[epsonix]

Did somebody tried to fit something like this ? It is actually android OS that you have beside standard system...

My customer bought something like you are presenting here in Dec 2019. I can't remember details (as I didn't install it, just heard a few words story on this), but it did not worked fully, there were some attempts to contact seller, he got some support, instructions on how to get into debug menu what to change there etc, but that did not helped, so he decided to return it and he bought KAP Trade device and later come to me for installation.

Note that in Giulia versions these 10.25" devices are flipped - screen is installed not horizontally (on the picture they flipped display to hide it?)

 

[epsonix]

i bought the ENG module for my 66 plate, cost me around 300 pounds including delivery , a job of 20 to 30 minutes , i did it myself just need the right tools , now i enjoy the Android auto , works like a dream , beside i had a video chat with the engineer from Italy concerning some questions and updates, just go for it

proper installation including milling/glueing place for microphone in cover above rear view mirror, setup, tests took around 3h. but that included securing all wires with textile tapes where applicapble and zip ties, securing the unit so it does not move etc.

 

[JoshMurphy]

NO! as your radio will loose AA/ACP possibility forever. first you must do changes in proxi to get your car ready to accept Witech2 activation. Proxi changes can't be done on Witech (that was only for USA MY2018 cars where Alfa Romeo sold them with promise to add AA/ ACP layer as update). As your car does not qualify for such recall/update(non US my2018 with this aa/acp prewired option what they called it there), you need to use e.g. MES to do specific proxi changes first(in bytes 115,157,161 and 163), before you go to dealer. best to put right hub which is compatible for AA/ACP (dual does not mean compatible- must be right one) and then do as last thing dealer activation (and reset /reboot of radio what is say 10 minutes close of car)

All I've done so far is update 51 to 56, that's ok isn't it? (Wont stop me from possible AA update)
How to you get hold of a MES and how do you know what hub to get?!
Thanks

 

[epsonix]

All I've done so far is update 51 to 56, that's ok isn't it? (Wont stop me from possible AA update)
How to you get hold of a MES and how do you know what hub to get?!
Thanks

MV056 is OK, but go for MV085 or MV090, they are way better (stability, BT issues, AA issues, and bigger reversing camera if you have 8.8" display)

In terms of MES, I won't be repeating all which was written already - on giuliaforums there is thread, in short byte 115th to 0x15, 157 to x31 for Giulia or to 0xB1 for Stelvio, 161st to 0x03, 163rd tp 0x02 (that is my original car with AA/ACP from factory config, on giuliaforums they said 0x1A not sure why but that worked for people who retrofited). On giuliaforums they were also changing byte 174th to x02 but IMHO not needed - again my car with original AA/ACP has it at 0x00.

Hub is also listed there, read yourself, but in old ePer I see 156138299 as the first compatible (I think later they introduced more compatible hubs inclding single USB versions).

 

[JoshMurphy]

Great thanks for that, and apologies for not understanding first time. I'm all new to this 😂. Previous cars have had a easy pull out single din radio.
Things used to be so much easier.
I'll let you know how I've got on.

 

[JoshMurphy]

Sorry for sounding stupid but what is a MES? Just trying to work out what to do next.

 

[epsonix]

MES is software to allow OBD diagnostics, change of configuration etc - it has some features Witech2 lacks (you can change proxi), in other hand it lacks other features Witech2 has (firmware upgrades). You need for this OBD interface (such as ELM or some other compatible; with removed redundant termination resistor - compatible with Fiat/Alfa) + 2 adapters (gray+blue) to allow proxi reprogramming, or buy MES Multiplexed with their OBD interface with built in multiplexer (no need for adapters). More information either on forum somewhere for sure, or on multiecuscan.net

 

[JoshMurphy]

Great thanks, Is something that I could myself or would a professional need to do it?

 

[epsonix]

you coudl do yourself, but needs bit of reading through forums to get familiar with everything.

 

[JoshMurphy]

Thanks I will do that (might wait untill my warranty has expired!)

One last question, would you recommend me update to 085. I read on the original post that updating past 072 required Witech2.

 

[epsonix]

go to infotainment update topic first post, there is a lot of info. theoretically you should get some other units updated, but practically it is not needed (the same applies to MV072 and MV090)

 

[JoshMurphy]

Cool, yeah I've just read that when the dealer gets it they will update the units, but I can still update to MV090 now.

Gonna have a go of the MV090 update now, then figure out which route to go down for AA.

Thanks for your help!

 

[epsonix]

if your car is on warranty, then better is to go to dealer and complain that your radio sometimes looses bookmark FMs or restarts and you know that there is an update to most recent version. then they got back to also apply othere updates mentioned by relevant service news.

just example from yesterday - friend of mine had MV056 originally, I updated him to latest, checked other firmwares (IPC,BCM,ABS,L/RBSS,PAM), all were not meeting minimal version critiera and shoudl get updated. He was in dealership to repair leak from radiator junction, and ask to apply also updates as I advised him. Dealer said not updates for him... He wanted to do it as paid service, but my impresssion is dealers are not necessarily the first to apply non recall updates. If I was there, I woudl have arguments, quote relevant service news etc, but he didn't remembered all the things I told him.
I'm not sure also if first thing which on some cars needs to be done to get updates of other units is not Restore of proxi configuration - surelly for getting ABS updated from some older versions of firmwares it is one of steps described by Service News 55.004.19 - special procedure to get all updates in. Standard technician in dealership may not know this on top of his head.
It was the case for me when I upgraded radio - they were not aware, and it was me who said I'm not leaving dealership until they apply procedures required by FCA specific Service News.
Just mentioning not to treat updates as so easy walk - you need to know more than your dealer and step in there with solid information/requirements, and check if they did full job.

 

[AR89]

i bought the ENG module for my 66 plate, cost me around 300 pounds including delivery , a job of 20 to 30 minutes , i did it myself just need the right tools , now i enjoy the Android auto , works like a dream , beside i had a video chat with the engineer from Italy concerning some questions and updates, just go for it

Just curious if these boxes mess with your warranty? I had a few months manufactures left on my 18 plate and a extended warranty with the garage I bought it with. If I wanted to install the aftermarket box it would it cause issues? Also do the maps come up on the centre console when driving or just the main one on the dash?

I wanted to get the OEM USB ports and get it enabled (I have the software version that seems to be capable of running AA judging by what I have read so far) but that seems to be quite complicated and pricey. If replacing the centre USB ports and enabling it has become at all simpler that would be nice, nothing seems to be simple with Aflas though.

 

[epsonix]

nobody of us will give you 100% guarantee in case of specific unlikely car troubles if dealer will not be trying to blame added device, but chance is rather very low. you may expect if you start reporting say battery issue or some electrics issues, then they may start asking (if they notice), but for say other issues no reason to blame 3rd party device. up to you, price of adding OEM solution will be similar as adding box, or even lower if you find proper USB hub 2nd hand (like I did once bought for EUR60 with complete centre tunel & alloy panels from 2019 stelvio)

 

[AR89]

Thank you so much for the reply . The issue is I am struggling to find the correct OEM part, I don't know if I am just being an idiot though . Am I correct in thinking that a few things would need to enabled too after the installation of the USB hub?

Also sorry if you are having to repeat yourself at all, there are just so many conflicting threads about this. Some even saying the OEM solution might not work with certain models etc.

 

[epsonix]

dual USB hubs with AA/ACP are e.g. these numbers 156138299 156147799, problem is brand new prixe approaching EUR300 and hardly available - usually no stock even in Italy Torino main storehouse (in such cases may need to be ordered with priority (extra paid a bit) and may show up in week or two in your supplier). But better to find 2nd hand from say mid 2018 production car with dual USB - if I recollect in that time duals were only used with AA/ACP option.
First, your ETM firmware must be at least MV056.xxx.xxx, but install latest MV090 available on the forum.
After changing hub, you need to do a few bytes modification in proxi using e.g. MES software- 115 whatever you had to x15 (dual hub with AUX), 157 lowest bit to 1 (this enables projection mode) so e.g. x30 to x31 for Giulias xB0 to xB1 for Stelvio, 161 probably you have x00 change to x03 (bits are for both enabled carplay and android auto) and 163 will be x02 (this means no touch screen), then run proxi alignment, then as last step (must be that order otherwise you will lock your radio forever for no AA/ACP!!!) you go to dealer and with their Witech2 in ETM module go to activate Carplay function. After radio reboot (e.g. car closed for a few minutes) your AA/ACP works. Had it done succuesfully for a few customers already.

 

[AR89]

Unfortunately I literally cannot find the USB hub anywhere online. I have had a search and nowhere seems to have it new or 2nd hand . I suppose I could ask my dealer to look for me but I am sure they will charge me extra.

When you say MES software this is where I am lost as I have never done something like this. I am assuming it is a programme that communicates / edits the onboard car software correct? Ie you have a laptop, use a connector to connect to the car's computer and edit via the MES software?

 

[epsonix]

yeah, you need MES software for edits, OBD interface (with adapters if one you get does not have multiplexer - most cheap don't). maybe you find locally some helpful guy who has done that to avoid buying all the stuff? If your car has SGW (approx production date >=4.2018), then you need also put bypass instead of SGW for programming - this is available in my webshop.