XCarLink questions, tips, tricks, and issues!

[danko]

Did you try hooking up any other video source to check if the lines are still there?


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?hb3urc

[Quattro2012]

I recently purchased a 2012 A4 Quattro Premium Plus with bluetooth and AMI but no Nav. I am considering purchasing the XCarlink so that I can install a backup camera. I have read through the entire thread and I feel like I can install it myself with little problem.

Before I pull the trigger, I was just curious if the system is still working well for those of you that have installed it over a year ago. Also, since I won't be cutting any wires in the dash, I shouldn't have any issues with the factory warranty if I have any problems with the radio or bluetooth, right? I can always remove the unit before I take it in for warranty service and the dealership wouldn't even be aware that I had aftermarket equipment.

Thanks in advance. Awesome thread.

[Edit 3/2/2012}

Couple more questions.

I purchased the Audi Bluetooth Adapter so I can stream music from my devices such as my tablet. I only want the XCarlink for the reverse camera. Could I leave the Audi Bluetooth Adapter plugged into the AMI port and expect it to work directly with the factory Audi radio. Is the AMI port still connected directly to the factory radio or is running through the XCarlink box?

[danielnl]

i have the xcarlink multimedia interface , for my audi a4/b8 2009 non-MMI.
Everything is connected just 1 cable !!
The original cable that i unplugged from my monitor , that cable must be connected to the xcarlink right?
Obviously that cable isn't long enough and has a different harnas(jack) so you have to use the cable that is supllied with the xcarlink.
I have connected that cable to the xcarlink but the other end that i have to connect to the original cable in my car is female!!!
So both cables are female how could i connect both?

cable that goes into the xcarlink, and other end(wich you can see is female) should be connected to the cable that i unplugged from monitor



the cable that i unplugged from the monitor wich is also female

[quattroboosted]

the cable doesn't connect to the monitor cable , the cable goes on the back of the lcd screen

[danielnl]

@quattroboosted i'am think you confused with the other cable with 14 pins that i already have plugged into the xcarlink(lvdsout) and the other end into the lcd. see picture below.





i'am confused where does the original cable goes that i unplugged from the lcd?

What i'am doing wrong here, help me please.

[danielnl]

problem solved typical problem when u don't read the manual first!
i couldn't download the manual for weeks and now the site is ok and i downloaded it. the cable goes into the back of the headunit so simple.
I stalled everything and have a halfdin dvd player it works fine only you hear a little peep(zoom) that goes along with the throttle of the car tru the speakers.My friends don't noticed it but i do i hear it specially when you pause the movie and turn up the volume.
I think there is some distortion somewhere in the ground cables.

[MarkoD]

does the xcarlink ever turn off? or or is the LED light always on?

[MarkoD]

Anyone?

[Quattro2012]

Anyone?

Led turns off when the ignition power turns off. I think there is a little delay after you turn the car off.

[Ryan_T]

Connecting GVN53 to xcarlink video interface using component signal (Red, Green, Blue, Sync, GND).

Harness that comes with GVN53 does not have the cables for the component signals installed. In order to do so you must find two floppy disk connectors from old PC power supply and take the connector pins (best to leave them on the cable, and to pull them out from plastic casing using exacto knife). The floppy drive connector looks like this:
[MG]http://users.cscs.wmin.ac.uk/~wooda/components/conn/connector-berg.jpg[/IMG]

Then you need to solder the wires to appropriate lentgh, and insert the new pins to the garmin connector according to the following schematics:
xcarlink (white) SYNC -> Garmin Pin 4 Video Sync (RGB)
xcarlink (black) GND -> Garmin Pin 14 video ground
xcarlink (blue) B -> Garmin Pin 2 Video Blue
xcarlink (red) R -> Garmin Pin 3 Video Red
xcarlink (green) G -> Garmin Pin 15 Video Green

(insertion doesn't go quite seamless, so you will need to use a bit of force, needle nose pliers and a lot of patience. There are five cables in total, and they are grouped pretty much together)

After you've done everyting, the image quality as compared to the factory default composite signal (single yellow RCA connector) is much better, and definitelly worth the hassle. If you currently have it connected trough standard composite connector, you may notice that the black isn't exactly black, that the colors and the resolution isn't quite nice... Conect it this way trough RGB composite video, and you'll be blown away.

This is the original manual I have taken the pinouts from:
http://www.hinkebein.de/RGB_GVN.pdf

This has been the crux of my project. What's the best way to convert VGA or DVI to RGBS? I'm talking about PC/Mac output to the screen.

There are expensive DVI-RGBS converters, but they're meant for HD applications, and surely we don't need something as sophisticated.

Kandiru didn't have great success with his Gefen box. (http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-...dGEF00266.html)

Danko, what manner of RGBS connection did you use between the GPS and the xcarlink?

[eclimax13]

Just an update. After reading through this entire thread I want to reassure people that this thing does work. I have had the xcarlink installed for two months without problems. Just added the rear view camera from ebay with led's. Had the interference lines at first because I hooked the power up to the reverse lights. I changed to a separate power source straight from the fuse bank in the trunk and everything works perfectly. No dc to dc converter or voltage regulator needed.

[jfo]

Just an update. After reading through this entire thread I want to reassure people that this thing does work. I have had the xcarlink installed for two months without problems. Just added the rear view camera from ebay with led's. Had the interference lines at first because I hooked the power up to the reverse lights. I changed to a separate power source straight from the fuse bank in the trunk and everything works perfectly. No dc to dc converter or voltage regulator needed.

In this setup the camera is always powered on,unless you used a switched (ignition) fuse. Any idea of the draw?

[Quattro2012]

Just an update. After reading through this entire thread I want to reassure people that this thing does work. I have had the xcarlink installed for two months without problems. Just added the rear view camera from ebay with led's. Had the interference lines at first because I hooked the power up to the reverse lights. I changed to a separate power source straight from the fuse bank in the trunk and everything works perfectly. No dc to dc converter or voltage regulator needed.

I can also verify that it all works great. I did the installation myself. I chose to go ahead and use the reverse light power source because I would rather deal with the lines than have the camera power on all the time when the car is running because I feel like I would burn through backup cameras faster. I installed a voltage regulator and I installed a 12V NOISE FILTER I got off of Ebay for $5.98 because the camera would go crazy if the car was running for a while before I put it in reverse. It fixed the problem.

Here is the link to the Noise Filter incase anyone is looking for one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/260741326774...84.m1439.l2649

[jfo]

I can also verify that it all works great. I did the installation myself. I chose to go ahead and use the reverse light power source because I would rather deal with the lines than have the camera power on all the time when the car is running because I feel like I would burn through backup cameras faster. I installed a voltage regulator and I installed a 12V NOISE FILTER I got off of Ebay for $5.98 because the camera would go crazy if the car was running for a while before I put it in reverse. It fixed the problem.

Here is the link to the Noise Filter incase anyone is looking for one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/260741326774...84.m1439.l2649

I've been holding off because of the problems others experienced, but i think I'll proceed now. Can you also indicate which camera you went with and a source for the voltage regulator?

[Quattro2012]

I've been holding off because of the problems others experienced, but i think I'll proceed now. Can you also indicate which camera you went with and a source for the voltage regulator?

I used the camera that came with the XCarlink. I like it because it just replaces one of the license plate lights so it looks stock.

Here is a link to the voltage regulator http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:L:OC:US:3160

You also want to buy a heat sink from the same ebay store http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:L:OC:US:3160

It will only cost you a few bucks for 4 of each so that you have some spares in case you break one when installing.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

[jfo]

Great...thanks! I'll order the parts and will likely be back to you with a few questions after I go through the thread again.

[overjagi]

Hi, I have bought a trunk rear camera, fits perfect in my b8 2010. I am looking for a DYI or manual or instruction about the best and shortest way to send cables from the MMI video input (i have an aftermarket device with camera video in). I know how to make the connection but not idea how to send the cable to the trunk, appreciate any help about this job

[Ryan_T]

Route it down the side of your car under the kick panels under the doors. You can pry them out and there's enough space in there to tuck the cables in.

If anybody can chime in how to remove the bulkhead by the rear seats, I'd appreciate it. I sorta just pried mine up and sneaked the cable through, but I'm sure there's a better way of doing it.

[overjagi]

Route it down the side of your car under the kick panels under the doors. You can pry them out and there's enough space in there to tuck the cables in.

If anybody can chime in how to remove the bulkhead by the rear seats, I'd appreciate it. I sorta just pried mine up and sneaked the cable through, but I'm sure there's a better way of doing it.

Good Ryan, yes it seems easy to take the cables from MMI to the trunk (kick panels) as pictured below, but not sure how to send the cables to the license light where I will put the rear camera, do i have to make a hole in the license light area? this is my rear camera

this picture shows how to put cables inside but nothing about the trunk task

Thanks for replies

[eclimax13]

Just run the cable through the right side of the trunk and up the trunk arm. The plastic cover comes right off. Then fish the cable through to the license plate light. It's very easy. There is an access flap for the rear lights on the trunk that will allow all the room you need.

[overjagi]

Just run the cable through the right side of the trunk and up the trunk arm. The plastic cover comes right off. Then fish the cable through to the license plate light. It's very easy. There is an access flap for the rear lights on the trunk that will allow all the room you need.

Thank you, it is almost done, cable is in the trunk, now i have to find out how to replace the license light and put the camera without any damage...

And second thhis is a picture of my IGO/witson touch system, and has a blue cable that need to be connected to the reverse switch. where is this switch/cable in the front of the a4??

I do not want to send this cable until the trunk where I know where is a reverse switch cable that can be connected, instead I would like to know next in the front.
thanks again

[Ryan_T]

The license light slides (can't remember which direction), and then you can pry it down. There should be plenty of pics on the LED Plate Light threads. You slide it to unclip the inside tab.

[jfo]

I'm in the middle of installing the XCarlink and camera and on testing the functions I have a problem with no video image being passed. The interface is powered and audio functions work, but the screen is blank in any mode, including the Audi screen . Reconnecting the OE screen cables restores normal function. I've sent an email to XCarLink support but thought I'd ask for any idea's or feedback on similar problems. I've checked the obvious things like the cable connections.
Annoying...I was really hoping I'd be one of those with a successful installation!

[Quattro2012]

I'm in the middle of installing the XCarlink and camera and on testing the functions I have a problem with no video image being passed. The interface is powered and audio functions work, but the screen is blank in any mode, including the Audi screen . Reconnecting the OE screen cables restores normal function. I've sent an email to XCarLink support but thought I'd ask for any idea's or feedback on similar problems. I've checked the obvious things like the cable connections.
Annoying...I was really hoping I'd be one of those with a successful installation!

Sorry to hear about your troubles. The cables are a little touchy. I did have some issues with the cables. During installation I was loosing video signal then I would unplug and replug in the cables and the problem would go away. Once I had everything working correctly, I didn't touch the unit anymore and I haven't had any more troubles. Also, The cable for the video was labeled incorrectly. It has two yellow RCA male connectors. They labeled the wrong one as camera. I tried the other and it worked.

[AudiTLC]

Guys,
Been reading through this thread and it is exciting and frustrating.

Quattro2012, seems like you have it working.

My wife has a 09 non-nav model and I would only like 2 things:
1. Navigation to show on the screen. Is the Garmin GVN the only option?
2. Rear camera when she puts it in reverse

I understand the camera- the info is pretty clear.

On the Navigation, i'm a bit lost. If you use the GVN, you can only enter info with the remote?
Honestly, i'm thinking of getting a regular Garmin and using a mount- although it is definitely more cluttered looking

thanks for any clarification

[Ryan_T]

So I finally found some time, and the right collection of jailbreaks, combined with decent apps, to make it happen smoothly, and somewhat cleanly with a super-low-profile stand. I took apart the glove box and the center console this afternoon, so now all cables are hidden, except for the one that plugs into the iPhone. Didn't have time to set up and test the RGBS cable with my laptop, and it most likely won't work anyway unless I build a composite sync combiner. On top of that, I can't spare this laptop, there's no good car UI to run, and still need to get a separate GPS module.


So instead opted to make this option work first.





Just goes to show that factory Nav/MMI is VERY worth it. I'm seriously considering getting our resident guru's hand-me-down for 3G MMI.

[jfo]

While testing for continuity in the cables that connect to the screen, I noticed that 1 row of wires in a connector seemed to be in reverse order. I sent a photo to XCarlink and they confirmed it was wrong. I just received and installed the replacement cable and the camera is now working fine. I connected to the reverse light for power using the engine noise suppressor and regulator suggested by Quattro2012 and the video image is quite good.

I'm in the middle of installing the XCarlink and camera and on testing the functions I have a problem with no video image being passed. The interface is powered and audio functions work, but the screen is blank in any mode, including the Audi screen . Reconnecting the OE screen cables restores normal function. I've sent an email to XCarLink support but thought I'd ask for any idea's or feedback on similar problems. I've checked the obvious things like the cable connections.
Annoying...I was really hoping I'd be one of those with a successful installation!

[Quattro2012]

Glad to hear you fixed the problem.

[Ryan_T]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. The cables are a little touchy. I did have some issues with the cables. During installation I was loosing video signal then I would unplug and replug in the cables and the problem would go away. Once I had everything working correctly, I didn't touch the unit anymore and I haven't had any more troubles. Also, The cable for the video was labeled incorrectly. It has two yellow RCA male connectors. They labeled the wrong one as camera. I tried the other and it worked.

Have you ever had issues with video feed (not reverse camera) cutting out after random time intervals? Mine does that every 5, 10, or 30 minutes, and every combination in between. The interruption can be a few seconds or a several minutes.

[Liquid Smoke]

interested in getting this to connect my phone to and a backup camera in the near future as well. maybe we can get another group buy going if we have enough people?

also, whats the easiest way to do the wiring into the glovebox? do i have to take apart the glovebox or is there a way to get the wiring through the side or something without taking the whole thing off? just seeing if there's a good quick DIY. also anyone have detailed DIY instructions yet? the few pics in the first post dont say much and hard to tell without any captions, couldnt find install instructions on xcarlink site either.

[Ryan_T]

Honestly, I can't recommend another group buy. So far, my interface box has been iffy. I'm going to have to take the glovebox out again to try a different input. That was the best recommendation xcarlink can give me for my intermittent cutting-out issue.

[jfo]

also, whats the easiest way to do the wiring into the glovebox? do i have to take apart the glovebox or is there a way to get the wiring through the side or something without taking the whole thing off? just seeing if there's a good quick DIY. also anyone have detailed DIY instructions yet? the few pics in the first post dont say much and hard to tell without any captions, couldnt find install instructions on xcarlink site either.

There are no complete instructions I'm afraid. You need to piece it together depending on how much you already know. There's a pdf with basic instructions on XCarlink, but they make it hard to find...try this link.
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/helpdesk/i...ntclient&id=13
Concerning the glovebox, it has to come out in order to run the cables to the head unit and screen. If you don't have an AMI box, it's easy with about 10 bolts. The AMI box hides a bolt, so you need a radio removal tool to release the AMI first.
I believe some have tucked the interface under the dash but I put mine in the glove box for future access and to avoid stress on the cable connections. I used my Dremel tool to cut the holes and you need the box out to do this. The interface also has small buttons that allow you to adjust the screen brightness, contrast and colour, which I found useful after using the screen in different conditions.

[yma4]

I realize that I'm two years late, but I'm in :)...joking aside, if you have one or are able to get your hands on one I'm interested. How was install?

[Ryan_T]

Has anybody here ever tried to exchange a possibly defective unit with Xcarlink?

They want me to Purchase a new one, and they'll refund me when I send them back the old unit. I've never heard exchanges done this way before.

[ahkim]

Has anybody here ever tried to exchange a possibly defective unit with Xcarlink?

They want me to Purchase a new one, and they'll refund me when I send them back the old unit. I've never heard exchanges done this way before.

I think that's what Nav-TV did for my broken remote. I dont think it's that odd. I would trust them.

[jfo]

Has anybody here ever tried to exchange a possibly defective unit with Xcarlink?

They want me to Purchase a new one, and they'll refund me when I send them back the old unit. I've never heard exchanges done this way before.

Not unusual. You either send it back and wait for the replacement or do it this way. Another approach I've experienced is having a hold on my credit card for the amount until the return is received. You can't really expect them to just send out free units.

[B G 8er]

Anyone have the reverse camera from XCar Link? The one that replaces in the rear license plate bulb and try to 'match" the replacement led light housed with the camera? Trying to find an led (w/o error code) replacement for the remaining oem bulb on the left side.

[yma4]

Honestly, I can't recommend another group buy. So far, my interface box has been iffy. I'm going to have to take the glovebox out again to try a different input. That was the best recommendation xcarlink can give me for my intermittent cutting-out issue.

Ryan, I know that you were having some trouble with your xcarlink but, as suggested by a few others on this thread, I would be down for another group buy if you could get it going :)

[Wolfie2132]

Ryan, I know that you were having some trouble with your xcarlink but, as suggested by a few others on this thread, I would be down for another group buy if you could get it going :)

I keep reading this thread over and over again and I think I would like to do something like this as well. What is the cost of the unit?

[B G 8er]

I keep reading this thread over and over again and I think I would like to do something like this as well. What is the cost of the unit?

Depending on the current currency exchange rate, it should be around $250.00 shipped and add another $60 if you purchase their reverse camera however there are dozens also available for less on E-Bay.

Shipped and arrived from London to California within 10 days.