Hey Guys
First of all: I realize that this is a rather long text, so I appreciate the effort of everyone who is going to read it!
Also, I asked a questions about 2 weeks ago, which was related to this topic, but was very specific about android wear (which I gave up on since then!).
So, actual post:
I want to build, or already am building an informational system for my motorcycle.
As the result of my work, I imagine a display (about 7 inches) in the dash of my motorcycle. It shall display information from my Smartphone (for example notifications about incoming calls etc.) as well as giving me the possibility to control the music on the smartphone (Android 5.1).
Also, I want to display further information, like speed, average speed, altitude etc. (hope you got the idea, basically just an advanced trip computer).
I started developing something, but ran into issues. I will explain my two concepts or ideas I had so far and explain, what the issues were I ran into. I then hope, that somebody here has a solution for my problem (which includes recommending hard- and software).
Firstly about my skills: I am experienced in programming "low level hardware", like Atmel's AVR Series (in plain old C) and developing the associated hardware for it. Also making custom pcb's at home isn't a problem for me, as long it doesn't come to some fancy BGA or SMD packages
On the programming side I am experienced the most in Java (and Android, which is basically Java of course). I know also C# and the .NET framework.
But I am willing to learn something new
The two ideas I had so far differed on the way how I wanted to let the raspberry pi (which I wanted to place in the cockpit) communicate with the smartphone.
In both concepts, I planned to have a raspberry pi with attached display in the cockpit on which I wanted to run a JavaFX application (already started programing). This application would then communicate with the smartphone over:
Idea 1: Java serialization:
I wanted to communicate over command objects. So for example I'd have an object for asking the altitude from the smartphone.
I'd then serialize this command object on the pi's side and deserialize on the smartphone. This isn't a problem, because there's java on either side (already got that piece working).
The smartphone would, after receiving and deserializing the object, get the actual altitude from the GPS sensor, pack the result in an answer-object, serialize it and send it back to the pi.
The issues I ran into were the following:
-Java Bluetooth library: I wasn't able to find a good, up-to-date, java library for communicate over Bluetooth in java. I then stuck to RXTX Library which did the job, but I always had the feeling of doing something "not so good". In particular I didn't want to just write on a COM-Port (which is emulated from the Bluetooth-module), because I had the feeling that COM-Ports may change after reboots if the OS feels like it, and I didn't want to build something which needed constant "tinkering". Also, writing to COM-Ports in 2015 just feels wrong, but this may be my personal problem
Idea 2: HTTP and Web Sockets
The basic idea was to have a webserver running on the smartphone and offering a REST-like API which I could access from the pi.
I also got this concept working, like so:
By using the NanoHTTPD library (from github) I was able to start a webserver on the android device. When then someone issued a POST-request on, for example, <IP>:<port>/api/music/next, the WebServer would receive this request and switch to the next song.
Actualizing data on the pi which changes often, for example the altitude, would have been achieved by using a WebSocket connection between the Java-App on the pi and the android webserver (which I also got to work).
I figured out that it would be a power consumption problem to let the smartphone offer a wifi hotspot (I don't want to have to connect the smartphone to cables on the motorcycle), so I decided to let the pi start a wifi access point (which isn't a power problem, because the pi is connected to on-board-power of the motorcycle).
However I then realized that the smartphone won't connect to an access point which doesn't offer internet access but only LAN-access.
And even if there was a way to force the smartphone to let it connect anyways, it isn't guaranteed that this will work too on future devices. And: The whole notification-stuff would have been needless, because as long as the smartphone is connected to a "dead-end wifi", it wouldn't receive emails or whatsapp-messages.
Idea 3: Using Bluetooth low energy:
It seems like the new, modern way, to let devices communicate over Bluetooth is to use Bluetooth low energy (BLE). (But I never worked with it before!).
However, there seems to be little to no support on raspberry pi for it, and it seems to be impossible to find a library for java which helps in using BLE. (If anyone knows one, please let me know).
I then thought about replacing the raspberry pi with an android board, because android has support for BLE. But I wasn't able to find a board which is supported from android 5.1+ and offers support for BLE. Even the Odroid-boards don't seem to support android >4.4 and BLE.
Summary:
In general I liked the second and third option much better. It seemed to be the the more versatile, modern way. The first way felt a bit like a hack.
However I found those problems I presented above, and until now, I couldn't think of a way around it.
If anyone here:
1) Solved this problem already
2) Knows a really good, NON-HACKY, community supported, Java (BLE) Bluetooth library
3) Knows a language or framework which would be well suited to solve the problem
4) Has another good idea how to solve it
Please let me know!
I just want to build something sophisticated, (which I could maybe make an open source project out of it) which isn't hacky.
I mean, the problem has to be solvable, look at the Pebble smartwatch. They also solved it without android wear.
I really want to emphasise that this is an open question. I am not limited / fixed on Java, Raspberry pi or anything.
I those have two requirements.
1) I don't want to connect the smartphone to a cable, either for data or for power
2) The solution needs to be something power saving, so no hotspot on the android device
3) Non-hacky, sophisticated solution
Best regards
Me =)
PS: As English isn't my native language, I maybe put some sentences wrong or wasn't able to express something clearly and unambiguous.
Please feel free to ask, I'd be pleased to clear any questions!
Any updates?
Hi!
I know this is an old thread, but I'm struggling with a similar issue - except I want to use it for roadcycling. Did you have any luck with your project?
All the best
Marius
Related
This doesnt fall into any category of phone, but I think with some tweaking, we can really utilize this deck to its full potential. The Pioneer AVIC series Navigation/DVD/Car Radios are Windows CE Based, and there has been a mod to boot it directly into windows CE. The potential is AMAZING to combine the units with our smartphones. PM me if you are interested, and or have the knowledge to take this to the next level. Go to AVIC411.com to see what has been done so far. Really, not much besides some minor mods, but I could see this unit becoming a complete smartphone interphase, etc... I currently have a touch pro, and have ordered the AV adapter. I am working on a launcher to keep it in the shell, and give it the ability to use the phone as a modem, to then have dash board internet, and outlook. the possibilities are limitless!
I have the same setup, surprised no one has really taken this any further yet. I agree with you the potential here could be pretty sweet!
Was wondering if you had anyluck with teathering your touch pro to the pioneer avic headunit?
Avic...
No, I have not, but I did get the video adapter on ebay, so I am pumping video thru the AV1 source...
I really have not had a ton of time to do alot, but there is a bunch of stuff on AVIC411.com...
Let me know if you find or are able to do anything cool. (like getting the bt to work consistantly!!!)
CHARLIE
Interested
I'm definately interested. Just got a avic-900bt and would love to code some bolt on functions & camera input mods & maybe even get some extra devices interfaces working better.
I'm guessing we'd never be so lucky as to get source for the 2.0 update. Do you know if there is an avic emulator available? Where to start?
Details on setting up AVIC emulator here: http://avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18137&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=8
Has anyone done research, mods or other to get internet and/or full phone screen output to show up on the AVIC's???
I have two avic900bt's & a Sprint TP2...
I'd love to have weather, current location radar and everything else to display while driving.
The ultimate "coolness" would be able to control the phone through the AVIC's display!
Off to do some more dreamin'...
Raymond
Avic
I too have a sprint tp2 and an avic f90bt with the 3.0 firmware upgrade. I do know that it is Windows CE, and there is a lot that could be done, I just dont know exactly how to do it
I have purchased a video out from ebay for the tp2, and am able to use the video 1 input on the avic, but it is not near what it could be. There are so many other things like interactive mapping, weather etc...
Can you activesync with it?
If you just want to remotely display the screen of another Windows CE device (the Pocket PC) on another one (the Avic) just use a program like NetOp (http://www.netop.com/) installed on each device. You can probably create a PAN connection between the 2 devices using bluetooth to get a network connection. And you probably won't need Activesync if you just download the cab versions and install them.
maybe have someone intresse to help me with the radar detector system modify on a pioneer AVIC-HD1bt
see
on this forum off-topic > [Q] radar update for Pioneer AVIC-HD1bt almost there
I have a robot lawnmower, Friendly Robotics Robomow RL500. It's like a Roomba for the lawn, you set it loose and let it go. Problem is, it's not very smart. For one, it gets stuck on occasion, requiring me to check on it regularly and free it if it gets stuck. It also needs to be driven out onto the lawn and turned on, and when it's done I need to go find it and drive it back. Worst of all, there is a part of the lawn that is too narrow for it to function automatically so I have to manually mow that part with an annoying wired controller, and it is much slower than a regular mower so walking behind it at a snail's pace holding a wired controller is very boring.
My idea is to make it so I can put a camera on it so I can drive it via Wifi from the comfort of my home. Somehow I will need to be able to stream video over Wifi and send commands to the robot as well, and whatever device receiving the commands will need to be able to activate the switches on the wired controller.
2 ways I thought of to do this:
1. Use one of my extra Windows Mobile phones as a "brain". They all already have a camera and Wifi. All I would need is the software to stream video over Wifi and a control program to control the robot. Microsoft has a Robotics Studio that may help me to write my own program using VS.NET. None of my phones have a serial port or USB Host controller, so I was thinking maybe I can use a Bluetooth-to-UART board and connect that to some kind of controller to activate the switches on the control panel.
2. Use a WRT54G and run Linux. This will probably cost more because I don't have a 54G. I will also need to buy some kind of camera for it, like a networked camera. It has an RS232 port that can be used to connect to some kind of controller to activate switches on the control panel. I KNOW this solution has been done, because there is a video out there of a 54G-controlled R/C car being controlled via Wifi and streaming video back. I would probably need to write my own program in C in Linux (I don't know C), unless I can find the link to that RC car again and see if that guy will share his source.
Any thoughts on which way is the best way to go?
Jejeje
Try this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaquxmK-kp4
Hey guys,
Well I wish to start a small project, where a computer should be able to access wireless internet (3G/HSDPA), WiFi, make calls, maybe use bluetooth, etc... Then I realized that my old HTC TyTn II has all that features... And its faster than the PC im gonne use.
Problem is my HTC screen cracked. So I cant see anything. Thats why I wondered if its possible to set up a Headless Linux System. With that in place I could prob traffic all the things I need via usbnet to the PC (like internet).
The purpose...
Well the reason for this project is a small computer in my car. I ripped out a old laptop and started mounting it in my car. The laptop will then be used to control the HTC, seeing as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC. My laptop also has a 10GB HDD and a working screen. So a combo of the two seems fair...
Any advice on this would be very appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Xethron
I am about to do the same, replacing radio console.
I have some touchscreen lifebooks for this purpose, you can get one for
$100 $200 in miserable state, but to disassemble, who cares
idea was to change dpi in XP and replace explorer on startup, put a 8 button big startup window, with gps, media, video, internet
now you can hook up mobile by "Pocket Controller" it's a reverse remote desktop. you see mobile screen on pc
hope this get you some ideas
How insane is it that you have a computer that is slower then your phone?
There is a program to remote control your phone, I forget the name.
would it be the one I wrote in prev post
you can buy it at soti.net. working pretty good.
no, this one is free. I shall do some digging.
------- edit ---------
Cha Ching
http://www.mtux.com/
and a friend suggested this one.
http://www.julien-manici.com/
can't understand how could I have missed this when I was searching for one, and it's pretty old too. good tip, though too late for me.
Hey guys,
Thanks allot for the replies... I tried MyMobiler but it doesn't want to connect and seeing that I cant see the screen I am not sure whats happening... Appart from that you guys seem to be misunderstanding me totally!
Problem 1, MyMobiler only runs on windows, and I run Linux...
Problem 2, scripts cant be excecuted on the fly and communications between my two computers wont be possible with Windows Mobile.
Problem 3, Windows mobile crashes and my system will fail totally if my system ever crashes!
Besides, windows mobile have allot of junk I dont need. All I want is a simple Linux system on my HTC on which I can ssh in that will give no video output nor receive input from hardware, but that acts completely as a headless system.
It would also be cool if someone can tell me what hardware I can remove and how (Like the screen) in order to minimize power requirements...
So all I need is a version of Linux and a guide to install it so that all the functions work...
Hope this makes more sense...
Xethron
no Xethron, we didn't misunderstood you. I simply wrote what is my concept of laptop in car and ChumleyEX reacted further on my post too.
winmo is not stable, we all know that, but you should know too that linux is not so on winmo devices too. and that it is much more unstable.
It would be very nice indeed if there was no windows at all and everybody would be using linux, but if that would happen, linux would be the same commercial crap as is windows now, because that's what people are after. and that's the market. Nice fancy easy crap.
Though I encourage you to go with your linux idea, with a lot of effort, there could be perfect solution, but again, it would be much easier to just use what we've got.
If you would look around here, you'll see that on xda-dev you'll find a lot of solutions how to make a very tiny and fast winmo ROM. Stripped of all the crap. You can learn here how to strip even more, leaving only kernel + some drivers if you want.
What hw can you disconnect. I reckon you mean from pda. As you said screen backlight, that's a power eater, otherwise, devices could be turned ON/OFF from sw, which would by much safer/easier way. And you said you want to use them. instead, if you'll connect external antenna, that would spare you a lot of power while transmitting.
You should write more specific questions in order to get specific answers.
for example I am not getting it why you would want to spare 20mA consumption on some pda device and not better think about replacing HDD by CF card or ssd?
what would be your application requirements?
back for using pda in linux, it's in test state, you won't find any better working linux in pda as here. no one is hiding it nowhere. bluetooth is not working yet, phone functions are limited. wifi ok, but I doubt you could route it to PC.
as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can. bluetooth can create virtual com ports. there are BT keyboards, pointing devices too. and generally anything else what uses com port could be made. even video can go out. (all just in windows of course)
for the pda remote programs:
you need a client on pda side. it's automatic simple installation. You may try soti controller it have trial period, with that one, you only need to press left soft key on kaiser to confirm client install. After you'll have this one workingt you would be able to see what you would need with the other one.
wow... that was a useful post!
The reason I want to use the phone is so that my PC can do all the things my phone can do... Reasons for this would be the following.
I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down... I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers. I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically. Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location... If I dont respond it sends a email to all my friends. I connect to my car via ssh and keep track of its current position. depending on other connections I have made (Like you said bluetooth might be a good bet) i can controll parts of the car via ssh. Maybe install a fuel cutoff switch or whatever. With allot of effort I get my car back. Come home. It syncs wia wifi. New music gets uploaded... And my car is ready for day 2!
Simple direction of where I wanne go...
So now that you understand what I want to do... The linux on my HTC was a way for me to simply control the hardware and run a few small scripts... Wanne run some security scripts on the HTC instead of PC because it has the backup battery and the laptop will be running off the car battery...
I really don't care how we do this... But I know it must be possible to do all this somehow...
Let me know if you have some rad other ideas... As you can see I do not really want to "see" wats going on on my phone... It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine... But you dont see the PC... Thats my idea anyway...
Thanks for your help so far
I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down...
........
I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bluetooth is a secure way, but not very safe, I've been using 3 different Hsets, with 2 diff phones, it kept on loosing connection and some even pairing. other thing, you need to iniciate BT connection (not always with audio, but yes with activesync) that means no touch-less access. and the last is battery consuption. I've been reading long time ago about an application for garage doors based on wifi connections. they discussed BT as well, decided wifi would be much better, try google (open garage wifi) there is even an soft for pda for this.
but there are $50 - $80 ready applications, it's years out there, I reckon the last version would be very reliable.
There is option to put serial GPS, which you can get off ebay for $50 (here is 5pcs for $50 now, if you'll buy it, i'll get two off you)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/5-LOT-Garmin...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35a9b4b768
and the application:
http://www.bladox.com/products.php?lang=en
and I saw other brand with the same thing too.
with this bladox, you can simply set that if you take out key and open & close drivers doors it would lock with timer (that's option what most of available classic alarms too) or a button to lock with timer to leave could be hooked up.
you can set plenty of outputs and inputs, freely configurable. e.g remotely shut the engine, horn the horn, knock on window function...
consuption would be around 20mA on charging mobile. with car battery 100mA is a concern and 200mA permanent current is an issue. (all time running PC = 2A = 2000mA = NO WAY)
locking-unlocking could be done through ring (without answering) or sms.
I would say ring is pretty safe, as who would go through trouble of tempering with gsm switch control to fake your caller ID? (+ who would know about you have this setup + know your car phene num and your phone number)
and if a friend would call you he forget a wallet in your car, you don't need to get up of bed to unlock, just dial.
I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audio quality isn't 100% plus maybe switching/pairing and your mobile needs to be on a charge for playing longer through BT -> no wireless.
use your phone in a disk drive mode and play from PC in car OR
your pda in car through SD to USB adapter (TwinMOS GoGo Egg Card Reader)
there would be limit 64GB for sure, maybe 2GB limit (is it SDHC compatible?)
I don't know nothing about it, only that it exists
Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..
bladox can do + power on your PC which would start streaming video from web cam, you can call to car and tell the guy how he looks like and where he's going and that police is already waiting there.
It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ha, stop dreaming get OBD II and live it!
connect your car engine through cable OR WIFI!! to PC or PDA!! and look at all temperatures, compression levels, exhaust system, error msgs, and if you like make it active and let your car know you feel like having fun now, or maybe more econo mode other time.
OBD II - all cars since yr 96 on US market, $50 -$100 for interface (soft free)
After Google announced almost a full year ago that Android Auto would support phone connections without needing to rely on a USB cable, I have yet to find any news on this.
Is this still happening in the aftermarket HU's? Hoping this doesn't turn into another Android Wear situation where it lacks the attention it needs to make it a market hit.
Hi,
This is called "WIFI Projection", and it's included (hidden) in the last release. No one knows how to enable AND use it. Still in alpha!
I hope current HU with wired AA support can be upgraded to wireless with a simple USB dongle (not a Wifi dongle, but with an AA wireless adapter).
Just to make sure I understood correctly: the option is there in the OS, but it doesn't work on any device as of yet? As if the software support is there, but the hardware support is not?
I'm a bit disappointed that Android Auto wasn't discussed at the I/O keynote... I think there's lots of usability updates required to improve it...
Relevant:
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/0...finally-ready-to-talk-about-its-car-os/?amp=1
What gets me: is it really necessary to use a a different name for this? Chromecast comes in audio-only and video forms, Pixel comes in "XL" and "C" forms also, can't they just name it something like "Android Auto Standalone" and call it a day? It serves the same end goal of getting Android into your car's radio/head unit.
Still no news of the phone-based Android Auto and wireless that I can find. That said, if everything will be integrated into the radio to begin with, I'd welcome the lack of tethering. Might even get back to developing Android apps for myself now that I have a use for them, but for my car this time! Hopefully the aftermarket guys will be smart enough to bypass Android for the sound processing though. Would hate for a resource-hogging app to kill my radio!
Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about using a rock 64 single board computer like a Raspberry Pi that Android is really supported something like that could work really well as it has gpio outputs for various functions USB inputs for audio dacs and DAB radio and can work with touch screens or even projectors for heads up.
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
So, quickly searched on google about raspberry pi and banana pi possibilities, there are some power supplies for in car use, basically they simulate a shut down from the button with a delay. That looks very good, very easy to do and also very cheap. But, how fast can boot a raspberry or banana pi running Remix OS? Does anyone know?
yoiedi said:
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make it turn off and on with the ignition, just plug it into a 12v line that is powered when ignition is on. Generally the 12v line to your head unit fits that criteria. If you want constant power to keep the device in standby mode, you can connect a relay to an a wire that is powered when the car is powered, then use the relay to short the pins of the standby button.
For boot time, you can achieve quite a bit of improvement by getting the fastest sdcard you can buy.
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check these out http://www.hardkernel.com/main/main.php
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you get an android head unit?
gtxaspec said:
Why don't you get an android head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you didn't read, I couldn't find any that works with an external sound card(DAC). My audio system is quite expensive, made for sound quality, and of course I want the head unit to be as good as possible. An external sound card with optical output I think is the best you can get.
Google search "raspberry pi alternative" theres lots of these little gadgets now adays, raspberry pi 3B is one of the most popular ( and cheapest) but there are more out there that are more powerful & better hardware.. The ASUS Tinkerboard is becoming popular as well I think I may be getting one for a streaming machine.
I've already purchased the PC and ordered the PSU. The price for all those components(+ a 30gb ssd) was under 100£ so not very expensive. Why I went for a pc instead of a single board pc? I don't know, maybe because I have no previous experience with them. Yes is true that is way much bigger than a raspberry alternative and the power consumption as well but I don't mind, maybe in the future when I'll get bored again I will try one of those pc's.
So, I've tried to install the Android X86 64bit (there is one version on internet with a patch that removes the confirmation message when you want to shut it down) on this pc with no success, all I've got was a black screen or a continuous reboot. Found out that Android X86 64bit is not so friendly with AMD cpu's. Should've search for that before buying it. Anyway, tried the 32bit version so that one works very well but I didn't find any with that patch installed. How can I remove that confirmation message when the power button is pressed?
Thanks.
first tests, quite happy with it, still lot of work to do.
https://youtu.be/lNJmRjXG81A
Odroid C2 with android + kodi