Headunit Replacement Suggestions - Android Head-Units

So I had a Joying MTCB Android car head unit, was originally 4.4 but I had upgraded it to 5.0. Its the RK3188 quad core originally with 1GB of RAM but upgraded to 2GB. I had done a few other hardware mods too (MTC Sound and some FM sound enhancements by changing some caps).
Anyway long story short ribbon cable failure led to smoke and dead headunit.
So I am now looking for a replacement, any suggestions? About my only real requirement are a physical volume knob and as shallow a mounting depth a possible (well I need 4 channel preamp outputs and also reverse camera input but I think those are a given).
I always found the radio reception crappy (well compared to the OEM and even my old Ouku unit) so something with a good radio reception would be good, but again I assume between all the Chinese units its about the same (but if someone has a personal experience of a good one I'm all ears).
I was looking at one of the Eanon 7.1 8core 32GB/2GB ones, looks like it has a shallower depth 131mm than most plus it seems to be up there spec wise. How does the 8 core All Winner compare to like the 4 core Intel? It has the volume knob and everything else I need, though I'd prefer the knob in the top left vs center left but it appears the one in the corner has a larger depth?

jakejm79 said:
So I had a Joying MTCB Android car head unit, was originally 4.4 but I had upgraded it to 5.0. Its the RK3188 quad core originally with 1GB of RAM but upgraded to 2GB. I had done a few other hardware mods too (MTC Sound and some FM sound enhancements by changing some caps).
Anyway long story short ribbon cable failure led to smoke and dead headunit.
So I am now looking for a replacement, any suggestions? About my only real requirement are a physical volume knob and as shallow a mounting depth a possible (well I need 4 channel preamp outputs and also reverse camera input but I think those are a given).
I always found the radio reception crappy (well compared to the OEM and even my old Ouku unit) so something with a good radio reception would be good, but again I assume between all the Chinese units its about the same (but if someone has a personal experience of a good one I'm all ears).
I was looking at one of the Eanon 7.1 8core 32GB/2GB ones, looks like it has a shallower depth 131mm than most plus it seems to be up there spec wise. How does the 8 core All Winner compare to like the 4 core Intel? It has the volume knob and everything else I need, though I'd prefer the knob in the top left vs center left but it appears the one in the corner has a larger depth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got this one for my wife's car (Eonon GA2167)- no DVD, so yes very shallow depth - I have an older Eonon 6.2" unit running stock 4.4.4. and there is a huge difference - much faster, better memory handling, obviously more room for apps (32GB) - it does take a hair longer to fully boot up compared to the 4.4.4., but interface, app handling good so far - screen also better (comes with a screen protector applied & a backup in the box) -
Install used similar cables, etc. but be aware that the power/speak leads do not match up to older unit - must rewire - as it's in my wife's car, will have to play with it more as I get the chance, but so far so good - definitely an upgrade from my older unit - I am quite jealous -

Jacklad said:
Just got this one for my wife's car (Eonon GA2167)- no DVD, so yes very shallow depth - I have an older Eonon 6.2" unit running stock 4.4.4. and there is a huge difference - much faster, better memory handling, obviously more room for apps (32GB) - it does take a hair longer to fully boot up compared to the 4.4.4., but interface, app handling good so far - screen also better (comes with a screen protector applied & a backup in the box) -
Install used similar cables, etc. but be aware that the power/speak leads do not match up to older unit - must rewire - as it's in my wife's car, will have to play with it more as I get the chance, but so far so good - definitely an upgrade from my older unit - I am quite jealous -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I ended up pulling the trigger on a GA2167 (coupon on Amazon and a free camera too - which will just get sold since I already have a camera).
What was your older Eonon (3066, 3188 or something different, MTCB/D?) just for comparison sake. Nice to hear that it is a big step up, I am also looking forward to the shallow depth, it really was a squeeze before now I should have plenty of room.
Do you have SW controls hooked up? Do they work with 3rd party apps, i.e. Pandora, etc. I had to use some workaround on my previous one but other than that everything else pretty much worked the way I wanted on the stock ROM so hoping for the same.

Winca s190
CarNaviPlayer.com

Jstyants said:
Winca s190
CarNaviPlayer.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you expand on that? Looks like it doesn't meet my size requirements (too deep), has significantly reduced specs (half the cores and half the storage) of the GA2167) is almost $150 more price wise, has only 2 preamp outputs not 4, so unless there radio reception is significantly better I see zero benefit in this product.

Just got my GA2167 and wow is it quick, compared to my RK3188 with 2GB RAM it boots up a bit quicker but also the Radio actually plays (if it was playing before) part way during boot up. Everything else works has expected, I think radio reception is a little better too, sound quality is good its quite a bit louder than my previous unit.
Install was easy, since my car uses standard ISO connectors. Loving the smaller depth, have to tweak my brackets now but I should get it to sit flush now, before it would stick out a mm or so just because the rear was so cramped.
USB OBDII reader worked with no problems and so did my SW controls.

jakejm79 said:
Can you expand on that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah can't be bothered
My suggestion and it's brill, research, google does wonders

jakejm79 said:
Just got my GA2167 and wow is it quick, compared to my RK3188 with 2GB RAM it boots up a bit quicker but also the Radio actually plays (if it was playing before) part way during boot up. Everything else works has expected, I think radio reception is a little better too, sound quality is good its quite a bit louder than my previous unit.
Install was easy, since my car uses standard ISO connectors. Loving the smaller depth, have to tweak my brackets now but I should get it to sit flush now, before it would stick out a mm or so just because the rear was so cramped.
USB OBDII reader worked with no problems and so did my SW controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So have you had any issues with differing sound quality with the unit? On my current unit I can't use some apps because the sound quality is so poor compared to others. I cant use the Pandora or spotify app on the unit because they are so quiet and barely even push my sub, but if I use blue tooth and have it come from my phone it fixes. I'm wanting to upgrade to a unit that I can get consistent sound quality from on the apps and run front and rear channels from an external amp as well as sub and this unit does have the pre outs I need and the price is pretty good.

Jstyants said:
Nah can't be bothered
My suggestion and it's brill, research, google does wonders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless i'm seeing something this still runs on the a9 and 2gb ram? curious what makes this better than the px3 px5 or sofia intel chips, some with 4gb.

snaggle2thtiger said:
unless i'm seeing something this still runs on the a9 and 2gb ram? curious what makes this better than the px3 px5 or sofia intel chips, some with 4gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
**** knows

Jstyants said:
**** knows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for the input.

snaggle2thtiger said:
Ok, thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please use the "thanks" button in future, instead of creating new posts to say thanks
Enjoooyyy

I'll remember that for some one that actually helps out

snaggle2thtiger said:
So have you had any issues with differing sound quality with the unit? On my current unit I can't use some apps because the sound quality is so poor compared to others. I cant use the Pandora or spotify app on the unit because they are so quiet and barely even push my sub, but if I use blue tooth and have it come from my phone it fixes. I'm wanting to upgrade to a unit that I can get consistent sound quality from on the apps and run front and rear channels from an external amp as well as sub and this unit does have the pre outs I need and the price is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any issues with sound quality (I know some people on some unit have an issue where some apps only play over the front two speakers at a lower quality - kind of like the system thinks its navigation audio - but I haven't experienced that). In all fairness though all I use is Pandora and FM Radio at the moment. I do plan on dumping my whole MP3 collection over and will see how that handles it and what player (default or other) I end up using.
The only quirks I have of right now is:
1. No way to change the car logo to a custom one - mine isn't listed, not that its a huge deal since the Car logo only shows for a second or two
2. Voice dialing, at the standard DPI the Google app thinks its a tablet adjusting the DPI fixes that but breaks other apps (FM Radio, etc). Also when it is working it doesn't parse the phone number to the BT app, other 3rd party dialers do.
3. I constantly get the prompt to select an app for a USB device when starting, I have an USB OBDII adapter, even when selecting Torque Pro has the default app it doesn't seem to remember and asks me at next boot.
4. I can't remove the default widgets on the stock launcher - not a huge deal but my car has a clock with date right above the radio, no need to show it on the launcher too, would rather put some torque widgets in its place.
But all in all I'm happy with it, definitely a lot more snappy than my RK3188 unit even with a 2GB and 5.0 upgrade, some quirks but they all have quirks and nothing deal breaking.

jakejm79 said:
I haven't had any issues with sound quality (I know some people on some unit have an issue where some apps only play over the front two speakers at a lower quality - kind of like the system thinks its navigation audio - but I haven't experienced that). In all fairness though all I use is Pandora and FM Radio at the moment. I do plan on dumping my whole MP3 collection over and will see how that handles it and what player (default or other) I end up using.
The only quirks I have of right now is:
1. No way to change the car logo to a custom one - mine isn't listed, not that its a huge deal since the Car logo only shows for a second or two
2. Voice dialing, at the standard DPI the Google app thinks its a tablet adjusting the DPI fixes that but breaks other apps (FM Radio, etc). Also when it is working it doesn't parse the phone number to the BT app, other 3rd party dialers do.
3. I constantly get the prompt to select an app for a USB device when starting, I have an USB OBDII adapter, even when selecting Torque Pro has the default app it doesn't seem to remember and asks me at next boot.
4. I can't remove the default widgets on the stock launcher - not a huge deal but my car has a clock with date right above the radio, no need to show it on the launcher too, would rather put some torque widgets in its place.
But all in all I'm happy with it, definitely a lot more snappy than my RK3188 unit even with a 2GB and 5.0 upgrade, some quirks but they all have quirks and nothing deal breaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I'm happy to head about the Pandora sound that is how I'd prefer to listen but haven't been able to because of the issues on my unit and YouTube is tedious to use. When you say you can't change to a custom boot logo, does it still have some preloaded options? Or is it just the brand of the radio that boots?

snaggle2thtiger said:
Thank you! I'm happy to head about the Pandora sound that is how I'd prefer to listen but haven't been able to because of the issues on my unit and YouTube is tedious to use. When you say you can't change to a custom boot logo, does it still have some preloaded options? Or is it just the brand of the radio that boots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there are still about 20 or so Manufacturers to pick from, mine just isn't on the list.

Great, I think you just helped me make my decision

Just ordered the Eonon GA2167, should have it in next weekend. I'll let you know what I think of it. I was thinking about the XTRONS 4GB unit, but I just didn't see enough talk about it to feel comfortable. I'm replacing a EZTronics 1GB unit, so I'm sure I'll see a nice upgrade.
For those who have it, it says Micro SD compatible, but I don't see a slot for it?

breezeli said:
Just ordered the Eonon GA2167, should have it in next weekend. I'll let you know what I think of it. I was thinking about the XTRONS 4GB unit, but I just didn't see enough talk about it to feel comfortable. I'm replacing a EZTronics 1GB unit, so I'm sure I'll see a nice upgrade.
For those who have it, it says Micro SD compatible, but I don't see a slot for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beneath the volume knob a door opens up and reveals a mSD card slot and mini USB port.

I have one f this units and I am experiencing problems with the apps sound Have infinity 6x9's and 6 1/2 PPI components in the front a 1000 watt dual amp, it takes a while for the sound to come in then is very distorted I have the gain on the amp matched to the unit on the apps the front speakers barely sound. it really sucks. any fixes? how is the internal amp?

Related

Hotaudio Model 2100: 2DIN 7" 1024x600 RK3066 Android 4.4.4

Hi Guys,
I've been searching but couldn't find info on this head unit. It looks like they upgraded the screen to 7" 1024x600 on an older dual core 1.6Ghz RK3066 to make a universal 2DIN unit. It seems to be a recently released model, looks like a nice unit for a good value.
Does anyone have this HU or know about it? Hotaudio seems to be the original manufacturer, is there a better known clone of this unit?
All I can find searching for "Hotaudio 2100" are some posts on a Russian forum:
https://www.drive2.ru/l/7069581/
https://www.drive2.ru/l/7031068/
They're on Aliexpress and Ebay:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Dual...ole-size-176mm-101mm-No-disc/32342857044.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1024-600-An...mm-176mm-7-inch-navi-radio-wifi-/251948090321
Any info or ideas?
Hi. This Hotaudio RK3066 - 1024X600 HU is considered a HuiFei type, so check out the thread below for more info:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2660662
Here's another thread on this specific HA HU that could help too:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...in-s07-android-4-4-using-rk3066-root-t3155372
Also, below's a link to Malaysk's Custom Rk3066 - 1024X600 ROM Images that have worked well for me with this HU:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58249825&postcount=7614
And here's a link the MCU images for BN-HA RK3066 / RK3188 specific models:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61291848&postcount=14139
My opinion of this HA HU is that it's inexpensively made and not perfect. For example, I had to relocate the WiFi antenna out the back, as the factory location inside of the unit created a very weak signal. To clarify, moving the antenna lead out the back of the unit increased throughput up and down by at least 10x + on my unit. Moreover, my HA HU also has an input switching issue with my vehicle's factory amp that creates a single loud popping sound through the speakers when switching from music to radio inputs or when turning the vehicle off. That said, this issue was not present at all with a prior Winmark Android HU in the same vehicle. I even installed a RCA ground loop isolator - noise filter and made sure the ground was to chassis, but the input switching loud single popping sound is still a problem with this HU. I'm guessing it's an issue with how crudely this HU the switches power, which is unlike the soft power switch and volume ramp up of my last Android HU.
Another issue with many of these Android type head units including this one is the boot up time. It's at least 20-30 seconds, but you can set the HU shut down time delay up to two hours. Still, it's not equal to having an any time almost instant on HU like my last one.
All the above said, this HU is decent if you can find it for around $200 US, but I'd recommend going with something of higher quality if cost is not a big concern, or at the least look for one of these units or similar ones with the quad core RK3188 processor and good support.
Bottom line is that these units are inexpensively made IMHO, but they can be fun to work with; thanks to Malaysk and all the excellent XDA developers and contributors. Plus, I still have not found any higher quality brand names to date that run pure android, OBD2, and have as many other app options available.
Best to all,
R
Thanks a lot for your informative post rhacy.
My unit just came in and I was wondering if this was the WiFi antenna you relocated out the back?
There seems to be an adhesive copper antenna tab taped to the inside of the chassis near the screen at the front of the unit. If you route it out the back wouldn't it put the antenna further away from the seats where you'd want the stronger WiFi signal? Was the stock placement of your antenna the same way?
Your previous Winmark HU with the instant boot up time was a Windows CE unit with Android running in a VM, or was it pure Android? I've seen the option in xdAuto firmware for the Carpad HUs to set sleep delay for 1day, 2days so it will instantly boot as long you drive every few days. I wonder if we can do that on these HuiFei units somehow?
I've seen mention in the changelog of an adapter that addresses factory amp pop by introducing a delay before switching the input, at least during turn-on. Maybe using an adapter like this might address the issue?
http://www.pac-audio.com/firmware/RP/RP4-CH11.html
Release Notes for RP firmware
2/13/2015 Rev 1.5.4.4:
Adds Fusion
Separates Sony & Pioneer
Adds Alpine VR command
Factory amp turn-on delay slightly longer to avoid turn-on pop
Fixes LED problem without proper radio selection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have Steering Wheel Controls working with your unit? Does your vehicle have resistive controls or canbus?
I'm going to hook mine up to power and test it out, will report any issues to this thread. Anyone who has one of these Hotaudio model 2100 please post your experience.
Hi rcll,
Your more than welcome and thank you for the heads up and link for an adapter that addresses factory amp pop by introducing a delay before switching the inputs, at least at amp turn on. Cheers!
Here's a link to one I found on ebay that looks like it may work in some instances:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAC-TR-4-Ca...gger-Module-/191226517960?hash=item2c85fd19c8
Moreover, I'll do some more research and try to find an adapter that can sense any input switch and soft switch the amp. Well... I will if the new Android HU I just purchased has the same single loud popping sound when switching inputs or turning off. The new HU is a Joying JY-UQ124 Quad Core RK3188 1024*600 16GB 2 DIN system. It was purchased because I missed having an actual volume knob and wanted to upgrade to a quad core as well as see if it would fix the loud single pop sound issue.
Please note that I have emailed Hotaudio multiple times over the last month or so about the loud single pop sound issue when switching audio inputs etc., and Summer has stated that they are working on the problem and will send me a fix if and when they figure it out.
Also, if it helps at all, the Hotaudio HU is installed currently in a 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited with the factory infinity amp, 6 speakers, and a Polk sub-woofer. It's a non CANbus and non SWC SUV. As I mentioned in my previous post, there were zero single loud popping noise issues with the Winmark Android HU that I installed in the Montero prior this HA HU. The Winmark has a gentle audio input switching and a nice soft volume ramp up on any input including the radio. It was listed as a Pure Android Single DIN HU with the pop out 7" 1024x600 display and it has worked well. I only replaced it because I did not like how far it stuck out of the dash even with the display in. Plus, the display had to pop out in order for me to see my reverse camera or access my nav apps and that got old real fast. Also, I was concerned that the display motor or its ribbon cable would fail eventually.
Here's a link to Winmark Pure Android 4.1 Single DIN HU:
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Pure-Android-4-1-universal-1_60150935774.html
To clarify further, the Winmark Pure Android HU is instant on when using the android music player or radio, but it does take 10 seconds for the display to pop out and up. That said, I'm guessing that there must be a sleep or standby mode for the Mstar system that Rockchip does not deploy. Plus, I know for sure that the Mstar system does not need to boot up even when the Montero has sat for days or weeks without use.
In regard to the Hotaudio WiFi Antenna, yes, mine was in the exact same spot originally. However, mine did not come with an adhesive copper antenna tab at the end of the antenna lead on the side of the case. It was just soldered to the inside sidewall of case. Your unit may perform better with the copper tab, although, I think there will still be more interference due to the antenna lead being inside the case. On mine, the difference between the factory mounting location and the lead being routed out the back (through the rear mounting bracket hole and then attached to center upper rear housing screw) has been a massive improvement in both signal strength and throughput. If I was not pressed for time during the antenna fix, I would have taken pictures as well as mounted a RP-SMA Antenna on the back housing like the one in the link below.
2.4G 2.5dBI Wireless RP-SMA Antenna with Extension Cord Cheap hot sale
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171505160014?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Further, I did ask Hotaudio for help with the ridiculously weak wifi signal and directly related low throughput issue, but they only suggested using a USB WiFi adapter instead of the internal WiFi radio. D'oh! And even then, there was no information on which adapter would work, or how to set it up, where to get the drivers, or where to get it. In turn, I pulled the HU, relocated the antenna lead, and tried to explain to them the poor factory antenna location problem. This was more than a month ago, so hopefully they are doing a better job on new units. Please note, my Winmark HU has the WiFi antenna routed out the back and it works great. Also, the forthcoming Joying HU routes the antenna out the back too, so hopefully it will work great as well. Anyway, if you're bench testing your HU prior to install, you can at least test the signal strength and throughput and compare it to your phone etc., and then decide if you need to reroute or not. Although, if you like to connect to home or work WiFi networks, I'd recommend relocating and upgrading the antenna.
Yikes... my apologies for type rambling...
Best to all,
R
rhacy said:
My opinion of this HA HU is that it's cheaply made and far from perfect. For example, I had to relocate the WiFi antenna out the back, as the factory location inside of the unit was poorly designed to save a few cents per unit. To clarify, moving the antenna lead out the back of the unit increased throughput up and down by 10x + on my unit. Moreover, my HA HU also has an input switching issue with my vehicle's factory amp that creates a single loud popping sound through the speakers when switching from music to radio inputs or when turning the vehicle off. That said, this issue was not present at all with a prior Winmark Android HU in the same vehicle. I even installed a RCA ground loop isolator - noise filter and made sure the ground was to chassis, but the input switching loud single popping sound is still a problem with this HU. I'm guessing it's an issue with how crudely this HU the switches power, which is unlike the soft power switch and volume ramp up of my last Android HU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever solve the popping sound before you switched to the Joying? This is my second HotAudio unit, my first one had a power issue. They sent me a new one at no cost, but this has the speaker popping as you described. My first one did not have this issue. And no word from Summer yet. I really don't want to go through the hassle of shipping this one back and waiting another 2 weeks for a new one. Frustrating.
vdubskey said:
Did you ever solve the popping sound before you switched to the Joying? This is my second HotAudio unit, my first one had a power issue. They sent me a new one at no cost, but this has the speaker popping as you described. My first one did not have this issue. And no word from Summer yet. I really don't want to go through the hassle of shipping this one back and waiting another 2 weeks for a new one. Frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi vdubskey,
No... I haven't solved the Hotaudio single loud popping sound when switching audio inputs or turning off yet. On an encouraging note, Summer sent me a link to new ROM and MCU images yesterday should fix the single loud audio popping sound. I'm guessing the fix is in updated MCU audio switching assembly code, but I've already installed the Joying HU and it's been working great for the most part. To clarify, out of the box the Joying HU has zero audio pop issues, decent WiFi throughput, and is obviously faster due to the quad core. The only issue with it so far is low mic volume and some background buzzing noise for the person on the receiving end of my Bluetooth paired phone calls. D'oh! There always seems to be some issue with these head units.
Anyway, if Summer has not sent you the download link to the New4_rk3066_h(20150831) ROM & MCU images yet, you can pm me for the link. Please note that I'm going to email Summer and will post the link and password here if she gives me permission to do so.
Best to all,
R
I also bought this model and with the latest files from Summer, I noticed that the input pop sounds went away : ). Super happy about that
It is too bad I have to stick with the files from HotAudio/Summer so I won't have the popping sounds. This also means I won't be able to install the Malaysk's current custom rom as you will hear the popping sounds
butthead123 said:
I also bought this model and with the latest files from Summer, I noticed that the input pop sounds went away : ). Super happy about that
It is too bad I have to stick with the files from HotAudio/Summer so I won't have the popping sounds. This also means I won't be able to install the Malaysk's current custom rom as you will hear the popping sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this same HU and it has been nothing short of perfect for me. Try and update the MCU to the new (20150831) HA file and then put in Malaysk's ROM. The popping sound should be MCU related not ROM so you shouldn't have any problems.
I personally haven't updated my MCU yet so I still have that popping sounds, only the ROM to Malaysk's Aug24-2015 and it's running flawless. I bearly notice the pop anyways.
butthead123 said:
I also bought this model and with the latest files from Summer, I noticed that the input pop sounds went away : ). Super happy about that
It is too bad I have to stick with the files from HotAudio/Summer so I won't have the popping sounds. This also means I won't be able to install the Malaysk's current custom rom as you will hear the popping sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news. She just sent me a link with a firmware date of 09/09/2015 so hopefully it fixes it. Yea I appreciate all the work Malaysk has done but all of the UI changes done are not to my taste. The stock firmware looks much better IMO. I just extract the stock firmware images and rebuild with the modded apps I use and use then flash and apply *#hct#root# to root and install xposed and get the same experience with the same look as stock. Works for me [emoji6]
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Summer at Hotaudio has given me permission to post the links below that should fix the single loud audio pop when switching inputs or when turning off.
Please note that these ROM Firmware images should be for 1024x600 Hotaudio Dual Core RK3066 & Quad Core RK3188 Head Units, but I haven't testing them yet, so use at your own risk.
Hotaudio Rockchip RK3066 8-31-15 ROM Firmware & MCU Images:
http://yunpan.cn/cm4nU7wHDzcuA password:2782
Hotaudio Rockchip RK3188 9-8-15 ROM Firmware & MCU Images:
http://yunpan.cn/cmtZjSvdtbqqv password:6389
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
R
Yup that's the firmware I downloaded, the 9/8/15 one. I upgraded to a quadcore SOM for this radio. I'll try the MCU image first and see if it solves my problem and then the UPDATE image if I need to. Should get these posted to the HuiFei file server as well. At least the MCU files anyways.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
vdubskey said:
Yup that's the firmware I downloaded, the 9/8/15 one. I upgraded to a quadcore SOM for this radio. I'll try the MCU image first and see if it solves my problem and then the UPDATE image if I need to. Should get these posted to the HuiFei file server as well. At least the MCU files anyways.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Please let us know if the single loud audio pop goes away or not. Also, once you flash the MCU, could you post the MCU version number for the new RK3188 MCU from your Settings - about section?
Moreover, once I know the both the new HA RK3066 and RK3188 MCU version numbers, I'll see if I or someone can post them to the HuiFei and mega.nz file servers - ( https://mega.nz/#F!KMZnXTJC!zDFMlP4qgxEE6vQxt8rrrw ), or if you do, please let us know.
Thanks again.
R
The MCU that was included in the 3188 download is v2.73. And that is what my system already had prior. I am still getting the pop randomly when switching music and radio apps. Although I haven't got the pop on boot or shutdown yet except a very tiny one that might have been related to something else. I'll have to do some more testing.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Hey guys, I am a total noob when it comes to dealing with these android head units. I am wondering if anyone can tell me if there is any way to have music (I.e. Mp3, radio, or other sources) to play continually, or at least while I am in the Nav app. Riding in silence just to use the Nav is not cool....
vdubskey said:
The MCU that was included in the 3188 download is v2.73. And that is what my system already had prior. I am still getting the pop randomly when switching music and radio apps. Although I haven't got the pop on boot or shutdown yet except a very tiny one that might have been related to something else. I'll have to do some more testing.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yikes! I updated to MCU 2.73 on my HA rk3066 about month ago and still had the single loud audio pop when switching inputs or turning off. Regardless, thanks for posting the MCU version. It's probably a waste of time, but I'll bench flash the MCU included with latest rk3066 ROM from Summer to see if it's newer than 2.73.
Bigjoe1025 said:
Hey guys, I am a total noob when it comes to dealing with these android head units. I am wondering if anyone can tell me if there is any way to have music (I.e. Mp3, radio, or other sources) to play continually, or at least while I am in the Nav app. Riding in silence just to use the Nav is not cool....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try going into Settings > GPS and selecting Mixing. There, you can also adjust the volume settings between your music and gps voice directions. Please note that this GPS volume setting may not work if you're using a GPS app with text to speech street names.
Hope this helps...
Best to all,
R
butthead123 said:
I also bought this model and with the latest files from Summer, I noticed that the input pop sounds went away : ). Super happy about that
It is too bad I have to stick with the files from HotAudio/Summer so I won't have the popping sounds. This also means I won't be able to install the Malaysk's current custom rom as you will hear the popping sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey can you post the version number of the MCU that took the pop away. Also the firmware date? Is your unit a dual core or quadcore. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Update: I went ahead and flashed the update.img after the MCU.img had no effect and it has resolved the speaker popping. So it turns out the even tho the MCU probably does handle the input switching, it must have been how the OS handled the execution. No facts to back that up but just my opinion. Now I have to mod this version all over again and setup my apps but oh well.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
vdubskey said:
Update: I went ahead and flashed the update.img after the MCU.img had no effect and it has resolved the speaker popping. So it turns out the even tho the MCU probably does handle the input switching, it must have been how the OS handled the execution. No facts to back that up but just my opinion. Now I have to mod this version all over again and setup my apps but oh well.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting that the latest Update Image from Summer at Hotaudio fixes the audio pop. I did bench load the included MCU for the HA rk3066. Unfortunately, it was version 2.60, so I knew it would not help. Thanks again for verifying the fix is the new firmware.
Cheers,
R
Another update: So the newest firmware fixes the pop when switching from radio to music and vice versa perfectly. Haven't had a pop yet. But I'm still getting a random pop here and there on ignition off. So I think I'm going to going to wire my DCDC-USB power supply in-between the unit and the battery so I can use the power off delay function to make sure my amp is powered off before the unit so I don't get the pop. Hopefully it works out.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Does anyone know how to get into recovery mode? This model doesn't have physical buttons but it still has the reset button. I tried going from maylask's to the original img. After flashing, it never booted successfully and now I'm stuck on the android logo screen. Any pointers ?

Android unit for Ford S-MAX

Hi guys
I'm hoping to get some help from you with deciding head unit for my Ford S-Max. I'm doing a research about it but still a bit confused.
I have few units I'm looking at,
1. Ford specific Joying - JY-FL124N2 ( Android 5.1.1 Lollipop 2GB RAM Intel SoFIA 3GR , 4 Cores )
2. Universal Joying - JY-UL135N2 ( Android 5.1.1 Lollipop 2GB RAM Intel SoFIA 3GR , 4 Cores )
3. Ford specyfic Xtrons - PF75QSFAP-S ( Android 5.1 Lollipop 64 Bit Operating System Quad Core )
4. Ford specyfic Xtrons - PCD76QSFA-S ( Android 6.0 Marshmallow quad core Cortex A7 )
5. Ford specyfic Xtrons - PF70FSFS-S ( 800MHZ Cortex A7 Processor and latest WinCE6.0 )
I'm really into buying ford specific Joying with SoFIA, i was reading about it and plenty of people suggest to buy this one and all seems good but there is one big minus of it, there is no DVD slot (which isn't a problem) the problem is with 2 NOT working buttons 'eject cd' and 'dvd' which is very annoying and taking up the space... I've asked support if there is a chance to reuse (re-programme) those buttons for something else but got no response about that.
Anyway I like the Universal Joying unit the most, one volume knob, few buttons, looks much better then ford specific ones but there is a problem with wiring, its needed to get the harness etc from other source and whats worst connect all that to be working, steering wheels controls are the most stressful for me, and need to get some dash kit for installation. So I will end up with a frame in a frame (unit itself), so it will be very visible that this is a after market unit.
.
If you have any other suggestions please dont hesitate to say.
This will be used mostly for youtube, some movies for my kids, playing music from my phone (Xperia Z3), making calls, using internet from my phone or hotspots, navigation (probably google maps as i like them the most). I also want to get the rear camera with it
Any ideas welccome, thanks!
R
What year is your S-max? For the newer ones (post 2011or so) it's hard to change the OEM unit because the airco controls are integrated.
Johan
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T580 met Tapatalk
JohanEe said:
What year is your S-max? For the newer ones (post 2011or so) it's hard to change the OEM unit because the airco controls are integrated.
Johan
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-T580 met Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Johan, thanks for asking...its 2006 Ford S-Max so its easy enough with those specific ones.
I was thinking about it and decided to use one of the specific ones, less hassle with installation and looks better, less after market. But Im not sure which one to pick, I dont have a big budget for this and would prefer to spend around € 200 on it but i dont want to be disappointed with how the unit works, i need it to work mostly with rear camera, playing music from my phone and simultaneously using navigation or playing videos in the back screens (when i finally buy them, plan for future), making calls, some youtube for kids during the trip...i just have enough of drained batteries in phones by 'wheels on the bus' songs lol
In my opinion, as a general rule you should pick up an unit with 2Gb of Ram and physical buttons.
A quad core is also recommended and to be honest I don't think that you need more then quad. There are some new units with octa but I haven't read more info and don't know if they worth the trouble.
Also I would pick a Ford specific unit because it fits perfectly in the dash compared to a standard 2DIN with various adapters that are not always up to standard most of the time.
Sofia looks like a good option, I am also interested in one... I began to read about it... I need to replace my 2 year old 3066 (KYD) unit.
I am mostly seeking it's instant on feature since I got tired of waiting for 30-40 seconds for my unit to boot each time I start my car.
Also I am not sure that you should opt for a CD unit since most don't use CD's anymore.... but that's up to you.
From my experience these aftermarket silver units are a different shade (brighter) of silver compared to the silver dash Ford elements.
nouserr said:
Hi guys
I'm hoping to get some help from you with deciding head unit for my Ford S-Max. I'm doing a research about it but still a bit confused.
I have few units I'm looking at,
1. Ford specific Joying - JY-FL124N2 ( Android 5.1.1 Lollipop 2GB RAM Intel SoFIA 3GR , 4 Cores )
2. Universal Joying - JY-UL135N2 ( Android 5.1.1 Lollipop 2GB RAM Intel SoFIA 3GR , 4 Cores )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
edit said:
In my opinion, as a general rule you should pick up an unit with 2Gb of Ram and physical buttons.
A quad core is also recommended and to be honest I don't think that you need more then quad. There are some new units with octa but I haven't read more info and don't know if they worth the trouble.
Also I would pick a Ford specific unit because it fits perfectly in the dash compared to a standard 2DIN with various adapters that are not always up to standard most of the time.
Sofia looks like a good option, I am also interested in one... I began to read about it... I need to replace my 2 year old 3066 (KYD) unit.
I am mostly seeking it's instant on feature since I got tired of waiting for 30-40 seconds for my unit to boot each time I start my car.
Also I am not sure that you should opt for a CD unit since most don't use CD's anymore.... but that's up to you.
From my experience these aftermarket silver units are a different shade (brighter) of silver compared to the silver dash Ford elements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey
Thanks for spending time to reply.
Yes i also decided to go with a Ford specific, i know the shade might be different but it will still look better then universal unit with frames...The only thing that is annoying is those 2 not working buttons...
It would be good enough if we can programme them but probably those are just blank covers without a button.
nouserr said:
Hey
Thanks for spending time to reply.
Yes i also decided to go with a Ford specific, i know the shade might be different but it will still look better then universal unit with frames...The only thing that is annoying is those 2 not working buttons...
It would be good enough if we can programme them but probably those are just blank covers without a button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help, I have a Mondeo (oval shape headunit unit) myself and exchanged quite a lot of headunits, I had 2 x 2DIN units and 2 x Ford specific ones. With the 2 DIN I had a hard tine finding adapters that fit perfectly but never got one with the right shade of silver or the perfect shape to accommodate the dash and the 2DIN unit... So I gave up on 2DIN units based on the adapters headache and overall look.
I mentioned that thing about the silver shade because you don't have this problem if you buy it black
Some people are bothered if it's not the same shade.
Yes, those 2 dummy buttons annoys me as well but there's nothing we can do... Overall the buttons layout is not for my liking. I would have preferred the standard android buttons on one side (back, home...) and multimedia buttons on the other side (play, stop...). But they tried really hard to cut the costs this time using old parts and completely cutting out the CD/DVD unit. For me the CD/DVD is useless because with all the streaming services I haven't touched an CD in the last 3 years. The DVD player in the car is also useless for me... when I drive I need waze/gmaps/igo/here and PlayerPro/XiiaLive Pro.
The Sofia unit needs a little modding from what I have read... you definitely need to stop the killing app service, install Viper4Android because the 3 band default EQ is really poor in general... and probably many more... still reading on the problems the unit has and the workarounds.
One thing I can say for sure.. if it weren't for the XDA forum and all these great people I would never consider buying an Chinese unit because out of the box it's pretty poor software wise.
nouserr said:
I'm really into buying ford specific Joying with SoFIA, i was reading about it and plenty of people suggest to buy this one and all seems good but there is one big minus of it, there is no DVD slot (which isn't a problem) the problem is with 2 NOT working buttons 'eject cd' and 'dvd' which is very annoying and taking up the space... I've asked support if there is a chance to reuse (re-programme) those buttons for something else but got no response about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all.
I've recently bought the Joying EU-JY-FL121N2 model, so it fits for a bit newer Modeo/S-max/Focus. In my model there is a dvd slot but it's blanked (not as in the pictures of the hu on the Joying website). The most important thing for you may be the fact that the 'dvd' and 'eject' buttons do work, they just don't do nothing on default. With the
Joying 2GB - Steering wheel key customization - V4 (NO KILL)
mod I am able to use them. I can't be 100% sure that there is the same situation with the other models but I suppose that in fact it is.
[email protected] said:
Hi all.
I've recently bought the Joying EU-JY-FL121N2 model, so it fits for a bit newer Modeo/S-max/Focus. In my model there is a dvd slot but it's blanked (not as in the pictures of the hu on the Joying website). The most important thing for you may be the fact that the 'dvd' and 'eject' buttons do work, they just don't do nothing on default. With the
Joying 2GB - Steering wheel key customization - V4 (NO KILL)
mod I am able to use them. I can't be 100% sure that there is the same situation with the other models but I suppose that in fact it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please take a picture of your unit and show us how it looks... the pictures from the website are old renderings that had the CD slot removed in Photoshop. I would like to see a real picture if possible.
Let me get straight you managed to remap those buttons to do something else with the help of the mod "Joying 2GB - Steering wheel key customization - V4 (NO KILL)"?
Thank you !
edit said:
Can you please take a picture of your unit and show us how it looks... the pictures from the website are old renderings that had the CD slot removed in Photoshop. I would like to see a real picture if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. The whole unit first:
drive.google.com/open?id=0B7ILN8lhPUkFLWxMcVdyNDZQUGM
And now the picture of the "dvd slot". I shot it with flash so you can see there is no hole:
drive.google.com/open?id=0B7ILN8lhPUkFYXFCNEQxbGZyckk
Let me get straight you managed to remap those buttons to do something else with the help of the mod "Joying 2GB - Steering wheel key customization - V4 (NO KILL)"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I did. In my unit I've got the following codes:
31 - DVD button
32 - EJECT button
33 - MEDIA button
34 - RADIO button
[email protected] said:
Here you go. The whole unit first:
drive.google.com/open?id=0B7ILN8lhPUkFLWxMcVdyNDZQUGM
And now the picture of the "dvd slot". I shot it with flash so you can see there is no hole:
drive.google.com/open?id=0B7ILN8lhPUkFYXFCNEQxbGZyckk
That is exactly what I did. In my unit I've got the following codes:
31 - DVD button
32 - EJECT button
33 - MEDIA button
34 - RADIO button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you VERY much for the feedback. The pictures are great. They differ a lot from what they posted ... Surprise! the DVD slot is still there... only that is blocked... hmm.....
I pictured that they at least get rid of the slot and the side lights (that I presume that they still lit the fake cd slot)... kinda sloppy decision.... eh... whatever....
The unit looks good... I am definately getting one.
1. Since I have an Mondeo and I will be getting the exact same unit I gotta ask if everything went fine as for some units there are problems with steering wheel buttons (vol up and down, next, prev) especially the M button in the middle (you can't configure it to do anything)? Do they work ok?
2. Did you encounter problems at start (the unit start command, power on, is sent through CAN and actually interpreted and enable by the chinese CAN decoder) ?
3. Does the instant power on feature works ok?
4. The unit hardware buttons backlight colour match the car dashboard?
5. Is the screen bright enough?
6. At night does it dimm enough or do you need to use some software to dimm it even more? (like I feed the need on my unit, if I turn down the brightness even if it goes prett down I still feel the need to make my screen even darker for those white background apps like Google Play Music)
Thank you !
edit said:
1. Since I have an Mondeo and I will be getting the exact same unit I gotta ask if everything went fine as for some units there are problems with steering wheel buttons (vol up and down, next, prev) especially the M button in the middle (you can't configure it to do anything)? Do they work ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to get the steering wheel buttons work. I only use those on the left side, but all of them work: vol up/down, next/prev and the 'M' button. In my case the wheel buttons work with connecting 'KEY2' wire - sorry but I don't remember details right know - it is described in the manual from Joying (which is included with the HU). At start after cutting some wire I connected it from the wrong side with the KEY2 one, but then I've noticed a youtube clip
youtube.com/watch?v=QaJqWy9Tk24
and did the same way, but I had to stay with the canbus decoder connected (the only difference from the method shown above).
2. Did you encounter problems at start (the unit start command, power on, is sent through CAN and actually interpreted and enable by the chinese CAN decoder) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't quite understand what you've wrote in brackets - I haven't noticed any weird behaviour with starting the unit.
3. Does the instant power on feature works ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does actually. I don't know much about the battery drain - I've got the unit for a week only. But I've seen somewhere in the forum statistics of the processor activity during the night and it was almost 100% deep sleep so I'm hoping it's ok.
4. The unit hardware buttons backlight colour match the car dashboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Essentially, yes. In more details: I've set up the red colour (the option of changing colour is visible only with car's lights on - not that much obvious to me) and in the daylight it looks a bit pale - you can see it on the pictures I gave. But when it's dark they look very nice to me - the same or almost the same colour as on the dashboard.
5. Is the screen bright enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We haven't had many sunny days during the last week, so I may only say - I can see what's on the screen, but I don't think I'm going to use it to watch movies - radio, music, bluetooth, maps - for now it's all I need.
6. At night does it dimm enough or do you need to use some software to dimm it even more? (like I feed the need on my unit, if I turn down the brightness even if it goes prett down I still feel the need to make my screen even darker for those white background apps like Google Play Music)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't tell anything about that to be honest, this is to check yet. I'm not very sure but I think that the 28 march update brought some more options for backlight of the screen (but it may have been there before also).
I ordered it just now, hope it goes well !
Thank you for all the feedback !
---------- Post added at 12:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 PM ----------
[email protected];71748303
Yes said:
Did it start instantly each day or there were days when it booted slowly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
edit said:
Did it start instantly each day or there were days when it booted slowly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't notice the last question, so maybe the answer is for other people right now - I haven't got any cold boot yet.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
[email protected] said:
I didn't notice the last question, so maybe the answer is for other people right now - I haven't got any cold boot yet.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is nice to know... I am hoping that my unit will be here in the next 2-3 days... and then it's mod time... lots of work
Have you hard moded yours to add additional cooling to the unit (heatsinks or fans) or did you let it stock? Have you noticed cpu throttling ? Have you checked the CPU temp? (not sure how users checked it out, probably with an app)
Don't know if I will mod my unit, I am not ready to give up the warranty from day 1.
edit said:
Have you hard moded yours to add additional cooling to the unit (heatsinks or fans) or did you let it stock? Have you noticed cpu throttling ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK people here have got some throttling during cpu stress (some benchmarks I think) - I use the unit for listening to the radio, music, phone calls and navigation, for now at least. I don't think those actions will stress the hu at all or maybe in some small amount - I hope so at least...
Have you checked the CPU temp? (not sure how users checked it out, probably with an app)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't done this with the unit, but in my phone I've used cpuz. I think there are plenty of such kind of apps in Play store which even don't need root.
Don't know if I will mod my unit, I am not ready to give up the warranty from day 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I'm not ready to do any hardware mod and surely I don't feel I need one.
[email protected] said:
AFAIK people here have got some throttling during cpu stress (some benchmarks I think) - I use the unit for listening to the radio, music, phone calls and navigation, for now at least. I don't think those actions will stress the hu at all or maybe in some small amount - I hope so at least...
I haven't done this with the unit, but in my phone I've used cpuz. I think there are plenty of such kind of apps in Play store which even don't need root.
Right now I'm not ready to do any hardware mod and surely I don't feel I need one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your CAN bus settings? I am really struggling with my CAN bus. My S-Max headlights are blinking when parked. I would love to know what settings you are using.
Iscariot76 said:
What is your CAN bus settings? I am really struggling with my CAN bus. My S-Max headlights are blinking when parked. I would love to know what settings you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of headlights do you have? In my car there are h1/h7 bulbs and I can't see any kind of blinking.
I managed to solve my issue by cutting the wire on the alarm sensor pin in the plug between my car and HU.

Atoto A6, my thoughts / review

Mirrored from my Amazon review on this unit:
Here are all of the pieces we purchased with the A62721PB 2G/32G, in order to install in our 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 truck. Install is still not complete, but I'll get to that in a bit.
(associate links removed for spam filter)
As you can see, its an ordeal to install this unit. Even the manufacturer doesn't seem to understand the vehicles it will be installed in, in our case, a 06 Ram 1500. Standard Chrysler wiring (would be the same for almost any 06 Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep... etc) telling me to tap into the -5v canbus wiring as the accessory switch. To properly install this in those vehicles, you need a CanBus adapter, which will give you the ability to turn to ACC and run the unit, and allow it to dim with the interior lighting. Neither of those are done in a 12v switched wire in these vehicles. Oh, and you will need an antenna adapter too... both of these I have yet to buy . If you have more than basic radio functions in your vehicle, you need a better install kit. Basic wiring wont cut it to do the job right.
As it is, I used a tap to the ignition switch (+12v) to turn the unit on until I have a few bucks to pick up a proper install. So think of all of that when buying. To get all the functions, you need more parts, so a $300 radio turns into a $500 radio quick.
OK.. Use. Most of my use is with Google Maps, Amazon Music (offline) or the backup cam. Getting those or any software setup with large downloads was a pain, as this unit shuts off the wifi with the key, so no updates while you sleep, and no way to turn that functionality on. Unless you leave your keys in the vehicle (not the best choice). And with the sub-par performance of the wifi in this unit, its going to take a while. I can see my home wifi all over my property with our phones. The truck only seems to see my neighbor's connection. The antenna is mounted under the black part of the windshield trim, just out of view. In fact, the only good reception I've gotten is with a portable hotspot in the truck. The A6 also cannot seem to see our 5gHz channels. These seem to be built to the same standards as generic 2010 tablets.
The built in pairing is useless. It just shares the screen image with the head unit. No controls, no passthrough... just video. If I wanted to use my phone I would have stuck to the ram mount. PDA-Net is the only way I've been able to connect, as my phone plan doesn't include wifi hotspot.
Speaking of phone hookup and this unity, you can share data (like PDA. net) or use fast charge. not both? And those USB leads really should come with some sort of bracket and template for in-dash installation. We plan on making these, but really, it would be a lot nicer to have it come with. Right now, they just fall out of the bottom of the dash like an afterthought.
Additionally, we negated to install the microphone. Most times people can hear you fine. If not, you have to re-boot the system. You also have to reboot when it wont pause music when a call comes in, or lower sound when the rear camera activates.
-Side note about that pause... most sub $30 bluetooth adapters resume your media when you start the vehicle back up. not this one.. you got to hush the FM software, navigate back to your music (Amazon music in our case) and then hit play. Since there is no play button on the factory remote, its a real pain in the backside. Not well thought out Atoto. -
Reverse cam is basic, we bought the matching ATOTO one and the quality is garbage. Looking for a better unit now. Nice that it just lowers the music while backing up, and doesn't cut out though.
I haven't tried to install a better home screen or layout in this unit. It would help to have a bit more open framework. The colors and designs are bland and garish at the same time (congrats on that hot mess Atoto) with no support for changing them.
The best looking interface and use so far has been Torque, which we have the pro version of, and has been useful to see a few tuning parameters as well as info for towing. We bought a generic ODB2 dongle and it works fine. The downside is the built in browser for looking up a trouble code that came from blowing out our dash lighting during install (dumb grounding mistake, should have known better and pulled the battery leads. ) No support for acceleration sensors though, seems the A6 does not have them. So if you want this for your autocross car, maybe skip it and just use a used Samsung Tab or something.
Im going to look into re-flashing the headunit after we button up the install with a better ROM, better apps, and hope I can find a good dashcam utility that works for this. CarWebGuru works at first, but then on re-boot will disable all sound, cameras, and the remote if left as the launcher. If not, it still works, but is kindof redundant.
overall, its a project. Take a full day to get it all installed, maybe longer to dial it in right.
Overall, so far, we spent a total of $368.17, and will be spending at least another $80 on this unit. I guess that is the name of the game when you want to do things right, and not spend $800+ on a turnkey system.
I also discovered that Prey security will install, but not open on this unit. Thought it would be nice to have a bit of additional theft protection int eh truck and the ability to track it if it did get stolen.
. I recently bought the a6 and had to learn the hard way also. I'm installing in a 13 Dodge Durango.
Majority of the extra cost would come with any new aftermarket unit since newer vehicles need to communicate with the can us system. I went in also thinking I could buy the cheap harness and be good to go. Majority of the Chinese headunits are made for international vehicles. . Most are plug and play.
I got on lightning deal for $200 and so far about $100 in parts. But I expect this with any aftermarket radio I install. Days of cheap harness and dash kit are over.
But anything is worth the cost vs my stock radio.
Just like any Chinese product(coming from Android TV boxes) they take a lot of tinkering but that comes with the cheap price. I plan on 8nstalling one of the car launchers and replacing every non essetnial app.
Power amp or gmmp for music. So with my limited testing, I've had a good experience. I'm within 20ft of my router at home so speeds been great. Bluetooth has been Rock solid also with media.
Will post more on Sunday when I complete the install.
Right on. I didnt have the cash to buy one from some place thats worked out more bugs. I have industry friends that sell a unit that retails at $800, adn I could get it wholesale, but thats still a chunk more cash than I had.
Got my wifi a bit better sorted this afternoon by putting a repeater out in my little tool shed, and finally have 75% of the tomtomgo USA map downloaded. This unit nor that app are good at downloading. I also noticed something about Car Web Guru on startup... if the factory launcher does not have default access, not only will certain things stop working (cameras, sound, USB), but it screws with the clock, which then throws off other apps that use the clock as part of any sort of key. Amazon does this with offline music, which I have a lot of on here.
TeamADW said:
Right on. I didnt have the cash to buy one from some place thats worked out more bugs. I have industry friends that sell a unit that retails at $800, adn I could get it wholesale, but thats still a chunk more cash than I had.
Got my wifi a bit better sorted this afternoon by putting a repeater out in my little tool shed, and finally have 75% of the tomtomgo USA map downloaded. This unit nor that app are good at downloading. I also noticed something about Car Web Guru on startup... if the factory launcher does not have default access, not only will certain things stop working (cameras, sound, USB), but it screws with the clock, which then throws off other apps that use the clock as part of any sort of key. Amazon does this with offline music, which I have a lot of on here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe these stereos are any different from one another. I've read about changing launchers breaking things. Luckily I believe there is a fix out there.
Probably try emailing them for possible fix..
I still need the steering wheel module but thats something I'll do in future upgrade
intruda119 said:
I don't believe these stereos are any different from one another. I've read about changing launchers breaking things. Luckily I believe there is a fix out there.
Probably try emailing them for possible fix..
I still need the steering wheel module but thats something I'll do in future upgrade
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have emailed them, but the language barrier is strong here. Talked about changing the launcher, and they told me it is not possible, but I am willing to try more now that I have a few more tools at hand.
Just curious, if your vehicle doesn't have a 12v acc, is there a 12v power outlet /cig lighter (or anything else) that is controlled by the key. You could use any 12v that is controlled by the key and tie it the unit acc.
stabone00 said:
Just curious, if your vehicle doesn't have a 12v acc, is there a 12v power outlet /cig lighter (or anything else) that is controlled by the key. You could use any 12v that is controlled by the key and tie it the unit acc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What vehicle do you have?
If nothing is there under the radio dash, you can tap into the fuse box.
Wont work. 12v+ ACC is controlled by the bus. With the key off, the cigar lighter ports are still charged with 8-10v, which the unit sees as an on trigger.
In order to get around this, you need a canbus controller, which is available from a few companies.
intruda119 said:
What vehicle do you have?
If nothing is there under the radio dash, you can tap into the fuse box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, fuse box would be your best bet. Aside from just the key switch, you could probably find a delayed off or open door off. If not, you just need to find a circuit activated by the key, could be any voltage made or ground made. Relays are cheap.
stabone00 said:
I agree, fuse box would be your best bet. Aside from just the key switch, you could probably find a delayed off or open door off. If not, you just need to find a circuit activated by the key, could be any voltage made or ground made. Relays are cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah need to know what type of vehicle it is.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Any body get Waze working?
Unit can't find position/gps
Why would I do that in this truck with a relay and aux fuse panel, when I can control th dimming and ACC on via the canbus and an appropriate interface? Ive dealt with a lot of vehicle electronics (its part of my job) and going around a proven modern system with a bunch of jankey wiring just looks bad, especially in this case where it isnt needed.
In our Jeep Cherokee, maybe, but that also has things liek additional trailer wiring and radio equipment going in, as well as separate harnesses for the lighting to overcome stock deficiencies, but the Ram is pretty solid. Atoto says they have a built in canbus interface coming, just not there yet.
TeamADW said:
Why would I do that in this truck with a relay and aux fuse panel, when I can control th dimming and ACC on via the canbus and an appropriate interface? Ive dealt with a lot of vehicle electronics (its part of my job) and going around a proven modern system with a bunch of jankey wiring just looks bad, especially in this case where it isnt needed.
In our Jeep Cherokee, maybe, but that also has things liek additional trailer wiring and radio equipment going in, as well as separate harnesses for the lighting to overcome stock deficiencies, but the Ram is pretty solid. Atoto says they have a built in canbus interface coming, just not there yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah why would you do that?
Our last few post was towards the guy asking about it. We can only assume he has an older vehicle.
intruda119 said:
Yeah why would you do that?
Our last few post was towards the guy asking about it. We can only assume he has an older vehicle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, my bad. Yeah, if you have an older vehicle, you could do a relay setup for ACC, but normally thats just a stop on the key, at least back to the 70s.
My thoughts.
Built in amp is 10x better than the stock one.
Very little lag when operating the unit. Lags a bit when streaming and downloading at same time.
Plays all types of media.
Screen is great. Easily used with sunlight shining through(sun roof)
Dims at night time correctly.
2sec boot is amazing.
Presistent app permissions notification drives me nuts.
App installs take forever(download is fast as the connection)
3ven thought 99% of time I'm listening to Google play or off HDD would be nice to limit volume when turning on car when fm radio auto starts.
Everything outside of my noobnesw and lots of user error has been plug and play. What's taking me 2 weeks so far would probably take experienced person 1hr or less.
I took apart the unit and can't understand why these units are bigger than name brand headunits. There is nothing in them but space.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
The screen is very nice. Boot time is more like time to pop the screen on, like when you hit the power button on your phone after its been in your pocket on standy. The real boot time takes forever (why is this microwave so slow!!!!1)
Mine keeps having issues with SD cards. have had it randomly say its corrupted, pull it out, reinsert, and all good. Just odd I think . And I finally found a good GPS app for this one, since it has enough space, the TomTom app is perfect. At least for my uses, even with having to pay for a month when using it for longer distances.
My biggest issue other than the few mentioned already in this thread, is the lack of speaker settings. There isn't enough options for speaker fine tuning, and as a result I can't get my speakers to sound good at all without massive distortion and clipping. Anyone know if there's a solution for this?
XDApurp said:
My biggest issue other than the few mentioned already in this thread, is the lack of speaker settings. There isn't enough options for speaker fine tuning, and as a result I can't get my speakers to sound good at all without massive distortion and clipping. Anyone know if there's a solution for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best I can think of would be through a different amplifier than the built in one. Best luck I have had is with the "natural" setting. Its all software based, I found that it stops working and needs rebooted to get the profile back. Im betting thats a driver issue, and one we wont see updated in the A6.
You guys do know the trick about hitting BACK when the FM tuner comes up, then selecting the Atoto AUX and hitting HOME (leaving it in memory) to prevent the auto-start of FM and getting blasted out of the cab, right?
With the AUX trick, CarWebGuru (or other launchers) will autostart just fine. Every now and then (especially after a long power-off, like a day or two) you might have to repeat the trick, and more often, you'll need to manually start AUX if things like steering wheel controls or the Atoto equalizer isn't working after a restart (Aux or FM will force a restart of the MCU hardware).

EKIY D7 Android Head-unit

A few weeks ago, I decided to order an Android head-unit: I didn't wanna spend to much money, so ordered a low spec unit. After my holiday I could finally install it, and overall I'm satisfied.
Your browser is not able to display this video.
It runs on an ARM A7 1.3Ghz Quad-Core, scrolling through the screen is quick enough. Although starting apps takes a little bit longer, than used to on my smartphone. However Android Auto seems to work perfectly wired, I haven't been able to get it work wireless.
Also my original USB port of the car, doesn't seem to work with my current Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite. Which uses USB C: perhaps the USB port, is simply not supporting these new USB. My experience with the original car radio was, that this USB didn't even provide enough power to run my dashcam.
Anyway, the AlliExpress seller wasn't honest: they sold me an Android 10 headunit, but it's fake. In reality it runs on Android 8, which is okay to me. Expect than I want a part of the money back, because I wouldn't have ordered it for € 150 if I knew it's actually running Android 8.
Yes I know, it's possible that Android 10 wouldn't do these low spec headunits any good, but it's still false advertising. It seems to support sleep mode just fine, it went on instantly after I turned the car on and off. But for now I have disabled deep sleep, because I wanna avoid draining my battery.
The reverse camera is slightly titled, because of the license plate bracket. But this way, I don't need any drilling or what so ever.
I did some more testing: the screen is bright enough, even during sunny days. When connecting the phone to USB, than Android Auto will start automatically. Which is to my opinion the main feature of this Android Head-unit.
Reversing camera work, but when engine is running: there is flickering, not sure what's the cause. Perhaps the 12LED's draw to much power?
Google Maps and Spotify can work standalone together, but it's slow. So better use Android Auto, because it's safer and more stable. Also sound seems to be better, when using Android Auto. Not sure if it's because, most of the processing finds place on my phone.
The ability to change car logo is nice, and steering wheel control is very bugged. It will only allow me to assign one button? If I assign multiple buttons, than all of them have number 2. Suggesting to me, it might not see that my steering wheel control has three button's.
In order to avoid the car radio everytime deleting your contacts from the phone: go in phone bluetooth setting, and disable allow sharing of contacts. Overall when mainly using it for Android Auto, then it's a good unit. As screen isn't a TN screen.
But I feel, all Android apps including Google Maps aren't made to use directly on a head-unit. So no matter how fast your headunit is, still the integration is bad. The GPS works fine, no issue there. But there isn't a compass inside the head-unit, so it relying mainly on GPS for is position.
Not sure if HereWeGo might work better, because it has the ability to download maps. Also you don't need to run Spotify on the head-unit, it can run just like the OEM car radio play by Bluetooth.
There is a button called Bluetooth, that's where you find the handsfree and everything related to your phone. I would still however refrain from using it, especially while driving. Because it's very distracting.
That's why I already start Google maps on my phone, connect the USB and with less than 30 seconds it will automatically connect to Android Auto. Also music from Spotify would start playing automatically.
If you ask me: these head-units would be way better, if Android was striped down from all useless features.
Dispute
The dispute still is going on, I have used to different apps: both report API Level 27 which means it's running Android 8.1 instead of Android 10. I knew I was buying a low budget device, which increased in price because of chipset crisis and weak euro currency.
But Android 8 is officially not supported by Google anymore: you can still use it, no issues in that. Only I wouldn't have bought it, if I knew the Android version was fake. And obviously because of my working colleague, recommending this seller. If he didn't... I wouldn't have bought from EKIY.
Now it's a back and forth, and the seller saying the information the Fake Device Test and CPU Z give are fake instead. It's a pain in the ass, and most bugs found in this cheap device are even found in the more expensive ones.
I read, that the bug from deleting your contacts on the phone already existing for many years. People even reported it on Joying units, which makes me think. No matter a low or mid range chipset, all going have similar software bugs. It's up to you, how much you wanna spend.
Thank you for a good and detailed review.
I bought an android head unit from EKIY last month, but it is the highest spec. EKIY S7 8G+128G
I don't have any issues you mentioned in the post (lucky me).
Did you buy a general android device or it is tailored specifically for your car?
Regarding the reverse camera try different picture resolution settings. I see they are selling camera rectifiers to provide stable 12V DC if the problem persists.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32954917237.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.60062e241jGhBO&algo_pvid=689c7955-2a19-4aa1-b802-97f8a8142b59&algo_exp_id=689c7955-2a19-4aa1-b802-97f8a8142b59-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000018709179697%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21AED%2133.06%2116.53%21%21%2110.91%21%21%402101e9cf16602900534683194e028f%2112000018709179697%21sea&curPageLogUid=9lfhYfopE8tz
I bought device specifically for my car, but that just means EKIY puts the universal Android head-unit in a frame matching the car. And then providing the harness...
So if I buy any other universal 9 inch Android headunit, which same type of 9 inch screen. Then it should fit as well. Device works fine for Android Auto and built-in apps, so no complaints there.
But I was cheated by the seller: it is not running Android 10, but Android 8.1 which isn't supported by Google anymore. So in a way I overpaid, because it has false specifications specifications. That's why I'm having a dispute running against EKIY, but it still hasn't been resolved.
I had to provide detailed information, so I even provided a video. Now I'm waiting for a solution, the best would be full refund without having to send back. Because I would never have bought it, when it advertise the real Android version.
Also sending back isn't a real option, so I would already be happy with a partial refund and perhaps selling the device locally. But for now I'm keeping it in the car, to use it a bit longer.
I have tried this solution for the flickering, but don't know the result yet. As I haven't started engine. When I know it worked, then I will update this post. But the 12 led camera they give for free, is really bad quality image and I believe there is no need for LEDs on a reverse camera when you have a good lens.
So I have ordered an more expensive reverse camera, from GreenYi which seems good to me. I think wider view would also befit highly when reversing, so I choose option D AHD 720P. There isn't any need for 1080p, because the display don't support this resolution anyway.
GreenYi 170° AHD 720P
https://a.aliexpress.com/_v1Yg6B
DexterMorganNL said:
It seems to support sleep mode just fine, it went on instantly after I turned the car on and off. But for now I have disabled deep sleep, because I wanna avoid draining my battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, can you tell me where to turn off sleep mode
Yes, you are right, the seller is a liar, the android is not 10, but 8. and he does not send me the factory firmware as a backup
DexterMorganNL said:
But I was cheated by the seller: it is not running Android 10, but Android 8.1 which isn't supported by Google anymore. So in a way I overpaid, because it has false specifications specifications. That's why I'm having a dispute running against EKIY, but it still hasn't been resolved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have another car and considering buying one more device, but probably I will skip EKIY for now.
Smith76 said:
Hello, can you tell me where to turn off sleep mode
Yes, you are right, the seller is a liar, the android is not 10, but 8. and he does not send me the factory firmware as a backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to settings, factory settings and then you find an option called deel sleep or named slightly different. There you can put it off. But I have decided to keep it on, and now I'm observing if battery voltage doesn't drop below 12. In the last 48 hours that hasn't been the case, so I'm guessing it doesn't drain the battery.
Cold boot however is very slow: it takes 47 seconds and going from ACC to start engine will shortly switch off the device. Resulting in a second cold boot of another 47 seconds. So totally it would take about 2 mins, but when you connect the USB cable to your phone. It would automatically start Android auto. When in settings, you selected Car Link to start when usb is connected.
I filmed the boottime, you can see it's really slow. And yes don't expect any support from the seller, especially not after calling him out for cheating. Now I'm just in a big dispute and I finding it quite frustrating to be honest.
I'm regretting this purchase a little, mainly because the false Android version. Because that's something I find important as well. Basically you pay to much, when it claims to be running Android 10. No one would pay € 150 for a head-unit, running an Android version that isn't supported by Google anymore.
DexterMorganNL said:
And yes don't expect any support from the seller, especially not after calling him out for cheating. Now I'm just in a big dispute and I finding it quite frustrating to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I also really regret that I contacted this brand.
Did you win the dispute or not? I also want to open a dispute with a partial refund.
lissics said:
I have another car and considering buying one more device, but probably I will skip EKIY for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering Mekede this is an UIS7862 unit, and it has some support on XDA. Looks way better to me, than EKIY. But Mekede is also displaying fake Android 11, but they show the API Level 29 which is Android 10.
So not so much lying as EKIY: you can still find out the truth, if you know about API levels of Android.
Smith76 said:
Thank you.
I also really regret that I contacted this brand.
Did you win the dispute or not? I also want to open a dispute with a partial refund.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dispute is still running: AlliExpress firstly declined my evidence, so now I have made it very detailed. Seller just the whole time kept showing Android settings, claiming the Fake Device Test show false information.
I suggest half refund, but even that the seller refused. So I'm having AlliExpress step in and waiting for their solution. It's kinda a pain in the ass, but I'm hoping for a satisfied solution.
DexterMorganNL said:
I'm considering Mekede this is an UIS7862 unit, and it has some support on XDA. Looks way better to me, than EKIY. But Mekede is also displaying fake Android 11, but they show the API Level 29 which is Android 10.
So not so much lying as EKIY: you can still find out the truth, if you know about API levels of Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the one I bought from EKIY is UIS7862 and it shows API29 in CPU-Z. It runs fast and smooth, but I paid around 300 usd
firmware for this <miracle> from where you can download ?
lissics said:
Yes, the one I bought from EKIY is UIS7862 and it shows API29 in CPU-Z. It runs fast and smooth, but I paid around 300 usd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Atleast I have an IPS screen, I mean I'm happy with the quality of the screen. I'm guessing that's a specification, which wasn't lied about.
I will keep the thread updated, about the dispute. That doesn't go so fast sadly.
I just went from my hometown to Düsseldorf: the Android Auto works really well, but using the volume button is a pain in the ass. The best is to set volume before driving, because it's hidden behind my steering wheel.
This wouldn't be an issue for British drivers, because they sit on the right. But in the Netherlands we sit on the left seat, so it's a bit more difficult to adjust volume while driving. I think this will be the same on the more expensive units.
Seller came back with: friend how you proof, your app that shows fake Android version isn't fake. Something like that she or he said.... I said the app gets information from the system, which you try to hide.
He also said, that they sell Android 10 headunits. I say yes, but the one you sold me is a fake and I wouldn't have bought it if I knew it.
Also found the option, to disable the AHD for the reverse camera. Perhaps this is the issue with the reverse camera, because it wasn't the ground wire I disconnected this morning. The reverse camera I have is definitely not AHD.....
One negative part about Android Auto, or actually the USB connection of this device: while Android Auto is running, it gets hardly any charge. So better make sure you battery isn't to empty to begin with.
The seller all of a sudden send me an update, for the EKIY D7. But when I go into the FYT Build Prop, then it's labeled as an ATOTO...
And the last line in the build prop says: ro.build.version.release=11
I'm guessing that's how they fake the Android version? In this update, which I haven't installed yet on the device. They are faking the Android version to be Android 11 making it even worse.
And in metadata, I can actually see the Android is 8.1.0
post-build=SPRD/sp7731e_1h10_native/sp7731e_1h10:8.1.0/OPM2.171019.012/19115:user/release-keys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or at least I'm guessing, this number refers to the real Android version.
I seriously don't know for which device this update was meant? But it didn't work on my update, and I was afraid that this stupid update almost brick the device. That doesn't matter if I get a full refund from AlliExpress....
But I still don't know what's the solution from AlliExpress going be.
So finally AliExpress made a decision about my dispute: from the € 150 I spend for this headunit, I'm going be getting € 30 back. Which I think is reasonable....
It's still a fully functional Android headunit, although running on Android 8.1 and basically incapable of running Google Maps straight from the head-unit. Other navigation apps might work perhaps better, but I haven't tested it anymore.
Now I'm looking into Mekede, which I guess I could open a dispute against this seller as well after receiving the FYT Based UIS7862 headunit.... because they also lie about Android version. Only they mention the correct API Level, so I already know it runs fake Android 11.
I'm guessing I will just be selling the headunit, either completely. Or I'm going be taking it out of the frame, and then order a new one. Because I would still need an Android head-unit, if I wanna keep the reverse camera.
Well I used the device in the end for three weeks, and have decided to replace it with an Mekede M500s. Which I should have gotten in the first place, but I simply made a wrong decision.
My end verdict would be: totally useable for Android Auto or Apple Carplay and listen to your FM-Radio or music etc. Not so much useable for running heavier Android apps.
I haven't found many light Android Apps? I tried Mapy.cz a Czech Google Maps, but that made the headunit crash and reboot. So in the end I haven't bother anymore, finding working navigation apps. Although I noticed for some kind of reason, they preinstall iGo navigation. Is that supposed to be some kind of light weight navigation app?
Another thing this headunit is useful for: hooking up your reverse camera, believe it or not it supports AHD. Because I switched the 12led reverse camera for an 720p AHD reverse camera and it worked.
Actually the main reason I'm still sticking with Android headunits, is because it seems the best choice if you don't have the option to get something OEM.
Ofcourse a JVC headunit could have done, but those have limited functionality: do they even support AHD reverse camera's? And what I have seen, the screens in these devices are of really bad quality. Similar to something you get for €$ 60 bucks on AliExpress.
I'm just hoping these head-units last a long time, because I read someone who had an iDoing headunit: it broke after a year. The only thing people never mention, how much it actually had been used.
@DexterMorganNL Thank you very much for detailing your experience with these scammers! I was very close to ordering an android T7 head unit from them so I'm very grateful for the warning. It's a shame they didn't punish these scammers harder but at least you go a bit of justice out of it by preventing others from giving them money.
Hello everyone.
I received the head unit three days ago for my Ford Fiesta (2011). It was easy to set-up. I haven't had time to install the rear camara yet.
There's one thing I find annoying however : everythime I start the device, it starts with Youtube? I'd like to start on the homepage. Do you know what to do ?
Hallo Dexter and everyone here. I am new in this forum and hope to find some information as well as sharing some.
Couple of weeks I have bought this exact unit for my beautiful 2004 Toyota Camry. I just to have same shape of unit in my Volvo and it was working ok I think, but that one was from different seller. I chose this model thinking for my usage will be good enough. Even though I am driving a lot and long distance I am still not living in my car. I just need some music, phone, Navi and the reversing camera is just a little bonus for safety. I have find some issues with this unit. The version of the Android is clamed to be 11.xxx but Google says it’s 8.xxx. The Apple car is little slow to connect but I can live with it. The only problem with this is that when I have my phone connected via Bluetooth the Apple car will not connect.
Still with switching it manually it would work. THE major problem is my original automatic antenna. I was controlled by the original radio. Radio on -antenna goes up, radio off- antenna goes down. With this EKIY unit the antenna still goes up and down with the unit on and off, but the unit is turned on with the engine start or ACC and turned off within 1-2 minutes after the engine off. And with this goes the antenna up and down. This is the problem especially when I want to drive through car wash line ( for example). I just can’t find a way to turn the radio off while driving or the engine running. The seller is telling me that it can’t be done and I am having trouble to believe it. And the other problem is the screen brittnes. I can’t dim it witch is enjoying by driving at night. I can turn it off but the unit goes into sleep mode. I still want to use it, but the sharp light of the screen is tiresome to eyes. I know this post is almost a year old but if anyone reads this, please help me. I don’t know much about Android but I hope there is some solution to the problems. Thank you all in advance. Best regards
Mario von Hallwil
emarie3680 said:
Hello everyone.
I received the head unit three days ago for my Ford Fiesta (2011). It was easy to set-up. I haven't had time to install the rear camara yet.
There's one thing I find annoying however : everythime I start the device, it starts with Youtube? I'd like to start on the homepage. Do you know what to do ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I believe it can be changed in factory settings. The passcode is 3368. Or using the papier clip or pin you can reset the unit, then set up your device once more. I hope this helps
Mario von Hallwil

Audi S4 Headunit from AliExpress (Nunoo)?

During a recent sale at AliExpress, I ordered an Android headunit that replaces the factory screen for my 2016 B8.5 Audi. I ordered from the "Nunoo" store due to them listing a Snapdragon 665, and I ordered the supposed 8 GB/128 GB model for my MMI car.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805118631091.html
The unit hasn't shipped, so I messaged the store asking what's up and making sure that the order was going to fit my particular car (needed an Air Bag light relocation cable and AMI cable). I also asked to confirm it actually had the Qualcomm chip. The seller messaged me back saying that it would instead ship with a 8581 processor due to issues with the 665:
"The cpu will become 8581, because 665 CPU with some problem"
I'm getting sketchy vibes. Is there any hope that these units are worth messing with? Since ordering this, I've done some more reading around and see where Chinese sourced units often mis-report hardware, versions of OS's, etc.
I'm currently running an android box that attaches to the stock, non-touch screen in the car and allows for wireless Android Auto. It connects to Canbus and the MMI audio system, and is generally OK. It just has no touch screen, so I thought I'd upgrade. Should I bail on this order before they try to ship and look around for another seller?
Is there a Android head unit issues for dummies I should read to catch up on the state of these things?
Heya, the Listing only mentions an 8 Core Processor in the Pictures itself. It mentions the Snapdragon 665 Version down below but that is not selectable. I only know that because I myself just ordered one of those for my A6 4F MMI 2G. I had to search a bit for that Version. Just click a few different Listings on Aliexpress if you want that version.
I myself used an Android Head Unit in my Older A6 4B with a generic 8 Core CPU and that was more than enough Performance. it never had any lags or other things.
My Unit used an UIS7862, the 8581 seems to be a less powerful version of it. It could be Powerful enough to work without Lags but if you want to be really sure maybe search for reports of Headunits with the Spreadtrum UIS8581 CPU or try finding the Snapdragon 665 Version but be prepared that it's gonna be a whole lot more costly. And don't settle for the 625 Version, that is a pretty old CPU and all I could ever find about those Versions where lackluster performance and other issues
My unit finally shipped, so we'll see what I get.
Sweet, please report about that CPU Version Performance and stuff
It's sadly quite hard to find any Information about the Nunoo Headunits.
I'll try to keep this updated about the 665 Version that I just bought too
Well..... don't keep us in suspense.
Report back because i'm looking to buy a Nunoo 665 as well.
Sure, I put it in a couple of weeks ago. I did receive the 8581 chip version.
Some notes on use:
Install went about as expected, with the exception that to mount the included dash bezel that the screen attaches to over the old hole, you can only access two screws on the new mounting plate instead of 3...unless you want to drill into your original dash to pass the third screw. I doubt I do that as I want it to be reversable.
I did have problems with an ABS light. My car has the combo hazard button and passenger seat Air Bag light (to show if passenger AB is disabled due to not having enough weight in the seat). Once confirmed the wiring hookup configuration for the hazard button relocation harness, I was a bit frustrated that the light was still on. It might have eventually cleared itself after a few ignition cycles, but I really wanted to figure it out so I used my OBDEleven OBD2 scanner to reset the code (ABS ground fault). No problems since.
I haven't 100% put the dash back together yet because I'm going to try a GPS splitter cable to tie into the stock antenna instead of using the included one. I tried the included one with a GPS testing app and could never get acceptable signal strength vs what I could get on my phone, even if I ran the included receiver all the way to the top of the windshield. This probably is irrelevant as it doesn't affect Android Auto/CarPlay, which rely on the phone GPS. I'm just curious about the built in navigation and it wasn't a bunch to spend to try out. Once that comes in, I'll put the main dash bezel back in the car. If it doesn't work, that's not a deal breaker. Was just curious if I could improve things. If it does work, I don't know why this wouldn't really be the included option vs a whole receiver. (BTW, if anybody else goes this route, get the right angle SMA connector. The straight one won't fit in the space available.) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...st_main.5.1c3518024jcmmd&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
Wireless connection is iffy at times. Sometimes it's great, sometimes I can watch the bluetooth connect on my phone then try to hand off to wifi for Android Auto and it will just cycle the wifi connection to the head unit over and over. Other times it works right away and stay stable. Can't figure out if there's something that can resolve this. Still playing around. Wired Android Auto is fine. According to the seller, I have the latest software and Zlink versions. Is there a way to update Zlink OTA if a new version becomes available? I can go into the settings and check and it says I'm up to date, but just wonder if that's possible in the future. I've not done a ton of research, but what I have says Zlink licensing might be weird. This inconsistency is my biggest annoyance with the unit.
Unlike my old unit that just tapped into the factory screen, I can't long press the steering wheel phone button to activate the assistant. That's annoying. Have to do verbal commands only or use the touch screen button. Not the end of the world, I just got used to using the hard button.
Just like my other unit, the Audi console volume knob allows you to skip forward and back (by pushing sideways on the knob) just like the stock MMI, however, pushing it down only mutes audio. It does not behave like the MMI and pause streaming audio. So whatever you're listening to plays in the background during the mute. Annoying for podcasts and books. You can touch the screen, but having that hard button work would be nice.
This unit tries to emulate the HVAC temp changes that happen on the stock interface. Audi shows whichever side of the car is turning up or down the temp and what the setting is on the screen. However, this unit just puts up a graphic that instead of the temp shows "HI". So half done UI. My old unit had no HVAC interface at all when in Android mode.
I've still got the protective film on the screen right now until I take it back off to put in the stock bezel, but I could do with a bit brighter screen. It's not unreadable, but 20% brighter would be nice for sunny days.
Just like the old box I had for Android Auto, this one doesn't change the day/night mode on maps. You have to manually set it to dark or night if you want it to change depending on lighting conditions. At least it's easier to access in the menu now that I have a touch screen.
I logged into my Google account on the stock Android part of the unit to install a couple of apps (GPS tester, etc.). Somehow the thing deleted ALL my google contacts when the account synced up. I restored them from trash and could see the device that did it, so I know it's this unit. It was fine for a few days, then did it again. Might be when I connect to wifi at home to go to the Play store that it does it. Probably a setting to turn off sync, but I haven't looked into it yet.
It currently mutes Android Auto if I switch to one of the stock screen views except I think the backup camera. I think that it initially did it on the camera, but there's a setting to change that. I just need to find that for if I look at one of the other screens like drive mode.
Overall, the navigation speed is good enough. If I can get the auto-connect wifi cycling resolved, I'll feel a lot better. Would I buy this unit again? I might try one of the other brands honestly. Just because this one feels ALMOST there, but just cheaped out a bit on processor and screen. But if you get a good deal, it's totally functional with a few quirks.
The other brand I was considering seems to have more sales. That is Coika. Who knows if they're really the same thing from the same factory. Wouldn't be surprised, but it would be good to compare back to back. I'm just not going to do it Either of these options are half as expensive as RSNAV or some of the other more Audi forum prominent brands.
That in depth enough?
Conveniently the GPS cable arrived today that allowed me to tap into the car's GPS antenna. Big win if you ever want to use the built in navigation. Works great, although the cable I ordered is a bit tight. Now I can pull out the other GPS antenna that I had routed behind the glove box to go up the A pillar.
While installing, I googled B8.5 MMI GPS hookups to make sure I had the right cable off the back of the MMI unit. Apparently I wasn't exactly an original thinker, at RSNAV already offered these cables. This is the way to go and the AliExpress sellers should 100% include these instead of the full antenna that you have to mount somewhere.
Audi Original GPS Antenna Splitter Cable for S2, S3, S4
Audi Original GPS Antenna Splitter Cable for RSNAV S2, S3, S4 Android system on Audi Vehicles with Audi Navigation System only. - Best reception of GPS signal for your RSNAV S2,S3, S4 Android system - GPS hot start, super faster time sync - Work both for Audi MMI system and S2, S3, S4, This is...
rsnav.com
*I have not tested the stock nav yet, but I never use that anyway. I'll try to remember to look to confirm that's still working. Might be some kind of time interface into the car that it grabs from GPS, so it might still be important. I'll do it before I reinstall the dash. I just wired it enough to verify via the GPS testing app that it was better than the included antenna (it was).
Thank you Andy, much more detail than i expected.
Really appreciate the quick writeup esp the notes on the gps issue and getting a splitter.
Andy S said:
This probably is irrelevant as it doesn't affect Android Auto/CarPlay, which rely on the phone GPS. I'm just curious about the built in navigation and it wasn't a bunch to spend to try out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great review and very interesting because I'm looking at getting the same car. Just a small point, Android Auto does in fact use the car's GPS where possible. Waze uses the phone GPS but Google Maps and Sygic can use the car's GPS, for example.
Cutprods said:
Great review and very interesting because I'm looking at getting the same car. Just a small point, Android Auto does in fact use the car's GPS where possible. Waze uses the phone GPS but Google Maps and Sygic can use the car's GPS, for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it would in this case, as Zlink as I understand it is kind of a hack to make AA work. On a truly integrated solution, I'm sure you are right.
Andy S said:
I doubt it would in this case, as Zlink as I understand it is kind of a hack to make AA work. On a truly integrated solution, I'm sure you are right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works with the Headunit Reloaded app, that I use on my older PX5. I don't know if you can use that on your new HU? Zlink and Easy Connection never worked well for me.
Cutprods said:
Works with the Headunit Reloaded app, that I use on my older PX5. I don't know if you can use that on your new HU? Zlink and Easy Connection never worked well for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might try it to see if it will solve my wireless issue. This is my first real Android head unit other than the pass through box I used before that isn't really a head unit. Is there a best way to install? Just from the Play store?
Heya, sorry I completely forgot to post about my Qualcomm 665 8/128GB Unit that I bought after putting it in.
Here's my thoughts:
Short TL;DR seems to be: Don't buy Nuuno or the other brands, according to BMW Forums get a Navifly Unit. (They seem to cost as much as the Nunoo or others but give far better configurability thanks to mods and seems to be more known):
The Configurations to look for seem to be Qualcomm 450/625 with 2GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB
For REAL Android 11 and from what I read even Android 12 it would be: 4/64, 6/128 or 8/256 (Look at the 6/128GB, all the other Units normally have 8/128GB)
Here's for more Information on how to get one and being sure that yours is legit and where I got this from (I hope XDA allows the Links, if not Google for "BMW KSW Android 10" and use f30.bimmerpost):
10.25" Android 10 HU discussion
10.25" Android 10 HU discussion
f30.bimmerpost.com
10.25" Android 9/10 HU theming and discussion
10.25" Android 9/10 HU theming and discussion
f30.bimmerpost.com
Android 11 HU discussion
Android 11 HU discussion
f30.bimmerpost.com
But since we're here about the Nuuno let me add some stuff about mine:
The Package with the radio arrived pretty swiftly and pretty much everything you need to tear apart my A6 4F was included.
Sadly the new Plastic Insert for the Radio/Dash is the wrong color (My older 4F uses a dark gray and the new one is silver like for the newer 4F) but that's not much of a issue, still looks good. BUT the fit is not that well done, it has quite a few bigger gaps all around compared to the original plastic. You tend to forget about it though the longer you have it in your car up to the point you won't even notice it yourself anymore or even care.
Same problems with GPS here, the Signal is pretty bad to okayish at best so also need to try to get the original GPS antenna connected but it's not a huge breaking deal since using Android Auto it still works well and I dont care about the built in one.
Android Auto Wireless is also iffy here, sometimes it tries to connect, the fails and never tries again until I disconnect and reconnect my Phones Bluetooth connection to the headunit, then it works first try. What also seems to help is immediately after the Unit is booted up opening the zlink app, Then it also seems to work 90% of the time for me. Wired Android Auto works 100% of the time.
Using the Steering Wheel Controls is perfectly fine, I can even skip songs ahead or go back with the left one that normally selects the Input. That is something my older Android Auto retrofit module couldn't do.
NEVER EVER LOG INTO YOUR MAIN GOOGLE ACCOUNT ON THESE "FAKE" OR OLDER UNITS. That is sadly a well-known practice in most of the Android Car Radio Forums since many seem to have that annoying bug that deletes your Contacts. The Navifly/KSW Android Radios seem to not have this/or it got fixed.
Better be safe and always use a throwaway account on these things.
The Muting Sound when going to one of the original Car Menus is pretty bad, or well on mine it doesn't actually mute, it stops playback. If I start the music again from my phone I can listen to my Music and go through the original Car Menus. It sadly aslo cannot be deactivated this "Feature". Only on the Navifly/KSW Units mentioned in the BMW Forums you seem to be able to do it which is probably why I will get me one of those. Hopefully I won't forget to write a bit about that one too.
Lastly the AC: On my MMI 2G 4F the Display shows the correct Temperature that I set on my AC in the Display..
I hope this also helped a bit since these Units don't seem to be well known about only or atleast reported biut if you look on Aliexpress they're pretty much the first 10 you get shown when looking for Audi
Thanks for the info @Darthsternie. Do either of those brands make a unit that works with Audis? I briefly looked and couldn't find anything. I hate to end up buying a third unit for my car, so I guess I'll keep this one for the time being. I just really want to get the wireless piece figured out.
I just went out and put my stuff back together to confirm the GPS splitter cable did not interfere with stock nav, and it doesn't. So whatever the car might use GPS for should still work. While doing that, I confirmed what Darthsternie said about switching to the stock interface, it does pause playback. Not just mute. I assumed that was correct, but wanted to confirm on my unit. Backup camera has an option to disable this, but if you go into anything else from the Audi MMI, it pauses.
Also, thanks for the info on the temp. I'm on the 3g MMI "High" on my 2016 S4 (B8.5). "High" I believe means has stock NAV. Might ask the company about my issue. To be honest, since I have the dual temps shown on the temp dials, it's not really something I care much about.
I did log out of my google account and used an abandoned account I used years ago for a specific purpose that I no longer need. Should have known better. My concern was for apps I may have purchased like Torque. Don't really want to buy again. Wonder if I can put my other account in my family? Will look up how many people can be in a family. I think I'm at 2 right now.
As to the wireless, once I get in a bad state where it's constantly looping the connection attempt, I've been unable to solve it without a reboot. I can kill Zlink. I can cycle bluetooth on the phone. I can manually navigate to Zlink, but that's not the problem because I can even auto-launch Zlink at start and it still does it.
Will have to investigate a replacement for Zlink if that's possible on these. I just haven't really dug into Android head units enough to know anything at this point. Need a good wiki or something
Navifly is not a guarantee either, they also sell snapdragons as well as MTK units, you want the legit snapdragon with the KSW software if you want to have a compatible unit with what most of the modders are using. I got mine a few years ago from Navifly and it is a P60 cpu MTK unit and it works well and gets the job done, but I would much rather have a KSW based unit.
I also have a B8.5 Audi.
You should download Device Info HW from the play store and it will give you a breakdown on the unit and let you know if they are faking the android version, etc.
Device Info HW - Apps on Google Play
Hardware and software information app for Android devices.
play.google.com
twist said:
Navifly is not a guarantee either, they also sell snapdragons as well as MTK units, you want the legit snapdragon with the KSW software if you want to have a compatible unit with what most of the modders are using. I got mine a few years ago from Navifly and it is a P60 cpu MTK unit and it works well and gets the job done, but I would much rather have a KSW based unit.
I also have a B8.5 Audi.
You should download Device Info HW from the play store and it will give you a breakdown on the unit and let you know if they are faking the android version, etc.
Device Info HW - Apps on Google Play
Hardware and software information app for Android devices.
play.google.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suspiciously, Device Info HW will install, but fails to run on launch. Will dig a bit more.
I finally heard back from these guys and got a screenshot. Here is the link for the unit.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803161214499.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.3a3738dazQvvo3&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
And here is the screenshot he sent. This is the newer KSW software and it should be a legit snapdragon 662.
{
"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"
}
Talking to these guys through their aliexpress translator is almost futile. I ended up sending him a screenshot with the APP Ver highlighted on a different older KSW unit and then he sent this back.
I have just bought this one for my Audi A6 C6 from 2005.
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005240382533.html
I hope it's a real 662 Unit but according to the seller and a screenshot from them it is.
I will try to report back again when it arrives and compare it to the Nuuno Unit that I have now
Hi,
Ive just ordered 2 weeks ago a Nunoo 12.3 128+8GB device with Snapdragon 665 for my A5 B8 Pre-Facelift. Ive asked the seller to confirm if its really 665 and he did. I can also confirm, that my device have a 665 if i can trust CPU-Z this device info software shows also Android 12S. I dont know, if its better to have this MTK8581 CPU like on the COIKA devices or the Snapdragon 665. I just can say i was focused on the 665 because this is that, was RSNAV uses.
I had before an RSNAV S1, so the first generation in 10.25". This unit was also for sure not bug free and i switched it because it was now fully bricked. I got random bootloops and blackscreens, even after factory reset. My brightness control was buggy, it was inverted and dark at day and bright at night. Support from RSNAV haven't helped me with that. Finally, I also had no GPS reception any more. I had used the roof antenna from the A5 for the S1, without the splitter. However, as the roof antenna is a known problem and tends to break down overnight, I assumed that this problem had now also affected me. But that's not true, because the roof antenna now showed 15 satellites when connected to the MMI again After research, I found out that this was also a known problem with the RSNAV S1, that the GPS transistor burns out and that this is not repairable.
I don't have any further experience with the new Nunoo device yet, I need a few more days for that. I can report back then. What I noticed is that the frame that was sent to me has a much worse fit than the one I had with the RSNAV S1. Let's see if the support team can do something about that.
By the way, some people have already reported that the RSNAV firmware runs just as well on the Nunoo devices. I have not yet tried this out myself. However, this could fix some bugs and possibly bring a few more options.
RSNAV was a major rip off IMO, they are just selling the same Chinese units at a markup and the markup is not worth what little support you might get, that is just my opinion and I know many will disagree.
The snapdragon is going to be way better then the MTK I had an MTK previously and it worked fine but I was unable to change launchers or do anything outside of what they supply, the MTK units are super locked down and proprietary, the snapdragons have all kinds of fun mods and capabilities so you can really dial in your head unit how you want it to be.
I don't personally know anything about nunoo but these units are almost all made by Mekede / Navifly and being resold by multiple different stores just rebranding. I am sure there are some other companies making fake units, but a lot of the chinese stuff all comes from the same factory and then a ton of other companies rebrand them and resell them.
Even my previous Mekede MTK unit was fake android 10, it was really android 9, the fraud and scams on aliexpress is so unacceptable, which is why I buy very little there, these headunits were the only 2 purchases I have made on there in the last 2+ years.

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