New Breed of Aftermarket Multimedia Head Units - discussion!

[Guest trl1]

 

They're all made by a small number of companies and rebadged. There are a number of different sellers on ebay, so check a few. If it's listed in the UK, the item should ship from the UK and can be returned to the UK if faulty. The seller could be abroad though, which I suspect is the case with that auction - HK company, with a UK warehouse.

 

Thanks, I've shortlisted it to 3: the one you bought or these 2 on Amazon and ebay.

Would you say they're basically the same units underneath and same specs etc ?

Interestingly, even the one that says DAB+ only means supporting DAB, and you still have to order the DAB module, so I'm assuming its the same for all. 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-Android-Bluetooth-Scirocco-Navigation/dp/B01B4DGDB6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_107_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51ODAXa6EyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=7476P4G1VX21P9WTQFM5

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-VW-Seat-Skoda-Fabia-Car-DVD-Player-Radio-Quad-Core-Android-4-4-GPS-3G-OBD-DAB-/262417745143

[jellybeard999]

Thanks, I've shortlisted it to 3: the one you bought or these 2 on Amazon and ebay.

Would you say they're basically the same units underneath and same specs etc ?

Interestingly, even the one that says DAB+ only means supporting DAB, and you still have to order the DAB module, so I'm assuming its the same for all. 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-Android-Bluetooth-Scirocco-Navigation/dp/B01B4DGDB6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_107_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51ODAXa6EyL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=7476P4G1VX21P9WTQFM5

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-VW-Seat-Skoda-Fabia-Car-DVD-Player-Radio-Quad-Core-Android-4-4-GPS-3G-OBD-DAB-/262417745143 ***

 

I haven't bought any yet. I'm going to bite the bullet in the next week or so!

 

They do seem to be the same underneath, made by a handful of companies.

 

I don't want buttons, as IMO the knobs look cheap compared to OEM and there are too many buttons, which again, don't look OEM IMO. Though they are easier to grab without looking, the touchscreen only models look smarter IMO. Being android, the status bars etc are customisable and the unit I linked looks the neatest to me

 

Pumpkin seem to have a bit more of a presence in the UK, maybe better support if something goes wrong? but fundamentally, I think they're all a bit of a leap of faith!

 

The second model you linked (in quote above with ***) is a lower resolution screen (800x480) which I'd avoid personally. 1024x600 seems the norm.

Edited 22 June, 2016 by jellybeard999

[Paulb64]

Hi All

           I have this one with DAB addon http://www.autopumpkin.co.uk/pumpkin-android-quad-core-car-radio/pumpkin-android-quad-core-vw-car-radio/pumpkin-8-inch-1024-600-android-5-1-lollipop-car-stereo-with-parrot-bluetooth-for-vw-skoda-seat-support-external-dab-obd2-av-output-steering-wheel-control-3g-wifi.html

Also using this ROM which works a treat ....http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-software-development/rom-malaysk-roms-lollipop-5-1-1-mtcb-t3394209 & using lastest iGO Nexgen from this site http://www.gpspower.net/igo-gps-system.html   :clap:

[Guest trl1]

Hi All

           I have this one with DAB addon http://www.autopumpkin.co.uk/pumpkin-android-quad-core-car-radio/pumpkin-android-quad-core-vw-car-radio/pumpkin-8-inch-1024-600-android-5-1-lollipop-car-stereo-with-parrot-bluetooth-for-vw-skoda-seat-support-external-dab-obd2-av-output-steering-wheel-control-3g-wifi.html

Also using this ROM which works a treat ....http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcb-software-development/rom-malaysk-roms-lollipop-5-1-1-mtcb-t3394209 & using lastest iGO Nexgen from this site http://www.gpspower.net/igo-gps-system.html   :clap:

 

Nice one Paul, and thanks for the add-on info! 

Have you had it long and any issues or probs at all ?

I know that some units are not compatible if you have the extra Amp under driver seat. I checked and don't have this, as I guess you dont either.

Jellybeard you might need to check this if you buy the Xtrons unit ?

The Joying units seem quite popular as well, same price and spec as Pumpkin. 

[Guest trl1]

I haven't bought any yet. I'm going to bite the bullet in the next week or so!

 

They do seem to be the same underneath, made by a handful of companies.

 

I don't want buttons, as IMO the knobs look cheap compared to OEM and there are too many buttons, which again, don't look OEM IMO. Though they are easier to grab without looking, the touchscreen only models look smarter IMO. Being android, the status bars etc are customisable and the unit I linked looks the neatest to me

 

Pumpkin seem to have a bit more of a presence in the UK, maybe better support if something goes wrong? but fundamentally, I think they're all a bit of a leap of faith!

 

The second model you linked (in quote above with ***) is a lower resolution screen (800x480) which I'd avoid personally. 1024x600 seems the norm.

 

Thanks for that, I agree about the buttons too.

On the Xtrons unit it doesnt actually mention DAB that I could see, and I'm sure it does support, but my thinking is where they spec it as a feature (Pumpkin/Joying) its gonna be better functioning and less chance of problems. I could be wrong tho! 

[Paulb64]

Had it for 6mths been great,I love it good sound aswell. The reason I went for the Pumpkin was for the DAB ad-don as the Joying option didn't seem as good. Nope I don't have an Amp, the Malaysk is a bit of a pig on 1st install as you have to install it twice with it being a Fuse Rom, much better than the stock Rom.

 

                                  Paul

[logiclee]

Are any offering Android Auto yet?

 

Lee

[Guest trl1]

Had it for 6mths been great,I love it good sound as well. The reason I went for the Pumpkin was for the DAB ad-don as the Joying option didn't seem as good. Nope I don't have an Amp, the Malaysk is a bit of a pig on 1st install as you have to install it twice with it being a Fuse Rom, much better than the stock Rom.

 

                                  Paul.

 

Was yours just plug n play? and changing from a Bolero on a Mk1? 

I have a Mk2, and AutoPumpkin asked me to check dimensions, wiring and Canbus conns etc.

 

They also linked me to an Amazon listing, which looks the same unit, different listing. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pumpkin-Android-Bluetooth-Scirocco-Navigation/dp/B01B4DGDB6?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

 

cheers Tim 

[Paulb64]

Yep same one, also got mine from amazon it came next day !! It was shipped from Glasgow. Yep plug & play. A few photos Tim.    The Dab aerial that came with the Dab unit is just as good as the roof mounted one I now have.

                    Paul

 

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Edited 24 June, 2016 by Paulb64

[Guest trl1]

Thanks, looks great and makes the whole dash look more modern & futurisitc! When you go back and look at the old OEM units now they look so old fashioned.

My fascia is different on the Mk2 so might have to buy new fascia (see pic) I'm gonna send this to Pumpkin in reply. I dont really want to start pulling out the Bolero yet just to measure it. 

The website states:

Octavia 2009-2012 ( only fit in some countries ,please contact us first)

 

[Paulb64]

Tim

        You will need the fascia that fits the Columbus head unit,the pumpkin won't fit the Bolero. Found this one on superskoda..... http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/OCTAVIA-II/Octavia-II-09-Facelift-NAVI-DIGITAL-dashboard-plate-BRUSHED-STEEL-from-RS not bloody cheap thou !!! 

  I got mine from a member on here, have seen some on 't bay, seller based in china

 

                                        Paul

[0ctavist]

Yeah, the Touch-screen looks nice and is easy to clean, but a head unit with buttons and knobs is easier to handle while driving....

[Paulb64]

Not if you have a MFSW  :clap:

[Sniipe]

I'm loving this thread, its exactly what I'm looking for.  I have a 2010 Skoda Yeti Bolero unit.  It looks very like the one pictured by tlr1 above.  I was about to put in an order for the Pumpkin one on amazon, however it didn't list my car model.  Any idea if it will fit?

My Bolero will cost €876 to replace by the skoda garage and probably won't even have BT audio.

 

[edit] I went back thru the posts and I noticed I'm in the wrong neighbourhood, ye all have octavia's/superbs, I'll try a different thread [/edit]

Edited 25 June, 2016 by Sniipe

[Guest trl1]

Sniipe - no worries, thats the idea - it helps others too!  pretty sure it will fit, ask Auto Pumpkin, you'll prob just need another fascia like I do.

 

Paul - surprised they didnt fit the MFSW as standard on VRS but hey ho. I found some cheaper fascias on ebay thanks, now its time to bite the bullet and part with £350 or so! 

(when Pumpkin confirm conns are all compatible) 

[Paulb64]

I'm loving this thread, its exactly what I'm looking for.  I have a 2010 Skoda Yeti Bolero unit.  It looks very like the one pictured by tlr1 above.  I was about to put in an order for the Pumpkin one on amazon, however it didn't list my car model.  Any idea if it will fit?

My Bolero will cost €876 to replace by the skoda garage and probably won't even have BT audio.

 

[edit] I went back thru the posts and I noticed I'm in the wrong neighbourhood, ye all have octavia's/superbs, I'll try a different thread [/edit]

Just checked some images on google, they seem the the same as the Octavia,you will need the columbus facia but as Tim says contact Autopumpkin uk..... http://www.autopumpkin.co.uk/android-car-dvd-player/car-models/vw-android-car-dvd/pumpkin-8-inch-1024-600-android-5-1-lollipop-car-stereo-with-parrot-bluetooth-for-vw-skoda-seat-support-external-dab-obd2-av-output-steering-wheel-control-3g-wifi.html

[Paulb64]

Sniipe - no worries, thats the idea - it helps others too!  pretty sure it will fit, ask Auto Pumpkin, you'll prob just need another fascia like I do.

 

Paul - surprised they didnt fit the MFSW as standard on VRS but hey ho. I found some cheaper fascias on ebay thanks, now its time to bite the bullet and part with £350 or so! 

(when Pumpkin confirm conns are all compatible) 

I totally agree Tim fitted as standard on the DSG !! I have a Leon MFSW fitted total cost £180 for steering wheel, air bag & steering wheel loom( it was the cheapest option ) :clap:  it works a treat with volume & changing DAB stations 

[mollusc]

I've just ordered a pumpkin (still haven't quite come to terms with the name) VW shaped for my facelift mk2. Gotta say it took me some time to get my head round the dash hole size thing - double DIN vs VW, then trying to work out which head units were which size.

Has anyone bought the aftermarket double din fascia and removed the inner "lining" to leave the VW shaped hole?

There's an ebay item that's clearly the right part but the image is a 3d rendering which makes me wonder if it's actually even been made yet!

[Guest trl1]

Tim

        You will need the fascia that fits the Columbus head unit,the pumpkin won't fit the Bolero. Found this one on superskoda..... http://www.superskoda.com/Skoda/OCTAVIA-II/Octavia-II-09-Facelift-NAVI-DIGITAL-dashboard-plate-BRUSHED-STEEL-from-RS not bloody cheap thou !!! 

  I got mine from a member on here, have seen some on 't bay, seller based in china

 

                                        Paul

 

What, 70 Euros for a small plastic fascia ???!!! I thought we were meant to get special prices in the EU?

Oh well doesn't matter now does it! lol 

 

I'm gonna order this unless Pumpkin offer to supply it with the unit for same price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Octavia-Grey-2-DIN-Trim-CD-Radio-Dash-Panal-SAT-NAV-Fascia-Fitting-Kit-UK/262410925395

 

Sniipe - If Octavia and Yeti are same then this should be good for you too  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Octavia-Grey-2-DIN-Trim-CD-Radio-Dash-Panal-SAT-NAV-Fascia-Fitting-Kit-UK/262410925395

If Octavia and Yeti are same then this should fit yours too.

 

 

 

I'm gonna order this unless Pumpkin offer to supply this with the unit for similar price.

[jellybeard999]

It's £59 here if of use - http://www.skodaparts.com/product/octavia-trim-for-navigation-system-2009-2013-50216

[jellybeard999]

Pulled the trigger on

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252286797528 - Xtrons PF85MTVA

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251409711680 - External mic

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252204255373 - OBD2 reader

 

I shall report back.

 

I have a cheap fascia I bought as a gamble a few weeks ago, which isn't quite the right colour/finish, but it will do as a stop gap.(I paid £10 iirc for a used version of http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262410925395 I think)

 

I also bought the full version of Poweramp from the play store as it's 50p at the moment - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer.unlock&hl=en_GB - may come in handy, seems very customisable

Edited 29 June, 2016 by jellybeard999

[planehazza]

Pulled the trigger on

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252286797528 - Xtrons PF85MTVA

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251409711680 - External mic

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252204255373 - OBD2 reader

 

I shall report back.

 

I have a cheap fascia I bought as a gamble a few weeks ago, which isn't quite the right colour/finish, but it will do as a stop gap.(I paid £10 iirc for a used version of http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262410925395 I think)

 

I also bought the full version of Poweramp from the play store as it's 50p at the moment - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer.unlock&hl=en_GB - may come in handy, seems very customisable

 

Interesting to hear your results.  Poweramp is great.  The best music player on android IMO.

[labman1001]

I'd love to fit one of these aftermarket head units but I'm just not sure which, if any, models are compatable with a 2007 Mk2 Octavia as I don't want to lose any of my current functionality displayed on my Audience Head Unit...I'd love the inbuilt sat nav to get rid off the TomTom stuck on top of the dash but what I'd really like is to fit a reversing camera ..

At the moment to get DAB on my factory unit I've been using a personal DAB radio plugged into the Aux in socket in the jumbo box but the reception cab be really patchy... I've just bought a smal Bluetooth receiver that plugs into it though and connected my phone to it and can play the radio or all my music on my SD card and it seems to be working great but I only bought it on Monday so it's early days yet ... I get a 3GB download on my phone so hopefully that'll be fine for streaming radio .. The Bluetooth dingle has a battery life of about 5hrs which is fine for driving around town and I've one of the external power banks I can hook either it or my phone too to keep them going on a longer journey...

[Guest trl1]

I've just ordered a pumpkin (still haven't quite come to terms with the name) VW shaped for my facelift mk2. Gotta say it took me some time to get my head round the dash hole size thing - double DIN vs VW, then trying to work out which head units were which size.

Has anyone bought the aftermarket double din fascia and removed the inner "lining" to leave the VW shaped hole?

There's an ebay item that's clearly the right part but the image is a 3d rendering which makes me wonder if it's actually even been made yet!

 

I think the cheap ebay fascias might actually be a better fit for the Pumpkin than the VW (Columbus) fascias

1. Both Pumpkin and cheap fascia are a standard double din rectangle shape and size (not tapered sides like VW)

2. When enquiring with another Chinese supplier of the Pumpkin, they directed me to the the cheap ebay fascia as the correct fit. 

 

 

 

I'd love to fit one of these aftermarket head units but I'm just not sure which, if any, models are compatable with a 2007 Mk2 Octavia as I don't want to lose any of my current functionality displayed on my Audience Head Unit...I'd love the inbuilt sat nav to get rid off the TomTom stuck on top of the dash but what I'd really like is to fit a reversing camera ..

At the moment to get DAB on my factory unit I've been using a personal DAB radio plugged into the Aux in socket in the jumbo box but the reception cab be really patchy... I've just bought a smal Bluetooth receiver that plugs into it though and connected my phone to it and can play the radio or all my music on my SD card and it seems to be working great but I only bought it on Monday so it's early days yet ... I get a 3GB download on my phone so hopefully that'll be fine for streaming radio .. The Bluetooth dingle has a battery life of about 5hrs which is fine for driving around town and I've one of the external power banks I can hook either it or my phone too to keep them going on a longer journey...

Just follow the thread, we're all in the same boat, and mostly want the same features and functions!

I also have a Mk2. 

The only issue for me now are the conns (plug n play) - waiting for confirmation from Pumpkin. 

[Sniipe]

Sniipe - If Octavia and Yeti are same then this should be good for you too

 

Cheers trl1, they look the same.

I took some photos:

 https://goo.gl/photos/EoqxZQcMSH5GmGqs7

But before I get it I need to confirm the question from Pumpin: "Hi,does your car have Fender or Dynaudio system?Could you pls take photo of your car center dashboard to us?We need to help you check these information first."

I've no idea where I would find this info.