Thanks everyone for the info. I'll have a look at the xtrons offerings before I make my mind up

My favourite bit of the atd saga was when he said they barely got any problems on the phone when I phoned saying mine had Broken.

then it was:

”try a hard reset, that sorts the problems like yours we see sometimes”

Then

”is the Manley saving to the right place, a lot of the times they save to the ram not the proper memory”

”try a factory reset, that’s the problem we see a lot”

then

”try upgrading the firmware, that sorts a lot of problems we see”

then

”send it back to us - we don’t get many in, but it’ll take 3 weeks to look at it”

 

they have a lot of troubleshooting for common problems for an item which they say they don’t get any problems with.

 

if you’re going to get an xtrons, try and buy it from a reputable dealer with shop so you have somewhere to show them the problems, moan directly and somewhere that can swap directly if there’s a problem rather than take 4 weeks including courier time and costs to you to investigate a problem with a faultless machine.

 

also, the dab radio reception was truly shocking to the point I couldn’t listen to it.

 

and the Bluetooth mic supplied isn’t long enough so it come out of the pillar and not the roof lining so you get loads of road noise. I think that sums up the system. For the sake of 50cm on wire which would make the Bluetooth mic audible, they cut corners and made it unusable. Now apply that logic to the bits you can’t see in the unit

 

Thanks Phil. I think I've heard and read enough about these android units from all sources to have put me off buying one. I'm going to stick with the Columbus for now. All the bells and whistles of the Android units are worth nothing if the thing doesn't work. 

6 minutes ago, ashfan said:

Thanks Phil. I think I've heard and read enough about these android units from all sources to have put me off buying one. I'm going to stick with the Columbus for now. All the bells and whistles of the Android units are worth nothing if the thing doesn't work. 

 

 

I've got a Pumpkin 8-core one, had it since last Sept.  It's absolutely perfect for my needs.  Spotify, Google Maps, CoPilot, Nova (launcher) all work perfectly (albeit a bit slower than a phone).

THe only thing I don't like is the horrible ring tone for incoming calls which you don't appear to be able to change.

It was listed as "32GB 4GB RAM 8 CORE 7" Android 8.0 Radio Car DVD Player GPS DAB..."

 

If it broke, I'd get another.

Thanks for that. I'll have a search but I think I'm going off the idea of an android unit now

My problems are not entirely with the head unit, more atd.

if I had bought a slightly more reputable one from a reputable shop it would have been better. Having a 9” screen was great 

let’s say I’d bought it from Halfords, for want of a better shop.

if mine had broken, I’d have gone back to Halfords and kicked off until I got a replacement. Buying from atd and many other sellers of these cheap things doesn’t offer the same warranty. 

Id have ended up having a hole in my dash where the stereo should be for 4 weeks with no guarantee of repair or a fixed unit returned. I lost all trust in them not to take my money and run. They seemed to be very well informed on refund rights when quizzed, oddly enough - a bit too well informed for a company where nothing ever goes wrong apparently.

id buy something unreliable from a slightly reputable high street shop any day if I knew I could return it.

Gotcha Phil, I thought the issue was with the unit as well as ATD. I'm still unsure whether to bother now after reading various reviews on these things. It's hard to tell whether they all basically come from the same Chinese factory with different company logos applied. If I could find a company a bit closer to home than ATD then I might give them a visit. Not found one yet that sells Android units though.

I bought mine Direct from Erisin on EBay, UK supplied, was in the car 2 years and apart from a couple of freezes in that time it was flawless, sold the car with it and it's still going strong.

I've heard better things abut joying units from the xda developers forums, but the latest model is looking a bit iffy!

Hi All, 

 

I have a Ltd edition Octy 09 which looks to have the Bolero unit installed for fear of stirring any major debate on head units I too almost can't resist the bundle of options you get with the cheaper units. In fairness I just want BT on my unit to make calls to start with. Then of course you get reverse camera options dab,etc, etc. Has anybody any further recommendations experiences with these units thanks. 

I was that excited by the add ons and atd persuaded me to buy the CarPlay add on - I needed Bluetooth but the atd ones only do Bluetooth 4 and not 5 meaning bad integration with a modern iPhone -only call answering, no phone book access etc. 

The CarPlay add on was poorly integrated and doesn’t work like CarPlay. And weirdly the dictation didn’t work well but surely that’s done at the iPhone end - but it still didn’t work.

 

so for the Bluetooth, make sure it has Bluetooth 5 compatibility and don’t buy the CarPlay accessory expecting it to work properly 

Have read through this and unless I am mistaken its all relating to the facelift MK2, what are the options for the pre facelift model?

 

Mine is an Elegance with the standard factory fit radio head unit and display, it has a CD multi-changer in the boot, one extra CD slot in the head unit and a display which shows the radio and temperature settings etc and the parking ultrasonic detectors, not sure of the name of it.

 

As a radio/cd player it does all that I want from it, its rarely switched on, Bluetooth is of no importance to me, I dont want to make or recieve calls in the car and my old faithfull non smartphone does not even have the feature, I do however have an Android phone which never leaves the house but one day might so could perhaps one day be used with the new display.

 

The only reason for considering an upgrade is having been in a passenger in a newer car (a Mundaneo) despite my scorn for all new "must have" gadgets I had to agree that the satnav display and the voice prompts coming out the speakers (muting the radio) was a million percent better than my Tom Tit Shatnav, I especially liked the split screen display with junction view when approaching intersections where with mine I frequently cant tell which exit it wants me to take, not helped by the piece of K-rap thinking i am driving in the field beside the road.

 

So basically I just want something where I can have integrated satnav with a decent display. my Shatnav is finally about to be smashed with a hammer, I cant leave it plugged in on charge because 10 years ago the software upgrade meant it switches itself on every 168 hours and flattens the battery, I have to plan a journey well in advance, plug it in and hope that it will actually find a satellelite so I can program the route, last time for an appointment at a new hospital in 1 hour of driving it failed to connect, so the money is there for a new unit and I would much prefer something integrated than another tiny display clipped on the dash with a cable dangling.

 

Just looked in car, its a Skoda Auto Stream unit.

 

Thanks in advance

On 05/05/2019 at 06:51, Mazzer said:

Hi All, 

 

I have a Ltd edition Octy 09 which looks to have the Bolero unit installed for fear of stirring any major debate on head units I too almost can't resist the bundle of options you get with the cheaper units. In fairness I just want BT on my unit to make calls to start with. Then of course you get reverse camera options dab,etc, etc. Has anybody any further recommendations experiences with these units thanks. 

I had an LE and the one I fitted was this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-DVD-For-Skoda-Octavia-Radio-Android-8-0-Bluetooth-GPS-DAB-Wifi-3G-8-7826GB/113163907480?hash=item1a59183198:g:T2YAAOSwDvBctS~Wtruly plug and play and fits the OE surround, it takes 10 mins to fit and uses all the OE connectors, the CANBUS is built in so no ugly external boxes, has a double Fakra connection as the OE does, you have to rotate the cables on the OE Fakra connection 180 degrees though to clear the back cage and that's it, pop of the trim surround then 4 torx bolts, unplug the the connections at the back and plug into new unit, add the wifi aerial and GPS box that comes with the new stereo and put it behind the stereo taped to the metal cage, job done.

 

The Android stereo retains all the on screen display stuff and integration with maxidot and adds a few more bits.

Edited 6 May, 20197 yr by T2000

Hi Thanks T2000, 

 

I will probably go down this route. I did want dab too as a nice to have. So will see if available. Appreciate your help. 

 

Thanks

On 22/10/2018 at 00:00, JalapenoG said:

I bought and installed a RCD330 Plus bought from eBay - made offer and got it for £160 and it was plug and play. 

It's cheaper if you go for a red display/VW logos, Skoda ones are rarer so sell a bit more. This is a similar auction from same seller:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Audio-Radio-RCD330-for-VW-Skoda-Carplay-Android-Auto-MirrorLink-BT-AUX-RVC-/332088794917
 

Comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio over USB but I don't use the latter.  Handsfree, Bluetooth, no CD but whatever.  CarPlay is really good and everything works except climate on the main display, but who needs that when you can just look at the dial.  My Octavia Elegance doesn't have MFSW but understand this works as well.  I installed it with an aftermarket Columbus surround.

 

I've few complaints. Spotify and iPlayer Radio are brilliant, Nav is brilliant, sound is good but if I had to be picky i'd say it can't manage high levels of bass as well as the Bolero did, you end up loosing some definition at high volumes, and there is this pain the neck that it tries to access the reversing camera when you put it into reverse.  I don't have a reversing camera, so I have to OK a screen before it goes into Park Pilot.  It doesn't then do this again until you take keys out of the ignition so not a major problem but it's there - aftersales said you can fix it with VCDS but I don't have it.

 

I need the stereo to link with my phone and it does, so it's a no-brainer - i'd pick one of these over Pioneer or Sony at twice or three-times the price.

 

Just FYI; I had the same unit, from the same seller, fitted to my mk2 last year and initially it worked well. Over the last 5 months (out of sellers warranty) voice controls have dropped to working about 10% of the time and although I can hear calls just fine the caller can barely hear me. Just wondered how you found calls and wether you're using an external mic with this unit?

 

1 hour ago, fabatron said:

Just FYI; I had the same unit, from the same seller, fitted to my mk2 last year and initially it worked well. Over the last 5 months (out of sellers warranty) voice controls have dropped to working about 10% of the time and although I can hear calls just fine the caller can barely hear me. Just wondered how you found calls and wether you're using an external mic with this unit?

 

The RCD330 doesn't support an external mic, although some versions have pins for an external mic (based on PCB labels) they aren't functional...

 

Sounds like you might need to check or replace the internal mic.

I am going to take a punt on one of these mainly for the sat nav, doubt that the other functions will get much use.

 

Have read lots of the threads and have a few questions if you dont mind answering.

 

Will the new head unit work with the existing CD multi-changer in the cargo area?

 

What will I need to do about the Canbus sleep mode signal that my 2006 controller probably wont have? I can run the extra switched live but would I then have to disable the canbus via the dipswitches? If so then presumably I would lose all the functionality like the aircon and parking sensor displays?

 

Can you fit any aftermarket reversing and dashcams or do I have to buy their ones?

 

They all say that you can load a different satnav system, how is this done, via the simcard? As much as I hate my Tom Tit when it works it is logical, have tried Google maps on my phone and it would rather send me 20 miles to a roundabout than say "make a U turn when safe to do so" if I have taken the wrong exit. I really liked the dual display on the Ford  I was passenger in, both the birds eye view plus a panoramic view of the oncoming junction/roundabout, with that I would not make the mistakes that I currently do.

 

Anything else that I need to consider?

 

I realise I have a choice of having an adaptor for the bezel or buying a Skoda one for the later double DIN units or paying a significant premium for one the same dimensions as the Stream unit.

On 07/05/2019 at 06:32, Mazzer said:

I did want dab too as a nice to have. So will see if available.

 

Don't forget many DAB only stations will be available to stream using an Android app, such as 'TuneInRadio' for example - as long as you have a data connection in the car (and if you don't, you're missing out on many reasons to buy an Android head unit in the first place).

 

I've been listening to Virgin radio since Chris Evans did a bunk from Radio 2 with no problems. I sometimes even stream normal radio stations rather than pick up their broadcast, as I do get some spotty signal areas on my commute.

I know this is a very old thred but i have the same xtrons unit as posted earlier for my mk2 octy and i can't say enough good things about it, I have google maps, spotify, and tunin that i use daily, google maps works the same as a phone would so easy access to spotify with 1 click and live traffic.

took about 15 minutes to install the ac controls pop up it never lags and it has the features of an android tablet, also an app preinstalled called ez-connect that basically gives you a slightly budget android auto experience and i got mine direct from then with a 20% off they have on quite often.

 

Will be my 1 year anniversary of buying my Xtrons in about a week - still chuffed to bits with mine. 

 

Amazon music app is the icing on my cake now I have a music unlimited subscription. 

 

I've also side loaded Android Auto just as it gives a slightly cleaner view when driving. 

1 minute ago, Timmyboy said:

Will be my 1 year anniversary of buying my Xtrons in about a week - still chuffed to bits with mine. 

 

Amazon music app is the icing on my cake now I have a music unlimited subscription. 

 

I've also side loaded Android Auto just as it gives a slightly cleaner view when driving. 

I wasn't aware you could side load android auto, this is something i want to look into, it's a gift that keeps giving.

 

Not going to lie i found mcdonalds wifi and netflix pretty useful to when you want to eat in the comfort of your own car

Yes, I haven't bothered with Android Auto until now, just using the unit 'as is' has been OK in my Octavia - but I tried it this week on my mobile in my ancient Z4, linked to a FM Bluetooth Transmitter, and it works well - though the UI does get a bit buggy - so though I'd try it on the Xtrons. 

 

You can basically side load anything on the Xtrons - just download from apk mirror using chrome and allow apps from unknown sources, will install fine. 

Little tip for anyone with the 'pumpkin' or similar android headunits - if you get mobile phone interference when it's muted/quiet, you can fix this by going into the factory menu (Settings > Car > Factory). The code for mine is 3668, I guess this may vary. 

 

On the far right tab, find the Amplifier Volume setting and set it to -9dB.  You will need to reboot the unit to apply it. Et voila. No more phone interference, also hiss is reduced.

 

Only downside is that afterwards the overall volume will be lower, so you'll need to raise it using the volume dial (e.g. to get the same volume of 50%, might now require 75%). I think it will still be more than loud enough for most people. Another upside is that your minimum volume (i.e. the first volume notch after mute) is reduced so you can have music quieter if you want.

 

I think the setup inside is basically a power amp and a pre-amp.  The android side is controlling the pre-amp,  the factory menu controls the power amp.  The default is having the power amp on MAX POWER and just using the pre-amp to trim it back down. I haven't measured it but I would think this will also make the unit run a little cooler as the power amp is not working so hard.

Edited 31 July, 20196 yr by ajm83

On 12/08/2018 at 03:59, HarleQuinn said:

Kenwood DMX-7017DABS

 

Has everything you require!

Hi I have a vrs blackline estate with the amundsen+ headunit frustrated as the Bluetooth gets turned off and sat nav is badly out of date saw your kenwood does the car info 

oil temp mpg etc show on this unit 

 

many thanks 

 

Alan 

3 minutes ago, Webber1888 said:

Hi I have a vrs blackline estate with the amundsen+ headunit frustrated as the Bluetooth gets turned off and sat nav is badly out of date saw your kenwood does the car info 

oil temp mpg etc show on this unit 

 

many thanks 

 

Alan 

 

Hi Alan, no those displays dont show but all that information is shown on the Maxidot directly behind the steering wheel so easier and safer to be viewing it on the Maxidot anyway!