Apple Car Play Disconnects at Same Spots on Highway

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recurring disconnection of Apple Car Play in specific sections of a highway. Participants explore potential causes for this issue, considering both technical and environmental factors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes consistent disconnections at certain highway spots and questions the underlying cause, mentioning the absence of visible communication towers.
  • Another participant suggests that underground power cables could be responsible for the disconnections, drawing a parallel to similar issues experienced with FM radio signals.
  • A different participant reiterates the underground power cable theory and questions whether power cables could also be present underground in their area.
  • One participant introduces the idea of 'ghosting' due to multiple signal paths, which could affect the receiver's performance if the signal strength is low.
  • Several participants seek clarification on the connection method between the iPhone and the car, confirming that Apple Car Play uses Bluetooth for connection and WiFi for data streaming.
  • Questions arise about the type of car and whether other wireless connections experience similar issues, with one participant confirming they do not have other wireless connections that drop out.
  • There is a suggestion to use spectrum analyzer apps to monitor signal strengths while driving.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the cause of the disconnections, and no consensus is reached on a definitive explanation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific environmental factors affecting the signal, and there are unresolved questions regarding the impact of potential underground infrastructure on wireless connectivity.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar issues with Apple Car Play disconnections, automotive technology enthusiasts, and those interested in wireless communication challenges.

Greg Bernhardt
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I've been connecting my iphone to Apple Car Play via WiFi or Bluetooth for about 6 months and there are a few sections of highway where it disconnects every single time. I don't see any large comms towers anywhere. What do you think is going on?
 
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Beyond the 'Missing Mast' issue, or a mast blocked on that singular vector' by a building, silo, ridge or seasonal foliage,, if signal strength is already low, you may be getting 'ghosting' due multiple paths. Would your receiver handle such well ??
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
via WiFi or Bluetooth
Sorry, what does that mean? You are making a wireless connection between your iPhone and your car so you can play music on your car stereo? And you can choose either WiFi or Bluetooth to make that wireless connection?

What kind of car is it? Are you making any other wireless connections between your car and other devices? Or between your iPhone and other devices (like Bluetooth earbuds)? If so, do those other connections ever drop out? Do you ever have problems with dropped calls on your iPhone in those areas?

There are "spectrum analyzer" apps that you can get for your phone that will show you signal strengths, so you could download one of those and have a passenger watch the display as you drive around...

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berkeman said:
Sorry, what does that mean? You are making a wireless connection between your iPhone and your car so you can play music on your car stereo? And you can choose either WiFi or Bluetooth to make that wireless connection?
Correct. Sounds like Apple CarPlay uses bluetooth to connect and then wifi for the data steaming.
https://robots.net/tech/how-does-wireless-carplay-work/
berkeman said:
What kind of car is it?
2024 CRV
berkeman said:
Are you making any other wireless connections between your car and other devices?
No
 

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