yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
For anyone that wants to permanently root the firmware 2.8.6 and lower without loose any data, I've made a full package with instructions. Very easy and very quick!

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/95210964/Root 2.8.6.rar

cheers

PS: Big thanks to kaween that made my unit reborn again!! :D
[Android Head-Units] mr2manycars:
Thank you

That sucks!! Well thank you for letting me know. So from your response I am thinking USB to obd2 would not be a probkem as long as I can run Wifi at the same time...., but can I simply buy the obd to USB addapter, attach a 4 port USB hub to connect a Wifi dongle and obd at the same or am I stuck with either obd or wifi? Do I need to root this unit to do that?
[Android Head-Units] anan2046:
Have you ever rooted it? Could please tell me how to root it? I have bought a unit from this seller too. But the unit is universal android 4.2. I want to root it some day.
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
http://xdaforums.com/wiki/Tonghai_Create_AN-21_U#For_Software_Versions_2.7.38_and_up

I wrote that guide after rooting my unit. Follow the instructions precisely and you will be in!
[Android Head-Units] Ackms421:
Is this for the original version or for the updated version of the unit?
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
I doubt it. From the screenshot it's still 4.2.2 with the UI unauthorized message.

I'm curious once we have already updated and performed a clean format on a previous update ( e.g. 2.8.3) in order to get root, do we have to keep on performing the clean format from here onward for every update to get root or can we just only updated? It will be pretty frustrating that everytime you want to update, you always have to clean format to get root. I hate always having to reinstall all my apps again. :(
[Android Head-Units] mtresk:
http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=56141146&postcount=5360
[Android Head-Units] tphilip:
hi to all i search for bootanimation for TOYOTA

pls help my
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
Thanks for the HowTo. Do you have any idea what the 4 firmware files in the archive do?
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
The 4 flash files are present in the full format package but without 2 files that erases all data of your system.
[Android Head-Units] kaween:
In short : yes. People were reporting working OBDII/USB solutions on our units well before root was obtained.

What you do need to do is to mark the USB debugging option, and you'll need a bit of luck with the used OBD module as some users have had several different ones before they got it working correctly. Also, and pretty important, you need a recent version (=read : the newest available from Google Play) to make it work.

I've used powered hubs on my unit in the past as test, didn't have any issues with that either.
[Android Head-Units] Ackms421:
Is this for the version of the unit in the OP or for the new version mentioned later?
[Android Head-Units] wanxu:
I don't know what you're talking about. As long as you have an AN-21 U Unit you can use these firmwares.
[Android Head-Units] balaes:
DVD is stil working after flash (4 files) ?
[Android Head-Units] Ackms421:
This one?

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6236117634.html

---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------

I recently got my unit installed and am having the same problem. It connects to by phone via wifi but the connection is really poor. I also bought this unit mainly for Google Music and Maps. Have you tried resetting it as someone else suggested? I may give that a try.
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
My dvd drive is dead since i did the full format for the first time.. (6 files package)
[Android Head-Units] shadowmike:
My seller assured me my radio will not need an update as it will have the newest. We shall see, picking it up now
[Android Head-Units] mr2manycars:
Hi can someone please confirm that I can run a 4 port USB hub with wifi and obd2 plugged in ?
[Android Head-Units] booba5185:
That's exactly what I'm doing. Wifi, OBD2, and 64 GB USB drive on a 4 port non-powered hub. Works great.
[Android Head-Units] kaween:
[MENTION=4521853]Journeyman91[/MENTION] and [MENTION=4441413]Ackms421[/MENTION]

For those of you having issues with bad Wifi reception quality : what happens when you use your Wifi USB stick on a PC/Laptop ? It's just a normal Realtek RTL8188 so it will be recognized by any normal Win7-or-higher laptop/pc.

How good/bad is the reception using that stick there ? Does it maintain a good signal or does it show problems then too ? If it stinks on your pc you wifi stick is a dud and needs replacement.

If you're not sure how to measure the signal behavior of the stick, use "Inssider" to get a clear view of the sticks's characteristics

In case of doubt : try something like this : h t t p://www.ebay.com/itm/Long-Range-WiFi-USB-with-Antenna-for-Raspberry-Pi-wifi-5DB-Antenna-RTL8188CUS-/251549885235?pt=US_USB_Wi_Fi_Adapters_Dongles&hash=item3a918aa333 . It's basically the same chip as you normally have with the vanilla USB stick you receive with the unit so it should run right out of the box.

It is dirt cheap so no big deal if it doesn't help. I know I had issues with my S150's Wifi till I switched to such a device. After that, I never had wifi issues again.
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
Yes. I have an active USB Splitter connected to the "WiFi" USB port and it runs my WiFi dongle and a USB Flash drive no problem. Have not run in to any issues with speed, either. I imagine more than a few USB devices communicating all at once, you might run in to slower speeds, but I don't know much about USB and I assume it doesn't happen easily.

I preemptively bought this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704140

My WiFi dongle was working alright, but I wanted to beef it up a tad. This unit works 100% and has a much better range. Plus TP-Link is really reliable. I connected the generic dongle that came with my unit to my PC just so it has WiFi, but I have it hard-wired via ethernet, so it's really just for show and I don't care if it dies.

Thanks! I will be installing this version of the firmware update today. Seems like a nice GUI improvement.
[Android Head-Units] Naw T:
Anybody notice that when playing a CD, that on the animated record player the needle starts at the end of the record and works its way forward?? BTW, I am running System Version 2.6.62.

Somebody did some bass-ackwards programming. LOL!
[Android Head-Units] Naw T:
I don't know if anybody is interested, but I created a custom boot animation for my car stereo. It is of a rotating 2013 Black Hyundai Elantra. I think it looks pretty cool while the stereo is booting up.
[Android Head-Units] gpmg762:
Anyone know where the steering control key map is saved to?
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
As it happens, ADW has some very good resizing options built in already, such as custom widget size, icon size, dock size etc.

It's not saved in Android, it's part of the underlying system.

I would love to know where this is handled in Android, so we can change it to work with other applications, not just the default ones.
[Android Head-Units] welshblob:
Newbie Lurking

I'm a newbie and will be lurking on this thread before buying one in the new year. I'll need one for my Ford Mondeo and so will need to get one that fits in the dash which appears to be this one ....

{Newbie so can't post link but search on ebay US for "Pure android 4.1 Car DVD for Ford Focus Mondeo"}

For the user who had issues with a flickering screen on grey colours have you tried an app called "Screen Adjuster" as that worked very well on an Archos tablet with a very poor screen and although its not perfect it made it usable.

Also I saw that there are circuits listed to overcome the power drops when the engine in turned over. I was wondering whether there was another option using a 12V power bank that could recharge itself when the ignition is on and power the unit, in the off state, when the ignition is completely off. Depending on the current it draws in the powered down state I wonder if this would be a good workaround for the 20 second start up time for the majority of the time if the car is used frequently. Of course I have no idea what power states are available on this and whether it is viable without burning my car to the ground!

I find its a shame that the Chinese manufacturers are making it harder to hack these units as they could really benefit from the support of the community to fix the annoying issues, but it is understandable. Maybe someone like Cyanogen (not sure what the feeling is like towards them on this forum) could partner with one of the manufacturers to improve the user experience.

Maybe they are confused as CD's read from the inside out?
[Android Head-Units] Defender666:
It is not so simple you cannot put the second battery in parallel it needs a charging circuit which switches when one battery is fully charged, it needs this in between otherwise the two batteries will discharge one against the other.

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:44 PM ----------

I have a question about the CAN+ CAN- cables for steering wheel controle.

I have a renault trafic and it has the CAN lines in the yellow ISO accessory plug, I know it from can boxes sold on ebay. But I do not know which wires carry the can signal. The plug has 6 cables connected may be unused or preparations for AUX or CD Charger...

Can I measure it somehow to find the CAN from the sterring wheel? Or shall I try by error and connect wires?
[Android Head-Units] chris.r.r:
Today I mounted the unit temporarily in my car. Some observations:

The unit wasn't able to read my contacts from my phonebook (same issue as [MENTION=5560428]djblaze852002[/MENTION] has).

But the worst thing:

The Canbus isn't working properly. When I activate the parking sensors the visualization pops up for a second and then closes again. If I start the unit with the reverse gear engaged, a black screen appears (instead of the logo and bootanimation) and the peeping from the parking sensors becomes silent, until the parking sensors are off again. In the current stage this behavior makes the unit somehow unusable, since the parking sensors do what they want and this is a little bit dangerous if the driver can't rely on them.. Somebody similar experiences?

Software is 2.6.60.

All other things work nicely. FM reception is relatively good (even in my garage), but I didn't try it in motion.

At the moment I'm a bit disappointed :(
[Android Head-Units] KID52:
I am having the issues. Peter Chan directed me to a variable resistor that when changed, does alter the visibility of the flickering lines, but not perfect. I've looked at the app, but without changing the colours completely, it will not improve much.

Peter Chan keeps requesting a video of the problem, which I have sent a few times now, but as I keep explaining, the camera does not pick it up clearly, and simply looks like noise. I have tried during the day to take a video, and it is slightly clearer what the issue is due to the ISO being lower than at night when I took the previous videos. I have yet to see him on Skype to send it though.

In "standby" the unit still uses 1.5A.

What phone do you have out of interest?

Afraid I cannot help with CANBUS as my car does not use it.
[Android Head-Units] chris.r.r:
HTC One, Android 4.3
[Android Head-Units] djblaze852002:
I have the Nexus 4. I when I poked around a bit in the "Phone" app on the unit and it seemed to have an option to import from SIM... I dont think I store my contacts on the SIM... That is sort of an "old" practice, now that we have services that cloud sync our data. Perhaps it only reads SIM contacts?? I am going to poke around a bit more...

Also as I am about to try rooting my device... Can I confirm that after performing step 2, all that needs to be done is run rm /data/local.prop. To make things even easier cant you just run this command locally using a terminal app, or even delete the file through the file explorer?

Lastly, is it even necessary to download the SUperuser files? Doesnt "step 2" do everything but delete the last file? I have my unit permanently installed in my car and dont feel like bringing my computer all the way down if I dont have to...

Step 2 being visible seems to have been permanently fixed. I wouldnt mind the Wiki and rooting instructions to be updated reflecting a clean and simple root. Especially if it doesnt even involve the use of a computer!
[Android Head-Units] omarko:
quick question guys, does the unit have to boot up each time you start that car? Or does it go to some sort of sleep mode when you turn off the ignition and when you start the car again, it comes on instantly?

Reason I ask is that if I am in a car park and need to reverse for which I want to use the reverse camera, does that mean I need to wait 40 seconds before I start driving ? Seems bit silly and impractical.

cheers
[Android Head-Units] djblaze852002:
Im pretty sure the reverse function is built in to the units firmware. Meaning the Android portion doesnt need to be booted fully before you can use it. Thats why if the last "built in app" i use is the radio, when I turn on the car the radio turns on before Andorid boots. So you should be fine and get a reverse picture before the android OS fully boots
[Android Head-Units] omarko:
oh I see, that makes sense! thanks.

According to DHL website my unit is getting delivered today ! exciting!
[Android Head-Units] kmtk:
What this module does is slightly different. Resizing the widget merely changes how much space it takes on the screen and the spacing of the elements inside the widget. Font size is handled by the widgets themselves and most I've tried don't allow you to edit that.

This module allows you to change each app's dpi, font size, resolution, and force full screen mode.

So going back to the widget example, most weather widgets' fonts were uncomfortably small, even the bigger 5x3 widgets. The module fixed that by altering ADW's rendered dpi and font size. The icon size on the app drawer screen is an added bonus, because that's a paid feature in ADW.

---------- Post added at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:26 PM ----------

The radio app comes up after the android boot animation though. I was hoping there's a way to force it to boot into my home screen. Hoping it'll be easier to figure if it's happening after android is running, seeing as how we have root.
[Android Head-Units] typos1:
Sorry if this has been covered already, but can anyone tell me if these units have a page on xda yet or are the same as the Ouku ones ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2613393155...84.m1423.l2649

The XDA Android headunit wiki page says the Ouku ones are similar, but the one in the link supposedly has a dual core Freesscale I.MX535D, processor not an MST786 dual Core, cant find any mention of dual core versions of the I.MX535D on freesscale's website though.
[Android Head-Units] welshblob:
Yeah I appreciate that, it will need to function like a UPS.

1.5A !!!! What the hell is it doing? I guess that's the reason why it hasn't been done before or even built in. They really need to look at how this unit is designed if it's pulling that much. I also assume that's why it turns off fully when the ignition is turned off.
[Android Head-Units] sciallo:
I believe you're in the right place. These units are mentioned in the wiki too ( http://xdaforums.com/wiki/Generic_Android_Head_Unit#AN-21_U ) It doesn't help that there is som any variations in terms of car model / faceplate and they all exist with old hardware/android 2.3 and newer dual core/android 4

A solution for second battery would be a battery isolator like this one. (essentially a couple of REALLY BIG diodes to isolate the batteries...

Problem remains that to keep the radio from shutting off you'd keep 12v. at the acc. wire, therefore your radio would stay fully on when you stop... How do you plan on getting the radio into some sort of sleep mode? (ie. Pause music, shut screen off, suspend navigation, whatever else... ideally shut down power to amps/accessories/powered usb hub etc.)
[Android Head-Units] omarko:
one other question, what is the difference between CANBUS +/- and the other Key (Steering wheel control key) cables? Which one should I use with my car?
[Android Head-Units] jakejm79:
CANBUS is used for much more than just steering wheel controls, it is like a network for all (or some) of the electrical devices in the car, data is sent over it via packets like it would be on a network (meaning everything can all be connected, rather than having to run specific wiring from one component to another). The specific wiring for the SW controls relies on a variable resistance level to detect different key presses, this is the system used in older cars before CANBUS became the norm, with an older car you can just connect the correct wire(s) to these ones and not need an adapter for SW controls. In newer cars you either need an aftermarket adapter (i.e. the Pac SWI-RC) to convert the CANBUS signals to the older resistance style or if available you can get a vehicle specific CANBUS box to connect your car CANBUS system to the CANBUS Tx/Rx wires.

So to answer your question it all depends on your car, what if any adapters came with your radio and what else you would like to buy.
[Android Head-Units] gpmg762:
Depends on the type of car you have. My Suzuki has resistive SWC so I use key1 and ground it to the unit.

If I am not wrong, European cars like VW and BMW will make use of CANBUS for SWC.
[Android Head-Units] shadowmike:
I use the WiFi adapter that comes with my radio, as well as the 3g dongle.. I don't remember if I ordered the digital tv
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
I've rooted mine without any problem. You just have to follow the instructions.

Cheers.
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
Unfortunately, it looks like the update won't go through. it just says "UPDATE START" and then runs through the files, failing each one, then "UPDATE END"

Any idea why?
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
Very strange... are you updating via gps card slot? Try to re-copy the files to the sd card again..
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
My problem is I don't have any physical SD card slots. I have the inand, the system storage, and then my USB flash drive (which is where it finally attempted to update from).
[Android Head-Units] shadowmike:
What model do you have picture ?
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
Try to copy the files to the system storage or inand and try again..
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
http://xdaforums.com/wiki/images/c/c8/Tonghai_vw_8inch_nobuttons.jpg

It is a Volkswagen model-specific unit with no physical buttons, no SD slots, and no disc drive.

I tried both. Wouldn't read from either. It would only read at all from the USB 1_1 storage. It definitely looked like it was trying, but wouldn't continue due to some compatibility issue or something.

Maybe I need to somehow re-mount the USB as an SD storage? ...but... wouldn't that go back after the reboot necessary to update?
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
In my unit the only way to flash updates is from extsd1 that is my external sdcard slot.. in your unit i've no idea but if it's detecting the flash files maybe is something wrong with the files.. i've flashed the exact same files in my unit without problems...
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
Hmm, strange. Is there a way to create a mock 'extsd1' in the system and then put the files there? I tried just creating that folder in /storage/, but it erases on shutdown. I don't think there should be any compatibility issues, because my firmware still has apps for things I don't have (e.g. Disc) which don't do anything, but still show up as an option.

EDIT: I tried a different update and that didn't work either. I got it to acknowledge the files from my USB stick, but they fail every time. I suppose I am just doomed to have 2.7.38 forever. There wasn't really anything wrong with it, I just wanted to be able to change the com.tw.service_a5a4 so that I could alter my MODE steering wheel button apps. If I change this from an APK from a newer version, will I have problems?
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
Yes you can change the service file for sure with root permissions..

Just one more thing. When you copied the firmware files to the inand or system storage did you removed the usb stick from the unit?
[Android Head-Units] gyaku_setsu:
I didn't and you might be on to something there... I would try it, but as long as I can just swap the service apk, I probably won't unless there is a good reason to. What are the benefits of upgrading from 2.7.38 to 2.8.6?

On a related note, I have been trying to ask people for a week now with no luck. mtresk posted this link to a service apk a while back that has the ability to change the MODE button functions, however the .zip folder is password protected (for some reason) and I can't read Russian at all, so I can't figure out how to PM the guy on 4pda about the password for that folder...

Anyone have this .apk or the password? I REALLY want to see how this works.
[Android Head-Units] Ackms421:
It is only two files right? I extracted the download and copied the two files to the root of the sd card. I got the same messages. My unit is this one:

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6236117634.html
[Android Head-Units] wanxu:
2.8.7 800x480: https://yadi.sk/d/sc_R_DMncB5Kj (thanks to [MENTION=5704177]mtresk[/MENTION])

Waiting for some 1024x600 updates :(
[Android Head-Units] Journeyman91:
Yes, just tried factory resting it yesterday. Not solving the problem. Once again I drove to my parents house to check to Wifi connection of the stick since I have "static Wifi" there in the carport. And once again the same problem: Using my parents wifi works perfectly - super fast download and ping rates. Using the portable wifi hotspot as well as my smartphones (HTC One & iPhone 5S) does work but is really laggy.... I really have no idea how to fix this but I desperatly want to!

Thanks for your suggestions. Will run "inssider" this evening. Honestly I don't really want to replace the usb stick though given the fact that it works good with the static wifi. And I am really afraid to finally break my dashboard .... Let's see...

Thanks mate, if the native stick really fails over I don't have a choice and will try that one.

To all:

The factory reset was working, but somehow "deleted" some of the native apps e.g. iGO navigation and android gallery. The SD card however didn't free up space so I guess the map material e.g. is still on there. How to get iGO back?

Also, I switched back to Spotify since I got this super annoying "not play the playlist" error with Google music. It freaking stops after every song no matter if already downloaded or streaming. I searched the thread and sadly there is no solution at the moment.
[Android Head-Units] m00n13:
Installed 2.8.7. It's back to the previous UI
[Android Head-Units] Ackms421:
My google music is doing the same thing, although I also have a poor connection problem.
[Android Head-Units] jpapadami:
What previous UI are you talking about? Notice any differences between 2.8.6 and 2.8.7?
[Android Head-Units] m00n13:
I mean 2.8.3 UI and before. Back to the previous button layout and previous radio layout. For now I stay with 2.8.6.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------

:victory:

In 2.8.6 TomTom finally works!
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
WOW! tomtom works?! That is really good news!! The GPS signal is working fine?:fingers-crossed:
[Android Head-Units] m00n13:
Yup. Satellites found and finally saw my position. I can finally use TomTom on my unit :)
[Android Head-Units] wanxu:
Wow! That's great news!!!! Looking forward to testing it! I repeat: anyone knows something about 1024x600 firmwares?
[Android Head-Units] shadowmike:
My unit came with a dlink WiFi adapter, I connected to 2 HTC one m8s while both were inside the house charging...

I saw the same type of speed I would see if I had my daughters kindle connected next to me.
[Android Head-Units] cool_head:
For now you can change the lcd density in your build.prop from 160 to 140. looks great.

cheers.