Does anybody happen to have a list of whether various car chargers and/or kits switch the Titan into Car Mode or not.
Also, is there any way to see or preview Car Mode manually as there is with Dock Mode
Many thanks
Andy
I think the car mode is an Android function, not Windows Phone.
Looking at HTC's website it looks like it's only avaiable under Sense 4.0 which I think is Android only HOWEVER, this link suggests the Titan has it built in.
(Sorry had to seperate as I'm new user)
wmpoweruser.com
(page)
/htc-releases-new-htc-titan-car-cradle-with-car-panel-app/
The car panel works in the new Locations version 2.1 (build2213.18230) phone can not be dormant or in lock screen to use.
/showpost.php?p=24460791&postcount=20
Thanks, well like some of the other guys on that thread I have a fix car bracket so don't really want the HTC car kit (it's expensive too) but somehow need to find out whether holders from Brodit, ProClip etc will activate the Car Panel
ProClip
SnoopMegaDaddy said:
Thanks, well like some of the other guys on that thread I have a fix car bracket so don't really want the HTC car kit (it's expensive too) but somehow need to find out whether holders from Brodit, ProClip etc will activate the Car Panel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the ProClip mount without the built-in power. I love their products and it is a great mount.
I see no need for the Car Panel as I have everything at my fingertips.
HTC are currently saying it is only enabled with the right car kit plugged in AND a car which has the Bluetooth Phonebook Profile capability ???
HTC Titan CU S600 switch the Titan into Car Mode.
For a dock to trigger phone into dock mode, it needs specially made microUSB plug. For example, for Samsung Android phones, the microUSB plug needs to have PIN5 connected to a 600k resistor to the ground. Ppl on Samsung board has been documenting the various resistor values for triggering different functions for Samsung phones for almost two years now. Not sure if there is similar efforts on HTC phones.
But, to answer OP's question, no, generic docks won't trigger such docking mode. Only OEM docks can.
Thanks, I understand that the Dock Mode is enabled using resistance across pins of the USB cables however I am trying to find out whether the Car Panel mode is activated in the same way and/or whether it uses the Bluetooth connection to the car as well.
In case your still wondering I have just got this kit (£20 from the forest) and it opens locations when I plug it in , I have no Bluetooth in my car so cant vouch for anything else working.. Just gotta see if I can find away to open Navigon instead.
meandu229 said:
In case your still wondering I have just got this kit (£20 from the forest) and it opens locations when I plug it in , I have no Bluetooth in my car so cant vouch for anything else working.. Just gotta see if I can find away to open Navigon instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which kit was it, do you have a link or make please.
SnoopMegaDaddy said:
Which kit was it, do you have a link or make please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-Titan-A...S6PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344877037&sr=8-1
and it is possible to change what opens with it, i currently have nokia drive opening,, you will need a custom rom to change what opens with it though
meandu229 said:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-Titan-A...S6PK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344877037&sr=8-1
and it is possible to change what opens with it, i currently have nokia drive opening,, you will need a custom rom to change what opens with it though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thats the HTC kit and it's come down in price a lot. I wanted a fixed one rather than a sucker one but thanks for the info. Also, as an aside what ROM are you using and are you pleased with it ?
SnoopMegaDaddy said:
Cool, thats the HTC kit and it's come down in price a lot. I wanted a fixed one rather than a sucker one but thanks for the info. Also, as an aside what ROM are you using and are you pleased with it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Dymanics 1.21 and not had a problem with it yet, dont notice anything different to stock performance wise.
Related
Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Powered PDA Mount for XDA III
FOR
XDA III aka XDA 2S
imate PDA2K
Included in all packages:
1 Powered PDA Mount Cradle
1 9" Windshield Swivel Pedestal
1 XDA III charging and data serial cable
1 3' Bluetooth GPS charging cable
More info here http://www.arkon.com/bluetoothgps.html#xdaiii-bt
if you dont already have a seperate GPS receiver then this one is good:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
a friend has one and it works great. everything in one unit.
However i have had warning from someone saying the GPS signal is interupted if you have a heated windscreen, due to the wires. my mates works great tho.
HPJ
(i should get commission for the amount of time i've recommended this unit!!!!!!!)
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/viewprod.php?product_id=2545&max_cat_id=14&vt=grid
This product does support the blue angel, however, I've heard mixed reports about how well it operates while the phone is changing nodes.
Cheers
numanoids said:
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I thought that so i gave them a call to ask.......the person on the phone said it is compatible with blue angel.....however as in all similar situations always good to keep box and receipt if purchasing and advice is wrong..... :wink:
Fair enough!!
I stand happily corrected. they're in glasgow so might swing past today and pick one up!
cool...let us know how you get on if you do get one
HPJ
Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am biased but ....
Have a look at www.brodit.com - find this product '849612'
Then find a bracket to mount this in your car.
May be more expensive but won't look out of place!
You can use your existing cable to charge the PDA in the car.
When I've finished developing my car kit connection cable, you can then have full hands free car kit including wired GPS, power, mic, sound of phone and nav through the car speakers - just plug my cable into the bottom of this holder and connect it to the car kit!
...Spence
hi s93ncer,
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
yes I agree, brodit is an excellent choice for cradles
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm nearly there, just 1 little thing to sort out this morning.
I have tested it and it does work with phone and nav audio - just used the pin outs for speakers and connect pin 19 to ground through a 10K resistor
I'll post more information when I have finished testing.
...Spence
paulmc said:
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, RF modulators are pretty crappy. The audio is mediocre at best and the frequency tends to drift so you're constantly needing to retune.
If you have a stereo that has a plug on the back for controlling a CD changer (most OEM stereos have this nowdays), you can most likely find an adapter that will let you add aux audio-in to your car stereo. I bought one from www.blitzsafe.com for my Toyota Celica. I used this to hook up the audio from a computer that I installed in the car.
This one is good, to ne honest the speaker on the XDA2s is loud enough and if using bluetooth (as most XDA 2 users do) then this mount may be better:
http://www.pdamods.com/products.asp?cat=23
Just ordered this:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
Should be here next week......I'll let y'all know!
HPJ
There is so much wrong with this product I cant even begin..
1) The vent mounts are useless. They can barely support the weight of the unit on its own. Once the PDA is in it then you can forget trying to get it to face any direction other than down. It just rattles around. I have tried it in my merecedes, a VW golf and an Audi A4 so it's nothing to do with my vents either.
2) The speaker on the powered unit picks up all kinds of crackles and noise. If I make or receive a phone call the noise it makes is unbelievable. Basically I have to keep the speaker turned to the lowest voulme (there is no off switch) the whole time and even then I can still hear a really annoying sound when I use the phone. (You know the sound I mean, it's the one you sometimes get if your phone is near unsheilded speakers just before it's about to ring).
3) The cable that connects the PDA headphone socket to the mount unit does not work. If is is fully plugged in there is no sound at all. If I pull it out slightly the sound works but then it cuts off the external microphone on my PDA so I cant use the voice command/voice dial options.
4) When I plug the charge cable into the bottom of the PDA the PDA tries to connect to a host via ActiveSync...there isn't one there of course so ActiveSync just hangs if I don't hit cancel in time. This does not happen if I use my normal charge cable.
Ozy...are you refering to the powered GPS mount that I have ordered (see above) from Holux, through Total PDA?? I hope not....
However it does sound as though maybe you've just got a faulty one...try sending it back...??
HPJ
No. I am refering to the original Arkon product in the title of the thread.
I suspect it may indeed be faulty but to an extent that ruins any confidence I may have had in Arkon's products. I will be sending it back and I will try to get a Brodit or something else instead.
Cheers.
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Looks like Holux do one for the Blue Angel available from HandNav :
http://www.handnav.co.uk/product_details.php?id=308
Only £99 inluding VAT and delivery.
Might give that a go.
The Arkon mount was never meant to be used with gsm phones, they just added a lead and hoped for the best when used with xda etc, it is an atrocious piece of kit, I launched mine out on the road when driving on the M5, if anybody in the factory had tested it they would have known right away that it wasnt fit for the purpose, regardless of that they are still selling it as compatable, it is also a great bulky lummox of a thing and looked much better bouncing down the hard shoulder.
ozymandias said:
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that, and called them. It works fine apparently...I'll let u know when it arrives
HPJ
Hi all,
I've not got my Hermes variant yet, but would like to ask if anyone plans on using this device in the car for example; with the need to charge AND have audio out going to the car speakers.
Since there is only one connector for both charging and audio, is there some sort of 'Y' cable that 'separates' the two connections?
Thanks.
Brodit has an adapter with just charging feature:
http://www.brodit.com/productinformation.jsp?anr=971690
I have just written an email to them if they could put an audio out cable as well. I will update if I get any information.
esackbauer said:
Brodit has an adapter with just charging feature:
http://www.brodit.com/productinformation.jsp?anr=971690
I have just written an email to them if they could put an audio out cable as well. I will update if I get any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I remember seeing that one...
I would have thought more people may have wanted such an adapter- but obviously not. This is something I would use in my car all the time.
Hi Guys,
Have you considered the 'parrot' car phone kit options? They come in a variety of options, basically each is a Bluetooth car kit, that bonds with your device,transfers the contacts, mutes your cars radio, and pumps telephone calls through the car speakers also, it is in every way a fully working car kit for the Xda range.
I am biased as I retail and install them, but every customer i do installs for, they absoultey love them, as they also bond with upto 5 devices so other phones can be used as well, ie a works phone,
http://www.parrot.biz/united_kingdom/products/index.php?id=advanced
Drop me a line if you need any help ok,
Thanks
Bryson
bryson said:
Hi Guys,
To view and buy all Xda Brodit cradles and proclips, visit my site www.dsldevelopments.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should really fix your site to work with Firefox. It gives the error
Code:
Windows Media Player Plug-in Dynamic Library
The plug-in performed an illegal operation. You are strongly advised to restart Firefox
with Firefox 1.5.0.6 with Noscript 1.1.4.1
Well I think it may be your fault because I've never seen the error before and it is reproduceable.
bryson said:
Hi Guys,
Have you considered the 'parrot' car phone kit options? They come in a variety of options, basically each is a Bluetooth car kit, that bonds with your device,transfers the contacts, mutes your cars radio, and pumps telephone calls through the car speakers also, it is in every way a fully working car kit for the Xda range.
I am biased as I retail and install them, but every customer i do installs for, they absoultey love them, as they also bond with upto 5 devices so other phones can be used as well, ie a works phone,
http://www.parrot.biz/united_kingdom/products/index.php?id=advanced
Drop me a line if you need any help ok,
Thanks
Bryson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would these parrot kits route the [musical] audio from my device to the car speakers then? I dont really need a BT carkit since I always have my personal BT handsfree on. My main requirements are those as listed in my original post.
Thanks Ill pass on the notes to the web guy, i use firefox and IE and works fine, is it the How it Works video?
No, it wont route music through your car, not that I have found yet,
You'd need it to support A2DP to play music too. As far as I know there's no headphone support only headset. At least it's only headset on mine.
The Parrot kits and the TyTn
To Bryson:
I have a CK 3000 that has worked fine with all of my phones. However, according to a different thread there seems unfortunately to be a problem with the Tytn and some (all?) of the Parrot kits.
Hi,
Ive yet to test parrot gear with a tytn / hermes etc - nhave you been over to the parrot forums to see if anyone has posted regarding this issue there?
Sorry i cant be of more help,
Bryson!
My parrot works sweelty with my Tytn and my Strtrk. I have the CK3000 unit too.
Y cable wanted!
I want a Y cable too!
Split into audio out, mic in, charge.
Preferably in a brodit carholder!
I'm sure someone can make this, now the phone is sold in Japan, lot's of japanese will want to use their own headsets, so I hope they will invent some nice cables
Im also looking for this same adaptor, so I can charge the device in the car while the adioo output can be used for satnav.
Anyone know of such an adaptor ? (Y cable)
I posted on the Wiki that a Y cable is soon to be available from Expansys. http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=140425.
grayhaze said:
I posted on the Wiki that a Y cable is soon to be available from Expansys. http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=140425.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah nice one, I knew this would be something people would want. But why HTC couldn't integrate this on the device in the first place still baffles me!
This is only my humble opinion.
When I first knew that the TyTn, followed by the next coming other HTC's PPCs (Trinity. Artemis), would not have the regular audio port anymore (Regardless the size, 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm), I was thinking they must be really stupid by taking that away. Since my first PPC, I have been always plug the audio/sound to my car stereo for MP3 and phone calls.
Then I tried to think about the logic, why would they take it away, they must have reasons, being such a high tech company. The most logical reason I can think of, they might want to design a good car kit /desktop cradle for it. Thus, by combining the audio port and the USB sync/charging port, they can create a cradle/car kit that would only have one connector to the PPC, instead of two connections/jacks: the USB and the audio pin. That might be a good idea, same idea like the earlier versions of the PPC, like Wallaby that had the serial connector that can be used for synching, charging, GPS, and audio input/output as well, all in the same connector.
But looking at the connector they made, the one posted above in the expansys, I'm kind of LOL really. 2 USB output, one for power, one for audio? Ha ha ha..
They /any third party, should have design a car cradle and a desktop cradle that not only have a regular USB for sync/power, but also just map out also the audio output to a regular 3.5 mm normal audio connection. And that cradle will be really useful and I would think many ppl will buy it. And for a plus side, just add a GPS module in the same car cradle unit, than its perfect solution.
Just my humble opinion...
Yes, I agree with the above post, what we now need is for someone to design both a desktop and car cradle, where it would have the 11pin, to which one would dock the device and the 5 & 6 pin on the underside.
This adapter is helpful, but it would be more helpful if accepted the standard 2.5/3.5mm plugs and power. I mean, come on, who's going to be listening in their car with headphones?
goestoeleven said:
This adapter is helpful, but it would be more helpful if accepted the standard 2.5/3.5mm plugs and power. I mean, come on, who's going to be listening in their car with headphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes good point. As it is, it would mean having to use this adapter to split the audio/charging and then use yet another adapter to convert the mini usb to 2.5/3.5 (if there is such as thing, seeing as the connection now would be the standard USB and not the 'square ended' one).
sh500 said:
goestoeleven said:
This adapter is helpful, but it would be more helpful if accepted the standard 2.5/3.5mm plugs and power. I mean, come on, who's going to be listening in their car with headphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes good point. As it is, it would mean having to use this adapter to split the audio/charging and then use yet another adapter to convert the mini usb to 2.5/3.5 (if there is such as thing, seeing as the connection now would be the standard USB and not the 'square ended' one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means we'll also need an USB A<->B adaptor.... Hmmmmmm.......
hi!
I just ordered an asus eee tab transformer for my car, as car entertainment system and navigation system. I am planing to invest some time o modify the hardware of the car to fit the tab optimately in.
One thing I'd like to do is to let the car command the tab for boot and shutdown. I am thinking of using the asus docking station interface of the tab but I have no pinout of this connector at the moment. Can anybody help here?
Maybe it is also possible to throw typical "next", "back", "play", "stop", ... commands? I am expecting an serial interface or something similar. Since I am an routined embedded developer, with a pinout this should be no problem.
The second thing is maybe a software thing.
I have an bluetooth car radio which supports one connection at the same time. The Idea was to use the Tab with bluetooth a2dp but with this connection all calls on my bluetooth phone are ignored. Is there something to establish a android to android bluetooth connection where the tap plays the roll of a bluetooth a2dp headset.
So for music and navigation:
Tab <-> CarRadio
For phone calls:
Phone <-> Tab <-> CarRadio
The other thing is, can the android tablet keep 2 bluetooth connections at the same time from the hardware point of view?
Ok, I think I wrote enough for now ^^
Hope somebody can help with any information.
interested in this
+1
me too
maybe someone has a good link to the asus support?
oops, sorry
fpdragon said:
hi!
I just ordered an asus eee tab transformer for my car, as car entertainment system and navigation system. I am planing to invest some time o modify the hardware of the car to fit the tab optimately in.
One thing I'd like to do is to let the car command the tab for boot and shutdown. I am thinking of using the asus docking station interface of the tab but I have no pinout of this connector at the moment. Can anybody help here?
Maybe it is also possible to throw typical "next", "back", "play", "stop", ... commands? I am expecting an serial interface or something similar. Since I am an routined embedded developer, with a pinout this should be no problem.
The second thing is maybe a software thing.
I have an bluetooth car radio which supports one connection at the same time. The Idea was to use the Tab with bluetooth a2dp but with this connection all calls on my bluetooth phone are ignored. Is there something to establish a android to android bluetooth connection where the tap plays the roll of a bluetooth a2dp headset.
So for music and navigation:
Tab <-> CarRadio
For phone calls:
Phone <-> Tab <-> CarRadio
The other thing is, can the android tablet keep 2 bluetooth connections at the same time from the hardware point of view?
Ok, I think I wrote enough for now ^^
Hope somebody can help with any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something to consider when designing.
Not sure if this is going to be a permanent install or not. But you can easily set up your audio through the Hdmi instead of burning battery with your Bluetooth. At least you can still use your phone through the Bluetooth. You can also incorporate other monitors in other parts of the car. I was speaking to a car audio shop for this type of install myself a few weeks ago. I will try to get more details and report back. Was waiting for the desktop docking station to come out to really run with it.
tonyz3 said:
Something to consider when designing.
Not sure if this is going to be a permanent install or not. But you can easily set up your audio through the Hdmi instead of burning battery with your Bluetooth. At least you can still use your phone through the Bluetooth. You can also incorporate other monitors in other parts of the car. I was speaking to a car audio shop for this type of install myself a few weeks ago. I will try to get more details and report back. Was waiting for the desktop docking station to come out to really run with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...
Bluetooth battery burn would be no problem since I want to load the battery over the car. Anyway... I'm afraid that there won't be something like a "bluetooth router" so I have to use the analog audio out. That brings me to my first question: I need the pinout of the asus connector to control the tab over the steering wheel control.
I don't think anyone's figured out a pinout yet, and even if they do, it wont be as simple as "this contact is for play, this one is for skip, etc". All those most likely go through a usb interface. Not that that would be impossible, but if you're using bluetooth your headunit should support AVRCP for sending those commands over bluetooth. Most android devices only support 1.0 right now, but that still gives you play/pause, stop, next, previous, maybe ff and rewind too.
As an embedded developer here follows one idea that maybe can help you.
Why not using all via BT, I will say you prob looking for some BT support inside the kernel. If you find a similar application using linux (google it), maybe you can ported it to the transformer. Compiling the kernel with new drivers is very easy, then u just need to get into the software part.
Have fun.
Narog said:
As an embedded developer here follows one idea that maybe can help you.
Why not using all via BT, I will say you prob looking for some BT support inside the kernel. If you find a similar application using linux (google it), maybe you can ported it to the transformer. Compiling the kernel with new drivers is very easy, then u just need to get into the software part.
Have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your post!
I was thinking about a similar idea. Bluetooth could be an alternative but with bluetooth it won't be possible to switch the device on. So I tried to find a pinout and maybe I have luck to command a power on. Anyway... Right now BT seems the more realistic way, you're right.
Narog said:
As an embedded developer here follows one idea that maybe can help you.
Why not using all via BT, I will say you prob looking for some BT support inside the kernel. If you find a similar application using linux (google it), maybe you can ported it to the transformer. Compiling the kernel with new drivers is very easy, then u just need to get into the software part.
Have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android and the TF already support A2DP audio streaming and AVRCP remote control over bluetooth, there's nothing that needs to be done here. I'm pretty sure its only AVRCP 1.0 though, which only supports the basic controls (play, pause, stop, next, previous, etc). The newer versions also do things like metadata, so you can see on your headunit what song is playing.
I can say from experience that working with improving BT support in android is not easy after I spent a fair amount of time banging my head against the wall trying to add MAP support to CM7. In any case, without HC source it would be impossible to do here anyway.
fpdragon said:
Thanks for your post!
I was thinking about a similar idea. Bluetooth could be an alternative but with bluetooth it won't be possible to switch the device on. So I tried to find a pinout and maybe I have luck to command a power on. Anyway... Right now BT seems the more realistic way, you're right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd bet that there's no way to power it up over the dock connector since the keyboard dock doesn't support it.
maxpower47 said:
I'd bet that there's no way to power it up over the dock connector since the keyboard dock doesn't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power it up maybe not, but wake it up certainly. If you allow the unit to be in deep sleep when you open the dock it wakes the unit. And as long as you are constantly feeding a small amount of power to it to keep it fully charged it shouldn't be a big deal. Maybe tear down a dock to provide an extra battery to the unit and perhaps the circuitry you need for wake on start of the car. I don't play with hardware so not sure what this would do but it seems it should be possible since it already does this to an extent.
captmiddy said:
Power it up maybe not, but wake it up certainly. If you allow the unit to be in deep sleep when you open the dock it wakes the unit. And as long as you are constantly feeding a small amount of power to it to keep it fully charged it shouldn't be a big deal. Maybe tear down a dock to provide an extra battery to the unit and perhaps the circuitry you need for wake on start of the car. I don't play with hardware so not sure what this would do but it seems it should be possible since it already does this to an extent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Tor Your post...
Im Not sure hat this "deep sleep" is. is this the same like when i press the power button shortly on the tab or another power mode?
I have no dock and I wanted to save my money and not buy it.
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
Does anyone have any experience/recommendations for an Android-based car stereo head unit? My old stereo has just died, so I am interested in what people think of the currently available ones. I have a double din space.
eBay seems to have several available that are similar to this: http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/ca-fi-is-an-aftermarket-android-car-stereo-that-wont-fit-in-you/
There are ones where the Android part is essentially a separate tablet (probably not what I'm after, judging by the videos) http://www.erisin.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=253
Parrot make this single-din stereo: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Parrot-Aste...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1343930713&sr=1-24
There are no doubt many others too. Prices seem to be in the £200 - £280 range which is about my limit.
Nobody has any experience of these or opinions at all?
I think I'm leaning towards the Parrot as it's rootable, and the single-din size is more likely to fit whatever car I get after my current one.
Bump for this thread. I just recently thought about getting into one of these units too, my only concern is how "locked down" they would be in terms of getting rid of their default launchers and crap they have. I basically want a way to just have android by itself running on the car - I can get apps for just about everything else. Ideally I want a clone of my phone on the car that would sync with my phone. Or better yet, simply a way to have a "remote display" for my phone. That way, anything I'm doing on the car side of things would be the same on my phone, like a received email, new internet bookmark, or something like that.
~T.J.
I just picked up a "Road Cyberman" from China Jiaho (actually they call it something else, but it's the same as Chinavasion's Road Cyberman, except $100 cheaper).
It's running Gingerbread 2.3.5 and proving difficult to root. No adb on the usb (even with debug option), no google apps (although I found some apks that sort of work) and no adb wireless available.
The devices works fine, but I would like to have a little bit more control over it.
I've tried Gingerbreak and the other get root apks, but no luck so far.
Yeah, I have seen a lot of those units, but I kind of changed my mind. I have recently been looking into doing something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Q-UXDi3dm3U
I have been following that company for a while, and they just recently released that video and are taking pre-orders for the new board. My biggest hold up at this point is that I would like to use a single DIN stereo for the "amp" by running the audio from their device into the aux input of my existing stereo. I need to find room to mount both the double DIN screen and a custom spot for the single DIN stereo I already have. I would then have the choice of using the stereo without plugging in the phone if I didn't want to for whatever reason. Alternatively, if I can find a good FM tuner app for my phone and a good customizable dock mode, I could eliminate the stock stereo and just run the inputs into a standard automotive 4 channel amp. This of course means you get nothing for a car stereo unless you connect the phone though, unlike the other plan.
Of course, another thought I had was getting a used double DIN touch screen DVD player and using their interface board to convert it to run the Android screen through it, then run the audio straight into the aux input of the touch screen DVD player. That way you have the ability to use the system "as is" out of the box, OR run the Android device through the screen. I think this is the best option, but it also takes the most money since you have the expense of the used double DIN touch screen unit first. I also wonder about picture quality and touch screen sensitivity with the built in touch screens on those units.
Anyway, just food for thought!
~T.J.
EDIT: One of the other hold ups is the calling. I would like to use an external mic and have audio come through the car speakers, currently using that board you are still calling through the device, thus you would need a Bluetooth headset from my understanding. I would like to avoid that if possible also. This is another good reason to go with the double DIN stereo since some of those support Bluetooth calling already and you could probably make/receive calls that way completely hands free.
EDIT #2: If you were into car monitoring and such also, you could easily get a bluetooth OBD interface and run the software on the phone (such as torque) so you could display live data from your car on your dash also. Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay-ZvTn3fLo&t=45s
I picked up one of these after my buddy sent me this thread. It's got the power, but needs a root bad. Wish I knew how to find root for an Android device.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17228