Database Users

Car Audio

So last night my car was broken into and they trashed my alpine deck and stole my ipod. So today while shopping for a new stereo for my car I tried finding something that would work well with my HTC Hero. I was hoping for something that would bluetooth connect to my phone and access the music on my sim card. Does anyone have a suggestion on this?

mkabwilliams said:
So last night my car was broken into and they trashed my alpine deck and stole my ipod. So today while shopping for a new stereo for my car I tried finding something that would work well with my HTC Hero. I was hoping for something that would bluetooth connect to my phone and access the music on my sim card. Does anyone have a suggestion on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on a Pioneer DEX-P99RS Ipod/anything USB.
Works well for me. Just plug in USB and mount it like you do a PC. reads all the tracks and ID3 tag info for you.
Not as fancy as bluetooth, but it works. This head unit maybe a bit high for most people. This was my first Pioneer, I was always an Alpine guy until now. I will never buy another Alpine after hearing this thing.

Kcarpenter said:
I'm on a Pioneer DEX-P99RS Ipod/anything USB.
Works well for me. Just plug in USB and mount it like you do a PC. reads all the tracks and ID3 tag info for you.
Not as fancy as bluetooth, but it works. This head unit maybe a bit high for most people. This was my first Pioneer, I was always an Alpine guy until now. I will never buy another Alpine after hearing this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it do this for voice calls too or just music?

sdotcarlisle said:
does it do this for voice calls too or just music?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the adapter I think. Pioneer offers 2 that will connect through Ibus. I want to say it's just Music on mine, and the other actually has a Mic you can run...I'm in it strictly for the boom and to piss off the cops

I have an "aux in" jack in the console of my car. I just use a male-to-male audio cable. Pandora comes in very handy on long car trips.

oh no. K! Don't go down that road! I'm not saying you don't need a stereo that will hit 130db, but that should be the third or forth thing you worry about! First you gotta take care of your hub caps...are they spinnin' man? ARE THEY SPINNIN?
OP, I had a pretty decent deck that did both voice and music over bluetooth...had a pretty decent little touchscreen on it, too...I'll try to remember what it was and get back to you.

oh no. K! Don't go down that road! I'm not saying you don't need a stereo that will hit 130db, but that should be the third or forth thing you worry about! First you gotta take care of your hub caps...are they spinnin' man? ARE THEY SPINNIN?
OP, I had a pretty decent deck that did both voice and music over bluetooth...had a pretty decent little touchscreen on it, too...I'll try to remember what it was and get back to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell no! I only buy the best in most cases...steel wheels all the way around!
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

I haven't tried since updating to a 2.1 ROM, but with the stock 1.5 I had lag issues running bluetooth audio to my stereo Moto headset. Mostly when using the radio at the same time, like pandora or if it decided to do a sync. I have an older Pioneer with a 3.5mm headphone hooked up, works amazing for me. Would be interested in finding out if the bluetooth works flawless.

Thinking of getting this one it says it does bluetooth audio streaming
http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX994/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X994.html?o=v&tp=5684

radios dont support ad2p at least i have yet to find one so u cant stream audio over bluetooth but u can still do 3.5 or usb

Well right here under the General Features it says A2DP support and says yes
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/2008_Car_Entertainment/KDC-X994

in my experience kenwood got very fuzzy at high frequencies.
im hugeee into a2dp and the BEST quality chip is sony.
so ANY sony xplod MEX-BT series are amazingg.
i used to hate sony xplod until i tried the bt audio. i have the low end one i got for like 80 bucks. it only has an aux jack and bt but you cant tell a difference in aux and bt.
(im an audiophile too)
i tried kenwood and quality was lost badly for me. Dual brand is by far the worst bt quality on earth. pioneers were ok but low fidelity with a2dp.
anyways hopes that helps.

mkabwilliams said:
Well right here under the General Features it says A2DP support and says yes
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/2008_Car_Entertainment/KDC-X994
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i was just about to post the kenwood mybad but i have had top of the line pioneers and aplines and they never had score one for kenwood

Since I drive a jeep with out a top most of the time I bought a brand from wal-mart called "Dual". I haven't ever had much luck with cheapy stereos but this one is pretty good. It does bluetooth, usb, 3.5mm, Ipod control, hd radio. All for 140 bucks, which hurts a lot less than 500 when someone else decides they need your stereo more than you do.

mkabwilliams said:
Thinking of getting this one it says it does bluetooth audio streaming
http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX994/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X994.html?o=v&tp=5684
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just bought this myself on eBay for $219 free shipping. Totally worth it, I was able to get rid of my AudioControl EQL equalizer because the sound quality was just that good. I'm having some issues getting 2.1 to remember the pairing, but other than that I can totally recommend the x994 on the merits.

Nextelian said:
Just bought this myself on eBay for $219 free shipping. Totally worth it, I was able to get rid of my AudioControl EQL equalizer because the sound quality was just that good. I'm having some issues getting 2.1 to remember the pairing, but other than that I can totally recommend the x994 on the merits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Nextelian that's awesome news now I just need to find one for that cheap.

grabbed a vr3-VR500CSBT at Target on clearance for $45 for the girlfriend. Bluetooth works like a charm and call quality is excellent.

Avalaunchmods said:
Dual brand is by far the worst bt quality on earth..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta say I picked up the dual at wally world for like 100. The bluetooth is pretty decent as far as the sound reception goes. Only gripe I have with it is when I would get a call the bluetooth wouldn't pick up but if I would call out then it would. That was before I got 2.1 on my hero. The music plays smoothly though. No connection issues at all either. Plus they are fairly cheap to be had at least if your concerned about that.

Dunno if this was suggested, but my boyfriend got the Sony MEX-BT2800 and I connect my phone to it with little issues. Audio works very nicely, as well as calls, though the built in mic can throw some people off but make sure to switch it from the default low sensitivity to high sensitivity to pick up your voice better (picks up engine noise more but no worse than talking on my BT headset). I really need to get this for my car heh.

I'm not a big sony person but thanks for the information. I'm heading out tonight to go check out and pick up a new unit. What ever I get I will come back and give an update on what I think of it and how it works with my Hero.
Thanks

Cheap Android headunit with Parrot Audio?

Hi All,
I'm after a new headunit for my Mazda MPV 2004. I currently have a Parrot Asteroid Smart in my old car which I did like, but also had it's flaws (old version of android, low spec hardware, no physical buttons/dials). I did however love the bluetooth and voice command options.
I've since been looking for a (cheap-ish) Android unit that I can install in the Mazda and honestly I'm overwhelmed! There are so many options now compared to a few years ago when I got the Parrot. I was looking at units like these and was almost convinced to take a gamble and accept that the bluetooth calling would not be as good as the Parrot (I've owned some Eonon units before):
Eonon - http://eonon.com/Car-GPS/Android-Car-GPS/G2110F.html
Pumpkin - http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...s-navigation-system-support-3g-wifi-obd2.html
Then I found this:
Avin - https://avinusa.com/7-universal-dou...android-multimedia-navigation-system-159.html
Which got me thinking, are there any other 'no name' units that use the Parrot bluetooth technology that anyone would recommend? Or at least have decent quality bluetooth audio otherwise and preferably voice command? Any hands on experience and reviews would be much appreciated!!

That's the only one I've found listed with parrot. I passed on it becase of the 800 x 480 resolution. Seems people like the Newsmy for Bluetooth calls and Google now works (Newsmy owners, correct me if I am wrong).

Thanks, I'll check out the Newsmy, hadn't heard of them. What did you end up going with twokidsandaphone?

glenb83 said:
What did you end up going with twokidsandaphone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info Jeff, when your unit arrives and is installed I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
This new unit will also be for my wife's car, she has basically the same requirements as you except there is no need for large storage expansion, ipod compatibility and a physical dial for volume (she hates the touch screen volume of the PAS, although if steering wheel controls work I wouldn't think that would be an issue, just have no idea how to wire them up...)
Cost is also an issue, I'm in Australia so those cheap US prices get high really quick for Australia!

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jeff,
I had a google and couldn't find this unit. Can you send me a link for comparison, and perhaps to the reviews too?
Thanks!

I couldn't find it on Google either. The reviews are just those of the customers of the seller. They sell the same unit in a few different vehicle specific versions. Their universal version is linked below. No buttons or knobs though...
In Dash Universal Quad Core 2 Din Android 4.4 Car Audio Stereo GPS 3G Wifi Bluetooth Radio (No) CD Player automotivo
http://s.aliexpress.com/yyqIfqi6
(from AliExpress Android)
Jeff
P.S. The Newsmy arrived today. In the middle of a bathroom reno so will be a little while before I can try it out.

twokidsandaphone said:
I couldn't find it on Google either. The reviews are just those of the customers of the seller. They sell the same unit in a few different vehicle specific versions. Their universal version is linked below. No buttons or knobs though...
In Dash Universal Quad Core 2 Din Android 4.4 Car Audio Stereo GPS 3G Wifi Bluetooth Radio (No) CD Player automotivo
http://s.aliexpress.com/yyqIfqi6
(from AliExpress Android)
Jeff
P.S. The Newsmy arrived today. In the middle of a bathroom reno so will be a little while before I can try it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link and looking forward to the newsmy review when you get around to it!
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

Just so you know, Pumpkin have just released a new product that uses a Parrot module, the links below
http://www.autopumpkin.com/pumpkin-...t-dab-mirrorlink-aux-output-obd2-wifi-3g.html
Regs

I am torn between the Pumpkin with Parrot Bluetooth and the Newsmy NR-3001.
Pumpkin works out cheaper because of Free Shipping vs AUD$133 for the Newsmy, but the Newsmy's already active ROM development is appealing.
Decisions, decisions........

I'm curious about the Pumpkin unit now too, I have heard reasonable things about Pumpkin in the past when they were WinCE units. I still haven't decided on anything for the wife's car yet but I need to soon. When I get something I'll be sure to post a review for anyone else in future.
I'd be interested in what everyone else here chooses and their experiences with their chosen unit too.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts Glen.
Having read through some of the Newsmy thread and the xdAuto ROM thread, I am leaning towards the Newsmy.

*UPDATE*
So in the end I went with price above all and purchased an Eonon G2110F Android headunit. I have to say I have been quite happy with the unit, it is much more responsive than the Parrot Asteroid Smart and runs apps natively, without any drop in audio quality like the smart. One issue which was sort of expected, is the sub-par bluetooth microphone quality. I expected the quality to not be too great, especially compared to the Parrot Smart, but it is so bad that most of the time I have to tell my wife to call me when she gets home because I can't hear her!
I am going to try to find an aftermarket bluetooth microphone to try instead, does anyone recommend anything that has good quality for a unit like this one?

glenb83 said:
*UPDATE*
So in the end I went with price above all and purchased an Eonon G2110F Android headunit. I have to say I have been quite happy with the unit, it is much more responsive than the Parrot Asteroid Smart and runs apps natively, without any drop in audio quality like the smart. One issue which was sort of expected, is the sub-par bluetooth microphone quality. I expected the quality to not be too great, especially compared to the Parrot Smart, but it is so bad that most of the time I have to tell my wife to call me when she gets home because I can't hear her!
I am going to try to find an aftermarket bluetooth microphone to try instead, does anyone recommend anything that has good quality for a unit like this one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't you read about the BT problems we all have? The only way to fix it is the mod of the motherboard.

halloj said:
Haven't you read about the BT problems we all have? The only way to fix it is the mod of the motherboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't aware of the Bluetooth issues, is it just with the eonon unit or all units with a particular chipset?
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

glenb83 said:
I wasn't aware of the Bluetooth issues, is it just with the eonon unit or all units with a particular chipset?
Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.

halloj said:
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, could you be so kind as to link to the mod? Thanks!

twokidsandaphone said:
I actually first ordered a lower cost unit from a seller called "Umecity". I changed my mind and even though the order was officially shipped, it had not been given to DHL yet and they let me cancel, which was awesome of them. That unit has an Allwinnertech chip, not the RK3188. It was less than $300 CDN, shipped, but I was concerned about BT and radio quality (and since it was for my wife I decided to err on the side of caution). All of their units get very good reviews though, still tempted... maybe for my car.
At any rate my requirements were:
Universal 7" 2 Din
Steering wheel controls (resistive type)
Support large external drive (for FLAC files)
1024 x 600, quad core
Joying units don't support large external drives (most list 32 gb as max), and I saw quite a few complaints about the Bluetooth quality even after mic fix.
Ownice units do support the large drive, but the later posts in the thread suggest quality issues and lack of support from the seller
2nd gen Tonghai units - couldn't find one I liked, can't remember everything that took it off the list
So that only left Newsmy; seems a high quality unit with good radio reception (SiLabs chip), dual Bluetooth (one for calls, one for android), and lots of xda support.
I ordered the NR3001 this morning. Downside was it was over double the cost of the first one that I cancelled (~$600 CDN, of which $131 was shipping). Hope it's worth it! Note the CDN dollar sucks now, so not nearly as bad in US$.
Jeff
P.S. I currently have a PAS in my car - still mostly like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Jeff, just curious about your experience with the Newsmy after using it for a while? Whilst I like the Eonon generally, the bluetooth call issues and their lack of support has been a deal breaker, and I'm ready to replace it already!
Zelig said:
I am torn between the Pumpkin with Parrot Bluetooth and the Newsmy NR-3001.
Pumpkin works out cheaper because of Free Shipping vs AUD$133 for the Newsmy, but the Newsmy's already active ROM development is appealing.
Decisions, decisions........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Zelig, did you end up ordering a unit? What were your experiences?

halloj said:
Basically all units that I'm aware of. Even the new Pumpkin claiming Parrot BT suffers from the same problem. I've have the new Pumpkin too.
The main problem is the two microphones (internal-external) are connected in parallel. I've done the mod on my four units and after that it's okay.
You still need a better mic since the Chinese mic is crap. I'm using a Parrot mic and the mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi halloj, Eonon sent me this link to a video replacing the internal mic - https://drive.google.com/a/eonon.com/file/d/0B4MwM-4-7u6TbkxkcnByN0thMjA/view?usp=drive_web
I'm wondering if I removed the mic completely if it would default to the external mic, or if simply desoldering it would not be enough? Perhaps replacing it with a better quality mic like the video would be sufficient? Any thoughts, you seem to have done this a few times!

glenb83 said:
Hi Jeff, just curious about your experience with the Newsmy after using it for a while? Whilst I like the Eonon generally, the bluetooth call issues and their lack of support has been a deal breaker, and I'm ready to replace it already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say that I am pretty happy with the Newsmy. I installed xdAuto on it (source code for the Newsmy leaked and XDA developers built a great ROM). With xdAuto the user interface is pretty good; there are a set of icons along the bottom of the screen that allow you to switch quickly between different apps without first going to the launcher home screen. Audio focus works properly, meaning that when you, say, start a song on Spotify, the audio from the radio app (or whatever other source) stops.
I find the sound quality quite good even without equalizer running (xdAuto has viper included) . There are occasional background noises (most apparent with silent sections of a track when at a light) but practically speaking they are not noticeable when driving.
the Bluetooth for hands free calling while not nearly as good as the Parrot is quite useable.
OBD2 Bluetooth reader/Torque works flawlessly.
Steering wheel controls work on every app I've used which can be an issue with other units.
Radio reception is good, but the radio app does not have RDS implemented. Apparently the silabs tuner chip is of high quality and has RDS support but the Newsmy programmers/subcontractors could not figure out how to implement it. XDA developers offered to help but were given the run around with promises of MCU source code that was never provided.
I can use Google Now voice commands to start Spotify, navigation, make calls, etc. Again not as good as the voice recognition implementation on the Parrot in terms of accuracy but a reasonable success rate.
Complaints I or other users have had:
Google maps is choppy when starting to navigate. I mostly use Waze which works very well.
Screen washes out in direct sun.
Audio control is abysmal. No control over sub out level or crossover. No native eq. All you get is a screen for balance/fade that is implemented by providing four separate volume controls for FL/FR/RL/RR.
USB DVR camera kills internal/external mics for Android (not Bluetooth calls), not an issue if you don't need/want to run a dashcam or don't care about voice commands
USB devices do not go into standby properly. If you are short of boring material to read you can see my posts on the xdAuto thread on it. This problem led to my music app often rescanning my large music collection when coming out of standby. I found a work around by modifying a USB hub to provide power all the time.
Don't expect much/any support from Newsmy on technical or warranty issues, but not many have had quality issues, and it always boots in both the extreme heat and bitter cold of Canadian summers/winters. I've had the unit apart and the PC board quality/assembly seems better than pics I've see of other Chinese units.
With all those pros/cons I did decide to buy two NR3001s and don't regret it. They are not perfect but I still believe the best option there is from my reading here on XDA. It might be that if I was buying now/next couple of months I might try the indash.net octacore but it seems there are still issues to work out, maybe wait and see..

Looking for a unit for a 06 Jetta tdi

This is what I've found so far:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/282042133528
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/281723596552
Are they any good? The cheaper one doesn't mention the OS, while the more expensive one is stuck on 4.4.4 .
The seller also charges for map updates, so I'm curious as to what format it uses.
Any other brands I should consider? I'm worried that these Chinese units might get damaged during the summer. I keep my car outdoors, so it does get pretty hot.
I'm in Canada, so shipping is expensive (unless its an amazing deal, then I'll just drive over and install in the states)
TIA

The cheaper one is using Windows CE 6.0. It says so in the description. I'm no big fan of WinBlows, and I doubt there's a custom ROM for it.
The more expensive one is Android 4.4.4, but the thing I find disconcerting about it is the CPU says AC8722 CPU, of which I can't find any information on. If that isn't really a RockChip CPU, you probably won't be able to put a custom ROM on there.
The seller also charges for map updates, so I'm curious as to what format it uses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds scam-y to me. With any decent android navigation app, you ought to be able to get map updates for free over the play store.
Any other brands I should consider?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here’s a more expensive Joying car radio, with your choice of android 4.4 or android 5.1: https://www.amazon.com/1024x600-Resolution-Navigation-Capacitive-bluetooth/dp/B00YEHHCX8/
You’d be able to get a custom ROM for this, which means you to have ad blocking built into the system, which means he wouldn’t be staring advertisements while on the road. The screen resolution is also very good.
I'm worried that these Chinese units might get damaged during the summer. I keep my car outdoors, so it does get pretty hot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I’d suggest the above before some of these no-name Chinese models which you may or may not be able to get service for. As I found out the hard way in life, the “cheapest” product is not the least expensive in the long run.
I'm in Canada, so shipping is expensive (unless its an amazing deal, then I'll just drive over and install in the states)
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon is pretty decent on shipping charges, although I’m not in Canada so I cannot speak to well for that.
Enjoy!

CaptShaft said:
Here’s a more expensive Joying car radio, with your choice of android 4.4 or android 5.1: https://www.amazon.com/1024x600-Resolution-Navigation-Capacitive-bluetooth/dp/B00YEHHCX8/
You’d be able to get a custom ROM for this, which means you to have ad blocking built into the system, which means he wouldn’t be staring advertisements while on the road. The screen resolution is also very good
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the f/w difference the only thing separating the two radios?Since I can mod it, there's no point in getting the 5.0 right?
The title mentions parking sensor so I'm guessing that's the same as a backup cam? (doesn't look like it's included so I want to double check before I order one)
None of the radios seem to mention this, but does the OS automatically switch to camera view when you shift your car into reverse?
Many of the reviewers complained about no Bluetooth meta data, Bluetooth and radio static, glare (is there a matte screen protector? ), white noise when the unit is on but not doing anything, and constant google play services errors
Most of this can be fixed with a custom rom, but the radio static, and Bluetooth noise?

Roy360 said:
Is the f/w difference the only thing separating the two radios? Since I can mod it, there's no point in getting the 5.0 right?
Both of the head units listed in that Amazon listing are the newer, faster RK3188 CPU, and the screen resolution is the same for both of them, so overall I would say they are quite identical.
All of the stereos at this link have roughly the same specifications for CPU, with the only difference being operating system. https://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-android-car-radio/quad-core-vw-android-car-radio.html
However, when you buy one, the older android 4.4.4 may be a MTCB and the Android 5.1 may be a MTCD type, which has slightly newer motherboard and some connections. You won’t know for sure until you buy one, but you may do well to check the Joying forum you find on their homepage.
Roy360 said:
The title mentions parking sensor so I'm guessing that's the same as a backup cam? (doesn't look like it's included so I want to double check before I order one) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume “parking sensor” to be a bad translation for backup camera. I can’t find any information on that there.
However, if you look here: http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Other-GPS-Navigation/GM5153.html it mentions backup sensor integration, with the caveat that you must have a vehicle which already has a backup sensor built into the car. This also requires can bus integration between the radio and the car, so you will need a can bus connector.
If you don’t have a backup sensor built into your car, you may be out of luck.
If you don’t have a backup camera and you want one installed, I would suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/Esky-Viewing-Universal-License-Camera/dp/B00GMC8QXI/
I have two of these on two different vehicles, the mounting of them keeps it centered on the back of the vehicle, and it works well in low light conditions. In other words, it has the capability of infrared pickups on the camera sensor.
As I found out the hard way, you can pretty much forget integration with an OEM backup camera that is already on your vehicle, if it is a can bus camera. If it is a regular analog camera, you may be able to get a custom wiring harness to integrate with it.
Otherwise, you’re better off simply installing a new backup camera like I listed above. It’s cheaper that way than to get a digital signal harness.
Roy360 said:
None of the radios seem to mention this, but does the OS automatically switch to camera view when you shift your car into reverse? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, provided you connect the proper wire on the harness to the wire on your car that signals when you shift into reverse. Even if the radio is off, after a second or two the screen should come on and you should see the rear view through your rearview camera.
Roy360 said:
Many of the reviewers complained about no Bluetooth meta data, Bluetooth and radio static, glare (is there a matte screen protector? ), white noise when the unit is on but not doing anything, and constant google play services errors ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double check on the Joying forum. See what people say there.
Also, if you want something perhaps a little better, I would suggest this: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...ii-3g-wifi-usb-sd-steering-wheel-control.html
This is the same good resolution which we see on the Joying units, but it has a faster PX3 CPU. I don’t think there is anything in the way of a custom ROM for PX3 CPU’s right now, but if you wait a bit it may become available. It depends on what your priorities are.
Roy360 said:
Most of this can be fixed with a custom rom, but the radio static, and Bluetooth noise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: These radios ship with a clear screen protector on them. Take that off and the glare goes down a bit. Otherwise, you are limited to putting a window tint visor and/or window tinting on your car to cut down incoming light. It works.
Look at the pumpkin models above, the Eonon models as well, and compare and contrast with these below.
http://www.erisinwholesale.com/special-car-dvd/vw/
Then check reviews here on this forum and on the forums for those manufacturers (or resellers, really) to see if you can get an idea as to which models have the least amount of problems. That’s what I did over the course of a few weeks before a selected the radio I currently have. Aside from a few quirks it is okay.
(Don’t forget to hit the thanks button. Thanks! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

CaptShaft said:
Roy360 said:
Is the f/w difference the only thing separating the two radios? Since I can mod it, there's no point in getting the 5.0 right?
Both of the head units listed in that Amazon listing are the newer, faster RK3188 CPU, and the screen resolution is the same for both of them, so overall I would say they are quite identical.
All of the stereos at this link have roughly the same specifications for CPU, with the only difference being operating system. https://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-android-car-radio/quad-core-vw-android-car-radio.html
However, when you buy one, the older android 4.4.4 may be a MTCB and the Android 5.1 may be a MTCD type, which has slightly newer motherboard and some connections. You won’t know for sure until you buy one, but you may do well to check the Joying forum you find on their homepage.
I presume “parking sensor” to be a bad translation for backup camera. I can’t find any information on that there.
However, if you look here: http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Other-GPS-Navigation/GM5153.html it mentions backup sensor integration, with the caveat that you must have a vehicle which already has a backup sensor built into the car. This also requires can bus integration between the radio and the car, so you will need a can bus connector.
If you don’t have a backup sensor built into your car, you may be out of luck.
If you don’t have a backup camera and you want one installed, I would suggest this: https://www.amazon.com/Esky-Viewing-Universal-License-Camera/dp/B00GMC8QXI/
I have two of these on two different vehicles, the mounting of them keeps it centered on the back of the vehicle, and it works well in low light conditions. In other words, it has the capability of infrared pickups on the camera sensor.
As I found out the hard way, you can pretty much forget integration with an OEM backup camera that is already on your vehicle, if it is a can bus camera. If it is a regular analog camera, you may be able to get a custom wiring harness to integrate with it.
Otherwise, you’re better off simply installing a new backup camera like I listed above. It’s cheaper that way than to get a digital signal harness.
Yes, provided you connect the proper wire on the harness to the wire on your car that signals when you shift into reverse. Even if the radio is off, after a second or two the screen should come on and you should see the rear view through your rearview camera.
Double check on the Joying forum. See what people say there.
Also, if you want something perhaps a little better, I would suggest this: http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...ii-3g-wifi-usb-sd-steering-wheel-control.html
This is the same good resolution which we see on the Joying units, but it has a faster PX3 CPU. I don’t think there is anything in the way of a custom ROM for PX3 CPU’s right now, but if you wait a bit it may become available. It depends on what your priorities are.
Edit: These radios ship with a clear screen protector on them. Take that off and the glare goes down a bit. Otherwise, you are limited to putting a window tint visor and/or window tinting on your car to cut down incoming light. It works.
Look at the pumpkin models above, the Eonon models as well, and compare and contrast with these below.
http://www.erisinwholesale.com/special-car-dvd/vw/
Then check reviews here on this forum and on the forums for those manufacturers (or resellers, really) to see if you can get an idea as to which models have the least amount of problems. That’s what I did over the course of a few weeks before a selected the radio I currently have. Aside from a few quirks it is okay.
(Don’t forget to hit the thanks button. Thanks! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I did some research and found that Parking sensor != backup camera. They are just proximity sensors you put around the car. Doesn't the canbus adapter come with the radio?
I'm looking at this one right now:
http://www.autopumpkin.com/pumpkin-...link-obd2-wifi-3g-steering-wheel-control.html
It mentions 'powerful' parrot fc6000tn blue tooth adapter, but I can find anything about a2dp.
They also advertise the 'ultimate' radio chip:nxp tef6686, which again, I can't find anything on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Roy360 said:
Well I did some research and found that Parking sensor != backup camera. They are just proximity sensors you put around the car. Doesn't the canbus adapter come with the radio?
I'm looking at this one right now:
http://www.autopumpkin.com/pumpkin-...link-obd2-wifi-3g-steering-wheel-control.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one does indeed have a canbus adapter, so you can run off and buy that one. It may require some some extra setup steps in the System Settings, but that's about it.
Roy360 said:
It mentions 'powerful' parrot fc6000tn blue tooth adapter, but I can find anything about a2dp.
They also advertise the 'ultimate' radio chip:nxp tef6686, which again, I can't find anything on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't comment on those since I can't find anything on them either. Bluetooth on these units works and sounds good, and mates up okay with CyanogenMod. Radio sounds good as well, although I don't use it. The Malaysk ROM comes with PC Radio app built in, so you can stream music from anywhere on the internet; it's like a free version of Sirius satellite radio.
I'd suggest avoiding a radio which has no knob, only touch-screen or buttons, as these are less ergonomic and require more time to work than a radio with a knob. You also have to take your eyes off the road to look at where you are touching on the screen, (leaving aside steering wheel radio switches.)
It's your call.

CaptShaft said:
The cheaper one is using Windows CE 6.0. It says so in the description. I'm no big fan of WinBlows, and I doubt there's a custom ROM for it.
The more expensive one is Android 4.4.4, but the thing I find disconcerting about it is the CPU says AC8722 CPU, of which I can't find any information on. If that isn't really a RockChip CPU, you probably won't be able to put a custom ROM on there.
This sounds scam-y to me. With any decent android navigation app, you ought to be able to get map updates for free over the play store.
Here’s a more expensive Joying car radio, with your choice of android 4.4 or android 5.1: https://www.amazon.com/1024x600-Resolution-Navigation-Capacitive-bluetooth/dp/B00YEHHCX8/
You’d be able to get a custom ROM for this, which means you to have ad blocking built into the system, which means he wouldn’t be staring advertisements while on the road. The screen resolution is also very good.
I’d suggest the above before some of these no-name Chinese models which you may or may not be able to get service for. As I found out the hard way in life, the “cheapest” product is not the least expensive in the long run.
Amazon is pretty decent on shipping charges, although I’m not in Canada so I cannot speak to well for that.
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CaptShaft said:
That one does indeed have a canbus adapter, so you can run off and buy that one. It may require some some extra setup steps in the System Settings, but that's about it.
Unfortunately I can't comment on those since I can't find anything on them either. Bluetooth on these units works and sounds good, and mates up okay with CyanogenMod. Radio sounds good as well, although I don't use it. The Malaysk ROM comes with PC Radio app built in, so you can stream music from anywhere on the internet; it's like a free version of Sirius satellite radio.
I'd suggest avoiding a radio which has no knob, only touch-screen or buttons, as these are less ergonomic and require more time to work than a radio with a knob. You also have to take your eyes off the road to look at where you are touching on the screen, (leaving aside steering wheel radio switches.)
It's your call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , you're right about the knob. Can't believe I overlooked that.
Unfortunately all the other models with knows don't use the parrot bluetooth ic or the 'ultimate' radio ic.
Maybe I'll just get the joying. Does your support stereo over bluetooth? I heard from some other people that the joying only streams mono audio

Roy360 said:
No , you're right about the knob. Can't believe I overlooked that.
Unfortunately all the other models with knows don't use the parrot bluetooth ic or the 'ultimate' radio ic.
Maybe I'll just get the joying. Does your support stereo over bluetooth? I heard from some other people that the joying only streams mono audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went out and played a particular song over Bluetooth that has some high-frequency “rimshot” affects that alternate between the left and right channels. (This is the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HPs1mthogM )
I’m clearly hearing the left and right channels and stereo, not Mono. However, I do not own a Joying radio, I have a Pumpkin head unit, so I cannot speak for the joying.
Hope this helps.

CaptShaft said:
I just went out and played a particular song over Bluetooth that has some high-frequency “rimshot” affects that alternate between the left and right channels. (This is the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HPs1mthogM )
I’m clearly hearing the left and right channels and stereo, not Mono. However, I do not own a Joying radio, I have a Pumpkin head unit, so I cannot speak for the joying.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked specifically about the Joying, because that's what I heard. 4.4.4 doesn't have metadata, while 5.1 is mono.
Where did you get your pumpkin? I'm a little worried about buying from Chinese websites. With amazon I can just return the item.

Roy360 said:
This is what I've found so far:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/282042133528
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/281723596552
Are they any good? The cheaper one doesn't mention the OS, while the more expensive one is stuck on 4.4.4 .
The seller also charges for map updates, so I'm curious as to what format it uses.
Any other brands I should consider? I'm worried that these Chinese units might get damaged during the summer. I keep my car outdoors, so it does get pretty hot.
I'm in Canada, so shipping is expensive (unless its an amazing deal, then I'll just drive over and install in the states)
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Chinese unit and used it in summer while car is parked outdoor, have not had any "damage" thankfully. Entire unit with shipping will cost around 400 CDN on most units from China plus there could be $30 for DHL. Not sure how much it will be from USA but we pay Tax on items coming from states.

Roy360 said:
Where did you get your pumpkin? I'm a little worried about buying from Chinese websites. With amazon I can just return the item.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon. If I had any issues with it at all, I would have simply boxed it back up and sent it back, no worries.
Ali Express is only to be used for cheap products that you can afford to dispose of if they don't work, like some clothes or cheap USB cables. I'd never consider buying a phone, tablet, computer, set-top box or even a stereo. The logistics and other headaches surrounding refunds are too numerous to consider.

Joying 5.1.1 vs Pumpkin 5.1 - 7" generic units

Hi knowledgeable XDA folk
I am going to purchase one of the below units - the price is close enough so as to be irrelevant, and the front panels are identical. I'm chosing this model due to the physical volume knob, rather than the other one which has + and - volume buttons.
My question is - are they the same under the covers? Is one better build quality than the other?
I'm in NZ so the country is comes from (assuming china or usa) is largely irrelevant.
It's initially for my GF's car - will be used for primarily for gps, radio, hands free calling. If it works out well I'll get one for my car too. In my car I'll be wanting to use the bluetooth music functionality, or upload a bunch of mp3s to it.
Did a bit of searching here, but almost everything I can find relates to the android 4.4 units.
http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...tput-3g-wifi-obd2-steering-wheel-control.html
https://www.carjoying.com/vestempcp...bluetooth-dvr-obd2-mirror-link-goole-map.html

Hey. I have a radio joying, but with android 4.4. It is very good, the screen is 1024x600. Radio does not freeze and restarts. Wifi works very well. In my stereo GPS satellites it is about 8, five of them have signal 50 SNR. The antenna of the GPS I got inside the car under the board, the shaft signal should be better. Microphone for voice is quiet and you have to speak very loudly. I got a free 8GB card. You can use the Bluetooth audio, the music is very good quality. FM radio is not receiving as good as my old radio, but I now listen to Internet radio or music via Spotify or TIDAL. Generally I highly recommend this radio.

I dont have the same unit, but I do have a Joying Android 5.1, MTCD, Jeep specific, and I am more than happy with it

AaronNZ said:
Hi knowledgeable XDA folk
I am going to purchase one of the below units - the price is close enough so as to be irrelevant, and the front panels are identical. I'm chosing this model due to the physical volume knob, rather than the other one which has + and - volume buttons.
My question is - are they the same under the covers? Is one better build quality than the other?
I'm in NZ so the country is comes from (assuming china or usa) is largely irrelevant.
It's initially for my GF's car - will be used for primarily for gps, radio, hands free calling. If it works out well I'll get one for my car too. In my car I'll be wanting to use the bluetooth music functionality, or upload a bunch of mp3s to it.
Did a bit of searching here, but almost everything I can find relates to the android 4.4 units.
http://www.autopumpkin.com/car-dvd-...tput-3g-wifi-obd2-steering-wheel-control.html
https://www.carjoying.com/vestempcp...bluetooth-dvr-obd2-mirror-link-goole-map.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any reason you chose that pumpkin model? I'm currently considering a fully touch one because they actually mention the manufacturer of their bluetooth and Fm chips.
I've heard lots of bad things about the Joying radio, which is why I still haven't purchased one.

I've been researching both of these as well & the no name brands & all are pretty identical.
I would find a older 4.4 model with the same specs. 5.1's are still pretty buggy while 4.4 are stable & runnin well for the most part, this is what I've read from some of the elder members here.

Roy360 said:
Any reason you chose that pumpkin model? I'm currently considering a fully touch one because they actually mention the manufacturer of their bluetooth and Fm chips.
I've heard lots of bad things about the Joying radio, which is why I still haven't purchased one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Went for this model because of the volume knob. I guess it's not quite as sleek as the other model, however really don't want to be looking down to find a button. It's going into an older car without any steering wheel remote or other factory integration.

Probably too late to make a difference, but I have that exact Pumpkin model. It has a few issues and I ended up fixing them myself. I've rooted the unit and done quit a bit of customization, and will likely do more. The volume knob is nice, but since I installed speed-sensitive volume, I don't use it much anymore!

just got a Dasaita Hot Audio V600 for a Jeep Wrangler

So i have posted several times on this board about my various Joying units, and I have a thread about my Seicane:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...cane-10-1-inch-android-6-0-head-unit-t3656383
However it lacked the Dormancy that Joying had and the sound wasn't great on it. So I decided to pick up a @hotaudio unit, in particular this one:
Dasaita 10.2" Android 6.0 Car GPS Player for Jeep Wrangler
I got it in the mail on Tuesday, I made an unboxing video here:
https://youtu.be/z1v2t8cSNvc
I also have it installed, that video isn't up yet. But so far so good, it seems to take most of the best features of the Joying and Seicane and mesh them together. It is also a PX5 MTCD, so it has a lot of MTCD like features that my original Joying had, so it is like a bit of nostalgia for me. However thanks to the Octacore and 2GB of RAM, it doesn't have the slowness of my original 1GB of RAM Joying unit.

How is the fit and finish of this unit when installed? I have the Joying 6.2 2GB Sofia unit and love it. Sounds WAYYYY better than that stock crap I had. Interested in this one though. Does it work with all apps, most importantly waze? One more thing where did you order it from? Ebay?

it fits better than the Seicane model I had previously. The Seicane seemed to look spot on color-wise, but the Hot Audio is a smidgen darker than the other plastic. However the Hot Audio is also harder than the Seicane, so it installs easier. Still sucks to install, but not as bad as the Seicane.
So i definitely like it better than the Seicane, and it looks much better than the Joying. I have over a year experience with Joying, so I'm waiting to see how the Hot Audio turns out.
So far, I'm loving it, everything works like a champ, Waze included. The sound quality is top notch, maybe even better than Joying

Install video is up

Thanks for the video.
My unit comes in Tuesday.
My Car is a 2008 civic SI.
The Hu is not compatible with the stock amplifier. I'll need to use a metra 70-1722 as the middle man and figure out how to integrate the stock amp.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Cool, post some pics. After seeing mine, my buddy wants one for his Camry.
I am pretty happy with mine, just one issue I need to figure out.
When using Auto Sleep, the USB will randomly not mount properly when it wakes from sleep.

Overview video

CadillacMike said:
Overview video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My unit just came in today.
It came with a obd2 adapter. I didn't realize that it was included. It also came with a small disc, but disc was cracked in half.
Did you end up using the disc?
Also I don't have a manual lol. I rememebr you getting a manual when u opened yours right?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

iammrhappy123 said:
My unit just came in today.
It came with a obd2 adapter. I didn't realize that it was included. It also came with a small disc, but disc was cracked in half.
Did you end up using the disc?
Also I don't have a manual lol. I rememebr you getting a manual when u opened yours right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine didn't have an OBD adapter

I know you guys haven't really had a long enough time to test the features of this unit.. but i'm in the market as a first time android head unit owner and was considering the joying (JY-UM135N2, 2 gb, sofia), but also would consider others.. is the Daisaita worth looking at?
Not sure what the price of the unit is since when I click the "buy now" link.. nothing opens. Hah.
Thanks!

You have to buy from eBay or Aliexpress.
I have both the Joying and the Dasaita.
If Dasaita can fix this one bug, then it is one to go for.
Joying has always been a good thing for me

Here is the hidden MicroSD card

Here is a video about wiring a PAC harness to a Joying.
The same principles would apply to Seicane or Dasaita. And if the default harness doesn't work with the Alpine and/or Infiniti, it will definitely work with a PAC.

Does this thing support HD Radio, by the way? I was looking into getting the universal version (Nissan I think is the universal one), but I don't see any mention of it being supported.

Kinyin said:
Does this thing support HD Radio, by the way? I was looking into getting the universal version (Nissan I think is the universal one), but I don't see any mention of it being supported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think any of these Chinese head units support that

Here is how to access the MicroSD card

Here is a video about updating the system and MCU

how is the handsfree on this device?
I'm looking into buying one for a Tiguan but handfree is a must for me.

hadak said:
how is the handsfree on this device?
I'm looking into buying one for a Tiguan but handfree is a must for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a great reference here, I almost never get phone calls. Pretty much all of my calls are just to test to make sure it works.
However they seemed fine

Here is a video about installing and using MtcdTools on my Dasaita Hot Audio V600