Android HeadUnit RAM upgrades? Is it possible? - Android Head-Units

Hi all,
So I'm new to posting on forums , but ill give it a go. I grew up with lots of knowledge for software, electronics and mechanics. I've been looking into these android head units and I got a guy to purchase one for his car project, engine, trans, exhaust, lights, brakes full out build. Thought this would be a nice touch with a custom boot logo. Anyways, obviously 2gb of ram isn't THAT much for these headunits.
So as far as I can tell from reading around, they are soldered onto the boards, however.. I have a proper BGA reflow station and was thinking of checking out what chips they are using, finding the specs and finally ordering a better chip from a semiconductor catalog, I've seen single DDR3 chips go to 8gb a chip. Theoretically your just "upgrading" the ram, right?
Thinking of looking around to start on a cheap unity (just in case) or if anyone has some buggy units out there that they wanna test it out on sell for parts or whatever. If it works Ill send it back! FREE UPGRADES...JK.:laugh:
Any info on specs or any other knowledge is greatly appreciated!
Let me know what you guys think!

Hey did you end up finding a solution on upgrading your Head unit's RAM?

Solution is to buy a new unit. You will not go far with RAM upgrade without a CPU/OS/Storage upgrade even if it was possible to upgrade RAM. Also the cost won't justify the result, the complete units are so cheap already.

Related

Pumpkin CS-C0355 or Ownice C200?

I have a 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagen and the stock RCD-510 died on me. I've spent the past couple weeks eyeing up these different Android head units and it's a bit overwhelming. My sort of minimum requirements are 1024x600 and 16GB storage. I'd love to be able to set up a dash cam using CaroO. Edit: Also would like to make sure I can connect my phone via Bluetooth for music. I think this is a common feature on these HUs, though.
I think I've narrowed it down to the Pumpkin CS-C0355 (7" has a couple of USB ports) and an Ownice C200. The C200 has 2GB memory and is 8", which is nice, but I get the impression that everyone is operating okay with 1GB. I also don't think the C200 supports something like CaroO, only a camera that does the recording externally. I don't get the impression that Ownice has a lot of support on XDA here, which makes me think the Pumpkin will be a better choice for flashing other ROMs and dealing with some of the quirks that seem to be pretty standard in the "stock" units.
Has anyone had experiences with one or both of these? Any thoughts on which would be a good choice?
Bro, the Pumpkin CS-C0355 is out of stock now. It might be popular, so Autopumpkin has released another HU (11-C0359) to replace it. These two HUs seem to don't have much differences (tell from the function description), but Pumpkin offers better after-sale service (2 year free warranty)! I would rather choose the one who focuses on providing the best customer experience.
I was looking to order through their AliExpress store since the C0355 is in stock and was a bit cheaper (looks like prices went up until the 11/11 sale) but they only mention a 1 year warranty there. The C0359 looks exactly the same ... Curious what the difference is. I'll do a bit more research but maybe it's worth the higher price from their site for the extra year of warranty. Hm.
Thanks for the reply. Pumpkin does seem to have better support. Don't see too many good things about Ownice.

New Joying Head Unit? Tweeted Dec 5 2015

I saw this tweet
https://twitter.com/carjoying/status/673061917242564608
I can't seem to find any additional info. I just bought the currently available one so I'm really interested to see if this new one is updated android and PX4 Rockchip.
Anyone know more?
I like the higher volume button. Out of the way.
I also just had an interaction with Joying where they indicated they will have an universal 10" single din model like their VW model ready in 2 weeks.
So from my reading of Joying's stereos, these are all basically the same, but with a differently designed front on them? I see the same Android version, processor and specs on every one, really. I'm asking because I'm curious about getting one and am a little overwhelmed with options that all seem about the same.
There are different cpu specs and resolutions. Some of the units are car specific due to some integrations like the VW units with can-bus showing heat and a/c info etc. If they have a unit that is specific for your can then it probably has a nice faceplate on it. Otherwise there are the universal units.
I consider to get one for my car, so I have to wait for new version
how are teh joying units, they got them on amazon which is abig plus if theres any issues
Cool! Thanks for sharing. Have an older model and it has been pretty solid so far. Might pick up a new one for the spare car Hopefully the Bluetooth quality is fixed with the updated unit.
pounce said:
I saw this tweet
I can't seem to find any additional info. I just bought the currently available one so I'm really interested to see if this new one is updated android and PX4 Rockchip.
Anyone know more?
I like the higher volume button. Out of the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2015 model is now on their website and amazon too for $330ish.... XDA won't let me post the link right now cuz I never post.....
There's also a forum about upgrading the unit to 5.1 with software provided by Joying... I may have to order one now...
The new ones are not out yet. A few days ago they let me know the 10.1" universal unit is coming in the next week or two.
Many units on their site say 2015.
Is 1gb fast enough for these units?
I have not had any issues with mine
Plenty responsive. Boots up quick too.
what about bluetooth and wifi quality? Are hardware mods still required with these unit?
I don't know about the newest model being released, but the Bluetooth quality with the model I have does have a hint of distortion. I use a hotspot on my phone without any signal problems, so can't speak to the signal strength with trying to connect to a wifi access point.
How are they selling a 10" model? What car would that ever fit in without huge customization of the entire dash panel?
Bought it
http://www.carjoying.com/special-sa...pport-airplay-mirror-link-reserve-camera.html
why are they releasing new models with still 4.4.4 and 1gb RAM?
devoidx said:
why are they releasing new models with still 4.4.4 and 1gb RAM?
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Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing... Also, rk3188 is getting old. Most of the Android TV boxes have moved onto newer processors and Android.
Sent from my CarPad-II-P using XDA Free mobile app
Proven and more or less stable., abundant and inexpensive. Parts on hand. Also, when the new new board show up its not hard to simply swap them.
Sure, we want new and better every week. I'm happy to have this form factor now rather than waiting for 5.1.. Simple upgrade later.
pounce said:
Proven and more or less stable., abundant and inexpensive. Parts on hand. Also, when the new new board show up its not hard to simply swap them.
Sure, we want new and better every week. I'm happy to have this form factor now rather than waiting for 5.1.. Simple upgrade later.
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Click to collapse
This is not about wanting new every week...KitKat is 2 and half years old...Lollipop has been out for a year an a half....Lollipop should be the bare minimum when they ship devices these days, ....and 1gb RAM on any device in the year 2016 is just plain insulting.
devoidx said:
This is not about wanting new every week...KitKat is 2 and half years old...Lollipop has been out for a year an a half....Lollipop should be the bare minimum when they ship devices these days, ....and 1gb RAM on any device in the year 2016 is just plain insulting.
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Click to collapse
Respectfully, I think you are being a little naive. Many of the manufacturers are working on the next full iteration of chips and 5.1 or 6 OS versions, but do you see many yet? It only takes a card swap on the head unit to change the SOC... and really the SOC and Android version has nothing to do with most of the hardware of these headunits. Take a look at the wide range of products a company like Joying offers. Pretty slick range of OEM looking faceplates and integrations with CAN bus etc. Truthfully, many of these companies are limited by what Rockchip and the subs provide for them.
You should definitely feel personally insulted. What were they thinking?! How could they develop a product without consulting devoidx?! :silly:

Need help identifying new head unit from eBay

Hello.
I just bought one of these 2 DIN android head units, it should arrive next week.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Double-2din-CAR-MP3-MP5-Player-Radio-Quad-Core-Android-4-4-gps-Bluetooth-GPS-/112071545669?hash=item1a17fc1345:g:4aoAAOSwFe5Xz7t8
Anyone knows the brand/make or has any relevant info about this device regarding it's amplifier power and overall quality?.
It's based on the typical RK3188 platform with 1GB of RAM and 16GB storage, so i guess that it may be compatible with other systems roms based on the same hardware.
Probably an MTCB.
Overall quality: not better than "junk".
Personally, I wouldn't waste the time to install it.
Why would you buy something without knowing what it is?
Well, someone has to do it since you can't find any info about this device on the entire web. And judging by your answer you have no idea either, so I guess i'll just wait for someone else's knowledge or just wait quietly for it to arrive and test it by myself.
@Habieru, check out the RK-A701 thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...stions-development/info-unit-rk-a701-t3460559
Also, check out this google search: https://www.google.com/#q=rk-a701
Anyway, from my quick search, the RK-A701 head unit does not appear to have the MTC type MCU, and no one appears to have found a way to access recovery and flash any custom firmware yet. On the plus side, the RK-A701 is cost effective, has the higher resolution 1024x600 display, and root can be achieved with kingoroot or kingroot. That said, if cost is not a major concern, I'd recommend stepping up to one of the new Joying Intel units with 2GB of RAM or at a minimum any MTC type MCU unit or any Newsmy Carpad with 2GB of RAM.
Hope this helps...
R
Thank you very much @rhacy , that's the kind of info i was looking for.
After fully reading that thread, and some russian blog reviews i can conclude that this unit is just as you say, a cheap unit with no major highlights but gets the job done. Pretty much what i need because cost is a concern for me and this device offers pretty much the same as the others.
My father has one of those new Intel Sofia X3 headunits with lollipop and it sounds great, but i must say that performace wise the X3 is terrible compared to the RK3188. So for now i'm going to give this unit a trial, and if it does not meet some minimum standards i can just sell it.
And again, thank you very much for your help.

Froyo update. Please help!

Hi,
I bought car with exactly this unit
aliexpress.com/item/Android-car-dvd-for-CRV-2006-2011-with-gps-steering-wheel-ipod-touch-512mb-RAM-free/711660356.html
*** Report from an obsolete version of CPU identifier ***
Bogomips+loadtime:799.53.80 72.5.46
Device identified: imx51_bbg (Freescale MX51 Babbage Board)
E:10000- Inches:5.83-7.0
1)unknown
2)imx51_bbg
3)imx51_bbg
4)imx51_bbg
Build machine:carit-S3420GPV
Creator:allen
Board:Freescale MX51 Babbage Board_ <>
Speed:160000 - 800000 States:1
detection2: Qualcomm MSM7627T/MSM7227(-1,T) 800.0Mhz
detection1: Freescale i.MX51
(IA:Freescale based device)
Version 8.5.0.000.s-.1.1.B Mem391
Adaptation: <imx51_bbg> 2 false 1003Mb 0.0C
2.2 Froyo, 800
Is it possible to update Android to JB or newer? If yes help me please. I searched the forum and have not found answer. I believe that you can help me. Sorry if I posted in the wrong place.
Regards
Probably not, you'd have to customize your ROM to meet the requirements of that hardware.
It looks unusually old and slow.
http://system-on-a-chip.specout.com/l/251/Qualcomm-MSM7627
This is a really low-end CPU, with only 1/2 GB of RAM! Even the RK3188 or RK3066 units have 1GB of RAM.
It looks like the used the cheapest hardware, stripped down an old, seriously obsolete version of android, and charged you a lot of money only because it fits into your vehicle nicely.
Wow! That's the problem with the custom-made ones: you really have to be careful of what you are buying.
CaptShaft said:
Probably not, you'd have to customize your ROM to meet the requirements of that hardware.
It looks unusually old and slow.
This is a really low-end CPU, with only 1/2 GB of RAM! Even the RK3188 or RK3066 units have 1GB of RAM.
It looks like the used the cheapest hardware, stripped down an old, seriously obsolete version of android, and charged you a lot of money only because it fits into your vehicle nicely.
Wow! That's the problem with the custom-made ones: you really have to be careful of what you are buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought Honda with this unit. URL is old and not active. Any ideas what can i do with this Fryo?
jumper3 said:
I bought Honda with this unit. URL is old and not active. Any ideas what can i do with this Fryo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell on ebay and see if you can get a few bucks for it.
https://www.carjoying.com/head-unit/c-h/honda-head-units/honda-crv-radio.html
Here's a bunch of Joying units with the newer Intel Sofia processor.
https://www.carjoying.com/head-unit...on-1024-600-pip-touchscreen-bluetooth-wi.html
This looks like it would fit. Double check to make sure.
I know it's a pain but once you get this in there you'll thank yourself and never look back.
Don't be cheap, buy something new. Its not like these units are expensive now, they are essentially disposable at their prices.
With it running Froyo there's little you can do.... Does the app store even work on Froyo? You might be able to make an old version of Maps work and use it simply as a multimedia player and Sat Nav, but other than that, it's junk......
Unless you fancy a challenge? You could potentially replace the motherboard with like a Raspberry Pi or something similar and make a totally custom piece of hardware. I know someone who did this with a similar unit and it works surprisingly well although he never got things like the CD player to work.

Current head unit models

Hi all,
Could you please recommend me a head unit? Something modern, well-specced, and good quality. My google-fu has revealed plenty of comparisons of Android Auto-capable head units (whichi don't run android) or just pages such as aliexpress - many of those models are years old now and it's next to impossible to know whether they're any good.
Looking through this forum doesn't really seem to help unless I know what to look for, it's mainly all model- or ROM-specific. A sticky'd list of head units with a comparison of features would be great, if it exists. If it doesn't exist, I'd be happy to start putting one together :good: Could be really handy for newcomers
Is there a place out there keeping their finger on the pulse of new releases in this space that I can take a look at?
Thanks
As your Googling revealed things change fast and new models come out as part supplies change so a sticky wouldn't be good for much except maybe a historical record. There's no one place I know of that keeps track of what's coming down the pipes apart from sites like XDA, 4PDA and some car enthusiast sites where someone happens to spot something and reports it. I found info on new units before they were released by visiting the manufacturer's site or their store on Aliexpress (usually has official store in the name).
As far as recommending anything I think it's too much of a personal choice that depends on too many factors to do. I'll just start by saying if you're looking for good quality stick with the name brands. All these Chinese units have issues with assembly and software if you're willing to play you can have lots of fun with them fixing things and modifying. Some are better built than others, the sub $100 MTK units are not comparable to the PX6 at 3x the price but that doesn't stop either from suddenly dying from poor quality components or soldering. Also Google has a habit of messing things up with their service updates.
What you get with these HU is a custom fit and features you won't find on any other HU. The things to look for is at least 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage for a basic low cost unit. What you really want is 4GB/32GB Rockchip SoC with an MTC MCU. You get a 64bit multi core processor with lots of RAM and an MCU that has better support from the manufacturers and the community.
The official Android auto works with a limited number of phones. There is an unleashed version as well as other apps with similar function. Many of the Android HU have the ability to do the same thing and also can work with Carplay (may need a dongle). Screen mirroring has its issues. Personally I think you're better off to have your phone provide an internet connection and bluetooth handle the communications.

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