On 27/09/2018 at 15:44, Timmyboy said:

Secondly, and more annoyingly, sometimes the head unit just refuses to connect to my phone's hotspot - it gives a 'authentication error'. Sometimes it clears by disabling/enabling the WifI on the head unit, sometimes not - sometimes it needs the hotspot on my phone disabling/enabling. It always eventually connects, but it just a pain to do - either at the beginning of my journey, or even more annoyingly sometimes half way through.

 

I did mention in my earlier post about an Amazon review mentioning Wifi connection issues, and I seem to have exactly the same issue - I've even tried tweaking the hotspot settings so the network is 'open' (albeit hiddne) but still get the same problem.

 

I'll probably drop Xtrons a message and perform a firmware update as a first step.

I've the same problem on my xtrons head-unit. 4g dongle in the glove box works fine with WiFi, but my phone's hotspot is iffy. My unit started off as an android 6 stock firmware, which I have upgraded to malaysk custom android6 rom, and now to malaysk oreo custom rom. the WiFi issue remained throughout.

 

Personally, I wonder if it is the WiFi antenna's location thats the issue, right at the back of the unit. I've ordered an extension cable so I can relocate it closer to the front, perhaps in the glovebox. Less metal between the antenna and the phone that way. I'll post here if it make an improvement.

 

I you don't have any luck contacting Xtrons, the XDA developers forum is a good spot to find unofficial support for these head-units. Search for the MTCD forums on there, which is what most Xtrons units are based on.

@Taede thanks for the info. Xtrons sent me a link to both firmware and MCU which were updated over the weekend with no issues - first journey in the car tomorrow so will see if it has any positive affect over the WiFi issue. Interestingly, the review I read said that other means to connect to Wifi also experienced the issue, including a 4G dongle plugged into the unit itself - so interesting to hear that your dongle works ok and you just get the problem using your phone's hotspot.

 

Just out of interest (being slightly lazy, I'll do some googling later :))  does the Malaysk custom rom give you many improvements over the stock rom?

It does, but whether they are of use to you depends.

Of the top of my head:

* Rooted with SuperSu

* Xposed is installed

* ViperFX

* High customization of the status bar at the top

* Different apps for fm-radio and launcher (Xtrons isn't the only vendor selling px5 mtcd/e units, so he included several different ones and you can choose).

There's more, like a screensaver which shows a clock and speedometer. Here's a link.

 

In the past, his android 6 rom was easily installed over the stock rom, I mainly did it because his firmware was more recent. When he made an Oreo rom, I just went straight with that, rather than trying stock Oreo first.

If your unit is Oreo based, I would stick with stock unless there's something in his changes you really want. His Oreo rom requires a custom boot-loader, which can be difficult to get going. Took me several tries before I got the button presses just right. Going back to stock after that, you'd have to install the stock boot-loader again, and then flash the firmware.

 

 

Yes, my unit is Oreo as standard - some of the changes sounds quite interesting though.

 

No change in Wifi behaviour after the update unfortunately - I'll send Xtrons another email and see what they say.

 

Shame really as it's spoiling the unit.

Reply from Xtrons not helpful, they have suggested there is a fault in the WiFi module so have invited me to return the unit for a replacement. Good response customer service wise, but clearly won't solve the issue as multiple people are reporting the same thing.

 

I'm beginning to wonder whether Macrodroid is part of the puzzle - it's unreliable for some reason (or some other factor on my phone is) and often doesn't result in my phone's hotspot being activated. Interestingly, on my most recent commute home I activated the hotspot manually, the stereo connected straight away and stayed connected for the whole 3 hour trip. I'll do some more testing with manually enabling the hotspot and see if there is a pattern, or it was just a one-off.

I had that problem with Macrodroid, I only have 2 macros, BT connect enable wifi hotspot and BT disconnect disable wifi hotspot and it was sporadic at best, I went into the settings and changed some stuff for permissions and now also have a side bar thing, anyway it works every time now.

Odd - I did have an issue with Macrodroid not starting after the phone was rebooted, but I also tweaked some of the permissions and it solved it.

 

My connectivity issue does seem to be linked in some way to the hotspot on my phone - the last 4 journeys in the car, I have manually enabled the hotspot (having disabled Macrodroid) and the android unit has connected immediately, and stayed connected, showing none of the issues that have been annoying me over the past few weeks.

 

So good news - doesn't really bother me manually enabling the hotspot if I get a reliable connection, I might have a further play with the Macrodroid settings though.

On Sat Aug 11 2018 at 17:35, Timmyboy said:

I've had a Columbus in 2 cars now, it is generally 'ok' at doing most things and gives a nice array of features - I also have MDI, Bluetooth and Maxidot in my current Octavia so fairly happy with the overall package though both my Columbus and Bluetooth module are fairly old in the grand scheme of things, being fitted to the car when supplied in 2010 (so no LED screen, DAB, SDD, Wifi etc).

 

I've been watching the progress of all the various Android units with interest over the past few years and thought now was the time to try one out, as hardware and software seem to have matured. I'm also doing a bit more traveling than I used to and find myself using Google navigation a lot for accurate traffic avoiding (the TMC effort in the Columbus is, frankly, pants).

 

So, as title have bought the Xtrons PE98MTVPL unit - 9 inch screen, no DVD, 32 gb internal space and 4 gb RAM - for £230 including delivery. This is around 50% of what 2nd hand Columbus units still seem to fetch, so my expectations were/are literally zero and I fully expect to get annoyed by it to some degree - possibly to the point of selling on and replacing the Columbus.

 

Thought I'd post a topic up about it as there isn't much info around for this particular model.

 

There are a few to choose from which are similar, including from other makes such as Pumpkin/Joying/Eonon/Erisin etc. and each seems to get their fair share of positive and negative reviews. I was originally interesting in the 10.1 inch unit available which is a bit more expensive at £250, but as mine is vehicle specific (to VW/Seat/Skoda etc) it is a direct swap for the Columbus unit fit wise, uses the same surround and includes both a quadlock compatible ISO harness and the necessary canbus box of tricks - this lot would add a big chunk of money to the 10.1 version.

 

So, fitting was straightforward - literally 10 minutes. I noticed that when powering the unit 'off' (manually), if I shone a torch on the screen I could still make out the display (I was fitting at night hence the torch :)) which had me a bit worried for the battery. Sure enough, when I checked in the morning the unit was hot and powered on instantly. A quick Google search revealed there is a 'acc' wire which needs to be disconnected for Canbus cars - now I have done this, on removing the key the unit powers down automatically (it didn't before) and after a few seconds the display disappears. I'm still to figure out the boot cycle process, as when I next got in the car it cold booted - which only took 20 seconds or so, far quicker than the Columbus - but having left the car again for a couple of hours it sprung into life straight away. I'll monitor, and keep an eye on the battery.

 

Very brief initial impressions:

 

• Sounds quality is better than the Columbus
• Steering wheel controls work, doors/parking sensors/climate control/heated seats etc etc show up on the display. The 'door open' display is reversed so if driver door is open, the passenger door displays: other units mention there is a setting, I can't find it.
• MP3 and video files happily playing off Micro SD (slot at the front - also important to me)
• Radio signal perfect - haven't used a twin fakra adapter, thought I would need to
• GPS signal perfect
• WiFi connects both to the house and to my phone as a hotspot without issue (the single review on Amazon reported Wifi problems, seems fine to me)
• The last used media before shutting down plays when booting up - which is annoying
• Can't see a way of tweaking individual volumes (media, nav) how you can on a phone - which is annoying, as Google Navigation is REALLY LOUD compared to music
• You can change the button illumination colour, but for some reason the lights don't come on - haven't tried at night with engine running/lights on yet
• Test trip round the block using my phone hotspot and Google Navigation was a smile moment having it working smoothly on a 9" screen
• Tried the AV out leads to my dodgy second hand headrest monitors - they reported no signal, not hugely bothered but might investigate later

 

Got my first proper commute in a few days so that will be a proper test - on the face of it, I'm very impressed so far.

 

I hadn't really given enough thought to the current bluetooth module in the car - which of course connects fine to my phone but has nowhere to send the audio. I did experiment with connecting the phone to both the car and the Xtrons, which at least makes audio pop out of the speakers but would not make calls unless connected in RSAP mode - which kills my 3G. I know a bluetooth module upgrade would give me Wifi, which the Xtrons could then connect to so I'll give it some thought.

 

More thoughts to follow  and some pics.

 

On Sat Aug 11 2018 at 17:35, Timmyboy said:

I've had a Columbus in 2 cars now, it is generally 'ok' at doing most things and gives a nice array of features - I also have MDI, Bluetooth and Maxidot in my current Octavia so fairly happy with the overall package though both my Columbus and Bluetooth module are fairly old in the grand scheme of things, being fitted to the car when supplied in 2010 (so no LED screen, DAB, SDD, Wifi etc).

 

I've been watching the progress of all the various Android units with interest over the past few years and thought now was the time to try one out, as hardware and software seem to have matured. I'm also doing a bit more traveling than I used to and find myself using Google navigation a lot for accurate traffic avoiding (the TMC effort in the Columbus is, frankly, pants).

 

So, as title have bought the Xtrons PE98MTVPL unit - 9 inch screen, no DVD, 32 gb internal space and 4 gb RAM - for £230 including delivery. This is around 50% of what 2nd hand Columbus units still seem to fetch, so my expectations were/are literally zero and I fully expect to get annoyed by it to some degree - possibly to the point of selling on and replacing the Columbus.

 

Thought I'd post a topic up about it as there isn't much info around for this particular model.

 

There are a few to choose from which are similar, including from other makes such as Pumpkin/Joying/Eonon/Erisin etc. and each seems to get their fair share of positive and negative reviews. I was originally interesting in the 10.1 inch unit available which is a bit more expensive at £250, but as mine is vehicle specific (to VW/Seat/Skoda etc) it is a direct swap for the Columbus unit fit wise, uses the same surround and includes both a quadlock compatible ISO harness and the necessary canbus box of tricks - this lot would add a big chunk of money to the 10.1 version.

 

So, fitting was straightforward - literally 10 minutes. I noticed that when powering the unit 'off' (manually), if I shone a torch on the screen I could still make out the display (I was fitting at night hence the torch :)) which had me a bit worried for the battery. Sure enough, when I checked in the morning the unit was hot and powered on instantly. A quick Google search revealed there is a 'acc' wire which needs to be disconnected for Canbus cars - now I have done this, on removing the key the unit powers down automatically (it didn't before) and after a few seconds the display disappears. I'm still to figure out the boot cycle process, as when I next got in the car it cold booted - which only took 20 seconds or so, far quicker than the Columbus - but having left the car again for a couple of hours it sprung into life straight away. I'll monitor, and keep an eye on the battery.

 

Very brief initial impressions:

 

• Sounds quality is better than the Columbus
• Steering wheel controls work, doors/parking sensors/climate control/heated seats etc etc show up on the display. The 'door open' display is reversed so if driver door is open, the passenger door displays: other units mention there is a setting, I can't find it.
• MP3 and video files happily playing off Micro SD (slot at the front - also important to me)
• Radio signal perfect - haven't used a twin fakra adapter, thought I would need to
• GPS signal perfect
• WiFi connects both to the house and to my phone as a hotspot without issue (the single review on Amazon reported Wifi problems, seems fine to me)
• The last used media before shutting down plays when booting up - which is annoying
• Can't see a way of tweaking individual volumes (media, nav) how you can on a phone - which is annoying, as Google Navigation is REALLY LOUD compared to music
• You can change the button illumination colour, but for some reason the lights don't come on - haven't tried at night with engine running/lights on yet
• Test trip round the block using my phone hotspot and Google Navigation was a smile moment having it working smoothly on a 9" screen
• Tried the AV out leads to my dodgy second hand headrest monitors - they reported no signal, not hugely bothered but might investigate later

 

Got my first proper commute in a few days so that will be a proper test - on the face of it, I'm very impressed so far.

 

I hadn't really given enough thought to the current bluetooth module in the car - which of course connects fine to my phone but has nowhere to send the audio. I did experiment with connecting the phone to both the car and the Xtrons, which at least makes audio pop out of the speakers but would not make calls unless connected in RSAP mode - which kills my 3G. I know a bluetooth module upgrade would give me Wifi, which the Xtrons could then connect to so I'll give it some thought.

 

More thoughts to follow  and some pics.

 

@pottybot ?? Are you a bot, Pottybot?

Edited 19 October, 20187 yr by Timmyboy

Hi Timmy,

 

Sorry for the above. 

 

I have a Seat Altea 2011 and want to upgrade the standard stereo to  Xtrons PE98MTVPL 9 and was wondering if it will be a straight plug and play i.e. no need for cutting or splicing wires?

 

Many thanks

 

PB

 

On 19/10/2018 at 15:11, Pottybot said:

Hi Timmy,

 

Sorry for the above. 

 

I have a Seat Altea 2011 and want to upgrade the standard stereo to  Xtrons PE98MTVPL 9 and was wondering if it will be a straight plug and play i.e. no need for cutting or splicing wires?

 

Many thanks

 

PB

 

 

No worries, welcome to the forums

 

Can't say for sure, but the Xtrons site does list your car as being compatible, so my guess would be it would be plug and play the same way mine is. Worth dropping them a quick email though. 

Hi Timmy,

 

Many thanks for the welcome.

 

Great idea, I will email Xtrons to confirm compatibility.

 

Appreciate the help and advice mate 

 

 

 

Hi Timmy,

 

Just an update - the seller has confirmed it is compatible with my Seat Altea 2011.

 

I have a question regrading the attached photos, where do the below wires (see attached photos) connect please?

5. Steering Wheel Control Cable Key1
6. Steering Wheel Control Cable Key2

 

And finally, do you disconnect the 'ACC' wire circled in red (last image)?

 

Many thanks

 

 

PB

Edited 28 October, 20187 yr by Pottybot

@Pottybot if it's the same model as mine, it should be canbus compatible - so your steering wheel controls will just 'work' with the standard loom harness that is included with the stereo, you shouldn't need to do anything specific with those 2 steering wheel control cables (unless the Altea is different from my Octavia wiring wise - very much doubt it though).

 

For the 'Acc' wire, I can't remember the colour but it definitely had a label on it saying 'acc' and yes, just disconnect it - you don't need it, again because the Canbus supplies accessory power.

@Timmyboy Many thanks for confirming buddy, I will order the stereo soon and will update you once I install it.

 

Regards

 

PB

Hi, I've bought the Xtrons 8.0 PE98MTVPL and an Xtrons reverse camera. I've wired everything up but I get a yellow exclamation mark in the centre of the screen. At times it flickers to the menu screen but after a couple seconds I get a black screen with the yellow exclamation mark. Putting the car in reverse doesn't bring up the camera view either. I feel this issue has something to do with the reverse cable in the Canbus. Has anyone experienced any issues with this?

 

All advice is much appreciated. 

Sounds very odd - can't give much help, other than to say the black screen with the yellow exclamation mark is displayed on mine when the parking sensors are active. Are you saying you're getting this screen near enough all the time? 

Hi Timmyboy

 

Yes I can't seem to get past the black screen with the exclamation mark.

 

Xtrons have told me to cut the pink, and orange wire which I have done but still no luck.

 

I noticed that the orange wire I cut, when it touches on to the metal part of the unit the screen flickers on but obviously it is not a practical solution but I'm no expert with electric wires so maybe someone out there that has better a understanding may know the next course of action.

 

Thanks

Does anybody know what this connector does is it a USB or Aux or GPS...? There is a blue connector below which i think maybe the USB or GPS...? The car is Skoda Rapid 2013 Greentech elegance 1.2TSI (105PS)...

 

Help me OBI Wan kenobi you're my only hope!!

 

Many thanks.

 

Thoth the Atlantean.

@Hermes_7  if you post the model number of your head unit, it should be fairly simple to find a reference guide to what all the inputs are. The blue connector is more than likely the GPS antenna as you have guessed, at least both the antennas I have used in the past were both coloured blue.

1 minute ago, Timmyboy said:

@Hermes_7  if you post the model number of your head unit, it should be fairly simple to find a reference guide to what all the inputs are. The blue connector is more than likely the GPS antenna as you have guessed, at least both the antennas I have used in the past were both coloured blue.

 

Thanks Timmyboy I will try that if there is anybody else out there that may know more please get in touch....

2 hours ago, Hermes_7 said:

Does anybody know what this connector does is it a USB or Aux or GPS...? There is a blue connector below which i think maybe the USB or GPS...? The car is Skoda Rapid 2013 Greentech elegance 1.2TSI (105PS)...

 

Help me OBI Wan kenobi you're my only hope!!

 

Many thanks.

 

Thoth the Atlantean.

 

This looks like it: so it is SAT Radio connector...blue is GPS....

 

 

@Hermes_7 - if you're in the US it might be Sat radio. If you're not, it's probably DAB.

5 minutes ago, langers2k said:

@Hermes_7 - if you're in the US it might be Sat radio. If you're not, it's probably DAB.

 

Yep it is DAB mate thanks for your reply...