Related
I've got my M2000, and the "ooooooh" factor is starting to wear off - I need toys, dammit!
<grin>
Seriously - I'm looking at a USB charger - anybody got any thoughts as to the best-value one in the UK? Also screen protectors? Any good? Or more hassle than they're worth?
Finally - is there a decent case that will allow me to carry the spare battery? Even just a case *for* the spare battery to stop it shorting out in my laptop bag would be nice - as it is, it's useless, as it's sod all use at home, and I can't really take it with me, short of shoving it into a freezer bag. Classy.
Can't help you much there. I definitely don't have too many extras.
When I got my Qtek 1010 (XDA), I couldn't get a fold-up keyboard fast enough. Unfortunately, the keyboard was more of a disappointment than anything else (some of the buttons, especially the space-bar, have to be pressed _just_ a little harder to be recognised).
Now, with my i-mate (XDA II), the only extras I have indugled in (although I still carry the keyboard with me) is a 512MB SD Card (which is also not so great, cause it's an AGFA, and it's SLOOOOOOW).
How about getting yourself a GPS kit?
For USB Sycn and Charge cables you can beat these :
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=115610&asource=116684
I have had these PPC Techs canples for a numnber of devices and they are very cool.
I can also recoomend this to go with it :
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=EXP_USB-CLA
Its a dongle to go in your car cigarette lighter that has a powered USB port in the top so you can run/charge anyt5hing that can take power via USB.
The two items above are a real go anywhere kit
If you want sometning with real wow factor, how about a laser projected virtual keyboard ?!
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=110909
ozymandias said:
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=115610&asource=116684
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=EXP_USB-CLA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you looking in my shopping basket? They were the ones I'd added before I asked... I was hoping for somebody with some experiences of the extending charge cable - it could have been a very useful device or uselessly overcomplicated and fragile.
As for that laser keyboard... :shock:
eXpansys rock.
They are so good at this kind of thing.
I recently bought a bluetooth headset from them which turned out not to be very robust. The ease with whcih I was able to send it back and get a full refund (including carriage costs) was excellent.
The most amazing thing about that laser keyboard is that it's £20 cheaper than the foldup one.
And don't forget Satellite Navigation. That is the 'Must Have'!
Install MS Voice Command software, pretty cool you can then control whole device by Voice without any training!
And a 2.5mm to 3.5mm Stereo adaptor from Expansys will let you plug in some "Proper" headphones (I use Sony MDR-EX71SL's) you've then got an IPOD butt kicking MP3/WMA player.
wilesd said:
Install MS Voice Command software, pretty cool you can then control whole device by Voice without any training!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed Fonix, and it does indeed seem good. If only I could initiate a call from my bluetooth headset...
And a 2.5mm to 3.5mm Stereo adaptor from Expansys will let you plug in some "Proper" headphones (I use Sony MDR-EX71SL's) you've then got an IPOD butt kicking MP3/WMA player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, iPod butt-kicking? I've not found any 40Gb SD cards yet, and the battery life is mediocre enough without having it playing MP3s all day every day...
GPS - It's a thought. What's the good SatNav software to go for? TomTom still?
I just bought a Parot CK3300 BT hands free kit with built in GPS receiver.
Should get it on Tuesday.
Was referring to the Audio Quality on IPOD's not storage space.
Bitrate for Bitrate the IPOD media format is not a patch on WMA
TomTom3 Navigator has never got me lost yet?
only downside is the iffy address entry method but this can be rectified with a UK postcode add-on.
Checkpoint "Safety" Camera POI works a treat as well
http://www.blueant.com.au/bthp_i.htm
ozymandias said:
If you want sometning with real wow factor, how about a laser projected virtual keyboard ?!
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=110909
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DAMMIT!!!!!! I thought of that 3 years ago!!!! They stole my idea!! Anyway, What about bluetooth mice or sdio camera. There's also external batteries that charge the pda, check out mobileplanet. Asus put out a wifi laptop hard drive enclosure, add a hard drive, and hook it up to the external battery, and you've got yourself up to 40 gigs of external storage. (I haven't checked to see if it'll work yet or not, but I don't see why not) And of course there's always gps.
And speaking of far fetched accessories, anyone wanna help me write a usb hub driver for the ppc so I can hook up my digital camera and nomad jukebox3, and use the jukebox 3 as storage for my digital pictures.
Once we get the hub working, there's no end to the usb accessories we can get.
BTW I also saw sdio video cards to do powerpoint presentations while on the road, and video capture cards.
Last but not least on my shopping list is the bluetooth cassette adapter. It's a cassette tape looking bluetooth hq audio adapter, for home or vehicle use.
I also remember something about an fm transmitter, I think it's an fm transmitter, so you can listen to your mp3 through your radio. There also has to be someone who makes a tv receiver, and a radio receiver for these things, there just has to be.
wilesd said:
Install MS Voice Command software, pretty cool you can then control whole device by Voice without any training!
And a 2.5mm to 3.5mm Stereo adaptor from Expansys will let you plug in some "Proper" headphones (I use Sony MDR-EX71SL's) you've then got an IPOD butt kicking MP3/WMA player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want some proper headphones too, however if it means trying to swap them with the headset when a call comes in... no good. Any suggestions on a better headset/earphone combo?
rollyblu said:
http://www.blueant.com.au/bthp_i.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth stereo.. very sceptical.
- Can I stream audio from a mobile phone or pda using Bluetooth?
The Audio Player can be used to receive streamed audio if the mobile phone supports A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile). Some phone can stream audio to the headphones in mono.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the website
Has anyone actually tried this with the Blue Angel? Does it work properly, Ie taking calls, playing music.
Seems like the Blueant is a re-labelled Sonorix
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/5177.htm
I noticed this item for sale and was suprised because I was under the impression that it was determined that GPS didn't work on the Hermes due to technical limitations even when using a Trinity radio. Go figure.
http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html
pof has been alreayd pmed about this yesturday. waiting for a reply from him to see if he is willing to buy to see if it'll work. if you read more closely you would find the gps is missing the antenna and it requires lost of work to get one in there. this might be able to go in where u put a gsm antenna but lets wait for pof to see what he says.
aha... thanks for the update.
jakirkla said:
I noticed this item for sale and was suprised because I was under the impression that it was determined that GPS didn't work on the Hermes due to technical limitations even when using a Trinity radio. Go figure.
http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be excellent although the Hermes GPS is not Sirf III....
Anyone tried this one?
got pm from pof. the antenna will only help bluetooth gps and not the internal gps. oh well. thanx to pof for saving us the trouble of buying then finding it wont work.
damn man, i bought that antenna as soon as i saw it up!! soooo... like..... theres nothing i can do with this??
ok, it doesnt seem to work.
but it has to help the internal gps, the way it seems SHOULD function wouldnt make sense to help the bluetooth gps. ive seen many other cable GPS like this one on the internet. anyone else buy this?
I'm not sure I follow the function of the antenna....if it is just helping the bluetooth gps, is it then more of a bluetooth antenna, or does it just do nothing for the 8525?
I thought the bluetooth gps was its own antenna, otherwise what would the purpose of it be? Thanks!
I know this sounds sketchy... I read a post a while back about this port where you can attach antenna. A person working with the GPS project for the Hermes TyTN device discovered this port and connected a different model of antenna from Radio Shack. He went on stating that this port is for GPS. NOT Bluetooth When he connected the other style antenna he noticed both his reception (data,voice) increased along with the number of satellites he could acquire.
This is in one of the threads realated to the GPS. He has pictures and stuff too.
I stand corrected.. This was not found in the development thread of GPS with the HTC TyTN device.. This was in a thread where the person took apart their device and showed different pictures of the ""guts"" I'm trying to find the link for the thread now..
any updates on if this worked or not?
I do remember reading somewhere about how people were trying to physically build in a small GPS device into there 8525.
Although nothing about this antena though.
Makes me wonder if there is an actual built in GPS reciever inside the phone.
xtinxkanx said:
Makes me wonder if there is an actual built in GPS reciever inside the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No but I think *some* of the hardware necessary is present. Why not just use a bloutooth GPS rather than having one tethered?
if anyone could post an update it would be appreciated...
what i have learned is that the gps antenna posted on cnn.cn is a type that is supposed to amplify and intensify the signal for your bluetooth gps... but this still confuses me. im guessing it boosts the signal for that the bluetooth attempts to pick up, but why am i plugging it into my 8525 then??
i hope there is some sort of use for this paper weight... besides the paper weight.
Theres no way that thing would fit inside a hermes is there?? It looks huge.. the kind of antenna youd need in a hermes is a tiny one shaped to fit into the top of the phone...
That anteanna is simply that.. a gps external antenna.. theres thousands of those available..
you can use it on a gps navigation system with an antenna connector in order to position the antenna for better reception.. like if you have a coated windscreen that gps cant get through you can use that lead round to the sunroof or back window to allow it to gwet signal while still having the gps unit under the windscreen where you can see it..
That thing is a standard GPS antenna.. the one needed would be a tiny thing.. with no wire and a whole load of soldering and work to fit it... it will probably never happen.. certainly not with something off the shelf like that id imagine. (you could maybe strip that down and get at the actual antenna inside.. but i highly doubt it would a)be small enough, b)fit, c) work afterwards or d) be in any way easy enough to acheive.
From the pictures on the site it looks like that thing plugs into the external antenna socket on the hermes.. but that wont give you gps.
It might improve signal quality in the car though..as it will probably work in some way as a GSM antenna.
(Have you tried plugging it in under the litttle rubber cap on the back of the phone as shown and seeing what happens - it may of course blow up the phone since it ISNT designed to go in this hole!)
Bluetooth gps is a lot better...becuase it is wireless...I have the holux 240 (smallest on the market)...and it can pick up signal inside my house
The GPS was investigated already for the TyTn, it will never work. The chip has the GPS capability however, there are many pins tied to ground. It would take major modification to attempt to use the internal GPS.
Use bluetooth like Holux, forget plugging anything into the rear antenna port. You have been warned!
so what is the deal? are you telling me that if i buy this external antenna http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html a gps application will not work? if not how can i get navigation on my device?
explain to others as it was explained unto you!
lodownlv said:
so what is the deal? are you telling me that if i buy this external antenna http://cnn.cn/shop/8525tytnhermes-antenna-p-1615.html a gps application will not work? if not how can i get navigation on my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you read carefully, you will finally understand that not having it is not going to deny your hermes a gps app.
External= the outside; outer surface; exterior.
antenna=a conductor by which electromagnetic waves are sent out or received, consisting commonly of a wire or set of wires
therefore external antenna mean outside the unit,
gps application = software for use inside the unit
Options therefore:
1. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app = works fine
2. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app + External antenna(plugged into little hole on back of TyTn not your butt = works much better (because of better reception).
Therefore, unless you install TOMTOM 6 on your pc and expect it to work on your PPC thats the only way it wont work.
Even easier to understand is this:
Imagine you are in your car and you are driving you want to listen to music(find a route) on the radio(your TyTn). Its easy to find your favorite station(gps sat) as your radio(TyTN) already has an
External antenna if you were to unplug the external antenna then you would only be able to pick up a few stations but the radio would still work.
and to the question of getting navigation on your device, you would a) have to install a gps mapping software(TOMTOM navigator comes to mind) b) have a wired or unwired gps RECEIVER. that is all.
Hope i explained it good enough.
FYI I'm using TomTom navigator 6 and Qstars 32 channel bluetooth receiver on my Hermes and it works just fine, and i dont have an external antenna.
If you need any more help feel free to pm me.
Cheers.
1. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app = works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
2. TyTN + INTERNAL BT antenna + BT gps receiver + gps app + External antenna(plugged into little hole on back of TyTn not your butt = works much better (because of better reception).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite correct. For the external antenna to improve GPS reception it would need to be plugged into the GPS receiver - not the phone. Plugging it into the phone will be a complete waste of time because the phone does not 'do' GPS. Wired GPS receivers can't be used with the Hermes - it has to be Bluetooth.
I've installed a Parrot Asteroid (digital media head unit with hands free calling) in my wife's VW Passat and think it might be one of the best purchases I've made this year. Install on the Passat (2001.5) was almost plug and play. The only change I had to make was switching Battery and ACC on harness. The antenna adapter (unpowered) is a standard item and was available from a local source.
With CM9 (nightly 0508 currently) USB and Bluetooth tethering work.
Contacts are shared with the Asteroid and voice dialing is accurate (the Parrot seems to grok what I am saying).
Music selection (media on SDHC card in Parrot) via voice is failrly accurate but I have noticed a few inaccurate responses.
Hands-free calling is crystal clear and the music quality is awesome.
Some have reported buggy or defective units, but I have had no trouble with it over the last week with my I777. We'll see what happens with my wife's iPhone...
I am considering same setup into my 2004 Passat. Thanks for posting the picture, that certainly clears my concerns about how does it look in the car as the console is same as yours.
How is sound compared to original VW radio you had before?
Do you mind if I ask you to share with us what components went into your install beside of course the Asteroid? Especially what adapter for the wiring harness you used.
I am using (primarily) Galaxy Nexus on CM9, so I'm pretty confident hooking the Asteroid to the phone shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance!
Edit: forgot to ask about button backlight - from what I see on the Internet it seems to be white, is it adjustable so it can be made to match the OEM backlight on the Passat (red)?
leobg said:
I am considering same setup into my 2004 Passat. Thanks for posting the picture, that certainly clears my concerns about how does it look in the car as the console is same as yours.
How is sound compared to original VW radio you had before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion (these things being subjective), the sound is excellent. Like most Android devices, the Asteroid has a built in equalizer and other sound tweaks. Much better than stock.
Do you mind if I ask you to share with us what components went into your install beside of course the Asteroid? Especially what adapter for the wiring harness you used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe all B5.5 Passats use a ISO connector for the stock stereo. The included Parrot wiring harness adapter works out of the box. I only had to flip Battery and Switched Power (ACC). The Parrot adapter is designed to allow quick changes to these leads and this is documented in the included instructions. The only thing I had to buy was the antenna adapter. I picked that up for about $15 US. I used the unpowered version.
I am using (primarily) Galaxy Nexus on CM9, so I'm pretty confident hooking the Asteroid to the phone shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM9 works quite nicely with the Parrot with one caveat. Bluetooth audio was great (both music and hands free calling). No problems with pairing so far. I tried connecting my SGS2 USB storage to the Parrot but it is not recognizing the SGS2 mass storage (micro SD card). This is not a show stopper for me as I have a 32GB SDHC card installed in the Asteroid.
Edit: forgot to ask about button backlight - from what I see on the Internet it seems to be white, is it adjustable so it can be made to match the OEM backlight on the Passat (red)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such luck from what I have seen. You have have a choice of white, white, or white. You can adjust the intensity of control backlight and LCD backlight for 'Day' and 'Night' modes. 'Day' and 'Night' modes are toggled by a long press on the 'Parrot' button.
The Asteroid is not perfect but it seems to be the only device of its kind at the moment. I am surprised that more car stereo companies are not leveraging Android into their equipment lineup. Both OEM and aftermarket vendors seem to be utterly clueless when it comes to emerging technologies. Who uses CD (or for that matter DVD's) anymore?
When we bought our Passat I was shocked and appalled that the head unit had a CASSETTE deck! There was a CD changer in the trunk but that meant pulling over to change CD's. Clueless, utterly clueless...
In any case, good luck. The install is pretty easy. Do some research on some of the issues some seem to experience with the Asteroid. I have not seen any major problems on firmware 1.5 as yet but your mileage may vary.
*Edit: One other thing -- the Asteroid does not fit flush with the dash like the stock head unit. It sticks out approximately 1/4 inch. Aside from doing major work to modify the dash, I could not think of any way to make the Parrot fit flush. It does not bother me, but it may pose aesthetic issues for you. I actually have grown to like it. It makes finding controls easy without taking my eyes off the road.
Oh -- and one last thing. This 38 second video is priceless for removing the stock head unit.
http://youtu.be/KNSYBSGzUuQ
One last edit -- here is the antenna adapter. $7 through Amazon.
http://goo.gl/39rIO
Thanks a bunch!! So your 2001.5 came with the singe DIN unit. B5.5's 2002 onward ship with double DIN unit, so I would need to find a tray to place in (and fill up the gap) which will be very handy as I could keep the phone (or other junk in there. I've heard Parrot is coming up with a double din unit with slightly extended functionality: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/parrot-asteroid-ck-asteroid-nav-asteroid-2din-infotainment-sys/. They mention late 2012 availability, wondering if I want to hold my horses for that one. Since it doesn't have physical buttons to require backlight, there won't be an issue with the look, but I like the buttons and especially the rotary ones, so this (for me) is as disadvantage as much as advantage. And probably the cost will double. Though integrated Google maps navigation would be terrific! Decisions, decisions...!
Yeah. The stock unit was single DIN. I believe you can buy the pocket if you have a double DIN OEM head unit and want to install a single DIN.
I like having physical controls -- perhaps I am getting old. The lack of apps does not particularly distress me.
I'd like to use the Parrot UNIKA steering controls interface but it does not look like B5.5 Passat is supported yet.
By the way, I'm listening to one of your (Canadian) exports today -- a band by the name of Elliott Brood from Toronto. Not bad for Canadian hacks. ;-)
http://www.elliottbrood.ca/
All the best,
Edward
HI, i bay it this gadget http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Upgr...-Plug-For-IPhone-For-Samsung/32593266492.html
but doesn't not work in may phone Sony Xperia Z2 D6503, only flashes red color :/ someone had this been, can it work?
z2 doesn't have an IR, and i think that is your answer
ssjmilos said:
z2 doesn't have an IR, and i think that is your answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what the plug is for. To give devices IR-capabilities
But those plugs only works with apps that supports them. Which isn't many.
i install this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tiqiaa.remote
I understand, I need drivers ... the kernel does not have the drivers for this ...
otherwise work with some models Samsung, hts, LG, Lenovo ... but not sony ;(
maybe I need someone customize kernel ?
sorry for my "perfect" english
4728 said:
i install this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tiqiaa.remote
I understand, I need drivers ... the kernel does not have the drivers for this ...
otherwise work with some models Samsung, hts, LG, Lenovo ... but not sony ;(
maybe I need someone customize kernel ?
sorry for my "perfect" english
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These don't work very well in a lot of devices, I have built several myself to control a camera using the instructions here: http://www.wegroo.com/photoirmote/diyirmitter/compact-irmitter/
The problem is the headphone jack doesn't put out enough voltage to run the IR LEDs properly. If it works at all the range may only be 30cm or so and the volume on the phone will have to be at max.
Try turning the volume all the way up and testing at close range, it should work but is pretty much useless.
You can also try plugging in a headphone amp (something like: http://www.headphone.com/collections/vendors?q=fiio). This should give decent range but is really inconvenient.
If you don't want to have an amp hanging off the phone and you need longer than a meter range then you are probably going to have to find a phone with a built in IR transmitter.
Hope that helps.
Edit: also, as someone above pointed out, the software you are using might not support using the headphone jack for the remote. Try photoIRmote because that does work, you can point another smartphone camera at the transmitter and you should be able to see it light up through the camera if it is working, at least then you know if the transmitter is even going and might be able to find some other software that does work.
Aborto said:
These don't work very well in a lot of devices, I have built several myself to control a camera using the instructions here: http://www.wegroo.com/photoirmote/diyirmitter/compact-irmitter/
The problem is the headphone jack doesn't put out enough voltage to run the IR LEDs properly. If it works at all the range may only be 30cm or so and the volume on the phone will have to be at max.
Try turning the volume all the way up and testing at close range, it should work but is pretty much useless.
You can also try plugging in a headphone amp (something like: http://www.headphone.com/collections/vendors?q=fiio). This should give decent range but is really inconvenient.
If you don't want to have an amp hanging off the phone and you need longer than a meter range then you are probably going to have to find a phone with a built in IR transmitter.
Hope that helps.
Edit: also, as someone above pointed out, the software you are using might not support using the headphone jack for the remote. Try photoIRmote because that does work, you can point another smartphone camera at the transmitter and you should be able to see it light up through the camera if it is working, at least then you know if the transmitter is even going and might be able to find some other software that does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The software works(a lot better than anything else). The problem is that Sony uses some stupid way of detecting headphones on the whole Z line. If you just plug in a 3.5mm jack without any connections, it will not switch to headphones mode. Other phones (like my previous phone Xperia SP) deal with that just fine. It should work with an amp(it should put the necessary load on the phone). The solution is a small otg smd amp without BTL(so it doesn't shift phases). It will take some time but it should work. I may do it in the future if I need it for something.
So long story short, when attempting to replace the caps for the radio circuit (for the 2nd time since the first time I used ones that weren't quite right) I screwed things up, the headunit still works I just have no radio audio.
Any thoughts on a fix?
I could replace the main board, but I've already done the Audio Mod and then I'd still have to swap the caps on the new one (or live with the lack of treble).
What about a USB FM tuner, maybe something that even has HD radio?
Contact the factory and buy a new radio IC ?
typos1 said:
Contact the factory and buy a new radio IC ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was plan B, tho it would have to be a whole new main board, was wondering if there was a cheaper and easier solution that might also improve radio reception, seems like maybe one of the DAB/DAB+ adapters would work but there doesn't seem to be a decent software solution for those, at least not one that would be good enough to compete with the standard radio app.
jakejm79 said:
That was plan B, tho it would have to be a whole new main board, was wondering if there was a cheaper and easier solution that might also improve radio reception, seems like maybe one of the DAB/DAB+ adapters would work but there doesn't seem to be a decent software solution for those, at least not one that would be good enough to compete with the standard radio app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why cant you remove the original tuner and solder on a new one, whats wrong with the 10 DAB solutions in th DAB thread ?
typos1 said:
Why cant you remove the original tuner and solder on a new one, whats wrong with the 10 DAB solutions in th DAB thread ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the tuner that is bad, its circuitry on the main board, long story short, I had done the radio audio frequency with caps that werent quite the right value, upon trying to redo it with the correct ones, one of the traces got damaged, so while the tuner part works the circuitry that feeds it via the radio input selection doesn't.
I looked at the DAB solutions, but we don't have DAB or DAB+ here (our digitial/HD radio is a completely different spec for which there are no USB modules). I could use a DAB/DAB+ module for just the FM, but from what I have seen none of the software parts of the solutions look very attractive compared to the stock radio app especially considering I wont have the added features of DAB/DAB+ like the artwork, song titles (the stations over here are really poor in terms of their RDS data), etc.
jakejm79 said:
It's not the tuner that is bad, its circuitry on the main board, long story short, I had done the radio audio frequency with caps that werent quite the right value, upon trying to redo it with the correct ones, one of the traces got damaged, so while the tuner part works the circuitry that feeds it via the radio input selection doesn't.
I looked at the DAB solutions, but we don't have DAB or DAB+ here (our digitial/HD radio is a completely different spec for which there are no USB modules). I could use a DAB/DAB+ module for just the FM, but from what I have seen none of the software parts of the solutions look very attractive compared to the stock radio app especially considering I wont have the added features of DAB/DAB+ like the artwork, song titles (the stations over here are really poor in terms of their RDS data), etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, what part of the world are you in ?
The app could eaily be altered, but you cant just tune into the FM signal, it only works if the DAB signal drops out.
Get a new motherboard then, I dont think theyre expensive.
typos1 said:
I see, what part of the world are you in ?
The app could eaily be altered, but you cant just tune into the FM signal, it only works if the DAB signal drops out.
Get a new motherboard then, I dont think theyre expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US, in that case it seems like a DAB solution wouldn't work for my need, if it only switches to FM has a fall back and needs a DAB signal initially.
I ordered one, but I believe it's defective so I am now waiting to hear back from them, would have loved a standalone option that would have improved on the appalling reception the standard tuner gets.
jakejm79 said:
US, in that case it seems like a DAB solution wouldn't work for my need, if it only switches to FM has a fall back and needs a DAB signal initially.
I ordered one, but I believe it's defective so I am now waiting to hear back from them, would have loved a standalone option that would have improved on the appalling reception the standard tuner gets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No DAB in US, no HD radio solution by any MTCB manufacturers ? No USB HD radio solution ?
Theres something wrong if your tuner gets bad reception, do you have an OEM antenna booster in your car ?
typos1 said:
No DAB in US, no HD radio solution by any MTCB manufacturers ? No USB HD radio solution ?
Theres something wrong if your tuner gets bad reception, do you have an OEM antenna booster in your car ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it sucks, I would have even settled for a satellite radio option, not that I can find a USB solution for US HD radio spec, I think its a really limited market, plus the phone carriers (main android market) aren't particularly found of FM/HD radio being available on android (or other) devices.
No the car is old (1999) so just the standard antenna, on the previous board it worked (wasn't has good as OEM radio, but acceptable, I tried some of the aftermarket boosters and they made things worse). With the new main board all I get is static and it wont auto tune to even the most local stations.
jakejm79 said:
Yeah it sucks, I would have even settled for a satellite radio option, not that I can find a USB solution for US HD radio spec, I think its a really limited market, plus the phone carriers (main android market) aren't particularly found of FM/HD radio being available on android (or other) devices.
No the car is old (1999) so just the standard antenna, on the previous board it worked (wasn't has good as OEM radio, but acceptable, I tried some of the aftermarket boosters and they made things worse). With the new main board all I get is static and it wont auto tune to even the most local stations.
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Click to collapse
The age of your car isnt that relevant - have you actually checked the base of your antenna for a power lead ?
Can you post links to the "boosters" youve tried or similar ?
typos1 said:
The age of your car isnt that relevant - have you actually checked the base of your antenna for a power lead ?
Can you post links to the "boosters" youve tried or similar ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The antenna is a standard antenna, I've had numerous other aftermarket radios with no issues before including my Ouku unit and my previous JY unit worked it just wasn't as good as OEM.
I used one off ebay and then another direct from Joying.
jakejm79 said:
The antenna is a standard antenna, I've had numerous other aftermarket radios with no issues before including my Ouku unit and my previous JY unit worked it just wasn't as good as OEM.
I used one off ebay and then another direct from Joying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you actually checked the base for a power lead ? What type of booster did you try ?
typos1 said:
Have you actually checked the base for a power lead ? What type of booster did you try ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we are getting off topic here, I'm not looking for a way to improve radio reception, the unit wasn't great (compared to the OEM radio) but it was acceptable. Just looking for another option for FM radio reception, seems like there isn't one if you aren't in a DAB/DAB+ market area.
jakejm79 said:
I think we are getting off topic here, I'm not looking for a way to improve radio reception, the unit wasn't great (compared to the OEM radio) but it was acceptable. Just looking for another option for FM radio reception, seems like there isn't one if you aren't in a DAB/DAB+ market area.
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Click to collapse
There are several solutions to having a poor FM reception with these units and many people buy boosters that are not actually boosters, I was just simply asking a few questions to see if any of the solutions would help you, not interested ? Then I ll shut up.
jakejm79 said:
So long story short, when attempting to replace the caps for the radio circuit (for the 2nd time since the first time I used ones that weren't quite right) I screwed things up, the headunit still works I just have no radio audio.
Any thoughts on a fix?
I could replace the main board, but I've already done the Audio Mod and then I'd still have to swap the caps on the new one (or live with the lack of treble).
What about a USB FM tuner, maybe something that even has HD radio?
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Click to collapse
If installing an external HD Radio add-on is something you have interest in, consider checking out the Directed Electronics HD Car Connect Radio DMHD10001. These add on units can be had for $30 US or less on ebay and connect to your head unit via the AUX in RCA audio connections or via FM modulation. That said, I recommend using the RCA connections to anyone, as the FM modulation will usually have lessor overall audio quality. Please note that these specific Directed Electronics HD Radio Units need to have a ground jumper wire soldered from one or both of the tops of the gold RCA jacks to the black DC Ground in order to fix the over-modulation (distortion) issue. To do this jumper cleanly, remove the case cover and solder the jumper to the 90 degree ground pin at the plug connector. I also recommend drilling some vent holes in the upper case cover to help cool the unit as it does heat up.
Please note that these HD Radio units are only for use in the US (as far as I know), and are best used in areas of the Country that have more than a few HD channels available like here in So Cal. They do work with non HD AM/FM channels too. Some of the pluses are the additionally available music and news content in HD with no monthly fees, somewhat higher sound quality, as well as the overall better sound quality when compared to the built in FM tuners in the current Chinese android head units.
Attached is a pic of the grounding needed to fix the factory over-modulation flaw when using the RCA audio connections.
Moreover, you should be able to find an external satellite radio add-on unit that ties in via the RCA audio in connections if no usb version is available.
Hope this helps...
Your mileage may vary.
Best to all,
R
rhacy said:
If installing an external HD Radio add-on is something you have interest in, consider checking out the Directed Electronics HD Car Connect Radio DMHD10001. These add on units can be had for $30 US or less on ebay and connect to your head unit via the AUX in RCA audio connections or via FM modulation. That said, I recommend using the RCA connections to anyone, as the FM modulation will usually have lessor overall audio quality. Please note that these specific Directed Electronics HD Radio Units need to have a ground jumper wire soldered from one or both of the tops of the gold RCA jacks to the black DC Ground in order to fix the over-modulation (distortion) issue. To do this jumper cleanly, remove the case cover and solder the jumper to the 90 degree ground pin at the plug connector. I also recommend drilling some vent holes in the upper case cover to help cool the unit as it does heat up.
Please note that these HD Radio units are only for use in the US (as far as I know), and are best used in areas of the Country that have more than a few HD channels available like here in So Cal. They do work with non HD AM/FM channels too. Some of the pluses are the additionally available music and news content in HD with no monthly fees, somewhat higher sound quality, as well as the overall better sound quality when compared to the built in FM tuners in the current Chinese android head units.
Attached is a pic of the grounding needed to fix the factory over-modulation flaw when using the RCA audio connections.
Moreover, you should be able to find an external satellite radio add-on unit that ties in via the RCA audio in connections if no usb version is available.
Hope this helps...
Your mileage may vary.
Best to all,
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I was thinking about something like that (obviously via aux in and not FM modulation, since my FM doesn't work). What I would love would be something like this that then had an Android app that could be used to remotely control the unit.
I had an HD radio add on box for a Clarion NX501 years ago, I don't live in a part of the country that has a ton of HD stations and depending on where I drive I don't always have the best coverage, but it is a possibility.
typos1 said:
There are several solutions to having a poor FM reception with these units and many people buy boosters that are not actually boosters, I was just simply asking a few questions to see if any of the solutions would help you, not interested ? Then I ll shut up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the input, but I think there is some confusion over my needs.
I need an external FM tuner (i.e. something USB or the like with an android software solution for tuning). I have two motherboards, one has damaged traces for the radio circuitry so there is no radio audio (BT, streaming apps, etc are fine) the other that was bought has a replacement seems to have a defective tuner or something, I get nothing but static. This isn't an issue with the antenna or anything since prior to the damage on the original motherboard I had acceptable reception.
So to recap, I don't need to improve reception (tho if the replacement tuner offered better SQ or reception that wouldn't be a bad thing). I just need to find a way of getting an FM signal to the unit via USB or Aux in. Something like Rhacy would be good, but I was hoping for something a little more integrated and controllable through an android interface.
jakejm79 said:
I appreciate the input, but I think there is some confusion over my needs.
I need an external FM tuner (i.e. something USB or the like with an android software solution for tuning). I have two motherboards, one has damaged traces for the radio circuitry so there is no radio audio (BT, streaming apps, etc are fine) the other that was bought has a replacement seems to have a defective tuner or something, I get nothing but static. This isn't an issue with the antenna or anything since prior to the damage on the original motherboard I had acceptable reception.
So to recap, I don't need to improve reception (tho if the replacement tuner offered better SQ or reception that wouldn't be a bad thing). I just need to find a way of getting an FM signal to the unit via USB or Aux in. Something like Rhacy would be good, but I was hoping for something a little more integrated and controllable through an android interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know what you need, we touched on a new motherboard to fix your problem, I was advising for when you fit your new motherbaord, basically, the FM reception on these units is pretty good, once you have done a few basic things.
But I didnt realise you actually had the motherboard already and your problem is static.
In that case its HIGHLY likely that you simply need to flash the MCU to solve your problem - what device do you have and what MCU version ?
I recently had a similar problem (no radio, just static) and all that was needed was an MCU update, its very common after updating.
It could also be the wrong tuner type is set in factory settings, have you tried playing around with them ?
typos1 said:
Yes, I know what you need, we touched on a new motherboard to fix your problem, I was advising for when you fit your new motherbaord, basically, the FM reception on these units is pretty good, once you have done a few basic things.
But I didnt realise you actually had the motherboard already and your problem is static.
In that case its HIGHLY likely that you simply need to flash the MCU to solve your problem - what device do you have and what MCU version ?
I recently had a similar problem (no radio, just static) and all that was needed was an MCU update, its very common after updating.
It could also be the wrong tuner type is set in factory settings, have you tried playing around with them ?
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the MCU mentioning, you could be onto something, the new mobo didn't behave exactly like my old one, I had issues trying to get my phone to pair with BT (though that could be due to new MAC address but same BT device name, I didn't work too hard on it since the radio issue was more pressing). But also the buttons on the front acted a little weird, like normally when I have one of the MTC apps open (radio, their music player, etc) if I hit the home button on the front of the unit it would keep that app playing but return me to the home screen, with the new mobo it closes the app like I pressed the back button, have to press the soft home button in the top left of the screen to keep it playing music.
I have the old mobo back in now, I will try and see what the MCU version is on that and then install the new mobo and see if its the same or different and try upgrading it.
I did try all the different options for the radio device under the factory settings menu, but all but one (the original one selected) resulted in just silence rather than static.
jakejm79 said:
Thank you for the MCU mentioning, you could be onto something, the new mobo didn't behave exactly like my old one, I had issues trying to get my phone to pair with BT (though that could be due to new MAC address but same BT device name, I didn't work too hard on it since the radio issue was more pressing). But also the buttons on the front acted a little weird, like normally when I have one of the MTC apps open (radio, their music player, etc) if I hit the home button on the front of the unit it would keep that app playing but return me to the home screen, with the new mobo it closes the app like I pressed the back button, have to press the soft home button in the top left of the screen to keep it playing music.
I have the old mobo back in now, I will try and see what the MCU version is on that and then install the new mobo and see if its the same or different and try upgrading it.
I did try all the different options for the radio device under the factory settings menu, but all but one (the original one selected) resulted in just silence rather than static.
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Click to collapse
You will probably have to try different BT devices in factory settings as well. What MCU version is your new mobo ?