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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?
Click to expand...
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
I thought it may be interesting to have a thread where Nexus 6 users with the supporting hardware systems could post: Tips, How to's, experience, etc. about the Android Auto APK and Nexus 6 devices. Please feel free to enlighten all who enter. :good:
Android auto is just a remote display and sound, isn't it? I don't find it particularly interesting since it *depends* on the phone for the "android" aspect. It is a much better option to install an Android HU in the car, then it isn't functionally dependent on the phone.
Not sure if you're asking or telling.
doitright said:
Android auto is just a remote display and sound, isn't it? I don't find it particularly interesting since it *depends* on the phone for the "android" aspect. It is a much better option to install an Android HU in the car, then it isn't functionally dependent on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a mobile application for using your phone in a car. It displays on the cars touch screen and is controlled by voice commands. It only uses the bluetooth stack for phone calls, all other sound and video comes from the phones usb port. This equates to better audio and clear, crisp video. By the way, it only works on the latest Android HU.
i've been using it with my Pioneer 4100-NEX, it works quite well. i wish you could swipe away cards and have more notifications push though (ie, sms and hangouts come through, but not facebook messenger)
all in all i'm pretty happy with it, it's fast, simple, pretty and i've been pleasantly surprised with how responsive the resistive screen on the HU is.
vvveith said:
It is a mobile application
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Its an interface.
for using your phone in a car. It displays on the cars touch screen and is controlled by voice commands. It only uses the bluetooth stack for phone calls, all other sound and video comes from the phones usb port. This equates to better audio and clear, crisp video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Translate to what I said.
By the way, it only works on the latest Android HU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HU does *not* require android to work with android auto.
If you want to try out Android Auto you can sign up for the beta of the app called AutoMate. First you'll need to join the beta group in Google+. Next you'll have to agree to be a beta tester with google play. Then you'll finally be able to download the app. I have been using the app for a couple of days now and I personally think that it is great. Its just like Android Auto, at least from what i've seen in all of the android auto demos. I have a pretty good car mount that can fit the nexus 6 so when I took a 4 hour trip this weekend everything worked flawlessly. The best part is that you've already got a giant 6 inch capacitive screen, why not use it instead of paying at least $800 for the cheap resistive screen version of the pioneer head units.
I have a pretty interesting issue where my Android Wear watch (Moto 360) is being CONSTANTLY pinged by my Nexus 6 while plugged into Android Auto. For the life of me, I can't figure out why. Maps is the only app I use regularly in Android Auto and I have it muted on Android Wear...yet, it's draining my Moto 360 battery QUICKLY every time I plug in. It's the strangest thing. I've had to start putting my 360 into Airplane mode to avoid problems while driving. As soon as I unplug the Nexus from my Android Auto HU, I then have to reconnect my 360 in the Android Wear app...or else it won't reconnect and continues to drain battery.
Seriously the weirdest thing.
yeah I have the pioneer 4100nex and originally was using a Moto G and it works great and then I preorderd the ATT galaxy S6 Edge and received it on tuesday, well the S6 edge doesn't work with the Android Auto, so I returned it and just bought google play edition Nexus 6 64gb, and works perfect, I really like the google navigation, reads texts and you can voice reply to the texts,you can play your google music, I`m very happy with it.:good:
That is not the purpose of this thread.
blakedunc235 said:
If you want to try out Android Auto you can sign up for the beta of the app called AutoMate. First you'll need to join the beta group in Google+. Next you'll have to agree to be a beta tester with google play. Then you'll finally be able to download the app. I have been using the app for a couple of days now and I personally think that it is great. Its just like Android Auto, at least from what i've seen in all of the android auto demos. I have a pretty good car mount that can fit the nexus 6 so when I took a 4 hour trip this weekend everything worked flawlessly. The best part is that you've already got a giant 6 inch capacitive screen, why not use it instead of paying at least $800 for the cheap resistive screen version of the pioneer head units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to believe we all know how to use our phones hands free in a car and need no special app to do that. That's the way most of us have been doing it for the past six years or so since the smartphones came out. A simple bluetooth radio used to give you all you needed paired with your phones screen. But now it's much easier to get into your car, plug your device into your hidden USB port and let it charge with screen off and have a heads up display on your radios big screen while the audio is streamed through USB and the only thing using the bluetooth stack is the phone part of the phone. Sound quality is vastly improved and everything runs so much smoother. Plus the steering wheel controls for answering calls, activating OK google and other voice related options allows you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.
vvveith said:
I like to believe we all know how to use our phones hands free in a car and need no special app to do that. That's the way most of us have been doing it for the past six years or so since the smartphones came out. A simple bluetooth radio used to give you all you needed paired with your phones screen. But now it's much easier to get into your car, plug your device into your hidden USB port and let it charge with screen off and have a heads up display on your radios big screen while the audio is streamed through USB and the only thing using the bluetooth stack is the phone part of the phone. Sound quality is vastly improved and everything runs so much smoother. Plus the steering wheel controls for answering calls, activating OK google and other voice related options allows you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First if your car already has Bluetooth like mine then you still have all of the same controls as the actual android auto head units. Also just like on my phone it's not like you can just say OK Google with the music playing but if the music isn't at least I can just say OK Google even with the screen off as well and will get a response. More that likely a person will still end up looking at the device or take their hands off of the wheel when giving a command. I mean come on, Google now works but everyone knows that it's still not perfect yet. Even on my phone I still have to type out what I'm saying even if I'm annunciating perfectly just FYI... Bluetooth audio has also vastly improved over the years. I would argue that the average person would not even notice the difference between Bluetooth audio and being playing directly over USB. Also don't say that it runs 'so much smoother' because most of us have seen the videos and they are still laggy and still not as responsive as our phone themselves. I was simply giving an option to people who wanted to try out android auto without having to buy a crappy resistive screen head unit unless you wanted to shell out over $1000 for one. Also is not a heads up display... A heads up display would be something out in the area of where the driver will be looking out of the windshield as to not having to take their eyes off of the road ahead.
Please.
blakedunc235 said:
First if your car already has Bluetooth like mine then you still have all of the same controls as the actual android auto head units. Also just like on my phone it's not like you can just say OK Google with the music playing but if the music isn't at least I can just say OK Google even with the screen off as well and will get a response. More that likely a person will still end up looking at the device or take their hands off of the wheel when giving a command. I mean come on, Google now works but everyone knows that it's still not perfect yet. Even on my phone I still have to type out what I'm saying even if I'm annunciating perfectly just FYI... Bluetooth audio has also vastly improved over the years. I would argue that the average person would not even notice the difference between Bluetooth audio and being playing directly over USB. Also don't say that it runs 'so much smoother' because most of us have seen the videos and they are still laggy and still not as responsive as our phone themselves. I was simply giving an option to people who wanted to try out android auto without having to buy a crappy resistive screen head unit unless you wanted to shell out over $1000 for one. Also is not a heads up display... A heads up display would be something out in the area of where the driver will be looking out of the windshield as to not having to take their eyes off of the road ahead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please try and understand what I started this thread for. It is for those of us who are using Android Auto with a supporting head unit. Just like back a few months ago, I was using the sync system in my car. I have never had any issues with my voice to text, every once in a while a word would be incorrect, but the more you use it in a quite environment the better your results get. My text messaging reads back my response before it sends and I can either allow it to send or say the message again. I have not had to touch my phone in a car for five years and don't plan on doing anything like that today even with the radios display. The idea of hands free is exactly that, Hands Free. If you don't have the tech to support and help contribute to developing apps that help alleviate the use of hands in the car, this is not the forum thread for you. I don't know what music application you prefer, but the ones I use I pay a premium for because they offer me higher bandwidth and truer sound. And you can immediately here the difference between bluetooth and wired. It's been rumored already that Bluetooth is soon to become extinct and it seems that is the way mobile tech is rolling. BTW, HU the way I was using it my Head Unit not heads up.
The good part is.....
doitright said:
Android auto is just a remote display and sound, isn't it? I don't find it particularly interesting since it *depends* on the phone for the "android" aspect. It is a much better option to install an Android HU in the car, then it isn't functionally dependent on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the ideal, but very few cars come with a built in cellular connection, I know they are available but this is the inexpensive way to go. What I like the most about it is the ability to put the phone in my center compartment where the USB outlet is hidden, shut the compartment while the phone is charging and still have access to all of my phones functionality straight from the steering wheel. It's wonderful not to have to look at a screen, and if I do glance at the screen to see a turn that might be coming up or what song is playing on a stream, it is big and clear and takes not even a second to see. Luckily, the Navigation in google maps is pretty trustworthy and gives voice commands with plenty of time to spare so it's rare to even have to look at the Map when moving. My next car will have built in cellular service, it was just still to expensive four years ago when I bought my car and my service provider did not have a system in place for plugging in their tech. They do now but I won't be in the market for another car for at least another year. The thing that got me into having a Android Auto supporting HU is my text messaging application and the sync system, would not play nice together anymore because of changes in Lollipop from kit kat. Sync kept crashing the bluetooth sharing feature anytime I received a text. And since I was using that tech for the past four years, there was no way I was going back to having to touch a screen or try and type a text in the car. The developers I work with tried many fixes to see if we could alleviate the problem, but every thing we tried failed. The problem was immediately remedied with the new HU. Now I'm trying to find others that use the same tech, so we can share our experiences and any other useful features we find or help each other with certain problems one might experience. That is what this thread is about. If you have a Android Auto compatible HU and a Nexus device, this is a place to share.
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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 have a Verizon Galaxy Note 5 (unrooted of course) and a Pioneer AVH-4100NEX car stereo that I run Android Auto on. Just downloaded an app called RockScout to try it out with MirrorLink since the Pioneer supports that as well. Noticed that when you start the app if you hit the back button it allows you to mirror the entire phone screen to the radio with full touchscreen functionality. (I have a parking brake bypass installed). Have only seen this capability with AppRadio Unchained Reloaded and only with rooted phones. Not sure if this is intentional or not. Has anyone else experienced this with MirrorLink apps? It's kind of cool because I have been wanting to use Audible through my radio but there is no Android Auto support yet. This allows it. Probably wouldn't use it for much else as that could be too much of a distraction.
Can't run the app on my avh-x5600bhs with cd-ml100 add on. Any ideas?
jp6304 said:
I have a Verizon Galaxy Note 5 (unrooted of course) and a Pioneer AVH-4100NEX car stereo that I run Android Auto on. Just downloaded an app called RockScout to try it out with MirrorLink since the Pioneer supports that as well. Noticed that when you start the app if you hit the back button it allows you to mirror the entire phone screen to the radio with full touchscreen functionality. (I have a parking brake bypass installed). Have only seen this capability with AppRadio Unchained Reloaded and only with rooted phones. Not sure if this is intentional or not. Has anyone else experienced this with MirrorLink apps? It's kind of cool because I have been wanting to use Audible through my radio but there is no Android Auto support yet. This allows it. Probably wouldn't use it for much else as that could be too much of a distraction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where 2 get the bypass? I want that !
coolguy71261 said:
Can't run the app on my avh-x5600bhs with cd-ml100 add on. Any ideas?
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Click to collapse
Not sure about your stereo but on mine I had to change the phone connection to Mirrorlink from Bluetooth or Android Auto. When it connects the screen will show the Rockscout app. Then hit the back button and it reverts to a full mirror of the screen. Can't run the app until phone is connected via Mirrorlink.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
shollywood said:
Where 2 get the bypass? I want that !
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It was installed when I had the stereo put in. They didn't even ask if I wanted it. They just did I it. I hear they are pretty cheap and easy to install. I believe you can find them on Amazon.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
jp6304 said:
Not sure about your stereo but on mine I had to change the phone connection to Mirrorlink from Bluetooth or Android Auto. When it connects the screen will show the Rockscout app. Then hit the back button and it reverts to a full mirror of the screen. Can't run the app until phone is connected via Mirrorlink.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
My one+ one doesn't have mirrorlink, but the app doesn't use traditional mirror link, if not mistaken.
Bump
It works on Appradio 4 with my rooted S5 and my unrootable S6 but it doesn't work well. Whenever to hit the home button it restarts the Rockscout app and you have to go through the splash screen again. It makes it difficult to quickly toggle to the TouchWiz home screen. Of course you can use the "back" key, but that's annoying if you're several layers deep in an app and just want to get to the home screen. I wish we could reprogram the home button after Rockscout launches.
Just got my pixel 5. When connecting to the car via Bluetooth it's not coming up in the car display what track it is and I'm unable to skip to next track using steering wheel controls. Worked perfectly fine on my Mate 20 pro. Any ideas please? It's driving me mad.
Have yours all connected correctly those that are trying it in cars? This is a deal breaker for me so if not a simple fix it's going back.
Same thing happened here, using Spotify. Weirdly it works on my Pixel 2 XL but not on my Pixel 5.
I've reached out to Google to try find out why. Glad it's not just mine at least.
I have just come across this thread before I posted my own. thank God I'm not the only one who is annoyed as I started to think I was going crazy.
This is an absolute deal breaker for me as well. OP what have you done in the meantime? Have you found a workaround? I have even tried downloading 3rd party bluetooth "manager" apps from the play store but had no luck.
Skip, restart, steering wheel functions don't work and options are greyed out on cars infotainment touch screen.
Didn't have this issue on Pixel 2 Android 10.
Yes i found a work around today after reading through many other forums about other phones.
Basically enable developer mode and then change the AVRCP Bluetooth version to 1.3. Turn off Bluetooth then back on again and hopefully yours will work like mine.
I'm not sure what this does or the disadvantage to doing this but I've found connection better this way also. Let me know how you get in.
You can thank android 11 for that.
I think that what is happening here is that some apps haven't yet caught up with changes and advances in the underlying subsystems in Android 11. One that has is VLC. It is working perfectly for me. (I've tried others that didn't so I'm sure this isn't a bug per se)
It's a little disappointing that more effort wasn't put into maintaining backwards compatibility. However, that can often be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to achieve.
Personally, I don't think that reaching out to Google about this will do any good.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using XDA Labs
Tcukcufc said:
Yes i found a work around today after reading through many other forums about other phones.
Basically enable developer mode and then change the AVRCP Bluetooth version to 1.3. Turn off Bluetooth then back on again and hopefully yours will work like mine.
I'm not sure what this does or the disadvantage to doing this but I've found connection better this way also. Let me know how you get in.
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Click to collapse
I have done this and it had started working. Massive relief, thank you.
Tcukcufc said:
Yes i found a work around today after reading through many other forums about other phones.
Basically enable developer mode and then change the AVRCP Bluetooth version to 1.3. Turn off Bluetooth then back on again and hopefully yours will work like mine.
I'm not sure what this does or the disadvantage to doing this but I've found connection better this way also. Let me know how you get in.
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Click to collapse
You are my absolute saviour! I didn't realise there was a way to revert the Bluetooth version. I thought I was just going to have to wait for a patch!
Tcukcufc said:
Yes i found a work around today after reading through many other forums about other phones.
Basically enable developer mode and then change the AVRCP Bluetooth version to 1.3. Turn off Bluetooth then back on again and hopefully yours will work like mine.
I'm not sure what this does or the disadvantage to doing this but I've found connection better this way also. Let me know how you get in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this info. I'm not sure it's necessary, but I'd also recommend after changing this setting, reboot your phone and delete and re-pair the phone to your radio.