Greetings all!
Thought I would post this for those of you considering the Android Stereo installs. I didn't take any photos of the install simply because it was so easy and any questions you may have I will do my best to answer. If needed I can take some more photos other than the post-install ones I will upload here.
There are a number of sellers out there selling the Android head units but only a few will not only be "plug-n-play" but also not require an adapter. The most popular one and the one I purchased comes from Pumpkin at:
Car Stereo, In-Dash Car DVD Player | Pumpkin
Go on Ebay and do a search for "FJ Cruiser Android". There are some WinCE powered units out there but I would not waste my time on those since there is much more support for Android.
I purchased mine from this seller for about $350 with free shipping as opposed to purchasing from the Pumpkin website for $399 (at the time I looked at them).
eBay: Pumpkin Car Stereo
CAVEAT - One thing to consider about these units.....New "versions" with different looks and tweaks are constantly being introduced and as a result, the unit you see in these pics and the unit you buy may be a bit different, but generally the Android operating system operates the same. The various mfgs usually implement their interfaces and software a bit different from each other and from model to model so you may have to tinker with them to get them working just right....but they are a lot of fun and a huge upgrade from the stock unit...just be patient.
Here are some thoughts from my initial experience:
GOOD
1 - Very fast shipping, I think it arrived in 4 days from China.
2 - The build is very good and solid. Buttons give good feel and the unit overall looks professional. Just remember this is not a top of the line Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer, etc so don't get too picky.....Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.
3 - Easy install.....It doesn't get much easier than this. The unit comes with the Toyota harness adapter and will plug directly into yours.....Period. No bezel is required as mine fit the dash perfectly as if it was made by Toyota for the FJ. You will need to remove the factory brackets from your stock HU and install on the new unit. Only thing you will need to do is to either grind or flatten several centering dimples on the brackets as they do not have a place to sit on the new HU. Took me 2 min with a ballpeen hammer a few love taps on the vice and voila. The factory HU uses 4 bolts per side but mine could "only" accommodate 3 per side....I hope it doesn't fall out! haha
4 - Backlighting....The description of the unit gives the impression that there are only a handful of colors to choose from but I found that the color is infinitely adjustable and I was able to match the factory dash back-lighting with no problem.
5 - It's Android - So with an internet connection you can connect to the Play Store and download apps to your heart's content. I would recommend replacing the stock launcher with something else....I am using Nova and it works much nicer and smoother. The installed radio app, gps (I-Go), video player etc....all work good but for GPS navigation I would highly recommend using WAZE.
6 - Steering wheel controls worked perfect...you just program them in the software settings.
7 - Microphone tends to be a little on the sensitive side as it picks up a lot of background noise when driving. UPDATE - Have since removed the external mic and just use the internal....seems to work good, although still picks up background noise. Your mileage may vary on this one.
NOT SO GOOD/BUT NOT SO BAD
1 - I lost the sub-woofer functionality but I think it is just a matter of connecting power to the correct wire......Pending......FIXED!
2 - Be patient when you first set it up and turn it on. I have been around computers and tech since I was a curtain climber and even though this is Android, it is not going to function just like your Galaxy S5 or Galaxy Tablet. So be patient at first. Connecting Blue Tooth and WiFi was straight forward but the first time I connected to the Play Store it gave me a few errors, but over the course of 15-20 min of me just exploring the stereo and maybe it downloading updates in the background it started running just fine....now I have no errors. And I signed in with an existing Google account.
3 - Bluetooth - seems to be my only real gripe right now. The HU takes about 20-30 seconds to boot up when you turn the key on. Phone Bluetooth connectivity works perfect but my Bluetooth OBD2 dongle seems to lose itself when the key is turned off. It is bit strange because the dongle is still listed in the Bluetooth list and Torque still shows it but for some reason it will not connect. If I select a different Bluetooth device in the Torque settings, back out, and then go in again and reselect the OBD2 dongle again, bang it connects right away and will stay connected until I turn the key offl.......So that one is Pending research ------ UPDATE -----This has resolved itself somehow and Torque never loses connectivity....Don't know what changed. Possibly an update from the developer of Torque cured it. Yes, can run both Torque and your phone through the head unit Bluetooth at the same time...This has come up in discussion and at least on my unit I have no problem running both.
Memory Card - Recently installed a 32gb microSD card to hold my music, photos, videos, etc....32gb is the largest this system will accept, at least that is what they say.
TIPS - ( I will try to update this as more are posted/discovered)
Factory Settings Code (for this unit) - 126
GPS Antenna location - Thanks to Salvador Sun for his tip on locating the GPS antenna.....See his photos here:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-4.html#post6186257
Change startup Logo - http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-5.html#post6190377
OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter - I highly recommend to use this one: http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430196928&sr=8-1&keywords=elm327&tag=viglink20486-20
Steering Wheel Control - This program allows you to control 3rd party music players with the steering wheel control. (Thanks to Vyperpunk for sharing this) [App] CarService + PhoneRemoteStatus SWC (Steering Wheel Control) for 3rd Party Apps - Post #1179
Backup Camera wiring - Thanks again to Salvador Sun - http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-11.html#post6353489
Nova Launcher - One of the best Android launchers on the market and far better than the stock launcher that comes with these units. You can download it from the Google Play store on your device or from here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
Hacking/Rooting Your Android device - This is a great place for hacking/rooting/discussing all things Android. XDA-Developers: XDA-Developers Android Forums
AUX/USB Ports - Axxess AX-USB-35EXT USB + 3.5 Waterproof Cable w/ Covered Panel (thanks to rev. 3:11 for finding this)
Here are some photos of what the unit looks like installed.
Enjoy
Thought I would post this for those of you considering the Android Stereo installs. I didn't take any photos of the install simply because it was so easy and any questions you may have I will do my best to answer. If needed I can take some more photos other than the post-install ones I will upload here.
There are a number of sellers out there selling the Android head units but only a few will not only be "plug-n-play" but also not require an adapter. The most popular one and the one I purchased comes from Pumpkin at:
Car Stereo, In-Dash Car DVD Player | Pumpkin
Go on Ebay and do a search for "FJ Cruiser Android". There are some WinCE powered units out there but I would not waste my time on those since there is much more support for Android.
I purchased mine from this seller for about $350 with free shipping as opposed to purchasing from the Pumpkin website for $399 (at the time I looked at them).
eBay: Pumpkin Car Stereo
CAVEAT - One thing to consider about these units.....New "versions" with different looks and tweaks are constantly being introduced and as a result, the unit you see in these pics and the unit you buy may be a bit different, but generally the Android operating system operates the same. The various mfgs usually implement their interfaces and software a bit different from each other and from model to model so you may have to tinker with them to get them working just right....but they are a lot of fun and a huge upgrade from the stock unit...just be patient.
Here are some thoughts from my initial experience:
GOOD
1 - Very fast shipping, I think it arrived in 4 days from China.
2 - The build is very good and solid. Buttons give good feel and the unit overall looks professional. Just remember this is not a top of the line Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer, etc so don't get too picky.....Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.
3 - Easy install.....It doesn't get much easier than this. The unit comes with the Toyota harness adapter and will plug directly into yours.....Period. No bezel is required as mine fit the dash perfectly as if it was made by Toyota for the FJ. You will need to remove the factory brackets from your stock HU and install on the new unit. Only thing you will need to do is to either grind or flatten several centering dimples on the brackets as they do not have a place to sit on the new HU. Took me 2 min with a ballpeen hammer a few love taps on the vice and voila. The factory HU uses 4 bolts per side but mine could "only" accommodate 3 per side....I hope it doesn't fall out! haha
4 - Backlighting....The description of the unit gives the impression that there are only a handful of colors to choose from but I found that the color is infinitely adjustable and I was able to match the factory dash back-lighting with no problem.
5 - It's Android - So with an internet connection you can connect to the Play Store and download apps to your heart's content. I would recommend replacing the stock launcher with something else....I am using Nova and it works much nicer and smoother. The installed radio app, gps (I-Go), video player etc....all work good but for GPS navigation I would highly recommend using WAZE.
6 - Steering wheel controls worked perfect...you just program them in the software settings.
7 - Microphone tends to be a little on the sensitive side as it picks up a lot of background noise when driving. UPDATE - Have since removed the external mic and just use the internal....seems to work good, although still picks up background noise. Your mileage may vary on this one.
NOT SO GOOD/BUT NOT SO BAD
1 - I lost the sub-woofer functionality but I think it is just a matter of connecting power to the correct wire......Pending......FIXED!
2 - Be patient when you first set it up and turn it on. I have been around computers and tech since I was a curtain climber and even though this is Android, it is not going to function just like your Galaxy S5 or Galaxy Tablet. So be patient at first. Connecting Blue Tooth and WiFi was straight forward but the first time I connected to the Play Store it gave me a few errors, but over the course of 15-20 min of me just exploring the stereo and maybe it downloading updates in the background it started running just fine....now I have no errors. And I signed in with an existing Google account.
3 - Bluetooth - seems to be my only real gripe right now. The HU takes about 20-30 seconds to boot up when you turn the key on. Phone Bluetooth connectivity works perfect but my Bluetooth OBD2 dongle seems to lose itself when the key is turned off. It is bit strange because the dongle is still listed in the Bluetooth list and Torque still shows it but for some reason it will not connect. If I select a different Bluetooth device in the Torque settings, back out, and then go in again and reselect the OBD2 dongle again, bang it connects right away and will stay connected until I turn the key offl.......So that one is Pending research ------ UPDATE -----This has resolved itself somehow and Torque never loses connectivity....Don't know what changed. Possibly an update from the developer of Torque cured it. Yes, can run both Torque and your phone through the head unit Bluetooth at the same time...This has come up in discussion and at least on my unit I have no problem running both.
Memory Card - Recently installed a 32gb microSD card to hold my music, photos, videos, etc....32gb is the largest this system will accept, at least that is what they say.
TIPS - ( I will try to update this as more are posted/discovered)
Factory Settings Code (for this unit) - 126
GPS Antenna location - Thanks to Salvador Sun for his tip on locating the GPS antenna.....See his photos here:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-4.html#post6186257
Change startup Logo - http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-5.html#post6190377
OBD2 Bluetooth Adapter - I highly recommend to use this one: http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430196928&sr=8-1&keywords=elm327&tag=viglink20486-20
Steering Wheel Control - This program allows you to control 3rd party music players with the steering wheel control. (Thanks to Vyperpunk for sharing this) [App] CarService + PhoneRemoteStatus SWC (Steering Wheel Control) for 3rd Party Apps - Post #1179
Backup Camera wiring - Thanks again to Salvador Sun - http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/stereo-electronics-electrical/426154-android-stereo-upgrade-11.html#post6353489
Nova Launcher - One of the best Android launchers on the market and far better than the stock launcher that comes with these units. You can download it from the Google Play store on your device or from here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
Hacking/Rooting Your Android device - This is a great place for hacking/rooting/discussing all things Android. XDA-Developers: XDA-Developers Android Forums
AUX/USB Ports - Axxess AX-USB-35EXT USB + 3.5 Waterproof Cable w/ Covered Panel (thanks to rev. 3:11 for finding this)
Here are some photos of what the unit looks like installed.
Enjoy