AVIC-8201NEX without iDatalink Maestro?
 

Is anyone using an AVIC-8201NEX or similar without an iDatalink Maestro?

If so, how well is it working for you? Any problems with Carplay? Is NAV loading quickly?

Currently, I'm finding that if I do anything (reverse, remove e-brake) during the AVIC-8201NEX start up, it will cause Carplay to fail. Even if I don't, it will sometimes fail randomly and I will have to reconnect my phone. Sometimes, although it seems to be fine, calls will become choppy to the point of not being able to hold a conversation and I'll have to reconnect and try the call again. Latest iOS on the phone and latest firmware on the AVIC.

I've also noticed how horribly slow the NAV is on this head unit.

Any chance it could be the Maestro causing problems? I'm happy to rip it all apart again to remove the Maestro, but want to be pretty sure it would actually solve the problem.

If it comes down to it, I'll replace the head unit, but I want to have some degree of confidence that it will resolve the problems. I've already put far more into it than I was wanting to after having to replace OEM+ with a custom build.

Thanks all!

I can’t address your question directly because I am using a Maestro RR with a Pioneer AVH-2330NEX and Android Auto, but I can say that I have none of the problems that you have mentioned with this combo. I purposely bought a head unit without built-in nav because google maps is far superior to any built-in nav that I’ve ever used. Does your head unit perform well using Apple maps instead of the built-in nav? In any case, I can’t see why the Maestro would cause any of the problems that you’ve mentioned.

Maybe you have a ground loop, or an inductive load drop or something else electrical noise wise that the iphone is picking up? I too do not have these issues, with a 4100 using a just merta harness. are you using a usb extension, or just the iphone cable directly into the HU?


If im understanding right though.. if you were top sit in the car while its running for 10 minutes and not change anything, IE drive, go in gear, turn on headlights, etc. then everything stays stable?


I think in another thread, (the oem+ thread IIRC) I recommended trying an android to see if the same effect followed a new phone, did that test happen?

I haven't yet had a chance to test it with Android as the cable coming out of the back of my head unit is lightning only. I would prefer to rip it all apart just one last time to either remove the Maestro if it's the problem, or to replace the entire head unit. I guess that's probably unrealistic though and there will be at least a couple more tear down / build ups.

It's *usually* reproducible when I get it, plug in my phone, start the car, and remove the e-brake before the head unit is fully booted up and switched into Carplay. If I get in, plug in the phone, start the car and then touch nothing until it's switched into Carplay, it will usually be okay.

Just today though, after doing exactly this, the phone reconnected twice after about 5 minutes of driving. Podcast was playing, then suddenly locked up. The screen on the AVIC became non-responsive, then after about 5-10 seconds, the phone made a connect sound and within a few more seconds the podcast continued. This happened again about 2 minutes later, same series of events... then it was fine for the next 30 minutes.

Anyway, I guess I will rip it apart and replace the lightning cable with a USB extension cable. That will then allow me to use either lightning or micro, and will let me test Android.

Thanks for the replies guys, I really do appreciate it a lot.

still going to recommend giving pioneer a call, idk if there's a pioneer Canada, but I have worked with pioneer USA, their IVR queue sucks.. and takes about 30-40 minutes, but they are pretty helpful and will help you RMA the product if there's a real issue. I had a 5600BHS in the past that would crash on SXM, turned out to be a hardware issue that they were atleast a little aware of, and they RMAed it for me with very little trouble, the new 5600BHS had no issues, I ended up trading it to a coworker, whos still using it.

I've just pulled the head unit and replaced the lightning cable with a standard extension cable. I have a very short (couple of inch) lightning cable that I'm now using on the end of the extension. I'll try this out for a bit and see if maybe it was the cable that was the problem.

I'm now better equipped to try the Android, I plugged it in just now (Galaxy S6), it said "Incompatible USB". I'm guessing I have to change the Smartphone setting in the head unit away from iPhone to Other. I suppose I'll wait and see how the iPhone works with the replaced cable and switch the configuration to Android Auto if the iPhone fails again.

Typically I really dread calling support lines for this kind of thing. I know it's unrealistic, but I just want things to work when I buy them, and when they don't I tend to just replace them. Yes, it's a bad and expensive to have, I just hate investing time into things when it's an unknown if it can even be fixed without more work (for example, if it is an RMA and the new unit ends up with the same problems, I could have just installed something from a different vendor and take my chances with someone else).

Again, I'd just like to say thank you for the reply!

I do remember from the 4100NEX that I had in my previous car that there were 2 different USB ports on the back of the head unit and you have to plug it into the right port depending on if you are using an iPhone or Android. Then you had to select the right type of phone in the setup screen as well... and I think the head unit had to be reset or restored to factory settings in order to change the phone type. It sounds like your 8201 may work the same way.
Fortunately the 2330NEX that I have now only has one USB port that can be used for either type of phone. CarPlay and Android Auto can be VERY picky about cables... if the cable is damaged in the slightest, too long or a low quality aftermarket cable it can cause random disconnects. I’m using the Metra AX-SUBUSB2 USB Adapter cable from the back of the head unit to the factory USB port and a factory Samsung USB cable with my Galaxy S9+ and have had no issues with disconnects.

Thanks!

So far, with the new extension cable, then a short lightning cable, things seem to be much better behaved than with the long lightning cable I had. The original cable shows no sign of damage at all, but who knows what's going on inside of it. I have the new one plugged into the same port as the old one as only one of the ports will work with Carplay as per the installation manual.

Here's hoping - fingers crossed!