Retrofit Voice Control

[ghost]

Has anyone added voice control to their 997.2?
I bought the new control lever, fitted it myself and went to my OPC for PIWIS coding, but they claim it can't be done unless I bought the entire retrofit package, which includes components I already have (I.e. the mics for Bluetooth and Bose,etc). I had read on US forums that it's possible.
I have the required satnav module on my PCM system.

 

[angusc]

Check with an independent or find a friend with the PIWIS or Durametric systems at home. If you want to buy the Durametric system yourself I can recommend an eBay supplier who I got mine from. I went for the Durametric pro system and it can do most things needed as well as offers the reassurance of making module coding backups before you change anything!

 

[ghost]

Thanks for the reply, Angus. Please could check if your Durametric system can code the voice control option when you get a chance? My OPC says Porcshe AG have to issue them with a special code to do this, which also registers my option change for inclusion in future updates they might make at services/recalls, etc. Might be true, but sounds a bit drastic. Marcus

ORIGINAL: angusc Check with an independent or find a friend with the PIWIS or Durametric systems at home. If you want to buy the Durametric system yourself I can recommend an eBay supplier who I got mine from. I went for the Durametric pro system and it can do most things needed as well as offers the reassurance of making module coding backups before you change anything!

 

[angusc]

Hi Marcus, Certainly there Voice Control option is there in the menus of both Durametrics and PIWIS systems, however that does not mean that it will actually work. You wont really know until you try changing the options. FYI I installed a Multi-Function steering wheel to my 997.1 and it took me a while to locate the two places that had to be activated in the system (Gateway and Instrument Cluster menu's). Eventually though I got it working but you wont know until you try or speak to others that have managed to retrofit the voice control. I'm located near to Cambridge if you want to try my Durametric diagnostics on your car, but obviously you bear all responsibility if it doesn't work out for you. If interested then PM me. P.S> the Durametrics softwear is freely available for download from their website: http://www.durametric.com/

 

[Tamer]

Hey Marcus, I recently retro fitted a multi function steering wheel to mine and not having access to a PIWIS unit I had to take my car in to Main Dealer to activate it. This of course also means that despite the MF Steering wheel not being part of the original spec is (probably) then became part of the cars records at Porsche - as having a MF steering wheel. I'm not so sure about it becoming part of the 'future' service elements as I had a Major service carried out by the same main dealer a few months later and no reference was made to the steering wheel (test for function and form) it in the service log. You can understand how the manufacturer wants to keep a tab on what happens to their vehicles in terms of updates and modifications but IMO this is only necessary in the early years of the vehicle until the owner decides to break away from the main dealer and do what ever they want to their cars. However, bear in mind that the 'system' is designed to ensure that the manufacturer has the overall control and command of the vehicle and not necessarily the owner as they would like us to believe. As far as you voice control update aspirations are concerned, I believe you can do this, but a switch somewhere along the line has to be toggled to 'enable' it and perhaps aftermarket PIWIS are the way to go, considering the fact that main dealers pay in excess of £35k for the privilege of owning these things and that's before paying Porsche to train personnel and provide Technical Support in case technicians forget or lose their training notes The unfortunate thing is that individuals like you and I who are brave to take on such challenges often don't document exactly what we have done to achieve our objectives and log the steps taken to get these upgrades on a DIY basis and therefore there are not many references for others to follow. And since the PCGB is an official partner of Mr. urmm Dr.Porsche Ing Mind Ding we are not likely to find any official how-to references in these forums other than personal opinions of members. On a side note, I have owned several cars from new and always specified voice options (purely because this option often came with hands free (Bluetooth) phone preparation) but I never actually used voice commands because the technology is some what behind and for me a "Telephone, Call wife" voice command often resulted in wind-window-down , or some other erroneous interpretation of what I actually wanted from it, so as far as I am concerned it is one of those useless extras people think they need until they realize that it is not a very functional technology. Don't let me put you off though, I'm sure that once you have got it you will enjoy it. Good luck with your project, I hope you succeed.

 

[chrisgittins]

Hi, I had Porsche fit voice control to my c4s targa last November, they fitted all the hardware and it looks like a software upgrade was added to the PCM unit too as part of it, anyway it works great and I use it all the time for control of audio etc.

 

[Llordb]

What did the retro fit cost , if you don't mind me asking?

 

[chrisgittins]

Hi, about £750 I think ( I had other things done at the sane time), it's priced on the Porsche UK website too.

 

[ghost]

After a lot of research, it does seem that a software update to PCM is required in addition to the hardware (new stalk) and activation code that uses your VIN. The code has to come from Porsche HQ. I've ordered the full kit and will report back when I get a final solution.

 

[ibaker]

Hi you can activate the voice control as a retrofit if your PCM is of the right spec - you will need an activation code which you should be able to purchase from porsche parts dept. This will then need to be enabled with a PIWIS. There is a Porsche TSB which outlines the retrofit Thanks

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I'm a bit late to the party, but I have a copy of the TSB Ian mentions. Drop me an email if you would like it.

 

[ghost]

Thanks Richard. Email sent.

 

[ghost]

ORIGINAL: ibaker Hi you can activate the voice control as a retrofit if your PCM is of the right spec - you will need an activation code which you should be able to purchase from porsche parts dept. This will then need to be enabled with a PIWIS. There is a Porsche TSB which outlines the retrofit Thanks

The problem is that Porsche will not sell you an ‘enabling code’ in isolation. However, they sold me the stalk on it’s own, which I have fitted myself, but the code only comes as part of a kit. The kit includes mics and wiring connectors that I don’t need (confirmed by the TSB) as I already have BOSE and Telephone hands-free. I will also have to buy the 100 TU hours to do the job. I'm not here to moan about the OPC, who are following their rules (this IS a German brand after all ;-). I just wish the process could of been made clearer to me at the outset. Apparently, the OPC doesn't get much call for VC retrofits. It's just a bit frustrating and not like the old days when you could do more DIY :- At the end of the day, I want the retrofit and need to pay for it, which I am.

 

[ibaker]

My local one will sell the codes, try going through the parts dept rather than service - they are all in the game to make money

 

[ghost]

ORIGINAL: ibaker My local one will sell the codes, try going through the parts dept rather than service - they are all in the game to make money

Thats interesting... did they sell you the new stalk as well?

 

[shorthouse]

Porsche now offering retrofit, but is it worth it? Details from Porsche website ....

[h3]Voice control[/h3]Allows all PCM functions to be controlled almost exclusively using voice commands. With whole-word input of e.g. navigation destinations, phonebook entries or radio station names, without the system having to learn them Simplified operation by means of dialogue-based input and display of menu-specific selection lists. Note: Only in conjunction with PCM including navigation module

Part number: 997 044 902 36[/h5]Only in conjunction with PCM incl. navigation module

Available for:[*][ul]911 Carrera GTS 911 Carrera 911 Carrera Cabriolet More Models...[/ul][/ul] Price including fitment and painting from 1)[/b]£ 538.27 incl. 20% VAT £ 448.56 excl. 20% VAT