Database Users

Are there any Chinese HU's without any problems?

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

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

Nice Text. So it is.

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

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

Connect Ipod to Android 8.0 head unit or newer or is there an alternative?

Hi
Im a bit tech savy but not great and sorry if this has already been asked. I have a Pumpkin (see below) I have the aux lead that goes in the back, I understand Ipods have an issue connecting to Android 8.0 or newer, I just wondered if anyone has come up with an app that works with it or anyway it can work? Or if Ipod doesent work anymore is there a way of connecting an old Android phone through Aux so I can just keep all my music inside it in the glovebox. I know you can connect via bluetooth and I also know I can run spotify through the unit, just would really like all my music just sat in the car without having to rely on data or the internet for music to run.
Also is it easy to upgrade to Android 9.0?
Pumpkin Android 8.0 Car Stereo Head Unit for Ford Focus Mondeo Galaxy S-max 4GB RAM with Sat Nav Bluetooth Support CD DVD DAB+ GPS WIFI AUX Android Auto 128GB USB SD Fast-boot (Sorry I cant post links yet)
Im quite new to xda so be gentle.
Thanks in advance

Head unit write up for E61 bmw

So I purchased this head unit
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-8-NAVI...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
i also picked up the dab and the carplay/android auto dongle(this is a must other wise it is mirroring and that does not allow touch control on screen or allow you to lock your phone like aa does)
The fitting was easy and all plug and play (did not fit the camera yet)
So how did it peform?
When they supplied the head unit the software which was needed to use the android auto was not installed(link which was cam up with not licensed) and way installed AutoPlayBox and connected fine and works a treat
Good points
Andoid auto works just plug in phone and after a short 30 secs delay the HU boots fine and goes into AA quite quickly.
The android seem quick and not laggy
There is a EQ on the HU but if you turn it up to far it distorts all the audio really badly. but turned up to 4-6 it plays very well with lots of presets.
talks to can bus so you can see your speed / rev / mpg etc etc#
Can get back to the bmw main menu really easy and back to android
Wish i had not bought the dab receiver as i am playing via tuned in or amazon music through AA
Now here are the bad points(NOW BE AWARE I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE DEVICE WHEN RUNNING ANDROID AUTO IT WORKS VERY WELL)
Bad points
DID NOT COME WITH ANY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BOX , HAD TO GO FIND THEM ONLINE
the dab app is terrible it plays but you press back or try and start another app with audio ie maps , and it crashes
If selecting navigation from the main menu it kept minimizing all the time (seems to have stopped today so fingers crossed).
the music app built into to interface is lets say terrible, cannot find a way play play lists , stop and start the music etc etc.
The device some time starts with the bmw screen instead on the android screen(no brainer to swop it back over ) just a pain
the wifi on the device is truly bad, sat in the car with my phone on my knee , my phone gets 4 bars , the head unit cannot even get a signal, putting my phone on hotspot and sitting it right above the HU is the only way for me to get a wifi signal (but using only android auto from my phone so no great loss)
the gps puck they supply is quite bad ( i use lots of gps pucks for small models) it seems to want to fix and unfix position all time not very good quality i would say
Would i purchase again
yes i would
but would not buy the dab receiver and would not fit the gps on the HU (even though it come with it as a waste if your using carplay or Andoid auto)
its was easy to fit which was good and works well

Hi, can you please provide me the link for the autoplaybox app as I can’t find it online
Thanks

Best headunit (Subaru Legacy IV)

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

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

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

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

9" Android YT9216B steering wheel control problem

Hi All,
My brother just purchased an all-in-1 9" Android head unit + facia for his 2005 Mazda 6 (GG). Listing can be seen here:
9" Android Car Stereo Non-DVD Player GPS Media For Mazda 6 Atenza GG AU 02-08 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 9" Android Car Stereo Non-DVD Player GPS Media For Mazda 6 Atenza GG AU 02-08 at the best online prices at eBay!
www.ebay.com.au
He has installed the unit and everything works fine while the car's ignition is only turned to accessories. However, as soon as he turns the car key 1 click further to power up the ignition (but the not has not yet started), the steering wheel controls go nuts. That is, once the key is turned to ignition, it's like one of the steering control buttons is constantly being pressed and the head unit either continually skips through songs or it continually skips through tuning radio stations, depending on whether the unit is set to playback songs or to the radio. Curiously, this problem doesn't occur when only the accessories are powered on (ignition not yet powered on).
The details of his unit are shown in the attached image. He currently has the steering wheel controls disconnected due to the issue, which I'm guessing is why the unit shows "Ruishengwei-Mazda6--disconnect".
I did some searching but didn't find anyone else reporting this issue. Anybody have any insights as to what might be the issue? If so that would be greatly appreciated.

J0NS said:
Hi All,
My brother just purchased an all-in-1 9" Android head unit + facia for his 2005 Mazda 6 (GG). Listing can be seen here:
9" Android Car Stereo Non-DVD Player GPS Media For Mazda 6 Atenza GG AU 02-08 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 9" Android Car Stereo Non-DVD Player GPS Media For Mazda 6 Atenza GG AU 02-08 at the best online prices at eBay!
www.ebay.com.au
He has installed the unit and everything works fine while the car's ignition is only turned to accessories. However, as soon as he turns the car key 1 click further to power up the ignition (but the not has not yet started), the steering wheel controls go nuts. That is, once the key is turned to ignition, it's like one of the steering control buttons is constantly being pressed and the head unit either continually skips through songs or it continually skips through tuning radio stations, depending on whether the unit is set to playback songs or to the radio. Curiously, this problem doesn't occur when only the accessories are powered on (ignition not yet powered on).
The details of his unit are shown in the attached image. He currently has the steering wheel controls disconnected due to the issue, which I'm guessing is why the unit shows "Ruishengwei-Mazda6--disconnect".
I did some searching but didn't find anyone else reporting this issue. Anybody have any insights as to what might be the issue? If so that would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did the reseller suggest when contacted for after sales support.

marchnz said:
What did the reseller suggest when contacted for after sales support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brother has sent a message to the seller querying about the steering wheel control issue, but no response yet, unfortunately.

Okay, good news. My brother managed to sort the issue. For anybody who has the same problem, here are the details of the fix that worked for him:
Coming from the 9" Android headunit there's a wire called 'Key 1'. This Key 1 wire needed to be connected to the red/blk wire of the Mazda's headunit wiring harness.
I should also mention that his Mazda 6 GG has the non-Bose stereo, however, as seen in the attached image, the non-Bose and Bose headunits both have the same red/blk wire.