Database Users

Head unit recommendations/comparison?

Maybe you guys can help me out, as I am not new to android but I am new to the idea of android head units. I've done some research but what I'm finding is somewhat limited and I have no hands on experience with any units out there.
I'm looking into purchasing a head unit for my vehicle and am wondering which unit fits my needs best. I'd like something with a 7" touch screen, ability to retain steering wheel controls, backup camera, A/V in and out, support both wifi and bluetooth, and a remote signal out for an aftermarket amplifier. I'd really like to have one with the newest OS available, which to my knowledge points me in the direction of the Ownice C500... Being able to root would definitely be a plus.
I'll continue my research but wanted to reach out here for input as well, thanks!
really leaning towards this unit:
http://www.ownice.com/Pro_Auto DVD GPS Navigation for 2din Universal_405.html

I'm also kind of curious on real performance of these units, as I'm aware an advertised processor speed is not a tell-tale sign of how it will perform, and at this point that is just about all I have to go from.

@bill12690 What did you end up getting?

I ended up getting one of the 7" octacore X-Trons units
edit:
http://xtrons.com/tb706apl-7-hd-dig...ereo-with-screen-mirroring-function-obd2.html

bill12690 said:
I ended up getting one of the 7" octacore X-Trons units
edit:
http://xtrons.com/tb706apl-7-hd-dig...ereo-with-screen-mirroring-function-obd2.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Octa core is great feature. Does it allow you to use steering wheel buttons? Is it 'learning type' SWC?

Also got a xtrons octacore unit and really really like it, I have a BMW so the canbus automatically sends steering wheel controls to the unit. So not sure about your specific car

Best android unit to replace my RCD 510 in Passat B7

Hello everybody,
I'm searching for the best unit for Volkswagen Passat B7 (year 2012) to replace my RCD 510. What I am looking for:
- Android unit with 8'' - 10'' diagonal
- Dual channel Can-Bus - (the unit should display car events: door open, AC temperature settings, parking sensors information)
- VW car steering wheel control support
- DAB+
- Good bluetooth or integration with VW bluetooth module (Is this even possible?)
I've heard about Joying, Seicane and Dasaita and I'm not sure which one is better. Your advice or suggestions will be much appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.
Best Regards

I can hardly answer your question as it stated since I only tried (and use) Joying HU.
I've replaced my RNS-510 mostly because map updates in my region are not supported anymore. Had quite a hard time with Joying, but finally have no any doubts that would do it (change) again.
My HU is 8" with HW buttons, which helps alot: being able to switch to Navi/Radio/Home from any screen is a good thing. CAN bus works OK: climate indication, doors, outside temp, safety belts, fuel, mileage, park sensors, rear view cam, hand brake status, steering wheel controls do work. I did not buy DAB+ and had a hard time with AM/FM radio reception, but changing antenna harness (both were in Joying's direct supply) solved the problem.
BT app is much inferior to the VW factory unit, especially if you do outcoming calls when driving. Incoming calls are also first identified with bare numbers, not names - it corrects on the 2nd call.
I use Huawei E8xxx 4G modem as WiFi hotspot, Joying rear cam and Joying dashcam. All in all - it's a new world which opens to you with Android HU. I could not have something like this (and much more) on factory RNS: https://yadi.sk/i/Zg1TFzHu3PDvou
You plan to abandon RCD unit, which is not a Navi system. For those like me who had RNS Navi - you are going to miss correct tunnel/no GPS guidance and correct direction in the morning when factory Navi knows right from ignition how to make proper guidance. In 3-rd party HU there is no compass, gyros and speed sensor data which are used by a navi program (speed is available via CAN, but a navi program is not aware of it, only GPS). I still agree when VW calls it's 9 year old factory HU a "premium navi".
Sound quality can not compare to factory unit despite that brand new "digital amp" (I have "D" model), but here I am lucky - all my audio interests are in FM news radio.

I also have a Passat 2012 and a Joying Sofia 8" with HW knobs (JY VL130N2).
I am generally very pleased with this combination. Everything works except for
BT indeed is not perfect.
Dasaita units also have a good reputation here. I never had one, so I cannot tell much about those...

Hello,
Thanks for response. I'm wondering if there's a specific model from Joying that's current "the best". At the moment I'm looking at:
VW 6.0 OCTA CORE HEAD UNIT PX5 and VW NEW DIGITAL AMPLIFIER AUTORADIO ANDROID 6.0 HEAD UNIT
If anyone have any other suggestions (Dasaita, Seicane...) please dont hesitate to say. Thanks.
Regards

Do not mess with "octa PX5". The second link is OK, since the part number is DE-JY-VM130N2D - just the same I have. If you have external amp, then "D" model is not recomended, take one without "digital amp" built in - like DE-JY-VM130N2.
With that choice we have a very promising perspective, just take a look here https://forum.carjoying.com/thread-1377-current-state-of-hackishness-.html

ste2002 said:
Do not mess with "octa PX5". The second link is OK, since the part number is DE-JY-VM130N2D - just the same I have. If you have external amp, then "D" model is not recomended, take one without "digital amp" built in - like DE-JY-VM130N2.
With that choice we have a very promising perspective, just take a look here https://forum.carjoying.com/thread-1377-current-state-of-hackishness-.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you saying do not mess with PX5? A lot of users recomends PX5 because it is new and has unofficial support like PX3, so seems more futureproof than anything else right now.

Guidance for Android Head Unit

I currently have a Kenwood KVT614 head unit that I hate with a passion. I can't stand the useless screen (without apps it really serves no purpose), the navigation software and about everything.
As a result I am considering switching the head unit out and I love the idea of something running android.
My car is an electric car and it only has a single DIN slot, so I am somewhat constrained in my choices.
Ideally I am looking for an android head unit that covers the following:
- Can run android apps, e.g. navigation (both offline and online via the phone)
- Tethering - I read that some headunits have issues with Bluetooth tethering which is obviously much better for phone battery
- Having an electric car, I actually want the headunit to turn OFF (not sleep) when the car is off
- Screen size: not too big - probably 6-7 inches or I saw some "very wide" widescreens at 8.8 inches that would fit well
- I also like the idea of screen mirroring or android auto (and carplay) working but I would very much prefer for this to work via wireless (not some stupid cable)
- power consumption would ideally be as little as possible with this being in an electric car ...
Does anyone have any recommendations?
I have been looking at some of Joying units, since they seem to be the most modern android head units with 4GB RAM, 32 or 64GB storage and running Android 8.0 or 8.1 …
Would love to get some feedback.

And how do I determine whether a head unit is a MTCB or MTCD, or whatever?
Is there a database or list somewhere? Does this no longer apply to new headunits?

It's too bad there is no sticky or wiki with recommendations and some guides.
Once you know your board (MTCx) there is some decent info, but for someone looking for a single DIN headunit there current forum setup is pretty useless.

No one helps here much.

The new joying intel based units have a new dsp chip that will blow everything out of the water in android platforms. I ordered on last week. Will be doing a review on it by next weekend hopefully

Can Anyone ID this E46 Unit?

*picture removed - its a Chinese "OEM" looking unit with a purple IR dot bottom right*
Bought an M3 last week and it had this unit in it.
I've not really got a clue how to use it to It's strength though.
I've currently got my phone hotspot turned on 24/7 as I can't see a way of having it come on when it connects to the car.
The launcher in that picture is a pain as the radio app is junk. I can't tune any FM stations other than Radio 2 and 4. Is there an app that can tune actual FM radio rather than Internet radio that's fit for a car?
I've been playing around with a launcher called Agama tonight which allows me to control what apps open from the touch screen, if I can get a proper FM tuner, can it be mapped to the hard button?
I'm sure I'll have more questions so get used to the sight of me and sorry in advance.
Edit: can't post the picture until I've got 10 posts. Hoping some of you more familiar with these types of head units can help.

Without a picture, it's really hard to say what unit it is, but it is possibly one of the Eonon or Xtrons units, take a look at their websites and see if you can ID the unit. Also, take a look in Settings->About Machine and tell us what info is in there, including the firmware version and MCU type/version, which will help in id-ing the unit and giving advice on how to progress.
If it's not too old, then you may be able to install a custom ROM to get it up to date (easy to do). There are other Radio apps that you can use, but setting them as the default can be a pain, I'm not 100% sure but I think you will need a custom ROM to be able to achieve this.

I reckon you might have it with Xtrons based on the button pattern.
Top left down is Navi, Band, Menu, Mode
Some in Google images have different buttons such as home (which the menu seems to do in mine)
I couldn't tell anything of use from the settings but I recall it has android 9 so it can't be that old. It's in better condition that the rest of the interior that's for sure.
I have two female USB's sticking out from under the steering column. What might they be for?
Can anyone recommend a proper tuner app for the radio that uses actual FM radio rather than the Internet?
Thanks for looking.

Another question, do these Chinese units have a sub output?
I don't have HK in the car so looking for a little extra bass.

So I went the medieval route to identifying the unit - I pulled it out and had a look.
The only markings to give it away was a huge "hizpo" sticker on the side. Google/ebay search found this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-DAB-An...071044?hash=item5b72aea104:g:R4sAAOSwxMFemRw5
Although that is Android 10 and mine is 9
Looks like a piece of junk tbh. Is it worse junk than it's simular Eonon and Xtron counterparts?
I've been left with the bare minimum wiring at the back. None of the audio/visual in/outputs are there. The GPS antenna is just a stubby on the back of the unit, there's nothing for DAB.
What do we think, junk it and replace it or try and get the right ancillaries?
I was thinking of a small sub and amp and a reverse camera and would like DAB which are all out at the moment..

Hi Matt,
most do not come with DAB+ but you get a usb dongle and install an app, DAB-Z is very good,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3031914365...SWq6_GyD1IyftEY8s3tRj4-ntcgqxfuxoCnX4QAvD_BwE
some of these units are poor, so can be very good. Little hard to tell without the full details of your unit, and if you dont have all the wiring for your sub etc, then its down to you if you replace it or not

RossMacgill said:
Hi Matt,
most do not come with DAB+ but you get a usb dongle and install an app, DAB-Z is very good,
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3031914365...SWq6_GyD1IyftEY8s3tRj4-ntcgqxfuxoCnX4QAvD_BwE
some of these units are poor, so can be very good. Little hard to tell without the full details of your unit, and if you dont have all the wiring for your sub etc, then its down to you if you replace it or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are the wiring harnesses the same across the units that all look the same?
I ask that with a small hope I could buy just the harness but I can't find Eonon or Xtrons sell them on their own.
If you were to recommend the better units, what ones would you say? Has to be from the OEM look selection. Don't like naff looking screens sticking out of the dash.
I keep looking back to the Avin Avant 4 which is much closer to the OEM look with the button layout and has a lot of extra's, one of which is the ibus interface. You seem to be able to access the cars computers like NCS and do basic coding, show the PDC radar and potentially show navigations cues on the binnacle,.
That appears to be a 3rd party gadget I could add to this unit if I wanted to but not sure this one is worth it.
I will say I found an option in the equaliser "loud" that has made a vast improvement to the audio. but it still feels like it needs a sub.

Matt_Android said:
Are the wiring harnesses the same across the units that all look the same?
I ask that with a small hope I could buy just the harness but I can't find Eonon or Xtrons sell them on their own.
If you were to recommend the better units, what ones would you say? Has to be from the OEM look selection. Don't like naff looking screens sticking out of the dash.
I keep looking back to the Avin Avant 4 which is much closer to the OEM look with the button layout and has a lot of extra's, one of which is the ibus interface. You seem to be able to access the cars computers like NCS and do basic coding, show the PDC radar and potentially show navigations cues on the binnacle,.
That appears to be a 3rd party gadget I could add to this unit if I wanted to but not sure this one is worth it.
I will say I found an option in the equaliser "loud" that has made a vast improvement to the audio. but it still feels like it needs a sub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the wiring is different on them, so your better off replacing the unit. Eonon and Xtrons have a good following and also dev's playing around with bits, so it would be a good route to go down, but dont hold me to that if it goes wrong haha, also PX6 should be good units, so another safer bet

Sorry, I am a complete noob here and have noticed this in the various different sites selling them - PX6? What is that, is it just the chip in the same vein as a snapdragon for instance?
Th Avant one comes in either PX30 or PX6 - other than the RAM and the storage, what's the benefit of the PX6? Process/bootup speed?

Matt_Android said:
Sorry, I am a complete noob here and have noticed this in the various different sites selling them - PX6? What is that, is it just the chip in the same vein as a snapdragon for instance?
Th Avant one comes in either PX30 or PX6 - other than the RAM and the storage, what's the benefit of the PX6? Process/bootup speed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rockchip is a manufacturer of SoCs (Systems on a chip), they make a range of general-purpose SoCs (eg RK3399). The PX6 is a SoC based on their RK3399 specifically tailored towards android head units. PX6 is the latest, it is a 6 core processor. The PX5 (based on RK3368) is the previous version, it is an 8 core processor. I don't know much about PX30, I believe it is older than PX5. PX6 is faster in most benchmarks despite having fewer processor cores. For the small-screen in-dash units, you probably want to look at Xtrons or Avin, they both have relatively good reputations
I have one of the 9" screen units in my E39 (very similar dash to the E46) and to my eyes, it just looks like it is meant to be there. It's not a perfect fit, but it is very close. But the extra screen real estate makes it more than worth the trade-off imho.

I only noticed today (because I was watching a YouTube video of one being installed) the Avant 4 has no disc drive at all. I rarely use discs, granted, but not sure I'm ready to sacrifice the option altogether.

Unbranded head unit microphone upgrade

Hi everyone,
I recently bought a used 2010 Prius with an android HU. It's unbranded (noname) and pretty weak (1gb ram). I could live with the android performance issues but the microphone is driving me crazy. Nobody can hear what i'm saying. The unit has an external mic and i wanted to upgrade it to a different one but for some reason, the mic that's connected to the HU has 5 wires (last picture) and the one i ordered only 2 (mono jack). There's also no mic jack. Here are my questions:
1. Is there a way to connect a different mono mic?
2. Does anyone have any idea what unit this is and where i can find a wiring diagram?
3. Can you recommend a better unit? I like the ones that look more like stock, with physical buttons.
4. Any known fix for the error in the picture? "Software has not been authorized legally" when trying to use Easyconnect to mirror my phone.
I need any info i can get, you don't have to have all the answers
Thanks!

I googled "Sp9853i_1h10_vmm" (taken from one of your photos). Turned up quite a few results. I have not had experience with that particular unit but maybe might turn up some useful information for you perhaps.

Not an MTCD, requesting mod moves to [Android Head units] forum.

jlbooth said:
I googled "Sp9853i_1h10_vmm" (taken from one of your photos). Turned up quite a few results. I have not had experience with that particular unit but maybe might turn up some useful information for you perhaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I've done that first the problem is there are multiple manufacturers with multiple configurations. I contacted Seicane and am still in the process of identifying the unit/software with them but the back and forth is pretty slow..

This is not your "standard" moddable unit, I'm afraid. Most information here and on forums like 4PDA is on units based on 2 main technologies:
1. 8227L Mediatek, system: YT921xx
2. Rockchip PX3, PX5, PX6, PX30 based on MTCx chip.
By having a quick look at what you got, the mic is the least of your problems. These units are packed with so called features but need considerable hardware and software modding to make them work and even excel.
Here is an example of one such modded units, started off as cheap £70 Android, and ended up performing on par with luxury Android units. The video shows the mods, just to give you an understanding.
To save you time, invest in a Dasaita MTCE unit as that one requires least mods to perform well. You can find them for around £200 on AliExpress. Good luck!

Thanks for the info. I'll look into one of the PX chips and go for dasaita.

so i've found a single Dasaita unit for Prius G3 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001625066855.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.20fa2e0eCiCqeA
The problem is i can't find this model on Dasaita website or store and i'm not sure it's real. I've emailed Dasaita but no reply..
There are multiple units from diferent brands (Ownice, Wondefoo..). Can i go for one of those? What should i look for?
Some sellers list the "K6 plus" version as the top of the line. Should i still go for PX6 or is that better?