Hello everyone. My name is Rich Truesdell and I am an automotive photojournalist. I have just installed the Joying 10.1-inch Tesla-style touchscreen infotainment system in my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a story that will appear in an upcoming issue of JP Magazine. As soon as the web version is posted, I will provide a link here.
I will be writing similar stories for Mopar Muscle, Mustang Monthly, and Classic Mercedes in the UK.
My car audio experience goes back to the early 1970s when I installed a Sony/Superscope field recorder under the dash of my 1965 Rambler 440H hardtop (my first car) and hooked it up to a 40-watt/channel Sherwood home amplifier powered off of a marine inverter, and three-way Peerless separate speakers (midrange and tweeter mounted in each front door, two woofers mounted in the rear deck using a passive three-way crossover), all which was pretty radical for 1972.
Here's the question I have. I would like to develop a launcher screen that would look like a three-hole radio from the 1970s. The knobs would control access to the installed apps, the icons of which would be displayed in what was then, the radio panel between the two knobs. So let's say that as you rotate the left knob, the icon for Waze appears in the radio "window" and hitting the right-side know would switch to the app.
Icons for most used apps could appear above and below the "radio" for quick easy access, or they can be hidden. (I tried to post a photo of the mock-up screen but as I haven't posted 10 times I can't post it. Feel free to request it.)
I haven't ever written any code and it's been years since I've rooted one of my phones so this is all greek to me. But I would like to partner with someone who can take my idea for this -- I can't imagine it would be too hard -- and ultimately offer the app in the Play Store. As Android-based car radios become more commonplace I think this could end up being a sizeable niche for old-schoolers like me with almost 50 years as a car audio enthusiast (I owned a high-end car stereo in New Jersey, Kartunes Mobile Electronics from 1979 to 1992).
Can anyone help me with developing a launcher with these capabilities? If you can contact leave a message here or send me a private message (the best way).
Thanks,
Richard Truesdell
Hi Rich, greatings from an italian Jeeper. Presently I own a 2010 S-Limited Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD, but my first jeep was a 1980 SJ Cherokee Chief Wide Track. Then I had 1 ZJ 6 Cyl 4.0 gasoline, two 4.7 V8 WJ's, one 1999 and one Overland 2002 HO. In my 1999 I installed first a custom carputer based on Windows and then a 2 DIN HU with Android. In the 2002 HO I installed directly the 2 DIN Android. To do this, I realized a custom Radio Bezel. The woodgrain was realized with water transfer technic.
In any case, back to your post, this is a gret idea, I had subscribed the tread.
Please share with us the pictures of Jeep.
Ciao
Marco
royalhawk2002 said:
Hi Rich, greatings from an italian Jeeper. Presently I own a 2010 S-Limited Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD, but my first jeep was a 1980 SJ Cherokee Chief Wide Track. Then I had 1 ZJ 6 Cyl 4.0 gasoline, two 4.7 V8 WJ's, one 1999 and one Overland 2002 HO. In my 1999 I installed first a custom carputer based on Windows and then a 2 DIN HU with Android. In the 2002 HO I installed directly the 2 DIN Android. To do this, I realized a custom Radio Bezel. The woodgrain was realized with water transfer technic.
In any case, back to your post, this is a gret idea, I had subscribed the tread.
Please share with us the pictures of Jeep.
Ciao
Marco
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marco,
Send me a private message with your email address and I will send you the photo of my mockup. Then you can post it. I think that once posted, someone will see my vision and be able to turn it into a reality. I have no idea where to start but seeing some of the car launchers available, I can't think it would be too difficult.
Rich
Related
I have a nice MTCB in my 98 Camry (love it except the 1GB issue). I recently bought my wife a 2008 Ford Focus ses. can't post link of dash due to being first post, but if you google 2008 ford focus dash it's the third pic. (from motivemag) I'd LOVE to get a 10" but I know it may have to be a 7 or 8". Can't seem to find ANYTHING that matches up with the dash. Can anyone point me in the right direction?? 2GB is a must.. and 5.1 is preferred, as well as knobs for volume.
Thanks so much guys. (and girls)
If you not finding any car specific models, you might want to look at a 7" - generic 2din model plus a dash kit. For my car, metra had several different finishes to choose from. It looks "good" but not quite factory. The factory radio was curved, which makes it difficult to match when installing a flat panel.
Hello Everyone,
I traded in my 2014 Subaru Outback for a new 2018 Outback. In my 2014, I removed the original stereo unit and put in a fantastic Android HU with SYGIC GPS, that unfortunately won't fit in my new car. (The old unit is for sale, just sayin')
For the past two weeks, I've been looking to replace the crappy "Starlink" unit in my new 2018, but I'm having difficulty finding one that will install with the current faceplate. I contacted the company that I bought the original one from, and they said that their engineers are working on it, and will take about 6-8 weeks to come up with one. Has anyone found a suitable HU for a 2018 Outback? The issue I have with the HU that came with the car is that the only way to communicate with it is through Bluetooth using a smart phone via the USB input or with Bluetooth. That means wires. It also means having a smart phone, which I don't and NEVER wanted to have. I use the original Motorola V3 RAZR Flip Phones for a number of reasons, and they work just fine.
OR - Does anyone know how I can hack into this "Starlink" unit that came with my car? All I want to do is perhaps root it, or at least install some of my own apps and also to be able to use my hotspot and download stuff. There has to be a 'code' or certain buttons to press to get into this machine, but I haven't been able to find anyone smart enough to figure this one out. I'd be happy to compensate anyone who can help. I did just that with the older HU, so if you can help, just let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Hi justacafe,
I'm in the same situation (OB 2018).
Did you succeed to solve this issue?
Thanks,
Yoni
justacafe said:
Hello Everyone,
I traded in my 2014 Subaru Outback for a new 2018 Outback. In my 2014, I removed the original stereo unit and put in a fantastic Android HU with SYGIC GPS, that unfortunately won't fit in my new car. (The old unit is for sale, just sayin')
For the past two weeks, I've been looking to replace the crappy "Starlink" unit in my new 2018, but I'm having difficulty finding one that will install with the current faceplate. I contacted the company that I bought the original one from, and they said that their engineers are working on it, and will take about 6-8 weeks to come up with one. Has anyone found a suitable HU for a 2018 Outback? The issue I have with the HU that came with the car is that the only way to communicate with it is through Bluetooth using a smart phone via the USB input or with Bluetooth. That means wires. It also means having a smart phone, which I don't and NEVER wanted to have. I use the original Motorola V3 RAZR Flip Phones for a number of reasons, and they work just fine.
OR - Does anyone know how I can hack into this "Starlink" unit that came with my car? All I want to do is perhaps root it, or at least install some of my own apps and also to be able to use my hotspot and download stuff. There has to be a 'code' or certain buttons to press to get into this machine, but I haven't been able to find anyone smart enough to figure this one out. I'd be happy to compensate anyone who can help. I did just that with the older HU, so if you can help, just let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Resolution
yonihertz said:
Hi justacafe,
I'm in the same situation (OB 2018).
Did you succeed to solve this issue?
Thanks,
Yoni
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Yoni,
Yes, but I haven't installed the unit yet. Here's what I did:
1) I ordered the dash face plate (#95-9909), wiring harness (#70-1761) and antenna adapter (#40-LX11) from metraonline dot com
2) The Android head unit I finally decided on is the Pumpkin Android 9.0 Universal Quad-Core 7" TouchScreen Car Radio DVD Player RAM:2GB/ROM:32GB
I've spoken with the folks at Metra about their parts and they guaranteed the fit, and indeed they do. I'm waiting on delivery of the Pumpkin Android 9.0 unit from China. The good news is that I've been consulting with Matthew at 4diyers.com who has a great review and installation video of the Pumpkin Android 8.0 unit and says that the 9.0 Android OS has some major new features and upgrades. You can see his video at: youtube dot com/watch?v=fyeewMstsjo[/url]
I'm not anticipating any major hang-ups in regard to the wiring part of the installation, but I'm not opposed to changing out the amplifier if that's what it takes. The speakers should be okay. So......I do plan on doing a video of the install procedure and I'll send you a link to it once it's finished. In the end, even my Subaru dealer thinks that Starlink 'infotainment' unit really sucks. No one likes it. I belong to the outback forum and the same there......they hate that unit. Good luck.
Mike
P.S. They wouldn't let me post an actual url…...hence the 'dot com'
COOL!
Very useful information - Thanks.
Looking forward for the video / to hear how the process was.
BTW, did you mean #95-8909 instead of #95-9909?
Good luck,
Yoni
justacafe said:
Hi Yoni,
Yes, but I haven't installed the unit yet. Here's what I did:
1) I ordered the dash face plate (#95-9909), wiring harness (#70-1761) and antenna adapter (#40-LX11) from metraonline dot com
2) The Android head unit I finally decided on is the Pumpkin Android 9.0 Universal Quad-Core 7" TouchScreen Car Radio DVD Player RAM:2GB/ROM:32GB
I've spoken with the folks at Metra about their parts and they guaranteed the fit, and indeed they do. I'm waiting on delivery of the Pumpkin Android 9.0 unit from China. The good news is that I've been consulting with Matthew at 4diyers.com who has a great review and installation video of the Pumpkin Android 8.0 unit and says that the 9.0 Android OS has some major new features and upgrades. You can see his video at: youtube dot com/watch?v=fyeewMstsjo[/url]
I'm not anticipating any major hang-ups in regard to the wiring part of the installation, but I'm not opposed to changing out the amplifier if that's what it takes. The speakers should be okay. So......I do plan on doing a video of the install procedure and I'll send you a link to it once it's finished. In the end, even my Subaru dealer thinks that Starlink 'infotainment' unit really sucks. No one likes it. I belong to the outback forum and the same there......they hate that unit. Good luck.
Mike
P.S. They wouldn't let me post an actual url…...hence the 'dot com'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yonihertz said:
COOL!
Very useful information - Thanks.
Looking forward for the video / to hear how the process was.
BTW, did you mean #95-8909 instead of #95-9909?
Good luck,
Yoni
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes....sorry, the 95-8909. The inside dimensions are a perfect fit for that Pumpkin Android 9.0. Have you had a chance to check that unit out? By the way, I was going to get an Android head unit from Seicane dot com. It's a 10.35 Inch Touch Screen, but I would have had to change out the heater/air control unit (3 dials instead of the two in my car) because it wasn't long enough by about 15mm. It seems it fit the years 2015-2017. If you go to their web site, check out the unit, Model:S081992K. I went round and round with these people about updating that product to the latest Android OS and I would have gladly changed out the heater controls. The other thing I didn't quite like about the unit is there's no SD card slot and only 16GB ROM. That meant that my maps program would be internal, instead of the on SD card, (I use SYGIC) which would have eaten up a lot of that 16GB. Otherwise, it's a nice unit and I definitely like the 10.35 inch screen, however it's twice as expensive as the Pumpkin. There ya go....!
Hello to all of you,
I write here again after ages about a different android im looking for..
I’m looking for a head unit for my seat Leon 5f 2014 with the factory fitted color 5inch display called easy connect.
I’ve found lots of these oem style ,from AliExpress to here in local market in greece. I ignore the problems of running new usb new mic etc and I’m focused on the mfd and factory functions like consumption a/c etc.
I read here in xda and on their site (can’t give link search about cardvdstereos com -> Android 8.1 Car DVD Player VW MQB Universal MIBIV-927
..and the features it has on the golf model screen from that company.it has everything I need!!
instead the offered from them
For my Leon hasn’t it’s like everyone else..
Even if There isn’t any now,fully compatible
With my mfd on the market,
can you suggest me one,tested unit to buy even from China or Europe?
I saw a beautiful radio app for px5 processors with logos of the stations that I’d like to have with.also dsp is a good idea if it can be provided.Generally I am a retrofit guy but it’s too much cost so I got to the android oem style ones!
Thanks in advance!
giannisma said:
Hello to all of you,
I write here again after ages about a different android im looking for..
I’m looking for a head unit for my seat Leon 5f 2014 with the factory fitted color 5inch display called easy connect.
I’ve found lots of these oem style ,from AliExpress to here in local market in greece. I ignore the problems of running new usb new mic etc and I’m focused on the mfd and factory functions like consumption a/c etc.
I read here in xda and on their site (can’t give link search about cardvdstereos com -> Android 8.1 Car DVD Player VW MQB Universal MIBIV-927
..and the features it has on the golf model screen from that company.it has everything I need!!
instead the offered from them
For my Leon hasn’t it’s like everyone else..
Even if There isn’t any now,fully compatible
With my mfd on the market,
can you suggest me one,tested unit to buy even from China or Europe?
I saw a beautiful radio app for px5 processors with logos of the stations that I’d like to have with.also dsp is a good idea if it can be provided.Generally I am a retrofit guy but it’s too much cost so I got to the android oem style ones!
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Do you have find a head unit ?
I have the same car.
Thanks
No mate,I’ve found only for seat ATECA.the Chinese seller says that also will fit us but I’m concerned because it fits different from pictures at least...
giannisma said:
No mate,I’ve found only for seat ATECA.the Chinese seller says that also will fit us but I’m concerned because it fits different from pictures at least...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok.
Do you have driving mode ?
Thanks
Me,no but it’s supported from the android head unit as I know
Hello all, I'm very new to android auto and I'm still trying to figure out how this radio works. Some back story: 2014 accord comes with an "i-mid" top screen display for fuel consumption and trip info. This radio I purchased allows my to have an android head unit while retaining all factory functions including the top screen. Everything works great, but the top screen only appears in what I'm guessing is Chinese. If you go to "car settings" my fuel and trip info correctly appear in English, but that info gets lost in translation on its way to the top screen. I have searched up and down every setting and found nothing that affected to top display. I can provide more info if I am told what to look for, as I am still new to android auto.
Im not allowed to post a link, but if if you search "2014 accord android radio" on eBay, it will be one of the generic xy auto head units that is built into the a.c. vents.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!
Hey! I have the same car (mines the 2.4L manual transmission) and I just did the upgrade too... not really a fan of the iMid 'TFT Driver' that is supplied but it is what it is I guess... anyways to answer your question you definitely need to contact the reseller. The Sport version which I'm assuming is what you have, has OSD electronics in the iMid contrary to what a lot of people think... it is literally just a screen. As a result, these guys have created a device which can replicate the iMid and its controlled via the CanBus... but the device they chose to replicate the iMid is a really weak chip which can only support a few screens... it definitely doesn't have the program space for multiple languages (its a Intersil TW8825 mated to a Sony GVIF encoder)... and to the best of my knowledge it can't be flashed outside of the factory (or reprogrammed). Therefore, I think they sent you the wrong unit. They will have to ship you one that is in English.
Anyways, this is all assuming your car isn't the touring model or a model with factory navigation and subwoofer. If so it might be a different story.
willston said:
Hey! I have the same car (mines the 2.4L manual transmission) and I just did the upgrade too... not really a fan of the iMid 'TFT Driver' that is supplied but it is what it is I guess... anyways to answer your question you definitely need to contact the reseller. The Sport version which I'm assuming is what you have, has OSD electronics in the iMid contrary to what a lot of people think... it is literally just a screen. As a result, these guys have created a device which can replicate the iMid and its controlled via the CanBus... but the device they chose to replicate the iMid is a really weak chip which can only support a few screens... it definitely doesn't have the program space for multiple languages (its a Intersil TW8825 mated to a Sony GVIF encoder)... and to the best of my knowledge it can't be flashed outside of the factory (or reprogrammed). Therefore, I think they sent you the wrong unit. They will have to ship you one that is in English.
Anyways, this is all assuming your car isn't the touring model or a model with factory navigation and subwoofer. If so it might be a different story.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply! I do have an automatic sport model. It looks like I'm out of luck because the reseller told me that there is nothing they can do. However, I found a company in china (Feeldo) that makes these canbus harnesses. I was thinking that they could sell me ine programed in English, but they haven't replied.
Thank you very much for the insight!!! I guess the top screen shall remain my back up camera screen.
Hey no problem! I have a Dasaita unit personally, they sell the harness with the TFT driver (they call it another CanBus). I’m the same, can’t post links but I can vouch for that unit. Wiring it might be a trick though.
I’m actually looking at hacking the iMid screen so it can take a normal VGA input, I ordered a wrecker component the other day. I wrote a dashboard software for the iMid using a Raspberry Pi and I’m hoping that will be running soon!
Anyways I’m glad I’m not the only one with frustrations with their Honda iMid haha!
willston said:
Hey no problem! I have a Dasaita unit personally, they sell the harness with the TFT driver (they call it another CanBus). I’m the same, can’t post links but I can vouch for that unit. Wiring it might be a trick though.
I’m actually looking at hacking the iMid screen so it can take a normal VGA input, I ordered a wrecker component the other day. I wrote a dashboard software for the iMid using a Raspberry Pi and I’m hoping that will be running soon!
Anyways I’m glad I’m not the only one with frustrations with their Honda iMid haha!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats awesome! I look forward to seeing what your project looks like when its complete. My idea was to use the reverese teigger wire in the canbus going to the imid and feed it ignition to always have it on amd somehow use the video out as screen mirror is something similar, but then I'm left with the dynamic reverse lines always being on. Your idea of converting to vga sounds very interesting! Keep me posted for sure!!!
I have the Dasaita px6. I'm looking for a tft driver I can connect a raspberry pi using HDMI to the imid. I currently have the canbus/driver box showing incorrect info also. Just looking for a passthru and maybe a switch for back up camera any help is appreciated
willston said:
Hey no problem! I have a Dasaita unit personally, they sell the harness with the TFT driver (they call it another CanBus). I’m the same, can’t post links but I can vouch for that unit. Wiring it might be a trick though.
I’m actually looking at hacking the iMid screen so it can take a normal VGA input, I ordered a wrecker component the other day. I wrote a dashboard software for the iMid using a Raspberry Pi and I’m hoping that will be running soon!
Anyways I’m glad I’m not the only one with frustrations with their Honda iMid haha!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Dasaita px6. I'm looking for a tft driver I can connect a raspberry pi using HDMI to the imid. I currently have the canbus/driver box showing incorrect info also. Just looking for a passthru and maybe a switch for back up camera any help is appreciated
Hi all! I recently purchased a Chinese imported Android 11 GT6 aftermarket head unit for my 2010 Chevy Camaro. It's a Tesla style unit that fits perfectly into my car system. It connects up to all of my a/c controls, steering wheel controls, speakers, the old gauges that came with the car, and basically everything else the original stereo unit connected to. It also offers wifi, 4G internet, GPS, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a host of other features.
I have attempted to speak with the seller of this unit, but I feel there may be a language barrier and at best, he's only a seller and doesn't have technical knowledge about the software. In the attached photos, I am wanting to update the UI (user interface) to one that I am seeing in other head units like the one I have purchased. I know this is possible, but am not sure how to achieve this result. The first attached photo is what mine currently looks like. The second photo is the UI I am wanting to upgrade to. I am also included the technical specs screenshot from my unit, as this may help. Perhaps someone here in the forums has information as to how to make this upgrade, or who I could contact to learn more about doing this.
This is my first post, and I thank you so much for any help you guys can provide.
Jeremy Peace