Standard Estima headunit - is it possible to expand the FM range?

[Tee_J]

Hi,

The radio in the standard headunit of the Estima (an import) has a very narrow FM frequency range - starting at (I think) 70MHz and topping out at 90MHz. I really don't want to change the headunit so is there an easy and simple way to expand this frequency coverage? Can anyone recommend a place (in London) where I can have this done?

Thank you all for your help. 🙂

Cheers!

[Paulscarbs]

Some add a band expander.

Some purchase a replacement unit.

Some purchase add on devices such as CarPlay.

[Tee_J]

12 hours ago, Paulscarbs said:

Some add a band expander.

Thanks Paulscarbs! 👍 This seems to be the one... I think I'll go down this route. 

[Mohamed Rizwan]

FM band extender works well with japanese units .

the aerial connection on estima non std so ensure you get the right type.

hope this helps

[Tee_J]

On 11/18/2021 at 9:25 PM, Mohamed Rizwan said:

the aerial connection on estima non std so ensure you get the right type.

Hi @Mohamed Rizwan - thanks for the point to note. I don't suppose you know the FM band extender that works with Estima's non std connection?

Thank you. 🙂 

[Mohamed Rizwan]

Hi 

I don't know the brand name but they are advertised on eBay for £30ish,and Ali express about £21.

This will add 18mhz to the frequency, however radio will read original frequency. 

You can get a basic android for about £100 which will be more usable. 

Hope this helps 

[Tee_J]

On 12/5/2021 at 10:54 PM, Mohamed Rizwan said:

You can get a basic android for about £100 which will be more usable

Hi @Mohamed Rizwan - please could you clarify your comment? "a basic android" ?

Do you mean an Android head unit or an Android phone?

Thank you.

[Paulscarbs]

He means head unit. You probably wouldn’t want your phone being the main sound system.

[Tee_J]

@Paulscarbs 😄 Re your comment 

Quote

You probably wouldn’t want your phone being the main sound system.

That is currently the state...  😞 

[Mohamed Rizwan]

Hi

Sorry for late reply .

Headunit  1gb/16gb.

better ones are 4/64 or higher.(£180 upwards).

[EstimaDes]

Hi

I recently bought a 2009 Estima Hybrid X and it came with the original Japanese FM radio frequencies so it only picks up Radio 2. I bought a cheap (under £10) band expander but of course, when I tried to fit it today it has the wrong connectors. As the GPS doesn’t work I am thinking about other options.

If I change the head will all the other functions work (reversing camera, hybrid information screen, fuel usage etc). Also if I get an Android unit, will it work with my iPhone?

Is there another option to add some way of connecting my iPhone to CarPlay. Does that need extra hardware or is there a way to make it work with the existing kit? I managed to get the phone to connect and can use the hands free so the phone must be talking to the box but I can’t see how to get GPS data to the screen. 

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Paulscarbs]

You can purchase a small CarPlay or Android Auto device from AliExpress for around £60. Check the connections on the rear of your unit first and search for a Toyota compatible unit.

If you change the head unit, you'll lose most of the extra features provided with your original head unit.

[EstimaDes]

Hi Paul, Thanks for your help. I think I’ll keep the original head unit and try and get my phone to connect to it. I looked at the back of the head unit and there seem to be a bewildering assortment of connections. There are also three sockets that are not used, one blue, one brown and a white one above. Presumably I am looking for a CarPlay device to plug into one of them. Any idea which? Thanks Des 

[Paulscarbs]

The blue one (if deep blue in colour) is likely to be an aux input.

I think, from what I recall, that brown is for a sat nav aerial.

Look at the Toyota compatible CarPlay devices and you'll gain knowledge in what connection you will be looking for.