Chinese Android for 2006 Mercedes ml350 Issues - Android Head-Units

I placed an order for an Android stereo unit for my 2006 Mercedes ml350 (with Harman kardan system)from walmart.com and received it on August 17th. I have yet to get this working. I had to order, separately, a MOST unit to convert to optical but got that taken care of. However I believe perhaps I got the wrong can bus decoder or something with my unit? It says oudi on it but when I try to set that in protocol settings, it doesn't work. Not really sure what to select but everything I've selected does nothing. Absolutely unable to get it to connect to my car, or to even get sound from any app. YouTube, radio, etc. GPS has signal and seems to work as Google maps locates me fine. Radio antenna seems to pick up at least one radio station as I see the name of the station on the screen. No sound though.
I believe it's an "Expex" brand, or at least the manual shows to be. I'ts becoming very frustrating and of course support from the 3rd party seller through Walmart is less than helpful.
Wondering if could be a bad Can Bus decoder, wrong one, something similar?
Thanks in advance. Will add any info that may be helpful.

Related

Can-Bus decoder not working?

Hello all,
I have a KGL1, 1024x600 RK3188 unit and even if the controls in the steering wheel work propperly, I am missing the part of the "FIS" screen (I have a SEAT-VW car group) where I could see radio stations and song titles.
After I installed this navi-radio, the screen became completely black and is not showing that information anymore, that was previously shown with the original "standard" radio that came with the car.
Do you know if is it there any solution for this? or it will be always like this?
I attach a photo as an example from other car (the part of the yellow square), but the result is the same.
Thank you.
hello,
i think this is normal.
i have a vw too, and my FIS after installing a "non OEM Radio" only show me the same information.
my opinion is, the can-bus adapter can only read information from the car, there can´t write back or send information from the new "non OEM radio" to the FIS.
greets
I have an Audi with a similar display on the dashboard and I get some information displayed. There is a CAN BUS decoder installed in the wiring loom that I believe is supposed to be a two-way thing - i.e. you change the volume, track or radio station with the buttons on the steering wheel and these are interpreted by the head unit or change them on the head unit and they are 'supposed' to be sent to the cars computer. This partially works on my Audi, although the text that is displayed is wrong or interpreted wrong; only the Radio band and frequency are correct. I think the CAN BUS unit 'tells' the car what is happening (i.e. its a music track or its a phone call), however I think the car is expecting some more information regarding the details - i.e. PHONE + Number or Contact name, or USB Audio + Track number/details.
I think this is down to the software on the CAN BUS unit - but I am still learning.... I haven't seen any details of updating software/firmware on the CAN BUS adapters?
Andy
Thanks a lot to both of you.
@ADB100, how did you managed to make it working? For me in the upper part of the FIS, nothing appears and if it could see the radio station, something is something
magnificus said:
Thanks a lot to both of you.
@ADB100, how did you managed to make it working? For me in the upper part of the FIS, nothing appears and if it could see the radio station, something is something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't do anything other than install the head unit with the CAN BUS decoder already in the wiring loom. I previously had an Audi RNS-E unit installed and all the information in the DIS (Audi refer to it as the Driver Information System) worked - Radio Station, Phone Contact, SD Card track name. The wiring loom that was supplied had the quadlock to connect to the connector from the car and then a small connected to connect to the back of the head unit. There were then RCA's for the four audio channels (FL, FR, RL & RR) plus the CAN BUS box. The CAN BUS box had a label on it saying 'CAN BUS DECODER. For Audi A3/TT' and then a software version. Its all installed in the car now so I can't tell you exactly as I'd need to remove it. I should have probably taken a few more photo's before I installed it... It might be coming out anyway and the RNS-E going back in to be honest as I am not too happy with this Tonghai Create unit...
Andy
Some HU "write" on the FIS, and others not......mine don't, but Xtrons PF73AA3A do.....

TC Car Audio Android Head Units

Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
jrgalang said:
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microntek head units are using its own "layer" of virtual keys mapping (irkeyDown/up). It is useful from their point of view, because you have possibility to use long press behavior on hard keys. Android has its own definitions of key events and actually it is good habit to use them (in case of developing "steering widgets" and players developing as well). Probably microntek finally started to broadcast Android's defined key events among the system which caused support of many media players .
But that is only my theory .
CadillacMike said:
I'm more interested in this part. I wonder why this works on your unit, but not the majority of Anrdoid head units?
Can you try Pandora or Google Play Music? Does the app have to be open and in the main view for it to work? or will it work while playing in the background. Like say you are watching the Navigation with Pandora playing in the background from a Pandora app on the Android head unit, if you hit a track change with the Navigation app on the screen will it still change tracks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
jrgalang said:
I couldn't try Pandora given where I'm at. But yeah, Google Play Music works just as same as Spotify. No need to have the app open, I mostly have Car Launcher Pro on screen OR my GPS app and I can hit next / previous even if the music apps are on the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wtf, I gotta figure out how to get that on my Joying.
Reply
jrgalang said:
Hi all. I have a 2011 Hyundai Accent that used to run a HuiFei KGL4 Hyundai-specific 7" unit. It's been one rollercoaster ride with that unit, having to deal with the following:
1) Underpowered USB ports (had to solder a voltage step-down converter to amp it up for it to work properly)
2) The latest ROM forces me to wait 30 seconds for the unit to shut down after turning off ignition, otherwise my PKE car alarm won't trigger as all doors are generally closed within that time frame because I've already stepped out of the car. Funny piece is there's no way out of this even if I go back to an older software, or use an MCU that doesn't support sleep
3) Weak FM radio
After messing real bad with #3 above, killing one channel off of my FM radio (only right channel is working now) after breaking the electronic links for one of the caps needed, I decided it's time to let go. Not to mention that the reseller that I've brought it from is no longer responding when it comes to asking for replacement parts and Kai Ge Le doesn't sell parts from products that weren't directly bought from them. Malaysk' great ROM helped me get through the day for a while, but hey, when you want a fully working product, you gotta move some time right?
The next dilemma was: should I go with Joying or any other HuiFei-based Android radio and potentially deal with the same thing? Then I thought... man, it's time to accept I'm not too good with soldering and I can't risk messing another brand new radio just for dealing with the same thing.
Long-story short, I went with a not so known MCU / manufacturer / reseller combo this time around for hopes I'd get different results. It may be a bit of a challenge to get support from the community granted none of my searches yielded any results for the MCU the device is using, but man... with how the ROM of this new unit working fluidly as it is, I'm finally content.
Some distinct differences with HuiFei:
1) Boot-up time. Before upgrading my KGL4 to RK3188, boot-up time was 30 seconds. When I upgraded to RK3188 roughly ~15 seconds. In this unit? I don't even notice waiting for boot. It properly turns off USB connected devices so my battery does not get drained- tried for 5 days now and has been consistently fine.
2) Next / Previous controls. I did not need to install Car Service for Next / Previous to be consistent on non-stock apps (Radio, Music, Video apps). If I press next or previous in my steering wheel on, say, Spotify or PCRadio, the behavior is the same. It goes to the next / previous track as expected, with no additional apps or configuration needed.
3) RADIO - I can't emphasize this enough. In days where I just want to use the radio instead of songs from streaming apps, man, this unit delivers! It subdues the static / hisses well, and clearly picks up the same radio stations that I used to have in my car's factory radio that the KGL4 one struggled to pick-up.
4) Bluetooth function - I was never able to get my KGL4 unit to pair with my OBD2 device, no matter how many times I've back-read in the different threads. In this new unit, it was able to detect and pair with it the first time I tried! The plus part is that the Bluetooth config of this new unit allows you to enter the pair code for devices that requires it - at least on this one I'm sure the HuiFei units cannot prompt for the pairing code of the other device.
5) Support for external hard drives. I was unable to connect a 500GB external drive in my KGL4 before until I did the USB mod. For this new unit, it supports it right off the bat. No mods necessary.
6) There's an actual WIFI antenna!
Another plus for me is the screen size upgrade. The new device has 9" of real-estate. I did lose DVD functionality and potentially not have the option to update the software to 5.1 (runs on 4.4), but I can live with those. If anyone's familiar or has the same MCU as mine, or shares the same software build, let me know. Maybe that will be a good reference for anyone who'd potentially buy units from them. In the meantime, TC Car Audio has a store in AE if you want to inquire (Store ID 1360064). Looks like they also have a couple of 5.1 devices, just not sure if it shares the same MCU / ROM combo.
DISCLAIMER: I do not work for TC car audio. Just passing along the positive experience I have with their product, and hoping to help others see that there are better options out there beyond the more known brands.
MCU: 2016-04-25 10:38:12 KEQ_60_C6R_7706_5006_CAN(DaZhongWC)_Newlap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend,
This is Nicole from Kaigele.
Sorry to tell you that,from your posted info and images,this unit is not from our factory.Maybe you need to contact your direct seller to get more help.
thanks
best regards
Nicole

"seicane" aliex - PX3 7.1.2 Bluetooth music A2DP quality poor

Hi guys..
Well first of all how I wish I'd checked these forums first before buying as I wouldn't have, second I wish I'd at least bought from the UK as I'd get some support. But hey ho I didn't and I'm stuck with it as returning to china seems to risky after the message suggested returning at a value of $70 so they don't get taxed and also making sure its sent by EMs so it doesn't get lost in transit like many units do at customs!!
So I bought what seemed to be an all singing all dancing unit from seicane store on ali express, for my seat ibiza mk5. According to the system info via root check app it's a px3, 7.1.2 android, rock chip, rk30sdk.
Amongst many other problems my main one is the Bluetooth audio quality over A2DP is horrendous, and it's not an amp problem as over aux or USB it's perfect. I've been looking at airplay using air bubble app and personal hotspot but it's too long to load and unstable I only drive 15 min to work so just want fast music to my ears! I've considered getting a Bluetooth transmitter and sticking it in the aux input but not ideal.
Anyone got suggestions as to what the issue may be and if it can be resolved?
Thanks in advance hope I can get this stable one day!
mine is also horrendous, and I also have a very short drive. Connecting a hotspot and launching app and getting a song, takes just too long for me. I'm basically already at my destination by the time I get it up. My workaround was to do what you said, and get a bluetooth transmitter and sticking to the aux, because aux sounds fine, but just bluetooth over a2dp sounds so bad, and has this distorted high end sound. This solution worked for me for awhile, but the only downside is you don't get song information on the head unit to display, which is a tad annoying for me.
I've contacted my radios reseller, and they're just ridiculously helpless, all they do is keep sending me a "software" update to fix it, but it does nothing. I've been searching for over a year for a solution, but have found nothing to fix it, other than what I just said. Problem was still there even when I used custom roms. SO I don't really think its a software issue, maybe some kind of hardware I can replace or modify, but I just really have no clue.
davidgotmilk said:
mine is also horrendous, and I also have a very short drive. Connecting a hotspot and launching app and getting a song, takes just too long for me. I'm basically already at my destination by the time I get it up. My workaround was to do what you said, and get a bluetooth transmitter and sticking to the aux, because aux sounds fine, but just bluetooth over a2dp sounds so bad, and has this distorted high end sound. This solution worked for me for awhile, but the only downside is you don't get song information on the head unit to display, which is a tad annoying for me.
I've contacted my radios reseller, and they're just ridiculously helpless, all they do is keep sending me a "software" update to fix it, but it does nothing. I've been searching for over a year for a solution, but have found nothing to fix it, other than what I just said. Problem was still there even when I used custom roms. SO I don't really think its a software issue, maybe some kind of hardware I can replace or modify, but I just really have no clue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeh I've ruled out airplay as an option,
you've got me interested though as you're in a similar boat as me so hopefully can help, do you have the exact same unit for an ibiza or?
And yes thats exactly whats annoying me not getting track info, may as well just use the original head unit if i get a bluetooth transmitter!! which transmitter did you get? i've got a really cheap basic one years old and its got a high pitched whining noise in between song skips so its there just muffled out by songs playing, I'm wondering if thats probably just a cheap receiver I've got..
I'll try get somewhere with the hardware see about a new bluetooth module but no idea on the interface would be total guess work and risky at that, not even sure how to safely root this one.
Other issues i'm having which may be common and you may know? I got a dash cam which cam with a yellow RCA, an Acc+ wire, a ground wire and a 12V wire.. i don't understand why its got an Acc+ and a 12V, i thought similar things both transmit power just one off the ignition being on only? theres no 12v out wire on the head unit except 'cam pow' which I've tried to no avail. I plan on recording direct to the SD card on the camera.
Subwoofer out, does this work on our units? i bought it because i plan adding a 4 channel amp for F/R speaks and a sub amp for a single sub.. but does the rca not work / no amplifier control over it?!
Cheers hope to get somewhere with this as i feel a bit down that its not all singing all dancing like i expected lol.
i have a Seicane with Android 6.0 already, which I dont really have any problems with, but it is not PX3
however, I do have a Seicane with Android 7.1 on the way that does have a PX3. I'll report back when i get it to see if I have any issues
CadillacMike said:
i have a Seicane with Android 6.0 already, which I dont really have any problems with, but it is not PX3
however, I do have a Seicane with Android 7.1 on the way that does have a PX3. I'll report back when i get it to see if I have any issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your bluetooth quality is as good as aux? i wonder if its a software bug..
joshh1512 said:
your bluetooth quality is as good as aux? i wonder if its a software bug..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the 6.0 version is totally different hardware
it is a known issue that no one seems to have a fix for. Im having this same issues with my PX5 Dasaita unit and had this issue on a previous Xtrons unit aswell. I believe it is a problem with the bluetooth drives not supporting the higher bitpools of recent bluetooth updates hence the bad quality. Ive even tried installing a USB bluetooth dongle but could not get the unit to recognize it.
roly01 said:
it is a known issue that no one seems to have a fix for. Im having this same issues with my PX5 Dasaita unit and had this issue on a previous Xtrons unit aswell. I believe it is a problem with the bluetooth drives not supporting the higher bitpools of recent bluetooth updates hence the bad quality. Ive even tried installing a USB bluetooth dongle but could not get the unit to recognize it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I also have a Dasaita PX5 and I definitely didn't have a problem on that one. I would listen to Bluetooth audio on it pretty regularly.
Quick from Hot Audio did email me and ask about it, saying they had heard complaints, and sent me a new harness, but I haven't needed it
CadillacMike said:
Well I also have a Dasaita PX5 and I definitely didn't have a problem on that one. I would listen to Bluetooth audio on it pretty regularly.
Quick from Hot Audio did email me and ask about it, saying they had heard complaints, and sent me a new harness, but I haven't needed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What email did you contact for hot audio? I have reported the issue but they have made no mentions of a different harness. Thanks
roly01 said:
What email did you contact for hot audio? I have reported the issue but they have made no mentions of a different harness. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the default contact
[email protected]
Well i've gone an ordered a car play dongle, so hopefully that will be a solution for good radio and a more functional nav at the same time.
Any tips for the dash cam guys? i ordered the 3 cable power one rather than a usb to keep the slots free.. not sure where i should hook them up to. (12V yellow, Acc+ red, black Grnd), i've only got an acc+ on the back of the harness and ground i made an earth wire to the car. Left the 12v off and it doesn't turn on. but my unit doesn't have a 12v, only acc+ or cam pow.
Got a pic or link to the camera you got?
So i have this camera..
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/140...32812106756.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.MXwOS4
and this unit..
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Aft...32827061575.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.MXwOS4
The seller said to connect acc+ to acc+ on the unit, 12v to the cars 12v and grnd to the cars ground. I made an earth for the ground just to a screw towards the rear inside of the dash, but not sure where i'll safely take 12v from? especially with the car having a can bus if i splice any wires that may cause an error? Surely these units put out a 12v signal somewhere?
heres the wiring diagrams... https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1z7DmnMn.PuJjSZFk763_lpXaZ.png
Also another Q regarding using an external amplifier for speakers and a sub.. is there an issue with the actual volume sent to the amps and can this be resolved? depending what input i give the head unit the volume differs, aux a lot quieter than usb stick or bluetooth.. but even both of them at volume 30 neither are really very loud where you here the speakers distorting, with a standard radio or branded head unit towards top end the speakers would distort so i can set a 'safe' max limit, my concern is the android head unit will limit the amp? and i've seen no info on rooting these units for viper4audio if that would help.
Thanks
Edit: how would i check if the 'cam-pow' wire is putting out 12v with a multimeter? just hold one probe to the wire and touch a ground point with the other?
BT & USB Support on PX5
Guys,
Sorry to tell you, the ROMS are very stripped down and as a result, the only support will be for the listing of BT modules that are on the main board and only for the ones list in the setup. You will not be able to add an external usb BT module to the head unit, it will not reconize them, and therefor will not work. Same with other USB devices. All support has been stripped out of the firmware. Some of these company's are getting slick enough to modify the firmware even more to only support devices that they sell, locking you into buying there junk. Good Luck! I had a BT problem with a Seicane Head Unit, and tried every possible, BT usb module only to find out what they do. Anyone want to purchase BT usb modules cheap!!!!!!
Seicane PX5:
CPU: 8 core 64-bit CPU Coretex-A53 @ 1.5G
Memory: 3891
Kernel Version: 4.4.93+ [email protected] #263 Wed May 9 09:36:56 CST 2018
Build Number: px5-userdebug 8.0.0 OPR5.170623.007 end.hct.20180515.095719 test-keys
MCU Version: MTCE_KLD_V2.80_1 Mar 1 2018 16:54:22
Model: px5(800x480)
Android version: 8.0.0
Android security patch level: October 5, 2017

bmw f30 android 7.1.x head units

Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if the product spec says it will.
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM screen?
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues
Thank you for the supplied information. I am from Greece/EU and locally there are no such products.
Chinese solutions for BMW F30 are mainly changing only the screen (which is detachable) and the new one includes all the features inside the screen, so the main OEM function remain in-place.
I would take a look at xtrons as I have seen various posts here and they have a decent website hoping to receive updates but I dont know yet if they have an EU warehouse because import taxes is my country are very high. My concern stays for idrive and canbus integration mainly because I have already tested 2 other types of interface and non of them worked.
Lets see if xtrons will reply on aliexpress with more to the point questions!
skezza said:
With a name like Mike, you're maybe English or American? I really suggest buying locally. You'll pay £/$30 more but you'll get a warranty and protection from your local trading laws. Buying from China is a game of Russian roulette. I bought an Erisin from China before and it was absolutely fine. Lucky that, because one I bought from England was not fine, and I had to return it. Had it been the other way round, I'd have been in a world of trouble and £100+ down the ****ter.
On mine, there's a setting for it to switch back to the front camera after the rear camera has been operating.
It will come with a canbus decoder unit. Any unit worth it's salt will work correctly with your PDC system. Mine does.
MCU is not important. It's the brand that puts out firmware updates. Xtrons, Joying and Eonon have fairly solid reputations for their updates. Xtrons have put out 5 so far for my unit. Erisin have a fairly flakey reputation. The rest are going to be a complete gamble and more likely you'll lose.
OEM radio? You're removing the OEM radio and replacing it with this. If you mean will you hear the radio and maps, yes, the maps software dips the volume in a very polite way
Firstly, sack off the iPhone, it's crap and there's so many things you can do with Android that work with this unit (mine triggers the hotspot on and off when i get in and out of the car). In answer to your question, yes, you can connect it to your hotspot.
Only if the product spec says it will.
OEM screen?
Steering wheel controls work yep and they work with the calling.... at least mine do in my 3 series.
You're mixing two entirely different software packages up here.
To conclude, if your car has iDrive. I wouldn't go anywhere near one of these systems, it'll be a ****ing minefield making it work. If yours is non iDrive, like mine, then it'll fit perfectly with no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your car has iDrive? Be very careful. Those systems are so much more complicated. The reason the non-iDrive works is because it's actually still a simple system. It's just a whole bunch of relays triggered by other relays and a few more relays and then somewhere there's a computer that does it all. iDrive has it's own dedicated computer which does so much more and offers so much more functionality, and that's where you might find problems. Getting those two systems integrated could be an absolute minefield.
mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you are still around or found more info but the above posts are incorrect. The unit you are buying is more than likely the 10.25 screen upgrade with Android built in. It will work in tandem with idrive....everything works and it is easy install and upgrade.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-...00a8-4760-8b00-b2efeaa2fb7e&priceBeautifyAB=0
So a stupid question, it seems there are several Chinese companies that sell these 10.25" Android panels for the F30 BMW. Though the interface looks exactly the same despite who made the tablet, is there really a difference in the ROM image between makes? The one I have is from COG Android (atleast that is what the Bluetooth ID says). I have had in other cars Joying and ITOPWay, are they really something different ( I almost suspect they are the same company)?
mnikitas said:
Hi,
I am trying to buy an android head unit from aliexpress for my bmw f30 2013. Very few sellers answer questions and not to the point.
e.g.
1) does it supports after market front camera through RCA input and how easy is to select it? (e.g. does it appear automatically right after reverse gear)
2) does it support can bus messages or do I need a can bus converter. I have already tried 2 multimedia interfaces (IW06B-N23 and QHI-BM12) but they dont trigger the camera. So how to be sure that the same will not happen with the android head unit
3) which MCU is used in order to see if I will be able to find updated firmware on xda forum
4) will I hear oem radio during google maps navigation (hearing also google maps directions)
5) will it connect automatically to my iphone hotspot for internet
6) will it work for iphone 11.2 mirroring
7) will it show perfectly the oem screen
8) would I be able to use steering wheel controls for bluetooth and which bluetooth will I be able to use? the OEM one or the Android one?
9) would I be able to use idrive in google maps
All of the above I believe are very basic information that you cannot get from sellers. I dont understand how they sell or I am missing something here.
Is there anyone here with similar problems so we can help each other?
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
you can have a look below dasaita plug and play products hence it is the most popular and reliable android seller on the market ;
https://dasaita.aliexpress.com/stor...l?spm=a2g1y.12024536.pcShopHead_5904672.1_2_1
cheers.

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.

Categories

Resources