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Nexus 7 Head-unit Install
Hi all, long time reader, first time poster. I'm working on a Nexus 7 Car Head-unit install, and figured I would post my working through the install, hardware, software, and kinda just help all the tons of people I see out there who have the same idea, but just have no idea how to go about it.
This is ment to be half a tutorial (once everything is done) and half a brainstorming to give me idea's for things I haven't thought of or considered. I'll be coming back and updating this OP with pictures, and the build as it gets worked on.
Goals of the Install
I want to be able to run my entire car off the Nexus. I have already set up wifi tethering from my S3 to get internet into the Nexus, and thus open up a realm of possibilities. Necessary features are Nav, and Music. I rarely call from my car, but in car calling would be a nice feature to have as well. I also go out to the track ever now and again, and adding car stats (boost, RPM logging, acceleration, mapping) would be great. The biggest reason to do the install is that one the hardware is configured, you literally have a ultimately customizable setup that will take years to outdate.
The Hardware
1 x 2003 Subaru WRX
1 x Nexus 7
1 x Samsung Galaxy S3 (T-Mobile)
1 x MRX-V60 - Alpine 5-Channel Subwoofer Amplifier
1 x 7 Channel Equalizer
lots of hacked wiring
The Software
This is where I would love some feedback on on what I may be missing, better solutions to what I have suggested, and just some general awesome idea's!
Music:
Pandora, Play Music, DI.fm, Soundcloud, Radio.com
In Car Phone/Text:
Talkatak, Google Voice
OBDII Support: (Future Project)
Right now this is not a nessiacty as the hardware to do this could get very tricky. However I know I can read from the OBDII port with a bluetooth OBDII dongel and an app like Torque Lite. However I do own a tatrix cable, and am considering if it would be possible to go from the USB to the tablet, and find an app/write one what allows for the tablet to control the car in real time.
Nav:
Google Navigation, Local
Track Apps:
aLapHD
The Two Builds
There are two ways to go about this. The first would be the simple and easy way which is to hack together a charger wired to the power source of the car, and use that to keep the tablet charged. Then run a 3.5mm audio into the amp, and have sound run from there. There are a few issues with that. 1. There will be no volume control, as the Tablet's buttons will be part of the center console. I suppose I can run a controller to the amp, that will let me adjust volume. 2. This will not allow for the possibility of adding OBDII support.
The second option is to purchase a micro USB dock that does audio out. Hack it apart, and run the audio to the amp, and the power to the power. This would be necessary if I want to do a full USB ODBII connection (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong), and would be much "cleaner" when it comes time to take the tablet out of the car for any reason (hardwire sync, parking in the "ghetto").
What I need Help with
Have any idea's. Tried something similar and have some tips. Have suggestions for apps, hardware configurations I haven't listed, or just generally want to say "sick man". Please let me know. I would love to have some people who are also interested in doing this join in on my build, and we can work together to eliminate any issues to make tablet installs easier. I will be coming back and updating this OP throughout the entire process so please look for updates!
Thanks All!
(reserved for pics)
Check out a half-DIN equalizer or crossover to solve your volume, fading, equalizing concerns... can't post a link because this is first post!
I'd like do do this in the future... I hope someone comes out with a custom set of apps that make this really cool and easy... maybe even a custom ROM.
Basically what I'd want out of this is:
Auto-on with power. Auto off after 10 minutes of no power. FM radio tuner. Maybe the ability to connect a rear-view camera (wifi?). Bluetooth OBDII would be good enough for me.
I'd also appreciate the ability to connect to at least one camera and use it as a DVR, but I think that it would probably be beyond feasibility with the Nexus 7...
What I really want to see is the ability for the Nexus to be a full Bluetooth head unit. I want it to pair with my phone for both internet (already do this, works great) and have it act as a headset essentially. This is the part that appears to not exist anywhere. The ability for the Android Tablet to act as a hands free device. I mean if a car stereo can fully integrate with your phone read your address book, start and answer calls hands free, stream music, everything from your phone then why the heck not the tablet! Someone needs to write the BT stack that can handle that. Apparently it doesn't exist for android. It exists for Windows, but not Android. That is just wrong. Are there any car stereo head units running Android as their OS? If so can someone dump their rom so we can see what all it can do for a project like this?
I really want this!
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
Nexus 7 in altima
sneakk said:
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Can you upload a picture of your install? I own a altima and I am looking to install the Nexus 7 on my dash as well. And also, did your factory stereo have bluetooth? If not, what are you streaming bluetooth to?
Thanks
Just gonna subscribe as I thought of doing something similar
Sent from my LG-E739 using Tapatalk 2
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
timskyline86 said:
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone can post on his site, tell him to connect two middle pins in usb plug, then it will start charging from the lighter socket.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2
Does anyone know of a micro USB dock/cable that then splits to power, usb, and audio? I know of one's that will do 2 of the three, but nothing that does all three. Maybe just a USB and power one, and run the audio straight out of the 3.5mm on the N7.
Amp was ordered, and will be here next week. Prelimanary fitment pics coming soon...
Hello, I'm considering permanently mounting a nexus 7 in my car. It seems like the perfect in car device.
With this in mind I have updated my CarHome Ultra app to better accommodate the Nexus 7 screen. I will be posting a new video soon showing it running on the 7.
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Jonnym said:
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Load a hand full of mp3s on the device. Then use Tasker to switch to switch to your favorite music player when reception is bad
Sent from my LG-E379 running ICSyndicate 2.0
I am actually currently doing a very similar project with a Nexus 7 and my Nissan 350z
I am planning on installing the Nexus 7 inside my dash (to replace sat nav dash)
HOWEVER
what about routing the power button on the tablet? Because If you cant access the power button the tablet will only get power when the car is on and if you dont use the car for a day or two the tablets battery would go flat and next time you turn on the car the tablet would go into charging mode (screen with charging battery only) and not boot up into android jelly bean.
Theres 2 potential solutions:
1. Open the tablet and wire the power button to a custom one, however on opening it I have found the button is actually a physical push press button and cannot be wired.
2. There is potential to change a file on the android system to tell the tablet to boot up when a charger is plugged in, check these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1187631
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1815131
Any updates from the OP?
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
regalpimpin said:
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What OBD ll connector are you using?
tallyforeman said:
What OBD ll connector are you using?
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Click to collapse
xitech xr7 purchased off amazon over a year ago.
http://www.amazon.com/XiTech-ELM327...TF8&qid=1347466620&sr=1-3&keywords=xitech+xr7
Never had any problems with it.
Despite working in the car industry and loving gadgets and mod-ing...I haven't really seen what people are up to these days in terms of car mods. The Nexus 7 makes so much sense and looks great!
Hey all
Just to add to the discusion;
Radio/DAB
Frontier silicon are the only company that I can find that do an app that can control an external radio and stream it's signal to the tablet as opposed to picking up the signal over the cellular network.
App:
Their page
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/software/DOK_App.html
Play store
http://tinyurl.com/d24gwm4
Module:
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/modules/briefs/Venice6_PB.pdf
now the problem with this is, aside from building the module in somewhere' the audio out as it feeds out of the module, but I was thinking I could use some form of y split cables near to my amps 'in'.
Media storage and playback
As far as storage for everything video/audio atc and a player to match I was thinking of useing xmbc
http://xbmc.org/
andriod port;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1813089
and pairing this with a WiFi DLNA HDD that I would wire in remoted off (say in the boot)
GPS
For improved gps I was going to use an external bluetooth gps reciver then allow mock locations on the tablet, there are also a few apps that help with this.
This app seems to have good support and a nice help page.
App:http://tinyurl.com/a9s7gvo
An example of a external GPS receiver
http://tinyurl.com/a339vu7
Hands Free
The only work round I seem to have found atm though far from perfect is this
http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1919
it allows you to to 'cut in' the audio stream, but (can't fins the tread now will keep looking) the guy who was playing round with this was having audio issues.
not an idea solution but workable.
before my mind starts melting again;
How I plan to implement the tablet is to use tasker to wake the tablet when power is supplied then shut of down after, if I disable all kinds of connectivity when tablet shuts down then reactivates when it wakes up everything should run smoothly. Power will be cut because I'll wire in the ignition live, like you do in a stereo anyway, an this shouldn't put a drain on my battery to much, an if the dash build is good it shouldn't be too much of an issue extracting the tablet to hard boot anyway.
Volume and Audio
Volume and audio quality is another issue that needs to be addressed.
http://tinyurl.com/d2zbbnf
Seems like an ok work round.
Another way would be to install a direct in-line volume control as suggested in other threads, and put in an external DAC or hardwired EQ.
On a side note I came across this........ http://www.crutchfield.com/p_773AIRDAC/NuForce-Air-DAC-Receiver.html?tp=59282 ........ although you need to use their plug in senders but I'm sure this can be worked round with the knowledge on this forum, an would provide a very nice solution. then again there are quite a few bluetooth devices around. this probably wouldn't allow for in-line controls though.
well thats it for now, hope this helps push this forward to a working system
ben
nice build thread containing alot of theses ideas;
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
Hey guys
So I recently got the Nokia Lumia 1020 after being an android user since day one. Rooted and everything
I have couple of issues and questions that have arise since then.
1. How can I change the search button to bring up google instead of bing? I have read that you have to change your language to Russia but I would not want to do that
2. With my Note 3, HTC one and other previous android devices, I was able to use maps with speech and use the FM radio on my deck together. Android would just mute the FM radio and give me the next direction.
With WP8, it seems like I have to select bluetooth source in order for speech to work, however I can no longer listen to the radio at the same time. Is there a fix/workaround for this?
3. NFC tags.. I recently bought a bunch.. however I noticed that you can't have the nfc tags to change the settings but just launch the settings app? So I would need 3 NFC tags to turn off BT, turn off wifi and enable gps? Seems..... any fix?
Thanks
- Sashi
1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.
GoodDayToDie said:
1: Basically not possible until we "root" the 1020. Maybe if a bootloader exploit is found. Otherwise, only devices sold in markets where Bing doesn't have much presence - such as Russia, I guess - support that option. You can install apps for other search engines, but the button is sort of "hard-coded" to the Bing app.
2: WP7 used the Headset mode of Bluetooth (Hands-Free Profile) for driving directions, but that was built into the OS. Apparently Here Drive can't or won't do that (I consider this a regression, since my car doesn't support the audio profile) so the car needs to be using BT audio (A2DP, I think) to give directions. However, as a work-around, you can of course play media *from the phone* and it should work fine (it will be muted while directions are spoken). Whether you use internally stored MP3s, streaming music from the built-in Xbox Music (formerly Zune Pass), one of many apps (such as Pandora), or the phone's built-in FM receiver (requires that headphone wires be connected, since that's what it uses as an antenna, but otherwise possible), you can have your music and directions both.
3: Yeah, for reasons of their own, Microsoft hasn't exposed any way for third-party developers to toggle various settings directly. With that said, though... There's basically no need to turn either BT or WiFi off; they draw extremely little power when not in use (and by default, WiFi turns off while the screen is off and there's no external power anyhow). As for GPS, unlike Android's incomprehensibly wasteful approach, on WP8 it is *always* inactive unless an app or OS feature is explicitly using it, so as long as you remember to close the navigation app when you're done with it, there's no need to manually turn off location services.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for 1 & 3
However with #2, I would like to have my USB that is plugged into my car deck AND driving directions at the same time. With android this is possible... but not with WP8
What? I must be misunderstanding you, because there's no problem at all with having USB plugged in while getting directions. Or did you mean you're getting the music off the USB (you said radio before, which the phone is capable of doing by itself) and hence the USB is a different input that the BT?
My usual approach in my car is cigarette lighter -> USB adapter -> phone -> ripping cable (I'd use BT if my car would do it for music) -> car stereo AUX port, and that works fine for getting both music and directions. Swap out the aux port and the ripping cable for Bluetooth and it will still work fine (as I've found when I had to rent cars).
That's correct, my deck has a Bluetooth source as well as a USB source.
I have to select Bluetooth source in order to get voice directions to the car speakers but if I select USB source the voice navigation no longer works
Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.
GoodDayToDie said:
Yeah, that's a pain. Is there some reason you can't play your music/audiobooks/podcasts/whatever through the phone, though? Yeah, it's annoying to need to change what works, but on the plus side, it's all your media on one fewer device than you're using now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to use USB because that way I can save the storage on my phone for pictures and stuff
I ordered the Kenwood DDX9902S the other day, should arrived on the 28th and I will install on the weekend.
Going to install in my 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring with Bose system.
I chose the DDX9902S over the DDX9702S because it's only $50 more and has 2 more bands of EQ and 2 years of warranty vs 1, and some other stuff.
I chose it over the Pioneer AVIC-4100NEX because it can do the screen mirroring and control the Phone from the touchscreen. (Though the damn Nexus 6 doesn't support video out damn it).
It is too bad the Kenwood only has 1 USB input though, and the Pioneer has TWO and also has an SD card slot. Does a USB hub work?
I'll have to do some creative wiring so I can swap out cables for card reader/etc if I want to view movies and such. The Kenwood can playback mkv files, didn't look up if the Pioneer can.
Ordered it from Crutchfield, $749 + $79 for the steering wheel control/wiring harness, free antenna and dash kit. Since it's so new, it's the same price elsewhere on the internet.
The Crutchfield Mastersheet is stupid. It only shows you how to take out factory audio unit and speakers, nothing about wiring at all. If buying stuff is cheaper elsewhere, do it.
Going to wire up my factory rear view camera to the Kenwood, from the Mazda forums, someone detailed how to do it. Got the items today and will get it prepared for next weekend to install by myself. I'll report back, I might also do a YouTube video since this unit is so new and no one has it.
What phone are u currently using???
cerobles1 said:
What phone are u currently using???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 6
nxt said:
it can do the screen mirroring and control the Phone from the touchscreen. (Though the damn Nexus 6 doesn't support video out damn it).
It is too bad the Kenwood only has 1 USB input though, and the Pioneer has TWO and also has an SD card slot. Does a USB hub work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you expect to mirror, instead of running Android Auto ?
Pioneer is limited in what it can do on each port. I think iPhone/iPod goes to port 2 while firmware updates and Android Auto are port 1.
In theory, anywhere a phone works, a phone plugged into a USB hub should work. But don't underestimate the need to get a quality hub and cables for reliable connections.
I have no idea if the Kenwood supports flash or other USB stuff besides a phone, and at the same time a phone is connected.
mikereidis said:
So you expect to mirror, instead of running Android Auto ?
Pioneer is limited in what it can do on each port. I think iPhone/iPod goes to port 2 while firmware updates and Android Auto are port 1.
In theory, anywhere a phone works, a phone plugged into a USB hub should work. But don't underestimate the need to get a quality hub and cables for reliable connections.
I have no idea if the Kenwood supports flash or other USB stuff besides a phone, and at the same time a phone is connected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I will use Android Auto but would like to check out the screen mirroring too, for apps that don't support Auto / 'appradio' yet.
I've downloaded the manual and the Kenwood does support movies and music on a USB flash drive, but no mention of hubs or simultaneously connected to phone.
I just installed the DDX9702s over the weekend. It's a pretty good unit, Android Auto works flawlessly with my Sony Z3, and the external GPS makes it super accurate. Kenwood's interface is so freaking ugly though
Android Auto is also incredibly finicky on my wife's OnePlus with CyanogenMod. I flashed to 12.1 nightlies hoping to resolve some of the issues but it's no better.
The iDatalink Maestro was also fun to install, it requires taping some wires on your ODBII port. My tip there is grab a right-angle generic ODBII to Serial cable on Amazon/Ebay for $10 then cut it up and splice it into the iDatalink Meastro harness. That way you can just plug it in rather than t-taping or hard-wiring the maestro cable to your car. You can also re-pin the ODBII port as well, but splicing an extra ODBII cable seemed like the best option if I ever want to go back to stock.
jonowar said:
Android Auto is also incredibly finicky on my wife's OnePlus with CyanogenMod. I flashed to 12.1 nightlies hoping to resolve some of the issues but it's no better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't start or what ? Sometimes enabling/disabling USB debugging can help with getting a phone connected.
I saw the news about 1+2 not having NFC. It appears NFC is required to trigger Android Auto over Wifi connections, so that could be an issue for the new 1+2.
mikereidis said:
Doesn't start or what ? Sometimes enabling/disabling USB debugging can help with getting a phone connected.
I saw the news about 1+2 not having NFC. It appears NFC is required to trigger Android Auto over Wifi connections, so that could be an issue for the new 1+2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it won't start unless I "forget all cars" and go through the acceptance dance again then most of the time it freezes or just shows a blank black screen. I can't believe how much difference the Sony Z3 is, it works flawlessly every time.
jonowar said:
Yea, it won't start unless I "forget all cars" and go through the acceptance dance again then most of the time it freezes or just shows a blank black screen. I can't believe how much difference the Sony Z3 is, it works flawlessly every time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It MIGHT be due to bad USB connections; maybe the USB port isn't tight.
Android Auto tends to freak out if USB isn't a perfect connection.
mikereidis said:
It MIGHT be due to bad USB connections; maybe the USB port isn't tight.
Android Auto tends to freak out if USB isn't a perfect connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the same cable for my Sony though, which means it's the port on the OPO which is only a few months old
I'll give it a shot with the official OPO cable just to make sure.
I guess it's time for USB C.
jonowar said:
I'm using the same cable for my Sony though, which means it's the port on the OPO which is only a few months old
I'll give it a shot with the official OPO cable just to make sure.
I guess it's time for USB C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying that it IS the port, just that it's a possibility.
I have about 15 test devices and I don't think any ports are bad, even after years of use.
I DO have cheap USB cables that are pretty bad though.
Trying other cables is the best idea I have, besides wiggling the cable a bit to see if Android Auto stops.
mikereidis said:
I'm not saying that it IS the port, just that it's a possibility.
I have about 15 test devices and I don't think any ports are bad, even after years of use.
I DO have cheap USB cables that are pretty bad though.
Trying other cables is the best idea I have, besides wiggling the cable a bit to see if Android Auto stops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, you were right! The OPO cable works perfectly! Thanks for the tip.
Have the same unit... Love it, look on the Kenwood website, there is a firmware upgrade for our units
Frankenberrie said:
Have the same unit... Love it, look on the Kenwood website, there is a firmware upgrade for our units
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! thanks for the heads up, 100mb.
It says to do a reset after, is that necessary, kenwood has a ton of settings.
nxt, been eagerly waiting for your DDX9902S in depth review. Did I miss it? If so, please point me in the right direction. If not, I'd love to hear your thoughts now that you've been using it for a few months, especially if you've had a chance to compare it to the 4100NEX and from an Android perspective (mirroring vs Auto). Thanks
Frankenberrie said:
Have the same unit... Love it, look on the Kenwood website, there is a firmware upgrade for our units
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
senseimike said:
nxt, been eagerly waiting for your DDX9902S in depth review. Did I miss it? If so, please point me in the right direction. If not, I'd love to hear your thoughts now that you've been using it for a few months, especially if you've had a chance to compare it to the 4100NEX and from an Android perspective (mirroring vs Auto). Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote a pretty long review on Crutchfield but ran out of space. I ended up not making a video review because... it's not that great.
Just like any head unit, the regular UI for radio/settings/menus/audio/etc is ugly.
Anyways, here's some info going from the HU itself then Android Auto.
The Kenwood only has 1 USB. It charges your phone very very slowly, but it can charge it to 100% if you keep it connected long enough even while using Android Auto. (I do 6-7hour drives every other weekend).
1 USB, so 1 USB device connected and that's it. The Pioneers have a dedicated SD card slot, you can store music on it and leave it in there forever.
Putting about 64GB of music on a USB 3.0 Flash drive, the Kenwood took a very long time to get complete ID3 tags. So I'm forced to listen to Adele when it starts up, or manually choosing another folder before I can shuffle ALL songs.
The Kenwood supports various file formats, it can even play video files! Too bad all the .MKV files I have, no audio is decoded.
Bluetooth audio. Very little lag, steering wheel control to skip tracks almost instantly changes the tracks. My stock HU there was 2-3 second delay. ID3 tags show up properly. I primarily use Google Play Music app. I mostly use Android Auto mode when using to music though.
Bluetooth Phone. Works fine, I have a 2014 Mazda CX-5, I put the microphone where the stock microphone was. People can hear me perfectly. Android Auto voice commands have no issues hearing me either.
I have a Nexus 6 and when it was on 5.x.x, the Bluetooth Phonebook on the headunit would be SCREWED UP. No names, and just a ton of phone numbers. I installed Android 6.0 that was released a few days ago and Contacts information show up perfectly.
The Kenwood's backup camera input works really well. I can turn on the car and as the Kenwood is still booting up, if I put the car in reverse, the backup camera would be displayed! I'm pretty surprised with this and love it. The Kenwood takes a while to boot up.
The Kenwood, like most high end HUs have a TON of audio settings. I'm no car stereo buff so I mostly leave everything at default since I don't know half of what the settings mean. Each audio input has it's own audio setting which is great. My car has the factory Bose system and it sounds even better with the Kenwood.
The Kenwood has built in iHeartRadio/Pandora/Aupeo! "apps" that's supposed to work with your phone. It's junk, I've given up trying to make that work and just do regular Bluetooth Streaming.
Kenwood also has a SmartPhone control mode where if you can get your phone to video output into the Kenwood's HDMI or AV input, you can load the Kenwood App, and control your phone from the Kenwood's touchscreen, so you can use Waze or other apps directly. The app sucks and doesn't get my touches correctly. Don't rely on it, it's not reliable.
So yeah it has 1 HDMI input you can use with your iPhone using video adapter, or Android or whatever else.
It has DVD slot for movies/audio cds, I've never used it.
HD Radio. The radio interface really sucks, but it works. The way to change an HD station from HD1 to HD2 is really dumb and annoying. it has 3 different "seek" modes when you press the >> or << button. Seek1 auto scans to the next station that it can grab. Seek2 is manual seek. Then there's Auto where it changes to your next Preset.
Then there's the CHup and CHdown buttons. So if you're locked into an HD station and you want to change to HD2 you press the CHup or CHdown button, but that only works if you're in Seek2 (or maybe Seek1, I forgot), if you're not, all it does is the same as >> or <<. It makes no sense because CHup and CHdown acts EXACTLY like the >> and << buttons.
I have a ZuneHD with a special car aux box for it, I use it in AV1, works and sounds fine but when I put it into video mode I get a lot of interference. Not sure if it's the Kenwood or my aux box for it.
The Kenwood's video controls suck too. It's just hard to adjust and get proper color/brightness/etc.
At night, it's too bright, and lowering Brightness and "Blackness" levels, it gets hard to see/read the screen. So to make things clearly readable, screen has to be a little bright. There is a way to set holding Menu button and the screen will turn off until you press screen or a button.
OK Android Auto, I won't talk about Android Auto itself, there's many reviews and videos about it. I'll talk about how well it works with the Kenwood.
When it works it's great, but it's a coin toss if it'll work great on this drive, or the next.
Plug in USB cable to the phone and you're prompted to press OK on a warning screen on the Kenwood. The Apps icon turns into Android Auto.
Again, when it works, it works. Here's when it doesn't:
On my road trips, I would get into car, search the destination, and start navigation.
About 5 minutes later, Android Auto on the Kenwood would shut off and you're taken back to the main menu and the Apps icon return. Phone's Android Auto app is shutdown. There's no way to relaunch Android Auto without unplugging the USB and plugging it back in. On my last road trip, I did this about 4-5 times, then I decided to start Play Music while navigating, then it worked and had no issues. On my drive home, I started music right away with navigation and it still shutdown every few minutes. Unplugging and plugging back a few more times then it worked with no issues. It's completely random.
On my drive to work and back home, I drive through some low cell signal areas. When my phone looses signal and then catches signal back, Android Auto's screen would BLINK. Navigation wouldn't stop, music wouldn't stop, the screen would just BLINK. It's distracting.
Phone calls go through Bluetooth still, but it works well from the Android Auto screen. I'm sort of impressed how it works.
It's possible to listen to another audio source (HD Radio, CD, etc) while in Android Auto navigation, just press menu button, pick your source, then go back to Android Auto.
Android Auto I believe needs a lot of work. It's still in its infancy and the missing features and odd limitations Google has with it frustrates and confuses me.
Kenwood released a firmware update 9/17/2015.
Changelog is: Changed the specification of Volume function. Improved stability.
I hadn't noticed any improved stability.
That's all for now. Ask your questions and I'll try to answer them.
About Mirroring vs. Android Auto.
My Nexus 6 unfortunately does not support video out. I'm pretty pissed. The new Nexus 6P won't either, damn it Google!
So what I did to test was to hook up a Chromecast to the Kenwood's HDMI input.
Then I would set up my phone to be a hotspot, the Chromecast would connect to it, then I was Cast my Phone's screen to the Chromecast. Totally going in a circle LOL. (This will eat up your cell data FYI).
But it does work and my screen shows up on the Kenwood's screen.
The issue is the Kenwood's SmartPhone Control app like I mentioned in the above post.
It does not sync up properly so my touches on the Kenwood's screen, does not touch the right area of my Phone's screen.
I've never used the Pioneer 4100 so unfortunately I can't compare.
I believe that having TWO USB ports on the Pioneer and a dedicated SD card slot is BIG!
It's so annoying swapping out my Phone with a USB Flash drive.
If I were to do it again, I would probably get the Pioneer because of the TWO USB and SD card slot.
I chose the Kenwood because of the higher audio capability (EQ) and the App Mirroring (which sucks now that I've tried it), also it was cheaper than the comparable Pioneer high end model.
Hello, I ordered a DDX9702S and installed it in my '09 Civic Si. I've got a Nexus 6P and have been experiencing odd audio glitches, and I was wondering if you could test something for me.
When I play music, everything is fine until I get an audible notification or use the Voice Search. After that there is an audible buzzing/frying noise in the tweeters of my stereo when a bassy note hits. Once the noise starts, it doesn't stop until I reboot my head unit. Could you see if you have the same problem? I don't know whether it's Android Auto in general, my Kenwood stereo, or what. I've also reproduced the issue with 2 other Nexus 6P's and a Nexus 5, so I know it's not just my phone or model. I know yours is a different model, but it's worth a try to see if it's just me.
Steps to reproduce:
App to use:
Either Google Play Music All Access or Spotify
Song to use:
Rearrange by Vérité - the beginning of the song is quiet with a bassy beat, making it easy to spot the distortion / static.
Steps:
Turn on the head unit and plug in your phone (I used a Nexus 6P and a Nexus 5)
Once Android Auto is running, go to your music app and play Rearrange by Vérité. I find its easier to play the song if you add it to a playlist titled "1" (without the quotes) first, so it's at the top of your playlists.
You'll notice that the beginning of the song is quiet with a bassy beat. After about 10 seconds, hit the microphone in the top right of the screen to activate the Google Now Voice feature. Once it gives an audible beep, hit the microphone button again to cancel.
Hit back on the screen to start the song over. At this point, on my stereo, every bassy beat is accompanied by a static in the tweeters of my stereo. This happens on every song I play, even the radio, but it's much easier to hear on quiet songs like the one I gave as a suggestion to test with.
The static continues even if you disconnect/reconnect the phone. The only think that stops it is restarting the head unit by turning it off and back on. If you use Google Now again or a notification comes in and makes an audible sound, the static will come back. It seems, to me, that any notifications or audio playback from an Android device will cause the head unit to distort the sound until the head unit is rebooted. If nothing happens to cause the distortion, sound quality is stellar.
Hope you're able to test this, and thanks in advance!
DDX9702S
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
I'm looking to get a single DIN flip screen style head unit. Looks like there are really only 2 quad core options out there:
Eonon GA1312: Seems to be relatively popular Klyde design and shows up under a few other "brand" names. It meets my needs but the basic downsides here being the 800x480 screen and typical lack of an external microphone. From a Youtube walk through it looks like it is a KLD5 MCU.
Erisin 3090A: This looks like an upgraded quad core version of the Erisin 8990A (dual core system). This unit has the upsides of a 1024x600 screen, an external microphone (important given this is going in a loud sports car), options for DAB radio and DVB-T TV (not useful here in the US), and a removable face plate. (I can't post links but the specs are posted at the first google search link for "ES3090A")
Needless to say the Erisin looks like the better on paper, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. Anyone have any experience, thoughts, or comments on this unit?
I got both.
Eonon GA1312:
Bluetooth is total crap , no one can hear you in a call .
Missing 3g apn setup
unable to change panel leds color, they are blue and blinding.
no detachable front fascia
front usb and front audio in
Simple to root with a password.
Some apps cannot pass the initial screen due to low Res.
Shutdown timer does not work.
It has configurable reserve camera lines
Erisin 3090A
Bluethooth calling is great plus it has an additional external mic.
Device seems to have 2 Bluetooth devices , one for the phone and other for android
Any color you fancy for the panel leds
detachable front fascia
Can only be rooted via king root ( i was able to replace king root with superuser)
missing multitask button.
No front usb or audio in.
Shutdown timer set a 10 seconds, unable to change so far.
Dos not have configurable reserve camera lines ( most cameras come with lines integrated anyway.)
Both units have the same cpu.
Both units DVR are crap,most of the time they ether crash or fail to start.
The Eonon GA1312 has most setting integrated into the android control panel while the other unit has several other apps to change settings.
Also the Eonon GA1312 seems to have slightly better sound out of the box.
Hope it helps
Erisin a3090 a3090aen 3090aen android quadcore
After extensive reseach ,I also considered a couple of options.
I have a supra mk4 1993. It's double din sits quite low, so opted for a single din with fold out display. So i used the upper part of the space..
Also considered the dvb and TV for posible future uses.
Also there is a reverse camera input with reverse sensor contact as well as the expected dvr with the plug and play USB camera.
I tried a couple of USB cameras and the unit crashed or the app crashed, thought it was a pile of cap,* however I read that it has to be the camera supplied by Erisin. After purchase, the camera has been 100% . Dvr loop, 3 ,5 and 10 mins with option to use specific memory, adjustable up to 500mb.
Not tried the reverse camera as yet.
The Bluetooth works well, I have connected the android phone via Bluetooth for music and the torque unit. They work as expected.
However I did find that on occasions, the phone would knock off when I tired to activate the obd2 Bluetooth adaptor. ( got a converter adaptor on ebay £14)
I got around this by connecting the phone first.
I've not yet tried to connect 3 or more devices as yet.
The 4 really annoying thing are,
1. When on a Bluetooth call, you cannot access the android unit. It seems to lock on to the call screen.
2. Fast processor,* my arse.* More like missing a couple of cores. Slower than my galaxy s5. But fast enough for the pleasures it brings.
3. The Google voice app and other voice apps say error when trying to use. "Mic not working", (something like that).
The mic works normal on the phone and the voice memo apps.
The same happened on another new unit.
4. It seems like there is a limited memory for apps. Can't seem to change where they are stored.
I got about 6 apps totaling around 600mb. And it ran out of storage.
Other things like no AM Radio.
The screen only folds up to 90° angle exactly, so if it's low down on the dash, it may be an issue.
No mic on the dvr they provide,* or the app doesn't support it.
The Satnav could do with having the speed cameras info. But It didn't,* it does have the option to warn for it and others, in the settings though.
The WiFi works well if very close to the antenna otherwise seems to go weak very fast when creating a small distance.
I tested it with a new extended wifi antenna, and actually got a slower speed, but that could be a faulty lead!
I actually was able to test 2 units as I wanted to make sure that my initial unit was working as it should.
And it was. So I returned the second unit after extensive comparisons on data speed and app response times etc.
Despite the problems, I am sure I made the correct decision.
Amazing piece of kit considering I'm updating an old double din of 10 year old with satnav etc.
I use it via a "hotspot" , from my phone. Works really well.
Memory locations and availability work well.
Sound is great.
Ended up costing me £215 after I complained about the mic thing.
I'm sure that another app is blocking the mic from working on the Google thing and other voice apps.
Any or update would be really appreciated to help with my issues above.
I hope I have been of some help.
Contact me at [email protected]
Thanks
Is this a MTCB unit? Can I install Malaysk ROM on it?
I would like some recommendations for a double din head unit. I wanted to have nav, rear view cam support, aux and 4G/WiFi.
I was going to make my own system with a raspberry pi, but after pricing stuff out I'm gonna be looking at a similar price of $200+. So I would rather just buy an android head unit since that's the OS I want to use anyway and it's still not that smooth on a rasperry pi. Although Google is going to offically suport it soon.
Thanks
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
Check on Crutchfield.com. I've only seen one unit that runs wifi(its alot more the $200), and havent seen one that runs cell band
Check out 'Joying'. You will have it in a few days.
If they have a package for your car then she is plug&play. Many of the units are the same but come with different stuff so the price changes. Some have volume knobs - do get that.
Joying... (can't post links so you have to type in)
carjoying-dot-com
I personally got this setup for my Nissan Frontier truck...
and i now have the 5.1 update hardware to update from kitkat. You might want to ask for the 5.1 models.
Yeah after I have been looking around the joying is probably what I'm gonna go with.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
The unit I got was the 'JY-NQ128'.
If you search for it on the joying site you will see it is set up for Nissan cars/trucks meaning they include plug and play cables for that vehicle so it's working in minutes.
That part number also comes with backup camera, gps stuff, etc. It has a volume knob on the top. Some other packages will have the same unit at a different price but come with say an OBD2 dongle and a volume button in the middle or no buttons or no navigation. Some have a DVD player.
A note about navigation... You have to ask for it. They will then send you a link for the 'IGO' software and maps. You install it on the blank SD card they include. IGO is kinda a standard I think but you can also use Google maps, Here, Waze, whatever you like. In settings you just set the nav button to whatever.
You can buy cables, backup camera, etc from their site if they don't have a package for your car.
I have bad ears so can't be trusted on its ability to play music but seems to work fine. I bought it mostly for its backup camera, navigation and of course the powerful Android system. My calendar is on there, email, etc.
Nice unit 1024x600 screen too.
daveEM said:
The unit I got was the 'JY-NQ128'.
If you search for it on the joying site you will see it is set up for Nissan cars/trucks meaning they include plug and play cables for that vehicle so it's working in minutes.
That part number also comes with backup camera, gps stuff, etc. It has a volume knob on the top. Some other packages will have the same unit at a different price but come with say an OBD2 dongle and a volume button in the middle or no buttons or no navigation. Some have a DVD player.
A note about navigation... You have to ask for it. They will then send you a link for the 'IGO' software and maps. You install it on the blank SD card they include. IGO is kinda a standard I think but you can also use Google maps, Here, Waze, whatever you like. In settings you just set the nav button to whatever.
You can buy cables, backup camera, etc from their site if they don't have a package for your car.
I have bad ears so can't be trusted on its ability to play music but seems to work fine. I bought it mostly for its backup camera, navigation and of course the powerful Android system. My calendar is on there, email, etc.
Nice unit 1024x600 screen too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your unit have android auto Capabilites?
lbus9168 said:
Does your unit have android auto Capabilites?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure. I've not researched Android Auto but I suspect it is totally limited (AA).
My unit is full blown Android. You have to be careful here. For example streaming a movie while driving is possible. It is initially shut off in settings but you can turn it on.
The unit is like a Nexus phone. No limitations.
daveEM said:
Not sure. I've not researched Android Auto but I suspect it is totally limited (AA).
My unit is full blown Android. You have to be careful here. For example streaming a movie while driving is possible. It is initially shut off in settings but you can turn it on.
The unit is like a Nexus phone. No limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the biggest thing im looking for is a nice driving friendly UI, with good navigation. Android auto ticks all my requirements.
How about “Pumpkin”?
Android 5.1 Lollipop Stereo https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-UNIVERSAL-Mirror-link-Bluetooth/dp/B0197X0IKM