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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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 ?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will probably have to try different BT devices in factory settings as well. What MCU version is your new mobo ?
Related
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.
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
Just do a search...
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an auxiliary conx on your radio you can just connect it with a 3.5 cable.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
cameraddict said:
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
I therefore fancied the combined cradle / FM transmitter instead from here My initial reaction was it was cheap rubbish - the socket was loose so although it would transmit a signal, as soon as you move the car it loses the connection to the TP2, making it useless. However, I then used a pair of pliers to tighten the socket in the cradle, and it worked well for nearly 2 weeks - including charging the phone while driving. I was getting to be quite happy with it, until today it just stopped transmitting a signal. I've opened it up but can't find any obvious loose connections, so it's now trash - proving my initial view.
I am now wondering about the FM talk transmitter. Has anyone tried it?
I have use the FM talk transmitter found on Ebay since July. It works great.
Only problem is that it doesnt charge the phone when the mini-usb car charger is plugged to the transmitter. It only powers the transmitter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAR-FM-TRANSMIT...wItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item414aa12524
this works real good for me.
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
osrix25 said:
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
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Thanks, the remotes would come in handy as the kids use my phone to watch films in the back..gotta love that TP2 screen!! I rekon i'll add it to my christmas list!!
BTW i'm using Miri's 2.5 ROM which does support the fwd/back on my BT headphones!
I use my Motorola T505 for bluetooth/listening to music, mostly Pandora. A little pricey, but I'm not a headphone type of guy and it's technically illegal in California to not use some type of hands-free set.
What kind of car do you have? I'm going to give this a try. It should also charge the phone. It looks like it will display track info in my BMW but not in my VW.
http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html
Everyone check this out. It's a mount and wireing solution. Some may like it. I will order me one in the next couple of weeks.
http://www.proclipusa.com/default.a...d=&parent_category=4&d_pcat=16708&d_cat=17907
Or
just buy a car radio with Adanced Stereo support over Bluetooth! that way you can also control your phone through the head-unit .
My method
As Die Bruine said a unit with bluetooth is great! However I couldn't afford the bluetooth adapter for my head-unit. So I have a stereo with a USB reader, after I connect my Tilt 2 I just tell it to go into mass storage mode!
HTCNeil said:
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
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Click to collapse
I do this too, and I accidentally discovered that you can still use the mic from the speakerphone when it's connected (via 3.5mm jack on the Sprint TP2), so I prop my TP2 on the steering column when I talk in my car (luckily, it cradles perfectly and the rubbery paint keeps it from slipping during turns). I'm told that they hear an echo when they talk, but my voice sounds better than any headphone or BT Headset I've used, and the voice quality over the speakers is really good.
well i bought the fm talk been using it for 3 days now and i love it. its easy to use its self explanitory just plug it in and go. makes the music sound louder on my cars speaker the only thing is that it doesnt charge your phone while in use but its not a problem for my i have temporaly flashed back to stock rom because its the only rom that has a long battery life well from my experience .....
thank you ugys for your thoughts i appreciate 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?
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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.
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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)?
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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
Hi there,
I know there is already some posts relating issues like that, but most of them are dead and without a clear answer.
I actually have a Joying JY-UQ130 (RK3188 headunit) with probably a NXP6624 radio tuner chipset. This HU is installed on a Honda Civic 9G (European model). This car have an amplified antenna which worked very well with OEM radio.
Since I installed my HU, radio signal / reception is not really good. Everything is correctly plugged : blue wire is connected with ANT-CONT (12V) and radio connector is on HU.
Without connecting blue wire, radio signal / reception is clearly worst, so I think everything is OK !
So, I tried like my others to add this ANT-208 amplifier :
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/ANT-208-Car-Inline-Antenna-Aerial-Radio-FM-Signal-Booster-Amplifier-Amp-UK-/111840168048?
Now, ANT-208 and default antenna car's together make radio signal / reception worst than without ANT-208.
Is this box just **** or maybe broken ? I have not red led to control if power is OK. I just plugged red wire on AMP-CONT, which is a 12V wire normally for audio amplifier (but I don't have it). I don't know where to get 12V if I don't use this wire.
Is there any other solution to increase radio signal / reception ? Maybe I can connect another comptable chipset tuner, which is better ? If yes, which compatible chipset would you recommand me ?
Hope this topic can help community to fix this recurrent radio problem !!
Thanks !
Lwysiwyg said:
Hi there,
I know there is already some posts relating issues like that, but most of them are dead and without a clear answer.
I actually have a Joying JY-UQ130 (RK3188 headunit) with probably a NXP6624 radio tuner chipset. This HU is installed on a Honda Civic 9G (European model). This car have an amplified antenna which worked very well with OEM radio.
Since I installed my HU, radio signal / reception is not really good. Everything is correctly plugged : blue wire is connected with ANT-CONT (12V) and radio connector is on HU.
Without connecting blue wire, radio signal / reception is clearly worst, so I think everything is OK !
So, I tried like my others to add this ANT-208 amplifier :
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/ANT-208-Car-Inline-Antenna-Aerial-Radio-FM-Signal-Booster-Amplifier-Amp-UK-/111840168048?
Now, ANT-208 and default antenna car's together make radio signal / reception worst than without ANT-208.
Is this box just **** or maybe broken ? I have not red led to control if power is OK. I just plugged red wire on AMP-CONT, which is a 12V wire normally for audio amplifier (but I don't have it). I don't know where to get 12V if I don't use this wire.
Is there any other solution to increase radio signal / reception ? Maybe I can connect another comptable chipset tuner, which is better ? If yes, which compatible chipset would you recommand me ?
Hope this topic can help community to fix this recurrent radio problem !!
Thanks !
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Click to collapse
Search other threads in general section and elsewhere. There are several discussions on this topic. No single solution as caused may be related to.particular unit or car situation.
I solved issue by putting additional antenna and joing with existing in car by using Y adapter. That way I got more signal to noise ratio. Just adding amplifiers is not changing SNR.
Sorry for the long time before answering ! Thanks for your answer !
I tried connecting GND of my wires to the car ground, but no improvement.
I tried famous ANT-208, but signal is now worst. I have removed it today, and will see if something is wrong in the ANT-208's box.
Adding another antenna ? Why not Do you know an internal antenna model that works great ? I don't want to have wires and antenna on board, so if I can hide this it would be great.
Lwysiwyg said:
Sorry for the long time before answering ! Thanks for your answer !
I tried connecting GND of my wires to the car ground, but no improvement.
I tried famous ANT-208, but signal is now worst. I have removed it today, and will see if something is wrong in the ANT-208's box.
Adding another antenna ? Why not Do you know an internal antenna model that works great ? I don't want to have wires and antenna on board, so if I can hide this it would be great.
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Click to collapse
Has your car got an OEM antenna booster ? If so you probably just need a power injector.