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Are there any Chinese HU's without any problems?

Wow, just when you think you've found a headunit that is perfect, what happens instead? You read some reviews that are written after the user owned it for a short amount of time, and then you discover the problems.
Is there an Android HU that gets good FM/AM reception? Doesn't need to be rebooted? Won't disappoint? I previously got burned on a cheaper model and don't want to repeat that again. Hell - I could have just gotten a Kenwood and avoided all the headache and a $195 install job.

Hi,
I think that depends on your definition of "problems". My definition of a real problem is when there is no solotion on xda developers
OK, first I would recommend that you buy a head unit that was made for your car brand and model if available. I own a 2013 Skoda Rapid (similar to VW Polo / Golf, no "dirty" jokes please lol) and bought a VW specific model ("Autopumpkin" (reseller) 2 DIN for VW, RK3066 processor with Android 4.4.4 @ 800x480px, firmware is KLD2).
Installation: Plug in the quad lock CAN bus and the head unit was ready. Nothing else to do.
AM/FM:
In some cases, your car antenna needs +12V power to work properly. My head unit has a "phantom power adapter" (don't know if this is the right word in english). If you don't connect +12V to antenna, the reception is awful, I only received 4 stations with poor quality. Once the pantom power was connected (in my special case, I also needed a FAKRA adapter to connect the head unit with the car antenna since the plugs from the head unit didn't fit in the car connector), I received 18 stations (more can't be saved) on 88-95MHz (band goes from 88-108 here) using auto scan mode.
"Doesn't need to be rebooted":
I don't know exactly what you mean, would you like to specify that? The head unit can't be always on due to the high power consumption which would kill the battery very fast. Boot time is about 20-30 seconds but it remains about 5 minutes in standby if you pull out the ignition key.
Sound quality:
If sound quality is as important for you as for me, you MAYBE have a problem with those cheap head units but that also depends on what you like to do and to what kind of music you do listen.
On FM, sound quality doesn't matter for me because I use FM only for traffic announcements and news / documentary). The built in EQ is not the best one, at first I was thinking about to send the unit back because of the bad quality. After some days, I tried Poweramp with it's EQ and the difference was HUGE. Sounds better that the original car radio. Later, I tried Viper4Android (EQ app) since the Poweramp EQ only works for Poweramp and I thoght better radio sound quality would not be bad, but AFAIK AM/FM (and Bluetooth) sound output is not processed in Android what means only the build in EQ can influence the sound quality of that parts.
Traffic announcement (TA):
But one thing about TA feature does really drives me crazy: If you have enabled TA and the radio app detects traffic announcements (what happens also if the radio is in "background" respectively not explicit opened), a "modal popup" appears and you can't do anything (you can't skip TA or switch to another app) but vol up / down or disable TA with the "Close" button at all what means that you have to go to the radio app and enable TA again manually.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth works much better than expected. If I get into the car in the morning, my phone (Sony Xperia Z2 with stock rom) connects with the head unit in seconds. If I press the "Play" button in the head unit's bluetooth app, it almost instantly continues playing my Spotify playlist from the phone (Spotify app doesn't work on my head unit, don't know why...).
3G / Wifi:
About 3G: Sometimes the HU loses connection because the power supplied by the USB ports is not enough. In that case, I have to power off and on the unit again (but "soft" reboot, done in seconds). Wifi (if you use your smartphone as hotspot with teathering) does work very well but not on distances over approx. 10 meters.
About GPS:
The GPS signal fixes very, VERY fast (2-5 seconds, but thats maybe because Android fixes the signal at boot time) and the supplied navigation app (iGO Primo) can calculate a route from south germany to a random forrest in Poland (I tapped on a random place on the map) approximately 1500km away in less than 10 seconds.
Dual way CAN bus:
Does work with my car, I can control radio stations via the buttons of my on-board computer / MFD (Multi Function Display as called by VW, my car doesn't have SWC) and the MFD shows the station frequency. I can also control the Media Player App (next / prev track, not volume), but only the built in one, not Poweramp.
Conclusion: If there is a HU for your specific brand / model, you should not have as much trouble as if you buy a generic one, especially with installation. You should have at least some basic Android, car and technical knowledge and (most important) the will to play around with your device, try out new apps, firmwares and roms, play with the settings etc... If you want a real plug and play solution, you maybe have to pay 1000€ / $ +. You get what you pay for
I hope my reply was helpful.

Nice Text. So it is.

hippelsepp said:
I hope my reply was helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was, thank you. Which HU do you use?

My question is: Is there an American/Japanese/Anywhere else head unit that can do as much as these Chinese head units??

Android Headunit for Hyundai I30 GDH (2015) - car integration

Iam having a look at some of the units for my 2015 Hyundai i30 cw. Namely two variants both with this features:
- 1024 resolution screen
- adapted to hyundai design
- quad core processor
Example for variant A
aliexpress.com/item/2din-Car-Radio-GPS-Navigation-Ipod-MP3-Bluetooth-USB-Capacitive-Touchscreen-Map-WIFi-on-Android-4/1889240271.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_0_79_78_77_82_80_62,searchweb201560_1
Example for variant B
aliexpress.com/item/1024-600-Quad-Core-2-din-7-Android-4-4-Car-Stereo-Radio-dvd-gps-for/32517997140.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_0_79_78_77_82_80_62,searchweb201560_1
Question
- Is there a way to use the car build in microphone with one of this units. If so how?
- Do you have one of those units? What is your feedback?

pr10dr said:
Iam having a look at some of the units for my 2015 Hyundai i30 cw. Namely two variants both with this features:
- 1024 resolution screen
- adapted to hyundai design
- quad core processor
Example for variant A
aliexpress.com/item/2din-Car-Radio-GPS-Navigation-Ipod-MP3-Bluetooth-USB-Capacitive-Touchscreen-Map-WIFi-on-Android-4/1889240271.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_0_79_78_77_82_80_62,searchweb201560_1
Example for variant B
aliexpress.com/item/1024-600-Quad-Core-2-din-7-Android-4-4-Car-Stereo-Radio-dvd-gps-for/32517997140.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_0_79_78_77_82_80_62,searchweb201560_1
Question
- Is there a way to use the car build in microphone with one of this units. If so how?
- Do you have one of those units? What is your feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer for I40 and the only way to get a descent Bluetooth is to modify the HU according
to the specific thread in this forum. Both HU's carry the same problem.
Be careful when you order to get the correct screen ie. 1024. They sometimes specify it as optional.
Also verify if you have a factory amplifier. If you have, you need another loom and an analog/SPDIF box.
They are cheap compared to the big guy's, so don't expect miracles. They still work.
I've four units for different cars similar to yours.

Can you point out the thread with the HU modification that improves Bluetooth?
The original Hyundai amplifier only takes spdif as an input? Intresting i dont see other i30 owners which use an android HU mention that.
You are right on the optional 1024 (usually extra 25$).
Iam most intrested not in the bluetooth mobile -> head unit connection but more in getting the audio from the original mic (just above the drivers head) connected to the HU. I feel this way i have less of the aftermarked look (additional mic) and also better audio since the original mic is pretty much in the perfect spot.
I guess i can solder whatever connection the original mic has to my headunit. But there might electrical issues or the mic cable be part of some strange car bus system which will it make hard to figure outand connect.

I don't have a hyundai, but I've put aftermarket units in 2 different cars w/ mics and both had the same problem - they are active mics that have noise cancelling & can't be used w/ these HUs. BUT, you can still easily disconnect the microphone from where it is located and put the aftermarket external mic in its place. My car is a 2014 mazda 6, and my OEM mic was in my overhead where my dome lights are. The panel was held in by 2 screws where the sunglasses drop down. I drop those 2 screws, disconnect the mic from its connector, and pull the mic out (it had some weak adhesive around it, very easy to take out). I then ran my external mic up my a-pillar and mounted it exactly where my factory mic was located. Sound quality is very good, everyone can still hear me okay. and everything looks stock.
Just buy a unit w/o BT issues (avoid MTCB units unless they have fixed this... others seem okay).

Are the units in my original post MTCB units?
What is the reason the active noise canceling microphones can not be used?

pr10dr said:
Are the units in my original post MTCB units?
What is the reason the active noise canceling microphones can not be used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't check your links so you'll have to check for yourself. An active mic will need to be powered, so you'll need to know the correct voltage and supply it somehow. I doubt it's 12V that you can use directly from the unit but you never know. Read it with a meter.
I guess theoretically you could make it work in that case.
Sent from my HTC One M8 using Tapatalk

Joying 5.1 HU, USB connections

Re Post from MTCB forum,
Just installed a Joying:
. SKU: JY-UL124 . Quad Core Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS Capacitive 7" High Definition for Universal Double Din . CPU: RK3188 1.6GHz Cortex A9 Quad Core, Resolution 1024*600. RAM：DDR3 1G, 16 GB memory
To my 2014 Australian Hyundai Elantra.
I waited to get the latest HU from Joying that has an unrated mother board and USB/ Comms board. With Lollipop 5.1.1. the unit performs very well with none of the problem previously mentioned on these pages. The internal and external mics are clear and the Bluetooth systems are perfect. Unit has been rooted and I don't seem to need for apps so I won't changed the software now.
The dimming for the button and the screen to follow the vehicles rheostat was fixed by making a circuit to invert and amplify the rheostat output to the HU ill line. Work's well, Kudos to the guys at the Subaru forums.
I had one bug fixed by Joying when the GPS nav was muted whenever I plugged in the DVR front camera. Joying quickly sent me a link to re flash my firmware and the problem was fixed. I have them currently looking into a bug when I view the DVR input shown on the HU I get lots of flashing to the screen in all pixel settings. I have been told this will be fixed in the next firmware update soon.
One problem that I can't solve is when I try to use my vehicles Multimedia Jack located in my center console. There is a Aux and USB jack there. All wiring from console to HU is complete. If I connect a USB stick to the Jack in the console then then HU struggles to connect and gives up. If I interrupt the USB plug and socket behind the HU then I am able to use the USB correctly. Looking at the car wiring diagrams there is a amplifier cct behind the Multimedia Jack supposedly to amp up the USB to HU. Doesn't seem to work?
Any ideas appreciated.
Duke
CadillacMike
19th May 2016, 04:28 PM |#2
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i have nothing to add, other than interested to see what the result is. Are you saying that your car comes with a built in hub in the console, and you are trying to make that USB port in the console work to the Joying head unit? my vehicle is similar, and I would like that to work as well
Update
Yes I have a console hub I guess.
The book calls it a multimedia center. Just an Aux port and a USB port or Jack in the tidy bin in the center console. If I by pass the Jacks and directly put the USB stick into the USB tail from the radio then it works fine. When I plug into the console port it tries to read it and fails. The HU then reports a read fail, have tried other known working USB sticks.
I have inspected behind the console jacks and found a cct board attached to the Jacks and then to the car wiring. From looking at the diagrams of the car previous to mine I see a cct board containing what looks like an amplifier. Tracing the car wiring to the radio input connectors seems to be OK and the wiring correct. Voltages at the radio connector are right in that there is 5v +ve, negative - earth and the center pins are data as they should be.
The console Jacks
w.hemanual.org/multimedia_jack_description_and_operation-2037.html
The wiring for same (mine is same but more complex)
w.hemanual.org/multimedia_jack_schematic_diagrams-2036.html
Really bugs me not to be able to access that USB input Jack esp as the radio is a great unit.
Duke
bsavoir22
21st May 2016, 07:05 AM |#4
Senior Member
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You need to post this question in the MTCD (Lollipop) hardware thread. This thread is for MTCB (KitKat) units. The hardware in the MTCD headunits are very different than the MTCB headunits.
Thanks and done - I still have the same problem
Duke

Hello, i'm interest in tthis unit,https://www.carjoying.com/quad-core-android-car-radio/quad-core-vw-android-car-radio/joying-2016-latest-aftermarket-european-warehouse-lollipop-android-5-1-1-car-head-unit-autoradio-quad-core-double-din-gps-navigation-system-stereo-radio-support-reverse-camera-dvr-g.html and dont' know if it's the same you have. Can you tell me if you have some lag problems or something? does the hardware handles well the software?

Bob
Seems the same. Same CPU, platform, Specs etc. I think being a "VW Golf Passat Jetta" model from Joying it probably has some firmware in it to pick up your particular car's Bluetooth connections. The front surround looks like it has been added to my "Universal" type to fit neatly into your dashboard. The case and rear connections are identical. I see they have added a CanBus box which my car did not need but looks like yours does. There is probably a harness with it to fit your wiring loom.
if you run a lot of apps at once there is some lag not bad though. Like if you had the radio on and the GPS on and DVR the traffic then that's a pretty big load so then there is some lag but you get used to it. You might have to wait a second before an icon or screen switch becomes available. When running only a few apps at once there is no lag issues.
I like mine a lot, would not replace it with the OEM.
The problem mentioned below is one with my car only. My car's remote console jacks for the AUX and USB have their own preamp so I have by passed them and put in a aftermarket remote Aux USB and that works ok.
I am half way through doing a write up on the modifications and install if anyone is interested.
Duke

Hey mate, does it run Android auto? Trying to figure out which units can and can't. Looks like any running Android 5 can but trying to figure it out. Thanks!

FunRover Android 8.1 Intel Airmont

Hello,
I installed the FunRover Android 8.1 Intel Airmont eight-core 1.8GHz SC9853i (4GB RAM, 64GB flash) on my Skoda Octavia 2 FL RS (2010).
I would like to provide an intial feedback to all who might consider this headunit and ask some questions regarding setup of some Android headunit features.
Links to setup:
Headunit: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...ml?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.2.20b456d00mOBJe
DVR Camera: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HD-...ml?spm=2114.12010108.1000023.7.35b11b8d1Fd2HV
1) Installation:
Pro:
- plug and play - no extra adapters needed
- direct integration with can for vehicle information like: door open, car sensors, steering wheel controls, AC info
- good fit
Cons:
- held in place only by the frame's plastic pins
- it provides a single USB, the second one has an AUX cable plug that is fit if you have the original oem usb cable, so make sure you have it or buy the proper aux to USB cable if you need two USB ports
2) Look and Feel:
Pro:
- good design
- pleasant touch feel
- somewhat responsive
Cons:
- the screen seems to be of less than high end quality: left side touchscreen buttons section seems slightly detached from the frame (1-2 mm) and moves when pressed
- the screen is not IPS... the seller added a note on the site that you need to ask specifically for IPS screen....
- glass protector and screen reflect strongly in daylight so it is not ideal
- the silver frame has a gold tint so it does not match the silver dashboard tint from the car perfectly
- touch buttons do not respond always - you find yourself having to push twice for a response
3) Hardware & related features:
Pro:
- specs seem enough for anything you may need
- built-in 4G modem
- good GPS signal
Cons:
- intel / platfrom heats like crazy - average CPU temp is 80C - screen gets hot because of this
- only one 4G antenna - but stil OK signal
- extremely poor WiFi signal (phone has full wifi from router and the headunit has maybe half or even losing signal)
- 4G modem has poor speed, maybe you get 300KB download speed over 4G
- hardware has poor screening for interference: radio has a "buzz"; even with all audio stopped you get a hum in the speakers
- sound is poor compared to a high / mid radio: I had the Skoda Bolero unit and the sound is twice as good; after some EQ tweaks I was able to get a decent sound quality, but you will need an external amp if you want mid/high sound quality
- screen is reflective; maybe if you ask for the IPS version it will be better
- bluetooth seems to disconnect when on a bumpy road... so I'm putting this on HW; must test more
4) Software:
Pro:
- stable up to now
- quick cold boot (compared to an Ownice500 I had)
- sleep option makes almost instant boot, but I am worried of battery drain so I turned it off as you can't configure a max sleep time before complete shutdown (as you can on other headunits)
- reverse supports steering direction via can (the lines move when turning the steering wheel); also standard OEM parking sensors are supported
- support for vehicle info
- you can update the DVR app to gain some virtual adas features
Cons:
- the worst UI I saw, heavily restricted regarding customization - however I noticed the same is on Joying Intel units
- limited OS options compared to other Android Headunits, but sufficient for non Android geeks
- Radio app does not scale when used in split screen
- widgets from newly installed apps only show up after restart
- no manuals or detailed OS / SW options explained. You have an operational instructions app, but the descriptions are basic.
- reverse cam is not instant - has a 5s delay for app up
- the screen brightness can be controlled from the headlights setting or "time" - but the time can't be configured and is not synchronized with the sunset information from google maps for example
- minimum screen brightness can be too high for some people
- volume control is not separate for notifications etc. it's just one volume slider; you can configure some sound ratios between media, navigation , bluetooth, but that's it.... compared to ownice where you could configure nav / bluetooth / etc volume on the fly
- does not integrate with the car bluetooth module for audio output... but I guess it's too much to ask
- major issue with sound volume: seems related to using the steering wheel volume up/down - results in volume going to max or min randomly and using any button (screen, physical or steering wheel) only slows it down, but it's like it keeps getting the command to do volume up or down in paralel to any additional input you may do. You gain control after 10-30s if you keep pushing the mute / volume up/down on the steering wheel, however it is DANGEROUS (especially when it goes to MAX volume) because it can blow your speakers or scare the hell out of you / maybe cause an accident when it happens during driving.
5) External accessories:
5.1) FunRover DVR cam:
Pro:
- good viewing angle (170)
- plug and play
- DVR app works out of the box; starts automatically on boot and records 2 min time loop while overwriting oldest files
Cons:
- extremely limited DVR app - basically NO options to configure
- no file management; can't access the MicroSD card files of the camera from the headunit file manager; only works in the DVR app but I can't find a way to move / share these over to a separate location - e.g. google drive
5.2) External MIC:
- non existent - even though the seller said they will send it as gift it was not in the package
5.3) Reverse camera:
- I did not install it yet; I will get another HD cam and make a comparison with the packaged one
Questions:
A) What UI/Launcher do you recommend for such platforms? Will it show the built in apps (e.g. radio) or will they have to be reinstalled?
B) How can I manage or move files from DVR to another location - e.g. on headunit storage? DVR has... Novatek chipset. Do you recommend another DVR app?
C) What widgets / apps do you recommend to use for displaying the CANBUS information? I will try realDash to see if it can take the canbus source...., however I was hoping to have something like a widget on the homescreen and not an app
D) Did anyone encounter the sound volume uncontrollable volume issue? I already disabled the "bluetooth absolute volume" with no change in behavior. Also none of the sound settings made a difference. It seems like somehow the signal from the steering wheel button is processed in a loop. From my current experience it seems to be a canbus decoder or HU software issue.
E) Did anyone manage to integrate such a headunit with the skoda bluetooth module for audio output?
You can ask me other questions about this headunit and I will answer / test.
Have fun!

Hi, I just bought the same radio, but for Mitsubishi ASX. My first impression is almost the same like yours. My main problem is external microphone - when I use bluetooth for call, only internal mic is working.. :/ (matter of adjustment??). also RDS on radio is almost invisible..

I am looking for this device, now its android 9.0, but not sure if still TFT and not IPS screen. @axicos do you know if they improved this unit?

My new funrover arrived. Looks beautiful, ips screen, android 9.0, 2 USB (with CarPlay) but I have some issue's:
- parking sensors activate screen info when switched on by button or reverse, but don't shows the distance
- a/c temp is 2°C below the select one on the controller
- car settings menu : I can't activate any option
My car it's sa 2013 Passat variant.

Best headunit (Subaru Legacy IV)

Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?

szach00 said:
Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your budget. I would start with Rockchip PX6, PX5 or PX3. Just make sure it's a MTCx unit (so MCU type starts with letters MTC)

szach00 said:
Hi everyone,
My name is Max and today I bricked my headunit Nothing fancy because it was 8227l_demo with 2gb/32gb. I'm looking for the best android headunit for now. Size 9". Android 9.1/10 + DSP. Can you all recommend something for me? TEYES CC2 Plus is a good one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just took delivery of one. (3/ 32GB)
Seems very well made. According to most YouTube videos I've seen in general, it is as fast as you need it to be, no bad signs of lag and of course if you're using a phone hotspot also depends on your WiFi. It will do me TBH vs. another sim card bill.
Audio quality is reportedly a plus too (which is important obviously)
I seen 2gb units with preloaded apps loading nicely, playing USB HD video files, GPS maps.
Pic is of unit inside Astra Mk6 OEM fascia fitting you get a GM canbus decoder and another speaker unit for indicators door open warning sounds.
I suppose like most gadgets any cons will be personal and appear after spending time with it.
I will report again after I install it after holidays. I botched a couple of photo uploads. If anyone needs any pics let me know. Merry Christmas Folks.

I have to say it's a neat little device with surprisingly decent A/V quality.
All the usual apps Spotify, Netflix, Prime, YouTube work perfectly.
Just connect your Google acc for most direct main app settings.
(If Google is not a preference, Admittedly I'm not surprised)
I have all connections in place, incl. 8pin CANbus but unfortunately the CANbus decoder is not sending a signal to the CC2 plus unit.
It's a Raise RSC and a guy on YouTube told me he got a Raise RZS which works fine.
(Seller said there is NO Raise RZS only RZC)
I'm disappointed as I've said it's a good unit and a working CANbus would have been icing on the cake as I get no reaction from cd 400 control button panel, Steering wheel controls, Door open warnings, A/C display etc.
I can't think where I go from here except try a different decoder. It's a decent probability I have a non working CANbus. And I've tried a lot of attempting to connect it.
EDIT Feb 2021: CANbus issue resolved.
There was a very slightly misaligned pin in the CANbus decoder connection zone
(zone c on CC2plus)
So I straightened it as best as I thought, connected 8 pin connection from loom and now it all works fine.
Incl; Door open warning s - Original cd400 unit fascia buttons / Steering Wheel buttons - A/C display etc. So happy days.