Subaru STARLINK HyperThread
 

So when my new 2016 HyperBlue BRZ gets built it's going to have this Subaru STARLINK 'infotainment' system. :happyanim:

EDIT: Warning, this unit sucks. Not what I expected at all. Does not allow you to mirror apps from your phone, install new apps, or monitor OBD-II info. In short it's proprietary, limited (doesn't even do what other Subaru's Starlink can do), and repeated calls and emails to Subaru have revealed they have no immediate plans to update the software. I'm going to attempt to hack it but you're probably going better off buying an aftermarket radio.

http://www.subaru.com/content/dam/su...x430%20(1).jpg

I know many people hate OEM radios and such probably believing that an empty slot (double-din in true Subaru fashion of course) should be left there instead since manufacturers will never keep up with the newest tech. :bonk: Alas, as this is my first brand new car I'm going to play devil's advocate and see how much I can get out of the factory system. It doesn't seem better than the old Pioneer U310BT I put into my 2003 swapped WRX and does NOT have some cool features like OBD-II connectivity or certain apps like Waze! (I originally thought so because I thought Starlink was going to be more like mirrorlink) I'll start with basic background info and using the stock stuff but as a computer programmer I may even see how far I can get with some minor hacks eventually. I'll keep updating the main thread with links to the best posts. As I said I don't actually have my car yet to test this stuff out but I'll start by gathering background info and keep the updates flowing. This thread is as much a way to save my own progress for myself as well as to share the bounty with you.

Background Information:
http://d1r57ja1amoclf.cloudfront.net...4816232943.jpg
Much like the GT86/FRS/BRZ Toyobaru is a partnership between Toyota and Subaru to bring a beautifully Toyota styled reboot of the cult classic AE86 powered by the flat Subaru boxer engine to keep the supercar status low CG, the STARLINK infotainment system is co-developed by Subaru and Clarion. This time however, instead of Subaru manufacturing the production version of the FT86 concept, it's Subaru with the design element and Clarion (Hitachi Group) manufacturing the hardware. The beauty I see in this is the fact that they realized most people say "Well I can do all that with my phone!" and instead developed a way using this 'Smartaccess' system to essentially have in-dash app ability. Most other aftermarket radios use Mirrorlink and I'm not sure what the key differences are between Mirrorlink and Starlink (whether it's just branding or major capability better or worse) but like I said this is a work in-progress.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3f6e74c540.jpg

Hardware:
From what I can tell it appears that it uses Clarion models for 2013 models and then at some point they switched to Fujitsu Ten for manufacturing.

2016
- Model ID: CA634UL
- Subaru Part #: 86271CA740
- Maker: Clarion? Fujitsu Ten? (After taking it apart looks like Clarion but it may depend on which car you have)
- Manuals http://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle...e=2016-BRZ-GZE
- High(er) Quality photos of the 2016 BRZ factory STARLINK headunit [disassembled]


2013?
- NX604

- NX603

or

- FX503


Setup:
Basic config type stuff.

- Updating to the latest version.

- [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gunyPQzkSzE"]Changing your startup splash screen[/ame]. (youTube video)

Apps:

Partner apps for Smartaccess.



Hacks, Tips, and Tricks:
Coming soon to a theatre near you... cut me a break I don't even know what operating system it is really using yet. Maybe it's Linux, I'm hopeful for that because it says they use a GPL. Apparently you can get the source code if you call this number. Maybe I'll try that later.

You're in CT?
The States?
All the HyperBlue's have already been "built"
Are you getting one that hasn't been sold yet?

Also, none of your links or videos point to the right head unit.
This is the head unit in the 2016 models:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-cont...it-626x417.jpg

Le Sigh. Well yes it was a factory order. I'm going to call today. What model do you think it is going to be? The 2013 I test drove had one that looked more like those I listed.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

I dunno bro. I have a 2015 BRZ and the head unit blows. I got a loaner Legacy when my car was at the dealer for a TO bearing replacement(under warranty). The head unit in the Legacy was a starlink one, and it was much better, but still disappointing. Bluetooth audio didn't allow all of the features when paired with my Galaxy s6. Touch screen responsiveness was lacking. GPS UI wasn't the best either.

To be honest, I think HU issues are common across all auto manufacturers. I haven't found one OE head unit that was any good. The days of buy cars without head units are gone, now that a functioning backup camera is required the car has to have a display from the factory. I liked the idea of buying a car without an $800 head unit and being able to put in an aftermarket solution that was twice as good for half the price. Oh well..

Probably all their profit margin.. lol.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

I hate Starlink so much, it never connects for Pandora to work. I drove around for an hour or so and tried multiple times.

On top of it being a totally ignorant shape given that the actual mounting is standard double DIN, the apps are terrible, especially iHeartRadio, which is the only one I think any reasonable person would use, since by the time the weather app loads, it's already out of date. The Bluetooth usually works okay, but never displays the correct track information. Sounds a lot better than the old head units though, and has a physical skip button. I don't think it's Clarion that builds this one but I don't have mine anymore, for good reason. It might be. It's none of the ones you listed though.

While I don't have experience with Mirrorlink, I do know that apps are hosted on the phone and effectively all that the head unit receives is streamed AV and touch input. Starlink doesn't have that feel. It feels like the phone is there as a modem, while apps are hosted on the head unit itself, based on how incredibly sluggish the system runs. That, or they're web apps that only talk to the requested services indirectly, likely through some Starlink intermediary server off in Japan or something. Either way, it's slow as hell. When it works.

So, you ask, how do I know it's not my slow-ass connection? I've tested the apps via my 200Mbps home connection, Verizon LTE, and T-Mobile LTE. Nothing improves the experience.

Your post shows how to change the head unit startup screen on the wrong head unit. There's no known way to do it on BRZ Starlink. Also I'd love to know how you factory ordered a pre-built hard limited production run of 500. Not being a ****, I'm just a little miffed if they're allowing more to be built on request.

If it makes you feel any better they have marked my order as recieved, but not accepted yet. So maybe I'll get my heart broken later. As for the rest of the stuff it will be a lot easier when I have said vehicle to search model and serial numbers.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

So, yes, you are correct for the 2016s it is indeed a CA634UL which doesn't show up on Clarion's website even though the factory apps were written by Clarion... Also yes all 500 Series.Blue Hyperblue BRZs were built already but I got lucky and found one that someone had backed out of. Although some googling/ebay pictures I was able to figure out the Subaru part number is 86271CA740 and they were made by Fujitsu Ten. I'm trying to do this without pulling apart my dashboard though because I'm not sure how easily it all goes back together and I don't want my brand spanking new car to look like crap. Although at some point I will probably want the serial numbers of the internal boards and to see what kind of memory it uses and etc. If anyone sees one on ebay for cheap (broken is fine) let me know! Brand new they are nearly $2k :eyebulge:

U can find them all day on eBay for under 400 "Brz radio"

Yeah 2013 model

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Oh u meant u want the new one for research and ur car came with the '15 old style?

No my car is 2016 and I want the same one but broken so I can buy it cheap and dissect it, lol. I'm scared to take apart my dash and mess it up. I guess I'll have to eventually if I'm going to hack it though. I emailed Fuji, Fujitsu Ten, and Clarion I'm trying to get more information. I do have a radio manual in my glove box, and I'll read through it but it's probably more how to use stock stuff than model numbers, serial numbers, OS type stuff and all that jazz. I want to know how it ticks, what OS does it use, can I make my own apps, is there an API? Things like that.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Prolly gonna have to wait a while bc still so new, and the dash is super easy to remove. All clips. I felt stupid wen I finally did it

Yeah maybe if I watch some youtube vids on it I'll grow a pair..

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Passenger-side grab from the top and the bottom and just pull an event for the – around the stereo I just grab from the side where it connects to the passenger side and pull it off

I have it in my the Subaru XV Crosstrek. I like it. I wouldn't pay money for it even though it does everything I would expect it to. But it was standard so whatever. I still use my iPhone for GPS.

All I want is waze panel mounted. Why I'm trying to find a hack for the stock unit to do it, IDK

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

EL OH EL :eek:

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Two pieces of false carbon fiber, one surrounds the radio, one is on the passenger side. Grab the right one from the bottom, pull up and towards you at the same time, it will pop out, the other one yanks right out from there.

No you don't, you have the Crosstrek's version of it, which isn't the same.

If you're hesitant to even pull the trim, you don't want to know what you'll have to go through to do this. Since there's no app, and it will suck anyway even if they do release an app, the only current way would be to figure out some super hacky way to wire it into the reverse camera video input.

Thank you, I didn't realize my Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring was indeed a Subaru XV Crosstreck Hybrid Touring and not a GT86. It is just so confusing because the GT86 has the standard double din stereo while the XV has a proprietary center console which incorporates the much larger touch screen and climate controls so you can understand how I was confused.

Well I'm much more comfortable with computers/programming than I am with interior stuff. I guess I'm just afraid of it not looking the same when I go to put it back. I am going to do it when I have a day off though.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

You're right @Luftwaffel though that was actually really easy and painless. More information in a day or two.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3f6e74c540.jpg

On a side note I have been enjoying my 4mos free trial of XM. I found my favorite station to listen to on JetBlue too..

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...71055cbaac.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

@p1l0t I live in CT also, we hv a few member live around Hartford area, we gonna meet up when it's warm out. If u hv FB then join 86ONE

I don't have a FB anymore but there is a meet thread on here.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Pm me if u want my phone number then I will let u kW when there is a meet coming up

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3f751b9103.jpg

So getting the little bugger out was actually pretty easy. Like @Luftwaffel and @ibroskee said just squeeze the bottom upwards of the passenger side carbon-fiber dash cover (gentle it doesn't much at all) and it will come off easily in your hand. The piece over the radio comes off easiest from right left again with just gentle pressure. The radio is held in place by 4 10mm bolts. The wires in the back are color-coded and shape specific so don't worry about what goes where too much. The little black (GPS antenna, thank you @ibroskee) wire is the shortest one so I recommend taking that one off first and putting it on last. Other than that is cake really.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...4116b88a25.jpg

There is one extra plug that isn't even long enough to reach the radio but is part of that same wiring setup, I'm curious what that is for.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...acf3d2834d.jpg

With it off you can see the real model numbers and I guess it is indeed still a Clarion in my case, not a Fujitsu-Ten (I'll update the OP later).

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...c55934c0c5.jpg

You'll also find a QR code that comes up with the same Subaru part #

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3e3203c12a.jpg

And your XM radio ID, which you can find through your software so no need to take it all apart for that info but it is there.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

This happens to be the only post I read, just popped in quick but if you want to run waze look into the Ca-Fi headunit. I run waze on that and love it

Black is gps I think, curious about blue (or vise Versa). Antenna is white 1 next to blue

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...ed230fc7cc.jpg

In hindsight (I went in a different order) this bottom plate should be the first thing to remove (if you really want to take your factory radio apart which I don't recommend at all). It is just 3 screws and then you can switch to a flat head to pop it off like the picture below.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...c36e9eb8fd.jpg

Next you can take off the back plate if you want although there is little reward for doing so, you don't really get to see much you can't already.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...03be452ef7.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...5ea10b7834.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...ec55a80365.jpg

This is kind of a blurry picture of the S/N on the back plate I believe it's 313-2194-02

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...e7b6aad1f7.jpg

The face plate is held on by these two screws and some plastic clips that are easy to see around the outside. They come up with gentle pressure as well no need to go crazy.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...5c068e0c87.jpg

Once 'off' you'll notice it's still held on by a few cables. The smallest one pulls out with just gentle pressue no clips or anything. The largest orange/copper colored one you have to lift up the black clip to get it off. Same thing with the white cable but you will want to remove on the faceplate side rather than the radio side.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d12de62eb4.jpg

Clip on, clip off...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...47c7ff5142.jpg

When you put these guys back on later you will want to make sure that the little tiny ass tabs on the cables are in the little spot on the clip like so..

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d204524901.jpg

Then just press the black clip down gently. This particular picture is actually not the one from the faceplate it's the one that connects the two main boards it's just for example.



Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...7057cadfe1.jpg

The two at the bottom of this picture (front of the radio) connect to the faceplate. The one on the side connects the boards.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...8c06ee1f2c.jpg

This shows two of the three cables after the are removed and the serial number of the faceplate board.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...6b32723611.jpg

With the faceplate off you can see the third white cable that connects to it and the serial number of the bottom board (upsidedown sorry) it's 83BZLRO1039. I THINK the first O is an O and not a 0 as it doesn't have the line through it like the other.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3d39916780.jpg

Unfortunately they soldered one of the screws on the bottom board. So I didn't get the radio ENTIRELY apart this time. Although I did manage what I was comfortable with and still got it back together and it still works.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...beb35fdd7a.jpg

My hypothesis is that this guy is the main memory piece but it's a guess, it could be an XM attachment who knows I'll be googling some serial numbers and doing some manufacturer searches and inquiries to try and find out some more information in the coming days. I'm disappointed I didn't find like an SD card or something I could just tear though on my linux machine and start on the programming already but all these serial/part/model numbers will hopefully lead me to more information.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

This is pretty much the solution you're looking for. I'd run it myself but I don't like the low hardware specs.

Yeah its midgrade at best. I am not a music guy so I dont care haha

How the fuck did they manage to do that? Someone was drunk.

I'm honestly not sure of its audio chops, really. That can all be fixed with a USB DAC piped over to an amp anyway. What I really want is something with 2GB+ memory and a Snapdragon 800 series or comparable proc with at minimum a 1080p resolution. If they're building this, they can build that. Anything else is a compromise.

I'll probably end up going full retard and building another PC to accomplish my goals.

I hear that's a widespread problem among Japanese factory workers... (but who knows maybe that piece was built in China)

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

So... Does the 2016 Hyperblue radio have RCA outs for a sub?

no. only the 2 original radios for the FRS did

these 2:

http://image.automotive.com/f/scion-...ad-unitjpg.jpg

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...6&d=1343093876

Yeah sorry Hyper

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...c70de789cd.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk