New 2 Din radio system - £30 or £300??

[TeamBandS]

There have been several treads on 2 Din radio/info systems that can be fitted to MHs. Several members have recommended systems from the "big" manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic all in the £300+ region and others have suggested £30 ish Android systems advertised on e-bay. Many reviews available for the expensive systems but unable to find anything on the £30 systems. Android 8.1 Double DIN 7"HD Auto Car Stereo GPS Sat Navi + WiFi Radio Player

For me I require:

- A reasonable sound from the Amp
- A simple way to connect the smart phone for:
- using the phone to make / answer calls (like on modern car displays)
- Link to nav info such as Google maps
- Play music stored on phone / available from music sources such as Amazon prime (using phone data)
- Simplicity!!! Do not want to learn from a 90 page manual!!!!

I am sure all the expensive options will do all I want and more except perhaps the last point (have been told that Sony are perhaps the most intuitive?)

I am some what wary of of the £30 systems as generally believe you get what you pay for (even if the Named brands can/do hike prices) and lack of informed reviews.

What I would like some info on is is there a 3rd way - can I use a tablet as a quality screen and mount it on the dash and link it to the co-pilots smart phone and achieve what I wish for and have a tablet that can then be used independently when not on the move?

Comments and thoughts gratefully received..........

 

[jezport]

If you want DAB you need a decent one

 

[Wh05apk]

We use an old tablet with sygic truck sat nav, thus then leaves the radio free to stream from the phone via Bluetooth. Works very well, and means the screen is higher up in the field of view.

 

[Pausim]

- Link to nav info such as Google maps

To get map info on the screen I think you will need one with Apple Car Play or Android Auto. I don't think you will find this in a budget unit.

 

[Stealaway]

These seem to cover everything. Radio / CD / DVD / sat nav / reversing camera screen.
All in one

Buy Android Double DIN Head Units | | Xtrons

Shop the latest range of Android Double DIN head units at XTRONS. We stock Android 9.0, 8.1, 8.0 Double DIN head units to boost your in-car entertainment.

xtrons.co.uk

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[BusyBuilder]

Well, if you try £30 option you have only lost £30 if not upto your expectations. I have one and its ok, I had a £300 before it was a pita, need 3 degrees to work it.

 

[138go]

These seem to cover everything. Radio / CD / DVD / sat nav / reversing camera screen.
All in one

Buy Android Double DIN Head Units | | Xtrons

Shop the latest range of Android Double DIN head units at XTRONS. We stock Android 9.0, 8.1, 8.0 Double DIN head units to boost your in-car entertainment.

xtrons.co.uk

You can get the same one from Amazon under the Pumpkin brand name. There are a number of different ones but they all seem to be built by the same company in China.

The one I fitted is really good. Runs CoPilot and iGO PAL ( Truck Version ). Start up time is about 2 seconds. Also added TPMS and DAB+ Dongle.

 

[Guigsy]

The cheap 'Android' ones are pretty much an Android tablet shoved into a double DIN case. It means they are a standalone device. Much like Android tablets, the quality varies quite a lot. The main problem with them though is that Android pretty much assumes you've got an internet connection. You can get offline nav apps and you can tether your phone for data, but it's not seamless. And just like cold booting a tablet, it they take a fair amount of time to start-up when you turn the key.

Android Auto head units are actually simpler. All they do is act as a slave screen to your mobile. The basic ones have very little smarts in the head unit when the phone isn't attached as it's the phone that does all the work. Less issues about them being out of date or being slow as it's always as good as your phone. The downside is they they are mostly more expensive from the big brands... I got a basic £200 Sony AX100 in the January sales. It's fantastic... Apparently the KKmoon unit is pretty good and is only £130?

 

[Pausim]

I have just bought a head unit with both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. I have not installed it yet (changing motorhomes) but the demonstration in Halfords using my own phone was impressive. I didn’t need to study any manuals because I am already familiar with the navigation apps on my phone and the app instantly adjusted to the bigger screen. I think this is the future, possibly the end of separate navigation units.

 

[TeamBandS]

These seem to cover everything. Radio / CD / DVD / sat nav / reversing camera screen.
All in one

Buy Android Double DIN Head Units | | Xtrons

Shop the latest range of Android Double DIN head units at XTRONS. We stock Android 9.0, 8.1, 8.0 Double DIN head units to boost your in-car entertainment.

xtrons.co.uk

Great link must be worth a call to them + approx £250 to replace a head unit in a BMW or other posh car? Can you imagine what this would cost from the dealer??

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[WESTY66]

I have just bought a head unit with both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. I have not installed it yet (changing motorhomes) but the demonstration in Halfords using my own phone was impressive. I didn’t need to study any manuals because I am already familiar with the navigation apps on my phone and the app instantly adjusted to the bigger screen. I think this is the future, possibly the end of separate navigation units.

Would you be able to upload a custom route off Basecamp into it though??

 

[Guigsy]

Would you be able to upload a custom route off Basecamp into it though??

Probably not. I do all my planning in Google Maps, mostly on the desktop. If I need to go via a certain point, I add it in Maps, then save the link to the route to my planning spreadsheet. When I need to drive on that day, I click on the link in the spreadsheet from my phone and it opens it in the Maps App. Plug the phone in to the radio and you've got your route. More detail here:

Planning and Navigation

Disclaimer: Everyone is comfortable with different levels of certainty and different levels of technology. After several weeks of experimentation, the following works for us… although we&#821…

endlessweekend.co.uk

 

[TeamBandS]

This what I really like about the FUN forum. You get real people posting real answers that you can trust. So many points well made that have stimulating more thoughts/ideas.

Interesting that Guigsy has found the Sony unit intuitive as I have heard this from others as well.
Perhaps I am looking for more than I need. I have an OK Sat Nav but a rubbish radio. I could get a Quality Sony Single Din radio with DAB+ and phone link for about £100 that totally solves 2 of my issues.

I only need extra Nav info when finding aires etc especially in towns with extra small roads or junction details which are not totally clear on the sat nav or Spanish maps (now there is a whole new thread - anyone else found Spanish maps somewhat lacking?) So get the co-pilot to use her 10 inch tablet instead of her phone and I can then see that detail I like to check (when safe of course!)

Perhaps I am guilty of overthinking (again) and getting seduced by expensive new shiny kit when there is a better, simpler and much less expensive option available.

 

[Guigsy]

This what I really like about the FUN forum. You get real people posting real answers that you can trust. So many points well made that have stimulating more thoughts/ideas.

Interesting that Guigsy has found the Sony unit intuitive as I have heard this from others as well.
Perhaps I am looking for more than I need. I have an OK Sat Nav but a rubbish radio. I could get a Quality Sony Single Din radio with DAB+ and phone link for about £100 that totally solves 2 of my issues.

I only need extra Nav info when finding aires etc especially in towns with extra small roads or junction details which are not totally clear on the sat nav or Spanish maps (now there is a whole new thread - anyone else found Spanish maps somewhat lacking?) So get the co-pilot to use her 10 inch tablet instead of her phone and I can then see that detail I like to check (when safe of course!)

Perhaps I am guilty of overthinking (again) and getting seduced by expensive new shiny kit when there is a better, simpler and much less expensive option available.

For a long time (car and van) I've just put the stereo on Bluetooth and had my (large) phone attached to dash mount and used Google Maps. On my motorbike it's similar, phone mount above the dials except I have Bluetooth in the helmet. I recommend using the Android Auto app even if you don't have a radio as it makes the interface more 'glance' friendly.

At Xmas I upgraded the radio in the van. Having Google Maps via Android Auto on the satnav is useful because the screen is now in a position where both me and the wife can see it. If it's a difficult junction, I've got a second opinion. She can also take an informed look at the alternative routes available if it says there's traffic building.... plus she likes to be the music DJ.

 

[berni109]

Try a cheap one from a UK supplier on Ebay with as late a version of android as u can find. Connect it on a bench before fitting in the van and have a try - see if the sound quality suits u. Send it back if not - u have a legal right
Alternatively buy a reasonably decent tablet and load up the apps which will give you almost everything but I would suggest that a good data plan on the mobile will be required to get the best from that option.
There is another thread running on sat nav by DBK that's worth a look and I have been looking at dash cam apps that might be useful.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Neilfg]

We have a single DIN blaupunkt unit for sounds and phone. Use a tablet with CoPilot and other apps. This was a temporary solution till I bought an Android Double din unit, but it works very well so not changed yet.

Android Auto is great but being 4.5t and 3.2m high the Goole maps Nav Apps can be scary. If they allowed Sygic or CoPilot then would definitely reconsider. The Pumpkin and Xtrons Android units run full Android so you can run anything just like a tablet but so far not bothered changing.

 

[Stealaway]

I'm told you can buy just the TomTom software to download to another device for around £50. For me that would be perfect as I really value the POI I've downloaded to mine.

 

[Stealaway]

The 10.1 screen looks amazing.

Connection details.

 

[barsteward]

and to me, but also bewildering.

I have just changed the van and decided that with cheap sim cards such as the Smarty (which I have been trialing at home) and now having a more or less blank canvas. Android is the way to go.

No great Satellite dish on the roof or even a television aerial, just a DAB aerial already fitted.

So not being a clever fellow I have spent today trying to evaluate what I already have as standard fit in the compactline and the equipment I already had, sadly most of it comes up disappointingly short especially Carthago's wiring and equipment level.

i have at the moment a Tom Tom Go camper version sat nav which is continually going on the blink and I suspect it is Tom Toms way of trying to make me buy a new one as it always throws a wobbly after an update which always happens in the middle of a town and cannot be rectified without a dozen resets and another upgrade.

Replacement cost about £350 pounds

Mobile phone is a OnePlus 2 which I have had for a few years but is more than adequate for my limited capabilities and has only ever let me down once when i got drenched in Almeria last spring during two days of torrential rain (it was in my coat pocket and the coat decided it couldn't hack it) but that's another story.

Replacement cost of coat about £150

The DAB ariel seems to be one of the better Cathargo standard fit but a tv that doesn't play through the hab speakers? and a Pioneer double din that can't communicate with an android phone unless rewired and even then I'm not sure something else wont work such as the head unit DVD.

So as you can see I'm well confused but the above or similar android head unit does seem (as a moron) to fit the bill without a great deal of expense

 

[Pausim]

I have a Pioneer unit with Apple Carplay and it is working well with Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze. It does not yet work with CoPilot but that is because they have not updated their app, which considering how much they charge is another major black mark for CoPilot from me.

I really think the future lies in Android Auto and Apple Carplay head units. Why clutter the dash with a separate navigator that ties you to only one software map when you can get a choice of maps alongside all the other features, like voice control, traffic info, music and messages.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jezport]

I have a Pioneer unit with Apple Carplay and it is working well with Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze. It does not yet work with CoPilot but that is because they have not updated their app, which considering how much they charge is another major black mark for CoPilot from me.

I really think the future lies in Android Auto and Apple Carplay head units. Why clutter the dash with a separate navigator that ties you to only one software map when you can get a choice of maps alongside all the other features, like voice control, traffic info, music and messages.

I dont think there will be any other 3rd party navigation apps as they stick to their own "Wayz" and Goodle maps, I use tomtom so no use to me.

 

[barsteward]

TomTom's new app takes on Apple and Google with free navigation

TomTom has announced a new navigation app for Android called TomTom GO Mobile.

www.trustedreviews.com

 

[Guigsy]

I have a Pioneer unit with Apple Carplay and it is working well with Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze. It does not yet work with CoPilot but that is because they have not updated their app, which considering how much they charge is another major black mark for CoPilot from me.

I really think the future lies in Android Auto and Apple Carplay head units. Why clutter the dash with a separate navigator that ties you to only one software map when you can get a choice of maps alongside all the other features, like voice control, traffic info, music and messages.

Both Apple and Google are trying to comply with international legislation about what can go on screens in cars and how drivers can interact. They want their systems to be deployed in new cars (which is more restrictive than 3rd party devices). Both have said they will allow other app makers to put apps on their systems provided they meet all the requirements, but it's a very high bar, particularly for sat nav apps.

The counter argument from people like TomTom are that Apple and Google have created a walled garden and won't let competition in.

 

[BobtheBass]

I had a £1000 one in my last motorhome and it was awful, truly awful and needed a Masters degree in radio-ology just to switch it on. It did so many things I didn’t need and the simple things I did need (dab radio? Should have purchased the add on unit as well) it didn’t do very well. The Pioneer I have now is much better for my needs.

 

[Guigsy]

I had a £1000 one in my last motorhome and it was awful, truly awful and needed a Masters degree in radio-ology just to switch it on. It did so many things I didn’t need and the simple things I did need (dab radio? Should have purchased the add on unit as well) it didn’t do very well. The Pioneer I have now is much better for my needs.

I've seen a few of the top-end radios. They've got so many features, they can be a real pain to get around the interface. It doesn't help that it feels like different committees have designed different bits of the interface.

The Sony AX100 Android Auto radio I've got is dead simple. It's pretty much built to do Android Auto and nothing else. And once you've plugged in your phone, with the new Android Auto update that's recently rolled out, the new interface on there is dead simple too.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I need a double din to fill the empty hole in my Adria
Want FM and phone bluetooth

NOTHING ELSE

No nav, no DAB no Apple play, no Warp drive, no flux capacitor

Any suggestions?

 

[michndan]

I installed this in mine last December. At the time I was dubious to say the least for £200 but they aftercare has been brilliant and so far it has performed excellent. I run co pilot on it along with TPMS which is only good for pressure drops as up to now not been able to get them to display the same pressure as on my compressor gauge. I bought the extra DAB module and have since installed a new aerial on the roof so it actually works now?. For the money it’s is great had a double din snooper before and this is light years in front. It has Bluetooth and connect it to internet through my phone but you can put a dongle in it if you want. It has phone mirroring but not been able to get it to work with iPhone or Android.

 

[TerryL]

Sorry, might have missed something here but do these Android Auto units actually receive radio, such as FM or DAB from an aerial without additional modules? From what I have read they all appear to need an active internet signal, either by way of mobile phone or a MiFi type receiver. I would guess the £30 cheapies don't?

 

[Guigsy]

Sorry, might have missed something here but do these Android Auto units actually receive radio, such as FM or DAB from an aerial without additional modules? From what I have read they all appear to need an active internet signal, either by way of mobile phone or a MiFi type receiver. I would guess the £30 cheapies don't?

They are normal car radios, but one of their functions is to switch over so the whole unit it pretty much controlled by your phone. My Sony AX100 is pretty basic, so it just has analogue radio (no DAB), bluetooth, USB memory stick music and a reversing camera function. No CD. Without a phone it can't do SatNav. No fancy multi-coloured buttons or motorised screens.... but then there are top-end systems with TV, DVD players and connections for external screens and extra cameras.

Note that radios with Android Auto (which tend to be from people like Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, etc) are not the same as the radios that run Android. Android Auto/Apple Carplay radios use your phone to do all the heavy lifting. 'Android' radios are basically tablets stuffed into a car radio and are mostly Chinese branded things, I think the only big(ish) name is Pumpkin.

 

[Pete5996]

I need a double din to fill the empty hole in my Adria
Want FM and phone bluetooth

NOTHING ELSE

No nav, no DAB no Apple play, no Warp drive, no flux capacitor

Any suggestions?

I fitted one of these, a a couple of weeks ago to replace my grotty Autotrail single DIN unit and well-impressed I am. Radio reception better, sound dramatically improved and I can now see the reversing camera image.
I've a generous data bundle on my French mobile and with the Bluetooth I can now listen to Ken Bruce, Jeremy Vine or R4 Today on the road anywhere. Isn't technology wonderful?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}