Installed an Inexpensive Android HU

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by pree_us, Apr 15, 2020.

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  1. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    I replaced my failing base non-JBL head unit with an inexpensive Ebay 9" 9.0 Android unit. I added a rear camera, and for fun, a front camera. I'm fairly impressed for $150 shipped . . . The photo shows an old Doobie Brothers video on YouTube.
     

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    #1 pree_us, Apr 15, 2020
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  2. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    What brand and model # is it. Looks cool!
     
    #2 Montgomery, Apr 17, 2020
  3. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    To be honest, at the time I searched Ebay for the cheapest 9" Android head unit from China that would look OEM. It has no name, no model number, and no reviews. It came loaded with apps. I just downloaded the TORQUE app that gives realtime performance / diagnostics and scanner that uses an OBD II Bluetooth or WiFi to connect to your OBD2 engine management / ECU. Now I can see RPMs, collant temp, etc. etc.
     
    #3 pree_us, Apr 24, 2020
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Nice work.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Apr 24, 2020
  5. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    I'm curious in what way your original unit was failing. How easy/hard was the installation?
     
    #5 royrose, Apr 24, 2020
  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Almost pulled the trigger on buying one for $150. But none of the photos shows the back of the unit and how it hooks up. The most important thing I need to know is what the hookups look like before buying something like this. The one I saw does show it hooking up to stock reverse camera and it does appear to have built-in steering wheel set up functions. I just need to know more on how it installs. I am with you Royrose. Give us some details so I have an excuse to spend money I don't have!! o_O. Don't need to buy a $150 head unit and then $50 in harness equipment.
     
    #6 Montgomery, Apr 26, 2020
  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Hate to say it but given what these are and the way they are made and priced, you should probably expect rapid iterations in the hardware. As soon as they post as little as a picture of the back, they're going to change it to fix something, improve something, or make it cost less.

    If you want something well documented and supported to the point of having all that stuff available pre-purchase, I'd suggest sticking to the big brands.
     
    #7 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Apr 26, 2020
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  8. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    My OEM non-JBL controls and buttons were failing. So not wanting to spend too much money on a "big brand" but yet get creative with an android touch screen HU, I thought what the heck and got the no-name HU. It came with the adapter harness that allows you to directly connect it to the Prius OEM harness. Keep in mind, these units are not designed to replace the OEM JBL HU. So far so good. My wife gets upset at me for fooling around with the different apps while driving.
     
    #8 pree_us, Apr 28, 2020
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  9. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Mine is a none JBL unit. But I am very lucky as I have Samsung devices that sync up with no problem. I can even navigate thru my phone or tablet via the steering wheel buttons. I guess when the stock head unit gives out, I'll get an aftermarket one.
     
    #9 Montgomery, Apr 28, 2020
  10. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    My Samsung phone pairs easily. The unit uses the steering wheel controls and connects to WiFi/Hot Spots as well.
     

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    #10 pree_us, Apr 29, 2020
  11. Ed Beaty

    Ed Beaty Active Member

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    "My wife gets upset at me for fooling around with the different apps while driving."

    Please DO pay attention to your wife....
     
    #11 Ed Beaty, Apr 29, 2020
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  12. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    With that being said, I am really interested in your unit specifically. If you could please provide a model number or something I could go by, it would be greatly appreciated!:D
     
    #12 Montgomery, Apr 29, 2020
  13. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    Seller is "pavalia" ... search for 9" android for Toyota Prius
     
    #13 pree_us, Apr 29, 2020
  14. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Thank you! I see them now and will most likely purchase this evening pending confirmation of a check I am to receive. This unit is basically what I was looking for. It is a version of my Samsung tablet made to fit inside the console. Win-Win. Thanks again!
     
    #14 Montgomery, Apr 29, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2020
  15. NewHybridOwner

    NewHybridOwner Active Member

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    Does that HU have navigation, or is the map that is displayed from the navigation app on your phone?
     
    #15 NewHybridOwner, Apr 30, 2020
  16. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    It came with a navigation app installed. This is what is shown. If your phone is a hotspot, it can run google maps, waze, etc. I haven't played with the HU as much as I would like, but I believe it can mirror your smart phone as well. Some of these overseas no-name electronics come with limited instructions, but they're easy enough to fumble your way through.
     
    #16 pree_us, May 1, 2020
  17. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Yes. I can do google maps on the tablet and stream music at the same time on the tablet.
     
    #17 Montgomery, May 1, 2020
  18. Cory19thFloor

    Cory19thFloor Junior Member

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    Looking to replace my non-JBL HU as the screen is going bad and for whatever reason the bluetooth keeps disconnecting for no apparent reason.

    Hesitant to go with a no-name HU but you gave me good ideas - Thanks.

    One last question: I've heard that some aftermarket HU's result in the Climate up/down button failing to work. Any issue with any features of the steering wheel buttons?

    Thanks.
     
    #18 Cory19thFloor, May 25, 2020
  19. pree_us

    pree_us Member

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    So far the unit has been performing perfectly. I assume it could be a hit and miss. But it was worth taking a chance at that price point. The steering wheel controls will need something like the AXXESS Metra Universal OEM Steering Wheel Control Interface to complete the connectivity. With this interface, the steering wheel controls have been performing perfectly as well.
     
    #19 pree_us, May 26, 2020
  20. Markdizle

    Markdizle Member

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    Which DIN install kit did you use?
     
    #20 Markdizle, May 26, 2020
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