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Android On An Aftermarket Car Head Unit..how awesome would that be??

im heavily into audio, cars, and linux/android so i was thinking what is missing between those things??
​an Android Head unit!!
ive heard of the things called auto linQ (by google) and the parrot head unit or w/e that is and thats not what im talking about..[and there not out]
im talking about an after market head unit powered by Android that we can create different roms for..
it would enable us to alter the Aux, input, radio, steering wheel controls, the surround sound for the car, and that oh so beautiful boom boom from the sub and how we can access it. and everything else on them duh.
and of course have an ANDROID CONNECTION (for your phone) instead always having ipod/iphone connection
the biggest problem i see is the hardware..there is nothing that android could be easily ported to that has all of these outputs..and creating the drivers for them..lol
i mean at the rate everything is advancing if this ever happens the next step would be setting up a connection between the cars com port so you can talk to your car through your headunit...and tune it and run diagnostic checks..a few years off but pretty cool
just looking for input, comments, HELP, and definitely support on this thought,
..id really love to see it happen and im on a learning path to get to that level but..not yet
[im talking about at least a touchscreen headunit here lol most likely 7"...they start at $200]

I've been thinking the same thing, I'd love to be able to get rid of the head unit in my car and have a little dock that I plug my phone into like a faceplate and it run in my car. With an FM radio in the phone you wouldn't need anything else. It just needs a few preamp outputs and I'd be good to go.
A bonus would be a Linux port for the phone ( or a megatune app ) so I could run the software to tune my megasquirt on the fly with out a netbook in the car.

i hadn't even thought of that, i was talking of creating more of a stand alone headunit for your car not using your phone but that sounds pretty cool..and itd take away any theft possibilities haha..probably be easier too

I'd love to be able to "output" audio and video from my Desire to the car...either a head unit or built in NAV unit. I don't see why this feature hasn't been incorporated yet?
I hate the whole "the car comes with an iPhone connector" dominated car audio market at the momnet...

Not to dredge up an old topic, but does anyone know of anyone developing this? I've heard about the AppRadio for the iPhone, but would love to hear about an equivalent android device.

gearhead364 said:
Not to dredge up an old topic, but does anyone know of anyone developing this? I've heard about the AppRadio for the iPhone, but would love to hear about an equivalent android device.
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Our Android Head unit is working well now.
Android 2.2
7" LCD 800*480
3G(HSDPA) Connection
1080P video decoding

internav said:
Our Android Head unit is working well now.
Android 2.2
7" LCD 800*480
3G(HSDPA) Connection
1080P video decoding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... which one is that?

is this the kind of thing you're looking for?
mp3car.com looks at android installations

Triumph HDMI out - to HDMI touchscreen?

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with Android phones (with HDMI out) and connecting them to a larger touchscreen (rather than a TV), and can the touchscreen then control the smartphone via the HDMI cable?

I should probably mention that my end goal here is to drop a 10" HDMI touchscreen in the car, and each time I enter the car I simply connect the phone to the touchscreen and then close the phone in the glovebox, basically using the touchscreen to remotely view and control all the phone features.

I'm afraid that HDMI does not support touch screen input. The type of touch screens you are referring to use either a USB or Serial (RS-232) connection to the computer, in addition to the video interface, to provide Touch Screen input. While I'm sure with a little digging there might be something like this to control your phone through a computer (My Mobiler allowed for this on Windows Mobile 5-6.5 phones through either USB or Bluetooth), I don't see being able to do this without a computer (or carputer) as it was, being involved.

So basically, the Triumph would need a USB host to get it done?

KryptoNyte39 said:
So basically, the Triumph would need a USB host to get it done?
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Yeah, my guess would be that that would be the minimum requirement, as well as obviously some sort of driver support for what would essentially be "Mouse input".

I Think your best bet would be, if you could find an old netbook. One with a touch screen, you could use it as the link to you Phone. I know of 3 programs that let you output your Android phone to a computer monitor. All work on the MT and one lets you use your mouse and keyboard on the MT.
You can find the one I use here.
And if you want to try and make your on touch screen for a netbook take a look at this link. would make for a fun project.
For the other programs have a look at Ashot and [email protected]. All work with my MT.

Thanks, folks. I was kind of eyeballing this thing;
http://www.mo-co-so.com/Double-DIN-Lilliput-669GL-70NP-C-T-7-Touch-Screen-p/mcs-lil-669-dd.htm
But based on what's working right now, the Lilliput screen would still only be a display, and I'd still be controlling it from the phone somehow.
I'm not a programmer I'm afraid, but based on the current state of car stereos, I'm amazed Android hasn't progressed into this market rapidly. Let's face it, Pioneer's current $1000+ head units have just a fraction of the capabilities of my $129 Optimus V.
I considered an Android based head unit, but I think the better path is to be able to tether to the phone when you enter the car in some fasion, and then just simply use the larger in-car display to view the Android device and control it from the touchscreen. In this fashion, I don't need yet another Android device, and the in-car unit is basically without much logic. I'm afraid we might be a couple years out yet.

Yeah, such a panel like that wouldn't really work all that well for your application. The aspect ratio of the panel isn't ideal, and it appears the touchscreen works off a serial interface. Even worse, it is a resistive panel (which is leaps and bounds worse than the capacitive touch panels we're used to on our modern phones). Overall I think even if you did wire something up the experience would be fairly lack luster.

Todd42 said:
I Think your best bet would be, if you could find an old netbook. One with a touch screen, you could use it as the link to you Phone. I know of 3 programs that let you output your Android phone to a computer monitor. All work on the MT and one lets you use your mouse and keyboard on the MT.
You can find the one I use here.
And if you want to try and make your on touch screen for a netbook take a look at this link. would make for a fun project.
For the other programs have a look at Ashot and [email protected]. All work with my MT.
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Click to collapse
Todd, I hear what you're sayin'. I actually have an old netbook that I hopped up with an SSD. I'm wondering about stowing the netbook, rigging up some kind of start button, and then forming a MIMO monitor into the dash ...
http://www.mimomonitors.com/
(just throwing some ideas around in case it spurs another person's inspiration)

[Q] android ecm/ecu

Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?

therealmaximus said:
Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?
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I may be wrong, but:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque

ive seen these, they just read parameters from the computer via the obd diagnostic port, what i meant was actually removing the the obd computer and using an android device to receive the incoming sensor data and use the data such as rpm, throttle position, and so forth to advance or retard timing tables and fuel tables to actually run the engine i have tuning software for my honda that i can run and retune my engine with but only from my laptop id like to be able to do this with an android device.

[A] 😉 let me know
That's an interesting question and not what I thought it was when I first read your initil post. Reading it literally you're asking about replacing the actual 'brain' that conductor that co-ordinates the entire ignition,fueling,emmisions and other secondary parameters that make the engine run in a harmonious symphony(oh, whatever happened to self metering by atmospheric pressure drop and contact breakers lol). I read it as taking out the OE ecu/ecm/powertrain module or whatever other term you use for it and replacing it with an android device. An interesting exercise but hardly worth the mountain range of problems involved considering you can go out and buy a custom fully programmable ECU anyway.
That is how it sounds though when you say replacing the ecu with an android device. i.e removing the ecu and putting in one running android or a piggyback ecu running amdroid....... i know, i'm being maybe a little too pedantic but it drew me in and made me read the thread and am definitely interested in finding out if there are any android apps that can reprogram or flash an ecu similar to the ones that run on windows.
I've mentioned in another thread I have a deep knowledge and experience in the car side of the equation but my knowledge of computers themselves ranks about 'interested in knowinf more but basically capable of using one n that's it' level. Or tge same as 99.99% of car drivers. They can drive but beyond that all they really know is where to out the petrol in although 100,000s of them will say they know all about cars lol.
In other words, I see know reason why technically there are no equivalent android apps/devices that can do what software packages running windows you use on a laptop. I'm in a similar but different position than you. I really want that ability to remap/flash new firmware onto ecu's except right now I don't have a laptop or desktop of any kind right now. All my online and computer needs are admirably dealt with on my Note 3 so i haven't bothered replacing either my pc or laptop when they passed on.
Was on ebay recently and seen very interesting and potentially useful software claiming to be able communicate fully with any obd1 and 2 ecus allowing you to reset, remap and 'chip' any ecus and also fully set up a new replacement custom reprogrammable ecu too although i am skeptical you could buy one that fully capable for £20 off ebay but they promise full customer support and the ability to download an entire remap for almost any make amd model so perhaps their claims are based on the abilitynof their product rather than merely sales rhetoric.
Anyway, what I mean is I see no reason why if windows can fully communicate with obd2 and android can also read current and pending dtcs, display freeze frame, live data and allow you, if you know the particular formula, to view data with custom PIDs then it seems possible that a software package written for android couldn't be capable of doing wnat these windows/mac programmes can do. I'm sure I've seen linux compatible software for desktops out there so surely an android version is poasible. BUT as i explained my knowledge of computer systems/languages is risible so there may well be a glaringly obvious reason that android is unsuitable (there's probably 1000s of 10 year olds laughing lije mad thinking is this guy stupid or what lol).
BUT if you ever come accross such an software package that runs on android let me know because if not it looks like I'm going to have to go buy this 20 odd quid ebay software AND a bloody laptop on top to bw able to use it

[Q] Noob with a tough decision

Hi all,
I'm new to some of this and hope you can help with a decision i have to make.
I have a 2007 For Fiesta ST and im wanting to ditch the standard double DIN head unit in favour of something a little more up to date. I have a few choices and was hoping you may be able to help me choose based on your own personal experience etc.
My Choices are as follows:-
Replace the standard head unit for an Android/Other OS head unit with touch screen interface.
Custom build an Android based Car PC with 7" touchscreen (ODROID or similar)
Adapt a Tablet with various bits and bobs and install it into the dash permanently, i have a Galaxy Tab 2 but wouldnt mind getting a Nexus 7.
Now, these have various pros and cons, mainly down to cost, ease of installation, availability of parts/modules and my very basic knowledge of compiling custom kernels.
EDIT. I better add a list of features to help with replies. I need FM radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, decent storage capacity (min 16gb), GPS for satnav and USB inputs
Please help
Bri.

Almost a week online, 59 views and no replies
No matter, i ended up buying a 2012 Nexus 7 3G for my install. It came with 4.4.2 installed.
My next question is, i tried installing Timurs USB ROM onto it after i rooted it but when it had finished, it had regressed Android to 4.2.2. Are there any later versions of the USB ROM that allow installing on a 2012 N7 whilst keeping Android 4.4.2?
Thanks again,
Bri.

PX3, PX5 or other?

I have a MTCD GS (Xtrons) unit for my Audi (PF75ATTAR). This is a RK3188 unit with Android 5.1. I have installed Malaysk's latest 12.6 ROM for this however I expect this is the last ROM he will be releasing for this platform.
The unit is a bit slow, however the MicroG version of Malaysk's ROM speeds things up. But I still think its time for a replacement.
I am trying to decide on whether to get a PX3 or a PX5 based unit. Both seem to be popular and Malaysk has current ROMs for both. I like the idea of Android 7.1.
Just wondering whether anyone has had or has both currently and their experience/comparison?
Is it worth just replacing the SoM for a PX5 board since the actual head unit hardware is the same?
Andy

ADB100 said:
I have a MTCD GS (Xtrons) unit for my Audi (PF75ATTAR). This is a RK3188 unit with Android 5.1. I have installed Malaysk's latest 12.6 ROM for this however I expect this is the last ROM he will be releasing for this platform.
The unit is a bit slow, however the MicroG version of Malaysk's ROM speeds things up. But I still think its time for a replacement.
I am trying to decide on whether to get a PX3 or a PX5 based unit. Both seem to be popular and Malaysk has current ROMs for both. I like the idea of Android 7.1.
Just wondering whether anyone has had or has both currently and their experience/comparison?
Is it worth just replacing the SoM for a PX5 board since the actual head unit hardware is the same?
Andy
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Click to collapse
Nobody?

ADB100 said:
I have a MTCD GS (Xtrons) unit for my Audi (PF75ATTAR). This is a RK3188 unit with Android 5.1. I have installed Malaysk's latest 12.6 ROM for this however I expect this is the last ROM he will be releasing for this platform.
The unit is a bit slow, however the MicroG version of Malaysk's ROM speeds things up. But I still think its time for a replacement.
I am trying to decide on whether to get a PX3 or a PX5 based unit. Both seem to be popular and Malaysk has current ROMs for both. I like the idea of Android 7.1.
Just wondering whether anyone has had or has both currently and their experience/comparison?
Is it worth just replacing the SoM for a PX5 board since the actual head unit hardware is the same?
Andy
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Click to collapse
I'd say px5 with 4gb ram. If you can't find one then 2gb ram.
Because they are making an Android Oreo build for px5.

ADB100 said:
Nobody?
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Try @Hal9k_'s ROM, use the microG settings, its easily the best and fastest RK3188/PX3 ROM.
Hes even made the Nougat ROM from the RK3188/PX3 Nougat SoMs work on the 1Gb version, although its not as fast as his Lollipop ROM and is just the standard Nougat ROM (rooted), made to work non Lolliop units, he is working on a custom Nougat version that will work on both 1Gb and 2Gb RK3188/PX3 units.
However, you could probably very easily remove gapps and replace with microG yourself to make it faster, theres a guide for doing it (to Lollipop units) in the forum, just removing about 5 apps and installing microG.
Of course a 2 or 4GB RK3368/PX5 will be faster and newer, but @Hal9k_'s ROM will give your old unit a new lease of life.

I can't recommend the px5 for the unstable rom and no improvement in an year.
I haven't tried the others (px3) but even slower hardware is better with stable software.
I'm also disappointed about the functionality in general, you can't set stay on without ignition and go to sleep after half an hour, there is no low voltage shutoff, the device drains the battery well below 10 Volts and goes in an reset loop at low voltages disturbing other can bus devices some till some failure. Switched off by power button still takes nearly full current.
Not a device to put in an car overall.

iwl said:
I can't recommend the px5 for the unstable rom and no improvement in an year.
I haven't tried the others (px3) but even slower hardware is better with stable software.
I'm also disappointed about the functionality in general, you can't set stay on without ignition and go to sleep after half an hour, there is no low voltage shutoff, the device drains the battery well below 10 Volts and goes in an reset loop at low voltages disturbing other can bus devices some till some failure. Switched off by power button still takes nearly full current.
Not a device to put in an car overall.
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Click to collapse
I decided on a PX5 board with 32GB ROM 2GB RAM which took only a couple of weeks to arrive from China (Witson) and its working fine in my MTCD(now E) GS unit. The hardware behaviour is exactly the same as it was with the PX3 board (which I would expect as I haven't changed the MTCE hardware). The unit powers off with no ignition (as it did previously which I don't see as an issue?) and I don't have battery drain. I can only think you have it wired wrong or you have faulty hardware?
I installed Malaysk's 6.2 ROM and have installed my own apps and its all good. I have issues with the integration with the car (CANBUS) but these are exactly the same as they were with the PX3 - I don't think anything but new firmware for CANBUS decoder will fix these issues.
Andy

iwl said:
I can't recommend the px5 for the unstable rom and no improvement in an year.
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Here I tend to partially agree. However Android 8 might be available as custom ROM on PX5/2GB/4GB units soon. There are official Android 8 preinstalled PX5/4GB boards available already but it's still not clear whether we can upgrade PX5 2GB SoM and the PX5 4GB SoM which were shipped with Android 6. Probably this will be sorted out soon.
What kind of instabilities are you referring to in particular?
I am asking since my PX5 with stock KLD ROM from November 2017 is quite stable. At least no app crashes and similar issues. Despite the famous Google Maps hanging which seem to be mainly related to Google Maps code itself and there is a work-around for it.
iwl said:
I'm also disappointed about the functionality in general, you can't set stay on without ignition and go to sleep after half an hour, there is no low voltage shutoff, the device drains the battery well below 10 Volts and goes in an reset loop at low voltages disturbing other can bus devices some till some failure. Switched off by power button still takes nearly full current.
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Not sure what would cause this. My unit enters standby immediately after ignition is off. Then it kills all applications to avoid any background process waking the device (which is btw. the root cause for some app issues). In Standby mode my device draws very little power. I didn't have a single issue even after the unit being on standby for more than a week when the car was not in use. If concerned you might connect a battery watchdog in between the unit and the car so when voltage drops below a certain treshold it would cut-off the head unit from power.
If the unit would have such a battery watchdog implemented that would of course be great but I guess the units were built to keep a certain price range and in most cases such a watchdog is not required.
Though I understood that some cars do not have an ignition trigger any more but get their power-on signal on canbus. Here I could imagine that the canbus adapter perhaps need additional power to listen to canbus wakeup events. Not sure about this scenario though as my car has an ignition cable connected to the head unit.
I fully agree to the "unable to turn on when ignition is off" issue. This is usually possible with factory head units but MTCD/MTCE units seem to be mostly unable to be powered on without ignition. The only work-around I can currently imagine is to mount a switch which shorts battery+ to ignition input on the head unit which would allow you to manually power it up. Also such a switch can be combined with a small electronic timer. So it would be medium difficulty to mount a button which pulls on the ignition line on the head unit to 12V for 30 minutes and then resets. Still a pity it's not built in I agree.

iwl said:
I can't recommend the px5 for the unstable rom and no improvement in an year.
I haven't tried the others (px3) but even slower hardware is better with stable software.
I'm also disappointed about the functionality in general, you can't set stay on without ignition and go to sleep after half an hour, there is no low voltage shutoff, the device drains the battery well below 10 Volts and goes in an reset loop at low voltages disturbing other can bus devices some till some failure. Switched off by power button still takes nearly full current.
Not a device to put in an car overall.
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Click to collapse
You ignition/sleep problems will be down to your car and/or the CAN Bus decoder, not the stereo, as will whether the unit can be powered on or off with the ignition on.
I ve not heard of anyone saying the ROM is "unstable" before. In fact I ve not heard of any of your problems before, only the GPS bug and the BT/mic probs which you dont mention.
It sounds to me like your stereo has not been installed properly.

Many are just lacking deeper technical knowledge to see that problems I have investigated.
Or try to fix it with cooling fans.
I have a original mercedes radio having the missing features it is just a matter of proper engineering.
Yes it is not android computer I would like to have but not crashing every hour and at the end the car distracted by.
Don't tell it works just count the posts.