DCsTTS

Looks like I'll need to finally pull the trigger on this! Always hate tearing into the dash, but this looks pretty straight forward.

9forty4

By far the hardest part of the install is getting the head unit back inside the dash with the added bulk of the extra wire and connectors in that small space - I've done 3 installs now and it comes down to simply pull the head unit out far enough to move the wiring harness a bit, then slide it in until you get some resistance, give it a firm push and see if it seats, otherwise rinse and repeat. The first one took me 20+ tries, the 2nd about 10, the third about 10. I tried all the suggested tips about how to get the headunit back in (like pulling the wiring "through" the back and down into the recess in the center instrument stack under the dash with zip ties). None of them worked. Just keep trying.

Also, make DAMN sure those ribbon connectors are solidly seated.

imagerep

You got that spot on. This was my 1st install and probably played with the harness for about 5-10 minutes before the HU was able to seat flush. I made sure to pull the harness into steering wheel area as much as possible while slowly pushing the HU in ... at the same time, getting the large harness connector placed to the far rear right side. Just take your time and you'll get it. Also important is making sure the 2 Optic cables (orange) do not kink! If the HU does not seat flush, don't force it with screwing it in place as that can damage the wiring or rear RF connectors. Have patience.

Another mention.. when taking apart the HU on your workbench, the top section does not easily slide off. beside all the screw removed, be sure the two metal push tabs release the top section. I had to use a rubber mallet and gently tap each of the two side plastic projections so slowly get the top section to slide forward. Again, patience.

To get my P2000 metal box into that area to the left of the wheel, I had to remove the bottom plastic housing of the steering wheel. Go to YouTube and watch the Pelican Parts video on that. They make terrific DIY videos for many Porsche parts. Removal of that plastic bottom housing was the easiest of the install,

Happy to offer more advise anytime. If you have a little electromechanical skills, it's not too difficult. I actually enjoyed it.

Roman ACS

Great stuff right there

Dennis C

My Mr12Volt unit will be installed next week. I’m looking forward to having CarPlay in my Turbo S. I am a late adopter of CarPlay. I didn’t see the point at first, but I’ve been using it in my GMC truck for the last year or so, and now I’m a convert. I like this solution because the navigation apps that I can use in CarPlay are undoubtedly more current than the Porsche PCM maps. The improved ease of accessing and using things like Pandora and Spotify is obvious.

I’m also looking forward to using the Drive Smarter app, which will show radar alerts from my Escort radar detector on the nav screen. Does anyone here have any experience with that app in CarPlay?

Foosh

I continue to be thrilled with Mr12Volt, which is working flawlessly in my 2014 TTS. The PCM 3.1 system remains fully functional.

charlie1

I've been following this thread and am interested in installing Mr 12 volt in my 2011 997.2 Turbo S. Does anyone know of an installer in or near the Greenville, S.C area. Thanks!

imagerep

Mr12Volt THREE MONTH REVIEW

Three months ago, I thought of making this post listing all the Pros and Cons. I honestly have to say Mr12Volt has run flawlessly. I love this CarPlay upgrade, and it works as well as the factory CarPlay in my Audi. Actually, it's even better as my Audi is not wireless. The only flaw is what is common for all systems, cellphone technology, If your cellphone loses cell tower connection, you lose CarPlay, of course. Keep in mind the CarPlay software is actually in your iPhone. These head units with the CarPlay adapter just allows the phone to transfer the data into the cars head unit for display purposes. Fortunately, I have cell reception 99% of the time, even living in a mountain area. Sound quality is excellent due to staying with the Digital Optical system we have in our Porsches (forgot what Porsche generation went digital, the 996 or 997?). Loving the convenience of CarPlay as i continue to learn new speech commands, handsfree. I highly recommend Mr12Volt over all the other competition as it's the only one (that I know of) that will use your native Digital Optical signal. The others convert to an analog signal and outputs to the AUX which downgrades the audio quality. I hope this helps others trying to make a decision.

Roman ACS

Then you for the great review!

Foosh

I agree 100%.

My Mr12Volt system has been flawless as well and every bit as good as any OEM CarPlay installation in our other 22-24 MY vehicles. It loads as soon as I put the key in the ignition as long as my phone is with me, and often it's loaded before I even get the car started.

The sound quality is superb in my 2014 991.1 TS with Bose sound, and the PCM 3.1 system remains 100% functional.

Dennis C

I had Mr12Volt installed in my car last month. The first unit that I received was faulty, and I commend @Roman ACS for quickly replacing it. Overall I’m pleased with the unit and with the sound quality. However, I wouldn’t say the experience with it is equivalent to the OE CarPlay in my other vehicles. The Mr12Volt system can be a bit clunky. Once you get it going, it’s fine. An example of this clunkiness is the necessity to select the sound output on my phone. When I connect to the Mr12Volt system, it often shows on the CarPlay screen that music is playing but I don’t hear anything. This requires me to select the proper output on my phone. It’s not a big deal now that I know what to expect, but it is a bit more cumbersome than OE systems. My other issues include a touchscreen that isn’t as sensitive as my other vehicles and a moderately confusing menu system to adjust options in Mr12volt. Again - this is easier now that I’m used to it, but it’s not as intuitive as OE systems.

I’m a fan of the system and I’m happy that I installed it, but I think people need to realize that it’s not quite as simple as OE CarPlay. On another note, does anyone know if there’s a way to disable the Mr12Volt splash screen on startup?

Foosh

My experience is entirely different than yours. Mr12Volt is as easy OEM CarPlay in my case and easier than two of our vehicles, which have to be plugged in, and CarPlay selected on every restart. On my 991.1 TS, if I've shut it down in CarPlay, it's booting up as soon as soon as the key goes into the ignition, and usually before I even start the engine.

I've never had to adjust sound levels on my iPhone, and volume is always controlled with the OEM volume control. Of course, when streaming music, it's always been recommended to adjust volume to max on music streaming apps. That's true for any Bluetooth device. I've never had to touch my phone or any other Mr12Volt setting since it was initially set-up.

Dennis C

I haven’t had to adjust phone volume levels. I’ve had to select the output on the phone, much like switching between a Bluetooth headset or using the phone for a call.

Foosh

As I said, I've never had to do that. I only use the CarPlay menu, which is the same as any other OEM. My phone is charging in the glovebox and never touched.

Dennis C

Interesting. I have to do it every time it connects.