ITZ-ACURA-A Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto Interface

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: ITZ-ACURA-A

• Compatibility: Acura/Honda vehicles equipped with the
  Dual-Screen System

• Features: Apple Car Play, CarPlay/Android Auto, Camera
  input

• Components Included:

  • ZZPlay Interface
  • Main Harness
  • Supplemental MIC T-Harness
  • LVDS-IN Cable
  • WIFI/BT Antenna
  • Velcro for module

Product Usage Instructions

Radio Removal (MDX)

NOTE: Disconnecting the battery before removing this radio will
prevent the radio CODE from appearing and locking radio.

1. Using a plastic tool, pry underneath the navigation screen
   control panel.

2. Pull the panel (including vents) forwards towards you – it’s
   held on with clips only.

3. Remove (4x) screws securing radio (lower screen) from
   sub-dash.

4. Remove harness connected to controller panel.

5. Remove (2x) 8mm bolts (firing upwards) underneath radio
   securing it to the sub-dash.

6. Pull Radio out and connect provided T-Harness (next page).

ACURA Installation Diagram

Notes:

• The radio must be in ‘AUX’ mode in order for audio playback
  through the OE speakers.

• If using (green) reverse wire trigger, ‘Reversing Mode’ must be
  set to ’12V Active’ inside Car Setting menu.

• If adding Aftermarket camera, ‘Reversing Camera’ must be set to
  ‘Aftermarket Camera’ inside Car Setting menu.

• If the vehicle does not possess an AUX port, you must find
  another means of gaining AUX IN – an AUX-USB adapter is available
  from ZZ2. Contact Sales.

• See next page for in-depth MIC notes.

Factory Microphone Addendum

For most vehicles, connecting the ‘MIC’ plug into the unit
without using this T-Harness will work properly.

Some vehicles, the Bluetooth microphone is not located at the
radio tuner module. For these vehicles, you must connect the
provided MIC T-Harness at the dome light assembly and run the 3.5mm
cable down to the MIC port on the module and connect. If during
testing, the microphone is not operational, even with the MIC
T-Harness ran and connected, you must connect (hard wire) to
another microphone (+) location at the same 8-PIN plug. See below
for diagram.

DIP Switch Settings

NOTE: mostly, there is no way to know which dip switch
configuration is required for your vehicle. Try each setting one at
a time.

ON :

OFF :

Disconnect power before adjusting dip switches.

User Operation

ATTENTION: RADIO MUST BE ON AUX MODE TO HEAR AUDIO FROM
CARPLAY THROUGH THE SPEAKERS

1. If you would like to use a cable to connect your iPhone, please
   use a certified Apple cable.

2. If you would like to use wireless connectivity, please follow
   the next steps.

3. Before pairing the iPhone with the system, please make sure you
   do a hard reset on the phone to prevent any malfunction. (Check
   phone manual/online)

4. Once you are done with the previous step, go to Settings >
   Bluetooth and the phone should be able to find a Bluetooth device
   called ZZPLAY***** under the Other Devices.

5. Right after the Pairing notification, a new request to Sync
   your contact with the car will be displayed. Select ALLOW in order
   to have caller ID and access to your contacts through CarPlay.

FAQ

Q: What vehicles are compatible with ITZ-ACURA-A?

A: ITZ-ACURA-A is compatible with Acura/Honda vehicles equipped
with the Dual-Screen System.

Q: How can I listen to audio through the OE speakers?

A: The radio must be in ‘AUX’ mode in order for audio playback
through the OE speakers.

Q: How do I connect the microphone for vehicles where it is not

located at the radio tuner module?

A: For these vehicles, you must connect the provided MIC
T-Harness at the dome light assembly and run the 3.5mm cable down
to the MIC port on the module and connect. If during testing, the
microphone is not operational, even with the MIC T-Harness ran and
connected, you must connect (hard wire) to another microphone (+)
location at the same 8-PIN plug.

Q: How do I adjust the DIP switch settings?

A: Disconnect power before adjusting dip switches. There is no
way to know which dip switch configuration is required for your
vehicle, so try each setting one at a time.

Q: How do I connect my iPhone to the system?

A: If you would like to use a cable, please use a certified
Apple cable. If you would like to use wireless connectivity, follow
the user operation steps provided in the manual.

Q: Why does the radio need to be on AUX mode to hear audio from

CarPlay through the speakers?

A: The radio needs to be on AUX mode because CarPlay audio is
routed through the AUX input of the radio.

ITZ-ACURA-A
Apple Car Play

CarPlay / Android Auto + Camera input for Acura/Honda vehicles equipped with the Dual-Screen System
929-220-1212 / 877-241-2526 – www.zz-2.com

08/20/2022

Components
ZZPlay Interface

Main Harness
Supplemental MIC T-Harness

LVDS-IN Cable

WIFI/BT Antenna

Velcro for module

08/20/2022

Radio Removal (MDX)

NOTE: Disconnecting the battery before removing this radio will prevent the radio CODE from appearing and locking radio.

1. Using a plastic tool, pry underneath the navigation screen control panel.

2. Pull the panel (including vents) forwards towards you – its held on with clips only.

3. Remove (4x) screws securing radio (lower screen) from sub-dash.

4. Remove harness connected to controller panel.

5. Remove (2x) 8mm bolts (firing upwards) underneath radio securing it to the sub-dash.

6. Pull Radio out and connect provided T-Harness (next page).
08/20/2022

ACURA Installation Diagram
Notes: – The radio must be in ‘AUX’ mode in order for audio playback through the OE speakers.
– If using (green) reverse wire trigger, ‘Reversing Mode’ must be set to ’12V Active’ inside Car Setting menu.
– If adding Aftermarket camera, ‘Reversing Camera’ must be set to ‘Aftermarket Camera’ inside Car Setting menu.
– If the vehicle does not possess an AUX port, you must find another means of gaining AUX IN – an AUX-USB adapter is available from ZZ2. Contact Sales.
– See next page for in-depth MIC notes.

NOTE: Disconnecting the battery before removing this radio will prevent the radio CODE from appearing and locking radio.

Factory Microphone Addendum
For most vehicles, connecting the ‘MIC’ plug into the unit without using this T-Harness will work properly.
Some vehicles, the Bluetooth microphone is not located at the radio tuner module. For these vehicles, you must connect the provided MIC T-Harness at the dome light assembly and run the 3.5mm cable down to the MIC port
on the module and connect. If during testing, the microphone is not operational, even with the MIC T-
Harness ran and connected, you must connect (hard wire) to another micropohone (+) location at the same 8-PIN plug. See below for diagram.

DIP Switch Settings

NOTE: mostly, there is no way to know which dip switch configuration is required for your vehicle. Try each setting one at a time.

ON :

OFF :

Disconnect power before adjusting dip switches.

User Operation

ATTENTION: RADIO MUST BE ON AUX
MODE TO HEAR AUDIO
FROM CARPLAY THROUGH THE SPEAKERS

08/20/2022

· How to connect to Apple CarPlay / How to setup Bluetooth Phone Calls

1. If you would like to use a cable to
connect your iPhone, please use a
certified Apple cable.
2. If you would to use a wireless
connectivity, please follow the next
steps.
3. Before pairing the iPhone with the
system, please make sure you do a
“hard reset” on the phone in order to
prevent any malfunction. (Check
phone manual/online)
4. Once you are done with the previous
step go to Settings > Bluetooth and
the phone should be able to find a
Bluetooth device called ZZPLAY*****
under the Other Devices.

5. Right after the Pairing notification a new request to Sync your contact with the car will be displayed. Select “ALLOW” in order to have caller ID and access to your contacts through CarPlay.

7. When the phone is connected and paired properly, the screen will automatically switch to CarPlay. Once you are in CarPlay mode, if ever necessary, select the ZZ2 app to go to the interface’s main menu.

4. Select ZZPLAY***** and a Bluetooth Pairing Request will be displayed on the screen with a code. Select “PAIR”.

6. A notification asking for a permission to connect your iPhone to the car even when the phone is locked will pop up. Select “Use CarPlay” and the CarPlay main screen should show up on the factory radio screen.

08/20/2022

ZZPLAY Interface Main Menu
For uninterrupted USB Audio Playback

To enter CarPlay Mode

To enter Android Auto Mode

Currently connected devices
For Screen-Mirroring iPhone & Android devices.

To view Bluetooth devices

All Settings Menu for interface

To view (typically front) connected camera

For uninterrupted USB Video Playback

ZZPLAY Interface Settings Menu

The next few pages overview the ZZPLAY interface, navigating settings and explains entering/exiting all menus. There are (2) menu systems that exist outside of the OE radio system: Carplay (or Android Auto) menu and the ZZPLAY Interface Menu. They operate independent of each other (the ZZPLAY Interface menu will function regardless of whether or
not a phone is connected to the module). Settings found inside Carplay will only affect CarPlay functionality. Settings for the ZZPLAY Interface control things like reverse camera settings, audio output control settings and other vehicle/interface-specific parameters.

CARPLAY

ZZPLAY INTERFACE MENU

Selecting `Settings’ will bring you to the ZZPLAY Interface Setup Menu with all options pertaining to the specific vehicle and install.

To enter the ZZPLAY Interface Menu from the CARPLAY system, locate the
ZZPLAY tile and select it. If there is no phone connected, simply using the activation button (which normally brings you into CARPLAY mode) will enter you in the ZZPLAY Interface Menu.

General:
Allows adjustments for global volume control and navigation (specific) volume control output. Also there is an option for auto-pairing the user’s handset.
Car Setting:
Allows adjustments for camera(s) and MIC options. These options are specific to the how the interface handles camera triggers and types (data vs analog wire, OEM vs aftermarket etc). A few other vehicle-specific settings can be found here as well.
08/20/2022

ZZPLAY Interface Settings Menu
Display: Allows adjustments for brightness, contrast & saturation

Sound:

System:

Allows bass, mid & treble adjustments for audio output.

Shows hardware & Software information.

Factory Mode:

Echo Cancellation: Run this to get the best possible performance out of the provided microphone (if equipped)

Advanced Setting: Stores settings that do not need adjustment at this time from end user.

Phone Link Setting: Use these settings if you want a specific type of handset (iPhone vs Android) to be wired only / or wireless only. Helpful for when 2 handsets are in the vehicle at the same time.

Phone Link Setting

Reboot: press to reboot the ZZPLAY system without turning vehicle off.

Reversing Camera Mode: typically does not need adjustment, but adjusts video standard for connected cameras.

ITZ-ACURA FAQ
Question: I can’t hear any audio from the CarPlay/Android Auto system. Answer: Your OE system must be resting on AUX mode in order to hear any sound from the kit. This includes during phone calls. NOTE: Some systems AUX
input are not labeled ‘AUX’, it may be labeled ‘Media Interface’ or there may be an audio conversion to the vehicle’s USB input. Check with your installer for more information.
Question: I’m hearing reports of a lot of echo or delayed echo on audio during a phone call. Why is this happening and how can I eliminate this? Answer: This happens because we are using the OEM AUX input for audio, and the AUX path travels through the OEM amplifier, where there is active time-
alignment & processing on this audio channel. There are a few ways to fix this problem, and there are Pros & Cons to each choice:
1. Use the OE Bluetooth system to handle all phone calls, and answer all incoming phone calls from the steering wheel, always. To dial out using this method, you must use SIRI or voice command activation (typically hold control knob down for 4 seconds). Some vehicles, when using the CarPlay/AA control in recent calls, the system will still use the OE Bluetooth to handle phone calls, but not all vehicles will operate this way. NOTE: This method will sound the best for both parties on the phone call – to use this method, you MUST be paired to the OEM Bluetooth system simultaneously with the ZZPLAY unit. PROs: sounds the best, and regardless of what audio source you’re currently on, using this method will switch to a ‘phone call state’ and return you back to the source you were on (FM, AUX, etc) once the call is ended. CONs: Your phone must connect to both the ZZPLAY unit and the OE Bluetooth for every drive, and the reliability of these connections happening properly upon every startup will be lower (only about 90% vs 100%).
2. Use the built-in ‘AEC Auto Setup’, or ‘Call Quality Test’, or ‘Echo Cancellation’ tests to adjust MIC settings for the microphone input of the ZZPLAY unit. These tests are found in the ZZPLAY setup menu typically under ‘Audio’ or somewhere similar. Some vehicles require a level of adjustment which will never be achieved, in these cases use the OE Bluetooth system (see choice 1). PROs: If this method works, it is the most reliable way of using the kit. CONs: You MUST be on AUX in order to hear the person you’re speaking with. IE: if you use FM or SAT, while using the visual from CarPlay (maps, for example) and a phone call comes in, you must switch to AUX mode before you will hear the person when you answer the call. This is very cumbersome which is why we suggest to stay connected to the OE Bluetooth and allow the car to handle the phone calls.
Question: Sometimes my phone won’t connect lately / Sometimes when it connects the screen goes black / Sometimes CarPlay kicks me out back to the interface menu. Answer: For iPhone users, you must perform a ‘Hard Reset’ on the phone in use on average twice a month to clear certain cache and reset the processors (this
will not wipe any data). Google search ‘Hard Reset iPhone 13’ (or whatever version iPhone version you have) and perform that task. After this is done, you will see a difference in speed and reliability (of pairing/connecting).
Question: Incoming text responses from SIRI are silent on CarPlay. It mutes the audio but I don’t hear the read-out. Answer: This often happens for 2 reasons: The iPhone needs a hard-reset (see previous question), or the phone is connected to the vehicle’s OE Bluetooth for
both phone calls & audio (and the text read-outs are being sent to the vehicle BT source – you’re on AUX source). You want to be connected to the vehicle for phone calls ONLY – for iPhone the only way to make this distinction is to adjust the phone setup on the OE radio side. Find your phone (name) in the Bluetooth or Phone setup in the OEM radio settings and disconnect as an audio player. NOTE: not all vehicles have this option, but it seems to happen mostly with cars that do have this option (Lexus, etc).
Question: Using Android, I cannot get the phone to reliably connect wirelessly (or at all). Answer: Android phones are more finicky and iPhones with their wireless connectivity. Make sure the OS is fully up-to-date. Clear the cache on the Android Auto
application. The Android OS must be at least version 11. Some phones (TCL, Motorola) seem to have protocols that don’t play nice with every system. If you run into this, use a good USB-C cable for the Android Auto Connection instead.

support@zz-2.com 929-220-1212
Toll free: 877-241-2526 Extension 2: Tech Support
Agreement: End user agrees to use this product in compliance with all State and Federal laws. ZZDOIS LLC dba ZZ-2 is not to be held liable for misuse of its product. If you do not agree, please discontinue use immediately and return
product to retailer. This product is intended for off-road use and passenger entertainment only.

References

• ZZ2 USA | ZZ-2

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