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Pyle has recently released a few head units running 4.4.4 Kitkat. From the Amazon description:
Android OS Computer:
Touchscreen 'Tablet-Style' Functionality
Smart Device MirrorLink/AirPlay Support
Processor: Quad Core 1.6 Ghz Cortex A9
OS Version: Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
It also indicates "Unlock Tablet-Style functionality." I'm assuming this means it comes rooted.
While Pyle is not known as the paragon of quality, they appear to be the first brand with a US presence offering an Android HU. Since their other HUs appear to follow the US DIN standard these could have the advantage of fitting in one of the readily available dash kits.
Here are the two I found on Amazon:
[amazon dot com]/dp/B01BECUOTE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=S75ZYKYU5U3C&coliid=I25LAEC05MZLFW
[amazon dot com]/Pyle-PLDNAND621-Touchscreen-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B01BECUKD4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_422_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uMnRpESgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1A4EM6W90HKY19XFNMQA_
how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.
Hisma said:
how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest I've seen is the in-dash.net unit which is octacore with android 5.1 coming sometime this year, (allegedly). The MCU issue is unfortunately unavoidable at least until Google adds native bluetooth HFP into AOSP, which isn't likely to happen. And even then you still need something to be the go-between control of the amplifiers, LCD brightness control, etc.
I have the octacore in-dash.net unit and it's pretty good. My biggest beef is with the bluetooth handling. The interface is fairly basic. I think one thing that these units need is their own 'contacts' and 'dialer' apps that can dial via the bluetooth service but that also interacts with my google contacts, google maps, phone links, etc so that I don't have to do the contacts sharing, or copy and paste phone numbers from web searches or maps searches. I've got the feeling that that is easier said than done but it is key in my mind.
This is my first android HU so I'm not super familiar with the mic issues that seem to plague them. My external mic seems to just be really quiet pickup. I was thinking of getting a little pre-amp for it to put in between the plug and the HU. Perhaps I should do some more research first?
I have just been using the built in amp so far. Was thinking about testing the pre-outs on this unit. I suppose I could just break it down and take a look at the components to see if I can determine what DAC is being used.
Oh, also I don't have SWC in my car but this unit is setup for them. Not sure the physical interface specifically as I didn't purchase that option but the mapping is all in the "vehicle interface settings" app on the unit.
Not all of these head units have the mic problem. But joying & pumpkin, which are two of the most popular models, do have this problem. I used to have a joying, now I have a 2nd gen AN-21U, and it doesn't have the mic problem.
Yes the ability to fully integrate our phones with google now via the HU would be perfect. Google now has all my contacts as I have an android phone and save my contacts to google. But trying to call a number this way goes nowhere. Really a way to make the whole experience as hands free as possible would be great. Ford has sync, mazda has gracenote, and there are others I'm sure that attempt to implement a fully hands free system.
Other users have already examined the DAC in these units. One made an audio mod that integrates the DAC directly with the unit instead of passing it through the MCU, which significantly improves the unit's audio capabilities. It's just another example of the head sctatching engineering decisions on these things.
more info here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-hardware-development/mtc-sound-controlling-bd37xxx-sound-t3234660
Btw I am not sure if there is a universal pre-out configuration for these, but my AN-21U has 1V unshielded pre-outs. Pretty frustrating. I get some "white noise" in the background when I up the volume thanks to the high noise floor. Considering putting in some high quality RCA cables to see if that helps, but obviously if the pre-out voltage was higher this would be less of an issue.
Pyle PLDNAND621
I 've bought and been using one of these for about a week now and had a couple questions for you guys. This radio seems to have an app for controlling the Bluetooth function and is not controlled within the settings menus. Do you think think the app could be changed as a Bluetooth obd2 module I use with other Android device works fine with the same car. I have the same question for the radio tuner app, I don't like the layout and it won't tell me the song titles . I search but can't find a "local station" radio tuner app.
Thanks for any ideas, Doug
I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?
lokisyn said:
I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please help. I upgraded my PYLE PLDNANDVR 695 and lost bluetooth. Pyle wants me to send it in for repair. I much rather fixing this myself.
I was considering this HU for my 2016 VW Polo since I don't care much about having a DVD slot. The title for this HU says DVD but it doesn't sport a drive. Though the spec seems good (RK3188) and the price isn't much either I didn't find any reviews or information about this HU on XDA (or outside).
There are couple of places this is being sold from Ali express to GearBest and also on their own website.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this one? Specifically I was looking for community support (root, custom firmware). Since this sports a RK3188 chip can other ROMs be used on this? Also the HU has a very thin form factor (compared to other HUs) - so would heat be an issue?
Who knows?
It doesn't have a volume control knob, if you can live with that. Personally, on screen adjustments for volume, track selection, "back," and on/off is very unhandy and annoying. You can't just reach up and adjust it with out looking. Also the volume steps of the touch controls are not always small enough to set a precise level. These units, with no US contacts or service, are a pain if you need something. Carjoying is in the US and quite responsive. Updates are also made.....who knows about those other relatively unknown products. They may never update and may no work with other software. I have never seen a 9" screen wonder if the thin bezel is just a half inch smaller and uncovering the edges of an 8" panel. This is just conjecture but perhaps worth considering.
cardio77 said:
It doesn't have a volume control knob, if you can live with that. Personally, on screen adjustments for volume, track selection, "back," and on/off is very unhandy and annoying. You can't just reach up and adjust it with out looking. Also the volume steps of the touch controls are not always small enough to set a precise level. These units, with no US contacts or service, are a pain if you need something. Carjoying is in the US and quite responsive. Updates are also made.....who knows about those other relatively unknown products. They may never update and may no work with other software. I have never seen a 9" screen wonder if the thin bezel is just a half inch smaller and uncovering the edges of an 8" panel. This is just conjecture but perhaps worth considering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. I ended up placing an order for this unit instead. I dropped the other one mainly due to there being hardly any orders and reviews. I also did not get any proper responses from the sellers regarding that unit - probably since its new and they are themselves unaware of its features/fit. I agree about the support issues but I also had a tight budget and as long as it works fine :fingers-crossed: I should be OK. Importing these into India attracts a sizable customs duty The unit I bought costed me about $190 shipped via FedEx so I expect the customs would be proportionately lower.
Regarding the volume I have steering wheel controls which should serve the purpose of physical buttons. Though I agree that having a knob is more convenient I also kind of like the flush surface of these full touch units - lesser issues of dust settling.
I will post an update here once I get the unit and install it. BTW the reviews for this on AliExpress are excellent - would love to hear from anyone already owning this. I asked the seller about rooting and custom firmware (kind of essential for android units) but didn't hear anything positive This lack of support and the fact that this is an AllWinner solution (R16 QuadCore Cortex A7) were the only two drawbacks I saw in it (given its price).
How to root Junsun Android 4.4.4
I purchased this unit also from gearbest and like some things about it, but question other things.
The good:
1. The unit is ridiculously thin for a car stereo. There is no CD/DVD player
2. Sound is actually decent. Little difference from the stock unit
3. The home page with rotating icons is cool and different. I can also put a live wallpaper behind it
4. Mirroring app works ok, but I'd rather tether.
5. I can play videos and music on a USB flash drive
The bad:
1. I can't launch other apps and listen to music at the same time. (i.e. when I load Google Maps, radio stops)
2. No native capability to bluetooth tether. USB tethering with EasyTether also didn't work.
3. There are no microsd inputs like other Chinese Android units I've see thus far. I can connect a USB drive to 2 available connectors routed from the back of the unit. This isn't necessarily bad. Just requires different process for rooting that's TBD.
4. Instructions are only in chinese. Don't know who really makes this device, or how to get their technical support. So far, gearbest has provided some answers, but they're far from accurate!
So that said, I'd like to root and install some different apps and drivers that might make USB or bluetooth tethering possible. And that might allow me to listen to radio or USB music or Pandora while I have something else like Torque or Waze running.
Here are settings from the unit:
OS Version/Build Version: JAX1602191130G-WQ-16EN
MCU Version: 201512161416-SLX7786-GEN
CPU Model: RKPX3
Android: 4.4.4
There is also a 'system' page, where I can go to advanced, press 1234 as the password (found it through trial and error) . A screen is then available to upgrade MCU or firmware. However, I don't know where the files should be placed for this screen to register them.
Any pointers on process to root this and/or install something like Malaysk Firmware? Thanks!
poseidonsf said:
I purchased this unit also from gearbest and like some things about it, but question other things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations! Like I said I dropped the idea of buying this due to reasons mentioned above.
poseidonsf said:
1. I can't launch other apps and listen to music at the same time. (i.e. when I load Google Maps, radio stops)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really bad since it defeats the whole purpose of an Android-based HU. Are you using the stock music app or trying something you installed?
poseidonsf said:
2. No native capability to bluetooth tether. USB tethering with EasyTether also didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think all these units restrict the bluetooth to the MCU and is generally not available to other apps. Though I am not sure how Torque works.
poseidonsf said:
3. There are no microsd inputs like other Chinese Android units I've see thus far. I can connect a USB drive to 2 available connectors routed from the back of the unit. This isn't necessarily bad. Just requires different process for rooting that's TBD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you mean micro-USB and not micro-SD? I too have the same issue with my unit. I don't know how to connect it to the PC.
poseidonsf said:
4. Instructions are only in chinese. Don't know who really makes this device, or how to get their technical support. So far, gearbest has provided some answers, but they're far from accurate!
So that said, I'd like to root and install some different apps and drivers that might make USB or bluetooth tethering possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a problem with most Chinese purchases - informed support is almost non-existent. However since you have an RK3188 based unit I think some of the support threads here may match your unit (at least partially). First try to get into the extra setting menu using the passwords given in the RK3188 threads and rooting as well. You need to find the thread that matches best to your unit/firmware based on trying out the various settings/tweaks. Don't flash anything till you are certain you are in the correct support thread. All the best!
poseidonsf said:
I purchased this unit also from gearbest and like some things about it, but question other things.
1. I can't launch other apps and listen to music at the same time. (i.e. when I load Google Maps, radio stops)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure that this is some soft/firmware restriction. Android 4.4 has a native support of multitasking, so it should be by default in any of core versions of this OS. Main problem that I didn't find any resources where this issue was resolved.
Mine will !
VladVell said:
I am sure that this is some soft/firmware restriction. Android 4.4 has a native support of multitasking, so it should be by default in any of core versions of this OS. Main problem that I didn't find any resources where this issue was resolved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From home screen touch Radio icon, then from Radio app touch home icon on top left, back to home, start app you want. Radio continues on my radio from CarJoying. Works fine;
cardio77 said:
From home screen touch Radio icon, then from Radio app touch home icon on top left, back to home, start app you want. Radio continues on my radio from CarJoying. Works fine;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was so easy... )) On this HU someone just ****ed up with firmware configuration... I'll try to fix it .... well on my free time. Luck for us it's an opensource os
VladVell said:
If it was so easy... )) On this HU someone just ****ed up with firmware configuration... I'll try to fix it .... well on my free time. Luck for us it's an opensource os
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really awful - how can they sell a "Android" HU with such limitation? You should give the seller an earful and a bad review for the unit so they are forced to fix it!
I have the same unit also , the camera doesn't show when I am in reverse mode , the steering wheel don't work with the radio, rkpx3 model
I need to know what MCU is installed on this unit . Someone has any clues ?
You can have a glance at this Pumpkin HU for VW, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-Android-Navigation-Subwoofer-Multimedia/dp/B01D30XDXY/
Lol. Even on the official video where this HU was demonstrated , MCU version is 'unknown' ))) http://screencast.com/t/RnQxbkAZBaWX
VladVell said:
I need to know what MCU is installed on this unit . Someone has any clues ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this device.
The menu is exactly the same, firmware is the same: JAX1603281325G-WQ-16EN.
There's a microSD slot on the front panel.
MCU version: 201601251011-SLX7786-GEN .
Built-in player and radio can not work in the background, and this is the biggest trouble. There is not a full solution is to install third - party players who know how to work in the background, for example: BlackPlayer. But unfortunately, in third-party players do not switch tracks from the steering buttons. Adjust the volume and MUTE works as it should, because these buttons are programmed for the entire system. I liked that as a quick call navigation, you can assign any button on the steering wheel and choose any app.
The unit is decent, especially for the price. But such silly mistake with a built-in player and radio can wipe out all the pluses. Wrote to the seller, promised to talk to the engineer, perhaps
Typo?
dahkob said:
There's a microSD slot on the front panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a typo? There is NO microSD slot on this unit. You can connect a USB Flash Drive to the USB connections on the back of the unit though.
poseidonsf said:
Is that a typo? There is NO microSD slot on this unit. You can connect a USB Flash Drive to the USB connections on the back of the unit though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I have already found it when disassembled this HU. Its located on left edge of device. You can use it to flash ROM , or like normal SD... Now I working with stock firmware, trying to solve all issue mentioned in this thread. Its not so easy... bcz this MCU and firmware are not usual for this type of HU, and I didn't worked with this OS before ).
VladVell said:
No. I have already found it when disassembled this HU. Its located on left edge of device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yeah, you're right! Don't know how I overlooked that before. Good find VladVell!
VladVell said:
No. I have already found it when disassembled this HU. Its located on left edge of device. You can use it to flash ROM , or like normal SD... Now I working with stock firmware, trying to solve all issue mentioned in this thread. Its not so easy... bcz this MCU and firmware are not usual for this type of HU, and I didn't worked with this OS before ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed that the built-in player and radio do not have the manifest permissions to change the audio system settings ("modify audio settings"). Using APKEditor added this line to manifest, but to save, unfortunately, did not work, because I get the error message: the program is already installed and is missing a digital signature. If necessary I can put the modified and the original source code of the apk "music" and "radio"... Now are struggling with receiving the digital signature, the idea is APK Editor must sign the modified apk with the native signature. Apparently, there is some protection.
n the process of using the device revealed the following shortcomings (about the first two already written):
1. Not running in the background built-in music player . That is, when playing music you can't use Navigator. You have to use one or the other.
2. Not running in the background built-in radio programme. That is, while playing the radio you can't use Navigator. You have to use one or the other.
3. Not running in the background audioclub built-in bluetooth . That is, when playing music from phone via bluetooth you can't use Navigator. So you have to use one or the other.
4. After the completion of the incoming call via the bluetooth Protocol SOMETIMES falls off the sound of the entire device. Most likely, the audio service bluetooth does not give audio device. You have to reboot the head unit by switching off the ignition.
5. I really want the joystick on the steering wheel could switch tracks on ALL the audio players and not just on the built.
6. Lost sound player and radio when you lock the screen (press on the power button), which is very inconvenient at night, since I want to eyes did not detract.
7. It is unclear how sync contacts via bluetooth. Some appear, some don't.
I received from the seller working firmware, music is now able to work together with NAV. If anyone needs - let me know.
In my 2017 Ram SLT, there is installed a 10.4” Tesla-style Head unit with 1024X768 screen resolution. It looks for all the world like the PhoenixAndroidRadios unit pictured at the beginning of the thread listed above.
The top icon row is:
Navigation Radio Music Console Bluetooth Video AUX
After some time, I accidentally discovered that by swiping this to the left, more icons appeared:
Explorer Phone Link Settings App list DVR File manager Camera
Within Settings | About, I discovered this:
Model number RKPX3 (px3 manufactured by Rockchip)
Android version 7.1.1
Nowhere did I see a name of the maker of the Head unit itself. It was obtained via eBay and I have been unsuccessful contacting to the vendor (Funnyhill-Auto). What was left as “documentation (“Product Guide”) is scant, poor English and grammar, etc. and basically useless as a guide. Almost inscrutable ...
Some of the basic touch-screen controls I've figured out empirically but wish I had more/better information.
• Since the layout of this Head unit is virtually the same as any I’ve seen, I wonder if anyone might have a meaningful guide for a Head unit like this, even though not made by the same party. Linkswell makes a great unit but it’s configured differently so its guide isn’t very useful. Maybe Phoenix produces a fairly generic guide that would help.
• As a curiosity question, I wonder what are the key differences between Phone Link and Bluetooth, especially regarding mobile phone use. I get that Phone Link requires that the mobile phone be plugged into a USB port that the Head unit “sees”, whereas via Bluetooth, it’s entirely wireless. But other than that, what’s the difference?? One preferable over the other ??
Any help is appreciated.
Hello. I bought a damaged radio and replaced the PX5 processor module from another radio (PUMPKIN). After replacing the PX5 processor module, the radio works - I only had a problem with Bluetootch - the GOC-RF210 module was installed in my radio, which was not on the factory settings list. So I replaced the BT i140 module with Pumpkin. After switching the BT module to the i140 and selecting it in the factory options - it works without any problems. Radio works, navigation, DSP processor, bluetootch. The only problem is the lack of voice only in the MUSIC application (e.g. from a flash drive) and movies from the Internet and navigation. Visually, everything works only without a voice. Oddly enough, there is sound from the radio and BT. There is also a beep sound from the buttons all the time. I was restoring factory settings, updating the MCU but nothing changed. I did not find a solution in the factory settings. There was also no sound before replacing the BT module. Can anyone help in solving the problem? Regards.
So, based on some of your comments, I am assuming the PX-5 module still has the same Android SW that it had on the PUMPKIN unit, or you installed it again using a PUMPKIN release
"the GOC-RF210 module was installed in my radio, which was not on the factory settings list "
Could it be that you're mixing PX5-Android OS from one provider with the MTCD/E board of another provider? Do you know who manufactured the "original unit" (the Physical unit, regardless of where you took the PX5 from)
So, while I can not give you a definite answer, this is the thinking process I'd follow if I were on your shoes:
1) PX5 is a standard board/HW. All units are the same. What is not (always) the same is the modifications each provider makes to the underlying Android OS to be able to control the MTC-D from Android... although there is a lot of overlapping and compatibility among providers.
2) The fact that you were not able to see on the "Pumpking-Flavor" of Android-UI the Bluetooth module used by your motherboard, points to some level of incompatibility there... but that incompatibility would be between Android-flavor and the micro-controller of your motherboard, not between PX5 and your motherboard (because all PX-5 are the same, HW-wise)
3) I'd try to define who was the manufacturer of the motherboard/main unit and flash on the PX5 an Android version provided by them and a Firmware version provided by them. Meaning, your unit won't be a Pumpkin anymore. It will become back whatever it was before changing the PX-5, but with a new PX-5
If you are not sure who was the original manufacturer, try with Hal9K ROM or Malaysk. But DO NOT change the Android version you have now... let's focus on a problem at a time
My gut-feeling is that your MTCD/E microcontroller is expecting a specific code to instruct the BCM chip (the audio processor, which selects input audio to be played) to connect the PX-5 Audio to the Output... but the App running on the PX-5 which is in charge to talk with the micro-controller is sending some other code, because it expects to be talking to a different board.
While somebody could counter-argue "why only the sound is not working, if the motherboard is not compatible", I'd say that maybe the Android-SW is expecting the motherboard to have a DSP while it doesn't have one (or the other way around), so it COULD be that everything works except the audio...
Is either that, or some physical failure... Do you know why the original PX-5 failed?
Thank you for valuable information. The USB handling system (GL850G) burnt in the processor of the processor module, but after replacing it, nothing changed. There is still a short circuit in the module that I have not located. As for the rest of your information, I have to analyze it for a while because I do not have much experience in software modification. regards
bogsie said:
Thank you for valuable information. The USB handling system (GL850G) burnt in the processor of the processor module, but after replacing it, nothing changed. There is still a short circuit in the module that I have not located. As for the rest of your information, I have to analyze it for a while because I do not have much experience in software modification. regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I was able to check. The sound from the multimedia certainly reaches the BU32107EFV sound processor - there is an analog signal at the processor's input, but the sound does not come out of it. I admit that I have no experience in programming - I only managed to update the MCU to the CSN2-D-1152020_114103 version - I understand that this applies to this processor module? So how do you find the right motherboard firmware? I am also asking for tips on how to install it. regards
bogsie said:
I admit that I have no experience in programming - I only managed to update the MCU to the CSN2-D-1152020_114103 version - I understand that this applies to this processor module? So how do you find the right motherboard firmware? I am also asking for tips on how to install it. regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not MTCD, requested a moderator moves to [Android Head-units] forum.
This and other questions have been written about almost daily.
Note that the replies about "MTCD" do not apply.
Then please give me a link to solve this problem, because I am not English-speaking and it is difficult for me to navigate the forum here. regards
Hello everyone, I’m and audio engineer and not a developer, but I thought you guys might be able to help me with something.
This is posted in Q&A but now I'm realizing I should have posted here. I've been searching the forum and can't find an answer, so I figured I'd ask you guys.
I purchased a android unit for my car (2016 Range Rover), it uses the cars factory audio system, it can mirror the stock screen to the new android screen (for access to settings and cameras), and it feeds its audio output to the Aux input of the car or Bluetooth from the android to the cars factory Bluetooth.
Everything functions beautifully, however the sound quality is terrible. There is a “DSP” screen in their GUI, when adjusting any of the parameters I can tell the DSP / EQ is possibly the cause of the issue. It sounds like its filtering off everything below 50-60hz and the audio is compressed. Whenever adjusting EQ in the Android GUI that compression sound gets worse, leading me to suspect it might be the cause of the issue.
I downloaded an app that shows hidden apps and found “MagicEQ” installed, I disabled it but the audio continues to sound the same.
I’m wanting to disable any processing of the audio and simply send an unmodified audio signal out of the android via it’s analog output and/or it’s Bluetooth connection.
My questions are:
-Is there anywhere else I can look to see if there are any other hidden EQ settings?
-any tips on how to find any other apps or processes that could be tampering with the audio signal?
-are there any apps that could be installed that would override any audio processing that’s currently happening?
Sound777 said:
Hello everyone, I’m and audio engineer and not a developer, but I thought you guys might be able to help me with something.
This is posted in Q&A but now I'm realizing I should have posted here. I've been searching the forum and can't find an answer, so I figured I'd ask you guys.
I purchased a android unit for my car (2016 Range Rover), it uses the cars factory audio system, it can mirror the stock screen to the new android screen (for access to settings and cameras), and it feeds its audio output to the Aux input of the car or Bluetooth from the android to the cars factory Bluetooth.
Everything functions beautifully, however the sound quality is terrible. There is a “DSP” screen in their GUI, when adjusting any of the parameters I can tell the DSP / EQ is possibly the cause of the issue. It sounds like its filtering off everything below 50-60hz and the audio is compressed. Whenever adjusting EQ in the Android GUI that compression sound gets worse, leading me to suspect it might be the cause of the issue.
I downloaded an app that shows hidden apps and found “MagicEQ” installed, I disabled it but the audio continues to sound the same.
I’m wanting to disable any processing of the audio and simply send an unmodified audio signal out of the android via it’s analog output and/or it’s Bluetooth connection.
My questions are:
-Is there anywhere else I can look to see if there are any other hidden EQ settings?
-any tips on how to find any other apps or processes that could be tampering with the audio signal?
-are there any apps that could be installed that would override any audio processing that’s currently happening?
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I think you already checked power and ground of the speaker?
I fear you just bought one of those cheap units. The picture you show is just some sort of EQ, that has nothing to do with a DSP and the built in sound chip is just not able to provide signals below 60hz.
Just show us the specs of this unit, incl MCU and used firmware. Otherwise no one is able to dive in deeper.
The speaker and amplification is all being done from the stock car system, this android unit just sends out a line level signal into the Auxilary port of the car or Bluetooth to the car. It’s basically an android tablet except that it also mirrors the factory car screen.
This is all I could find for specs. Does this help at all?
Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap either at $1100 USD, I’m aware that doesn’t mean it’s not made cheap though.
As someone who manipulates audio for a living, I really do think it’s that EQ that might be causing the issues.
Each process in audio tends to have a unique characteristic to the sound, and when I adjust any of those parameters I hear those same artifacts exaggerated.
I don’t know much about android systems though, so I’m wondering if there a way to “look under the hood” and see if it’s possible to take that EQ out of the processing path of the audio signal.
Sound777 said:
The speaker and amplification is all being done from the stock car system, this android unit just sends out a line level signal into the Auxilary port of the car or Bluetooth to the car. It’s basically an android tablet except that it also mirrors the factory car screen.
This is all I could find for specs. Does this help at all?
Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap either at $1100 USD, I’m aware that doesn’t mean it’s not made cheap though.
As someone who manipulates audio for a living, I really do think it’s that EQ that might be causing the issues.
Each process in audio tends to have a unique characteristic to the sound, and when I adjust any of those parameters I hear those same artifacts exaggerated.
I don’t know much about android systems though, so I’m wondering if there a way to “look under the hood” and see if it’s possible to take that EQ out of the processing path of the audio signal.
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Click to collapse
First off the Android should be coupled to the car by toshlink ie the C port in the digital realm unless it's a amp only with no preamp processing.
Bluetooth will degrade the audio if it's SBC or LDAC.
Files should .wav, HDCD or higher in resolution.
Sound777 said:
The speaker and amplification is all being done from the stock car system, this android unit just sends out a line level signal into the Auxilary port of the car or Bluetooth to the car. It’s basically an android tablet except that it also mirrors the factory car screen.
This is all I could find for specs. Does this help at all?
Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap either at $1100 USD, I’m aware that doesn’t mean it’s not made cheap though.
As someone who manipulates audio for a living, I really do think it’s that EQ that might be causing the issues.
Each process in audio tends to have a unique characteristic to the sound, and when I adjust any of those parameters I hear those same artifacts exaggerated.
I don’t know much about android systems though, so I’m wondering if there a way to “look under the hood” and see if it’s possible to take that EQ out of the processing path of the audio signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least your complete system is no common one.
First of all you would need to get it rooted, to have a chance to get deeper into the system.
As I never have seen this system combination with this MCU and You even don´t find anything about it in here, there is a very low chance that you get help with rooting... sorry to say.
blackhawk said:
First off the Android should be coupled to the car by toshlink ie the C port in the digital realm unless it's a amp only with no preamp processing.
Bluetooth will degrade the audio if it's SBC or LDAC.
Files should .wav, HDCD or higher in resolution.
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Click to collapse
For this particular vehicle (2016 Range Rover sport) the only systems I’ve been able to find feed audio via Aux or Bluetooth into the OEM system.
rigattoni said:
At least your complete system is no common one.
First of all you would need to get it rooted, to have a chance to get deeper into the system.
As I never have seen this system combination with this MCU and You even don´t find anything about it in here, there is a very low chance that you get help with rooting... sorry to say.
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Yeah, I’m not surprised unfortunately. Thank you for looking into that more though!
Is your grounding correct? All devices, head and amp should be grounded to a common point with heavy gauge wire. No daisy stringing.
V+ should be heavy gauge coming off the battery if possible. Running a dedicated circuit for ground and V+ off the battery as a twisted pair is a good option.
Ok so I have confirmed it's some hidden EQ or processing that's happening in the unit and not a problem with the chipset.
II installed an app called poweramp EQ that when enabled I bypasses the hidden EQ / audio processing and sounds instantly like it should (poweamp EQ is flat). The problem is it takes a while to boot, and you have to play audio from only a few specific apps, then the EQ is bypass across all apps. So I need to figure out how to find and remove that hidden EQ.
The Chinese supplier sent me all of the installers they use, is that something that could be opened and modified?
here is a link to those installers
Range Rover Android Installers
I would just use Poweramp as the player especially in a car. It's graphic equalizer is excellent. Very low distortion. That all I use to play my 240gb collection of .wav albums on my N10+. Zero issues or complaints... simply the best for music.
blackhawk said:
I would just use Poweramp as the player especially in a car. It's graphic equalizer is excellent. Very low distortion. That all I use to play my 240gb collection of .wav albums on my N10+. Zero issues or complaints... simply the best for music.
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Click to collapse
I don't want to just play files though, I want to use the unit with CarPlay, Tidal, Dropbox, etc.
It's frustrating because this system would do everything I need it to do if I could just remove that damn EQ they have hidden in there.
Sound777 said:
Ok so I have confirmed it's some hidden EQ or processing that's happening in the unit and not a problem with the chipset.
II installed an app called poweramp EQ that when enabled I bypasses the hidden EQ / audio processing and sounds instantly like it should (poweamp EQ is flat). The problem is it takes a while to boot, and you have to play audio from only a few specific apps, then the EQ is bypass across all apps. So I need to figure out how to find and remove that hidden EQ.
The Chinese supplier sent me all of the installers they use, is that something that could be opened and modified?
here is a link to those installers
Range Rover Android Installers
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Click to collapse
You just got the latest greatest MCU and this zip file is the newest firmware.
There is nothing you can modify at least not if you are no developer and are able to create a new firmware afterwards.
Use the manual the supplier sent and get your unit updated. May be that changes something, who knows... Be aware, that your unit might be reset during update.
rigattoni said:
You just got the latest greatest MCU and this zip file is the newest firmware.
There is nothing you can modify at least not if you are no developer and are able to create a new firmware afterwards.
Use the manual the supplier sent and get your unit updated. May be that changes something, who knows... Be aware, that your unit might be reset during update.
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Click to collapse
Yeah that makes sense, The supplier of course didn't not supply a manual to update, just sent those files.
As far as modifying, is that something an outside developer could do? If so, I wouldn't mind hiring someone to do it.
As a profesional Audio engineer, I really want to utilize the amazing sound system in the Range Rover, something we can listen to what we're working on during lunch breaks or show colleagues what we've been working on in the studio when out on the town.
Unfortunately, this was the best system I could find for my specific vehicle.
Sound777 said:
I don't want to just play files though, I want to use the unit with CarPlay, Tidal, Dropbox, etc.
It's frustrating because this system would do everything I need it to do if I could just remove that damn EQ they have hidden in there.
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Click to collapse
A very large personal music library of high res albums/songs is the way to go. Poweramp plays whole albums or create extensive playlists that can be completely backed up along with settings. Coming from the days of 8tracks and cassettes... you have no clue how lucky you are, at least in this regard.
blackhawk said:
A very large personal music library of high res albums/songs is the way to go. Poweramp plays whole albums or create extensive playlists that can be completely backed up along with settings. Coming from the days of 8tracks and cassettes... you have no clue how lucky you are, at least in this regard.
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Click to collapse
As a professional mastering engineer, I'm aware of the benefits of hires files, but unfortunately that's not what I'm looking for with this system.
Sound777 said:
Yeah that makes sense, The supplier of course didn't not supply a manual to update, just sent those files.
As far as modifying, is that something an outside developer could do? If so, I wouldn't mind hiring someone to do it.
As a profesional Audio engineer, I really want to utilize the amazing sound system in the Range Rover, something we can listen to what we're working on during lunch breaks or show colleagues what we've been working on in the studio when out on the town.
Unfortunately, this was the best system I could find for my specific vehicle.
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Click to collapse
The MCU.zip needs to get unpacked and the content of this zip needs to get stored on a fresh formatted SD card (FAT32) If you have, use the smallest SD card you have. I prefer to use a 8GB SD card which I only use for updates.
Put it into the unit and the system should recognize the new MCU file and asks for set up.
This is the first step. If you get new MCU and firmware, always install the MCU first.
After reboot is done, you should format the SD card again (just for being safe) on you laptop/pc, what ever which is able to format FAT32 cards.
Most probably the firmware file needs to get renamed as update.zip.
Don´t unpack that zip file, just rename it and copy it onto this fresh formatted SD card.
Stick it into the unit and you may or may not get a notification that an update has been found. Choose install.
Note: All personal apps, files and folders are deleted most probably. Before you do anything, make sure you have all data stored externally. All partitions of the unit are updated as far as I could see in the firmware.
Have fun and report back if that was successful. If not, the naming of the firmware seems to be different. You need to ask the seller in this case.
rigattoni said:
The MCU.zip needs to get unpacked and the content of this zip needs to get stored on a fresh formatted SD card (FAT32) If you have, use the smallest SD card you have. I prefer to use a 8GB SD card which I only use for updates.
Put it into the unit and the system should recognize the new MCU file and asks for set up.
This is the first step. If you get new MCU and firmware, always install the MCU first.
After reboot is done, you should format the SD card again (just for being safe) on you laptop/pc, what ever which is able to format FAT32 cards.
Most probably the firmware file needs to get renamed as update.zip.
Don´t unpack that zip file, just rename it and copy it onto this fresh formatted SD card.
Stick it into the unit and you may or may not get a notification that an update has been found. Choose install.
Note: All personal apps, files and folders are deleted most probably. Before you do anything, make sure you have all data stored externally. All partitions of the unit are updated as far as I could see in the firmware.
Have fun and report back if that was successful. If not, the naming of the firmware seems to be different. You need to ask the seller in this case.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the detailed instructions! The supplier said they're going to ask the developer to do an update, I might wait on that and only go though this once since they said the firmware / MCU they sent is the same as what's already on it.
Sound777 said:
Thank you for the detailed instructions! The supplier said they're going to ask the developer to do an update, I might wait on that and only go though this once since they said the firmware / MCU they sent is the same as what's already on it.
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In this case... Wait for any update.
BTW: It´s always tricky to get an OEM sound system working flawlessly with any aftermarket radio. You need to know that the OEM radio and the sound system are built to work perfect together.
I don´t think that you would be able to remove the integrated EQ.
BTW: To enable any external DEV to build a new firmware means, that he needs also exactly the same headunit for testing any changes or adaptations. It´s unfortunately not done with providing the firmware.
FThe firmware of the unit is just some sort of "messenger" for the MCU, so the radio itself. The Android is more or less just set on to provide the UI, and the handling of the main board itself. The EQ is not on Android, it´s on the mainboard itself.
The combination you are running is really error prone because of the mix.
Don´t expect too much I fear.
Sound777 said:
Thank you for the detailed instructions! The supplier said they're going to ask the developer to do an update, I might wait on that and only go though this once since they said the firmware / MCU they sent is the same as what's already on it.
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Click to collapse
Hello, did the supplier ever send you an updated firmware and MCU that addresses the issue? I have the same head unit as you and I would really like to disable/get rid of the built-in SW EQ so that the full dynamic range of the sound goes out to the Meridian Amp. If you've found a way of disabling/removing the SW EQ without having to do a firmware update, please do share as well.
What is the app that shows you hidden apps?
Sound777 said:
Hello everyone, I’m and audio engineer and not a developer, but I thought you guys might be able to help me with something.
This is posted in Q&A but now I'm realizing I should have posted here. I've been searching the forum and can't find an answer, so I figured I'd ask you guys.
I purchased a android unit for my car (2016 Range Rover), it uses the cars factory audio system, it can mirror the stock screen to the new android screen (for access to settings and cameras), and it feeds its audio output to the Aux input of the car or Bluetooth from the android to the cars factory Bluetooth.
Everything functions beautifully, however the sound quality is terrible. There is a “DSP” screen in their GUI, when adjusting any of the parameters I can tell the DSP / EQ is possibly the cause of the issue. It sounds like its filtering off everything below 50-60hz and the audio is compressed. Whenever adjusting EQ in the Android GUI that compression sound gets worse, leading me to suspect it might be the cause of the issue.
I downloaded an app that shows hidden apps and found “MagicEQ” installed, I disabled it but the audio continues to sound the same.
I’m wanting to disable any processing of the audio and simply send an unmodified audio signal out of the android via it’s analog output and/or it’s Bluetooth connection.
My questions are:
-Is there anywhere else I can look to see if there are any other hidden EQ settings?
-any tips on how to find any other apps or processes that could be tampering with the audio signal?
-are there any apps that could be installed that would override any audio processing that’s currently happening?
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Click to collapse