were very responsive to my messages both when I had questions before I ordered and with support after I installed it. Good service goes a long way with me.

I'll report on performance and reliability after I use it for awhile. I'll also try to get one of my friends with an iPhone to see how well the wireless works for Carplay.

😵 Ughhh! As I was typing that I realized I forgot to hook up the wifi antenna. I'm tempted to say screw it, but I want it there for future use and for passengers.

son. of. a. bitch.

*Me walking back down to the car tomorrow with my tools, cut up hands and busted ribs

 

Agreed...there was a lot of yelling and throwing things, but it was well worth it. Not having Android Auto was a huge disappointment, especially since the Alfa salesman incorrectly told me it could be added with an update.

 

I feel you on the yelling. I had to take too several breaks during the process to calm the nerves. Reports kept saying that CarPlay and AA were coming in an update from Alfa Romeo, a few videos surfaced of functional CarPlay, use of the touch dial (even on an official alfa YouTube video) and of course traffic and map updates. As you know CarPlay and Android Auto came eventually but the update require buying a new car so that was out haha. I've never understood why Alfa just totally ignored the nav system in the US.

 

Great work, I’m still sore today after completing it on Friday. The Stelvio must’ve been even harder with it being higher off the ground [emoji85] ouch I feel your pain.


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@Stelvio1973 [emoji1787] I’m laughing with you [emoji106]

So without the wifi antenna have you just connected via bluetooth and cable? ... I’m trying to suss out the best connection for me given that I always connect the cable to my phone when I get in the car ... I think the medical term is called “chargophobia”

And what about Alfa Connect ... what’s everyone doing with that, reason I ask is I received a call through CarPlay but the sound didn’t come through until I selected CarPlay as the reception device on my phone.


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@Stelvio1973 [emoji1787] I’m laughing with you [emoji106]

So without the wifi antenna have you just connected via bluetooth and cable? ... I’m trying to suss out the best connection for me given that I always connect the cable to my phone when I get in the car ... I think the medical term is called “chargophobia”

And what about Alfa Connect ... what’s everyone doing with that, reason I ask is I received a call through CarPlay but the sound didn’t come through until I selected CarPlay as the reception device on my phone.


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I'm just using the usb connection to the ENG-Custom module and bluetooth to the Alfa unit. Wifi doesn't work with Android Auto anyway so the cable is my only option. But I'd like to have the antenna installed for future use. Im not sure about the Kap unit, but with the ENG-Custom module I can be in Android Auto and when it get a call it automatically routes the mic and bluetooth sound to the original Alfa system. It's seamless and I like it that way.