Database Develop

REVIEW AppRadio 2 by Pioneer

Today we’re looking at the AppRadio2 from Pioneer.
Original review with all appropriate links can be found by clicking here.
The AppRadio line is a huge step into the future for in-car audio. Pioneer was first out of the gate with a relatively affordable, practical, and highly functioning 7 inch capacitive touch screen car audio head unit. It's most unique feature and the reason you'll want to read through this review is because the AppRadio 2 can connect to and translate your smartphone's app capabilities into a one of a kind super device on your car's dashboard. You'll be able to use AppRadio optimized versions of some of your favorite apps to listen to music, navigate, find parking, communicate with friends and even check your car's diagnostics with the right accessories attached all on a crisp 7” touchscreen display.
Click here to see a video slideshow of the AppRadio2 in action.
Main advantage: Android and iProduct compatible (some smartphones require adapters iPhone5 and Android), crisp 7” WVGA touchscreen display with multitouch, built in amp (MOSFET 50 W x 4) 2 RCA preouts, subwoofer control, great modern hardware design with high quality materials used, can use your car's existing steering wheel controls, bluetooth audio for phone calls (mic included)
Main concern: no CD/DVD slot, no AUX in, no adjusting display angle, bit of a learning curve, no bluetooth audio for pandora or stored music.
Unique features: built in external GPS means you can turn off your phone's GPS to save battery while connected to AppRadio (turn on “enable mock locations” in your phone's settings)
While it will work with a number or phones, this device was tested exclusively with a Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Someone always has to be brave enough to be the first. Even if a product isn't completely ready for primetime, it's important to release something so that people can become familiar with a new concept. Apple really made their name by being the first extremely simple, yet powerful mp3 player and then smartphone. The early iPhone lacked a lot to be sure, but it did enough well that it changed mobile communication forever. Pioneer has shown that it has the guts that Apple had to start. They took a risk with the AppRadio and it's a great start that has great potential looking forward. Other car audio companies are clearly waiting and looking over Pioneer's shoulder concerning the AppRadio. They waited for Pioneer to make a success of the AppRadio concept and now we are starting to see some copycats emerge built off of ideas learned watching AppRadio. It might work for some of them too, but it's just not a very dignified way to do business and before I even start my real evaluation of the AppRadio 2, I give Pioneer my respect for being brave enough to release such an innovative step forward into uncharted waters.
The AppRadio 2 on it's own is a gorgeous head unit. It's so clean and simple and it's design foreshadows it's function. It floats on your dash as a huge crystal clear glass screen with an almost invisible bezel and a stainless steel “chin” at the bottom that holds the few physical buttons. Volume up/down, a home button, and a menu and back button specifically for Android phones. Pioneer didn't cut corners with materials used, this thing looks and feels like you'd want a piece of the future to look and feel. The AppRadio 2 is first and foremost a blank canvas. It's waiting to be painted with the graphics, sounds, and functionality of your smartphone whether it's an Android or Apple device. While it would be a near perfect product if Pioneer could trust us to control ourselves, we don't do that well unsupervised as drivers. If the AppRadio was a true 1 to 1 mirrored display of our smartphones, we could watch netflix movies and send text messages while driving 90 mph on the freeway. Now you and I might be sensible enough to not abuse the privilege, but plenty of 16 year olds that want to impress their friends in their first cars might not have that same restraint (and they might be driving on the same freeway as you) so try to understand the motivation behind a controlled experience. It's definitely a bit disappointing, but Pioneer offers a very filtered experience of your phone with the AppRadio 2 for now. While some apps can be just about everything they are on your phone, others won't work at all or will display images but not be able to be touch controlled.
Everything begins with a detailed warning to not operate the head unit while driving, fair enough. Commonly called a “nanny” or “nag” screen, a quick click of a button brings you into the AppRadio's main start screen. You'll be greeted by a large modern clock and day of the week indicator to start. Behind that is a wallpaper that can be changed through your smartphone app's menu setting. Below the clock, you'll find 5 icons (radio, iPod, apps, Pandora, and Phone) and with nothing connected to the device, 3 of them (iPod, apps, Pandora) will be grayed out by default. By itself, the AppRadio is simply an FM/AM radio and a speakerphone for hands-free bluetooth calling and that's about it. Connect an iPod and you can play your music, connect a phone through the appropriate cable and you can listen to Pandora or go into AppRadio mode where the real fun starts. A swipe to the right will bring up a second page of options, an expanded settings screen which actually offers a bit to look at. Next an “OFF” button that puts the device in a standby mode that amounts to a screensaver, full screen background and small clock. The last button is a display off button that will let the screen go black if you find a time you need the darkness.
Again, AppRadio2 will work with many different makes and models of smartphone, but it was clearly designed with the iPhone 4/4S in mind. You'll find a very intuitive and polished experience with that phone. Connect the included cable and go. While it can technically be made to work using the iPhone 5 and Android phones, you won't find anywhere near the same out of the box functionality. Whichever phone you use, you'll need to go to your appropriate app store first, Google or Apple, and download at least two apps to get started. The main AppRadio app that is the basis for your phone's connection, and the CarKeyboard app that will also need to be enabled for touchscreen keyboard use while using the AppRadio. The unit looks for these apps and will not function fully without them. Aside from helping your phone communicate with your AppRadio 2, the AppRadio app scans you're already installed programs and tells you which will work with appradio. The apps are the easiest part of getting started with the AppRadio 2 on Android. The part that gets a bit tricky is finding the correct adapter.
If you own one of the Galaxy line of smartphones then you know that Samsung has elected for a single micro USB input on most of their phones. The same port charges and syncs but what if you'd like to output HD video from your powerful phone? MHL, or Mobile High-Definition Link is the answer. MHL allows you to connect a micro USB cord to your phone which is attached to an adapter that turns the signal into an HDMI output that supports up to 1080p HD video and 7.1 surround audio while also charging your device. As simple as they are to use, MHL adapters aren't simple to choose. First and foremost you need to know if you need a 5pin or an 11pin adapter. The Galaxy S3, S4 and Note 2 need 11pin and older galaxy phones need a 5 pin. After that you need to know how much power your phone draws while charging. The MHL adapter needs to be connected to a power source to be able to charge your phone while it converts the video signal. The Galaxy Note 2 draws a very thirsty 2.1 amps of power which is the same as the iPad and most other tablets. The included iPod cable can be disconnected and reveals a full sized female USB port. That USB port outputs 1A charging that is enough for most smartphones including the iPhone. While it will work with some phones, unfortunately it's not enough to keep up with the Note 2. If you were to use a normal 1A car charger (or the AppRadio's included USB charging cable) with this setup everything would still work, but you wouldn't be able to charge your phone. In fact, it would drain battery because of all the work that it's doing. For the Galaxy Note 2 you'll need the following:
-an 11pin MHL adapter
-a microUSB charging cable
-a 2.1A car adapter
-an HDMI cable
These items are easy enough to get, but you need to know what specific pieces you'll need for the best outcome. For the MHL adapter, an abundance of counterfeits have flooded some of the big ecommerce sites, this automatically rules out Amazon and eBay unfortunately. Some copies are identical on the outside and plain garbage on the inside. They will make your setup charge inconsistently or not at all and make your picture signal choppy when connected to the AppRadio 2. Smartphone forums are littered with frustrated people that tried to save a buck on a cheap adapter, you'll see them blaming the head unit but trust me here, there is only one real way to do this. I like a deal as much as anyone, but unfortunately this is a case where you'll need to go to the manufacturer and pay retail. Luckily Samsung is always offering large discounts on it's own accessories up to even 50% off in some promotions. A quick Google search will show you the current deals available. Now that you've collected all of the pieces, you'll need to connect them and get started.
click here to read PART TWO which includes pricing, links to purchase, and optional accessories

It won't run Google navigation? This seems like a $500 extra screen, much like a smart watch or that contraption the adds an lcd to the back of your phone. Why not just use your phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

LittleRedDot said:
It won't run Google navigation? This seems like a $500 extra screen, much like a smart watch or that contraption the adds an lcd to the back of your phone. Why not just use your phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An app called AR liberator made by a brilliant dev who is currently recovering from illness (get well Kyle) makes this one of the most useful pieces of tech I've ever played with.
I don't know if you took the time to read through the whole review or not but at the end there is an "EXTRA TIP" section that hints towards this.

snapz54 said:
An app called AR liberator made by a brilliant dev who is currently recovering from illness (get well Kyle) makes this one of the most useful pieces of tech I've ever played with.
I don't know if you took the time to read through the whole review or not but at the end there is an "EXTRA TIP" section that hints towards this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The appradio + ar liberator is the best tech you can put in your car my friends has it so awesome.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

Nexus 7 Car Install

I've decided to put together a Nexus 7 car install after pricing up an OEM retrofit for my E90 & quickly getting north of £1200 with no guarantees that everything would work as I wanted.
I've used Android devices to provide navigation & audio since getting a HTC Desire many years ago, but I've been caught out a couple of times recently using navigation on long journeys with my HTC One-X completely flattening its battery despite being on charge the whole time!! The last time left me navigation-less in a strange city, in rush hour traffic, with no way to contact anyone.
I've been reading around Nexus 7 car installs today & everything that I would like to do seems to have been done before, but I'd like some ideas for the best way to pull it all togther.
The main use for the Nexus will be to provide navigation & audio. I gather that Timur's kernel - USB ROM contains features which are suited to using the Nexus in a car install - are there any other ROMs I should have a look at?
I would like the install to look as professional as possible but be removable & reversible, so I'm thinking of a mounting it in a SHG-NX2000, & I would prefer to use a single USB connection to the Nexus rather than a USB & 3.5mm so from my googling today I gather I can achieve this with an OTG USB cable & a USB DAC.
I've not used an OTG cable before, but the ones I've seen on ebay seem only to be a couple of inches long - can anyone provide a link to longer one or can I just use an extension cable & stick the OTG cable near the hub? The idea I've got in mind is to run the host OTG cable from the Nexus into a powered USB hub located in the glove box or behind the dash. I would supply the power to the hub from a DC-DC convertor to make sure everything gets the power it needs. Are hubs usually wired to supply power to the host device as well as the connected devices? Are OTG cables available which allow the power to be supplied to the host? If so, I could use one of the ports on the powered hub to supply power to the Nexus via the OTG cable.
I don't have a spare line level input to my stock BMW headunit, but I do have an aux in on a 3.5mm socket which I don't mind re-routing & hard wiring to the output of the DAC - can someone link to a USB DAC best suited to this task?
I would also like to install a reversing camera. There are cameras available which either replace a license plate light, or mount around the license plate - I would prefer to use one of these over a webcam. I had an idea of using an Easycap to connect the license plate cam to the USB hub - has anyone done this? The license plate cams pick up their power from the reversing lights - is there a way of using the fact of the camera powering up to switch the Nexus to auto display the feed from camera when the car is put in to reverse? Taking this idea a step further, has anyone configured a system where if the car is then subsequently taken out of reverse gear the Nexus switches to a forward facing camera either for a fixed amount of time or until reverse gear is re-selected to give you alternating rear/forward views when parking up?
Shopping list so far:
Nexus 7 (1st gen) £119
SHG-NZ2000 £22.39
DC-DC convertor £5.50
10-port powered hub £6.19
Micro USB OTG Host £1.99
E90 License plate light CCD camera £17.00
Easycap £3.37
USB DAC £11.49
Total so far ~£185
Anything I've missed? Better components? Cheaper prices?
Any help or ideas greatly appreciated

I would think the only way for a rear cam to work is to modify it and your tablet ...no usb input... You could try to use the housing of a rear cam and put a web cam it and seal it up good then use that .... That way you'll get a wide veiwing angle ....
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by 'no usb input'? I'm talking about connecting the CCD camera via the Easycap to the USB hub which is connected to the Nexus. It is because I don't think I'll be able to reseal the housing well enough that I don't want to use a webcam, plus the CCD cameras are powered when reverse is selected which I'm hoping should make driving an event easier.
xdafoundingmember said:
I would think the only way for a rear cam to work is to modify it and your tablet ...no usb input... You could try to use the housing of a rear cam and put a web cam it and seal it up good then use that .... That way you'll get a wide veiwing angle ....
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Found this on a BMW forum:
Finally sewed up my Nexus 7 install!
It's very similar to what I had in mind. I've ordered the bits so I'll update this thread as & when progress is made.

Reversing camera hooked up to Nexus 7 via UVC Video Grabber
Nexus 7 Backup Camera - UVC Video grabber

Where do you buy that ?
Sent from my HTC One S using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

i was thinking of use official dock mound to the dash to make it look professional and removable(dock + magnets).
not sure if the usb on the back of the dock supports otg or not, cos i wanna connect up reverse camera and dac aswell

I considered doing something similar, but when I looked into it, it would seem that the official dock only charges and passes audio
eason86 said:
i was thinking of use official dock mound to the dash to make it look professional and removable(dock + magnets).
not sure if the usb on the back of the dock supports otg or not, cos i wanna connect up reverse camera and dac aswell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Any joy?
dreamonn said:
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by 'no usb input'? I'm talking about connecting the CCD camera via the Easycap to the USB hub which is connected to the Nexus. It is because I don't think I'll be able to reseal the housing well enough that I don't want to use a webcam, plus the CCD cameras are powered when reverse is selected which I'm hoping should make driving an event easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
I was just wondering if you had any success with the camera? I've got a Nexus 7 install and want to wire in my existing Rca cam. I'm sorting out the reverse signal with a joycon exr steering wheel control but I want to know if the easycap thing you linked to earlier worked as a capture device on Android or whether I'd have to go for the UVC grabber in the other link which definitely works but is much more expensive!
Thanks!

Any update on these types of cameras?
I want to do the same thing, except the camera is in the front (not the back).
Any success with the EasyCap? It seems they have bad reviews on amazon, but maybe they work great for how we want to use it.
Also, have you tried using a 4 channel EasyCap? That way we could hook multiple cameras.

nexus 7 install
In the process of doing the same to mine.
2013 Nexus 7 rooted with automateit and tasker .
So far I've managed to get it to launch apps when power is supplied and shutdown when power is disconnected. But does anyone know of a way to get it to power on when power is supplied? I've tried reboot when power is supplied, but that only works if the tablet is already on.

[email protected] said:
In the process of doing the same to mine.
2013 Nexus 7 rooted with automateit and tasker .
So far I've managed to get it to launch apps when power is supplied and shutdown when power is disconnected. But does anyone know of a way to get it to power on when power is supplied? I've tried reboot when power is supplied, but that only works if the tablet is already on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to edit the bootloader i did it to mine. just change a line wh ich will tell it to boot any time the power is on....
Here you go found it..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1833120

New and Complete Car Installation

After mainly lurking on the forums for a while, I decided to embark on a Nexus 7 Installation as I wanted to have to same features found in newer vehicles in my 2000 Mazda Protege. The only problem is I didn't want a permanent installation and didn't find previous posts to be complete enough other than to get some ideas from. I didn't like the fixed installation because the screen in most setups doesn't face the driver and doesn't appear to be useful. In addition, I wanted to be able to remove it especially in the summer when conditions in the car may be dangerous to the device itself.
The goal of this post is to give very detailed account of the setup up, how it works, and what my future plans for improvement are. I would also like to try and answer as many questions as possible for people considering doing the same with their own devices.
Video
First off, we'll start with a quick video of the installation in action. It may seem a little low in volume in the video but all of the sounds and music are playing through the car's speakers. As such, you can make it as loud as anyone could possible want.
Pictures
First up is the view from about where the driver would see. In reality, the steering wheel does not obstruct the screen.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Next is where the hub is currently placed. I don't yet want it completely hidden because the signal strength is displayed on the freedompop stick. It can be pushed down and out of sight from here.
And the hub in all its glory.
This is the view from the back where you can see the fish eye lens protruding from the trunk lid.
And now with the lens removed. Its still unfinished but I wanted to get a working prototype. I just need to sand down and seal the opening to prevent rust.
The MIMO antenna for data connection is just attached to the passenger's headrest for now. The wires are pretty short so it may end up staying here for now.
The FM antenna is currently placed in the back by the rear window. I live pretty far from the station so I needed something bigger for a clean signal.
A view of the power inverter. The hub takes up the plug while the Nexus is powered via the USB port.
And finally, a diagram showing the buttons of the bluetooth remote and what they do.
Hardware
Here is a complete list of all of the main hardware used.
Nexus 7 1st Gen
PAC Ground Loop Isolator
VicTsing Magnetic Detachable Fish-Eye Lens
RTL-SDR, FM+DAB, DVB-T USB Stick Set with RTL2832U & R820T
Satechi ST-TP01 Car Holder Mount for 5" - 10" Smartphones & Tablets
AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
ScanTool 426101 OBDLink MX Bluetooth/OBD-II Scan Tool Interface
DVB-T TV Turner to RF TV Antenna Coaxial Cable Adapter
Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote
NETGEAR 6000450 MIMO Antenna with 2 TS-9 Connectors
Freedom Stick Bolt 4G USB Modem
Logitech HD Webcam with Fluid Crystal Technology, C270
AmazonBasics USB 2.0 4-Port Ultra Mini Hub (NOT CURRENTLY USED)
PowerGen 4.2Amps / 20W Dual USB Car charger (NOT CURRENTLY USED)
Schumacher XI14 Power Inverter
Rosewill RHUB-300 USB 2.0 Hub 7-Port HUB With Power Adapter
Amplified AM/FM Antenna
GE Passive Antenna
European-TV Adapter
Micro USB Host OTG Cable + USB power
Software
Here is the complete list of the major software components used in this installation.
USB ROM for Nexus 7 with Timur’s Kernel
Webcam Hotswapping by redeyedjedi
SDR Touch
Torque Pro
Backup Cam (Mirror)
Tasker
Spotify
iHeartRadio
External Keyboard Helper Pro
Assistant Event for Tasker
Hardware Set Up
The Nexus 7 is mounted on the dash with the tablet mount, facing the driver. Its placement allows for easy viewing while not obstructing vision. From there, a 3.5mm audio cable runs for the headphone jack out into a PAC Ground Loop Isolator to eliminate the alternate whine and other electrical interference. This finally plugs into the AUX input of a cheap aftermarket radio I installed to replace the stock.
Coming out of the micro usb port is a Micro USB OTG Cable with power which connects to a powered USB Hub. The hub and device are powered by a 12V Power inverter. Everything should be able to be powered just through the OTG cable but I was having some charging issues early on which I rectified by disabling some apps from logging and constantly using the GPS but I kept the setup as it worked well.
On the hub are the Freedompop Bolt, RTL2832U dongle, and USB extension. The Freedompop Bolt I got a deal on over the summer which gives me a gig of free data every month which the Nexus used for its primary data connection. The signal strength can vary pretty dramatically out in NC where I am so I also installed a MIMO Antenna to improve reception and also have cell tethering as a backup in a pinch. The RTL2832U dongle is connected to the passive antenna for better FM reception which required some adapters listed in the Hardware Section. The USB extension cable runs from the dash, under the seats into the trunk where it connects to the USB webcam mounted in the trunk lid. I drilled a hole through which a fisheye lens attached to give me the backup cam.
Connected to underneath the dash is the bluetooth OBDII adapter which feeds realtime data to the Nexus and is displayed on Torque Pro. I enjoy knowing as much as possible about the car and actually end up using this display over the instrument cluster.
The final piece of hardware is the bluetooth remote mounted on the steering wheel. The buttons are remapped to various apps allowing complete control of the Nexus just using the left hand. It only took about a day to completely memorize everything which allows it to be operated without taking my eyes off the road.
Software Set Up
On the software side, The Nexus is running USB ROM with Timur's kernel which provides a fantastic base to start from when it comes to car installations. In addition, redeyedjedi's mod was installed which allows for hotswapping of the webcam as long as it was plugged in at boot. This means once everything is set up correctly, I can remove the tablet for whatever reason and when I plug in the USB again, everything works like it did before without any reboot needed.
Torque Pro is used to read and display all of the realtime information as mentioned before. SDR Touch taps into the RTL2832U dongle to give me live FM radio which is controlled via the bluetooth remote. I have the mainstays of Spotify and iHeartRadio for music in case I have poor reception of radio or just feel like something different.
Getting the webcam to work was tricky because most apps have the display rotated 90 degrees are have too low a refresh rate such that the feed to too choppy to be useful. I ended up installing Mirror because it gives me the correct orientation of the image and has a high enough refresh rate.
Like any good setup up, the Nexus is used for Navigation which is quite nice on the large, 7'' screen compared to my HTC One which I used to use. Google Now can be launched via the bluetooth remote allowing for voice commands to be given to set the location. Having all of the media run through the Nexus means that when navigation is speaking, the other sounds are muted and the directions can be heard clearly. This eliminated the problem of having the GPS drowned out by the radio which happened all too often with my old setup. It should be noted that I cannot yet get SDR Touch to muted or lower its volume when Navigation is speaking yet so that can be a problem sometimes.
Anyways, this is meant for people to follow along if they would like, get some inspiration for their own projects, as well as get some feedback on my own and how it can be improved. As of right now, I'm not looking to completely hide everything because it's all still being tested. I am, however, looking for some thing which can be added on to possibly make it even better. Some things I have already considered are putting a bunch of music on a flash drive for another source of music in case of poor FM and data reception.

Awesome work, i'll try to follow it. thanks for this guide

Is the dash mount sturdy enough to reduce vibrations/shakiness from driving?

jml215 said:
Is the dash mount sturdy enough to reduce vibrations/shakiness from driving?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! I love this mount. It is solidly stuck to the dash and the Nexus doesn't move at all even when you hit a pothole or something.
Also, if you are using this guide as a reference, I am testing a new radio antenna setup. The dipole I was using was too directionally dependent and I would lose signal depending on the car's orientation. I'm testing a set up where I splice into the car's antenna and so far it seems to be working well. Once I finalize the setup, I'll update the OP.

This is awesome. In the back of my mind I've been thinking about doing similar, it's so awesome to see it in action. Good work!

aviola7x7 said:
Getting the webcam to work was tricky because most apps have the display rotated 90 degrees are have too low a refresh rate such that the feed to too choppy to be useful. I ended up installing Mirror because it gives me the correct orientation of the image and has a high enough refresh rate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting setup with all the extra antennas!
Question about the cam...
You mentioned refresh rates and all. What about lag or delay? Is there a delay in the video when it hits your screen?
Or was that fixed with the Mirror app?

Nice setup. I have a question about your FreedomPop dongle. When your Nexus comes out of sleep mode, does it automatically reconnect to the dongle/4G? I have one as well, and it worked fine when I tested it on my bench but once installed it doesn't seem to want to work.

Backup Cam (Mirror)
Can you please post a link to the Backup Camera App you have used... After much searching I still cannot find it...

This is the ugliest car install I've seen, obviously aesthetics aren't an important factor for you.

Poi25 said:
This is the ugliest car install I've seen, obviously aesthetics aren't an important factor for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the ugliest comment I've seen. Obviously, reading the post wasn't important to you. There's no reason to hide it and make it look good if it's still in a testing phase for different items.
Great post aviola, interesting choices in parts and a very good breakdown for people to gain ideas from. Very good point about keeping it removable, because summer car heat can really obliterate pieces/devices that are out unprotected.
:good:

thanks so much for this guide. :good:

Sorry for the delayed responses. With the semester finishing up, I keep forgetting to come back to this thread
natesjk said:
Interesting setup with all the extra antennas!
Question about the cam...
You mentioned refresh rates and all. What about lag or delay? Is there a delay in the video when it hits your screen?
Or was that fixed with the Mirror app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no real issues when it comes to lag. Initially, when I was using camera applications, there was a good 1 second delay between what the camera saw and what the screen showed. Installing the mirror app reduced the lag to a point I don't notice it anymore.
delphi.actual said:
Can you please post a link to the Backup Camera App you have used... After much searching I still cannot find it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link for the Mirror app I have been using:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yuvalluzon.mirror
In terms of updates, I have successfully tied the tuner into my car antenna for the best reception. I installed a splitter so that the car radio and usb tuner can be connected simultaneously. SDR is good but doesn't do as well with poor reception and there are some times I would rather just use the radio rather than the whole setup.
I'm still having power issues where the the screen on max and GPS navigation use more power than the tablet gets. I'll probably do some testing with a multimeter to see how much power is actually getting to the tablet but for now I have to take the Nexus in about once a week for a full charge up.
Aesthetically, I don't have any plans as of yet to hide all of the wires. I'm constantly swapping stuff in and out and don't want the hassle of dealing with running them through the dash or anything. As the majority of people have correctly observed, this is a proof concept rather than a formal installation. My objective in posting this was not to provide a complete step by step guide for people to follow as there are already several excellent threads devoted to this. This was meant for people to get ideas from so they could build their own installations with their own equipment.
Thanks everyone for all of the positive feedback. For anyone with questions, feel free to continue to ask and I will do my best to be more timely about answering them. If you need more in depth or specific information, that's really what this thread is all about. I anticipate changes to my setup will come slowly but I'll try and update this with the ones that have been proven to work.

Which OBD2 adapter?

I have old OBD2 v1.5 adapter. Chinese, big one. Which pairs with HU and works well.
I wish to buy new one, that call 'mini'. I know I have to look for v1.5 (as 2.1 is a crap) and with PIC18F25K80 chip.
But I read that even much of these new mini are PIC based, that have some strange Mac address like AA:BB:CC:11:22:33.
Anyone has experience with such adapters? Do they pair and work with Torque on our HUs?
If anyone is using such an 'mini' adapter, please post link to eBay/AliExpress where you purchased it. Will be very grateful (and it may help other people here, too, as many have issues pairing/using crap adapters).

I personally bought https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-16-Pi...le-Diagnostic-Adapter-For-elm327/152700822059 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-ELM32...uto-Car-Scanner-Scan-Tool-Cable-/112070132071 so I connected it over USB and only thing I've made is HW MOD to get ACC+ instead BAT+ from OBD2 so that it is powered only when Key is turned on.
Resolved pairing issue with no pairing and all works along with BT and WiFi free for other devices.

PekeMM said:
I personally bought https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-16-Pi...le-Diagnostic-Adapter-For-elm327/152700822059 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-ELM32...uto-Car-Scanner-Scan-Tool-Cable-/112070132071 so I connected it over USB and only thing I've made is HW MOD to get ACC+ instead BAT+ from OBD2 so that it is powered only when Key is turned on.
Resolved pairing issue with no pairing and all works along with BT and WiFi free for other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for sharing. I was not considering USB option, but it sounds interesting.
I see you both the 'big' one (same as my old one). And they really work very good.
But I would like to buy some of 'mini' models as my OBD2 port is in such place (under steering wheel and just above brake pedal) that big one is too big and my feet is hitting it while driving. Here is obe model I consider
Hardware V1.5 Chip PIC18F25K80 ELM327 Bluetooth V1.5 Auto Code Reader Super MINI ELM 327 Works ON Android Symbian FW V1.5 BEST
http://s.aliexpress.com/I3i26fy2
There are 2 models of these (not colours): old design with 2 PCB boards, and new one with just 1 board. I wonder if anyone has any of these?

pa.ko said:
But I would like to buy some of 'mini' models as my OBD2 port is in such place (under steering wheel and just above brake pedal) that big one is too big and my feet is hitting it while driving.
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Click to collapse
:silly: I do not see the problem there as if you checked both links from my post you would see that I use extension cable that do not have issue with connector position. Mine is located right above gas pedal so I could not drive car normally with any OBD Adapter unless I used extension cable.
pa.ko said:
Here is obe model I consider Hardware V1.5 Chip PIC18F25K80 ELM327 Bluetooth V1.5 Auto Code Reader Super MINI ELM 327 Works ON Android Symbian FW V1.5 BEST
http://s.aliexpress.com/I3i26fy2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PIC is programmed micro controller and not actual ELM327 see https://www.elmelectronics.com/products/ics/obd/ and v1.5 nor v2.1 exist officially as they are clones and you should use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.applagapp.elm327identifier to test actual model and support.
Re which one: I ordered 6 different models and kept two that worked flawlessly with my car 1 was broken (got refund) and resold other 3 to get my money back.

PekeMM said:
I personally bought so I connected it over USB and only thing I've made is HW MOD to get ACC+ instead BAT+ from OBD2 so that it is powered only when Key is turned on.
Resolved pairing issue with no pairing and all works along with BT and WiFi free for other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you mod this?

gazenbeek said:
How did you mod this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is fairly simple MOD:
1. Soldered positive wire of lighter connector that have power only when Ignition is turned on.
2. Bought FLAT cable that I can easily cut the wires like in picture s-l1600.jpg
3. Cut Wire on pin 16 BAT power see ODBII%20Master%20Pinout.jpg
4. Connected wire that goes to OBDII to Positive wire I prepared in step 1
5. Connected OBDII to connector from FLAT CABLE
6. Connected USB to HU SINGLE USB CABLE
7. Tested if all works with Toque
8. Used cable ties to secure all cabling behind dashboard
and now I enjoy the all the diags on HU

PekeMM said:
so I connected it over USB and only thing I've made is HW MOD to get ACC+ instead BAT+ from OBD2 so that it is powered only when Key is turned on.
Resolved pairing issue with no pairing and all works along with BT and WiFi free for other devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this info, very helpful, just got Android 8 Eonon 2170, and I've been struggling to pair OBD, Kiwi 3 doesn't show (BLE not supported? Don't know), Tomtom unit won't pair, no name unit seems to work, but, I've thought, why not USB, started searching for USB Android supported, luckily came across your post.
To change BATT to ACC, is that just so it's ' done properly'?
Surely battery drain would be miniscule, or not? I guess makes sense to have it not powered all the time.
Going by your posts, so, some of these units didn't work properly,ECU side or Android side? Thanks again, A

I just looked into factory settings, there is a CANBUS section, currently set to NONE, should that that altered to car maker's CANBUS ?

abbots said:
Thanks for this info, very helpful, just got Android 8 Eonon 2170, and I've been struggling to pair OBD, Kiwi 3 doesn't show (BLE not supported? Don't know), Tomtom unit won't pair, no name unit seems to work, but, I've thought, why not USB, started searching for USB Android supported, luckily came across your post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I helped someone
abbots said:
To change BATT to ACC, is that just so it's ' done properly'?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is safe no issues at all
abbots said:
Surely battery drain would be miniscule, or not? I guess makes sense to have it not powered all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not the problem that it drains a ot but all small drains can pile up so eventually you have a problem. I have park mode security enabled on my dashcam system so it drains some, OBDII can drain a littl, but it is known that in some cases keeps ECU awake that can drain a lot due teh number of sensors it keeps awake also
abbots said:
Going by your posts, so, some of these units didn't work properly,ECU side or Android side? Thanks again, A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All was ECU side due the different pinouts see my pics, I have seen in the past several USB -> COM chips that are not supported on Android due the OEM build and specific drivers like some factory that are not recognized on laptop till you install their licensed software (Usually JUNGO Based Drivers).
---------- Post added at 00:24 ---------- Previous post was at 00:20 ----------
abbots said:
I just looked into factory settings, there is a CANBUS section, currently set to NONE, should that that altered to car maker's CANBUS ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you got specific cables with canbus decoder (black little box). even then USB OBDII is used to diagnostic and clear codes. I use Toque 1.83 and it works on one unit that v1.52 didn't worked with. Usually ELM v1.5 works better than v2.1

thanks! I have now got USB OBD unit 1.5 (still need splitter/extender), tried yesterday with Torque as well as with Palmer's DashCommand:
it kinda worked - during first trip, 45min, Torque app crashed twice or more, worked after restart, on return trip, DashCommand also choked once or twice, thenm I relaized, as fuel tank level is not reported, unless I run app 100% of the time, fuel consumption won't be correct - and, realsiticall, I need TomTom on the screen more than gauges....
I see there are OBD spliters that 'allow' two or three OBD devices plugged in, wouldn't you know, is it OK to split/use multiple OBDs ?
like, I have TomTom 'Curfer' OBD data logger - just logs 'quality of driving", thoiught to get splitter to log data, AND, if so desire, call gauges on screen ?
thanks for explaing CANBUS!
do you use TPMS tyre pressure units, if so, which ones ? my radio has an app to read such, wonder if it's worth it ?

I have connected my USB OBD. Torque not recognised device. How to check that Scanner is properly installed on android system?
OBD scanner is generic just like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ELM327-USB-Interface-Diagnostic-Scanner/dp/B00IWLLX1Y
BTW I have MTCE with android 8.0 with KLD MCU.

Torque lite ain't work with android/usb, only in bluetooth mode.

I have torque pro so there is no problem there.
Any way problem solved. Bought Bluetooth version.

Android Auto with Samsung Dex

I'm installing an Alpine ILX-W650 for Android Auto in my car next week, and noticed it requires simultaneous Bluetooth and USB connection to the phone. I want an easy way to dock my S10 each time I get into my car, something that's quick, easy, secure, looks nice, won't wear down the type C port on my phone, and charge faster than the 1A provided by the Alpine unit.
If I have to custom fabricate a docking cradle that fits just right in my MK6 GTI, I will, but just want to find the best solution. I have a Baseus auto clamping vent mount with the IR detector and Qi fast charging, and could try affixing a magnetic charging+data capable cable to that so the cable is in place to lock onto my phone's port automatically using the magnetic attraction, but have no idea if that will work or not. I read in one forum that someone was able to wirelessly charge their phone while it's plugged in for Android Auto, anyone know if that will work for the S10? My magnetic cables are the Wsken X1 models, I have no idea if they'll work and how reliable a connection they will provide, anyone try something similar?
Another option I'm considering is using the Samsung Dex Pad as a docking station, and mounting the phone horizontally since I will be controlling everything from my voice and Alpine's touchscreen while driving, and won't need to really do anything with my phone. I asked Samsung if it will work, and they said they've never tested it, suggested that I just try it and find out. I don't want to buy the Dex Pad if it's not going to work, has anyone tested that so I don't have to? Probably will anyway, but it from a place with a good return policy, but am hoping someone out there has thought of this and can enlighten me on what to expect.
Thanks!

otizzy said:
I'm installing an Alpine ILX-W650 for Android Auto in my car next week, and noticed it requires simultaneous Bluetooth and USB connection to the phone. I want an easy way to dock my S10 each time I get into my car, something that's quick, easy, secure, looks nice, won't wear down the type C port on my phone, and charge faster than the 1A provided by the Alpine unit.
If I have to custom fabricate a docking cradle that fits just right in my MK6 GTI, I will, but just want to find the best solution. I have a Baseus auto clamping vent mount with the IR detector and Qi fast charging, and could try affixing a magnetic charging+data capable cable to that so the cable is in place to lock onto my phone's port automatically using the magnetic attraction, but have no idea if that will work or not. I read in one forum that someone was able to wirelessly charge their phone while it's plugged in for Android Auto, anyone know if that will work for the S10? My magnetic cables are the Wsken X1 models, I have no idea if they'll work and how reliable a connection they will provide, anyone try something similar?
Another option I'm considering is using the Samsung Dex Pad as a docking station, and mounting the phone horizontally since I will be controlling everything from my voice and Alpine's touchscreen while driving, and won't need to really do anything with my phone. I asked Samsung if it will work, and they said they've never tested it, suggested that I just try it and find out. I don't want to buy the Dex Pad if it's not going to work, has anyone tested that so I don't have to? Probably will anyway, but it from a place with a good return policy, but am hoping someone out there has thought of this and can enlighten me on what to expect.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I have a 04 Audi A4 with a 13” screen and a Dex pad under my arm rest. Out of sight and protected. I love it! My monitor lets me connect and control my phone via touch screen. Torque app works well on a 13” screen. I also have a dell d10u that I use for tuning while my main unit is my s10. I have enabled developer mode on my Dex and the use "Dex Max" App, It helps out as well.

jcsvsi said:
Hello, I have a 04 Audi A4 with a 13” screen and a Dex pad under my arm rest. Out of sight and protected. I love it! My monitor lets me connect and control my phone via touch screen. Torque app works well on a 13” screen. I also have a dell d10u that I use for tuning while my main unit is my s10. I have enabled developer mode on my Dex and the use "Dex Max" App, It helps out as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id be interested in this too. Can you expand a little on your setup? I'm looking to do the same with adding a larger LCD while maintaining touch-functionality via android. I'm wanting to piece together a 10-13" LCD along with a capacitive usb overlay but haven't verified that the touch would work via android along with my CarPC.
As for docking, I've been using a cheap $8 Ebay USB hub with success in both DeX and AA in my setup.

Hope theses pic are visible. I will have to get my other phone to display my setup with Dex running.

Forgot one.

Not the cleanest installation, not the worst.
My high mileage e85 Audi A4. Sorta a "beater with a heater".

Here are some pictures, the few are with screen mirroring with the aid of seconscreen app, overlay app and a few others. The rest are in Dex mode which yelids a better picture however apps don't auto start in full screen, while driving it can be somewhat cumbersome.
Galaxy s10
Sorry, pictures seem to be upside down.

My in car screen layout.