Show me your B7 aftermarket Nav installs-

[Hdale85]

Well generally most line level converters have noise isolation circuits built in as well which I think is likely what most people are using them for with these units.

As for the issues being fixed with a firmware, the OBDEleven stuff, the shutting down message, etc I feel like a lot of that might be fixable in firmware.

[threadwear572]

the anti glare film makes a big difference. i took the whole screen out to install it properly.
if only there was a smart way to get the knobs matte black i would be more satisfied.
i couldnt get the knobs off, even when i had the front panel disassembled. didnt want to use too much force so i let it be for now. actually even cooler would be swapping the rnse knobs.

does the original gps sensor work better than the chinese one? assuming using an fakra gps adapter?


now to get it rooted/custom rommed too!

[Matt Devo]

does the original gps sensor work better than the chinese one? assuming using an fakra gps adapter?

I'd have to assume so, I just used a $8 adapter from Amazon. Never bothered unpacking the included GPS antenna

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY6ZX6L

[Hdale85]

I'd have to assume so, I just used a $8 adapter from Amazon. Never bothered unpacking the included GPS antenna

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY6ZX6L

Any updates on the new unit? I haven't ordered anything yet, probably just going to wait for a bit now. I did install new JL C1-650 speakers with adapters, and foam rings so they seal nicely and boy do they sound better lol. Installing the sub tomorrow.

[Matt Devo]

Any updates on the new unit? I haven't ordered anything yet, probably just going to wait for a bit now. I did install new JL C1-650 speakers with adapters, and foam rings so they seal nicely and boy do they sound better lol. Installing the sub tomorrow.

sorry, it's taken me some time to write everything up. Wanted to give a good overview of the 8" / full touchscreen units I've tested so far.

All units have a lot of commonality:

• 8" full touchscreen with capacitive buttons for power, home, volume (and either Nav or back)
• Android 9.0 OS
• support radio (no HD or SAT), BT phone/media, multiple inputs (reverse + front camera)
• support steering wheel contols (work out of box, can be customized/remapped)
• integrated Wifi (802.11n 2.4GHz) and BT (limited to handsfree, A2DP, and ODB functionality. ODB Eleven may or may not work)
• 1024x600 high-gloss screen (exacerbated by gap between LCD and touch digitizer)
• horrible noise on line-level outputs, requiring use of line-level converter(s)

As for the differences between units

1. ZBARK YHAPX501 (edit: unit appear to be the same XTRONS now selling, model IB89A4APL)
   Specs: PX5 SoC, MTCE MCU. 4GB RAM/64GB eMMC flash
   Pros:
   • MTCE MCU -> can run custom Android OS
   • Has Audi-specific connectors - no adapter harnesses needed (except to use factory GPS antenna)
   • Compact unit, lots of space behind
   
   Cons:
   • PX5 now older generation
   • Built-in quadlock connector means slightly difficult to wire in line-level adapters
   • No DSP -> meh sound quality (can be improved with modified MCU firmware)
   • Has Nav (vs back) capacitive button, less useful IMO (can be remapped though)
   
   
2. Erisin ES6274A
   Specs: PX6 SoC, STM32 MCU. 4GB RAM/32GB eMMC flash
   Pros:
   • PX6 latest generation SoC, quite speedy
   • Price - a good bit cheaper than other units
   • Compact unit, lots of space behind
   • HDMI output
   
   Cons:
   • STM32 MCU -> can't run custom Android OS
   • Wifi antenna is a single 2" wire
   • No rear line-level outputs, so extra rewiring needed for Bose systems
   • No DSP -> meh sound quality, EQ app does some weird shit (apparently it's a fake EQ)
   • No removal tools included
   • Antenna adapter single fakra, non-amplified
   • track prev/next steering wheel controls didn't seem to work with 3rd party Android Auto dongle
   • doesn't appear to have a sleep/low power mode; only option is to delay shutdown (up to 1hr). So long boot (15s) on startup after 1hr
   
   
3. CarExc (no model #)
   Specs: PX6 SoC, MTCE MCU. 4GB RAM/64GB eMMC flash (other SoC/RAM/eMMC configs available - avoid older MTK/PX5 versions)
   Pros:
   • PX6 latest generation SoC, quite speedy
   • MTCE MCU -> can run custom Android OS
   • Has DSP, fairly decent sound quality once tweaked (best of 3 by far)
   • Built-in CarPlay/Android Auto functionality (wired or wireless) works better than an external dongle
   • sleep mode works properly
   • OBD Eleven works
   
   Cons:
   • Large chassis with lots of wasted space, makes fitting wiring harnesses/adapters a bit of a pain
   • Wifi antenna was badly soldered / shorted, terrible SQ until I fixed it (only 1 of 10 units I've had seems affected)
   • Antenna adapter double-single fakra, not keyed to fit stock antenna connector (fixed in subsequent shipments)
   • cost: unit is $400, a bit higher than other two

edit: this unit now comes in a 9" / no bezel version: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000558329933.html

All of the units required some tweaking:

• Added an anti-glare screen protector, cut to fit (217mm x 117mm) [Amazon]
• Wired in line-level converters to speaker outputs [Amazon] (desolder included wires / solder wires from unit)
• Added a dual fakra antenna adapter [Amazon] (cut tab to fit stock connector)
• Added a SMC to fakra adapter to use factory GPS antenna [Amazon]
• Users with an older Symphony II radio will need a additional FAKRA antenna adapter

Taking all of that into consideration, I'm sticking with the CarExc model due to PX6, DSP, and ability to run custom Android OS. If there was another unit available with same specs but a more compact chassis or better screen I'd switch to that, but right now I'm not seeing anything better.

I'm still waiting on my reverse camera trunk handle, but already wired one into my wife's old A3 prior to selling and it worked reasonably well -- better than no camera for sure.

Some pics:

screen without anti-glare film:


anti-glare film added:


Android Auto, night mode (pre-filter install)


Car Launcher Pro


"Built-in" CarPlay/AA module on CarExc unit:


back of Erisin unit, after wiring in line-level adapter and removing excess wires/plugs:


back of CarExc unit, after wiring in line-level adapter and removing excess wires/plugs:
(has two line-level adapters since going into Bose system - for now at least)

[Hdale85]

Wow, nice break down. From your cons lists it kind of seems like the CarExec model is the only one worth getting. They really did waste a ton of space in that box though wow.

[Matt Devo]

Wow, nice break down. From your cons lists it kind of seems like the CarExec model is the only one worth getting. They really did waste a ton of space in that box though wow.

I actually just installed the Erisin unit in my buddy's non-Bose B6 today, and the sound was much better than in my RS4 w/Bose. So I'd probably be ok recommending it for non-Bose systems (or ones using an external amp), esp given how cheap it is ($225 shipped on ebay)

[wding2000]

2008 A4 B7 with BOSE, after-market XTRONS Android HU. Like many members, I have been living with humming noise, especially with lights on. I even tried PAC SNI-1 loop filter, which did nothing. Decide to give another try with PAC SNI-35 Hi-Lo converter. Find eight wires of amp output FL+/-, FR+/-, RL+/-, RR+/-; connect +/- wires to SNI-35; connect quad-lock RCAs to SNI-35, instead of ones on GREEN circle.

Get BOSE quality back, even with lights one!



Take a look at Hi-Lo converter that comes with the unit - just seems cheap and bad quality.

[threadwear572]

could somebody tell me the original "voice" settings/values under the factory settings, or a way to reset these settings?

thank you!

https://img.xda-cdn.com/v99zmCOjOapI...y-settings.png

not my menu but the one im talking about

for example the previous post xtrons unit would be perfect

[Matt Devo]

could somebody tell me the original "voice" settings/values under the factory settings, or a way to reset these settings?

thank you!

not my menu but the one im talking about

for example the previous post xtrons unit would be perfect

image link is broken

you didn't export the settings to dmcu.cfg before you started changing them?

[threadwear572]

i changed these settings before i did any firmware mods and reset does not reset these settings, but yeah, no i did not. i forgot to take screenshot of these. i tweaked the rear speaker volume from there in the very beginning, but since it got fixed id like to set them back like stock.

the picture is just an example of the menu, i think you know what im talking about. different gains for bt, radio, system and so on. a screenshot of that menu unchanged would do, other makes might have same settings there possibly

[Matt Devo]

i changed these settings before i did any firmware mods and reset does not reset these settings, but yeah, no i did not. i forgot to take screenshot of these. i tweaked the rear speaker volume from there in the very beginning, but since it got fixed id like to set them back like stock.

the picture is just an example of the menu, i think you know what im talking about. different gains for bt, radio, system and so on. a screenshot of that menu unchanged would do, other males might have same settings there possibly

your picture isn't working. are you talking about the one under factory settings? I've adjusted mine so don't have stock ones to share either

[threadwear572]

your picture isn't working. are you talking about the one under factory settings?

yes.

ok, maybe someone has unchanged menu and cares to take a pic.

its not an issue actually, i just would like to reset them, to have peace of mind

[Matt Devo]

yes.

ok, maybe someone has unchanged menu and cares to take a pic.

its not an issue actually, i just would like to reset them, to have peace of mind

actually you're in luck, just checked mine and that's one page I hadn't edited:

[threadwear572]

nice! thank you !!

[Rilla]

Anybody got a spare canbus adapter for one of these android units?

[Matt Devo]

Anybody got a spare canbus adapter for one of these android units?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000318629347.html

[Redryuu]

Whats everyones take on the Rds infor in the dash. is there any way to get that back working with the xtrons or ebay head units of are you stuck with just the radio Frequency instead of the song or station being displayed?

[Matt Devo]

Whats everyones take on the Rds infor in the dash. is there any way to get that back working with the xtrons or ebay head units of are you stuck with just the radio Frequency instead of the song or station being displayed?

one would need to write an Android app/service to monitor the application being used for audio and try to extract the metadata, then reformat it and output it on the CAN bus. Not impossible, but a tall order

[lucidmatt]

Some initial feedback (no pun intended) from a B7 RS4 owner who just installed the XTRONS model IB89A4APL:

Install was a complete breeze with no trimming needed; I did buy a fakra to coax adapter to use the factory GPS antenna, but I did encounter the dreaded feedback hum. I took my chance on this unit specifically because it seemed so focused around replacing the RNS-E and its quad lock connector, and I didn't want to deal with splicing or modifying the factory harness. With this goal still in mind, I ordered up a quad lock 40 pin extension harness which I intend to splice a Schosche SLC4 into. This has multiple benefits of a: not requiring car yoga to install the SLC4, preserves the factory wiring loom, and allows me to go back to the RNS-E if I ever choose to. I'll document the results once all the ancillary parts are in. Aside from the added cost and time to solve this line level issue, I have been enjoying having a 21st century infotainment system in my car.

[Matt Devo]

Some initial feedback (no pun intended) from a B7 RS4 owner who just installed the XTRONS model IB89A4APL:

Install was a complete breeze with no trimming needed; I did buy a fakra to coax adapter to use the factory GPS antenna, but I did encounter the dreaded feedback hum. I took my chance on this unit specifically because it seemed so focused around replacing the RNS-E and its quad lock connector, and I didn't want to deal with splicing or modifying the factory harness. With this goal still in mind, I ordered up a quad lock 40 pin extension harness which I intend to splice a Schosche SLC4 into. This has multiple benefits of a: not requiring car yoga to install the SLC4, preserves the factory wiring loom, and allows me to go back to the RNS-E if I ever choose to. I'll document the results once all the ancillary parts are in. Aside from the added cost and time to solve this line level issue, I have been enjoying having a 21st century infotainment system in my car.

XTRONS sells a quadlock extension harness with hi/low converters integrated specifically to mitigate this issue. If you bought your unit from them (vs a reseller), they'll likely give it to you for free if you're persistent enough.

[lucidmatt]

damn I wish I saw that, I never saw it on their accessory page. Bought the unit from them via Amazon (shipped direct from their address in HK and arrived in 2 days!) And NOW I see the connector on their site. It really should be thrown in as standard. Would have made the experience 5 stars all around. Curious though, on the RNS-E with Bose, the pin-out only shows a FR and FL channel, and I know that the Bose amp receives signal from these for the rear speakers... This would mean that for this specific application you would only need (one) two channel HLC. Am I understanding this correctly?

[kp^]

xtrons.com has the one I want for $100 more than the same one on amazon from xtrons. That makes no sense.

Looking at: IB79AA4RP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv7v2ruvwiA

[KingKostas]

Pioneer Mvh-1400nex + jailbroken iphone = best thing ever

IMG_1451.JPG


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Matt Devo]

damn I wish I saw that, I never saw it on their accessory page. Bought the unit from them via Amazon (shipped direct from their address in HK and arrived in 2 days!) And NOW I see the connector on their site. It really should be thrown in as standard. Would have made the experience 5 stars all around. Curious though, on the RNS-E with Bose, the pin-out only shows a FR and FL channel, and I know that the Bose amp receives signal from these for the rear speakers... This would mean that for this specific application you would only need (one) two channel HLC. Am I understanding this correctly?

you're looking at the wrong connector. The RNS-E (and SII/II+) has FR/FL speaker level outputs (connector A), since for a non-Bose system it powers the fronts/center. But it also has FR, FL, RR, RL line-level outputs to feed the amp (connector C). With the Bose system, all 4 are used (and the speaker level outputs are not); for non-Bose, only the rears are used (since the HU powers the fronts).

So for a Bose system, either two 2-ch line-level adapters are needed, or one 4-ch.

[Puckmv]

the anti glare film makes a big difference. i took the whole screen out to install it properly.
if only there was a smart way to get the knobs matte black i would be more satisfied.
i couldnt get the knobs off, even when i had the front panel disassembled. didnt want to use too much force so i let it be for now. actually even cooler would be swapping the rnse knobs.

does the original gps sensor work better than the chinese one? assuming using an fakra gps adapter?


now to get it rooted/custom rommed too!

Where did you purchase this one? Looks great. Thanks!

[lucidmatt]

...So for a Bose system, either two 2-ch line-level adapters are needed, or one 4-ch.

Got it. Last question I promise. I have a Scosche SLC4 that I will wire into the extender, I chose it because it has the most flexible options. I am seeing a pin for each: FR FL RR RL (+) for the line level outputs but only a single line level (-) pin. I'd run the SLC4 in Common Ground mode and only run the 4 (+) wires through it, while leaving the ground lead untouched, correct? I intend to ground the SLC4 itself to the chassis as well. Thanks for all the help.

[Matt Devo]

Got it. Last question I promise. I have a Scosche SLC4 that I will wire into the extender, I chose it because it has the most flexible options. I am seeing a pin for each: FR FL RR RL (+) for the line level outputs but only a single line level (-) pin. I'd run the SLC4 in Common Ground mode and only run the 4 (+) wires through it, while leaving the ground lead untouched, correct? I intend to ground the SLC4 itself to the chassis as well. Thanks for all the help.

looking at the instructions, I don't see an ideal way to utilize that adapter, but might be worth asking Scosche directly. If the negative outputs on the B terminals are derived from a common source, then you could just connect one of them. Personally, I'd just get the XTRONS adapter since everything is wired in correctly. Might should arrive tomorrow with the adapter so I'll let you know how it goes

[threadwear572]

Where did you purchase this one? Looks great. Thanks!

straight from xtrons

i now use the agama launcher, few mods and its almost perfect.

anybody knows how to remove those turnable knobs on these? matt?

[Matt Devo]

anybody knows how to remove those turnable knobs on these? matt?

no idea, I've never messed with the RNS-E clone style ones

[Matt Devo]

damn I wish I saw that, I never saw it on their accessory page. Bought the unit from them via Amazon (shipped direct from their address in HK and arrived in 2 days!) And NOW I see the connector on their site. It really should be thrown in as standard. Would have made the experience 5 stars all around. Curious though, on the RNS-E with Bose, the pin-out only shows a FR and FL channel, and I know that the Bose amp receives signal from these for the rear speakers... This would mean that for this specific application you would only need (one) two channel HLC. Am I understanding this correctly?

just got my unit, and sadly XTRONS harness with line-level adapters do not eliminate the noise on this unit (and it's not the line-level adapters themselves, as I wired in my own to check). They knock it down about 50%, but it's still very noticeable, and completely unacceptable, esp when other units like the CarExc one have zero noise (w/LL adapters)

[docurley]

What line level adapter did you use? Not all work.

[Matt Devo]

What line level adapter did you use? Not all work.

the exact same ones that I'm successfully using with the CarExc brand unit and have zero noise on that one. So that's 0/2 counting the XTRONS supplied ones as well. I doubt it's the LL adapters

[lucidmatt]

Before I was even able to wire in my SLC4, the XTrons unit catastrophically failed yesterday morning. The unit appears to have frozen, literally. Was up in the white mountains snowboarding and yesterday morning in 5*F weather I started the car, the unit turned on and immediately went black. There is still power to the LED's and the RNS-E still works when I swapped it back in. Its internal to the unit as no fuses have blown. Calling in a warranty claim and seeing how they treat me...

[PopoySd]

sorry, it's taken me some time to write everything up. Wanted to give a good overview of the 8" / full touchscreen units I've tested so far.

All units have a lot of commonality:

• 8" full touchscreen with capacitive buttons for power, home, volume (and either Nav or back)
• Android 9.0 OS
• support radio (no HD or SAT), BT phone/media, multiple inputs (reverse + front camera)
• support steering wheel contols (work out of box, can be customized/remapped)
• integrated Wifi (802.11n 2.4GHz) and BT (limited to handsfree, A2DP, and ODB functionality. ODB Eleven may or may not work)
• 1024x600 high-gloss screen (exacerbated by gap between LCD and touch digitizer)
• horrible noise on line-level outputs, requiring use of line-level converter(s)

As for the differences between units

1. ZBARK YHAPX501 (edit: unit appear to be the same XTRONS now selling, model IB89A4APL)
   Specs: PX5 SoC, MTCE MCU. 4GB RAM/64GB eMMC flash
   Pros:
   • MTCE MCU -> can run custom Android OS
   • Has Audi-specific connectors - no adapter harnesses needed (except to use factory GPS antenna)
   • Compact unit, lots of space behind
   
   Cons:
   • PX5 now older generation
   • Built-in quadlock connector means slightly difficult to wire in line-level adapters
   • No DSP -> meh sound quality (can be improved with modified MCU firmware)
   • Has Nav (vs back) capacitive button, less useful IMO (can be remapped though)
   
   
2. Erisin ES6274A
   Specs: PX6 SoC, STM32 MCU. 4GB RAM/32GB eMMC flash
   Pros:
   • PX6 latest generation SoC, quite speedy
   • Price - a good bit cheaper than other units
   • Compact unit, lots of space behind
   • HDMI output
   
   Cons:
   • STM32 MCU -> can't run custom Android OS
   • Wifi antenna is a single 2" wire
   • No rear line-level outputs, so extra rewiring needed for Bose systems
   • No DSP -> meh sound quality, EQ app does some weird shit (apparently it's a fake EQ)
   • No removal tools included
   • Antenna adapter single fakra, non-amplified
   • track prev/next steering wheel controls didn't seem to work with 3rd party Android Auto dongle
   • doesn't appear to have a sleep/low power mode; only option is to delay shutdown (up to 1hr). So long boot (15s) on startup after 1hr
   
   
3. CarExc (no model #)
   Specs: PX6 SoC, MTCE MCU. 4GB RAM/64GB eMMC flash (other SoC/RAM/eMMC configs available - avoid older MTK/PX5 versions)
   Pros:
   • PX6 latest generation SoC, quite speedy
   • MTCE MCU -> can run custom Android OS
   • Has DSP, fairly decent sound quality once tweaked (best of 3 by far)
   • Built-in CarPlay/Android Auto functionality (wired or wireless)
   • sleep mode works properly
   • OBD Eleven works
   
   Cons:
   • "Built-in" CarPlay/AA functionality is just a USB dongle glued to inside of chassis. would prefer lower cost and just buy dongle separately
   • Large chassis with lots of wasted space, makes fitting wiring harnesses/adapters a bit of a pain
   • Wifi antenna was badly soldered / shorted, terrible SQ until I fixed it
   • Antenna adapter double-single fakra, not keyed to fit stock antenna connector (fixed in subsequent shipments)
   • cost: unit is $350, a bit higher than other two

edit: this unit now comes in a 9" / no bezel version: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000558329933.html

All of the units required some tweaking:

• Added an anti-glare screen protector, cut to fit (217mm x 117mm) [Amazon]
• Wired in line-level converters to speaker outputs [Amazon] (desolder included wires / solder wires from unit)
• Added a dual fakra antenna adapter [Amazon] (cut tab to fit stock connector)
• Added a SMC to fakra adapter to use factory GPS antenna [Amazon]
• Users with an older Symphony II radio will need a additional FAKRA antenna adapter

Taking all of that into consideration, I'm sticking with the CarExc model due to PX6, DSP, and ability to run custom Android OS. If there was another unit available with same specs but a more compact chassis or better screen I'd switch to that, but right now I'm not seeing anything better.

I'm still waiting on my reverse camera trunk handle, but already wired one into my wife's old A3 prior to selling and it worked reasonably well -- better than no camera for sure.

Some pics:

screen without anti-glare film:


anti-glare film added:


Android Auto, night mode (pre-filter install)


Car Launcher Pro


"Built-in" CarPlay/AA module on CarExc unit:


back of Erisin unit, after wiring in line-level adapter and removing excess wires/plugs:


back of CarExc unit, after wiring in line-level adapter and removing excess wires/plugs:
(has two line-level adapters since going into Bose system - for now at least)

I was wondering if you could walk us through wiring in the “line level converters”...I’m about to do this and I’m following your suggestions and just realized I need to figure out how to wire those in. The rest I assume are all “plug and play”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Matt Devo]

I was wondering if you could walk us through wiring in the “line level converters”...I’m about to do this and I’m following your suggestions and just realized I need to figure out how to wire those in. The rest I assume are all “plug and play”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

you connect the speaker level outputs from the head unit to the line level converters, then the converters to the line level outputs to the amp.

For Bose, you'd need 2 converters, front and rear. For non-Bose, just need 1 for the rear. You can use wire taps, cut/splice, or what I did was de-pin the connector and solder directly to the converters

[PopoySd]

you connect the speaker level outputs from the head unit to the line level converters, then the converters to the line level outputs to the amp.

For Bose, you'd need 2 converters, front and rear. For non-Bose, just need 1 for the rear. You can use wire taps, cut/splice, or what I did was de-pin the connector and solder directly to the converters

Thanks! I think I should be able to figure this out once I piece everything together! The picture helps a lot! I appreciate it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[turkeylord]

Hey all, great info in this thread. Really wanting to update my RNS-E/Bose system ASAP. There are two options I find really interesting...

Has anyone tried running either the Alpine ILX-F259 or the ILX-F309?

Link to ILX-F309: https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/a...-auto-ilx-f309

Link to ILX-F259: https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/a...auto--ilx-f259

Please post pics if you try the alpine, I've kind of been toying with that idea as well lol. My only gripe with it is no wireless android auto or carplay.

The Halo units look sweet, but may cover the dash buttons from what I saw in a picture in a facebook group. The wired CarPlay is lame too, but I think that can be fixed with a dongle. However, this is definitely a more appealing option than a standard double-din unit!

edit: this unit now comes in a 9" / no bezel version: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000558329933.html

This looks awesome! Is it the same unit marketed under the Seicane brand? https://www.seicane.com/android-for-...gital-tv-h2472

I have so many questions... Do the steering wheel controls work as advertised? Does it display track/station info in the center of the cluster? CarPlay is wired? And if so can I use a wireless CarPlay dongle? Can I mirror my iPhone screen to the unit, or does that require jailbreaking my phone?

Thanks for any guidance you guys can provide!

[Matt Devo]

This looks awesome! Is it the same unit marketed under the Seicane brand? https://www.seicane.com/android-for-...gital-tv-h2472

I have so many questions... Do the steering wheel controls work as advertised? Does it display track/station info in the center of the cluster? CarPlay is wired? And if so can I use a wireless CarPlay dongle? Can I mirror my iPhone screen to the unit, or does that require jailbreaking my phone?

Thanks for any guidance you guys can provide!

not at all. There are tons of resellers with similar looking devices that have significantly different hardware inside. That Seicane unit you linked is using a much older SoC with less RAM/eMMC storage compared to the CarExc unit I purchased, which is reflected in the price difference. Who knows what MCU it uses, if it supports sleep mode properly, etc.

* steering wheel controls work on all of these
* most display radio frequency/preset and selected "input" but not any track info/metadata
* you can connect any CarPlay dongle that supports Android-based head units
* no idea what is required to mirror an iDevice as I don't use them

[turkeylord]

not at all. There are tons of resellers with similar looking devices that have significantly different hardware inside. That Seicane unit you linked is using a much older SoC with less RAM/eMMC storage compared to the CarExc unit I purchased, which is reflected in the price difference. Who knows what MCU it uses, if it supports sleep mode properly, etc.

* steering wheel controls work on all of these
* most display radio frequency/preset and selected "input" but not any track info/metadata
* you can connect any CarPlay dongle that supports Android-based head units
* no idea what is required to mirror an iDevice as I don't use them

Ok great info. I will take another look at the unit you linked to on Alibaba. Thanks!