GCS Apex Andriod V2 Head Unit w/ GPS - 15+ WRX/STI / 17+ Forester

NOTE: 2015 WRX AC Vents DO NOT work with this head unit. For those with the 2015 model, please purchase the appropriate AC Vents. AC Vents are NOT included unless purchased.

NOTE: We recommend installation by a trained professional for this stereo. To increase the size of the screen, they have integrated the design into the bezel. Flexing the bezel can cause damage to the screen. Accidentally wedging wires between the bezel and screen can place strain on the screen as well which can result in screen bleeding or in worse scenarios can crack the screen.

It is imperative that the supplied brackets are installed to support the weight of the unit. The unit rests on these mounts.

GCS APEX ANDROID STEREO VERSION 2

UPDATED: If you are familiar with the GCS APEX Android head unit, you'll be happy to know that there's been an updated. To keep current with the demands of the Android operating system, not only does this new device have version 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), the hardware has been updated as well.

This head unit has a factory look and all the power that the Android operating system has to offer. Enable a Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone to provide Internet access and this system can provide Google Maps navigation (GPS antenna included). You can play your favorite songs from Pandora, Spotify, iHeart, etc as well

You can also use popular programs such as Torque to increase your ability to monitor your vehicle. Our OLM OBDII bluetooth dongle is fully compatible.

NOTE: Harmon Kardon equipped vehicles may have distortion issues / operating issues if not modifications to the inputs are done. This is because the amplifier needs an un-amplified input. This input can be achieved through modifying the RCA outputs on the unit to speaker wire, but this is not officially supported by the manufacturer. You will also need to run the amp power wire run from the new unit to trigger the amplifier. HOWEVER for those installing aftermarket amplifiers and subwoofers to the vehicle at the same time, these issues DO NOT apply. One can also bypass the HK amp and wire the speakers directly to the Apex headunit. Please see the FAQ section for additional details.

(UPDATED: 12/8/2017) Comes with both 20 pin and 28 pin harnesses. The 20 pin radio harness is a direct fit for 2015 WRXs originally equipped with a standard radio. Other vehicles may require the 28 pin connector.

STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS

Volume controls are programmable to the unit without the purchase of additional items.

RADIO / BLUETOOTH / WI-FI

This radio supports all AM and FM stations in the United States. Built in Bluetooth support allows for audio streaming, phone connection for calls, and connection to other bluetooth devices. Integrated Wi-Fi allows the head unit to have Internet access for the Google Play store, Internet browser, e-mail, and other Android applications.

NAVIGATION

Included is a GPS receiver. Google Maps is a great navigation application and powerful tool. To use this, you must have a data connection or download offline maps. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps is available for free in the Google Play Store and uses TomTom maps. It is not completely dependent on an Internet connection and can be used offline.

SCREEN MIRRORING

Supports screen mirroring via the EasyConnect app. View the same content as what is on your phone. Android USB / WiFi and iOS WiFi compatible.

MORE PROCESSING POWER AND MORE RAM

The upgrade to the Cortex A53 process vs Cortex A9 has yielded significant improvements. Also just as beneficial was the doubling of RAM from 1GB to 2GB (vs Version 1). This makes for a better day to day experience. When you hop in your vehicle, you expect the stereo to be snappy and ready to perform like the rest of the vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Screen: 1024x600 pixel (NOTE: The normal viewing distance for this device makes this resolution more than adequate.), capacitive multi touch
Android Operating System Version: 6.0.1
Processor: Rockchip PX5 A53 Octa-core
Memory: 2GB RAM, 32GB flash (external 32GB supported)
Stereo Power: 4x50W

HARNESSES

As of 12/8/2017, this unit ships with both 20 and 28 pin harnesses.

STANDARD HARNESS (20 PIN)

2015 WRX NON NAVIGATION

This head unit comes with a harness that plugs in to the 2015 WRX non navigation head unit (Clarion). It can be spliced into later models as well using various pin out diagrams.

28 PIN HARNESS (28 PIN + 10 PIN + 6 PIN)

2015 WRX / STI NAVIGATION AND 2016+ WRX / STI

This harness is better suited for early vehicle models with navigation and all 2016+ models. We call this the B harness. If you have a vehicle that falls into this category, we highly recommend this harness.

NOTE: 2017 WRX 7" base radio units and some other stereos will require additional wiring for the front speakers. Please see "additional" tab for more information

AC VENTS AND ACCESSORIES

These items are not required in all installations. Some will simplify your install and others will enhance the capabilities of your unit.

VENTS

We have confirmed that 2015 AC vents do not work with the unit. For those who have a 2015 model, please purchase the appropriate AC vents to ensure proper fit. AC vents are NOT included.

Hazard switch, multi function display (MFD) switch, and AC controls are NOT included and transfer over from the original radio bezel.

USB PLUG ADAPTERS

This item can come in handy if you want to retain your stock USB ports. This simple adapter is a plug and play solution. Keeping your installs clean is now easier than ever.

Converts the OEM plug into a standard USB plug which can be plugged into this stereo's wires. Please be aware that different model years use different plugs.

METRA 12 VOLT TO 6 VOLT CONVERTER FOR STOCK REARVIEW CAMERA RETENTION

NOTE: If your vehicle displays your backup camera through the MFC (multi function display) instead of the radio like most 2015 WRXs, you do not need this.

This harness comes in handy for vehicles that have backup cameras which require 6v instead of 12v to run.

*Please read / download the instructions for specific details regarding this harness.

RCA QUICK CONNECT PIG TAIL HARNESS FOR FACTORY CAMERA INPUT

We are offering this quick connect for customers who need to display their backup camera through the head unit. Instead of splicing the supplied CAM in harness (a messy process), you can t-tap this harness into your factory harness. It connects to the positive and ground RCA stock backup camera signal wires. Then plug the adapter into the CAM in harness.

NOTE: This product is only to make install easier and is NOT required when your factory camera displays through your multi function display. The wire with the white line is positive and the unmarked one is negative.

10 PACK OF T-TAPS (MALE / FEMALE)

For quick connections that can be removed in the future, these T-taps work very well. Comes with 10 male pieces and 10 female pieces.

RCA TO SPEAKER WIRE QUICK CONNECTORS (FOR HARMAN KARDON EQUIPPED VEHICLES)

To prevent distortion with the HK system, you must provide line level outputs to the amplifier. Normal speaker connections can easily cause distortion. These quick connectors come a set of four to provide connections for the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right. Simply plug these into the head unit's RCA outputs and then connect the wires leading to the HK amp to them. Please read more about HK systems in the FAQ section below.

OLM OBD II BLUETOOTH ADAPTER

While tracking a vehicle and/or modifying it, you will find it more important to monitor your systems. While there are gauges on the market to provide feedback, sometimes you can't track it all at the same time or log it.

With this product and a program such as Torque for Android, you can harness the power of your vehicle's on board sensors to provide you accurate, real time data. OLM's OBDII Bluetooth Adapter utilizes the ELM327 microcontroller for translating the on board diagnostics interface found on most modern vehicles.

This device when paired with proper software can also read diagnostic trouble codes and clear them. Please be aware that if a problem persists, the code will most likely come back.

Some of the functions you can monitor with the proper software are:

• Engine RPM
• Calculated Load Value
• Coolant Temperature
• Fuel System Status
• Vehicle Speed
• Short Term Fuel Trim
• Long Term Fuel Trim
• Intake Manifold Pressure

Note: PC and Android compatible. Android device not included. Not all software will be able to monitor all systems. This hardware does require the use of free and commercially available software.