inexpensive airplay for the car

alexwhittemore · 02-18-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwells

How's the boot time with this setup? I'd thought about doing the same with a RaspberryPi and Shairport, but didn't like the 15+ second boot time.

Really good question. My openwrt TP-link routers boot maybe sub-10 seconds, but I don't know about airplay service coming up, delay before the iPhone connects, etc. And 10s is still pretty bad anyway.

If I were personally going to implement a system like this, I'd probably try to come up with some clever power source that's not a single terminal in the current electrical. Like maybe Term30 (always on), but shuts off to avoid power drain after a few hours or something. Then turns back on with 30g, so it starts booting right when you unlock the car. Probably pretty tricky to get JUST right. I'm having similar problems with my Nexus 7 install, though I've just about sorted everything out. Time will tell if it's satisfactory.

taibanl · 02-18-2014, 08:28 PM

BTW for those of you doing the air enabler you can also buy a 12v to micro-usb power supply so you can hardwire it.

tman · 03-05-2014, 09:38 AM

FWIW... I just installed one of these in my 06 E90 330i. It all fits nicely in the center console can holder.

I must admit that this is much better than using a cable and the sound is pretty good. Although, at least on my car, you have to set the iPhone volume to be at least 80% or higher to get volume output that matches the other audio sources. Not sure if its because the 3.5mm cable is cheap quality?

I was considering getting the iPod Retrofit kit for my car which would have set me back hundreds! This is $50 shipped and is pretty darn good and it's wireless.

NightStalker · 03-09-2014, 05:42 PM

Boot time is like around 15 seconds, well most of the time you will not notice it. It's quick

And when you are connected to airplay you will still be able to use your data regardless if the wifi has no internet. It's part of the process when you set it up.

tjobeid · 03-10-2014, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW..

Just picked one up. Install was simple. I hid the wiring in the center console but on the inside. Only thing visible is cable going to cigarette outlet in glovebox. Connect to wifi then play just like it says. Only con is that there's a 5 second audio delay. Other than that I recommend it

pick of setup please?

mact3333 · 03-10-2014, 10:31 PM

mitoticfigure · 03-11-2014, 03:26 PM

Is there a way to make the iphone automatically use airplay when available?

Tegs4tugs · 03-20-2014, 11:28 AM

This sounds like what I have been looking for, was about to attempt this with an airport express for about the same price. Anyone has an idea about the delay for example how long it takes to react to play/pause/skip etc.

alexwhittemore · 03-20-2014, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegs4tugs

This sounds like what I have been looking for, was about to attempt this with an airport express for about the same price. Anyone has an idea about the delay for example how long it takes to react to play/pause/skip etc.

Something between 1 and 1.5s. Pretty huge - AirPlay is reallllly averse to skips and pauses.

Tegs4tugs · 03-20-2014, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

Something between 1 and 1.5s. Pretty huge - AirPlay is reallllly averse to skips and pauses.

That's not so bad, about the same as the apple airport express.

kaigoss69 · 03-20-2014, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitoticfigure

Is there a way to make the iphone automatically use airplay when available?

Not that I have been able to find.

alexwhittemore · 03-20-2014, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegs4tugs

That's not so bad, about the same as the apple airport express.

Yeah - it's an AirPlay protocol thing. When it's audio-only, they buffer the crap out of the stream to avoid dropouts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Not that I have been able to find.

I don't want to say it's not possible, but I don't know of any way either and I'd believe it's not. Theoretically, you could do something like this if you were jailbroken, but I don't know of any jailbreak tweak that actually does it, and it'd probably chew battery to enable.

Tegs4tugs · 03-20-2014, 01:38 PM

I have an aftermarket system setup in my car and would hard wire this to boot when I unlock the car so by the time I get in it should be ready to go as I believe there is a delay of about 20s to boot.

kaigoss69 · 03-20-2014, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegs4tugs

I have an aftermarket system setup in my car and would hard wire this to boot when I unlock the car so by the time I get in it should be ready to go as I believe there is a delay of about 20s to boot.

Make sure you get a late model AEX as they boot quicker. Mine takes about a minute but is an older version 2.

cdgatti · 03-20-2014, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Make sure you get a late model AEX as they boot quicker. Mine takes about a minute but is an older version 2.

Kai I know the current express takes 3.3VDC. What did the older (smaller) AEX take for voltage?

kaigoss69 · 03-20-2014, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdgatti

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Make sure you get a late model AEX as they boot quicker. Mine takes about a minute but is an older version 2.

Kai I know the current express takes 3.3VDC. What did the older (smaller) AEX take for voltage?

Not sure, but I want to say they all have a 3.3v power supply.

mathematics · 03-20-2014, 08:14 PM

3.3v as well

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdgatti

Kai I know the current express takes 3.3VDC. What did the older (smaller) AEX take for voltage?

taibanl · 03-20-2014, 08:34 PM

Guys: if you have a spare airport / AE then go ahead and use it. But for those of you who are planning to purchase, then I would definitely get the Air-enabler which can easily be paired with a 12vDC hardwire kit (total cost under $50), and you can have digital or analog out.

cdgatti · 03-21-2014, 05:37 AM

Those that are using the enabler like I posted in the first post, are you happy with the DAC that came with the unit? I have read some complaints about it.

Tegs4tugs · 03-21-2014, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdgatti

Those that are using the enabler like I posted in the first post, are you happy with the DAC that came with the unit? I have read some complaints about it.

Just ordered one yesterday and should get it today, so will test this weekend and see but in case its not that great can any one suggest a good DAC that wont break the bank.

kaigoss69 · 03-21-2014, 09:17 AM

This is the one I use. Works great and has very good reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Conver...alog+converter

Here's a step down converter similar to the one I used for the AEX:

If you search on eBay, you can even find ones with mini USB output, perfect for powering the DAC. The above DAC requires 5VDC.

NightStalker · 03-22-2014, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

This is the one I use. Works great and has very good reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Conver...alog+converter

Here's a step down converter similar to the one I used for the AEX:

If you search on eBay, you can even find ones with mini USB output, perfect for powering the DAC. The above DAC requires 5VDC.

Wow wtf. I was so upset when I found out airport express was still using analog output in my car compared to digital usb drive.

So if I buy this DAC thing....the airplay music will be converted from analog to digital signal?

02-18-2014, 08:28 PM	#24
taibanl Brigadier General 280 Rep 4,121 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NA iTrader: (4)	BTW for those of you doing the air enabler you can also buy a 12v to micro-usb power supply so you can hardwire it.
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03-05-2014, 09:38 AM	#25
tman Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario iTrader: (11) Garage List 2014 i3 BEV [0.00]	FWIW... I just installed one of these in my 06 E90 330i. It all fits nicely in the center console can holder. I must admit that this is much better than using a cable and the sound is pretty good. Although, at least on my car, you have to set the iPhone volume to be at least 80% or higher to get volume output that matches the other audio sources. Not sure if its because the 3.5mm cable is cheap quality? I was considering getting the iPod Retrofit kit for my car which would have set me back hundreds! This is $50 shipped and is pretty darn good and it's wireless. __________________ OMG! Born Electric 10/17/2018! 2014 I01 i3 BEV 2011 E91 328i xDRIVE TOURING \| 2010 F83 X3 3.0i xDRIVE \| 2006 E90 330i 6MT (Ret)
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03-09-2014, 05:42 PM	#26
NightStalker ✰ 266 Rep 2,741 Posts Drives: Audi Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York City iTrader: (12)	Boot time is like around 15 seconds, well most of the time you will not notice it. It's quick And when you are connected to airplay you will still be able to use your data regardless if the wifi has no internet. It's part of the process when you set it up.
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03-10-2014, 10:31 PM	#28
mact3333 Captain 121 Rep 876 Posts Drives: 16' YMB/Blk F82 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Portland Area iTrader: (1)
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03-11-2014, 03:26 PM	#29
mitoticfigure New Member 1 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sedan Sport MT Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	Is there a way to make the iphone automatically use airplay when available?
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03-20-2014, 11:28 AM	#30
Tegs4tugs First Lieutenant 13 Rep 390 Posts Drives: BMW E90 33?i \| 90 Integra B20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Westchester County, NY iTrader: (1)	This sounds like what I have been looking for, was about to attempt this with an airport express for about the same price. Anyone has an idea about the delay for example how long it takes to react to play/pause/skip etc. __________________ \|33?i e90\|Platinum Silver black leather w aluminum trim\|6spd\|Sport\|Premium\|Mtec v3\|Rockford Fosgate System\| \|2015 Lexus IS250 AWD\|Pearl White w Tan int\|Premium\|Navi\| \|2000 integra DC4\|Silver Gray int\|5spd\|B20 Motor\|
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03-20-2014, 01:38 PM	#35
Tegs4tugs First Lieutenant 13 Rep 390 Posts Drives: BMW E90 33?i \| 90 Integra B20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Westchester County, NY iTrader: (1)	I have an aftermarket system setup in my car and would hard wire this to boot when I unlock the car so by the time I get in it should be ready to go as I believe there is a delay of about 20s to boot. __________________ \|33?i e90\|Platinum Silver black leather w aluminum trim\|6spd\|Sport\|Premium\|Mtec v3\|Rockford Fosgate System\| \|2015 Lexus IS250 AWD\|Pearl White w Tan int\|Premium\|Navi\| \|2000 integra DC4\|Silver Gray int\|5spd\|B20 Motor\|
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03-20-2014, 08:34 PM	#40
taibanl Brigadier General 280 Rep 4,121 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NA iTrader: (4)	Guys: if you have a spare airport / AE then go ahead and use it. But for those of you who are planning to purchase, then I would definitely get the Air-enabler which can easily be paired with a 12vDC hardwire kit (total cost under $50), and you can have digital or analog out.
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03-21-2014, 05:37 AM	#41
cdgatti Colonel 255 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: e90 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (4)	Those that are using the enabler like I posted in the first post, are you happy with the DAC that came with the unit? I have read some complaints about it.
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03-21-2014, 09:17 AM	#43
kaigoss69 Brigadier General 300 Rep 3,969 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: JAX iTrader: (6)	This is the one I use. Works great and has very good reviews. http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Conver...alog+converter Here's a step down converter similar to the one I used for the AEX: If you search on eBay, you can even find ones with mini USB output, perfect for powering the DAC. The above DAC requires 5VDC. __________________ Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
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