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Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!
StunGod said:
Hi there,
I searched, but didn't see this addressed specifically so here we go. If the topic is already covered, let's kill this thread and redirect to the other. I'm not proud.
I recently discovered that it's time for a new HU for my car - 2006 Audi A4 with RNS-E nav - and wanted better tech. I've been looking at the Pioneer units with Android Auto, but don't like how limited it is. If I want to use Waze for nav and Torque for OBD, etc, that's not going to work. So I dug into Android head units, but I'm a bit confused.
As near as I can tell, there are several companies selling exactly the same hardware. Pumpkin, Joying, and several others all sell HUs that are physically identical and have the same hardware specs. I'm guessing the difference is in the ROM rather than the hardware, but y'all probably can tell me whether that's true or not.
If the hardware is the same, is it possible to run a ROM for one brand on another? Seems likely, but I wouldn't want to bank on that when I buy. So if the hardware is the same but I need to pick a brand, what's the best option? Is there any appreciable difference in stability, sound quality, user interface, feature implementation, etc that would push me to choose one brand over another? I know that's subjective, but there's some pretty deep knowledge in this group and I'm just getting started on the car audio stuff with Android.
Again, if this has been answered already, just point me to the thread and I'm OK with a moderator killing this one.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.
u.r.rible said:
If there's no difference in hardware, why not read some product reviews to know these brands better and then choose the one who provides high quality product and better after-sales service. Nowadays you can get many information from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, thanks for the advice. Terribly helpful.
I have a Ownice C200 and since the last update i'm very satisfied.
The only thing that could improved is the radio reception that sometimes fade away a bit, despite you can mount a wifi antenna on the radio, the reception stays weak, the manufacturer doesn't give root.
good things are... phone calls are very good, gps works fine, good sound quality (i got mine hooked up on a audison voce AV 5.1K amplifier)
The pumpkin, joying, kgl and many others, share the same hardware probably made by one manufacturer with only 1 gb mem and no bluetooth 3.0.
Ownice has 2gb and bluetooth 3.0
Ownice produces also for Navall, Navall import the radios in to Europe Canada the US, and have a certified repair depo in the UK.
You can check Pumpkin http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-2003-2011-Bluetooth-Steering-Subwoofer/dp/B0109UATOC/
On Road test of Ownice C500 – two weeks usage. DON’T BUY.:crying::crying:
I bought more than two weeks ago the unit. I installed on Subaru BRZ (same as Toyota GT86 and same wiring and Toyota harness of course, it's the same car!).
I was tired about BT issues on Xtrons PH75HGTA – MTCD platform on Lollipop 5.1 - related to DashCommand unable to pairing, usb dongle key operating only as router (wifi only 2.4Ghz not 5GHZ) and not in modem way, therefore you were obliged to run Dashcommand (and Torque Pro) with WiFi ODB loosing Internet connection capabilities.
About these features C500 fits well:
You can be online with a microSIM (4g/LTE full compliants to Euro frequencies), run DashCommand with ODB Link LX (genuine), answer the phone on BT (S7 Edge) or if you have a call+data plan on SIM you can make calls from C500 directly.
This sounds good but:
(After 4 firmware flashing - up to V39, latest available)
-FM RADIO is not a real RDS, no TEXT ON RDS, therefore you are on a ’80 radio (Saturday Night Fever age). Today in Europe none is surfing on numeric frequencies since 25 years.
- Equalization, lower and poor, the worst unit on the market (3 levels, bass, middle and treble with an elephantiac sensitivity)
-Sound with no support to subwoofer frequencies, sound is poor with high range speakers, let’s imagine on stock speakers
- DAB radio (same apk running on Xtrons and same usb dongle) has a indecent sound quality and level+, they say that the issue is from producer of apk but on Xtrons runs very well with a high sound quality.
- Rear cam image quality near indecent level (in Russian forum 4PDA someone suggested to solder a 75Ohm resistance across ground and signal wire)
- Rear cam operating only after boot, if you set power off delay time of 10 minutes and restart the car after 11 minutes ,you need to wait to see on back like in 1990: stupid
- Sound bettering (a bit) with few workarounds, you need to root unit and install Viper4Android, Busy Box and set to permissive rights
- unable for adding on memory (SD or USB) to set as system memory (not available space...it returns) only to portable way. You cannot transfer any apks.
My car hasn’t canbus drive as no steering wheel buttons are, so no issue. Someone might become crazy as I read if you get or need volume keys on steering wheel.
My rating is very negative as unit:
Don’t buy, this unit has not more than speed, only.
When you buy this kind of unit you need listen music in 2017 quality standard and not in accordance to 1960 standard, you need to see on back when you start, what is the meaning of a car cam on board if you are obliged to see on back like your father did?, you need to know the station name you are listening and see text traffic messages not search radio station like Allieds did with Nazi’s armed forces in Normandy near 1944.
Avoid IMHO to throw money, keep your MTCD (fully supported with a real and great job i.g. from Malaysk)
I understand your frustration with the unit, since the issues you mention aren't minor bugs and they impact core-features. However, coming from an MTCD-unit and reading the forums until now, I know there's two sorts of Chinese units: fair and poor, none of them are great. I had all kinds of issues on my KGL-unit, with Tomtom and other apps not installing due to the firmware used, OBD-issues, sometimes very laggy in switching between packages and all sorts of other issues. Support by KGL was none-existant. So considering the list you mention, to me it seems the basic is fine and stable, which is a good starting point. The majority of issues could be resolved if the manufacturer is willing to put some effort into it.
Issues that could be dealt with rather easily are I presume:
- add RDS-information
- Equalizer (although I would like for it to be switched off completely, I have an external amp with DSP and would like to get the signal as clean as possible, an equaliser will just eat CPU-resources, so it's not helping in my particular case)
- DAB-compatibility
Probably more difficult to solve:
- Rear cam image quality, if it's indeed hardware-related. Has somebody been able to verify the impedance-mod?
- Rear cam availability. Besides increasing standby-time somebody suggested that it would be possible for Ownice to integrate some sort of additional layer to the firmware to have access to the cam much sooner.
I'm not sure about the "no support for subwoofer frequencies". If they haven't installed a sophisticated equalizer, I don't assume the unit has a high-pass filter, so then it must be related to the sound in general and possibly in conjunction with your speaker system. I'll hopefully receive my C500 later this week, so I can test this for myself.
In the meantime big thumbs up to Bob at Winlink for reaching out. Please don't let us down and show that Ownice / Winlink understand customer service and building customer relationships!
Bob-Winlink said:
Dear Customer,
thanks for your feedback, this is bob from winlink,
pls contact us to get support on our product.
Thanks very much.
Best regards
Bob Huang
Email: [email protected]
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Hi Bob,
How do you see posting effectively "take these issues offline before I will help you" as helpful to the end user or the development of your product? As a user who has experienced this kind of support, this is the worst level of response you could offer and potentially only drive potential customers to agree with the OP and look elsewhere.
Suggest try again and solve the problems in a transparent manner.
Totally agree! I really can't understand what exactly these guys mean when they say "RDS support"? There is clearly no RDS support! Radio is supposed to be THE MOST USED FEATURE of head units and this quality level is really insane. I don't know where is the problem - lack of RDS support in the radio chip, or maybe its just the app, that is not capable to render radio station labels and other data.
Another insane thing is the sound quality! C'mon, these head units are all about audio. Everything else is just a bonus over stock head units. No one wants to downgrade sound quality when they upgrade head unit.
Above two notes are not just about C500. I have experience with several Chinese brands, all sharing same INSANE issues. And I really can't figure out why.
How much did you pay?
skezza said:
How much did you pay?
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How much you think costs the RDS support? Every dumb car stereo has it since at least 15 years. Furthermore, these guys claim they have RDS support. At least they shouldn't do that!
I would be very glad to pay extra $30 (BOM should be less actually) for some 400-500W quality audio. What we currently get is just some Chinese tablet in a 2din form-factor. This is not what market expects. At lest not me.
Bob-Winlink said:
Dear Customer,
thanks for your feedback, this is bob from winlink,
pls contact us to get support on our product.
Thanks very much.
Best regards
Bob Huang
Email: [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for answer almost I don't like it.
Some points:
Lucky you aren't a US producer or seller: YOU CANNOT SALE GOODS WITH WRONG CAPABILITIES, if you declare RDS compliant , it means RDS not only AF, In US this means "class action" furthermore.
#1. Please advice that unit isn't RDS fully compliant otherwise re-write software to fit.
#2. Please advice that rear vision is not available on start up, same as above. It's the first HU with this ancient feature I find.
#3. I wrote three times, no answers. Check your mailbox found on home site.
#4. It Is very curious that firmware releases (up to V39) are adviced between users on 4PDA forum (Russia) or XDA, a decent producer will build a site with "Support"===> Support, Updates, Download, Firmware. This is done by any Western Producer or China Worldwide Producer (see Huawei, see Asus, see Blackvue, see any you wish), this is not serious It's not a money issue or cost as a Huawei smartphone doesn't cost the same of an iPhone or Samsung S7 Edge. It's nowaday political customer relationship, here. You are out, fired usually here.
#5. Bought a Xtrons HU that I know as capabilities are as standard way, I am waiting sending to install and remove C500 I will run it as stopper in my home entrance. I throw in bucket much $, it's life. No more Ownice/Winlink.
@Bob-Winlink For your convenience:
Contact Russian guys on Russian Forum 4PDA, they made a wide job to modify some of larger crazy features (see post 1 of thread), learn from them.
Maybe If Winlink will pay them or give them the source code, they are able to re-write all Unit not in insane way.
mishoboss said:
How much you think costs the RDS support? Every dumb car stereo has it since at least 15 years. Furthermore, these guys claim they have RDS support. At least they shouldn't do that!
I would be very glad to pay extra $30 (BOM should be less actually) for some 400-500W quality audio. What we currently get is just some Chinese tablet in a 2din form-factor. This is not what market expects. At lest not me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That wasn't my question.
RDS is transmitting in 57 kHz range, probably their FM tuner (C500) can not handle 57 kHz frequency.
Its not software thing, it requires new hardware. So yes, it is stupid. I want RDS = i will not buy Ownice C500.
skezza said:
That wasn't my question.
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Click to collapse
I know your point - you get what you pay for. However I don't think C500 (or any other Android HU) could be categorized as a cheap piece of hardware. For that amount of money I would expect someone has put some thought and reason behind the product. These Chinese guys only know how to assemble. If you have dealt with Chinese, you should know all they care about is "quantity", not "quality". OK, that's fine, but for God's sake, some things are just unimaginary stupid. Fix them and you will sell more. Put some thought and reason!
mishoboss said:
I know your point - you get what you pay for. However I don't think C500 (or any other Android HU) could be categorized as a cheap piece of hardware. For that amount of money I would expect someone has put some thought and reason behind the product. These Chinese guys only know how to assemble. If you have dealt with Chinese, you should know all they care about is "quantity", not "quality". OK, that's fine, but for God's sake, some things are just unimaginary stupid. Fix them and you will sell more. Put some thought and reason!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That wasn't my point at all, but okay.
skezza said:
That wasn't my point at all, but okay.
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Click to collapse
OK, in this case I bring my apology. I'm curious what was your point?
mishoboss said:
OK, in this case I bring my apology. I'm curious what was your point?
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Click to collapse
My point was if you paid a small amount, you might have actually been sold a fake or a clone or something else?
mishoboss said:
OK, in this case I bring my apology. I'm curious what was your point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
skezza said:
My point was if you paid a small amount, you might have actually been sold a fake or a clone or something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates? Anyone else having issues mentioned in this thread?
I think all the issues are still there on the quad cores, while the octa cores have solved most of this. I am happy, and I would buy another C500 Octa Core.
velocity4 said:
I think all the issues are still there on the quad cores, while the octa cores have solved most of this. I am happy, and I would buy another C500 Octa Core.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From reading the thread discussing this unit, these still appear to have flaws and QA issues.
marchnz said:
From reading the thread discussing this unit, these still appear to have flaws and QA issues.
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Click to collapse
Don't they all?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Greetings,
I am looking to upgrade the HU in my MY09 Subaru Forester, because the stock one is hot garbage. I don't need (nor can I afford) the very top of the line models such as a $600 Pioneer.
I plan on running Car Launcher Pro as I like the simple and sleek OS, although I did just see the FCC launcher by SpeedFire. My primary uses for the HU are Torque Pro (although I may just run that from my S7), some form of navigation such as Google Maps or Wayz, as well as basic entertainment from Bluetooth, Spotify, and Pocket Casts.
A couple units I've been looking at are:
Panlelo PA-09YZ16- This was the first one I considered but I've been scared off by everyone's largely negative review of Panlelo products.
Joying JY-UL128N2- This looks like a strong candidate but I want to know more before shelling out any money.
(I would post links but since this is my first post I'm unable to do so, both units can be found on Amazon.)
Other than those two I am open to any and all suggestions if anyone has a unit they really enjoy.
So my question to you is which head unit will best fit my needs?
Thank you for your time and expertise!
Best Head unit on a budget
Thanks for starting this thread. (I'm new here too.)
How to choose between Joying, Xtrons, Erisin, etc ?
They all seem to have the same needed features, with only small variation/s, accessories, packaging.
Are they all as good/bad/faulty as each other ?
Another thing I wonder about.
IF these are all good products, why are NONE sold in reputable stores ?
Seems we can only buy these items on ebay and similar dubious places.
bgroper said:
Thanks for starting this thread. (I'm new here too.)
How to choose between Joying, Xtrons, Erisin, etc ?
They all seem to have the same needed features, with only small variation/s, accessories, packaging.
Are they all as good/bad/faulty as each other ?
Another thing I wonder about.
IF these are all good products, why are NONE sold in reputable stores ?
Seems we can only buy these items on ebay and similar dubious places.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty much a tablet for your car. Doubt anyone would want to be liable for stupid/irresponsible drivers with tablet radios.
I've decided to buy a double din universal 7" android 8.0 head unit. After 3 days of researching i came across those 3 as the best.
I'd like to know which one do you guys recommend.
Thanks a lot.
Xtrons TE706PL
EONON GA2170
Auto Pumpkin
im also interested..
even though i like hard Buttons and vol knob more than sw Buttons, i would go with the xtrons
If you look on the backsind of the Units, xtrons has defenetly the best buildt quality.
Inside they are pretty much the same
Interesting to know what Kind of amp chip and Radio chip is used.
Thats my oppinion
Differences? Probably none.
But beware, not one of them runs Android 8. They just change a few strings to make it look like they do for marketing purposes.
luciusfox said:
Differences? Probably none.
But beware, not one of them runs Android 8. They just change a few strings to make it look like they do for marketing purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about this? what is the actual version then?
I'll have my xtrons next week I'll report back then
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I ordered the Pumpkin Auto, so will also report my results.
soudy1994 said:
Are you sure about this? what is the actual version then?
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Click to collapse
Usually somewhere between 5.1 and 6.0.
The user interface they present is a dead giveaway.
The interface that Android 8 presents should look very similar to Android Auto.
jvloyola said:
I'll have my xtrons next week I'll report back then
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
packetjunkie said:
I ordered the Pumpkin Auto, so will also report my results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please guys don't forget to share your opinion when you receive them. Thanks a lot.
Got a notice that would have it in 5-7 days from today. Honestly, my expectations aren't super high for the "all be" here (for $300), if Spotify and Waze work that will be 90% of my use of it right there and anything else is gravy.
I ordered a $1,200 android unit that is manufactured in the USA and was bummed when on installation the unit display was dead and it had to go back for a refund, so I ended up with a $1,200 Alpine setup with Android Auto. I like it, but wouldnt mind playing with an Android unit.
The major downside I know that is coming is the need to turn on my hot spot every time I get in the truck - this will be annoying.
packetjunkie said:
Got a notice that would have it in 5-7 days from today. Honestly, my expectations aren't super high for the "all be" here (for $300), if Spotify and Waze work that will be 90% of my use of it right there and anything else is gravy.
I ordered a $1,200 android unit that is manufactured in the USA and was bummed when on installation the unit display was dead and it had to go back for a refund, so I ended up with a $1,200 Alpine setup with Android Auto. I like it, but wouldnt mind playing with an Android unit.
The major downside I know that is coming is the need to turn on my hot spot every time I get in the truck - this will be annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't heard of any android ivi's being made in USA. Care to share who they are?
I actually gave up completely on getting anything decent in a "ready to go" form.
Went this route instead; https://github.com/HiKey960-Car
And somebody pointed out this really neat 10" display that would be really nice with it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776VNW9C
luciusfox said:
I haven't heard of any android ivi's being made in USA. Care to share who they are?
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Click to collapse
https://insaneaudio.com/product/insane-audio-jk2001/
These folks are based in California and build their units in the USA.
packetjunkie said:
https://insaneaudio.com/product/insane-audio-jk2001/
These folks are based in California and build their units in the USA.
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Click to collapse
Uh, THAT is an ENORMOUS markup on an MTCD PX5. Look at the UI and the specifications.
Looks like not only audio, but prices are insane as well. Are we insane enough to go for it? .
packetjunkie said:
https://insaneaudio.com/product/insane-audio-jk2001/
These folks are based in California and build their units in the USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks just like the eBay ones .. doubt it's made in the USA...
These days many US made products are built from parts from China, so maybe they get their head units from there and then modify/customize them here in the USA. From an economics perspective, it would make sense since getting all the parts to build them entirely here is likely not possible. I did speak to them and they have a US based operation. I also believe they are doing the OS work for their units.
packetjunkie said:
These days many US made products are built from parts from China, so maybe they get their head units from there and then modify/customize them here in the USA. From an economics perspective, it would make sense since getting all the parts to build them entirely here is likely not possible. I did speak to them and they have a US based operation. I also believe they are doing the OS work for their units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they were doing OS work, it wouldn't have the same old really crappy chinese UI.
I'm sure that they're US based, but they're a US based "logo" and reselling company. They order the "out of the box" MTCD units with a custom logo printed on it and call it good.
packetjunkie said:
Got a notice that would have it in 5-7 days from today. Honestly, my expectations aren't super high for the "all be" here (for $300), if Spotify and Waze work that will be 90% of my use of it right there and anything else is gravy.
I ordered a $1,200 android unit that is manufactured in the USA and was bummed when on installation the unit display was dead and it had to go back for a refund, so I ended up with a $1,200 Alpine setup with Android Auto. I like it, but wouldnt mind playing with an Android unit.
The major downside I know that is coming is the need to turn on my hot spot every time I get in the truck - this will be annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nfc stickers(what I'm using) or use Tasker with root.
Brand EONON, Suck do not purchase this brand, I purchase 3 touch screen stereo the most expensive in-dash they have, 6 yrs. ago they suck, the eonon almost burn my wires on my mk5 VW, 3 yrs ago, so 3 yrs later should be enough time for EONON to fix all the bugs so I order ga5153a for my Mk5, fck drove my car windows crazy,
now I have mk6 2010 Golf GTI, Bought Ga7185A, this one drove both my windows, locking system and alarm crazy, and BTW all of eonon stereos, when going into EQ settings and want to hear the back speaker only, would not work, all speakers wires in the eonon stereos, are connected to only left and right no back speakers. this Chinese don't care if you burn your car or not, you can't sue them since their in the 3rd country.
packetjunkie said:
Got a notice that would have it in 5-7 days from today. Honestly, my expectations aren't super high for the "all be" here (for $300), if Spotify and Waze work that will be 90% of my use of it right there and anything else is gravy.
I ordered a $1,200 android unit that is manufactured in the USA and was bummed when on installation the unit display was dead and it had to go back for a refund, so I ended up with a $1,200 Alpine setup with Android Auto. I like it, but wouldnt mind playing with an Android unit.
The major downside I know that is coming is the need to turn on my hot spot every time I get in the truck - this will be annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
macrodroid ftw
Or can they compete with pioneer, kenwood, sony in terms of reliability?
i have 8227L_demo with 2gb ram 16gb internal variant and i haven`t faced any issues yet in my head unit. These infotainments are good choice and are reliable
Compared to brand devices, yes. If you can accept their quirks and deficits, they make for a versatile and hobbyist device.
marchnz said:
Compared to brand devices, yes. If you can accept their quirks and deficits, they make for a versatile and hobbyist device.
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Click to collapse
Indeed. Buy a premium device, pay a premium price.
My Joying simply functions fine. For me there is only one annoyance and that is that I can't use Google Assistant to make voice calls and had to make a work-around. I hardly ever use the phone because of safety, and then only less than 2-3 minutes, but it stays annoying.
But this means that 95% of the functionality just works fine. It is the 5% (or so) that most people are complaining about and keep being annoyed about. They keep being focused on "that small thing" that doesn't work.
I have a different state of mind: I am happy with the 95% and live with the 5%.
If you can make that mental switch you will be very happy with your Chinese unit. If you can't make that mental switch you must buy a 3x expensive premium unit.
And note that my brother had an expensive Kenwood or Pioneer unit (can't remember right now), and had to wait for a fix for 1 (!) year to be able to make stable bluetooth calls (lots of audio drops). I don't call that premium either.
I agree 100% with what everyone else said. I'm not an audiophile so the sound quality of the Chinese units is fine with me. Remember with the premium units certain features are locked down and can't be worked around. I paid less than $200 for my Atoto and am happy with what it does and how I have it configured. I can buy 2 more units before I've reached the price of a premium unit. All I am out is my time spent tinkering which I enjoy.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
On top of what the previous commentators said, many of the Chinese units come with vehicle-specific dash kits that allow for a superior integration with your car, making the unit look better than a premium unit that has to fit many vehicles. I'm running Android Auto in my 10-year old Accord, and it cost me just $150. Can't beat that.
Do you install and set up yourself Igor can you find installers for these? I used to do my own installing when I was much younger, don’t know if I can be bothered nowadays
gjlamb said:
Do you
install and set up yourself Igor can you find installers for these? I used to do my own installing when I was much younger,
don’t know if I can be bothered nowadays
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Click to collapse
Never hijack a thread, not cool.
marchnz said:
Never hijack a thread, not cool.
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Click to collapse
Not hijacking the thread, I have an 8227L in a car I inherited. I was looking at upgrading the unit and don’t see any of these at local installers and got flat out refused to work on current one by first installer I spoke to. Installation and maintenance is another factor in buying a head unit....so....not hijacking thread.
Not cool to be a ****