GR Yaris Adding an extra USB data port?

[Kolbenkopp]

Morning Friends,

just wondering if someone has thought about adding an extra data USB port to the car. Ideally without cutting into the wiring or just sticking a hub into the existing USB socket .

Best I came up with: find the proprietary USB connectors used on radio and dashboard USB port side and make a little loom extension and slot in a USB hub. This could sit invisible behind the dash to allow either an extra USB data port in the phone tray (no more cable dangling down) or a hidden AA/Carplay adapter.

Any ideas?

Cheers,
KK

 

[Kaxe]

Too much work so I cheated...

But I look forward to seeing you getting something working and talking to the headunit!

 

[Kolbenkopp]

@Kaxe Entirely too sensible way of doing things ; ). And almost surprised @MagnusT hasn't done something similar but better. Probably just missed it .

Jokes aside, figured out how to get access to the parts catalogue via the on-line sub from Toyota. Will post update / BOM if I figure something out. For those that just want extra charging ports (no data), something like this

Amazon.com : toyota usb port

should be simple and free up the 12V port again.

 

[hoagy_ytfc]

How is your "cheat" a data port? And why do you need a second data port? I doubt the entertainment system is designed for that.

 

[Kolbenkopp]

From the docs the entertainment system does work with a hub (surprisingly) but apparently uses the first device that registers and only that. Hm. So why two? Ideally I'd like a hidden wireless AA/Carplay adapter but also retain a wired connection as fallback.

I'll try and make a small drawing when I have a minute, not good at explaining this. And best test with a hub + wireless adapter first.

 

[Kolbenkopp]

Quick update: of course it's not that easy :-/. Looks like Carplay in general does not like to work with a standard hub between the phone and the head unit. Or it's a restriction of the head unit (MM19 is what we have in most GRYs I believe).

But I think this MM19 HU is also available in other Toyotas that have more than one data capable USB port. Now big question -- what is doing hub or switch duties in these cars or does the MM19 have more than one USB port at the back?

Update 2: uh -- blindingly obvious once you know. The phone switches to USB host mode so it can take over the infotainment box. The MM19 turns into a USB device to support that. And that doesn't work with a standard USB hub in the path. Really well explained here:

What's the Difference Between a USB Hub & USB Switch + What is Multiplexer? | Acroname

Learn the differences between a USB & a USB switch (for use in your testing or control applications) and how to use a hub + switch to complement each other.

acroname.com

One can use a phone and a USB key on a hub attached to the MM19, but only as host devices (phone mimicking a media player). So cars that support Carplay/AA from more than 1 port must use some sort of switch. Hm...

 

[Odl21]

so - what's the solution? if there is one? i would like to put my wireless carplay adapter behind the dash too but still want to keep the ability to plug in phone. i'd be ok with a toyota switch added to the spare slots under the steering to switch between wireless and wired.
worst case, i'm ok with having the usb port a power source only and the only data connection being the hidden wireless carplay adapter.

 

[JT GAZOO]

so - what's the solution? if there is one? i would like to put my wireless carplay adapter behind the dash too but still want to keep the ability to plug in phone. i'd be ok with a toyota switch added to the spare slots under the steering to switch between wireless and wired.
worst case, i'm ok with having the usb port a power source only and the only data connection being the hidden wireless carplay adapter.

I'm at exactly the same point and cant seem to find any solution, I want to hide my android auto box that is running a digital dash app on the central display but also want to maintain the original USB port for simple charging of phone, no data transfer, etc. Has anyone found a workable solution?

 

[lee1563]

Any update on this above?