Chinese Head Unit - How Frustrating Can It Be - Android Head-Units

Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC

hk_fooey said:
Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any android head unit with less than 2GB RAM will be a dead zone to run apps or the OS. Apps crash a lot and OS doesn't perform well. I am not sure about your head unit's RAM capacity.
Alternatively, I would suggest uninstalling/disabling the apps that you don't really require through system settings >> apps

Related

New Joying PX5-based Android 8.0 Units - [Rockchip PX5 A53 | Android 8.0 | 4GB RAM]

I installed two different models of Joyings newest PX5-based head units. Both are the 7 inch screen 4GB RAM / 32GB flash double DIN model with flat buttons on the left edge.
Please note that as of May 2018, there appear to be multiple new 4GB / 32GB Joying head units have different internal hardware and are not compatible with each other or with the PX5 2GB Joying head units.
JY-UM128N4PX5 is a QD unit
JY-UO128P4 appears to be an FYT unit
Buyer beware. My recommendation is AVOID the QD based units and seek out the FYT units.
See below for more details.
The following information is for JY-UM128N4PX5. Further down the page is information for JY-UO128P4.
=============== JY-UM128N4PX5 =================
Came with Android 8.0.0 installed.
APP Version TP6735 0.0.65
MCU Version TP6735 4.40
Kernel Version 4.4.103
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
So far I have noticed the following:
The unit does not trigger the amplifier turn on signal wire - the orange and black wire labeled AMP-CONT always measures zero volts on my voltmeter. Workaround is to use either the antenna signal wire, or the ACC power signal wire, to turn on your amp. Joying is aware of this issue.
Sleep does not work. The unit shuts down completely about one minute after you turn off the vehicle's ignition. It doesn't sleep and then come back on instantly like my Intel-based Joying unit. Boot time is about 20 seconds. Joying support now says that sleep is not supported on the QD units.
I cannot find the radio settings in the new radio app. You used to be able to slide the bar at the bottom of the radio app to get to settings. Now in Android 8, there are a couple of radio settings that have been moved to the main android setup dialog.
Some of the functionality of the former car settings app has been moved to the android settings dialog. But not everything is there - for example this is where I was looking for the ability to tell the unit to toggle the amplifier signal wire. I could not find any such setting.
AM radio reception is non-existent - static on all AM channels.
FM reception is good, but I cannot figure out how to get the FM Radio to enable display of song and station information - this used to be under RDS settings, which no longer exist.
Bluetooth calling works fine. Seems more stable than my older Intel-based unit.
Sound quality is good - I am using an external amplifier.
The logo set up is missing Porsche and Saab Logos. My Intel-based Joying unit had these. Easy enough to load my own custom logo.
The unit ships with Joying's "Launcher3" selected. On the home screen, the labels of the bottom row of icons are cut off. The screenshots on Joying's website show the same thing. The joying2 launcher is missing.
If you reflash the unit, the vertical keypad on the left side of the unit gets un-mapped and stops working. Fix is to go into car settings and remap it.
========================= JY-UO128P4 ==================
Android Version 8.0.0
Build Number px5-userdebug 8.0.0 OPR5.170623.007
System Info APP 1024x600 2018-04-27 21:42:36
MCU Version 2018-01-23 10:59:33 JY_(R68)_R-86C-096I-NC-NP-1.0-P12S
Passwords:
Factory settings: 3368
Developer Options: 3368
Reset: 3368
Password for changing Launcher:8086
Password for changing screen current:
So far I have noticed the following:
The software on the JY-UO128P4 is very close to that of my older Joying Intel based system.
The developer has replaced all of the system settings screens native to android with their own settings screens. Not super cool. All of the car settings and android system setting are now intermingled.
Upon unboxing, the JY-UO128P4 has only a single Wifi antenna wheras the JY-UM128N4PX5 had two (diversity) wifi antennas. I have not tried to compare reception differences.
The amplifier turn on signal now works as expected (AMP-CONT wire correctly signals 12V when unit is active)
Sleep works as expected
AM radio reception works weakly.
The FM radio application works as expected. Radio app settings are accessed within the radio app. It's possible to enable RDS for song and station ID within the radio app.
All of the joying launchers are available - I prefer launcher 02 and it's available on this unit.
Many more car logos are available on the system. Porsche logo was built-in.
The only things I've noticed so far that are worse with the JY-UO128P4 than the JY-UM128N4PX5
The unit suffers from the android 8.0 bug on Joying where all of your google contacts are deleted if you allow your account on the head unit to sync contacts with google.
As noted above - the native android settings panels are all removed.
The app for setting the color of the buttons on the side panel is limited to pre-determined solid colors - yellow, white, red green etc. On the JY-UM128N4PX5 you could select and set any RGB color, which made it possible to match the button illumination to your other dashboard lights.
As I learn more, I will post more.
ddruker said:
I just installed Joying's newest PX5 head unit. It's the 4GB model.
It came with Android 8.0.0 installed.
APP Version TP6735 0.0.65
MCU Version TP6735 4.40
Kernel Version 4.4.103
So far I have noticed the following problems:
The unit does not trigger the amplifier turn on signal wire - the orange and black wire labeled AMP-CONT always measures zero volts on my voltmeter. Workaround is to use either the antenna signal wire, or the ACC power signal wire, to turn on your amp. I found another post of someone else who had this same issue.
I cannot find most of the passwords needed to set up the unit. The master password is 126 - I found that by watching a joying video. But I cannot find the second level passwords for changing the logo, changing the launcher, etc. Anyone have the other passwords?
The utility to change the color of the buttons on the left side of the unit works, but the buttons do not illuminate one the unit is booted.
I cannot find the radio settings in the new radio app. You used to be able to slide the bar at the bottom of the radio app to get to settings. Now in Android 8, there are a couple of radio settings that have been moved to the main android setup dialog - but for example I cannot find a setting to turn on the functionality to identify song and station names.
Some of the functionality of the former car settings app has been moved to the android settings dialog. But not everything is there - for example this is where I was looking for the ability to tell the unit to toggle the amplifier signal wire. I could not find any such setting.
I cannot figure out how to change the launcher - with the default launcher the lower row of app icons is only half visible on the screen.
Who else has a new Joying Android 8 unit - what else are you seeing? Has anyone found solutions to the items above?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had several back and forth emails with Joying support in the last couple of days.
They are trying to find the passwords for their new units under Android 8. Support didn't know. They had me try 00000 and 123456, neither of which worked. I told them the main password is 126 - they didn't know this either. I still need passwords for all of the second level settings - change the launcher, change the logo, see if there are more developer options for car config, etc.
They are apparently aware that the AMP-CONT lead to turn on the external amplifier does not work. They recommend connecting the accessory wire from your vehicle to the amp signaling wire instead, so the amp will turn on when you turn your key to the accessory or on position, bypassing the head unit.
They acknowledge there are no detailed settings available for the radio under Android 8 in the radio app. So there is no way to turn on station or channel ID for US customers.
I also let them know about another radio issue - FM Radio reception is normal, but AM reception is awful to non-existent.
Google maps is ok, directions from Google maps are mixing with other audio ok.
Feels like Android 8 on the new Joying 4GB units isn't quite ready for prime time yet... Has anyone tried to upgrade a 2GB Android 6 unit to Android 8 now that the Android 8 files are on Joying's website? Do you see the same behaviors, or am I seeing hardware issue with the brand new 4GB units? I suspect it's all software, but would be nice to know.
ddruker said:
Feels like Android 8 on the new Joying 4GB units isn't quite ready for prime time yet... Has anyone tried to upgrade a 2GB Android 6 unit to Android 8 now that the Android 8 files are on Joying's website? Do you see the same behaviors, or am I seeing hardware issue with the brand new 4GB units? I suspect it's all software, but would be nice to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2GB units are not compatible with the 4GB units. They need different hardware drivers and different MCU firmware as the firmware in the 2GB units is from FYT. I forgot the manufacturer of the 4 GB units but @gtxaspec knows.
There is no downloadable firmware yet for the 2GB units.
hi, i've the same unit and the password was noted into the user manual, it's 3368.
If you buy Joying android 8.0 unit the SKU like:JY-UO135N4PX5 or JY-UOS03N4PX5,password as below:
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
TomTom
It seams to be so hard. Again an Android HU, where TomTom navigation does not work. It let's me download the maps, but after that it crashes every time I try to load the application.
I can confirm these passwords are correct:
Master password:126
Password for changing logo:0000
Password for changing UI:8086
Other findings so far:
The illuminated buttons do work - they sometimes take a few seconds to come on after your illumination wire signals with 12V.
The logo selection with this new unit does not include Porsche or Saab. You can still upload your own custom logos.
I updated the unit to the latest (2018-4-20) release on the Joying website which is supposed to include optimizations and Zlink and my unit is now hanging at the Android text logo (right after the animated Android logo). I sent a note to Joying support for help and will also wait for a few hours to see if it comes back to life.
ddruker said:
I can confirm these passwords are correct:
I updated the unit to the latest (2018-4-20) release on the Joying website which is supposed to include optimizations and Zlink and my unit is now hanging at the Android text logo (right after the animated Android logo). I sent a note to Joying support for help and will also wait for a few hours to see if it comes back to life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same happened to me
After writing about 25 emails with Joying support I had to reflash the whole system ... loosing all my data.
For now I am really not going to try any more updates from Joying with this unit.
Really hoping for a Custom Rom & Root for this unit.
I have one of these as well. Any one find where the setting is to make the sleep mode last longer(2hrs) before it full shuts down? it seems to be locked on 30sec currently. Also it wont pair with my OBDlinkMX BT dongle. in the older MTCD units, making the BT password 1234 let you do it, but not here. anyone have any luck with BT OBD dongle pairing?
I was really leaning towards getting this unit but have been holding off because I wish it had Bluetooth 5.0, maybe I should wait a little longer since it seems to have a fair amount of bugs. I know a lot of people are happy with the Xtron since it has all the best features I just really prefer to have the buttons on the left like this unit has. Looking forward to seeing if you guys can get this squared away
peregrines said:
The same happened to me
After writing about 25 emails with Joying support I had to reflash the whole system ... loosing all my data.
For now I am really not going to try any more updates from Joying with this unit.
Really hoping for a Custom Rom & Root for this unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to get my unit working again by reflashing. It took about 10 tries with three different USB cards but it finally worked. Joying support provided a file that included a system image and a Window-based chinese language USB card writing programs, along with a word document with instructions. You build the USB drive and then plug it into the left hand USB connector, and click the reset button on the front of the unit. It loads, then tells you to remove the USB drive, and then if you are very lucky it will reboot into Android.
After re-flashing, the vertical keyboard on the left side of the unit did not work. Turned out the mappings had been erased. Fix is to remap the keys - there is an option in car settings.
Current issues still present in the unit seem to be:
Unit shuts off entirely after 30-60 seconds instead of sleeping when you turn off the vehicle. My intel-based unit sleeps for several days.
No AM radio reception - static on all channels.
No way to turn on song or station identification in the radio settings for FM.
AMP-cont signal wire does not work. I've worked around by wiring my accessory wire directly to my amp's signaling wire.
Have not tried Torque and Bluetooth ODBII reader pairing yet - on my list for this weekend.
So, it's not just me...
I purchased a JY-UM135N2PX5 (PX5 2G/16G) with Android 6.0 mid to late March.
I had it on my bench through April, testing and configuring it prior to install.
After trading emails with Joying tech support, I was sent an Android 8.0 update to address a Zlink/iPhone issue.
I started my install in the car today, and discovered "no sound". I guessed that the AMP-CONT wasn't turning on the OEM amplifier. I rechecked the cables, which checked out just fine. Tried a Joying JY-UM135N2 (Intel Sofia 2G/32G Android 6) on the same harness, and it functioned as expected (turned the OEM amplifier on and had sound). I took them both back to my bench and noticed that the "AMP-CONT" on the PX5 unit did not appear to have 12V on it, while the Sofia unit did.
I did not leave the non-functional PX5 unit in the car long enough to see any other issues.
I am curious if I were to revert back to Android 6 on the PX5 unit, if it would fix the AMP-CONT issue (at the cost of breaking the Zlink/iPhone functionality)
ddruker said:
I was able to get my unit working again by reflashing. It took about 10 tries with three different USB cards but it finally worked. Joying support provided a file that included a system image and a Window-based chinese language USB card writing programs, along with a word document with instructions. You build the USB drive and then plug it into the left hand USB connector, and click the reset button on the front of the unit. It loads, then tells you to remove the USB drive, and then if you are very lucky it will reboot into Android.
After re-flashing, the vertical keyboard on the left side of the unit did not work. Turned out the mappings had been erased. Fix is to remap the keys - there is an option in car settings.
Current issues still present in the unit seem to be:
Unit shuts off entirely after 30-60 seconds instead of sleeping when you turn off the vehicle. My intel-based unit sleeps for several days.
Poor AM radio reception
No way to turn on song or station identification in the radio settings.
AMP-cont signal wire does not work. I've worked around by wiring my accessory wire directly to my amp's signaling wire.
Have not tried Torque and Bluetooth ODBII reader pairing yet - on my list for this weekend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be so kind as to share those files with us? This would be a good starting point for further testing and research. Simply upload to a hoster like mega.
z0rn said:
Would you be so kind as to share those files with us? This would be a good starting point for further testing and research. Simply upload to a hoster like mega.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to the zip file from Joying with the firmware image for reflashing, their USB drive utility, and instructions...
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13HXHRRfuduhIYV41pjQlvsJ0o3xesNBC
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
ddruker said:
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they serious? I would suggest to try the Malaysk Rom, i guess your units are MTCD and MTCE devices so maybe this rom would support the missing software like rds and the other hardware not supported by Joying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvgrcn_As8
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...-malaysk-roms-px5-2-4-gb-8-0-android-t3762724
Good luck!
Flemischguy said:
Are they serious? I would suggest to try the Malaysk Rom, i guess your units are MTCD and MTCE devices so maybe this rom would support the missing software like rds and the other hardware not supported by Joying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These units are NOT MTCD/E. Do not use the Malaysk ROM.
---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 PM ----------
ddruker said:
Here is the reply I got from Joying support this morning in regards to the open defects I am tracking with the unit. I suspect that all of this will get fixed in subsequent software releases, it's relatively obvious stuff. Can anyone confirm if these same issues exist in the Android 8 builds on Joying's 2GB PX5 head units, or are these unique to the newest 4GB units?
Dear friend,
Please noted :
1) sorry that your system is different with Intel head unit , it do not have fast boot feature . so it will completely off .
2) for the AM receptions is bad , you need to set the proper time and zone . also the radio area choice .
3) sorry, the head unit you purchased do not have the RDS setting .
4) for the am-cont not voltage , please connect the ACC (red wire ) to your amplifier wire . then can offer 12V .
Hope your noted .
Candy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a 2GB Android version 8.0.0 unit, but my unit is a FYT based unit like the Sofia 3GRs, unlike yours which is a QD unit.
Mine does have fast-boot as my unit is a FYT based unit, using the same hardware/SOM as the Sogia 3GR intel units.
I never used AM-reception. I wouldn't know, but I know from previous users on Sofia 3GR that they also complained about the AM reception
Which RDS-setting? This is so confusing and so not concrete. RDS is a complete set of functions. The syu/FYT based software on the FYT based units support RDS-PS, RDS-PTY and RDS-TA/TP. The latest firmware versions on FYT units (Sofia 3GR and my PX5) also support RDS-RT. They do not support RDS-AF. They implemented "something" like AF. If you use that option it does not select the Alternate Frequency of your radio station, it selects the strongest signal it can find of any station. Note that it is the software. The radio chips in all these units support the complete RDS set of functions.
Don't know about the the amp-cont wire.
You ask about and mention AM and about RDS. I hope you know that RDS can only be used on the FM signal. RDS is not available for AM.
Help
Heres a link I need help to identify my android head unit
https://app.box.com/s/o90d0lnjrqqlek5w1q6lekaj5dgsa20y
Traww said:
Heres a link I need help to identify my android head unit
https://app.box.com/s/o90d0lnjrqqlek5w1q6lekaj5dgsa20y
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have an Allwinner T3 chipset in your unit.
Do not use a Joying thread to ask a completely off-topic question.
I've received the same unit, facing the same issues as the OP.
Also the localisation in my language is quite poor.
surfer63 said:
These units are NOT MTCD/E. Do not use the Malaysk ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've bought this unit in the hope that it would be compatible with custom ROMs.
Are you saying that the unit MCU is almost unknown and that no custom ROM would be available in the near future?

Guidance for Android Head Unit

I currently have a Kenwood KVT614 head unit that I hate with a passion. I can't stand the useless screen (without apps it really serves no purpose), the navigation software and about everything.
As a result I am considering switching the head unit out and I love the idea of something running android.
My car is an electric car and it only has a single DIN slot, so I am somewhat constrained in my choices.
Ideally I am looking for an android head unit that covers the following:
- Can run android apps, e.g. navigation (both offline and online via the phone)
- Tethering - I read that some headunits have issues with Bluetooth tethering which is obviously much better for phone battery
- Having an electric car, I actually want the headunit to turn OFF (not sleep) when the car is off
- Screen size: not too big - probably 6-7 inches or I saw some "very wide" widescreens at 8.8 inches that would fit well
- I also like the idea of screen mirroring or android auto (and carplay) working but I would very much prefer for this to work via wireless (not some stupid cable)
- power consumption would ideally be as little as possible with this being in an electric car ...
Does anyone have any recommendations?
I have been looking at some of Joying units, since they seem to be the most modern android head units with 4GB RAM, 32 or 64GB storage and running Android 8.0 or 8.1 …
Would love to get some feedback.
And how do I determine whether a head unit is a MTCB or MTCD, or whatever?
Is there a database or list somewhere? Does this no longer apply to new headunits?
It's too bad there is no sticky or wiki with recommendations and some guides.
Once you know your board (MTCx) there is some decent info, but for someone looking for a single DIN headunit there current forum setup is pretty useless.
No one helps here much.
The new joying intel based units have a new dsp chip that will blow everything out of the water in android platforms. I ordered on last week. Will be doing a review on it by next weekend hopefully

Hardware for Alps ff-5000

I purchased a Mazda that has a Eonon in it. Which from what I can tell is a rebranded Alps FF-5000. But is only has the bare minimum to work connected to it. It there anyway I can get the wires for the USB ports and the backup camera and I want Android Auto too. Is there anyway to just get the parts or is my best option just to upgrade from Android 10 and just buy the entire new Android 11 unit?
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Mr.TT_NZ said:
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current radio I have is crazy slow when running off my hotspot on my phone and I have problems with apps force closing after running a while. The whole thing is just laggy in general on the android side. I end up just bluetoothing my music to it anyway most the time. I put a wireless Android Auto radio in my other car and love it but I also really like being able to run android natively on the unit is why I was thinking about upgrading to the newest unit that claims to run android 11. Even if it doesn't actually run Android 11 it has a better chipset and I was hoping that would fix my lag issue, slow wifi connection, and force closing. Plus wireless Android Auto would just be a added bonus.

Android Auto - use without a phone

Hi there. I have recently installed an aftermarket Android 11 screen in my car. I set up the unit with a 4G SIM card so it has its own isolated internet connection, as I want this entire unit to be self-sufficient and never have the need to connect a smartphone to it.
Is there a way to run Android Auto on this Android unit as a stand-alone app without having to connect a phone or external device to it?
(this seems like it should be a basic and common question, but I could not find an answer using Search)
TIA.
No one knows what the head unit is, out of the many unit types and manufacturers.
What have you identified as a possibility to solve your problem from reading the forum
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
KeithW205 said:
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
rigattoni said:
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I have work accounts on my phone, I cannot connect to external devices. Additionally, I prefer not to have my car's system or devices be dependent upon an external device to function. From my perspective, the only requirement I should have to make everything in my car work is to have a key, that's it.
I like the clean UI of Android Auto and it works well for native Google navigation and music control in one simple interface which is why I was looking for an "easy" way to run Android Auto on my aftermarket Android car screen without having the dependency of a connection to a smartphone to function.
Charlieboy205 said:
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
KeithW205 said:
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Fcc is surely the best solution.
As I said... Stand-alone Android Auto is not possible. you always need a Connection between phone and head unit. This is the way this app works...
I already use Fcc nearly since the start of development and I would not use anything else.
I have a 2016 RAV4 with Entune radio. Looking for a GPS Navigation capable unit. I have an Android phone. Seems like an Android OS wireless and wired head unit would work. Extensive research led me through Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony: all poor values. Car stereo dealers want a fortune to install. I value function and reliability. Any suggestions on a plug-and-play easy install unit that will keep my steering controls and factory backup camera? T'eyes CC3 and Dasaita Max 10 both are on my short list. Prefer to buy from US only.
Hello all,
I may be late, but you can use Headunit Reloaded Emulator (it's a paid App):
Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR - Apps on Google Play
Turn your tablet or Android powered unit into a full blow Android Auto headunit.
play.google.com
You can run standalone Android auto server and app.
There is a trial version for testing:
Headunit Reloaded Trial for An - Apps on Google Play
This is a free trial version of the Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
play.google.com
Regards.

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.

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