Database Users

Headunit With 2 Camera Inputs

Hey!
I'm looking for an Android head unit that allows me to run 2 cameras (1 reverse that auto triggers when dropping into reverse, 1 forward facing camera that I can bring up via an app or shortcut or button press)
I drive a 3/4ton truck, and I enjoy taking it off road on fire roads, or over mild rocks, and the hood really limits my field of view. Hoping to solve this with a wide angle camera on the front bumper.
So far all I've been able to find are the My Atoto head units, but they're pretty outdated.
Quad core, 1GB RAM, and Android 4.4
They've got a new line coming up, Quad Core, 2GB RAM, and Android 6.0, but their site has said 4-6 weeks for about 8 or 10 weeks now, so I'm ready to consider other options..
Any suggestions?

Joying radios will do that, as will most others as well.
Use the backup camera input for the rear facing camera, and there is a second video input that is activated by one of the programs as an external media input.
The only downside is that since the second video input is intended as a multimedia input, it will deactivate your AMFM radio or whatever other sound source you are playing while it is running.
Further note: Don't use USB cameras for this. Won't work the way you want it to.

luciusfox said:
Joying radios will do that, as will most others as well.
Use the backup camera input for the rear facing camera, and there is a second video input that is activated by one of the programs as an external media input.
The only downside is that since the second video input is intended as a multimedia input, it will deactivate your AMFM radio or whatever other sound source you are playing while it is running.
Further note: Don't use USB cameras for this. Won't work the way you want it to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've looked at the Joying radios and was concerned they wouldn't work, because they just list DVR and it sounds like it requires their specific hardware. When looking at their site all I see are USB cameras..
I've got a camera that uses standard RCA that I'm hoping to use. It's perfect size for me to mount up in my bumper..

crashter said:
I've looked at the Joying radios and was concerned they wouldn't work, because they just list DVR and it sounds like it requires their specific hardware. When looking at their site all I see are USB cameras..
I've got a camera that uses standard RCA that I'm hoping to use. It's perfect size for me to mount up in my bumper..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I told you you CANNOT use USB cameras. Your "standard RCA" camera is what you need to use.

Finding the best, no-compromise Android head unit

I've been researching various headunits, and oddly haven't found everything I'm looking for; since you folks have all of the experience, I'm hoping someone can help. I'm coming from a stock Monsoon system from my 2007 Pontiac G6, which means anything is an upgrade. However, my choices are between a good Android unit, or a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX (with Apple TV, if I can get Peer-to-Peer AirPlay to work consistently)... so that's where my comparisons are at the moment.
* I assume hands-free phone operation is similar between the two paths? I know the Pioneers will allow me to invoke Siri; do any (all?) Android units do similar things built-in, or is the Zlink required?
* I use an iPhone; several units on Amazon claim they support iPhone "mirroring" via Wifi and/or USB - is this an implementation of AirPlay? Note that I don't necessarily want CarPlay, because of its app and usage limitations, unless needed for some of the hands-free operations. I would prefer wifi/bt-based, but not opposed to a plug-in requirement if everything else is matched.
* I'm most interested in the ability to cast YouTube and Plex -- although since these are Android, can I install those apps natively? I just don't want it to be the 'Android Auto' version, since Plex won't allow video (not that I'm going to be watching while driving, but I should have the freedom to do so at other times).
* Backup camera support, with automatic switching (this seems common, but throwing it out there just in case). I will probably provide my own camera, so I'm not worried about having one included.
* Good stock audio fidelity. My current/stock Monsoon system is good for my needs (not trying to rattle neighborhood windows), but I have seen conversations in this forum regarding having expectations of subpar audio on these units. I just don't want to have to crank these units to max in order to hear something.
* Native, easy to use radio interface. HD Radio is preferable, but it seems we're not here yet. Last year, Joying claimed that they'd look into it, but apparently this hasn't happened.
* EDIT: Also looking for decent resolution. I just noticed the Pioneers are only 800x480! 1024x600 seems to be rare (but at least more usable), and anything higher is relatively nonexistent. Why is there a skimp on displays when these are supposed to be entertainment units?
Other considerations:
* Double DIN, fixed unit. The radio access is secure, so I don't want a detachable or moving face that could end up being stolen.
* CD/DVD playback.
* Ability to use my existing G6 steering wheel controls for volume.
And since they are Android, how extendable are they with other apps? If I wanted to add one of the many NES emulators, for instance, would I be able to install them without hassle? How about adding BT-based controllers?
I'm basically looking to add an open system with the least amount of input and content restrictions as possible, while still retaining good experiences for 'basic' functions (e.g. radio).
I know these posts pop up every 6 months or so, but technology moves fast, and I want to see if the quality of these things has increased since then. Thanks all!

Morgon99 said:
I've been researching various headunits, and oddly haven't found everything I'm looking for; since you folks have all of the experience, I'm hoping someone can help. I'm coming from a stock Monsoon system from my 2007 Pontiac G6, which means anything is an upgrade. However, my choices are between a good Android unit, or a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX (with Apple TV, if I can get Peer-to-Peer AirPlay to work consistently)... so that's where my comparisons are at the moment.
* I assume hands-free phone operation is similar between the two paths? I know the Pioneers will allow me to invoke Siri; do any (all?) Android units do similar things built-in, or is the Zlink required?
* I use an iPhone; several units on Amazon claim they support iPhone "mirroring" via Wifi and/or USB - is this an implementation of AirPlay? Note that I don't necessarily want CarPlay, because of its app and usage limitations, unless needed for some of the hands-free operations. I would prefer wifi/bt-based, but not opposed to a plug-in requirement if everything else is matched.
* I'm most interested in the ability to cast YouTube and Plex -- although since these are Android, can I install those apps natively? I just don't want it to be the 'Android Auto' version, since Plex won't allow video (not that I'm going to be watching while driving, but I should have the freedom to do so at other times).
* Backup camera support, with automatic switching (this seems common, but throwing it out there just in case). I will probably provide my own camera, so I'm not worried about having one included.
* Good stock audio fidelity. My current/stock Monsoon system is good for my needs (not trying to rattle neighborhood windows), but I have seen conversations in this forum regarding having expectations of subpar audio on these units. I just don't want to have to crank these units to max in order to hear something.
* Native, easy to use radio interface. HD Radio is preferable, but it seems we're not here yet. Last year, Joying claimed that they'd look into it, but apparently this hasn't happened.
Other considerations:
* Double DIN, fixed unit. The radio access is secure, so I don't want a detachable or moving face that could end up being stolen.
* CD/DVD playback.
* Ability to use my existing G6 steering wheel controls for volume.
And since they are Android, how extendable are they with other apps? If I wanted to add one of the many NES emulators, for instance, would I be able to install them without hassle? How about adding BT-based controllers?
I'm basically looking to add an open system with the least amount of input and content restrictions as possible, while still retaining good experiences for 'basic' functions (e.g. radio).
I know these posts pop up every 6 months or so, but technology moves fast, and I want to see if the quality of these things has increased since then. Thanks all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, these android units are the exception when it comes to fast moving tech. My direct experience with units I've had so far is that none of them are great sound quality from their built in amps, but if you go external they are pretty good. Volume wise they go loud, just not always a great sound.
Just curious, why do you want to play DVDs? I mean it sounds cool and is, but I cant really find a practical reason for them since I can put a movie on an SD card.
Hands free bluetooth is mostly the same on all these units and should be similar functionally. Some units will download your phonebook, some won't. As for Siri, not sure.
The mirroring function is an app, usually Ezconnect. For iphone this is over wifi so you have to be on the same network ad the unit. The app has a limited implementation of Airplay. There are other apps you can use as well, all pretty much the same as far as I can tell.
Youtube and Plex can be installed as apps, just make sure you get a unit with Play Store. If you cant tell just make sure you ask the seller.
Pretty much all of them have backup camera capability.
All the radios are easy to use, to me this is more about the look of the interface. I hate my Ownice C500 as the colored all the preset buttons and used white letters. That means the yellow and green ones are unreadable. Just look through all the detailed descriptions for pics of what the radio looks like. To my knowledge there are no HD or digital radios in any of them though most support a DAB add on.
There are tons of generic double dins and all pretty much have steering wheel control capability but you'll need to look at whether the unit cant interface with your G7 directly via canbus or you might need some kind of adapter.
Apps wise, some units support side loading natively such as my Hizpo unit with android 8 that came with a preloaded apk installer plus what you can get via google play. If you can load the app on a phone and the app supports landscape mode chances are it will work. However for an emulator you better get a unit with the fastest processor and the most RAM which is currently 4GB
If you really want something truely "Open" you'll want to get something that you can get root access to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Choosing my first Android HU for Focus MK3 - help needed

Sorry about a long post and likely basic questions as I couldn't find the answers I was looking for anywhere. Familiar with Android, but I've never used a Android based HU. Seems like there is very little actual technical documentation/manuals available from manufacturers, hence my confusion and questions.
My 2013 euro Focus MK3 currently has native Sync1 with navigation.
Assumptions based on my research. Please correct me if wrong:
Changing launcher won't get rid of the default menus that often occupy large parts of the screen. Hence I would have to look specifically for a HU without intrusive menus if not planning to root it.
Some HU's support PDC, some don't. Usually no info if supported or not looking at options.
Some HU's can be rooted, some can't.
All HU's support DAB, it's just that some shops sell it as an option and some don't. (Hence I could just buy a generic DAB adapter from somewhere else.)
Some HU might support using the car integrated Sync 1 as mic, some don't(?)
Looking for:
~10" screen in order to use Spotify/radio and navigation in splitscreen
Uncluttered UI, not some ugly native menus I don't need/want taking up like 30% of screen realestate. (A plain interface I could modify myself using Nova launcher or something similar would be good.)
Support the existing Ford front and rear PDC
Sufficient screen brightness
DAB+ radio (as I live in Norway where they killed FM a few years ago)
Android 9+ with Play store
Integrate with steering wheel infotainment buttons
Nice to have, but not at all needed or expected:
Support for the Ford Focus parallel parking functionality
Physical buttons for functionality like home and back in order to avoid using screen realestate for it.
Ability to use the correctly placed mic belonging to Sync 1 rather than the mic integrated in the actual HU.
No need for:
Vehicle Info like TPMS or speed (available in dash)
A/C controls/info (dedicated panel below)
3G/4G
Cameras
I don't expect anyone to reply based on all my requirements, but any hints of what to look for, where to look or how to better research technical capabilies of available options would be greatly appreciated. (Was planning to purchase from Aliexpress as I assume that's the cheapest place for these.)
Was contemplating something like this due to lack of intrusive menus: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/400...68#1000022185#1000066059#0_668#3422#15392#549

@abscondo
which one did you end up buying ?
Myself I had a try at Focus MK3 HU 4G, 64GB Rom, 8"screen
which works pretty nice actually. not sure you can fit an 10" screen in a 2012 model
however there's still lot you to configure.
in reference to PDC , it's still there, but the beeping sounds are lost
and turned out to be a 1024 res screen which was a turndown for me

Confused with options for a Highlander

I found this site from a comment on a youtube video where I was researching options for getting a head unit that is better than Toyota included for my Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid. I'm sorry for the length of this post but I spent hours reading and watching youtube and I think I'm on right path, but I feel like I just need a little validation...
For reference, I'm an Apple mobile and tablet user but I owned a Samsung phone for about 3 months so I know what an Android launcher and the marketplace is. I know there are stores for hacked products, but I ended up with ads all over that phone so I prefer not to go that route. I'm not a big tinkerer - once I get something set where I want it, I won't usually change the settings unless I find a need.
I think my post will give you a good idea about what level of knowledge I have - at least you know I tried. If there is highlander or hybrid specific feedback I'm overlooking somewhere, please let me know. If I'm missing something key to decide between systems let me know.
1. When I look at the forum categories, they are broken up into terms I'm not familiar with. I believe FYT Android is where I need to focus because I see references to the units I'm researching there. But I don't understand why they are considered FYT.
2. I'm trying to stay in the $500 range and get something that works well enough that I'll use it for more than just the radio - without breaking functionality but the canbus thing is new to me. I get the concept - my car's personal IoT/LAN. But does the dash operate independently of the headunit? I sort of feel like somethings will be independent and others will not. For example, I suspect the dash display will know my speed, trip miles, direction (compass), when I need an oil change. But I feel like the option for the radio is fed from the head unit. I feel like anything that appears on my dash when I'm using the GPS (like turn next left) is fed from the head unit. Is that correct? If yes, do those functions usually stop displaying on the dash with a replacement head unit?
3. I have buttons on the dash for different features on the car. I suspect most of those work independently of head unit - like the mirror heaters. But what about accident avoidance features? Those tend to display on my dash - are those possibly affected by a different head unit? And I have a button so I can turn on 360 video - I mainly use it to see how close I am to the car in front of me when parking in a tight space. I suspect that button will work with any head unit that has front camera and/or 360 degree integration.
4. From my research, I have been focusing on units that are 4 GB/64 GB although it sounds like 2 GB/32 GB would work just fine as long as I don't store over 32 GB of apps and data.
5. Items that don't differentiate: I expect these options to be the same result across all units. Please let me know if you know differently.
-Apple car play - All have it & should function exactly the same. (I don't need android phone integration but I know this does differ on units)
-Phone call integration - looks like all use same default android app. I am very interested in how clarity of calls might differ, but I think all are using same default android function and all are able to use an included external microphone.
-Toyota OEM microphone integration - it's unclear if any will integrate with existing Toyota mic but I suspect this won't yield a result I'm happy with in either case.
- Toyota speaker button on wheel control - I think this button fails to work on every integration. I would like this to work but even the Toyota system is so unreliable I don't use it.
- Marketplace apps - All should integrate with marketplace apps exactly the same.
6. So here is my list of options I came up with in order of most likely to least. Is there another brand I should research...
- Teyes CC3 (for highlander 2015-18) - It looks like it matches integration with the best out there. I don't care about the "Porsche simulator", but it still looks like the easiest to use launcher on the market & they are actively updating it. I cannot find the same level of highlander specific details I find on the SYGAV, but reviews seem overwhelmingly positive so I suspect it'll work just as well. My concern is that I have to order directly from alibaba and wait a month to receive and they seem to send wrong parts. I haven't used alibaba but it looks like the customs costs are included in the price of $435 (364+70.76). Does anyone know if this is accurate or if there are other fees? The main complaint I hear with this unit is that it is locked down, but I think that means for adding launchers and the like that I am not interested in.
- SYGAV (for highlander 2015-18) - I don't really love the user interface on this one. But this one is the one I have found most highlander related data on and it gives me some comfort I might have less issues getting it to work. I can find nothing close to this level of detail on the other brands about highlander installs.. I have read user responses that Carplay & android auto require no additional parts to install, 360 degree camera works as well as front camera view, Hybrid info displays. For the camera inputs, it sounds like I can use my OEM cameras but I may need a camera cable adapter (unclear if included in package). One user stated that to get it to work in a highlander, I need to get the Motorola 1 M 2 F & GM adapter to Motorola (for reception). One user states that they have TPMS working, but it's unclear if they connected to the TPMS already in tires or if they had to buy separate TPMS tire plugs. The main complaint is the GPS mapping if basic IGO.
- Dasaita (for highlander 2015-18) - This brand seems like the next most popular after Joying. It looks like they have 3 launchers they develop and you can install whichever you like best. In regard to the UI, I feel like this brand comes in 2nd after Teyes. But I can't find as detailed user experiences with highlander and which functions work and which do not.
- Joying - I am not actively researching this one but everyone seems to be using this one. I was considering this one but I couldn't locate any highlander option anywhere - not even from their website (joyingauto.eu). That sounds like I'd have to figure out the canbus thing on my own and find the plastic frame to put it in my dash & I don't feel like I'm knowledgeable enough to go that route. I really don't understand why this one is so popular above competition - it is one of the highest priced if I buy from the US markets. Everyone that uses it seems to add a separate launcher which makes me question whether Joying's UI development isn't all that great. I know some others lock down their products so you can't tinker as much. Is that why it's popular - because it isn't locked down? If so, I see similar hardware on cheaper units. It sounds like the UI development/support/upgrades is quite a bit of what one is paying for when buying these.
7. Maps - this is one of my major complaints from my Toyota unit . I do not see anything that makes me feel that the maps included with ANY of the units are any better. Most seem to use IGO GPS which seems to get the same complaints I have when using my GPS. I believe the only solution is a unit that includes apple car play. Or am I overlooking any with better mapping functions?
8. JBL audio - I know I have the JBL system in my car and on regular car head units this seems to make a difference with integration, but from my list above, I can't find anything to indicate that any will not work with the JBL system. I'm assuming it is because the car based units have hardware incompatibilities that android based do not, but it's really unclear to me. Can someone provide clarification? On the SYGAV unit, I read a review that it needs an amp to sound as good as an OEM unit, but I think that would apply to all of these units equally. In either case the Toyota JBL system has an AMP under my center console. I can't find this level of integration information but I think all units will connect to the amp.
9. 12 speakers - I feel like this will determine which system is best if I can figure it out... The JBL audio has 12 speakers (one of which is a subwoofer) in 10 locations in the highlander. I can't locate specific details on any of these if anyone gets all the speakers to connect successfully. I did see that one of these brands have 5.1 outputs but I don't really know what I need to be looking for in descriptions to figure this out on each unit. Any suggestions how to figure this out.
10. Video playback - All of these support video playback but it sounds like auto carplay may block mirroring while the car is actively moving. Is the behavior going to be the same across all units? I sort of feel like this is something that works differently across different brands, but I can't find details to figure out which allow video playback when car is moving.
11. Hybrid integration - SYGAV is the only unit I've seen where someone has hybrid info working on a highlander, but I feel like all the systems may work very similarly. I believe the dash display will work independent of the head unit so I can always switch the dash display when I want to see what the hybrid system is doing. I think another brand states it has hybrid integration but I couldn't find any responses where someone had it working successfully.
12. Daytime/Night time modes - I need to validate across all, but I know multiple have tried to integrate this. I do not think any have integrated without a bug. I feel like the ones that are likely to get this right first are Teyes and Dasaita since they are actively developing their UIs. Since these are all android based, I feel like all will have an android setting to dim the display even though the color scheme may not change.
I'm really leaning toward the Teyes because if I imagine myself driving, it looks like the easiest interface to use and they are actively developing. When looking at default display, it looks like the most 'modern' design also.
In case someone else reads this thread trying to figure all this stuff out, XM and HD radio integration may differentiate these units also. I know it doesn't work on some but I don't use either of those so it isn't important to me.

I'm mainly responding to my own post in case someone else is considering a T'eyes unit. I purchased one and I highly under estimated what is involved with getting these units to work. The T'eyes cc3 in my car may go up for auction - just too much of it is unusable.
Note that if you do not like tweeking your cell phone, you might not like these units to begin with - don't expect they'll just work out of the box. Consider hours if not days to configure these things. Also, look at the back of the units - this one came with a 'Toyota" harness which is a bunch of wires to convert all the cables in the back. And it isn't a single harness of wires - it's multiple bags of cables that you have to pick and choose from. You have extra cables and I'm pretty sure the set is missing cables. My car has 2 cables where I only have one adapter that matches them in all harness wiring. So one is unplugged. I have no idea what each cable from my car is used for. But most of the wires only have a single place they can connect in the primary harness. It's all a confusing mess even though I think I have 90% connected to the correct spots.
Not all units are made this way. There is going to be something converting the cables, but some units have some sort of box on the back that has all the cabling converting done for you - so it looks like the cables from the car attach into the unit directly. After my harness was attached, I did not have cables that match everything coming from the car. I feel like that is why things like my my surround cameras do not work. I also have no back up camera working now. That is a pretty big deal.
Also, car play isn't all I thought it would be. It seems to only mirror Apple written apps to the device. I can install apps onto the unit and connect to my phones hotspot, but the connection is very flaky. Unless you are willing to connect the unit with its own sim card, you may be severely limited. I wanted to be able to stream youtube and such while making a weekly 90 minute drive I make. Well, this just doesn't happen because half the time the unit will not connect to my hotspot. It usually connects within 30 minutes of me driving, but I haven't found a reliable way to get it to connect to the hotspot. Usually I'm driving with my phone playing through my phone speakers because audio streaming won't work with wifi/hotspot.
All in all, I wouldn't purchase this again. If I were going to attempt again, I'd go with one of the models that removes the 'harness' from the equation.

Head Unit Recommendation for Car Dash Board

I have a generic 9" Android Head Unit (K6_11_OH??) running Realdash app as a car dash board.
It works quite well using both of the USB ports for serial data (UART) and GPS input. Basically nothing else is required other than wifi to install head unit app
Main issue I have is the head unit re-assigns the USB COM ports each time it powers off and back on. This is annoying as I need to re-assign the dash app inputs every time I turn it of and back on.
Can anyone recommend a generic 9" head unit and chipset combo for the following: ??
- Easy to root
- Easy to customise ROM to strip unwanted apps and bloat
- Easy to customise Launcher / UI to remove (Dash app auto launches but not good if radio also tries to auto launch)
- USB ports enabled and easy to assign and access
- GPS
- Wifi
- 2GB RAM is sufficient
- No need for any other features that add cost such as high end music features (So relatively inexpensive)

markze said:
I have a generic 9" Android Head Unit running Realdash app as a car dash board.
It works quite well using both of the USB ports for serial data (UART) and GPS input. Basically nothing else is required other than wifi to install head unit app
Main issue I have is the head unit re-assigns the USB COM ports each time it powers off and back on. This is annoying as I need to re-assign the dash app inputs every time I turn it of and back on.
Can anyone recommend a generic 9" head unit and chipset combo for the following: ??
- Easy to root
- Easy to customise ROM to strip unwanted apps and bloat
- Easy to customise Launcher / UI to remove (Dash app auto launches but not good if radio also tries to auto launch)
- USB ports enabled and easy to assign and access
- GPS
- Wifi
- 2GB RAM is sufficient
- No need for any other features that add cost such as high end music features (So relatively inexpensive)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From forums, which units have you considered

marchnz said:
From forums, which units have you considered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seems to be so many options, I don't want to make the same mistake and buy another one that is not well supported, which is why I asked here.
The one I have now has firmware with K6_11_OH and the last updates I could find was 28/06/2019 and it seems they we never very widely supported.
I had a head unit for my Mazda which is nice. I got it from Bestycar which has an SC7862 chipset which is great for normal music player but more advanced and does not seem as easy to customise and simplify like I want for the basic dashboard specific use for my project car.
So I assume one of the MTC units like a PX5 or PX6 chipset might be the best way to go now?

The dash has been built using a 9" unit this exact shape and I would rather keep this the same.

markze said:
There seems to be so many options, I don't want to make the same mistake and buy another one that is not well supported, which is why I asked here.
The one I have now has firmware with K6_11_OH and the last updates I could find was 28/06/2019 and it seems they we never very widely supported.
I had a head unit for my Mazda which is nice. I got it from Bestycar which has an SC7862 chipset which is great for normal music player but more advanced and does not seem as easy to customise and simplify like I want for the basic dashboard specific use for my project car.
So I assume one of the MTC units like a PX5 or PX6 chipset might be the best way to go now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don´t get your point...
You are searching for a good supported and quality head unit, right?
In this case you really should dive in at Joying for FYT units ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/fyt-android-head-units.12445/ ) or may be Klyde for CSN2/CSM4 units which are supported in this forum part.
At least you need to search for a unit specially for your car, or you need to search for a universal one with 2-DIN. Don´t ever buy a 1-DIN unit, as they all have severe issues with overheating if they are based on 6- or 8-core chipsets.
But by the way... the points you mentioned in your first posting... Sorry, but what do you expect to get?

I was expecting someone might say something like "UIS7862 head units seem to be the easiest to root hack and customise".
I don't actually want an expensive unit with heaps of great audio features as it is just a screen with 1 app and serial data feeds.
If I could get an Android tablet for 12V car use, with 2 x USB ports and completely raw Android ROM I'd be happy.