Notices
997 Forum 2005-2012
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Cheap Android Head Unit Review!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-17-2024, 12:25 PM
  #1171  
ZedZed
Burning Brakes
 
ZedZed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 829
Received 216 Likes on 174 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by minuit997
Which processor is the best for these? I have heard people talking about the 7862.
Important things to take into account are the amount of RAM, amount of storage and the type of processor in use. You will need a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run your HU smoothly and to give it an element of future-proofing (as most apps require more grunt as they develop over time), but I would recommend 8 GB, which doesn't cost much more and will serve you well for years, allowing you to run the latest, complex apps and to multi-task. For storage, it will depend on how much you intend to load onto your HU. 64 GB would be my minimum, but I would go for 128 GB if possible - you will never run out of space with 128GB.. So I would look for 8GB/128GB if possible.

What is important with the processor is how many cores it has. Older HUs use quad-core (4) processors, but they have now been superceded by octa-core (8) processors and my advice would be to not consider a quad-core at all. Go for an octa-core processor. The UIS7862 is a great octa-core, modern processor which will easily run your HU and Android Auto or Carplay if that is how you intend to go. The 7862 is is very fast and will give you a really smooth Android experience. A good alternative would be the UMS512, which has similar performance and benchmarks as the 7862.

So what you should be looking for, ideally, is 8 GB/128 GB with a modern octa-core processor such as the 7862 or an equivalent.

Old 01-17-2024, 12:42 PM
  #1172  
minuit997
Banned
 
minuit997's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 22
Received 6 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ZedZed
Important things to take into account are the amount of RAM, amount of storage and the type of processor in use. You will need a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run your HU smoothly and to give it an element of future-proofing (as most apps require more grunt as they develop over time), but I would recommend 8 GB, which doesn't cost much more and will serve you well for years, allowing you to run the latest, complex apps and to multi-task. For storage, it will depend on how much you intend to load onto your HU. 64 GB would be my minimum, but I would go for 128 GB if possible - you will never run out of space with 128GB.. So I would look for 8GB/128GB if possible.

What is important with the processor is how many cores it has. Older HUs use quad-core (4) processors, but they have now been superceded by octa-core (8) processors and my advice would be to not consider a quad-core at all. Go for an octa-core processor. The UIS7862 is a great octa-core, modern processor which will easily run your HU and Android Auto or Carplay if that is how you intend to go. The 7862 is is very fast and will give you a really smooth Android experience. A good alternative would be the UMS512, which has similar performance and benchmarks as the 7862.

So what you should be looking for, ideally, is 8 GB/128 GB with a modern octa-core processor such as the 7862 or an equivalent.
Thank you. I will not be loading anything on the head unit. I only use CarPlay. I want it to be smooth so I will get the most ram. Sound like a good plan?
Old 01-17-2024, 12:48 PM
  #1173  
ZedZed
Burning Brakes
 
ZedZed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 829
Received 216 Likes on 174 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by minuit997
Thank you. I will not be loading anything on the head unit. I only use CarPlay. I want it to be smooth so I will get the most ram. Sound like a good plan?
Yes, if you are only, or mainly, only using Carplay you could save a few $$ by getting a unit with 64 GB of storage, but generally, the units with 8 GB of RAM often come with 128 GB of storage anyway. You can never have too much RAM, so don't cut corners there.
The following users liked this post:
minuit997 (01-17-2024)
Old 01-22-2024, 10:30 AM
  #1174  
smrpr
Instructor
 
smrpr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 235
Received 203 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

Am I correct in assuming that in a 997.1 with Bose I will have to splice into the car harness to get power? There's no other way of doing it? I'd rather not touch the OEM harness at all.
Old 01-22-2024, 06:25 PM
  #1175  
MattDevoCustoms
Advanced
 
MattDevoCustoms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 73
Received 41 Likes on 30 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by smrpr
Am I correct in assuming that in a 997.1 with Bose I will have to splice into the car harness to get power? There's no other way of doing it? I'd rather not touch the OEM harness at all.
no, there is no modification of the OEM harness required. You need to splice into the adapter harness between the HU and OEM plug (the harness that comes with the HU) in order to power the MOST adapter, but that's it.
Old 01-22-2024, 06:26 PM
  #1176  
smrpr
Instructor
 
smrpr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 235
Received 203 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MattDevoCustoms
no, there is no modification of the OEM harness required. You need to splice into the adapter harness between the HU and OEM plug (the harness that comes with the HU) in order to power the MOST adapter, but that's it.
Ah, that’s better! Thanks for the info. I will reread the whole thread to understand what needs to be done. I’ll order one of those that XDA has a thread for as I like to tinker with this stuff
Old 01-22-2024, 10:37 PM
  #1177  
Benerly
Banned
 
Benerly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Does this control the conversations on a cellphone also?
Old 01-23-2024, 07:07 AM
  #1178  
ZedZed
Burning Brakes
 
ZedZed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 829
Received 216 Likes on 174 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by smrpr
Ah, that’s better! Thanks for the info. I will reread the whole thread to understand what needs to be done. I’ll order one of those that XDA has a thread for as I like to tinker with this stuff
Here you go. This is how I did mine. You can tap into any 12V ACC (red), 12V BATT (yellow) and Ground (black) wires. The box just needs a switched (red) power source, a constant (yellow) power source and a ground (black).


The following users liked this post:
smrpr (01-23-2024)
Old 01-23-2024, 07:08 AM
  #1179  
ZedZed
Burning Brakes
 
ZedZed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 829
Received 216 Likes on 174 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Benerly
Does this control the conversations on a cellphone also?
Yes.
Old 01-23-2024, 07:22 AM
  #1180  
smrpr
Instructor
 
smrpr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 235
Received 203 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

Okay, so, for my 997.1 Carrera with Bose, will be mostly using Carplay and don't need a rear camera:

- I need to buy a 7862 processor based head unit as it allows for more tinkering than the other processors.
- I need to turn the volume all the way up before removing the original head unit in order to have proper volume levels when I install the new one.
- I need to buy a dual fakra adapter in order to not lose radio signal as there is only one plug with the kit.
- I need to buy a converter to use the original GPS antenna in case I want to.
- I need to order a version with the extra MOST adapter
- I need to 3d print some adapters in order to secure it properly.

Am I missing something? From what I understand, Heregoes and Owtowsin stores sell the same product but with different processors, right?
Old 01-23-2024, 07:28 AM
  #1181  
ZedZed
Burning Brakes
 
ZedZed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Posts: 829
Received 216 Likes on 174 Posts
Default

Short answer:

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and don't know as I don't have this unit personally.

Slightly longer answer:

The important thing about the processor is that it has 8 cores and as much RAM as you can get. Octacore, 8Gb/128Gb is as future-proof as you can get right now. 7862 is a good, modern, fast processor.

Turn volume up to 75% on the PCM seems to be the most recommended. I did it that way and sound is perfect.

Get the adapters for radio and GPS from Amazon for a few dollars and then you can exchange them easily if they happen to not fit.

Good luck with the install!
The following 2 users liked this post by ZedZed:
irnnr (01-24-2024), smrpr (01-23-2024)
Old 01-23-2024, 01:07 PM
  #1182  
MattDevoCustoms
Advanced
 
MattDevoCustoms's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 73
Received 41 Likes on 30 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by smrpr
Okay, so, for my 997.1 Carrera with Bose, will be mostly using Carplay and don't need a rear camera:

- I need to buy a 7862 processor based head unit as it allows for more tinkering than the other processors.
- I need to turn the volume all the way up before removing the original head unit in order to have proper volume levels when I install the new one.
- I need to buy a dual fakra adapter in order to not lose radio signal as there is only one plug with the kit.
- I need to buy a converter to use the original GPS antenna in case I want to.
- I need to order a version with the extra MOST adapter
- I need to 3d print some adapters in order to secure it properly.

Am I missing something? From what I understand, Heregoes and Owtowsin stores sell the same product but with different processors, right?
- you don't need to 3d print adapters, you can simply space out the mounting rails with some washers to make it fit more securely
- you also need to (or at least should) bypass the stock antenna amplifier, just like you would with the PCCM install. You'll need a dual FAKRA M-M cable, 6" or so long
The following users liked this post:
myw (03-22-2024)
Old 01-23-2024, 01:24 PM
  #1183  
smrpr
Instructor
 
smrpr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 235
Received 203 Likes on 81 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MattDevoCustoms
- you don't need to 3d print adapters, you can simply space out the mounting rails with some washers to make it fit more securely
- you also need to (or at least should) bypass the stock antenna amplifier, just like you would with the PCCM install. You'll need a dual FAKRA M-M cable, 6" or so long
Thanks Matt.

I think that cable is what I mention in my third bullet point? Or something else?

Like this one?

Old 01-24-2024, 09:34 AM
  #1184  
Jabra1871
AutoX
 
Jabra1871's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 10
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Is there a way to get the dial screen to display song name? Currently when using android auto it just displays 'USB TOOO'.
Old 01-24-2024, 09:40 AM
  #1185  
jdarwin
Rennlist Member
 
jdarwin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 13
Received 14 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

My only complaint with the unit is the built in microphone. Unlike previous units, this one does not accommodate an external mic. I am difficult to hear on the other end (like I'm in a tunnel) but It's a small annoyance since mine is a cab and talking on the phone is a challenge regardless. I simply let it go to vm - I don't want anything to interrupt my drive!


Quick Reply: Cheap Android Head Unit Review!



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 07:30 PM.