I'm after a cheap Double Din Head unit and stumbled across this, but could not find any reviews, I'm not expecting anything fantastic, but thinking it can't be worse than my Pumpkin Android head unit, the fact it just supports simple Android Auto and Apple Car play will probably help performance?
Has anyone bought it yet?
https://www.jaycar.com.au/7in-bluetooth-media-player-head-un…
Back in the day their response amps and I think it was kevlar speakers were considered pretty good bang for buck. Although, these days a lot of their stuff looks like it could just be sourced from some of the Ali factories?
I got the Response amp and never used it, still in box in storage & almost forgotten about. Was going to run a subwoofer back then.
what reversing camera is compatible with this unit?
Should be any of them, they are normally a simple single yellow RCA video connection.
The Jaycar QC3530 and QC3532 are compatible with the reversing camera auto-switch function.
The unit needs both the camera video signal and a separate +12vdc signal run from the camera to the unit, so that the camera powering on switches the display to the camera and then the camera image switches off when you stop reversing.
If you use a camera without the separate +12vdc wire in it's extension cable, you can only access the video by pressing the camera icon on the screen. You can connect 2 cams to this thing - reversing one to auto-switch, and another one that you can switch via the icon.
You can also tap off the reverse light circuit to trigger the reversing camera mode if that's easier for your wiring
it can't be worse than my Pumpkin
This looks exactly the same as the old Pumpkins.
Tempting, looks like Mrs wants it to replace an older unit in an older car
Edit ordered, pick-up Thursday, will look to install it on the weekend maybe
Please do a review. I can deal with a low quality screen, strange menus etc, but could not cope if it was really slow like most cheap ones.
Yeah will do. She'll be comparing to a messed up old single din Sony unit, but I'll be comparing to brand new cars so should be interesting!
Installed over the weekend, surprisingly quick!
Ugh the store I ordered through was showing stock, now it's not and the order is still processing
Called, it's there waiting for me :)
Can I please ask how it went? How are the touch screen, viewing angles, reliability, sound quality?
Car it was installed in has since been sold, but the screen seemed fine for the price
Thanks for the link. Kinda like local service even if it costs a little more.
My guess is it’s not much different to the hundred other cheap android head units.
Except I don't believe it runs Android, its more like the Sony etc ones which have their own OS and support Android auto and apple car play.
Pretty sure it does not run Android - boots up in less than 2 seconds from a cold-start. Screen is instantly responsive. Most Android units take way longer than that. Probably runs WinCE like most head units.
Can this be mirrored wirelessly or do you gta plug in your phone to mirror?
Wired only, for Apple there's some generic adaptors you can buy to convert to wireless carplay. Can't comment on their stability though.
Hmm, then whats the diff between a $75 from ebay?
12 months of questionable warranty
I bought one a few days ago…. there are a lot of strings attached. it’s not that simple/pug and play. i just spent another $75 at super cheap auto on one of those Aerpro ISO Harness adapter [Adapter] (https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-steering-w…) . most people will get by with this $20 adapter https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-wiring-har… . basically some wire to connect the factory connection in the car to the ISO connection in the head unit. and i still need to buy some [Facial Plates] (https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-double-din…) so that it doesn’t look so out of place. At this point i think i might just model up those gap filler brackets and just 3D print it.
the jaycar product page is currently down and im fininding there is very little documentation on the internet. the lady at super cheap auto said the product is good as it has the standard ISO port on the back unlike branded units from sony or pioneer. however because the product (and it’s model number) isn’t any any database, there is literally no guide on how to correctly wire up the steering wheel inputs (volume up down channels) form the adapter to the little 6 pin connection on the Head Unit. I have yet to install it and yet figure out the connection for the steering wheel controls, when I do i’ll let you all know. there are 6 labeled cable but what next?
if anyone has some experience please let us know. I’m trying to avoid splicing or soldering wires. :)
Edit 1: i think i found a similar model…. i believe it comes from the same factory but with a few small design changes. all the features are the same down to the remote. https://picclick.com.au/7-USB-Double-Din-Car-Stereo-Bluetoot… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsVD-QhRy_o
I bought one a few days ago…. there are a lot of strings attached. it’s not that simple/pug and play. i just spent another $75 at super cheap auto on one of those Aerpro ISO Harness adapter [Adapter] (https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-steering-w…) . most people will get by with this $20 adapter https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-wiring-har… . basically some wire to connect the factory connection in the car to the ISO connection in the head unit. and i still need to buy some [Facial Plates] (https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-double-din…) so that it doesn’t look so out of place. At this point i think i might just model up those gap filler brackets and just 3D print it.
Really any stereo would need these but it's car dependent. My Mrs' car doesn't need the fascia surround, doesn't have steering wheel controls and I would only need the harness adapter if I bothered to do it that way, instead I'm going to do it the old school way and splice wires
Edit 2: i’ll have to buy this wiring kit in addition then solder the wires together. https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/aerpro-aerpro-patchlead-… an extra $75 + $13 + $11 extra in total. at least an extra $79 just of my steering wheel buttons to work.
Not sure if you've solved your steering wheel controls yet….I've just installed this unit in my wife's Grand Vitara. For that I connected just two cables from that 6 wire connector - the gnd and Steering Wheel 1. From there you can get the unit to learn and assign each button. Easier than I thought and works flawlessly.
do you remember which wire you connected steering wheel 1 to?
I wish I saw this one before I bought a cheap grundig unit. I thought around $450 was about as cheap as these things got.
Orderd 2 from here on Saturday. Just got message that no stock and no eta on more stock from supplier.
This looks pretty damn good for the price. Even has a physical volume knob too. Double din, android auto/apple carplay, physical buttons unheard off for such a low price!
Bought today (13/5) and just got it installed on my Nissan Elgrand E51. Tested Android auto, Bluetooth, backup camera, video out, radio, steering wheel study, all works perfectly.
Carplay works perfectly, loads faster than my wife's A180 2020.
Picked up today and installed in 5 mins as I already had an ISO harness for an aftermarket unit. Powered right up in a few secs, radio (AM/FM) works fine, bluetooth works (didn't check external mic), android auto connects quickly (10 seconds from ignition on to maps and music). The sound is fine - might be a little less powerful than my aftermarket JVC unit but nothing I really notice at normal volumes. Nice having physical controls but wish that the volume and seek buttons were a bit bigger. Will keep testing during the week and if I'm happy with it will install a reversing camera.
We bought this as well. Instructions say microphone is optional but we are thinking we will need one to use the Bluetooth for phone calls. If so which ones are compatible. Most of the ones I looked up belong to Sony. Does anyone have any experience?
Thanks
AM4131 mic from Jaycar works fine.
I've just installed mine today and couldn't be happier with it, 149 is a no brainer for apple carplay. In fact it made the audio in my Impreza sound better. Just had to purchase a face plate and ISO harness for it. It just works, absolutely thrilled with it.
This is beginning to sound like a good option.
Anyone know if any WA stores gave them in stock still? The 4 stores I can see online are all out of stock.
I bought one over the weekend from the Hobart store to install in a 2010 Kia Grand Carnival.
I'm still waiting on some installation parts like facia, mounting brackets, steering wheel control and patch lead to arrive, but I plugged it directly into the vehicle plugs as they are standard ISO and played some music through the main speakers and it sounded much better than the original unit with much more control over the EQ and the ability to control the music on my phone with the head unit, which the OEM head unit couldn't do. Installation parts came to approx. $180, but I would need these for any other head unit upgrade.
I have previously upgraded the speakers and they will be run off the head unit for now (I had a 4 channel amp ready to install, but this unit only has rear speaker pre amp outs for some reason, still deciding whether the run RCA splitters but that will lose front-rear fading and only leave left-right balance) I also have a 12" sub in the "boot" space that was getting signal from the rear speakers so I'm looking forward to having more control over the sub using the pre amp out via RCA. The unit is affordable for me in the short term and the long term plan is to run this unit until I can afford a better brand.
I also bought the QC3532 reversing camera as I'm forever pulling up too far away from things when reversing into parking spots lol
I'll try to provide further updates as I get it installed.
So I got the fascia & mounting brackets and most of the conversion cables today. Still waiting on the patch lead to connect the steering wheel controls.
Pros
Fits well, Apple CarPlay works well, EQ has a lot of options to play with to get the mix of sound right for you (still playing with it at the moment), there's no roll off of bass so it's made my subwoofer sound HEAPS better compared to the factory head unit.
Cons
Volume knob is on the wrong side and I have to reach for it as my car is quite big (this will mostly be rectified by getting the steering wheel controls working), in the EQ if you press the "Driver" option in the feild option it goes to the left of the car even though the unit is set to Australia (very minor issue, I doubt it's an option I would use anyway), there's no separate EQ/volume for the subwoofer (was hoping it would have this as my amp doesn't have a bass knob, but it is a higher end option so not a big deal)
I haven't tried playing video on it at this stage as I haven't connected the handbrake detection wire
Reversing camera: the zoom on the camera I bought isn't great, but I'm not sure if this is an issue with the camera or the head unit, will be interesting to see what others who use a different camera experience. The instructions for the camera don't mention any physical zoom that can be changed and it's very unlikely it would have that option at such a low price. I haven't found an option on the head unit to change camera zoom or angle either.
Got my steering wheel control patch lead today, the head unit required the Aerpro APLRNPL Type C Self Learn Patch Lead for the Grand Carnival. For my particular steering wheel controls the head unit doesn't like the hang up/reject button for the phone, but phone pickup/answer, mode and volume up and down work fine. I've also lost use of the factory USB and 3.5mm Aux input, but I'm planning to remove them and put in a bass knob where they were.as it'll be concealed when not in use.
One thing I have noticed is a "hum" or "buzz" in the subwoofer at low volume when connected by the RCA lead that isn't present when using the high level amp inputs direct from the rear speakers. I'm assuming there's an earth problem on the head unit sub pre out, but I need to do more investigation.
Grabbed on of these units at Jaycar the yesterday. Will hit Supercheap for a harness today.
I also grabbed a reversing cam to pair with it, can anyone illuminate how to install it so it comes on when reverse is selected? The guy at Jaycar suggested it was easy and mentioned powering it via the reversing light…. Or will the head unit get a signal from the car that reverse is engaged.
Thanks
Reverse cam should have instructions, but yet it gets power from the reverse light, but you'll have to run the RCA cable through the car, plugs into the back of the head unit. 2 wires
Easiest way is to power it from a reverse light. However, you can often pick up the reverse wire in the front somewhere.
I ran power to the camera from the light but found a wire in the footwell to run to the headunit to signal it was on. Other option is to run the additional power wire from the back to the head unit with the video signal lead
The camera has two cables, one has a Red +ve and Black -ve wire that needs to go to the reverse light, I tapped the red to the +ve of the reverse light at my trailer wiring connection near the tail light and the -ve directly to the body via a factory ground point. The other cable is the RCA for video and red 12v +ve on/off feed, I connected he on/off feed wire to the red wire from the other cable at the camera end and to the "Back Car Control" wire in the 6 pin harness of the head unit
Awesome thanks jeffrerr just the extra detail I needed. All working now just need to run the cables properly. Cheers mate
No worries mate, glad I could help!
Anyone know if this is a one off product or likely to be back in stock at any time?
Does anyone have any opinions after using it for awhile found one in a secondhand shop today debating if i should buy or not
i have one and I'm satisfied with it. Got it for the carplay and gets the job done. Just don't expect too much since it does come pretty cheap.
Thanks is carplay via USB or wireless?
USB
Unlikely you'd find wireless for this sort of money
Does anyone know if firmware updates are available anywhere? I just upgraded from iPhone 14 to iPhone 16 and it won’t pick it up in apple carplay
Did you ever find out? I wouldn't mind a firmware upgrade. Mine is a little buggy and slow and hopefully there's a fix out
It turned out I was using a charging USB C cable. Swapped for a data cable and it worked fine with my new iPhone. Sounds like the Android error definitely calls for a firmware update though
Damn, how ironic. My phone just did an update and is showing "Communication error 7 - Your car's software didn't pass Android Auto security checks. For details and support, contact the manufacturer."
Found out today as I was heading on my 4 hour road trip. Not happy. Might try and put in an ACL claim if there aren't any updates because a unit I bought 1.5 years ago shouldn't be out of date already with no firmware updates. That's just insane. This has really annoyed me now
Came here to literally say the same thing. Android Auto "Communication Error 7". I cannot find a damn thing about this head unit
FYI I made a Reddit post about this and it got 60,000 views. I also contacted Jaycar about the issue too. I have been told by a source that wants to remain anonymous that Jaycar head office will be allowing a full refund for the head unit as they cannot push a firmware update. I'm not sure if I can trust this information though as it was from a Reddit user who sent me a message.
I will give Jaycar head office a call when I get the time. My stupid cheap Jaycar head unit also just died on me yesterday and doesn't have ANY audio now, not even radio. The thing is a total defect, I have an easy claim here.
@Zackeroo: I see as of 22 hours ago, Jaycar has officially acknowledged the issue as noted here: https://help.jaycar.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/50355885912217-…
It might align with what you were told. I don't think the cheap Chinese shovelware companies expected Google to actually take security seriously. But to not even have a method of recourse to update their software to be compliant is mindblowing.
I did a HARD search on this unit and I looked up the model number in the software, its "A12-V015". This seems to be commonly point to the SJoybring JOY-D006 unit, of which physically looks different but runs the EXACT same software. I attempted to ask for an updated firmware direct, but the company requires an invoice that the unit was bought direct from them. Wild times.
@w33w00: That's awesome!! I've always wondered what this unit really was. I did so much searching and even used a ChatGPT deep research to find it. It wasn't able to but you (random ozbargain guy) managed to do it.
That JOY-D006 has such a familiar radio UI: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FWnrT4Ypehk/maxresdefault.jpg
My anonymous Reddit guy has called up the area manager for me, who talked to the store manager, who has informed the store to give me a full refund as soon as I walk into the store. The Reddit user messaged me and told me this… It sounded too good to be true so I called my local store and they immediately knew about the situation and said to bring it in. They even mentioned that even though it's after the warranty period they will still give me a full refund.
Absolutely wild experience here. I'm curious who this Reddit guy is but I guess I'll never know. Glad I could share this experience with someone LOL.
To add to all this, my head unit audio has completely died the day after the Android Auto stopped working. I don't have any audio from Bluetooth or Radio stations. Total defect now, looking forward to giving the thing back.
I'll be buying a good Sony or Kenwood now. I'll look into it and find something that has a DSP and is known for good sound quality. I will be using the new head unit with an amp and installing a sub too. The Jaycar unit didn't have very good sound quality and especially towards the end the amp started to sound very muddy before it eventually died on me. Cheap unit. I trusted the opinions of some OzBargainers when I bought it on a deal for $149 but unfortunately this was not a good idea…
That being said, it's been nice to have Android Auto over the past year.
@Zackeroo: Did they insist you return to them the faulty unit to get the refund?
It's a masive undertaking to first find and install a replacement first before being able to drop off this qm3793 paperweight (which it is without android auto) glad I'm not the only one who has been screwed by this. The poor man pays twice. Time and time again I learn this the hard way. Knew I shouldve gone with a reputable unit albeit more expensive, well worth it if just to avoid this kind of headache.
@w33w00: I found this unit under a few different "brands" under the model "CA-60BT", such as "ABSOSO", "Driving Entertainment", and "aboutBit". The one manual for the ABSOSO brand one says to check the "official ABSOSO" site for updates, but does not give a URL, and the WayBack machine version of the site does not show any details for car stereos at all.
I'm tempted to crack mine open and see if it's some kind of generic MCU that is used on various models (super likely) and a different brand of the UI can be installed. I just don't feel like ripping my dash apart and have been playing media off of SD lately. It will just be a pain in the arse to use my phone mounted for maps again.
Exact same issue. ChatGPT suggested trying to sideload an older version of Android Auto, but I was hoping for a firmware update for the stupid stereo.
Great work Google - what's the outcome of randomly starting to enforce an Android Auto security check, apart from absolutely rooting any user that fails ?
🤦
Anyone heard any updates? I spoke to sjoybring over facebook they said they are aware of the issue affecting their radio units and tech team looking into it but no guarantee there will or even CAN be an update to rectify it.
I had the store manager of my Jaycar approve a refund. I just need to uninstall it from my car and take it to Jaycar. Will do in the next few days. I was told there no fix will ever come which is why they're doing this
Usually Jaycar stuff is "meh" quality and overpriced… But… $150 for a headunit with screen, video input for reversing camera and Apple CarPlay…. As long as there's nothing crazy wrong with it, tthat looks like a winner…