Database Users

Suggestions for Custom Board/Phone for a Project

Hi,
I am not sure how to ask this question yet i scribble a few words. Kindly ask questions if you are not clear. Thanks in advance.
We are doing a custom device for a industrial project. The project involves maintaining stock and functioning of electronic products using the USB API. The USB device(Our Product) and the android phone will be placed and provided to the end-user in an assembly. The end user sees the whole thing as a PDA/Device for use in industry.
I need suggestions for the following:
- The android Phone which we use must contain the following according to the Devs.
Android Version 2.2 or Higher.
Android Gingerbread 2.3 or higher is preferred.
- Touch Screen (Resistive or capacitive)
- Resolution 320 X 480 Pixels (Minimum)
- Screen-size 3 -4 Inches
- GPS or aGPS
- G-Sensor
- WiFi (any b/g/n or all)
- Internal Memory 512MB or higher
- RAM 384 MB or higher
- Processor 500 MHz or higher
- Battery 5 hrs or more usage time
- Partially assembled units with Display, Battery and Board.
- the outer case is not required (Optional)
- Bluetooth, GSM.. etc are necessarily required but if present can be used for any future projects.
Is there any board/ assembly unit or may be a mobile phone without the fancy housing or casing which we can buy for our project?
The BeagleBoard and AllGo boards already have android support but are on the expensive side.
Any help would be really appreciated.
Mods kindly help me to make this questions little more clear to the respected community.
Thank you.

As far as I can understand, you want something like DIY package for phone. I haven't heard about such thing, and even if it does exist - it's too expensive when compared to fully assembled phones. Basically what you described covers all functions of hi end PDA 3 years ago.
AFAIK you won't find resistive touchscreen phone with Android - it isn't really supported by AOSP.
I'd look for something like first Android HTCs, these were pretty good devices, aren't expensive now and meets your requirements I believe.

Unfortunately the cost to custom make something would be pretty high, and unless you are going to be selling these by the thousands, it will be cheaper to just buy a stock android phone.
The other problem is, Android devices have a specific set of requirements for both hardware and software before Google lets you put their os on it. (Not sure if that means they are "closed source" per-se, but I can't blame them for having minimum requirements, to at least keep up appearances.)

Have you considered using a Nexus S? It sounds like it would meet the requirements and could be modified if needed. Plus being a google dev phone android 2.3 was pretty much written for it.
DarthCaniac said:
The other problem is, Android devices have a specific set of requirements for both hardware and software before Google lets you put their os on it. (Not sure if that means they are "closed source" per-se, but I can't blame them for having minimum requirements, to at least keep up appearances.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're thinking of the Google Apps, the OS is opensource and can be put on anything. You would just need their approval for the android market, gmail, g maps, etc.

If you're really serious about this, and it's really industry sized, I suggest you fork out a little more money and get the boards and whatnot.

Is the price in 125$ is high for devkit with ARM, I mean Beagleboard? You could view Freescale's devkit imx53qsb. The price is 149$ for board and 99$ for touchscreen. Freescale support Android 2.x (Gingerbread) BSP, Ubuntu 10 BSP, WinCE(if you pay) BSP.
---------- Post added at 07:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 AM ----------
http://www.linaro.org/low-cost-development-boards/

The Samsung captivate has a 1ghz processor with 500 megs of ram. The device was sold for around $50 on contract. I've personally documented the heck out of it. All this boils down to a device which exceeds the specs you want. Has readily available parts, and is totally maintainable. I'd look at that device for a cheap platform. If you're looking for the development board you want the kit S5PC110... but I made that platform obsolete with UnBrickable Mod . I'd say reuse the available device boards and screens. Make a new case.

Rebellos said:
AFAIK you won't find resistive touchscreen phone with Android - it isn't really supported by AOSP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, on android-x86, we had to add tslib and hack framework/base to get resistive touchscreens to work.
http://git.android-x86.org/?p=platform/external/tslib.git;a=summary
http://git.android-x86.org/?p=platform/frameworks/base.git;a=shortlog;h=refs/heads/donut-x86
http://git.android-x86.org/?p=platf...it;h=ff896c717ffdf746d979bdd50348235724832db5
The last two links are for donut and froyo, but could be ported forward for gingerbread or ics.
Hope that is helpful.

AdamOutler said:
The Samsung captivate has a 1ghz processor with 500 megs of ram. The device was sold for around $50 on contract. I've personally documented the heck out of it. All this boils down to a device which exceeds the specs you want. Has readily available parts, and is totally maintainable. I'd look at that device for a cheap platform. If you're looking for the development board you want the kit S5PC110... but I made that platform obsolete with UnBrickable Mod . I'd say reuse the available device boards and screens. Make a new case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this. Off the shelf hardware is probably best in this case

Since the hardware specs are so low, price is important and it looks like Android is more the OS than a necessary ecosystem you might look at some of the Chinese mfg's who are building droves of cheap android phones and tablets.
This wont be premier hardware but it should be cheap and meet your needs while allowing whatever quantity you think you'll need.
---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------
Rebellos said:
AFAIK you won't find resistive touchscreen phone with Android - it isn't really supported by AOSP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there have been several devices with resistive screens running android. They haven't been released from major OEM's and are fairly rare in the US but they are certainly supported. Unless you're shooting for a device that feels low end or just doesn't work all that well I'd recommend against them but they are an option.

Thank you... We finally settled for a 50$ phone.. It was cheap and has 3years service and replacement agreement with the manufacturer.. Without your suggestions I could have ordered those expensive development boards..
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium

anoopch said:
Thank you... We finally settled for a 50$ phone.. It was cheap and has 3years service and replacement agreement with the manufacturer..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I am also looking for a similar device for an Industrial product. Need Blue Tooth and WifI but no battery. Can you share the source or help me get 2 pcs for trial and evaluation.

AdamOutler said:
The Samsung captivate has a 1ghz processor with 500 megs of ram. The device was sold for around $50 on contract. I've personally documented the heck out of it. All this boils down to a device which exceeds the specs you want. Has readily available parts, and is totally maintainable. I'd look at that device for a cheap platform. If you're looking for the development board you want the kit S5PC110... but I made that platform obsolete with UnBrickable Mod . I'd say reuse the available device boards and screens. Make a new case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Main problem with this for the stated purpose in the OP is that the Nexus S doesn't exactly have very strong USB HOST functionality. (Although while it mentions USB, it isn't in the explicit requirements???)
I think for the use described in question, a tablet is likely to be a better bet.
Another option would be Samsung's Galaxy Player series - They are basically Galaxy S devices minus the phone functionality.
However you might want to look into a ruggedized Android device...

Nice
Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus usando Tapatalk 2

picking cheap watches for development

Hello all.
Recently looking at all those innovative cheap non-chinese smartwatches I've got an obsession on picking ones for some random development.
How about we gather some little info on devices ready for custom upgrades and firmwares. Certainly this doesn't include android wear devices as they are ready for development.
Almost all cheap smartwatches do not allow installation of custom apps and some can't even show the time without being connected with your phone!
But some of them allow firmware upgrading/flashing... So I'm looking for any device having some native sdk or compatible with arduino toolkit or anything else.
1. A perfect example of what am I looking for is sony smartwatch mn2. They already have:
- open smartwatch project with it's ported arduino toolkit
- star wars game on mn2
I would probably pick those but they're pretty old and lack some sensors.
2. The second one is weloop tommy. (suggested by qkall and raicg)
These have a huge standby time (I guess more than the first pebble), waterproof but they have accelerometer inside only and no touchscreen. I guess the price is huge comparing to others.
Still there is an opensource project around with a custom firmware.
As I understand a huge work is done and the device was carefully examined and all that pin-out stuff was collected to make it working and you're pretty ready to go with development of your own features.
My next possible targets are mt2502 based watches as there are some stuff (mediatek linkit) around on mediatek site.
I'm unsure if this sdk will allow to do something with randomly picked mt2502 watches.
So I'm interested in any info if someone tried this or had any other success on development/moding of their watches.
Thx.

I feel like I'm being a bit slutty with this today... but the Weloop Tommy might be interesting to you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma...s/weloop-tommy-smartwatch-looks-best-t2864444
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sma.../weloop-tommy-smartwatch-faq-updates-t2995858
https://hackaday.io/project/4510-open-source-sportsmart-watch

gvma said:
Hello all.
Recently looking at all those innovative cheap non-chinese smartwatches I've got an obsession on picking ones for some random development.
How about we gather some little info on devices ready for custom upgrades and firmwares. Certainly this doesn't include android wear devices as they are ready for development.
Almost all cheap smartwatches do not allow installation of custom apps and some can't even show the time without being connected with your phone!
But some of them allow firmware upgrading/flashing... So I'm looking for any device having some native sdk or compatible with arduino toolkit or anything else.
A perfect example of what am I looking for is sony smartwatch mn2. They already have:
- open smartwatch project with it's ported arduino toolkit
- star wars game on mn2
I would probably pick those but they're pretty old and lack some sensors.
My next possible target are mt2502 based watches as there are some stuff (mediatek linkit) around on mediatek site.
I'm unsure if this sdk will allow to do something with randomly picked mt2502 watches.
So I'm interested in any info if someone tried this or had any other success on development/moding of their watches.
Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO.1 SUN S2 has firmware available new watch with decent specs. Here is some firmwares for it http://en.001phone.cn/download-19.html I bought mine on gearbest.com but right now they're selling a crappier version probably preproduction stuff

qkall said:
I feel like I'm being a bit slutty with this today... but the Weloop Tommy might be interesting to you:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are nice but their price is huge when you think about their hardware.
spriteboost said:
NO.1 SUN S2 has firmware available new watch with decent specs. Here is some firmwares for it I bought mine on gearbest.com but right now they're selling a crappier version probably preproduction stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean any watches that have official firmware binaries.
I'm talking about totally customized firmwares, original firmware sources, sdk toolkits for mt6260/2502 soc or arduino toolchain port.
I want to pick some cheap smartwatches like u8/u80/20$-45$ and do some coding.
I wonder if someone who have mt2502 device would check the mediatek sdks on the possibility to build custom firmware (look for mediatek labs linkit one sdk, that SoC has mt2502 cpu and complete IDE).
Also most cheap devices use mt6260 but I didn't find much info about it.
I'm glad that someone answered me and thanks for you replies!

u8 customization
I just received 2 U8's in the mail. I'm keeping one in a new state, but the other is ready for the lab...where do we begin?
Pacman8521

I suggest to you the weloop
The great on weloop smartwatch is the battery time, up to 21 days! And it's waterproof!
One user has a open firmware project of weloop Smartwatch: https://hackaday.io/project/4510-open-source-sportsmart-watch
Take a look, it's open firmware.

I got some infomation about mtk2502
it seems have rtos sdk,I am not sure if we can flash our custom firmware to the target watch
www dot seeedstudio dot com/wiki/Rephone#Eclipse_IDE_for_RePhone_Kit
how do you guys think?

Blocks Smartwatch

Here is a new smartwatch concept that is just going to Kickstarter.
I think it looks very promising.
The watch currently supports Android and Iphone, but will add Windows Phone in the near future (the orphan sister).
Here is the website http://www.chooseblocks.com
There is also a video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=27&v=BT98FChvoFU
I am pretty excited about this, since every other watch out there tells me what I monitor, this one will be different.
They are working on kinetic charging also, that would be the best. Nothing like getting your smartwatch all set to go, using it for a day or two and then it dies (in the middle of a workout)
Can't wait to get my hands on one of these.

Kickstater Campaign
Here is a link to the Kickstarter campaign. https://www.kickstarter.com/project...orlds-first-modular-smartwatch?ref=nav_search
They met there goal in the first 2 hours.
I think this will be the way of the future. And they are adding Windows Phone support in the next few months.
Can't wait to get my hands on one of these little gems.

Wind Dancer said:
Here is a link to the Kickstarter campaign. https://www.kickstarter.com/project...orlds-first-modular-smartwatch?ref=nav_search
They met there goal in the first 2 hours.
I think this will be the way of the future. And they are adding Windows Phone support in the next few months.
Can't wait to get my hands on one of these little gems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've backed the 4 module edition and plan to add 3 more modules.
Which modules are you planning to get, If any?
The only negative thoughts I have is the screen technology. As for now, they're using TFT

Gorilla Glass
patrickpetersen said:
I've backed the 4 module edition and plan to add 3 more modules.
Which modules are you planning to get, If any?
The only negative thoughts I have is the screen technology. As for now, they're using TFT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the enormous response on Kickstarter there is talk of Gorilla Glass.
We should know soon.

Wind Dancer said:
With the enormous response on Kickstarter there is talk of Gorilla Glass.
We should know soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm hoping for the stretch goal to be reached in a couple of days. It'll give time and money for an AMOLED instead of the current screen technology
What about modules? What do you think?

Stretch goal!
It's here. Our 1st stretch goal is .....(drumroll)..... Gorilla Glass for the Core display! You will be able to get your hands on an (almost) bullet proof display for the Core module that will survive even the toughest of adventures. To make this possible, we need to cross $1 million in funding. Please help us spread the word by sharing the BLOCKS Kickstarter page with your community!
We are considering both IP68 and metal finishes. There is no hardware limitation and there is a mic inside the core. It would mostly depend on what most of our users want and the type of deal we finalize with the telecom companies.
IP68 is important but we have some more exciting updates also.
Also just to let you know - our manuf has confirmed that IP68 is possible for blocks, so technically we could go for it. Just need to consider the cost of production increase that would ensue for IP 68 vs IP 67. So please hold on

This looks very interesting.
In my opinion, it would be nice to have the possibility to install apps directly from play store.

This module shows some promise of that
Programmable Button
Gain instant access to your favourite smartwatch features or other connected devices.

Myself and partner are both watching this project and hoping it actually makes full production and prices drop...
The module system is a great idea and means she can have it set for her purposes as can I mine.... And just upgrade a module as we go along...
Lets hope it's a winner and not a lame duck!!!!

I know, I can't wait to get it on my wrist.
I am on Windows Phone which should be supported by ship date.
Kinetic charging is another big plus for me.
Next year can't come soon enough.

They hit a million this morning!!!!!!!
Check it out https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2106691934/blocks-the-worlds-first-modular-smartwatch/updates

Check this out
This one is going to be legendary! The next stretch goal is METALLIC FINISH for the Core and Modules! Our manufacturer has confirmed this. We are finalizing the details and we will release all the information when we cross $1,200,000. All our existing backers will be able to upgrade to this premium finish if they like. We would kindly like to ask you to hold on to your questions about this metallic finish until we can announce the final details.
[FONT=&quot]Pre order here https://www.kickstarter.com/project...e-worlds-first-modular-smartwatch/description
Also they now have a referral program for anyone who orders before the campaign is over.[/FONT]
How can you help?
Not only can you help us get to this stretch quicker but you can also earn some free Modules in the process. For every friend you bring in, we’ll give BOTH you and your friend a free Module. To find out more, please click on the following link: [FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]http://www.chooseblocks.com/welcome.html?custom-url=wyyG588006J&name=Jory%20Weber[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]So[FONT=&quot], if you are thinking about ordering[FONT=&quot], do so before the campaign is over, [FONT=&quot]24 days to go.
[FONT=&quot]Then both of us can get an extra module for free[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]

This looks promising. Pitty it will take so long to launch
Will it allow to make/receive calls from the phone without having to take the phone from my pocket to talk?

I know right, I can't wait.
To answer your question yes, you can answer a call on the watch. That will be part of the core module.
There will also be a SIM module, so you can answer calls away from your phone.

The SIM card module does not interest me, since that would be an extra sim card. All i want is the possibility of using the watch has a hands free kit on one of my cars that hasn't got hands free kit.
I've read it's IP67 rating. Wouldn't this allows me to go to swimming pool and swim without risk of damage? After all, the watch will not be always under water, not even would go to below 1m of water.
Regards.

Almost There!!
Blocks Smartwatch is almost through there Kickstarter campaign with amazing results.
They have set several stretch goals and met all but the last one. If just a few more people get on board they will have realized there wildest dreams.
- Metallic Finish is now available!
- Open Design Announced - easily customize the colours and materials of each module.
- Partnership with Tateossian, luxury British jeweler announced for premium shells.
- Partnerships with biggest telecom carriers in UK & US to be announced next week.
- STRETCH GOAL REACHED: Gorilla glass display will be installed for everyone!
- NEW STRETCH GOAL: The screen will be upgraded to AMOLED if we reach $1.5M.
New Partnerships announced this week!
[FONT=&quot]A leading telecom provider in the United States, AT&T, is collaborating with BLOCKS to bring cellular connectivity to YOUR smartwatch. We are also working with EE, UK's largest mobile operator, to bring the same benefits to our community in the United Kingdom. This would make BLOCKS one of the few smartwatches that has a potential to be a fully standalone device, without the need to be connected to a smartphone.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]With this news, you can be rest assured that the development of cellular connectivity will proceed with the best resources and experience behind us. BLOCKS watches in these two countries will come equipped with ready to use SIM cards from these providers, that you can simply insert and use straight out of the box. As mentioned earlier, cellular connectivity will become available in Phase 2.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]What if you’re not in the US/UK? [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
BLOCKS will eventually have cellular connectivity enabled in many other countries around the world. We will be announcing affiliates with other telecom providers from around the world in the coming months.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]We would also like to take this opportunity to announce our partner companies for development of the following Modules:[/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Advanced heart rate monitoring module will be developed in partnership with PixArt Imaging, a leading provider of optical sensors, with inbuilt tri-LED pulse sensor[/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Biometric Authentication via the fingerprint module to be made available with BioConnect Entertech Systems, a pioneer in intelligent identity management[/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Easily customizable and removable covers for each module with British luxury jeweller, Tateossian. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Also, we’re working with Angee on a partnership to connect our devices to theirs. Angee is an advanced security and communication system changing how you protect – and connect to – your home. Their Kickstarter has been successful and will be ending soon. It's definitely worth checking out!
[/FONT]
Here is a new video, everything you wanted to know about Blocks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck57mH6PtBc
Here is an incentive for you to order before the end of the Kickstater campaign. If you order through the link below we will both receive a free module for our watches.
[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]http://www.chooseblocks.com/welcome.html?custom-url=wyyG588006J&name=Jory%20Weber
[/FONT][/FONT]Let's get on board and make this beautiful watch a reality.
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]

Only 3 days left!!
Only 3 days left before BLOCKS Kickstarter campaign ends!
What a month it has been!
$1.5million later we can firmly say that BLOCKS is happening!
With support from Qualcomm, AT&T, EE, ARM, Compal and many other world's leading technology companies BLOCKS will be delivered to you. This is your last chance to get it before prices increase. ​
[FONT=&quot]What makes BLOCKS special? Why is it different to any other smartwatch on the market? We've made a video with the BLOCKS team sharing what inspires us about BLOCKS.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Let's signal to the world that technology should be more personal and upgradeable. Back us on Kickstarter now.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]#chooseblocks[/FONT]
​[FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]http://www.chooseblocks.com/welcome.html?custom-url=wyyG588006J&name=Jory Weber[/FONT][/FONT]
​

And here it is! Wondering how soon people will start to modify...

Failrure?
@Wind Dancer - There are so many unhappy people, its not looking good, so many questions/emails ignored, would you care to update us?

I received my BLOCKS smartwatch on 16.Feb. It came with Android 5.1 and had an update to Oreo 8.0. Allot of the apps are not functional or not working yet. Battery life with 8.0 is much better than the 5.1 firmware, but I only get ~9 hours battery with Wifi off and minimal notifications. One other said he is getting close to 2 days. Maybe need some more battery discharge/recharge cycles. Watch is considerably larger than the original mockup I saw at CES around 3 years ago. It looks very large on my wrist. Metal strap is not available yet and shipped with rubber strap. Still no word on when the modules will ship. Hopefully I will get my Model 3 quicker than the 3.5 years wait for this watch. Hopefully we will see improvements soon in the watch functionality.

Lembird Free3/4 - Android 4.4, 3G, 400x400 Amoled, MTK6572

Two models, slight differences:
Free3 - http://www.lembird.com/Free3/show_31.html
Free4 - http://www.lembird.com/Free4/show_32.html
Price 119.5 USD, shipping cost 28USD, they do not use Paypal. Contact Yeva - [email protected]. "3TM water resistance" - what's that mean?
'Most likely' you buy this watch 'as is', once its delivered then there's no:
1. Warranty, if it arrives faulty you pay for shipping to China and back
2. Software update or support
3. Hardware support or spare parts to buy
The Android version 4.4.2 - would it not cause problems with newer apps? PushBullet doesn't work (even though PushBullet so expensive now). Only one Chinese watch (no SIM) has Android 5.1 - http://www.gearbest.com/smart-watches/pp_260935.html.

The 3 is the K8/K18 round, the 4 is the K8 mini/D5. So both are rebrands and not made by Lembird.
3ATM? I highly doubt it, they are IP67 at best. 3ATM is equal to 30m/100ft water resistance. If you look at smartwatches with that rating or better (a short list), very few have a mic (a very short list) and none have a speaker. So their claim of 3ATM alone is enough reason to avoid them.
They take a SIM card so companion capability would be pretty lacking. Say, basic notifications but little in the way to reply or interact with notifications. They are designed to be standalone devices.

Lokifish Marz said:
The 3 is the K8/K18 round, the 4 is the K8 mini/D5. So both are rebrands and not made by Lembird.
3ATM? I highly doubt it, they are IP67 at best. 3ATM is equal to 30m/100ft water resistance. If you look at smartwatches with that rating or better (a short list), very few have a mic (a very short list) and none have a speaker. So their claim of 3ATM alone is enough reason to avoid them.
They take a SIM card so companion capability would be pretty lacking. Say, basic notifications but little in the way to reply or interact with notifications. They are designed to be standalone devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know the free3 is just a k18 rebrand?

kasseen said:
How do you know the free3 is just a k18 rebrand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same case design, specifications, UI, watchfaces. When it comes to Chinese smartwatches there are only two circumstances in which this happens. Either it's a rip-off clone (inferior), or it came from the same ODM. Example; If I wanted to, right now I could buy a shipping crate of the Free4/Mini/D5 and have the ODM stamp each watch and box with whatever I want. With that being said, I'm not even sure Zeaplus is the ODM of the K18 but a quick search through sources and announcement dates kinda of stops there.

Lokifish Marz said:
The 3 is the K8/K18 round, the 4 is the K8 mini/D5. So both are rebrands and not made by Lembird. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... I should know better by now, just like the x201 clones, its history repeating, so there will be more round Chinese clones popping up for a year or two. If the large firms (samsung/moto) decide that triangle is a good (money making) shape, we'll see Chinese triangle clones and people will happily wear them thinking its the 'new in thing'.
@Lokifish Marz - is there a generic name for theses round clones or can we give it a generic name, might make life easier? W806 maybe?

simple1i said:
@Lokifish Marz - is there a generic name for theses round clones or can we give it a generic name, might make life easier? W806 maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say go by the device model number which is W806. That covers the XGODY k18, K8 Round, Zeaplus K18, and Lembird Free 3.

HD Radio for Android

I doubt I'm alone in the US in wanting HD Radio (NRSC-5) support on our Android Head Units. I did a little looking as to what would be required to get this running. There is effectively no ready-made solution that is compatible with our Android Head Units.
Over at GitHub, there's a project which you can build on Linux (or Windows under MinGW). When paired with a USB SDR (the cheap ones based on the RTL2832U chipset), this will correctly decode and play the HD radio stream at the specified frequency. Here's the link: https://github.com/theori-io/nrsc5
I think all we'd need to get this working for Android is:
1) Being able to build the binary and libraries for the Android platform.
2) A simple UI. All it would need to do at a minimum is allow us to add station frequencies as bookmarks, and then control launching and stopping the NRSC5 binary. This wouldn't necessarily be as seamless as some would like, but it would be a great start, in my opinion.
3) Eventually, we might want to look into scanning functionalities, integration with standard FM radio (to auto-switch to HD when available), displaying title/artist data, etc.
I'm willing to kick in say $20 or so for this functionality. Perhaps enough of us could pledge some money for a functional delivered APK?

jpreston84 said:
I doubt I'm alone in the US in wanting HD Radio (NRSC-5) support on our Android Head Units. I did a little looking as to what would be required to get this running. There is effectively no ready-made solution that is compatible with our Android Head Units.
Over at GitHub, there's a project which you can build on Linux (or Windows under MinGW). When paired with a USB SDR (the cheap ones based on the RTL2832U chipset), this will correctly decode and play the HD radio stream at the specified frequency. Here's the link: https://github.com/theori-io/nrsc5
I think all we'd need to get this working for Android is:
1) Being able to build the binary and libraries for the Android platform.
2) A simple UI. All it would need to do at a minimum is allow us to add station frequencies as bookmarks, and then control launching and stopping the NRSC5 binary. This wouldn't necessarily be as seamless as some would like, but it would be a great start, in my opinion.
3) Eventually, we might want to look into scanning functionalities, integration with standard FM radio (to auto-switch to HD when available), displaying title/artist data, etc.
I'm willing to kick in say $20 or so for this functionality. Perhaps enough of us could pledge some money for a functional delivered APK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best approach would be to write a broadcast radio HAL for it.
Here is one for a DMHD-1000: https://github.com/HiKey960-Car/android_device_linaro_hikey/tree/dmhd1000/broadcastradio
Note that this HAL is for Android 8.1+
If you insist on the sdr route with its inherently non-reception, you would obviously have to import the source for that into the HAL and connect it up.

Thanks for the added info.
I am not personally tied as to which way this is made to work. What I, and I think many others, would prefer to have, is a simple means to add HD Radio capability to their Android Head Units. Most common lately are the PX5 MTCD units (which is what I myself have), meaning we'd want something compatible with Android 6 (though as I understand, Oreo should be available sooner or later). If we can make this work with the built in FM radio chipset already present in these units, that's great. If using an SDR is required, that's fine too, as far as I'm concerned.

jpreston84 said:
Thanks for the added info.
I am not personally tied as to which way this is made to work. What I, and I think many others, would prefer to have, is a simple means to add HD Radio capability to their Android Head Units. Most common lately are the PX5 MTCD units (which is what I myself have), meaning we'd want something compatible with Android 6 (though as I understand, Oreo should be available sooner or later). If we can make this work with the built in FM radio chipset already present in these units, that's great. If using an SDR is required, that's fine too, as far as I'm concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The built in fm radio is *not* capable of HD.
And the cheap chinese radios probably won't be too happy working with anything you try to attach to them, its the chinese way to sell you something that is broken as hell and take extraordinary measures to prevent you from fixing it yourself.
Take a peek at the project that that HAL is associated with.

I'm not sure what your particular interest in that project is, but it really is out of scope. What I'm aimed at are the many of us who have MTCD/MTCE units (in my case, of the PX5 variety, which many people have now). We already have these units, and they perform sufficiently for most of our needs. We simply would like to add HD radio capability.
We can already attach the SDR I mentioned to the head unit and use it. We simply lack the software to decode the HD signal (and no compatible hardware product seems to be available, or I'd probably buy that). The decoding software is available for Linux, which gives us at least a possibility of building this for use on Android.

jpreston84 said:
I'm not sure what your particular interest in that project is, but it really is out of scope. What I'm aimed at are the many of us who have MTCD/MTCE units (in my case, of the PX5 variety, which many people have now). We already have these units, and they perform sufficiently for most of our needs. We simply would like to add HD radio capability.
We can already attach the SDR I mentioned to the head unit and use it. We simply lack the software to decode the HD signal (and no compatible hardware product seems to be available, or I'd probably buy that). The decoding software is available for Linux, which gives us at least a possibility of building this for use on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had those units too, and they don't perform sufficiently for ANYTHING. They are worse than useless.
And I'm not even talking about SPEED when I say performance. They're fundamentally broken, hacked to hell and back, and not one thing works correctly on them. You can't even reliably make a phone call.

I appreciate that you don't like those units. But here's the reality -- a lot of us do. If you don't, that's fine, but it doesn't give you reason to undercut the entire basis of the project, when you don't actually have a better answer. The goal of this particular thread was to find a way to add HD Radio functionality to the MTCD/MTCE units we already own. These units integrate well with our cars (no one else offers a good face plate or buttons that look like they belong in my car). No, they're not perfect (I've replaced the ROM, and the Wifi/Bluetooth on mine, which makes the unit quite usable in my view), but they're the best option I, and many others, have available. The project you've linked isn't nearly as plug-and-play, even with the modifications I've done to my PX5 unit. Use what you like, but don't assume that everyone else must use what you like.
Additionally, the ability to use an SDR for this means you can toss one on your phone as well, which would probably be very interesting to some people.
So, back to where this started please -- is there any developer out there who would be willing to work on porting this code to an Android app? Anyone else willing to put up some money as a reward for whoever that brave developer ends up being?

jpreston84 said:
I appreciate that you don't like those units. But here's the reality -- a lot of us do. If you don't, that's fine, but it doesn't give you reason to undercut the entire basis of the project, when you don't actually have a better answer. The goal of this particular thread was to find a way to add HD Radio functionality to the MTCD/MTCE units we already own. These units integrate well with our cars (no one else offers a good face plate or buttons that look like they belong in my car). No, they're not perfect (I've replaced the ROM, and the Wifi/Bluetooth on mine, which makes the unit quite usable in my view), but they're the best option I, and many others, have available. The project you've linked isn't nearly as plug-and-play, even with the modifications I've done to my PX5 unit. Use what you like, but don't assume that everyone else must use what you like.
Additionally, the ability to use an SDR for this means you can toss one on your phone as well, which would probably be very interesting to some people.
So, back to where this started please -- is there any developer out there who would be willing to work on porting this code to an Android app? Anyone else willing to put up some money as a reward for whoever that brave developer ends up being?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My answer is better. Fact.
And no, you won't find anyone "porting" anything like that to an "app". Won't work, because applications don't have hardware access on Android.

Your answer is literally useless to most people. But hey, if you want to tell me how to get from what you suggested to a working, fully installed unit in my car, complete with appropriately sized bezel and physical buttons, I'm ready to hear it.
On the other hand, what it seems like you're trying to do is garner support for the project you mentioned (which I assume you have some connection to). If that's your goal, you're doing a bad job of it.
If anyone else sees this and shares my interest, please PM me -- I do have contacts with app experience available, and may farm this to them if there's enough interest.

Maybe the problem is that only the US have "HD Radio", and the rest of the world either has already or is starting to adopt DAB. Consequently the Chinese Android suppliers (Head Units or Adapters) are focused on DAB.
Have you looked at the GROM HDR1 ? Maybe this could be adapted to talk to android ?

I definitely agree as to the nature of the problem.
As for the GROM unit, I actually did look at this. Unfortunately the GROM units seem to be geared around a CD changer interface, which isn't supported by these head units.

I wonder if this code could be used to decode the NRSC-5.
Google
"DECODING AND LISTENING TO HD RADIO (NRSC-5) WITH AN RTL-SDR"
Not able to post the URL.
Also look at theori.io

I have also been looking for this for a long time and the only solution I've found it to attach an external hd tuner to the input of the stereo. the one I'm using is Directed Electronics DMHD-1000 HD Radio Tuner. it adds extra hardware but works great and has a huge improvement overall compared to the built in tuner on the head unit.

Agreed - there is a significant gap in functionality here and wish we had a solution for it. I can't speak to the quality of DAB because i've never listened to it, however, i've read that HD Radio is far superior. Still looking for a solution.

I'd like to see a solution for HD Radio on Android as well. I'm currently using an Insignia HD Radio Portable Player NS-HD02 connected to the audio-in jack on my car's radio. The Insignia player has a touchscreen and displays album and station art and the audio quality is much better than what I receive via the analog broadcasts. These units are extremely rare now but once in a while they still pop up on eBay or other auction sites. I was pretty envious when I saw the DAB USB adapters with software for Android and Android head units recently. Love my Insignia radio but a larger screen akin to a head unit or tablet would be very welcome.

In the US it is standard in the meanwhile, but not available in Europe and China.
This is exactly the point in the moment. They have no clue about the existence of HD-Radio.
AFAIK there are only some tests running in Romania and Swiss, but for Europe it would not work:
However, this increases the frequency requirement and could lead to interference from neighboring channels. In Europe, a channel spacing of 100 kHz is common on ultra-short wave (VHF), while in the USA it is 200 kHz.
At least the reason to work with DAB+ in Europe and a lot of other states.
You need to talk with your seller and ask for HD-Radio in special. You won´t get it soon, but someone has to start developing on their side.