Related
I have had this idea rolling around in my head for a while:
i would like to use my 8525 to play music using whatever media player (TCPMP in my case)
i would like to have a USB, wifi, or bluetooth enabled harddrive mounted under my seat
the things i have ran into is this:
i cannot find a bluetooth enabled external harddrive case. seagate announced one but its vaporware/horribly expensive for 20gb or so (i want 200+gb, 500 most likely)
i do not know if my device/phone will connect to an autonomous wifi enabled external harddrive and browse it because i do not have one, if you have one-- espically if its on the cheap side-- PLEASE TEST!
to be useful, and user friendly, the best idea would be to have one wire that plugs into the phone and runs to the HDD case, this one wire could take the audio out, charge the phone, and possibly transfer data from the HDD to the phone.
at the case there will be the normal power hookups (+12, -12, +12remote) and RCA jacks to lead to your HU (might also need to integrate a preamp)
Nexus 7 (2013) tablet install in the dash
I've pondered this install for over 2 years and finally decided to go ahead with the install.
I had originally upgraded the sound system in car by pulling out the stock Nakamichi Head Unit (a couple of years ago) and replaced all the wiring, speakers etc with decent components - Mid and tweeter (separates)- Focal speakers in the front door and a 13 inch Focal sub in the trunk. I focused this upgrade for an SQ setup and did not install any speakers in the rear on purpose. For amps, I used two Zapco's (one for the fronts and one for the subwoofer)
I installed a Pioneer AVIC-D1 navigation/Head Unit and also installed tons of sound deadening all over the doors, trunk etc.
Fast forward to today and here is my new setup - since I had upgraded the wiring and speakers already, I focused this build on the Tablet install and a new HU that connected to my upgraded wiring. I then connected the tablet via the USB DAC (the Microstreamer unit) to the Head Unit aux input for audio out to the car speakers/amps. This simplified my install as I only needed to focus on the tablet install and the new Head Unit Install. Needless to say I ripped out the Pioneer unit for this install.
I flashed Timur's kernel ( https://timur.mobi/timurs-kernel-n7-2013/ ) for a fixed install as its perfect for these types of installs - the tablet goes into a deep sleep mode when accessory power is shut off and it loses very little charge overnight (roughly about 1 - 2 % per 10 hours). As soon as you turn on the car, the tablet senses power has been applied and the screen comes on immediately. So even though my install allows me to remove the tablet from the car, I don't really have to remove it. It comes on immediately when the car is turned on and goes off (deep sleep) when the car is turned off. You don't need to setup any complicated (for me anyway) tasker routines to take care of this. I then connect my tablet to my Note 3's hot spot for Internet access.
I had the install done professionally - the custom fabrication of the tablet and Head Unit mount. That was really the main part of this install by Ultra Auto Sound in Mississauga, Ontario ( http://ultraautosound.com/tag/nexus/ ) . They did an excellent job as you can see from the pics on their website and below. Thanks Joe!
I haven't been able to get the backup camera to work yet with the tablet as my understanding of how it works with the tablet was not thorough enough and I need to do some more reading to figure it out properly.
Here are the parts I bought:
Nexus 7 (2013) tablet ofcourse
Head Unit - Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X998 CD Receiver with built in BT and HD radio - its one of the better Head Units on the market right now ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8S6B86?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 )
USB Hub - DLink 7 port USB hub ( http://www.amazon.ca/D-Link-DUB-H7B...d=1439314404&sr=8-1&keywords=DLink+7+port+USB )
USB DAC - HRT microStreamer ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B4YE5BG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 )
Backup Camera - TaoTronics TT-CC17 Waterproof Color CMOS Car Licence plate backup camera ( http://www.amazon.ca/TaoTronics-TT-CC17-Waterproof-License-Distance/dp/B0092YMZJY )
USB Video capture card - VGB100 USB 2.0 Video Capture Device card ( http://www.amazon.com/August-VGB100...ords=VGB100+USB+2.0+Video+Capture+Device+card )
Bluetooth remote for audio controls - Satechi® Bluetooth Button ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00RM75NL0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00 )
USB Flash drive - SanDisk Extreme 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KT7DOSE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 )
Micro USB OTG cable and charger - (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S67XK7Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)
USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female extension cables for charging my Note 3 and my wifes Note 2 while in the car ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00NH11R3I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 )
OBD2 BT dongle. This allows me to display a bunch of information on the Dash Command app (shown in a couple of pics below with the LFA "skin"). You can also read any error codes without paying an arm and a leg to the dealer.
Here is the before pic:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
And the current pics:
USB Hub with the USB Digital Audio Controller (HT Microstreamer), USB Flash Drive and Video Grabber for the backup camera
DashCommand for car diagnostics and other info via OBD2 BT dongle. This is the LFA "skin'
Waze maps and close up of the Kenwood KDC-X998 Head unit
Close up of the tablet mount
Close up of the Satechi BT audio controller
Some more pics
Some random pics of the car:
The install looks great. Good job. I've got a 2011 GMC Sierra that I've installed my Nexus 7 (2013) in the dash. Turns out that the double din after market head unit adapter plates opening is just a hair bigger than the actual LCD. ( not the whole tablet but just the LCD). So I was able to use it with the Nexus mounted to the back of the adapter plate so that it fits tight against it covering the edges of the tablet and only leaving the LCD exposed. I'll take some pics and upload them soon. Good job on yours. Love seeing how others went about their install.
nice built but may I ask, is it really needed to add an usb dac to the instalation process if I am runing audio from the tablet with 3.5mm audio jack cable to the car's player aux ?
mattwheat said:
The install looks great. Good job. I've got a 2011 GMC Sierra that I've installed my Nexus 7 (2013) in the dash. Turns out that the double din after market head unit adapter plates opening is just a hair bigger than the actual LCD. ( not the whole tablet but just the LCD). So I was able to use it with the Nexus mounted to the back of the adapter plate so that it fits tight against it covering the edges of the tablet and only leaving the LCD exposed. I'll take some pics and upload them soon. Good job on yours. Love seeing how others went about their install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I love the setup as is and the audio shop that installed it recommended mine be setup (the mount) like this because of my requirement of wanting to be able to unplug it or get to the buttons for whatever reason. I personally prefer the look that you went for where the tablet is behind a plate as that looks more OEM than mine.
Mine looks so obviously like a tablet on the dash even though the quality of the audio shop's custom mount is good, it still doesn't look like an OEM screen (when its behind a plate).
My installer said it would be more expensive to mount it behind a custom opening and also make it removable at the same time, hence the end result you see here.
Looking forward to seeing pics of your setup!
lilutosh said:
nice built but may I ask, is it really needed to add an usb dac to the instalation process if I am runing audio from the tablet with 3.5mm audio jack cable to the car's player aux ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you don't have to do what I did especially if you are not pulling out your stock stereo.
great ! thanks !
This is awesome and has inspired me to create my own Nexus 7 setup. Great stuff!
how did you make the august vgb100 work with the nexus , I bought it and the tablet couldn't recognize it.
Hi, could you share related .dxls file. I searched for LFA skin, bu it dosent look exactly like yours ?
Thanks.
EDIT: Sorry, I found lots of LFA skins, its ok!
What app are you using as the "dash" app for nav and such. Looks very android auto'y
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
eregev said:
What app are you using as the "dash" app for nav and such. Looks very android auto'y
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Automate
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Deeco7 said:
Automate
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Beautiful, thanks!
how is the install holding up... Im getting ready to do a similar set up with a 99 gs300
warnel33008 said:
how is the install holding up... Im getting ready to do a similar set up with a 99 gs300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its holding up fine.
I could never get the backup camera working and that bugs me.
I'm having second thoughts about the whole system now and want to get an Android Auto HU such as this one - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvsy2Zazrje/p_1304200NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4200NEX.html
What is your budget and requirement for the install of a tablet in your car? The obvious ones in terms of requirements are Phone calling/receiving, Navigation and listening to your music collection. Any others you have?
If your budget can swing for the unit above - it has very good reviews, I would just do that instead.
CayenneGTS said:
Its holding up fine.
I could never get the backup camera working and that bugs me.
I'm having second thoughts about the whole system now and want to get an Android Auto HU such as this one - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Xvsy2Zazrje/p_1304200NEX/Pioneer-AVH-4200NEX.html
What is your budget and requirement for the install of a tablet in your car? The obvious ones in terms of requirements are Phone calling/receiving, Navigation and listening to your music collection. Any others you have?
If your budget can swing for the unit above - it has very good reviews, I would just do that instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my main reason for the tablet diy is to play my music folders... I make them every other week... with new content... then of course navigation (google)... web browser right in the car if im parked in a parking lot waiting for her to come back....and the other obvious extras n perks.... I think this is more for me than the pioneer... I was looking into that first.... and decided i wanted more hands on experience with a tablet and able to customize as well.... did you use a custom dash kit bezel... how about the wire harness what did you use.... Im thinking of just doing a simple aux wire from the top of the nexus to the aux input in an aftermarket radio
warnel33008 said:
my main reason for the tablet diy is to play my music folders... I make them every other week... with new content...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check. Android Auto lets you play the music from your phone.
then of course navigation (google)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check. Android Auto does that from your phone
web browser right in the car if im parked in a parking lot waiting for her to come back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you're parked, just do this from the phone. You don't need a tablet for this.
....and the other obvious extras n perks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What obvious extras and perks are you referring to specifically?
I think this is more for me than the pioneer... I was looking into that first.... and decided i wanted more hands on experience with a tablet and able to customize as well....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hand ons experience using a tablet? I don't follow what you mean by this statement. I had the same expectations when I didn't have the tablet in the car. Android Auto looked so limiting. However I've had a change of heart after using a tablet in the car for about a year now and then trying out Android Auto for a week in a rental while I was on vacation two weeks ago. Hands down, the tablet route in the dash is not worth it. Its so much simpler and cleaner (both in looks and functions of the Android Auto unit) to install the Pioneer Android Auto unit I linked above. I'm going to go that route next summer.
I got used to the Backup Camera on the Android Auto HU and and I can't replicate that on the Tablet in the dash. You don't have to worry about the tablet being charged all the time so that you can actually use it in the car without having to take it out and charge it if you haven't driven your vehicle for a few days (perhaps this does not apply to you if your GS is a DD. Mine isn't and the battery drain on the tablet is a major PITA).
did you use a custom dash kit bezel... how about the wire harness what did you use.... Im thinking of just doing a simple aux wire from the top of the nexus to the aux input in an aftermarket radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the audio shop custom fabricated the bezel kit and the wiring harness goes in the Kenwood HU that I already specified in my first post on this thread. I then connect the tablet via the OTG cable to a Digital Audio Converter to get better sound and then connect that to the HU AUX port - you can also see that in the pics I posted.
CayenneGTS said:
Check. Android Auto lets you play the music from your phone.
Check. Android Auto does that from your phone
When you're parked, just do this from the phone. You don't need a tablet for this.
What obvious extras and perks are you referring to specifically?
Hand ons experience using a tablet? I don't follow what you mean by this statement. I had the same expectations when I didn't have the tablet in the car. Android Auto looked so limiting. However I've had a change of heart after using a tablet in the car for about a year now and then trying out Android Auto for a week in a rental while I was on vacation two weeks ago. Hands down, the tablet route in the dash is not worth it. Its so much simpler and cleaner (both in looks and functions of the Android Auto unit) to install the Pioneer Android Auto unit I linked above. I'm going to go that route next summer.
I got used to the Backup Camera on the Android Auto HU and and I can't replicate that on the Tablet in the dash. You don't have to worry about the tablet being charged all the time so that you can actually use it in the car without having to take it out and charge it if you haven't driven your vehicle for a few days (perhaps this does not apply to you if your GS is a DD. Mine isn't and the battery drain on the tablet is a major PITA).
Yes, the audio shop custom fabricated the bezel kit and the wiring harness goes in the Kenwood HU that I already specified in my first post on this thread. I then connect the tablet via the OTG cable to a Digital Audio Converter to get better sound and then connect that to the HU AUX port - you can also see that in the pics I posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i checked it out.... and its great... I would just go with the nexus for now and see how my budget changes next year... for now I'm trying to stay under 200... do I have to get a dac/ microstreamer or can i just plug it from the 3.5mm headphone jack straight into my aftermarket radio aux input... what do you think?
So, did you switch, or are you now happy that you can run android auto straight from your tablet?
I am trying to find if Android Auto has any problems running from an Android headunit such as the Joying units. Otherwise, I would love to see if a nexus 9 could work in my Ram.
Having used tablets, android auto (pioneer and kenwood HU), and joying HU I think I can offer a lot of insight here.
For starters the tablet is still hands down the best carPC you can get. It simply does everything you want it to do without any sacrifices, and tends to look the most clean as well. The reflexive matte screens on android auto HU's are just dull and boring overall, but beyond that their performance is abysmal and android has been completely crippled on these devices in the name of safety. You cant reliably browse for music, the UI/search/scroll functions in the supported music apps block you from doing too much to keep your eyes on the road, and they all require you to plug your phone in which is just a PITA every time you get in your car.
I dont know about you but I dont like having a phone in my cup holder, glovebox, center console, or on some chintzy grip mounted to the dash. It's just ugly, the wires are ugly, and having an additional screen + wires dangling about just breaks the symmetry of a nice clean A/V setup. Using a tablet with hotspot is so much more elegant. The Nexus 7 will charge faster than it drains on any car accessory charging port (cigarette charger) so it should be nearly 100% all the time while you drive. If this car isnt your daily driver then why are you putting a tablet install in it? lol. Ultimately the Android Auto head units are manufactured by companies that just have no experience in this area and are prone to bugs and other anomalies. The entire experience just felt gimped.
As for Joying HU, while the concept is admirable the execution is flawed. Their biggest issue is just poor hardware. You just cannot squeeze an entire Android equipped OS with proper hardware and all the other stuff required to make a functional HU for the prices they are asking. If a tablet alone costs as much as their entire HU then imagine what kind of processor theyre sticking inside these things. While it worked overall, the dang thing has to BOOT UP every time you start your car. This might be tolerable on cold winter mornings where you might sit in your driveway for 5 minutes anyway, but for most other occasions it's just annoying not being able to get your music/waze configured until you've drive a couple of miles, or to just sit there aimlessly tapping your fingers waiting for it to start.
Also due to such poor hardware in the Joying units multi-tasking becomes a chore. CPU/GPU intensive apps like waze are laggy, multi-tasking between your music app is frustrating, and you forget doing things like split screen viewing. The only advantage these have is the ability to integrate with a backup camera, of which I have no need for since I know how to reverse my car without running over a fire hydrant.
A pioneer/kenwood HU might have superior audio internals, but you have to remember the source audio is usually coming from a streaming app which is going to be 128kbps or less anyway so youll never properly exploit all that great audio technology anyway. A simple 3.5mm to aux-in adapter works beautifully and produces good sound on any HU. I never bothered with DAC's or other ways to convert audio, just get a solid single-DIN HU and the aux-in will be fine for all but the purist audiophiles. Even among those types there is still no desire to use Android Auto since it feels like you're using a 1st gen smart phone from 2000.
I have purchased an Xtrons PF75ATTA. As I understand this information is some what useless so other information includes (MCU Version: MTCD_GS_V1.75_1 and Build Number: rk3188).
As I am sure most owners of similar headunits find even basic technical support is some what limited. So to my question
On the back of the unit I have a 8 pin connector titled D: split machine 3 ipod. In the factory settings it says ipod = yes. and there is an ipod app as part of the stock rom.
xtrons tell me the unit doesn't support ipod but I get the impression that is not the end of it. The back of the unit looks identical to other units and the cable for a pimpkin hu device looks like the cable I need (Unfortunately I am to much of a noob to be trusted to post links at the moment). So I guess my questions are as follows
1. Does anyone else have a unit which specifies it doesn't support Ipod yet has ports for it (other than USB)
2. Has anyone successfully got this working?
3. If so where did you get your cable from or did you make it?
4. If you made it what were the pinouts?
Thanks
i could never get an iPod to work right on my Joying and when I posted on the Joying forum, seemed like no one else could get it to work either.
Prior to getting the Joying, I was emailing with RoadNavi.com's support about the S160 series, and they also said their units didn't really work with an iPod
CadillacMike said:
i could never get an iPod to work right on my Joying and when I posted on the Joying forum, seemed like no one else could get it to work either.
Prior to getting the Joying, I was emailing with RoadNavi.com's support about the S160 series, and they also said their units didn't really work with an iPod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With your joying did you have a specific ipod cable with ipod connector on one end and proprietary connector on the other end or were you using a standard ipod to usb connector and plugging it into the usb port? This can't be that difficult to do. My old Parrot Asteroid did it with no problems.
i used an iPod Classic with a 30 pin connector. I had a 30 pin to USB cord that worked fine in 2 different cars. I tried that on both the USB cords with no luck.
Road Navi does have an iPod specific plug and cable, but they said it didn't work right either
Yes, I can understand why a standard ipod 30 pins usb connector may not work. Can anyone share there experiences with a hui fei unit with dedicated ipod port and cable. Does it work as expected?
chammock said:
Yes, I can understand why a standard ipod 30 pins usb connector may not work. Can anyone share there experiences with a hui fei unit with dedicated ipod port and cable. Does it work as expected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have researched so far :- (Feel free to add or correct me) -
Standard IPOD Classic 6th gen works fine with the current Honda head units, which are still in the dark ages and running a Honda version of Android 6. !! (heavily LOCKED down so that nothing can be added with rooting)
Same device does NOT run on a Eonon GA2170B, running Android 8, even though the IPOD app is pre-installed, even when IPOD support that is turned off by default in Factory setting, is turned back on.
Turning on Ipod support still does allow Ipod Classic 6th gen to communicate with the installed Ipod App.
From what I have read, this is because the Eonon GA2170B is Android 8, and the "old" Ipod firmware is not compatible with the later Android versions.
There are Firmware alternatives for the Ipod (either permanent of via a dual boot), that claim to make the Ipods work with Android 8, with varying success, depending on the Model Ipod.
I have chosen to not mess with my Ipod, but rather to copy all its music onto a Mico SD card (or USB stick), and then use that in the Eonon unit with a suitable player, that can select Title, Album, Song, Artist from the Mp3's meta data.
Some many advantages of this are:
(a) Music is always in the Car,
(b) Ipod is NOT in the Car, getting HOT (or stolen)
(c) No need to worry about charging the Ipod.
(d) Far easier to add additional music (ITunes sucks )
I did find an OLD IPOD emulation Player app, that had a user Interface looking like the Classic Apple Ipod UI, but it was no longer on the Play Store, and when I got it from the author's website (5+ year old ), it also did not run on the Eonon Androis 8 unit.
BTW: My Eonon GA2170B is advertised as having 3 USB ports, but in fact it has 4 !
1 standard USB Port on the Back = USB 1
2 additional ports on a plug in cable to back = USB 2 & USB 3
1 Port on the front ( next to the front Mini SD port) USB 4
So, plenty of Ports to add USB storage devices with Music on them !!
I have recently replaced my head unit
Everything works on my unit, but the USB camera refuses to work with any of the available dash camera apps
I have installed a basic USB camera app and I can see the input from the camera, so it seems the other apps, simply don't recognize it
I had the camera installed on another MTCD unit and it was working perfectly well
I suspect there is some configuration that is telling android to use a different input, so I have manager to get to the hidden menu and there is a field for DVR, and changed it from the default (0) to 1, then to 2 then to 3, all to no avail
This unit is an Android 6 unit with a quad core with 2GB Ram
See below some of the device details :
HMI: TSJK_010.2017.04.15.10.51
MCU: TS907.170330
MEDIA: CZJv1.0.1_170411_1815
BTV: BT.17.04.07.1755(17:04:20:21:30:45)
Any help will be appreciated
Follow this: Car Settings>Setting Logo>Set Password:3368>DVR type>USB DVR.
https://www.photobox.co.uk/my/photo/full?photo_id=9775466627
I think this is what you need to do if you have joying.
Unfortunately there is no option to put "USB", the only options are numeric, starting from 0
I already tried 0, 1 , 2 and 3, but no joy
The unit looks very much like joying , but it isn't
I have asked the seller and they sell a compatible usb camera, but it has its own sd memory card to record.
What's the point of having a camera connected to an android unit, it is has its own local storage? You may instead have bought a separate dashboard camera
Anyway thanks for the suggestion
usd dash cam ?
I have heard this first time.
javiermi said:
...What's the point of having a camera connected to an android unit, it is has its own local storage? You may instead have bought a separate dashboard camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. HD+ video recording is a very CPU consuming task, one would not want to have his/her HU stalled. So let the daschcam use its dedicated CPU and local storage SD to do the task.
2. The point of having a camera connected is (as implemented by Joying) being able to output video on HU display, both live and stored on cam's SD - very handy; connected Joying cam (which does not have own battery) also takes time from HU to stamp video. Other brands are even able to take GPS coordinates from HU.
javiermi said:
What's the point of having a camera connected to an android unit, it is has its own local storage? You may instead have bought a separate dashboard camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you do not know how usb works.
HD-video is not only CPU intensive, like ste2002 already mentioned, but it can flood your USB channel if you use raw video and encode it on your android unit.
USB-2, as on ALL android units is "half-duplex", meaning that only one device can use it at a certain time and only in one direction (like a walkie-talkie: only one can speak and you press the button and say "over" (as handshake in digitial language) to let the other speak). If you have 2 devices with your dashcam recording, and the 2nd one polls the usb hub, your video stream is interrupted and thereby immediately corrupt. Or the unit needs to send "something" to the dashcam, it will also interrupt and corrupt the video stream.
The option of encoding it on the dashcam and send the video over USB to the unit is better but not fault-tolerant.
encoding it on the dashcam and saving it over usb directly to your unit, might work but could still run in above mentioned problems.
encoding it on the dashcam, save it on the dashcam (internal "mini"-storage), and then copy the complete video over usb to the unit might work well. These dashcams might even be for sale, but I expect they are quite expensive, whereas a local sd-card in the dashcam is dead-simple and dead-cheap.
Once USB-3 gets to these android units, being full-duplex and having much higher speed and bandwidth, it might be useful to do it over USB (making sure all devices are USB-3 or that you have a real switching USB-3 hub), but only if the CPU can handle the HD raw video and encode it: A PX3 can't, a PX5 can't, a Sofia 3GR can't. Wait for much faster units (specification wise both the PX5 and Sofia 3GR should, but both fail on it).
That is why you should ALWAYS let the dashcam do both the video encoding and the storing of the media files, and NEVER over the usb.
Edit: With the Joying, and a lot of others, you can view back the movies, or get an online view where a MJPEG stream is displayed on the unit.
surfer63 said:
Because you do not know how usb works.
HD-video is not only CPU intensive, like ste2002 already mentioned, but it can flood your USB channel if you use raw video and encode it on your android unit.
USB-2, as on ALL android units is "half-duplex", meaning that only one device can use it at a certain time and only in one direction (like a walkie-talkie: only one can speak and you press the button and say "over" (as handshake in digitial language) to let the other speak). If you have 2 devices with your dashcam recording, and the 2nd one polls the usb hub, your video stream is interrupted and thereby immediately corrupt. Or the unit needs to send "something" to the dashcam, it will also interrupt and corrupt the video stream.
The option of encoding it on the dashcam and send the video over USB to the unit is better but not fault-tolerant.
encoding it on the dashcam and saving it over usb directly to your unit, might work but could still run in above mentioned problems.
encoding it on the dashcam, save it on the dashcam (internal "mini"-storage), and then copy the complete video over usb to the unit might work well. These dashcams might even be for sale, but I expect they are quite expensive, whereas a local sd-card in the dashcam is dead-simple and dead-cheap.
Once USB-3 gets to these android units, being full-duplex and having much higher speed and bandwidth, it might be useful to do it over USB (making sure all devices are USB-3 or that you have a real switching USB-3 hub), but only if the CPU can handle the HD raw video and encode it: A PX3 can't, a PX5 can't, a Sofia 3GR can't. Wait for much faster units (specification wise both the PX5 and Sofia 3GR should, but both fail on it).
That is why you should ALWAYS let the dashcam do both the video encoding and the storing of the media files, and NEVER over the usb.
Edit: With the Joying, and a lot of others, you can view back the movies, or get an online view where a MJPEG stream is displayed on the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surfer63,
Thanks for this post, it's one of the more informative ones I've found when searching for answers about making USB cameras work with these Chinese head units. I'm replying because while I'm far from an expert, my experience does not seem to follow some of what your wrote. In my case, I have an ISUDAR brand PX3, 2GB ram using a 7.1.2 "GS" ROM and have successfully used a UVC compliant 1080p USB Camera (Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam) and was able to record no problem using the factory supplied app labelled "DVR". The camera has no built in storage, and the only storage option the DVR app allows requires the file to be written to an attached USB stick (my unit has no SD card slot). Both the camera and USB stick are plugged into ports labelled USB 2.0. Overall this seems like good news as it's more successful than most have found.
For me, however it's still not success and I hoped you could shed more light here. My main goal is not a DVR, but to use the camera to record videos by other apps, such as Torque or TrackAddict. These apps support USB cameras and work fine with my Logitech and OTG adapter on my phone, however on the head unit it only partially works. When opening both Torque or TrackAddict the video displays properly in preview, but once Record is selected it either appears to work but does not actually capture video (Torque) or immediately gives an error "recording failed to start" (TrackAddict). When attempting playback from Torque you hear the audio, but the screen is a static mess of the actual image and various green hues and lines.
From this almost successful experience I am trying to determine what is likely not right, and if/how to check and correct. A few thoughts:
1) I know little about the Android inner workings, but reading some android camera API developer info I'm wondering if the ROM has the MediaRecorder aspect "hardwired" to only the DVR app. In my simple view this could explain why video preview works in other apps but recording does not.
2) In Torque you can select which camera to use, since the unit has no built in camera Back 0 doesn't exist and is not in list, Front 0 doesn't either but is in list (shows nothing). Front 1 shows the USB camera and selecting this makes preview work in the app. Interestingly the list also shows the USB camera by name, but when selected crashes the app. Is the head unit seeing the USB camera, assigning it to Front 1 in the background, and also forcing some record settings to USB stick and DVR app? If I could stop the head unit from automatically assigning the USB camera to Front 1, perhaps selecting it by name in Torque would allow it to function properly and record? I have not found any option in the Factory Settings menu to affect this yet.
Anyway, given I feel a bit closer to success than many on here I was hoping for some guidance on what to chase and how. Your insight would be much appreciated.
I'm struggling with similar issues with Eonon 2170 Android 8:
built in DVR app seems to work when it works, though, often stops recording (red light on USB cam goes off)
Torque's plugin just crashes... even though it's supposed to support USB cam
got somewhere with Dash Cam Travel – from Tomas Valek, dev promised to look into this
and, getting results from USB Camera - Connect EasyCap USB WebCam ShenYao China
abbots said:
I'm struggling with similar issues with Eonon 2170 Android 8:
built in DVR app seems to work when it works, though, often stops recording (red light on USB cam goes off)
Torque's plugin just crashes... even though it's supposed to support USB cam
got somewhere with Dash Cam Travel – from Tomas Valek, dev promised to look into this
and, getting results from USB Camera - Connect EasyCap USB WebCam ShenYao China
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just updated from a KitKat unit (4.4.4) where the dash cam apps all worked with the USB camera just fine. I have a Allwinner T8 unit and the USB dash cam is not seen using the apps I have.
The apps that I got from the play store now uses my backup camera for the forward camera, but the supplied Dash Cam App works fine selecting the USB camera.
Trying to figure why the USB selection on the apps refuse to select USB while it always selects the backup cam (video source)
I have even disabled the backup and those apps will not work at all.. I will try the Dash Cam travel to see.
I can't help much with the main question(s) being discussed here but I have one of those standalone USB powered dash cams in my vehicle. It's just a totally generic Chinese eBay one.
It records directly to an SD card on the camera itself and broadcasts a wifi signal so that I can manage/view the feed on a (very unstable) app on my iPhone. The app is called "WCVR-PWD".
I've always wondered if there's a way to just view it directly on the Joying itself an sounds like some of you guys are doing that. All I'd be interested in is a totally live feed to adjust the camera as necessary.
What app/mod/function do I need to do to the Joying to do that?
As most? the head units have multiple inputs:
rear camera video in
video/audio in
USB
any experts care to comment on suitability or pros and cons of using composite video output camera versus USB camera?
Would composite output video camera be a superior choice?
javiermi said:
I have recently replaced my head unit
Everything works on my unit, but the USB camera refuses to work with any of the available dash camera apps
I have installed a basic USB camera app and I can see the input from the camera, so it seems the other apps, simply don't recognize it
I had the camera installed on another MTCD unit and it was working perfectly well
I suspect there is some configuration that is telling android to use a different input, so I have manager to get to the hidden menu and there is a field for DVR, and changed it from the default (0) to 1, then to 2 then to 3, all to no avail
This unit is an Android 6 unit with a quad core with 2GB Ram
See below some of the device details :
HMI: TSJK_010.2017.04.15.10.51
MCU: TS907.170330
MEDIA: CZJv1.0.1_170411_1815
BTV: BT.17.04.07.1755(17:04:20:21:30:45)
Any help will be appreciated
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How did u solve it then .?
conclusion for dvr with SDCard?
Hi
This is a good summary and helpful since a lot of info on google seems outdated.
I have a new Joying 8 Core intel unit (Nov 2019).
I want to buy a small non-Joying DVR camera, record to sdcard in cam, and use the head unit to review video from cam and manipulate the files as required (ex. send an important video or image).
Will the Joying do this for any cheap DVR camera?
Do I just need to use a different DVR app on the head unit?
Thanks!
surfer63 said:
Because you do not know how usb works.
HD-video is not only CPU intensive, like ste2002 already mentioned, but it can flood your USB channel if you use raw video and encode it on your android unit.
USB-2, as on ALL android units is "half-duplex", meaning that only one device can use it at a certain time and only in one direction (like a walkie-talkie: only one can speak and you press the button and say "over" (as handshake in digitial language) to let the other speak). If you have 2 devices with your dashcam recording, and the 2nd one polls the usb hub, your video stream is interrupted and thereby immediately corrupt. Or the unit needs to send "something" to the dashcam, it will also interrupt and corrupt the video stream.
The option of encoding it on the dashcam and send the video over USB to the unit is better but not fault-tolerant.
encoding it on the dashcam and saving it over usb directly to your unit, might work but could still run in above mentioned problems.
encoding it on the dashcam, save it on the dashcam (internal "mini"-storage), and then copy the complete video over usb to the unit might work well. These dashcams might even be for sale, but I expect they are quite expensive, whereas a local sd-card in the dashcam is dead-simple and dead-cheap.
Once USB-3 gets to these android units, being full-duplex and having much higher speed and bandwidth, it might be useful to do it over USB (making sure all devices are USB-3 or that you have a real switching USB-3 hub), but only if the CPU can handle the HD raw video and encode it: A PX3 can't, a PX5 can't, a Sofia 3GR can't. Wait for much faster units (specification wise both the PX5 and Sofia 3GR should, but both fail on it).
That is why you should ALWAYS let the dashcam do both the video encoding and the storing of the media files, and NEVER over the usb.
Edit: With the Joying, and a lot of others, you can view back the movies, or get an online view where a MJPEG stream is displayed on the unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samster125 said:
I want to buy a small non-Joying DVR camera, record to sdcard in cam, and use the head unit to review video from cam and manipulate the files as required (ex. send an important video or image).
Will the Joying do this for any cheap DVR camera?
Do I just need to use a different DVR app on the head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know if the joying will do this for "any" DVR camera. That is an extremely wide area.
90% of the Chinese dashcams are the same and have more or less the same app. I did not hear yet about issues.
Some dashcams come with internal GPS location logging, some not.
Some apps allow you to view the videos over usb, some/most allow you to copy the videos over usb to your local unit drive.
I use my dashcam as well for Mapillary recording. That results in big amounts of data and I simply take the sd-card out of the camera and do it on my laptop. I have two SD-cards which I simply exchange. A 16-32 Gb-sdcard costs something between 6-12 euros (in the Netherlands). Note that any class 4 or better will do. You don't need extremely fast cards.
What I have also noticed in the past (with 2 dashcams, so statistically perhaps completely unreliable) is that most cheap dashcams simply stop in the middle of a recording when being switched off: no battery whatsoever to nicely finish the recording and nicely unmount the sd-card. This leads to lots of minor corruptions. So when I switch SD-cards, I always do a "checkdisk" on the SD-cards and I always have to repair errors. Be aware of that.
GPS for USB Dash Cam
ste2002 said:
1. HD+ video recording is a very CPU consuming task, one would not want to have his/her HU stalled. So let the daschcam use its dedicated CPU and local storage SD to do the task.
2. The point of having a camera connected is (as implemented by Joying) being able to output video on HU display, both live and stored on cam's SD - very handy; connected Joying cam (which does not have own battery) also takes time from HU to stamp video. Other brands are even able to take GPS coordinates from HU.
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Click to collapse
I recently got an ATOTO A6 Pro and have been frustrated trying to embed GPS in the dash cam files. You mention that, "Other brands are even able to take GPS coordinates from HU." Which brands would that be? ATOTO has not been able to help. They just say it is impossible.
I have an Xtrons PX6 Android 9 headunit with cheap usb dash cam. The cam itself has micro SD card inserted and usb plugs into my usb on the headunit for viewing.
I have bought 3 of these cameras 2 to use in different vehicles and 2nd new Xtrons cam to go with the PX6. All of these cameras generally have pre-installed APK on the camera to install on the headunit.
You'll also find that these cameras have GPS and eDog built in aswell as ADAS. I purchased 2 of these cheap Chinese units from eBay for about £15 each and they work perfectly.
The advantage of having the camera record is that if the headunit goes down you still have the camera covering your ass if theirs a problem.
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
Sorry to hijack this thread.
Does anyone know what might be the problem when GPS signals lost immediately right after an usb camera plugged in?
The signals came back once the camera were unplugged. (the camera functioning fine, apart from not detecting gps as they're all lost)
Would it be a fault of the camera or the head unit itself?
USB thumbdrive works fine though, no issues.
Tbizzness said:
I have an Xtrons PX6 Android 9 headunit with cheap usb dash cam. The cam itself has micro SD card inserted and usb plugs into my usb on the headunit for viewing.
I have bought 3 of these cameras 2 to use in different vehicles and 2nd new Xtrons cam to go with the PX6. All of these cameras generally have pre-installed APK on the camera to install on the headunit.
You'll also find that these cameras have GPS and eDog built in aswell as ADAS. I purchased 2 of these cheap Chinese units from eBay for about £15 each and they work perfectly.
The advantage of having the camera record is that if the headunit goes down you still have the camera covering your ass if theirs a problem.
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this usb dash cam,but i can't download the update to have adas and other fatures.i can't communicate with the seller because the store is closed.my cam is the U3 Mini Full HD 1080P Car DVR Camera ADAS ...can you help me with the apk file pls?
Hello everyone
Because I came in looking for a solution to a problem with a camera for my car that has a "head unit", I come to ask my question. The "head unit" is isudar px3 with Android 7.1.2. I bought a forward camera that works well on a cell phone with android 7 (and with OTG adapter) without problems and on the date of its correct recording. When trying to put it in the car through one of the USB ports (there are 2 - one that I will say is normal and the other prepared for 3G/WIFI) and after installing the .apk that comes with the camera, it tells me that there is no card and that there is a problem with the USB, as if it did not exist.
already tried several .apk but none can connect with the camera.
During the time that it is connected, the card in the usb case records image and sound although it does not show anything on the car's media player screen, but these recordings show a much earlier date that has nothing to do with the moment in which it is recorded. That date will be that of the camera itself a few years ago. If the date was correct, it would still leave the camera in its place and for the least. But as it does not, its validity in case of an accident will be very weak, obviously, and so it is not working. Having asked the question, I ask for the opinion of someone who has had the same problem and has solved it. Thanks in advance.
The above video is my review, i have it working great with my ownice c200 headunit. the usb seems to register that to the iPhone that it is a CarPlay device. the CarPlay UI apparently is stored and sent from the iPhone its self to the usb dongle and then sent to the android app. the app then sends touch and audio commands back to the usb dongle and then to the iPhone.
i can send photos of the internals of the device to any one who wants and a link to the APK.
MOD EDIT: removed email address and mention of selling head units. XDA is not a place to make money!
great !!!
i can send photos of the internals of the device to any one who wants and a link to the APK.
Can you send me?
New firmware update allowing the box application to work in the background.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0Bym9XrdeViekOTF1VWRoaTlkb1E?usp=sharing
First Step: updating the CAR PLAY USB DONGLE
Plug in the car play usb dongle on the PC, copy the "update.bin" file under the root of the dongle, no extra file folder and no any operation, just wait for 5 minutes, it will be quit automatically after updating, then pull off the USB dongle.
Second Step: Uninstall the old version ZBOX softare from the car audio, then intall the new one, then it will be ok to work.(With the new APK in the attachment and follow the manual)
Hey all, I made a quick video review on the usb dongle
vassandrei said:
Hey all, I made a quick video review on the usb dongle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested in one of these units, how can I purchase? Thanks.
URL REMOVED
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vassandrei said:
Hey all, I made a quick video review on the usb dongle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue you are experiencing with the zbox having 'stage-fright' has to do with the power requirements of the zbox device. Some USB bus' don't provide enough power (or borderline) so functionality is intermittent. If you use a powered USB hub, that provides additional power to the USB ports, you'll have almost no issues.
I have connected a y USB adapter.
Has anyone tried one of these on a PX3 RK3166 head unit?
I have one but cant get it to work.
It connects to the apk but wont connect to the iphone.
Tried the update to firmware and apk, still no joy.
Not sure if i have a faulty dongle or it's a compatibility issue with these head units.
Alibaba seller suggested not enough power on head units usb?
I have the same problem with one of these.....
I have tried three android units now and I still can’t get them to work....
Android 4.4 it says its connect but the iPhone just shows as not found....
The other two are both 6.0.1 and the zbox just shows connecting all the time!
If any one has any help it would greatfully be received..
Or for that matter any software updates.....
Mine is showing apk: 2.1.0
Zbox versions: 2.1.0
Many thanks and kind regards
Mine works and I have a px3. I updated the device and installed the latest zbox app before I tried it. I would try swapping out cords and making sure they are certified by Apple. The only issue I have with mine is that it cannot be controlled from the steering wheel.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use a second usb-plug and a y-cable to provide sufficient power to the device.
What do you guys do with regards to phone calls? My phone is obviously paired to the head unit via Bluetooth, so whenever I get a Call, it jumps out of CarPlay/zbox to the Stock phone interface, however the phone still transmits the audio to carplay and not via Bluetooth by default.
How any of you solved that problem?
If you are using CarPlay why do you have Bluetooth paired? Every car I've been in with CarPlay diconnects the phone from Bluetooth.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Android Auto
Is there also a solution for Android Auto on Android Head Units ?
MarciDev said:
Is there also a solution for Android Auto on Android Head Units ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...ndroid-4-1-headunit-reloaded-android-t3432348
I have an Eonon GA7157 running a:
CPU: Allwinner R16 1.6GHz Cortex A7 Quad-Core
RAM: SAMSUNG DDR3, 1GB
Storage: 16GB
I have tried App and Firmware 2.x and 3.x. No joy. All I get is "Connecting" when the usb dongle and app is started. It never gets passed this "Connecting..." stage. USB devices like keyboards, mice, USB Flash drives, and even video camera work fine on this headunit. The Zbox Z1 and an OTA tuner don't work for some reason.
I did some more troubleshooting and found out the following: The dongle works perfectly on my PC running Remix. I also tried it on Samsung Table A; on this one, same symptom as the head unit, so I tried using an OTG cable and what do you know, it worked perfectly.
Therefore, I have 2 possible explanations: The headhunt's USB cable needs to be hardwire as OTG or Eonon somehow has decided to block certain type of USB devices that request data asynchronously. Why? I have not clue... I wish I could disable this flag in the OS, but I have not clue where it can be done. My headunit is rooted, so it should be possible in theory.
Hello, could you post pictures of the internals? I'm very curious what's inside the lil dongle. Also: do you still have some of the dongles? haha
osxdude said:
Hello, could you post pictures of the internals? I'm very curious what's inside the lil dongle. Also: do you still have some of the dongles? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy one for $75 from Aliexpress. There is a video of the internals: check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnS_TP18VBk
This guy has done a few videos on the unit.
Hey, can someone help me to find the Zbox Z APK 3.0 to Download in English?
I have the 3.0 in Chinese only. And the 2.1 doesn’t work. My Firmware is 3.0