Citroen C4 - can I install a tablet? - Android Auto General

Hi,
I have a Citroen C4 with some kind of an aftermarket Windows CE system which is horrible - link my system: http://qdis.co.kr/NewQdis/?page_id=11956
The way that the unit is installed goes like this:
OEM radio (RD-5) connected to the QNAVI2 module. the screen is connected directly to the QNAVI2 module.
I found on Ali some head-units which will replace my current OEM radio and display panel with Android 4.4 OS and will keep all of the car features as is (steering wheel control, car menus for setting features like internal lights delay, units (Kph / Mph) etc').
I would like to know how can I put an Android tablet which will be connected to the original car radio (RD-5) but will keep all the features.
Is that possible?
How can you make Android tablet (or Head-unit) to "talk" to the car CAN-BUS system?
Hope you guys can help me figure it out.
Thanks,

guys, please see if you can help me out...
The thing that I really wish to know how can I make android tablet to read the can-bus massages like errors and also how to make the tablet access the configuration of my car...

Related

Anyone interested in modding the AVIC series In Dash Computers (Windows CE)

This doesnt fall into any category of phone, but I think with some tweaking, we can really utilize this deck to its full potential. The Pioneer AVIC series Navigation/DVD/Car Radios are Windows CE Based, and there has been a mod to boot it directly into windows CE. The potential is AMAZING to combine the units with our smartphones. PM me if you are interested, and or have the knowledge to take this to the next level. Go to AVIC411.com to see what has been done so far. Really, not much besides some minor mods, but I could see this unit becoming a complete smartphone interphase, etc... I currently have a touch pro, and have ordered the AV adapter. I am working on a launcher to keep it in the shell, and give it the ability to use the phone as a modem, to then have dash board internet, and outlook. the possibilities are limitless!
I have the same setup, surprised no one has really taken this any further yet. I agree with you the potential here could be pretty sweet!
Was wondering if you had anyluck with teathering your touch pro to the pioneer avic headunit?
Avic...
No, I have not, but I did get the video adapter on ebay, so I am pumping video thru the AV1 source...
I really have not had a ton of time to do alot, but there is a bunch of stuff on AVIC411.com...
Let me know if you find or are able to do anything cool. (like getting the bt to work consistantly!!!)
CHARLIE
Interested
I'm definately interested. Just got a avic-900bt and would love to code some bolt on functions & camera input mods & maybe even get some extra devices interfaces working better.
I'm guessing we'd never be so lucky as to get source for the 2.0 update. Do you know if there is an avic emulator available? Where to start?
Details on setting up AVIC emulator here: http://avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18137&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=8
Has anyone done research, mods or other to get internet and/or full phone screen output to show up on the AVIC's???
I have two avic900bt's & a Sprint TP2...
I'd love to have weather, current location radar and everything else to display while driving.
The ultimate "coolness" would be able to control the phone through the AVIC's display!
Off to do some more dreamin'...
Raymond
Avic
I too have a sprint tp2 and an avic f90bt with the 3.0 firmware upgrade. I do know that it is Windows CE, and there is a lot that could be done, I just dont know exactly how to do it
I have purchased a video out from ebay for the tp2, and am able to use the video 1 input on the avic, but it is not near what it could be. There are so many other things like interactive mapping, weather etc...
Can you activesync with it?
If you just want to remotely display the screen of another Windows CE device (the Pocket PC) on another one (the Avic) just use a program like NetOp (http://www.netop.com/) installed on each device. You can probably create a PAN connection between the 2 devices using bluetooth to get a network connection. And you probably won't need Activesync if you just download the cab versions and install them.
maybe have someone intresse to help me with the radar detector system modify on a pioneer AVIC-HD1bt
see
on this forum off-topic > [Q] radar update for Pioneer AVIC-HD1bt almost there

OBD2 scanner for g1?

Is there anything out there that can plug up to the car and sync bluetooth with phone to show error codes and what non like a scanner car mechanics have? It would be nice because I work on cars a lot and it would prolly save money because I could just quickly pop up my phone and plug it up on the go to see what is wrong with the car. If anyone could please link me if possible, thx X)
Android currently does not offer USB host support, it would not be able to interface directly with a USB ODB-II adapter. Also, its bluetooth stack only offers audio profiles (headset, hands-free, a2dp, avrcp), although there are some third-party options to change this. However, there is still a lot of work that would be needed to: 1) implement a bluetooth serial protocol to read the raw data from the ODB-II; and, 2) have custom software to allow you to read and display the ODB-II information read from the adapter.
this should be in the app forum
though I do have interest in this as well as OBDI
keep an eye out for this : http://code.google.com/p/android-bluetooth/
I'm sure there are OBD2 bluetooth adapters around
The device *does* have a serial RS232 port you know....
http://www.instructables.com/id/Android_G1_Serial_Cable/
** you can leave out the USB parts since that is intended to link up with your computer's USB port.
Along with this, you need the program to read/write the OBD2 commands to the car's computer. FYI OBD2 protocol is very simple, so it wouldn't be much work to implement.
The only issue with doing this is that there is really no need. You would have to carry around the right kind of plug to fit the car anyways, so you might as well pick up a cheap OBD2 scanner device.
I doubt there are any cars out there with ECUs that have any bluetooth capabilities... Audio systems (where the bluetooth is on cars) will most likely be separate from anything ECU related.... It may be possible, but I doubt it at this point... unless it is some new fancy mercedes/bmw kinda thing.
You completely missed the point.
The bluetooth interface won't be in the car, it will be a device connected to the OBD port.
glock30 said:
I doubt there are any cars out there with ECUs that have any bluetooth capabilities... Audio systems (where the bluetooth is on cars) will most likely be separate from anything ECU related.... It may be possible, but I doubt it at this point... unless it is some new fancy mercedes/bmw kinda thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh... guess that makes more sence... looks like I read it wrong.
would be pretty bad ass .. and while having access to the obd2 port u can even implement stuff to monitor o2 readings and all sorts of other stuff
Im already barking up the same tree on some of my car forums. I see the future being ruled by android phones that are capable of giving you full racing telemetry, at first by log to your computer and eventually in real time info like a set of gauges. I would ideally want to use the OBD2 for the majority of the data logging while overlaying G forces from my phone.
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116910
brandenk said:
Im already barking up the same tree on some of my car forums. I see the future being ruled by android phones that are capable of giving you full racing telemetry, at first by log to your computer and eventually in real time info like a set of gauges. I would ideally want to use the OBD2 for the majority of the data logging while overlaying G forces from my phone.
http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116910
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LGT!
Used to be an active member, haven't been around since I wrecked my Legacy GT Ltd though.
lbcoder said:
The device *does* have a serial RS232 port you know....
http://www.instructables.com/id/Android_G1_Serial_Cable/
** you can leave out the USB parts since that is intended to link up with your computer's USB port.
Along with this, you need the program to read/write the OBD2 commands to the car's computer. FYI OBD2 protocol is very simple, so it wouldn't be much work to implement.
The only issue with doing this is that there is really no need. You would have to carry around the right kind of plug to fit the car anyways, so you might as well pick up a cheap OBD2 scanner device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome! I wouldn't care if it's a serial cable or some bluetooth, just having the ability to not drag my laptop into the car would be useful (I guess my fault for buying a heavy 17")
I have seen a bluetooth dongle type thing that plugs into the port on the car and it is kinda huge, but idc what the size of the bluetooth adapter is. It is supposed to work for window based systems and also some smart phones. So it may be possible to write something to sync the obd2 bluetooth thing to the phone? And from there decode the data it recieves and place it out to english on the phone?
Any chance this would work?
ELM327 Bluetooth OBD-II Wireless Transceiver Dongle
Manufacturer's product description:
bluetooth ELM327 is the newly developed wireless scan tool. It supports all OBD-II protocols
• Works with all OBD-II compliant vehicles
• Wireless (Bluetooth)
• Software included for Palm, PDA
• Software included for Windows PC
• Software included for Windows Smartphone
• Supports ISO 9141, KWP2000
• Supports SAE J1850
• Supports CAN bus
Functions:
• Read diagnostic trouble codes, both generic and manufacturer-specific, and display their meaning (over 3000 generic code definitions in the database).
• Clear trouble codes and turn off the MIL ("Check Engine" light)
• Display current sensor data, including:
• Engine RPM
• Calculated Load Value
• Coolant Temperature
• Fuel System Status
• Vehicle Speed
• Short Term Fuel Trim
• Long Term Fuel Trim
• Intake Manifold Pressure
• Timing Advance
• Intake Air Temperature
• Air Flow Rate
• Absolute Throttle Position
• Oxygen sensor voltages/associated short term fuel trims
• Fuel System status
• Fuel Pressure
• Many others...
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16921
Yes i guess, if it is possible to sync the phone with this and have someone write a program, it may be possible to get it working like a normal scanner itself?
Open-source linux based OBD GPS Logger
-http://icculus.org/obdgpslogger/
Maybe an easy port? (I am not a coder)
LinkinX said:
Open-source linux based OBD GPS Logger
-http://icculus.org/obdgpslogger/
Maybe an easy port? (I am not a coder)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty nice! Looks like most of the code is written in C and some in C++. It wouldn't be a direct port since Android apps are written in Java, but it might be worth checking out.
I would LOVE to have something like this on my phone!!
** EDIT **
The code is simple, I have no doubt this would be easy enough to port. The problem (at least for me) is that the interface cable is pretty expensive. I searched a little bit and it seems like it would cost over $100! Ouch!!
I have written an obd-II logger in the past using an ELM interface...
I do however think that a laptop is more easy to use for readings and logging. The android screen is just a bit too small to really make a useful app.
And obd-II kinda sucks for real use ( sampling rate etc )... purely diagnostics can be handy though.
Ive always used software like crome and ectune to map my cars ( purely honda ).. Something like that would be great to have in a pocket device to turn on/off launchcontrol etc
rogro82 said:
I do however think that a laptop is more easy to use for readings and logging. The android screen is just a bit too small to really make a useful app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see where you're coming from. However, there are ways to work around the screen real estate issue. I still think this would be a great app! Since you have experience in this area, can you recommend a place to pick up an ELM/USB interface at a reasonable price?
ximonx said:
keep an eye out for this : http://code.google.com/p/android-bluetooth/
I'm sure there are OBD2 bluetooth adapters around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://androidcommunity.com/htc-hero-bluetooth-profiles-detailed-20090724/

Remix OS carputer build

Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about using a rock 64 single board computer like a Raspberry Pi that Android is really supported something like that could work really well as it has gpio outputs for various functions USB inputs for audio dacs and DAB radio and can work with touch screens or even projectors for heads up.
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
So, quickly searched on google about raspberry pi and banana pi possibilities, there are some power supplies for in car use, basically they simulate a shut down from the button with a delay. That looks very good, very easy to do and also very cheap. But, how fast can boot a raspberry or banana pi running Remix OS? Does anyone know?
yoiedi said:
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To make it turn off and on with the ignition, just plug it into a 12v line that is powered when ignition is on. Generally the 12v line to your head unit fits that criteria. If you want constant power to keep the device in standby mode, you can connect a relay to an a wire that is powered when the car is powered, then use the relay to short the pins of the standby button.
For boot time, you can achieve quite a bit of improvement by getting the fastest sdcard you can buy.
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check these out http://www.hardkernel.com/main/main.php
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you get an android head unit?
gtxaspec said:
Why don't you get an android head unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you didn't read, I couldn't find any that works with an external sound card(DAC). My audio system is quite expensive, made for sound quality, and of course I want the head unit to be as good as possible. An external sound card with optical output I think is the best you can get.
Google search "raspberry pi alternative" theres lots of these little gadgets now adays, raspberry pi 3B is one of the most popular ( and cheapest) but there are more out there that are more powerful & better hardware.. The ASUS Tinkerboard is becoming popular as well I think I may be getting one for a streaming machine.
I've already purchased the PC and ordered the PSU. The price for all those components(+ a 30gb ssd) was under 100£ so not very expensive. Why I went for a pc instead of a single board pc? I don't know, maybe because I have no previous experience with them. Yes is true that is way much bigger than a raspberry alternative and the power consumption as well but I don't mind, maybe in the future when I'll get bored again I will try one of those pc's.
So, I've tried to install the Android X86 64bit (there is one version on internet with a patch that removes the confirmation message when you want to shut it down) on this pc with no success, all I've got was a black screen or a continuous reboot. Found out that Android X86 64bit is not so friendly with AMD cpu's. Should've search for that before buying it. Anyway, tried the 32bit version so that one works very well but I didn't find any with that patch installed. How can I remove that confirmation message when the power button is pressed?
Thanks.
first tests, quite happy with it, still lot of work to do.
https://youtu.be/lNJmRjXG81A
Odroid C2 with android + kodi

Standalone Android Auto Setup?

I have a Skoda Citigo, it came with a neat satnav/media device that is mounted to the dash, but isn't in a double-din slot. It's Navigon based, 8 years old and a million miles behind Android Auto. But the install is pretty neat.
I'd like to take a 7" touchscreen, 3D print a case and mount some hardware in place of the Navigon that lets me run Android Auto. Ideally I want it to work independent of my phone, but I also want it to seamlessly access data etc via my phone when I get in the car.
Is this possible? And if so, what should I look at in terms of hardware and a ROM etc to start getting it setup?
paulrockliffe said:
I have a Skoda Citigo, it came with a neat satnav/media device that is mounted to the dash, but isn't in a double-din slot. It's Navigon based, 8 years old and a million miles behind Android Auto. But the install is pretty neat.
I'd like to take a 7" touchscreen, 3D print a case and mount some hardware in place of the Navigon that lets me run Android Auto. Ideally I want it to work independent of my phone, but I also want it to seamlessly access data etc via my phone when I get in the car.
Is this possible? And if so, what should I look at in terms of hardware and a ROM etc to start getting it setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you just get any Android tablet (maybe a used Samsung Tab-A series) then run the Android Auto app on it inside of a tablet mount?
I can, that's an option, but I'm trying to get the setup as close to the factory setup as possible and as clean as possible. With a tablet I'd still need to do something to tie the power and audio into the factory pins, which are part of the mount, and dash top so I suspect it's easier to run on standalone hardware.
With a tablet running normal Android I'd need to setup a WiFi Hotspot on my phone that automatically turned on in the car and do something to the tablet so it turns on and loads straight into Android Auto with the ignition on. Might be possible, but not straightforward.
I have one eye on the future - if I want to do something that lets me use Android Auto, Torque, run dashcams or reversing cameras it's going to be a bit easier if the software is running on something like a Raspberrry Pi where I've got easy options for plugging hardware in.

Mirror Infotainment Head Unit to Alternative Display Screen

Hello - this might not be the right forum but hopefully someone will be able to give me a steer on it anyway.
There are lots of articles on the internet about mirroring from devices TO a car's built in head unit but what I would like to try is the opposite of that. I would like to mirror (or otherwise integrate) the cars's built-in OEM infotainment to an alternative display screen. The general idea being that I can have a much bigger display and / or passengers can control the infotainment system.
Does anyone know if this is remotely possible? I can also consider more technical solutions such as coded integrations - assuming I can get meaningful output (wireless / bluetooth?) FROM the infotainment.
I am considering that a Raspberry Pi might feature somewhere in the solution (if it requires specific computing power) but that is not a personal prerequisite.
Thoughts?
I don't think that this is possible unless you modify the wiring of the headunit.
The software (Android Auto, Carplay...) does not allow this.

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