A client from Vancouver contacted Ralph’s Radio about a 2006 Porsche 911 Apple CarPlay radio upgrade. He wanted a way to communicate safely while on the road and avoid getting a distracted-driving ticket. We examined the vehicle and showed the client how a Pioneer multimedia receiver would let him communicate and be entertained with minimal disruption. He liked the plan, and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an installation.
Porsche MOST Integration
Installing a new head unit in a Porsche is more complicated than with most vehicles. Porsche uses a fiber-optic communication system called MOST to send audio information from the source unit to the amplifier in the rear of the car. Thankfully, a company called Nav-TV manufactures a product called the MOST-H.U.R. that will accept the analog outputs from the radio and convert that to a MOST signal that will feed the factory amplifier.
We also found a Nav-TV radio installation kit for the 911. This kit allows us to mount the radio into the dash so it looks like it came from the factory. The kit includes all the brackets and hardware required for us to fine-tune the placement of the radio, so it looks perfect.
Porsche 911 Apple CarPlay Solution
The client chose the Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX in-dash navigation AV receiver, which features a crystal-clear 7-inch capacitive touch display that is easy to use. Of course, Apple CarPlay allows the client to send and receive text messages by talking to the unit. He can select whom he wants to contact and dictate a message using his voice. Apple’s Siri voice recognition solution converts what he says to text. He can also make phone calls by saying the name of a contact or speaking a phone number.
The AVIC-8200NEX includes on-board navigation with maps of Canada and the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico). CarPlay allows the client to use Apple Maps for navigation as well. Destinations can be selected by voice recognition, and routing takes real-time traffic flow information into account.
Porsche CarPlay System Delivery
With the Porsche 911 Apple CarPlay installation complete, we walked the client through a thorough demonstration of how to use his phone with the new Pioneer radio. If he ever changes to an Android phone, Android Auto offers the same connectivity. The client is very happy with the new radio and likes the way it looks.
If you are looking for an audio upgrade for your Porsche, drop by Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver or Victoria. You can reach us by e-mail if you have any questions.