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Why is Android Auto not using the GPS antenna of the car?

I am wondering that AA is not using the GPS antenna of the car. May car (2016 SEAT/VW) has a built in GPS antenna. I would expect a much better signal from the car antenna on the roof. However AA seems to use the phone GPS antenna.
Is this always the case and part of the Android Auto specifications.? Is this the case with your cars as well?
I did check it as follows:
- Use googke maps in AA
- Deactivate GPS in the phone (press last used button and then home button to get to the settings)
- The Headunit in the car is saying "no GPS" so it's obviously using the phones antenna.
Update: My car doesn't seem to have an integrated GPS antenna. That the reason. However the test may be interesting for somebody with an integrated antenna to proof that it is used.

Strange. The web is telling a different story.
Gizmodo:
"I was told at Google I/O last year that Auto could leverages the car’s GPS antenna which should make it more accurate, and it should help to improve the phone’s battery situation."
Androidpit
8 Android Auto will be able to use in-car hardware
Android Auto runs on your phone, but that doesn’t mean it’s limited to your phone’s hardware. Apps will be able to access the car’s own GPS and GPS antenna (if fitted), steering wheel controls, the sound system, the car’s wheel speed, its compass and any mobile antennas, and there are moves to access car data from the vehicle’s own computer too.

Please see update in first post.

I have a Kenwood DDX9702S and a 2011 Honda CRZ that had nav from the factory. The Kenwood includes a GPS antenna passthrough, so I plugged in my OEM GPS antenna. I can confirm that Android Auto does not activate location services on my phone while using it.

Issue with sharkfin antenna?

I have just recently bought an android car unit.
The only issue is I just cannot get the radio to work very well. The device picks up radio stations on FM frequencies I know, but with a lot of noise. However, as soon as I connect it to my car's sharkfin antenna the reception actually gets much much worse. Has anyone had a similar issue? Did an amplified for the antenna fix it?
The car is a 2010 Vauxhall (same as a Buick or Opel) Insignia.
Thanks.

I was under the impression that shark fin antennas are for gps/cellular only, and that cars with shark fin antennas have their fm/am antennas built into the rear window of the car. I'm not sure though, just guessing

Your description (if the antenna worked fine with the OEM unit) sound like if your car has a built-in amplifier for the antenna which you forgot to hook up to the android unit to toggle the power on? In my Subaru the exact same thing happens if the antenna amplifier trigger is not connected.

vassandrei said:
I was under the impression that shark fin antennas are for gps/cellular only, and that cars with shark fin antennas have their fm/am antennas built into the rear window of the car. I'm not sure though, just guessing
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You can get all sorts of OEM and aftermarket shark fin antennas, from dummies to ones that do AM/FM, GPS, GSM, DAB and TV and various combos of those, I ve got an AM/FM/DAB one for instance.
shtirlitz111 said:
Your description (if the antenna worked fine with the OEM unit) sound like if your car has a built-in amplifier for the antenna which you forgot to hook up to the android unit to toggle the power on? In my Subaru the exact same thing happens if the antenna amplifier trigger is not connected.
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Click to collapse
Exactly, but if the shark fin is after market it will likely have its own power input different to the cars OEM antenna power input, therefore using a power injector as you would for OEM antenna boosters wont work. Is your shark fin OEM or aftermarket @AnonymousPenguin

Tablet as in-car head unit able to connect reversing camera?

Hi,
I am restoring an older Mercedes and am considering using a Samsung Galaxy Note Table in my dash.
It would be nice to connect a reversing camera, but is this possible? I have found a reversing camera that uses a wifi connection.
But the problem with that is that the tablet drops any existing internet connection when it then connects to the wifi signal from the camera.
Ideally a wired camera connection would be best because it would show an instantaneous image.
Other than buying a head unit with camera connection, is it possible to wire in a camera to a tablet?
I could then use all of Android Auto Apps etc as well as a reversing camera all on the one screen.
Any suggestion?
Cheers
Rod

Pumpkin Android 9.0 Universal Applicable Infotainment System Car Stereo

I found a car stereo at an affordable price these days. When you are going for a budget build, you definitely expect to make some compromises. Maybe this not be the best car stereo on the market, but it is the best value. The model we are going to talk about is Pumpkin Android 9.0 universal applicable infotainment system car stereo.
Scope of delivery
- car stereo
- power cable with Canbus
- camera adapter box
- GPS Antenna
- Wifi Antenna
- External Microphone
- Radio Adaptor
- USB Cable
- USB Extended Cable
- User Manual
► Material/quality/appearance/processing
The processing of the*Pumpkin*radio is very high quality, you notice this immediately when you unpack it.The radio has a matte black finish. The knobs and buttons are very stable, feel comfortable and have a good press point.
► Technical data
The radio has a Qcta-core with4GB DDR3 RAM and the internal memory is 32 GB.With this data, the Android 9.0 system running fluidly and without problems. You can install and play current games on the radio.
The radio supports GPS (preloaded with the Google maps APP) and capacitive touch screen, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote control, Wi-Fi, 3 G, FM, AM, RDS, OBD2
► GPS
Through the supplied GPS antenna,the navigation runs very well.The site search takes just a few seconds after switching on and is extremely accurate. *I have experienced no GPS dropouts. Together with the Google Maps app, the navigation is super easy to adjust because it works like the route planner on the PC or on the phone.
The radio has a TF card reader. This reads standard micro SD card which is used for the extension of the store. (E.g. maps for different countries)
► FM Radio
The radio works fine, it is easy to use. It is convenient to switch channels, and can enjoy different service.
In particular, I find that you can control the volume via the buttons. So you can look the radio even without use. This is definitely a plus point of this radio model.
► Sound quality
The radio impresses me not only with its easy operation, but also by a super sound.The radio has 4 audio outputs with each "real" 50 watt.The heights are very clear and the basses have a rich sound.
► Bluetooth 4.0
The Bluetooth connection is initialized in a few seconds the first time. Each additional time you have to do nothing more.The phone will connect automatically when it is in range of the car. This is very handy, it has a free external mic, so you can clearly listen the bluetooth calls. What’s more, it can read the phonebook, you can call when you can drive and still focus on your road.
► Wifi, Wlan, 3G
The radio convinces with extremely many high-end features. So, as a Wi-Fi access inside the car radio can build up. Friends and family can connect to it and thus surf the Internet over 3G.
► Suitable Cars
The radio has a 2 DIN standard form and thus fits in much cars.
►Smartphone mirror
For Android phone, you can mirror and control on the unit via USB cable connection. As the iphone, you can just mirror on the unit via wifi connection.
► Conclusion
Overall, the price/performance ratio of this radio is not to beat. He keeps everything he promises and can be controlled touch screen through the incredibly easy. He has extremely many features that were described above.

First and only post by "mandyoritz." Obvious spam. Clearly Pumpkin condones and uses deceit and spam, so should NOT be considered if you're looking for a head unit. Don't reward dishonest behavior. Consider anyone EXCEPT Pumpkin.
Oh, and they posted in the wrong place for an Android based head unit, couldn't even figure that out.

USB DAB+ devices and signal strength

Hello to all...
Just wan't to solve some issue with USB dab+ signal.
I bought Dab+ usb dongle (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32861687291.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.21ef18023f5v55) and now is connected to my multimedia device (ALPS FF5000 / 8227L chipset) in car (Peugeot 308 mk1 2011y). Installed an app called DAB Z for running DAB+ radio.
Supposedly, the signal is stronger and good when used without lights on the car, but when you turn on the lights, the signal simply disappears or is zero.
I noticed this when I started the car radio without the engine running. When I turn on the car and the lights (both the car radio and its lights come on - which means it draws energy from the battery and may take extra power to power the usb ports where the usb dongle is) the signal is simply lost. How do I solve this, when I turn on the lights so the signal doesn't go away, does anyone know?
Thanks to everyone in advance for your help!
Best regards!

Those DAB+ antennas are garbage. Buy proper antenna, but only antenna, and keep this usb dongle. Those glass mounted antennas only works in really great conditions.

kv1dr said:
Those DAB+ antennas are garbage. Buy proper antenna, but only antenna, and keep this usb dongle. Those glass mounted antennas only works in really great conditions.
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Yes I noticed , I bought another one better signal is stronger, but I noticed also that problem was in led lights installed in car. They cause interference of antenna if no resistors installed with led bulbs. I removed them and put origin al H7 bulbs and now signal is great. But I'm in to solve that problem with lights and antennas. Have you come across this problem ?

Hm. I don't remember anymore. I also think I had some problems when I turned on ignition in my car. But I never researched, if the issue was led lights or anything else. I just bought better antena, that I mounted on the roof, and since then, I don't have any problems with signal anymore. I can listen to DAB+ radio in most remote areas possible. I also noticed that if I put this better antenna inside the car, signal drops instantly. So I have to put it on the roof.

kv1dr said:
Hm. I don't remember anymore. I also think I had some problems when I turned on ignition in my car. But I never researched, if the issue was led lights or anything else. I just bought better antena, that I mounted on the roof, and since then, I don't have any problems with signal anymore. I can listen to DAB+ radio in most remote areas possible. I also noticed that if I put this better antenna inside the car, signal drops instantly. So I have to put it on the roof.
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Click to collapse
I have bought 3 in 1 antenna amplifier . Dab+ and Fm. It strenghten signal significally. I resolved this problem but still, problem remains with led lights as they don't have any resistors and cause interference with antenna.