Database Users

Which unit for VW?

I have a B6 VW Passat and am based in the UK. I am looking for an Android head unit and the more I look, the less I am sure which to get!
I want a unit to these criteria:
Must look as OEM as possible for VW
Must have physical vol control / buttons (not just touch screen)
As much as possible, it should "just work" (I would prefer minimal need for messing about)
Needs to have radio, bluetooth audio streaming and call support only - anything else is a cool bonus (I do not need a DVD drive)
Of those I've seen, I much prefer the ones like this that look standard (this is an Ownice C500 Octa core)
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Any help appreciated.

I have a Joying (old RK3188) but if I would have to buy now, i would either take a Joying with the DigitalAmp (golden Backplate) or the Kenwood 516DABS.
With the Joying i had to fiddle a bit, but with the ROM from Malayk all its okay now.
Maybe it would be a good idea to wait for new Joying PX5 HeadUnits.... but nowbody knows when they will be released - just rumors.
Update:
check also the HeadUnit from VW China: its called RCD330+ and can be found on ebay and aliexpress sometimes.

Whatever you do: Do not buy from Ownice. There units are crap and they offer absolutely no after sale service.
I would recommend you to buy MTCD unit and install Malaysk Firmware on it. In my eyes that is the best combination available right now (unless you want to buy much more expensive units from Kenwood and the likes).

Kurt Lund said:
Whatever you do: Do not buy from Ownice. There units are crap and they offer absolutely no after sale service.
I would recommend you to buy MTCD unit and install Malaysk Firmware on it. In my eyes that is the best combination available right now (unless you want to buy much more expensive units from Kenwood and the likes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stupid novice question, but how do I identify an "MTCD unit"?
Thanks!

For simple convenience, are any of the ones on Amazon UK worth buying? Like the Pumpkin units...

This Xtrons PCD76MTVA looks nice, is it a terrible buy?
Although it's probably par-for-the-course on here, I'd probably rather not install custom firmware etc if I can avoid it.

theandywaite said:
Stupid novice question, but how do I identify an "MTCD unit"?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be hard to tell which are MTCD units. Ask the seller to confirm it. The Xtron that you linked looks like an older model with low screen resolution and only a quad core processor. You should look for a PX5 octa core processor and a higher resolution.
Regards
Kurt Lund
NB: I have MTCD units for VW from Xtron and Erisin and they both work well.

Kurt Lund said:
It can be hard to tell which are MTCD units. Ask the seller to confirm it. The Xtron that you linked looks like an older model with low screen resolution and only a quad core processor. You should look for a PX5 octa core processor and a higher resolution.
Regards
Kurt Lund
NB: I have MTCD units for VW from Xtron and Erisin and they both work well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I will ask. Also looking at Joying, as they seem well thought of on here.
I have seen plenty of newer octacore ones, but they don't tend to look as good IMO. I definitely don't want one that's all touch screen.
I don't actually know how much performance matters for me - it needs to be responsive and start up quickly (i.e. just work nicely) but I'm not going to be installing lots of apps or doing advanced stuff with it - it will mostly just be used for Bluetooth audio and android auto screen mirroring.
I'm not as keen on it (due to screen size and position of rotary controls) but this is a digital amplifier Joying one as suggested by Grungi which I might just go for if it's going to work well. It has a quad core Intel SoFIA 3GR - no idea if that's good or not!

I have this one: http://xtrons.com/pb86unvp-8-hd-dig...yer-custom-fit-for-volkswagen-seat-skoda.html and it does what you want to use it for. I think you will regret buying a 7 inch model if you want to use GPS on it.
Kurt

The beast one should be pumpkin, since it at least has parrot Bluetooth. Anyway, the best option is always a pioneer or maybe the Kenwood solution for vw, but it's only available in Europe
Enviado desde mi ONEPLUS A5000 mediante Tapatalk

Jeep Wrangler JK Aftermarket Head Unit Comparisons

I put together spec and pricing comparison tables of the most popular "Restyle" and "Universal/Double-DIN" Android and competitive stereo models for 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKs. Tables include the latest Android models from Dasaita, Seicane, AIMTOM, XTRONS, Joying, Insane Audio as well as comparisons to popular competitive non-Android units. Hopefully this info is helpful to anyone researching Wrangler upgrade options
http://wranglerrestyle.com/aftermarket-head-unit-comparisons
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This was a great idea, but it's out of date. Would love to see an upgraded version now that head units are coming out with the PX6 chip. If you do, please make sure to include GTA in there!

I picked up Dasaita's PX6 in the list though I probably need to scrub the market again. What's GTA? (guess it's time to start shopping again )

WranglerRestyle said:
I picked up Dasaita's PX6 in the list though I probably need to scrub the market again. What's GTA? (guess it's time to start shopping again )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Glad to hear that. I'm a little pumped for GTA. I think they are a Canadian company, and they gave me straight answers about the Chinese electronics inside. They have a different option that I like for setup. Check out the stereo styles dropdown!
https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/android-car-stereo-for-jeep-wrangler-2011-2017/

TreesOnTheBeach said:
Awesome. Glad to hear that. I'm a little pumped for GTA. I think they are a Canadian company, and they gave me straight answers about the Chinese electronics inside. They have a different option that I like for setup. Check out the stereo styles dropdown!
https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/android-car-stereo-for-jeep-wrangler-2011-2017/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They look like they're doing what Insane Audio is doing by sourcing OEM electronics then putting a custom pre-load on it, dropping it in a pretty box and adding support. For many it's probably a bit more reassuring than sourcing direct from China.
Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

WranglerRestyle said:
They look like they're doing what Insane Audio is doing by sourcing OEM electronics then putting a custom pre-load on it, dropping it in a pretty box and adding support. For many it's probably a bit more reassuring than sourcing direct from China.
Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably right. But they answer quickly and their english (so far) hasn't been broken. I feel like I would get better support from these guys than I do Dasaita right now. Plus, I like the alternative style they offer. I have not seen that anywhere else. They said they are working on the new PX6 model. Should be out around the near of the year.

TreesOnTheBeach said:
You're probably right. But they answer quickly and their english (so far) hasn't been broken. I feel like I would get better support from these guys than I do Dasaita right now. Plus, I like the alternative style they offer. I have not seen that anywhere else. They said they are working on the new PX6 model. Should be out around the near of the year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not knockin 'em at all because they're alleviating some of the concerns that many users have, domestic sourcing, support and what's likely a more stable OS configuration as they stabilize on a solid build with much less frequent updates (where you're likely to pickup bugs). My biggest issue with Insane Audio is that they're SUPER slow to update to current OSes (at last check they were still on Android 6.0, even for their PX5 platform) and they charge an arm and a leg for what amounts to only minimal value-add. GTA seems to be much more reasonably priced given what I know about the wholesale costs of the base hardware.

WranglerRestyle said:
I'm not knockin 'em at all because they're alleviating some of the concerns that many users have, domestic sourcing, support and what's likely a more stable OS configuration as they stabilize on a solid build with much less frequent updates (where you're likely to pickup bugs). My biggest issue with Insane Audio is that they're SUPER slow to update to current OSes (at last check they were still on Android 6.0, even for their PX5 platform) and they charge an arm and a leg for what amounts to only minimal value-add. GTA seems to be much more reasonably priced given what I know about the wholesale costs of the base hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, it's cool. I don't know them, but I get a little bit of a warm fuzzy from what little I've seen. I would look into Insane for sure, but 1) the price is just too much, and 2) the screen is too small now that I'm spoiled with a 10.2". I love that theirs is waterproof. But I spoke to them a couple of months ago, and they said they have no plans to do a new version for the JK!

I just took a look at the GTA head unit, and it looks really nice. I did notice that their FAQ here https://www.gtacarkits.com/faq-android/ states that:
Can you update the software on GTA Car Kits Android Stereos?
There is no software updates planned, unless there is a software bug that needs to be fixed. The software has been tested for a long time to be without any bugs, hence there is no software update planned for the future. Apps from the PlayStore can be updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does worry me from the standpoint that their video shows a custom firmware on there that appears to clean up a lot of the Chinese firmware config apps (like steering controls for example) are different. I emailed them for clarification, and will let you know what I heard back.
I also asked them about ADB passwords, whether or not the EQ works in all modes (apps, FM, and Android Auto), etc.
There's a PX6 on AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com/item/330...chweb0_0,searchweb201602_1,searchweb201603_52 that appears to have the same 3-piece restyle trim as GTA, which looks interesting.

jkchr1s said:
I just took a look at the GTA head unit, and it looks really nice. I did notice that their FAQ here https://www.gtacarkits.com/faq-android/ states that:
That does worry me from the standpoint that their video shows a custom firmware on there that appears to clean up a lot of the Chinese firmware config apps (like steering controls for example) are different. I emailed them for clarification, and will let you know what I heard back.
I also asked them about ADB passwords, whether or not the EQ works in all modes (apps, FM, and Android Auto), etc.
There's a PX6 on AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com/item/330...chweb0_0,searchweb201602_1,searchweb201603_52 that appears to have the same 3-piece restyle trim as GTA, which looks interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, awesome information. Thanks, jkchris! But on that AliExpress link, where's the one-piece unit? I don't see an option for it.

TreesOnTheBeach said:
Whoa, awesome information. Thanks, jkchris! But on that AliExpress link, where's the one-piece unit? I don't see an option for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see any one-piece units. I also did not hear anything back from GTA, so that's not a great sign of customer service.

Building own Android Head Unit

Chees Folks,
i wanna start a project and hope for an exchange of knowledge. First of all i wanna introduce myself. Im Pat, 27 years old from Germany. I have an BMW 3 (E46) with a Pumpkin Android Headunit (famous RK3188). Tbh the head unit is really slow and i thought: "Why not build a whole new head unit by myself?". I'm experienced in electronics and maybe a little bit of programing.
I thought about the following parts to realize the Project:
As Mainboard the Pine64 Rock64 - Advantages: Full Android support, Based on the Raspberry Pi, 4GB RAM, a lot of modules are available like 7" Touchscreen, external soundcard, GPS module, FM module, WiFi module and i also found a nice module to emulate my Steering Wheel Keys without big effort to it.
The challenging part comes with the bluetooth module. With a little investigation i found out, that you need a special bluetooth module that comes with the profiles: HSP, HFP, AD2P and so on.... Now the big question! How can i find an app for android that works with the module and let me manage the connections, make phone calls, transfer contacts and play music from my mobilephone? I guess you know what kind of app i am talking about. The common Android HU like Eresin, Pumpkin, Xtron, JOYING have these bluetooth managing apps (see screenshot)
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I mean i could try to use one of these apps, but presumably it wont work cause of the different device. Maybe one of you can help and is interested in building a system that is usable for anyone.
Best regards!

You might take a look at this project.

surfer63 said:
You might take a look at this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes is saw this thread but unfortunately the creator didn't answer for about 3 Months and as i see the progress is really slow there. But sounds very interesting. Thanks for the hint

Actually, the PINE64 board is not really fast (Quad-Core A53 CPU, the usual PX5 head units have Octa-Cora A53). Considering all the effort you would have with getting something custom to a useable state, it's probably much easier and cheaper to try one of the new PX6 units for the E46 (with much faster A72 cores) first.
https://androidautoshop.com/bmw/386-2757-bmw-e46-3-series-9-touch.html#/26-map-europe

Xtreme2k said:
Actually, the PINE64 board is not really fast (Quad-Core A53 CPU, the usual PX5 head units have Octa-Cora A53). Considering all the effort you would have with getting something custom to a useable state, it's probably much easier and cheaper to try one of the new PX6 units for the E46 (with much faster A72 cores) first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im open for different boards in my configuration but i dont want a new Android Head Unit. I want to build it on my own which is more updatable in future than these common Units.

CLU91 said:
Yes is saw this thread but unfortunately the creator didn't answer for about 3 Months and as i see the progress is really slow there. But sounds very interesting. Thanks for the hint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I cannot post a link, but if you search for "hikey960-car gitlab" on Google, you will find details on the prototype of that project which may be of interest.

BlueSysOnChip said:
Unfortunately, I cannot post a link, but if you search for "hikey960-car gitlab" on Google, you will find details on the prototype of that project which may be of interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one is from Adam Serbinski.
The link I referred to is from 96carboard aka ibdroid aka luciusfox aka doitright aka Mukesh (and a few other aliases) and continues here
I did not check and do not know if doitright is working on the first one too.
Edit: After further examination they all work on the same tree.
Edit2: After further examination I think that Adam Serbinsky is one of the many aliases doitright (96carboard) is using.

False Android OS Claims! Know What You're Buying!

After looking around for a while, I began to see a pattern. 95% of the listings I could find stated that their headunit runs on Android 9, or even 10. One was so bold as to claim Android 10.1. Seriously? 10.1 doesn't even EXIST!
I noticed this when I bought my first Android headunit.
Android 10 headunit
After powering it on, and seeing the settings menu, I noticed it didn't look anything like Android 10. Ok, so you can make a custom theme, cool, maybe they did that here. But I was still curious, so I installed an app that gives me all the TRUE information about the headunit. Suspecion confirmed! It was Android 8.1.0. Performance was TERRIBLE, but it was NOT Android 10.0. I had at LEAST 10 emails back and forth with the seller about it. They tried VERY hard to tell me that EVERY UNIT they make has Android 10. After I made a brief video showing them the information I pulled, directly on the unit itself, and it shows 8.1.0, they immediately issued a full refund. lol Dead silent after that.
So what Android OS version are the vast majority of current headunits running?
Android 8.1.0
It's not all bad. As long as the headunit has the right hardware, Android 8.1.0 will run just fine. I have an ATOTO S8 Pro. Experience is nearly butter.
But how do you tell from a screenshot, what the REAL OS version is? If you're familiar with Android at all, these will make sense.
This is a listing for the ATOTO A6. Notice how the theme of the status bar icons is pretty much in line with Android Marshmallow? Even the logo used is correct. This is believable. I give ATOTO props for being honest and upfront about this.
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This was taken from Amazon. Notice the font and background here? The whole theme seems to have a HONEYCOMB feel. That's likely because the build is Android 3.x. This isn't Android 9.1. Also consider that Android 9.1 doesn't even exist, so that's two strikes. Stay away from this kind of thing.
This one was taken from an eBay listing. Here are inconsistencies that give it away. This is both Android 9.0 AND 10.0, right? Must be some kind of dual boot magic! Sorry, but no. Also, I forgot to circle the home, back and recents buttons, but you can see the icons are from all the way back in the Honeycomb days, Android 3.x. No manufacturer is going to go to all the effort to bring forward such old theme elements into the current version of Android. It's not worth the time or effort. This could be as old as Honeycomb, or as new as Oreo. I'm betting is older.
Here is one from Pumpkin. It's a more well known brand, or at least people have heard of them. But they too are playing the advertising game. Same as before, we have some very old icons, and it's not worth the time to forward port old icons. Plus, WHY? It doesn't even make it look good. I wouldn't even bet on this being Oreo. I might guess Marshmallow, at BEST. This was advertised as Android 10.
And here we have the best one! This manufacturer managed to pull off the impossible! They created Android 10.1, even BEFORE GOOGLE COULD! Ok, where do I start with this one....
1: So, yeah, Android 10.1 doesn't exist
2: Icons on the left, top one doesn't line up. Faked home screen
3: Bottom right icons, can't tap recents with microphone overlaid on it. Non-functional.
4: Right side. Internet Explorer on Android? Almost positive that never happened. We DO have Edge now, though.
This one was just full a crap.
Bottom line, when it comes to Android headunits, be VERY thorough about getting the specs on the unit you're looking to buy. This market is saturated with companies looking to sell you something they can't deliver on. Marketing makes it sound so good, that you think you're getting a sweet deal. Android 10 headunit for $60, sign me up! (Yeah, don't fall for that fake crap, please).
Don't waste your money on something you think is current. There's a very high chance you'll actually end up with a unit that should have only been worth $10.
If you would like to have a look and see what your headunit is ACTUALLY running, you can use this app to find out:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=itgeeks.fullsysteminfo&hl=en_US
Let me know what make, model, and Android version your unit is running. I'm curious to know the results!

Happened to me too
Got my money back and still using the unit. I must admit it's smooth and never sluggish once in over7 months of use
Trimis de pe al meu POCOPHONE F1 folosind Tapatalk

@chevycam94 I agree we should vigorously pursue disputes with sellers of such garbage.
I got a Carlaoer sold as Android 8.1Go that turned out to be API 23 (Android 6.0)...opened a dispute and got some money back.
Folks should be aware that even memory and flash numbers can be fudged, so a thorough inspection (Aida64 comes to mind) is required...maybe even get down to Linux level and run terminal commands.
Bottom line...yes, it's disgraceful how the buyer is being openly lied to, but in my experience the OS is a lot less important vs perfect integration with the MCU and Canbus. No OS will help you if you can't control functions or operate the unit.
They should focus on solving those problems instead of selling "Andiod 10.1" with "Internet Exploder" built in ?

I started down the rabbit hole of trying to get the cheapest head unit with the largest screen and I didn't even consider that they might lie about the Android OS. Eventually I just went with the S8 Ultra because of the support here on XDA, some limited reviews (XDA, Youtube) and whatever was the latest/greatest with good customer service.

[SOLVED] How can I identify the core model of an Android Head-Unit?

ANSWER: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...f-an-android-head-unit.4397413/#post-87635827
I'm looking in Aliexpress for several head units, but after some resarch, is obvious that most are the same model rebranded with a white-label
For example
Junsun V1 PRO​
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Is a model that is repetead in several other brands like:
- JMCQ T10​- Srnubi K31​
But they are exactly the same.
One option: https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4001205344015.html
Also is interesting to observe that the model Junsun V1 Pro is valid for almost all cars in the market, just mounting a mechanism to adapt to each car in particular.
I would like to buy something that has at least a little scene and can be rooted. But it's very difficult to research without even identifying the model
Can anyone help me out and give me some advice on how to find this?

Hello, I've done a little research on this myself and I think the hardware inside of these is manufactured by FYT. I found a forum dedicated to that here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/fyt-android-head-units.12445/
They share the same processor and other key details, but I haven't confirmed they are FYT yet. Mine should arrive soon and then I can

Also searching by T10 tag I found useful: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tags/t10/

Android system information

CorvetteCole said:
Hello, I've done a little research on this myself and I think the hardware inside of these is manufactured by FYT. I found a forum dedicated to that here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/fyt-android-head-units.12445/
They share the same processor and other key details, but I haven't confirmed they are FYT yet. Mine should arrive soon and then I can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the aspect I would say it's not a GFYT but a PX30
[ROM][PX5][PX6][PX30][Q][10] Hal9k Mod v5 for MTCx/HCTx head units with Android 10/9/8/6
Hal9k Mod v5 based on Android 10 for MTCx HCTx Rockchip PX5 (rk3368), PX6 (rk3399) and PX30 (rk3326) head units Compatible MCU versions: MTCD_XXXX, MTCE_XXXX, MTCP_XXXX, MTCH_XXXX, HCTG_XXXX Firmware version: 5.0.0 (31.07.2021) Version of the...
forum.xda-developers.com

After 3 hours of research I've found many things:
1. Most of this models are based on Mediatek chipsets. Not recommended at all. Junsun V1 with Mediatek MTK8259 has a little modding in this forum but not great thing. I would not recommend by any means. Generally they go with lower end MTK chipset like MTK8227L or 8229L that are the moist popular, and very ****ty)
2. The most open is the Rockchip RK3399 but at least for my car is expensive AF. It has a little modding like Hal9K mod that I've put the video above. Neither of the 3 models described above have this chip
3. There is one king in this world and is the Unisoc UIS7862. The amount of mods for this chipset is incredibly big (specially in 4PDA not in XDA unfortunatelly). Price point is not super expensive ($300 for 4+64 version).
MTK devices are the cheapest (but not much cheaper, around $210-250 for 4+64), then Unisoc and finally Rockchip which probably has increased in price because is the flagship for some Raspberry Pi like boards, which are being dumped in the aftermarkets and increasing massively in price due to this fact. If this did not happened, Rockchip would probably the cheapest among all.
This is my conclusion. I'm thinking two options:
A) Buy a UIS7862 which is, by far, the best option right now
B) Wait for UIS7862S to see if it gets some traction, more offer (a little bit expensive right now) and go for a 2000x1200 model, which is a great update compared to regular UIS7862 and it's currently featuring A12 (so probably I could wait for mods to arise in at least 1 year, considering that most HU take a lot of time to create a community, still a very risky bet, considering that the community for UIS7862 is huge.