Android Auto - use without a phone - Android Head-Units

Hi there. I have recently installed an aftermarket Android 11 screen in my car. I set up the unit with a 4G SIM card so it has its own isolated internet connection, as I want this entire unit to be self-sufficient and never have the need to connect a smartphone to it.
Is there a way to run Android Auto on this Android unit as a stand-alone app without having to connect a phone or external device to it?
(this seems like it should be a basic and common question, but I could not find an answer using Search)
TIA.

No one knows what the head unit is, out of the many unit types and manufacturers.
What have you identified as a possibility to solve your problem from reading the forum

There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!

KeithW205 said:
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.

Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks

rigattoni said:
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I have work accounts on my phone, I cannot connect to external devices. Additionally, I prefer not to have my car's system or devices be dependent upon an external device to function. From my perspective, the only requirement I should have to make everything in my car work is to have a key, that's it.
I like the clean UI of Android Auto and it works well for native Google navigation and music control in one simple interface which is why I was looking for an "easy" way to run Android Auto on my aftermarket Android car screen without having the dependency of a connection to a smartphone to function.

Charlieboy205 said:
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)

KeithW205 said:
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Fcc is surely the best solution.
As I said... Stand-alone Android Auto is not possible. you always need a Connection between phone and head unit. This is the way this app works...
I already use Fcc nearly since the start of development and I would not use anything else.

I have a 2016 RAV4 with Entune radio. Looking for a GPS Navigation capable unit. I have an Android phone. Seems like an Android OS wireless and wired head unit would work. Extensive research led me through Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony: all poor values. Car stereo dealers want a fortune to install. I value function and reliability. Any suggestions on a plug-and-play easy install unit that will keep my steering controls and factory backup camera? T'eyes CC3 and Dasaita Max 10 both are on my short list. Prefer to buy from US only.

Hello all,
I may be late, but you can use Headunit Reloaded Emulator (it's a paid App):
Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR - Apps on Google Play
Turn your tablet or Android powered unit into a full blow Android Auto headunit.
play.google.com
You can run standalone Android auto server and app.
There is a trial version for testing:
Headunit Reloaded Trial for An - Apps on Google Play
This is a free trial version of the Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
play.google.com
Regards.

Related

New Android Head Units from Pyle

Pyle has recently released a few head units running 4.4.4 Kitkat. From the Amazon description:
Android OS Computer:
Touchscreen 'Tablet-Style' Functionality
Smart Device MirrorLink/AirPlay Support
Processor: Quad Core 1.6 Ghz Cortex A9
OS Version: Android 4.4.4 (KitKat)
It also indicates "Unlock Tablet-Style functionality." I'm assuming this means it comes rooted.
While Pyle is not known as the paragon of quality, they appear to be the first brand with a US presence offering an Android HU. Since their other HUs appear to follow the US DIN standard these could have the advantage of fitting in one of the readily available dash kits.
Here are the two I found on Amazon:
[amazon dot com]/dp/B01BECUOTE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=S75ZYKYU5U3C&coliid=I25LAEC05MZLFW
[amazon dot com]/Pyle-PLDNAND621-Touchscreen-Navigation-Bluetooth/dp/B01BECUKD4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_422_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uMnRpESgL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1A4EM6W90HKY19XFNMQA_
how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.
Hisma said:
how much RAM? I wonder where/how it was engineered? The biggest issue w/ these chinese HUs is the poor engineering standards. One of the biggest examples being the internal/external mic wired in parallel on joying/pumpkin HUs. This issue has been around for well over a year now, and despite pumping out new models they still haven't fixed this glaring issue.
To add to that, the whole MCU concept, and the fact that the BT is effectively de-coupled from the core system.
What I'd gladly pay $500 or so for (possibly more) -
- high quality DAC/pre-outs
- no MCU
- parrot BT FULLY INTEGRATED into the OS
- proper internal/external mic interaction
- octacore
- 2GB RAM
- android 5.0. Honestly not that big of a deal if the OS is stable and runs all the standard apps
- fully mappable/customizeable hotkeys for launching custom apps from SWC/physical buttons
That would be nice. I'd sacrifice my car custom plug & play HU with a standard double din w/ those features in a heartbeat. The glaring engineering flaws in all of these current android HUs is frustrating. But I live w/ it b/c it's still a nice upgrade over stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest I've seen is the in-dash.net unit which is octacore with android 5.1 coming sometime this year, (allegedly). The MCU issue is unfortunately unavoidable at least until Google adds native bluetooth HFP into AOSP, which isn't likely to happen. And even then you still need something to be the go-between control of the amplifiers, LCD brightness control, etc.
I have the octacore in-dash.net unit and it's pretty good. My biggest beef is with the bluetooth handling. The interface is fairly basic. I think one thing that these units need is their own 'contacts' and 'dialer' apps that can dial via the bluetooth service but that also interacts with my google contacts, google maps, phone links, etc so that I don't have to do the contacts sharing, or copy and paste phone numbers from web searches or maps searches. I've got the feeling that that is easier said than done but it is key in my mind.
This is my first android HU so I'm not super familiar with the mic issues that seem to plague them. My external mic seems to just be really quiet pickup. I was thinking of getting a little pre-amp for it to put in between the plug and the HU. Perhaps I should do some more research first?
I have just been using the built in amp so far. Was thinking about testing the pre-outs on this unit. I suppose I could just break it down and take a look at the components to see if I can determine what DAC is being used.
Oh, also I don't have SWC in my car but this unit is setup for them. Not sure the physical interface specifically as I didn't purchase that option but the mapping is all in the "vehicle interface settings" app on the unit.
Not all of these head units have the mic problem. But joying & pumpkin, which are two of the most popular models, do have this problem. I used to have a joying, now I have a 2nd gen AN-21U, and it doesn't have the mic problem.
Yes the ability to fully integrate our phones with google now via the HU would be perfect. Google now has all my contacts as I have an android phone and save my contacts to google. But trying to call a number this way goes nowhere. Really a way to make the whole experience as hands free as possible would be great. Ford has sync, mazda has gracenote, and there are others I'm sure that attempt to implement a fully hands free system.
Other users have already examined the DAC in these units. One made an audio mod that integrates the DAC directly with the unit instead of passing it through the MCU, which significantly improves the unit's audio capabilities. It's just another example of the head sctatching engineering decisions on these things.
more info here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-hardware-development/mtc-sound-controlling-bd37xxx-sound-t3234660
Btw I am not sure if there is a universal pre-out configuration for these, but my AN-21U has 1V unshielded pre-outs. Pretty frustrating. I get some "white noise" in the background when I up the volume thanks to the high noise floor. Considering putting in some high quality RCA cables to see if that helps, but obviously if the pre-out voltage was higher this would be less of an issue.
Pyle PLDNAND621
I 've bought and been using one of these for about a week now and had a couple questions for you guys. This radio seems to have an app for controlling the Bluetooth function and is not controlled within the settings menus. Do you think think the app could be changed as a Bluetooth obd2 module I use with other Android device works fine with the same car. I have the same question for the radio tuner app, I don't like the layout and it won't tell me the song titles . I search but can't find a "local station" radio tuner app.
Thanks for any ideas, Doug
I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?
lokisyn said:
I've got it and rooted it on 4.4.4 su etc ...flash fire enabled.....anyone point me to someone that could walk me thru dumping the rom on this unit and someone that can then make a custom recovery we would be in the game for this unit ..it has a recovery ..all I can say for right now .....v4a apk will not work on this unit due to some busy box error I cant stop ..I have it correct in the system ....so we need custom.rom.for it .....any one still wanna rip this thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please help. I upgraded my PYLE PLDNANDVR 695 and lost bluetooth. Pyle wants me to send it in for repair. I much rather fixing this myself.

Root for TS9 Head Unit with Android 10.0

Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:
Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?
bc8907 said:
Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)
Gatnos said:
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.
bc8907 said:
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.
Gatnos said:
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's what I was referring to. TLink is just a crappy mirroring app. This is most likely where your problem is with the connection, not the headunit or the ROM. I'm assuming you're using Apple since you're referring to Carplay and not AA. If so, I don't have any specific recommendations but I would imagine there's better emulators/mirroring apps out there that will function reliably. I'd look into that rather than trying to make TLink work like it should. If you want a reference of an Android Auto example, look at headunit reloaded. This app emulates a native Android Auto connection so you're able to have wifi auto connects, usb auto connects and full AA function on a generic android headunit without any type of dongle. I would imagine there's something similar out there for Apple Carplay.
Your MCU is out of date, I'd try to get the update from my seller for you but I'm actually in the process of returning mine due to a display defect(most likely shipping damage). If it wasn't for this, however, I would have had no issues on the stock ROM.
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Hi there,
Gatnos said:
Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here the how to root it, go to that sise://xethongminh.net/threads/huong-dan-root-dau-android-ownice-c960.3115/ hope it work for you.
comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@comt - 2 questions about TLINK 3.7.5 (I have it also):
Have you been able to get the steering wheel buttons to work with CarPlay apps? I want the voice button on the steering wheel to activate Siri. Right now, it is only mapped to TLINK which starts the TLINK app...
Have you been able to get it working in wired mode? For me, even though the headunit recognizes when I attached the phone via USB, I can never get CarPlay to work wired.
thanks!
I am interested in Tlink 3.7.5, I currently have version 1.1 I believe on my headunit and im getting lag, Echo during calls etc I dont know why my headunit has such an old version
Has anyone figured out how to train the steering wheel buttons in the TLink app to work with CarPlay? As long as CarPlay isn't active, there is a menu to set them, but no matter what I do, I can't train it - I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. My steering wheel buttons work fine with the default Android OS.
comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to reactivate Tlink?
My head unit came with an old version of tlink that would never connect to my phone. I received a firmware "update" from the seller to address the issue which which caused a tlink error. I recently installed Tlink 3.7.5, no error but needs activation.
TS9 (Spreadtrum SC9853I)

Chinese Head Unit - How Frustrating Can It Be

Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC
hk_fooey said:
Hello All,
There is much information on this forum which has helped me so far on this android head unit journey but I am almost at the position where I might throw the damn thing out of the window and reinstall the basic manufactures head unit.
I bought the head unit from a dealer who is no longer in business and cannot contact them which closes off the normal route for enquiry.
The headhunt appears to be a generic Chinese manufacturer. The config shows as:
MCU Ver: DH200729T512188X611200805
FrameWork: 9 PQ2A.190305.002 eng.work2.20201208.100955
Android Ver: 9
App Ver: 2020120801T_1280x480_970
Tablet: rkpx6
The bluetooth function has been disabled which was originally a problem when using an iPhone as you have to hotspot every time. I overcame this with a wifi dongle and 4G card.
The GPS is terrible as well (part of the problem is the number of high rises that shadow the road). One of the main reasons for upgrading was the navigation which I generally cannot use.
So I thought a CarLinkit adapter would solve all of my problems which it did - although I get horrible screen interference that makes the unit completely unusable. The interference is completely random and CarLinkit have said that the problem is the head unit and not the adapter.
I've removed the adapter now and have to use my phone for navigation which works but doesn't solve the problem I originally tried to solve.
I seem to remember that the android version was originally ver 8 and it appears to have upgraded itself to version 9. When I play music know it takes about 2 minutes for the sound to come out of the speakers (even though the music appears to be playing). It only happens on the first boot of the head unit.
I'm currently banging my head against a wall with this technology and it appears that updating and not knowing exactly what you are doing could brick the system.
So my questions boil down to:
a) are my carlinkit issues really related to the head unit?
b) why would sound be delayed by 2 minutes after the unit has started?
c) what is the latest software I can apply to this head unit?
d) is there a better unit that I can install that will be much more reliable out of the box? there appears to be other head units available although I need a RHD option which many of the sellers on AliExpress saying isn't available.
Hopefully, I can gain some experience from others on this forum.
Thanks in advance,
DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any android head unit with less than 2GB RAM will be a dead zone to run apps or the OS. Apps crash a lot and OS doesn't perform well. I am not sure about your head unit's RAM capacity.
Alternatively, I would suggest uninstalling/disabling the apps that you don't really require through system settings >> apps

Hardware for Alps ff-5000

I purchased a Mazda that has a Eonon in it. Which from what I can tell is a rebranded Alps FF-5000. But is only has the bare minimum to work connected to it. It there anyway I can get the wires for the USB ports and the backup camera and I want Android Auto too. Is there anyway to just get the parts or is my best option just to upgrade from Android 10 and just buy the entire new Android 11 unit?
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Mr.TT_NZ said:
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
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Click to collapse
The current radio I have is crazy slow when running off my hotspot on my phone and I have problems with apps force closing after running a while. The whole thing is just laggy in general on the android side. I end up just bluetoothing my music to it anyway most the time. I put a wireless Android Auto radio in my other car and love it but I also really like being able to run android natively on the unit is why I was thinking about upgrading to the newest unit that claims to run android 11. Even if it doesn't actually run Android 11 it has a better chipset and I was hoping that would fix my lag issue, slow wifi connection, and force closing. Plus wireless Android Auto would just be a added bonus.

Head Unit Recommendation for Car Dash Board

I have a generic 9" Android Head Unit (K6_11_OH??) running Realdash app as a car dash board.
It works quite well using both of the USB ports for serial data (UART) and GPS input. Basically nothing else is required other than wifi to install head unit app
Main issue I have is the head unit re-assigns the USB COM ports each time it powers off and back on. This is annoying as I need to re-assign the dash app inputs every time I turn it of and back on.
Can anyone recommend a generic 9" head unit and chipset combo for the following: ??
- Easy to root
- Easy to customise ROM to strip unwanted apps and bloat
- Easy to customise Launcher / UI to remove (Dash app auto launches but not good if radio also tries to auto launch)
- USB ports enabled and easy to assign and access
- GPS
- Wifi
- 2GB RAM is sufficient
- No need for any other features that add cost such as high end music features (So relatively inexpensive)
markze said:
I have a generic 9" Android Head Unit running Realdash app as a car dash board.
It works quite well using both of the USB ports for serial data (UART) and GPS input. Basically nothing else is required other than wifi to install head unit app
Main issue I have is the head unit re-assigns the USB COM ports each time it powers off and back on. This is annoying as I need to re-assign the dash app inputs every time I turn it of and back on.
Can anyone recommend a generic 9" head unit and chipset combo for the following: ??
- Easy to root
- Easy to customise ROM to strip unwanted apps and bloat
- Easy to customise Launcher / UI to remove (Dash app auto launches but not good if radio also tries to auto launch)
- USB ports enabled and easy to assign and access
- GPS
- Wifi
- 2GB RAM is sufficient
- No need for any other features that add cost such as high end music features (So relatively inexpensive)
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Click to collapse
From forums, which units have you considered
marchnz said:
From forums, which units have you considered
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Click to collapse
There seems to be so many options, I don't want to make the same mistake and buy another one that is not well supported, which is why I asked here.
The one I have now has firmware with K6_11_OH and the last updates I could find was 28/06/2019 and it seems they we never very widely supported.
I had a head unit for my Mazda which is nice. I got it from Bestycar which has an SC7862 chipset which is great for normal music player but more advanced and does not seem as easy to customise and simplify like I want for the basic dashboard specific use for my project car.
So I assume one of the MTC units like a PX5 or PX6 chipset might be the best way to go now?
The dash has been built using a 9" unit this exact shape and I would rather keep this the same.
markze said:
There seems to be so many options, I don't want to make the same mistake and buy another one that is not well supported, which is why I asked here.
The one I have now has firmware with K6_11_OH and the last updates I could find was 28/06/2019 and it seems they we never very widely supported.
I had a head unit for my Mazda which is nice. I got it from Bestycar which has an SC7862 chipset which is great for normal music player but more advanced and does not seem as easy to customise and simplify like I want for the basic dashboard specific use for my project car.
So I assume one of the MTC units like a PX5 or PX6 chipset might be the best way to go now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don´t get your point...
You are searching for a good supported and quality head unit, right?
In this case you really should dive in at Joying for FYT units ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/fyt-android-head-units.12445/ ) or may be Klyde for CSN2/CSM4 units which are supported in this forum part.
At least you need to search for a unit specially for your car, or you need to search for a universal one with 2-DIN. Don´t ever buy a 1-DIN unit, as they all have severe issues with overheating if they are based on 6- or 8-core chipsets.
But by the way... the points you mentioned in your first posting... Sorry, but what do you expect to get?
I was expecting someone might say something like "UIS7862 head units seem to be the easiest to root hack and customise".
I don't actually want an expensive unit with heaps of great audio features as it is just a screen with 1 app and serial data feeds.
If I could get an Android tablet for 12V car use, with 2 x USB ports and completely raw Android ROM I'd be happy.

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