Database Users

Joying SWC and Android 6

Hi Guys
Just received my Joying unit back from China. I had to send it away as the LCD went blank even though I could still hear sounds. So Joying were kind enough to fix it for me.
However, even though I asked them not to, they went ahead and wiped my unit and upgraded it to Android 6.0 So I basically lost all my apps I had installed. One of which was the Joying Multikey app for the Joying SWC controller.
I've looked on Joying's website and I can no longer see the product for sale let alone the APK file for it
Does anyone have the Multikey app for the SWC? I have managed to download one from the internet but its not find the SWC controller. Is it possible that the SWC doesn't work on Andorid 6.0? If so is there a fix? As I really need a controller for the unit as using the touch buttons isn't a good way to skip tracks
Also as a side question, is there an alternate remote control I can use for this unit?

New to Android headunits: Bluetooth and firmware questions

Hi!
I'm new here and am wondering if someone could help me out.
I got an Android headunit through a local workshop. I thought it'd be an upgrade, and in some respects it is, but it's been giving me endless problems. I've also eventually come to the realisation that the mechanic is pretty clueless about troubleshooting software issues (I suppose he's more of an installer) so I'm pretty much on my own here. He's talking to his supplier but has been established these Chinese suppliers aren't usually helpful.
There are 2 things which I can't figure out:
1. On day 1, the bluetooth worked. I could pair my iPhone with the headunit through the unit's stock "bluetooth/dialer" app. But the unit wouldn't power back on after it was installed the first time. Mechanic told me the the unit came shipped with a wire switched around and once he corrected that problem, the headunit has been working pretty reliably. Bluetooth stopped working after this, however. I've done a factory reset, tried the RST button upfront but to no avail.
I've go to settings and searched for "bluetooth" (yes, noted that it's hidden on these units!) and made sure it's switched on. Occasionally, I see my phone's name appear on the "settings" page, but I can't pair it with the unit. It remains stuck on "pairing." It still searches endlessly in the bluetooth/dialer app.
Is there anything else I should look into?
2. Can the OS and firmware be upgraded on my unit? I unfortunately, have no idea what brand/model the headunit is. My car's pretty rare in my country (Renault Clio 2015) and the headunits on Aliexpress were for a lower-end version with different connectors. The workshop got a unit for my model through its Chinese contacts, but it came in a non-descript box. Here's the info I've gotten from the Settings screen:
Processor type: QuadCore-T3
Android Version: 7.1.1
MCU version: T5.3.21-63-9B1-C06101-180904
System version: V8.3.2_20180919.193359_ZH5-N
I'll be going through the forum to learn as much about Android headunits but would appreciate any help in the mean time.
Thanks!

Spent some time looking around the forums. Thought I'd log what I've discovered for others who may be searching for similar info.
To recap, I have an Android head unit with no branding. Initially, all I had was the info from the "about device" screen, which provided a bunch of numbers.
I got more information by downloading a hardware info app. There are a few but they generally work the same by providing you with more hardware info (ie. clues).
Discovered I have an Allwinner T3 P3 system. I'm sure I'm lumping several things together but it was enough info to search the forum with.
Discovered this wonderful thread which is generally about Android units based on the above chipset.
Within that thread I came across this one which was extremely helpful. It details how there are 3 types of Allwinner T3 P3 systems which are all different as far as firmware is concerned. Links to their respective firmware are provided, as well as some info on how to reset/recover the system. Glad I found this as I have a better idea how these things work, and more importantly, it cautions against what NOT to do (and risk bricking your headunit).
The the post also links a Russian site that has even more info on my unit from the Allwinner T3 P3 family. Will explore this next (thanks Google translate!).
Will also try to do a factory recover to see if I can fix the bluetooth problem. It worked on Day 1 so at the very least I know the hardware works. That said, who knows if the hardware was fried when the wires were switched around.

Solved the bluetooth problem. Answer was in the Russian thread posted above!

Thank you, just got a unit with same MCU version and your post has helped me identify this thing!

Hi Ultimax,
I have a small question. I have the same car as you ( a 2015 clio 4) and I'm wondering about the Canbus configuration to use to get the steering wheel boutons to work? Looked everywhere and nothing on this topic so I'm really waiting for your directions..

jmouin said:
Hi Ultimax,
I have a small question. I have the same car as you ( a 2015 clio 4) and I'm wondering about the Canbus configuration to use to get the steering wheel boutons to work? Looked everywhere and nothing on this topic so I'm really waiting for your directions..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey!
Glad to help!
What headunit comes installed in your Clio 4? Is it a R-Link TomTom unit (without the USB port next to the screen) or the more basic MediaNav (with the USB port next to the screen)?
If it's the MediaNav headunit, you're in luck. There are quite a few aftermarket Android headunits which are supposedly plug and play, including steering wheel buttons. At least that's what's claimed. I know Pioneer Europe has a headunit which is a 1 for 1 replacement for the stock unit. It even comes with a new plastic front so it fits perfectly and a new wiring harness.
https://www.pioneer-car.eu/eur/products/sph-evo62dab-clio
If it's the R-Link TomTom unit, then I'm afraid you're out of luck. This is the version of Clio 4 I have unfortunately. I've searched high and low on the internet for a suitable wiring harness+CANBUS which would allow me to use the factory steering wheel buttons but couldn't find any. The closest I came was one I got from China through a local installer, but only the volume and channel up/down buttons worked. The Android headunit itself which came with the CANBUS was sh!t and I was tempted to go back to the factory unit. Only thing keeping me from doing so was I'd already spent too much time and money getting it to work somewhat.
However, I recently installed a new Pioneer headunit. My local installer managed to replace the Android unit with it. He couldn't get the steering buttons to work though. He said he'd have to custom program one which would be pretty costly. So, I've given up on using the factory steering wheel buttons.
A cheap workaround is to use an aftermarket steering wheel control kit. You attach new controls to your steering wheel (either clipped, glued or recessed into new holes drilled into your steering wheel). The controls are powered by a long-life battery. The control unit is paired wirelessly with a receiver which you connect to the your headunit via the KEY1/KEY2 (Pioneer calls them Input 1 and 2), ground and ACC wires. Most headunits have these wires.
This is the option I'm going for. My kit hasn't arrived yet but I'm optimistic it'll work.
FYI, this is the one I bought:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000584816400.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.317a4c4dfTx6k3
There are other designs too. Just search the site for "universal steering wheel control radio"
Hope this helps!

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.

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.

2009 Fiesta canbus with Alps F9212B (full_8227l_demo)

Hi all,
Recently put an Android head unit in my 2009 Fiesta. It's took me a while to work out some kinks, but I'm fairly happy with most of it now.
The last piece of the puzzle really is that it puts the dash display into km for both the trip distance and the odometer. I also lose the mpg, ambient temp, etc. I have tried various settings on the head unit, choosing the right vehicle (Fiesta 2008-2012 although there are 2 different wiring looms changing in 2010 for these pre-facelift cars) and tried using the "car set" app which promises to give climate control under one button (none of this works as my car doesn't have this) or car settings on the other button which just crashes/closes the app.
I have also tried re-uploding the as-built files to the ECU using ForScan, but this only works if I have the car set up with the original radio and it changes back when I re-install the Android unit. I have also tried changing the settings in ForScan but this has produced no changes on the dash. For now I have removed the can box from the head unit which means my dash is back in miles (but none of the other functions are back) but the buttons, door open, etc do not work on the headunit.
Any help with the above is appreciated. I have done a lot of searching, but not found anything helpful yet, except at one point I found a post advising to install a linked to APK which I think was an update for the car set app, but which I cannot find again!
Many thanks, Dee.