[hkginlax]

Ordered this module from Korea around Thanksgiving. Between my trips and ordering extra parts, I finally had time to install it the past weekend. I only just really used it today, so photos are very limited. I am only plan to run Waze and JBV1 on it for now. I will provide a better review in couple weeks but I do like it so far after one day of usage.

As you can see below, it is a full Android module with Nougat 7.1.2. Running any Android app is possible.

https://flic.kr/p/2e98y9b

I did run YouTube and Google Map. Both work fine. I didn't connect the audio output to the PCM AUX; instead, I use a small external speaker came with the module. It doesn't sound the best but good enough for Waze and JBV1.


Below is a screenshot for running the JBV1 app

https://flic.kr/p/2e98ycY


Here is a photo when installing the Waze app from Google Play

https://flic.kr/p/23BiCKT


Here is one with the Waze app running

https://flic.kr/p/2e98y6f


I am planning to write a short DIY instruction later this week. More important, the extra part should be ordered with the module to complete the installation if anyone is interested to do the same mod.

 

[garyinmotion]

Nice. Would be interesting to see your process. Meanwhile, this might actually officially happen:

Digital Trends article
https://bit.ly/2HmI2qe

 

[Nosmo]

@hkginlax Thanks so much. Please keep us posted. I am definitely interested to follow your knowledge and learn from your findings. There are other users @Gtipirelli for example who have a similar interest.

 

[don]

Wow, great upgrade. I've seen it done once before but with no info on how to do it.

I am an android user so would be great to have Google Maps as an option as seems to work better in our city than OEM nav.

 

[hkginlax]

@hkginlax Thanks so much. Please keep us posted. I am definitely interested to follow your knowledge and learn from your findings. There are other users @Gtipirelli for example who have a similar interest.

Let me know if there is any specific information you are looking for, I will try to provide it.

For now let's start with the components purchased for this setup. Two main components were purchased: the ROiK-MIB2 module and a LVDS extension cable.

The ROiK-MIB2 was purchased from Korea Auto Parts (KAP) in Seoul directly. Their web site is http://www.kaptrader.co.kr/ I think they have some distributors in Europe and USA. I went directly because the unit was just released and none of their distributor actually have it yet. The unit was USD$430 shipped by DHL to US. Shipping took less than a week.

There are two ROiK-MIB2 modules on their website. DO NOT get the one for the new Cayenne and Touareg!!!

https://flic.kr/p/2d94krf

The other component is a LVDS extension cable. Both KAP and myself did not know it is need for the installation. Behind our PCM, there is a LVDS cable connecting the touch screen and the controller (the head unit). The Porsche cable is only around a foot length, which does not have enough length for the ROiK connection. KAP is selling this extension for USD$10 but they want USD$40 for shipping, since they can only ship DHL. The extension cable is very hard to source locally in US. Since I did not want to pay $40 for shipping, I ended up get the cable from Ebay. The Ebay seller is a Chinese cable assembly OEM. The price was USD$26 shipped but took 2 weeks (their Ebay posting shows 3 months delivery, which was a reason I did not want to order from them at the beginning. Since I couldn't source it anywhere else for a reasonable price, they was my last choice). I highly recommend purchase this cable with the module from KAP, which should be the quickest and cheapest way.

https://flic.kr/p/2d94kzm

 

[CupraLeon]

Tanks for the informative post, if I had known earlier of the existance of such a module I would not have bought an Iphone and optioned apple carplay. Just a question, you sent your audio output from the module to a speaker, will you be connecting it to the headunit in the future? I wonder about the audio quality since it connects to the AUX on the pcm.

 

[autobahn]

so, is this an add-on or a replacement to the PCM interface?

 

[hkginlax]

Tanks for the informative post, if I had known earlier of the existance of such a module I would not have bought an Iphone and optioned apple carplay. Just a question, you sent your audio output from the module to a speaker, will you be connecting it to the headunit in the future? I wonder about the audio quality since it connects to the AUX on the pcm.

I currently have no plan for the AUX connection, since I get the module mainly for running Waze and JBV1 apps (I do not have OEM GPS in my CS). In addition, I like to keep the music with the PCM, so the two units will share the work load.

so, is this an add-on or a replacement to the PCM interface?

It is an add-on module. OEM connection arrangement is: PCM ----> Touch screen. Modified arrangement is: PCM ----> ROiK ----> Touch screen. All original functions of the PCM are retained, including the backup camera and proximity sensors. Switching between PCM and ROiK screen is done by press and hold the NAV button for a few seconds.

 

[don]

Oh, this seems quite involved. The post that I saw a while back appeared to simply program it into the existing PCM. Here it is again. Unfortuantely still no updates on how it was done though. Maybe you high tech people can advise how it was done:

 

[hkginlax]

@don, the very same video was what made me to start the whole research. The system featured in the video is the ROiK-4G module, which is the last generation of the one I am using.

The installation (wire connections) was relatively straight forward and took less than an hour. However, I spent 3X as long to hide the wires and figure out where to mount the module. There is just not much room in our car the hide anything.

 

[don]

Thanks for clearing that up. The end result for android users is certainly excellent and the initial $500 US investment is not too much.

Does it use the existing PCM for internet access or have a separate SIM?

 

[CupraLeon]

hkginlax,
I would be interested in some pictures of where the speaker placement is and the gps antenna, if it's not too much trouble for you.

 

[hkginlax]

Does it use the existing PCM for internet access or have a separate SIM?

It only has wifi and bluetooth connectivity, so a wifi hotspot or tethering to a mobile phone is needed. I am using mobile hotspot.

I would be interested in some pictures of where the speaker placement is and the gps antenna, if it's not too much trouble for you.

I can provide that in my "upcoming" installation walk-through (hopefully get to it this weekend).

 

[jungspike]

i look forward to the walk-through tutorial.

 

[Nosmo]

@hkginlax - thank you so much for the comprehensive posts. For my level of technical knowledge, removing, or getting "behind" the PCM is like asking to disasemble an engine. It ain't going to happen not with the 2 left hands I have. Though it has put me onto another trail.

I had been invited to an OPC open day where they had a Porsche GB technical department head strolling around answering questions. I suppose like a number of android users, I am massively frustrated with the PCM and the connect app. I have only just discovered how to use my (Android) phone sim to get data into the PCM whilst the embedded sim, which has no data connection for anything but maps, POIs, voice search and traffic info, is disabled. I am not going to pay Porsche another wad of cash monthly for data, after having spent well over £300 for a 2 year connect subscription which (as it occurs to me) is useless.


Porsche will shortly be be bringing out an android auto update! Yes, rumours read on this forum are correct. AA is coming to PCM. At what price, he couldn't answer but it won't be cheap! NB for android users, once connected to the PCM your phone will create a new "connect to PCM" icon. See attached. I am speculating that this is in preparation for the arrival of AA.


Back to Android phone data to feed the PCM. By connecting your phone as a hotspot to the car, the PCM will use the data from your phone sim. However, it sucks so much energy from the phone that the phone gets pretty hot. I switched the mobile hotspot on the phone off to cool it down.



Thanks once again and hopefully we won't have to wait too long to get a solution which for numpties like me are "plug and play"

 

[hkginlax]

Finish Look

Guys, work was busy this. So I am a bit behind on the write up. It is about 60% done. For now let me try for provide the finish look for the installation. If you are still interested, stay tune for the write up maybe end of tomorrow.

@Nosmo, the installation will require to remove the PCM for accessing the back. It is straight forward for those worked on HU before. If you have not done so before, it might be a bit difficult. I will highly recommend to have an installer to do this in your case. I hope the guide will provide a reference to your installer as well.

@CupraLeon, you asked about the GPS antenna and speaker. Below are the two pictures of them.

I placed the GPS antenna on the passenger side dash corner. Cable ran into the gap between the A-column and the dash. Then to the side and down to fuse box.

https://flic.kr/p/23GyJLa

Speaker is small enough, which I placed in the bottom of the passenger side fuse box. Yes, it is still loud enough for directions. Also in this photo, the power for ROiK is tapped to fuse B3. I also have another two taps, which are for V1 and dash cam.

https://flic.kr/p/2ej6m7i

The ROiK module is placed under the glove box. Planning to 3D print a mounting bracket for it later.

https://flic.kr/p/2ej6m5K

Cables connected to the ROiK went to the front and along the "fire wall", hiding behind the carpet.

https://flic.kr/p/23GyJHe

 

[Kingmota]

@hkginlaxBack to Android phone data to feed the PCM. By connecting your phone as a hotspot to the car, the PCM will use the data from your phone sim. However, it sucks so much energy from the phone that the phone gets pretty hot. I switched the mobile hotspot on the phone off to cool it down.

I too was disappointed about lack of android auto in 718. I will say, however, I rarely use AA in my Audi S7 as I prefer the integrated MMI Nav with traffic. It seems like lovers of Waze really want AA.

What android apps are driving interest in AA for others on this thread, or is it just that it prevents obsolescence in tech or current maps.

 

[hkginlax]

I too was disappointed about lack of android auto in 718. I will say, however, I rarely use AA in my Audi S7 as I prefer the integrated MMI Nav with traffic. It seems like lovers of Waze really want AA.

What android apps are driving interest in AA for others on this thread, or is it just that it prevents obsolescence in tech or current maps.

Hey Kingmota, I like Waze because it updates the traffic much quicker than the others. Being in LA means I am in traffic all the time. I have other cars with OEM GPS and traffic information but I always find myself using Waze in parallel and eventually using Waze alone. Always up to day map also help.

BTW, this module is a full Android, not Android Auto. I have never use AA, I think it just mirrors your mobile phone with limit access to apps??

 

[CupraLeon]

Thank you for the pictures hkginlax. It's all quite stealthy, wich I like, especially the speaker. Nice strap solution for the unit itself One more question, removal of the a-pillar trim, does it come of easily?

 

[Nosmo]

Thank you @hkginlax. It looks neat and tidy for sure.