Tesla Android Style Stereos Units for the 200- Combined

[greynolds]

Ah, yep, that's what I was thinking. I know they were super, super late to the party. I thought they slipped it into the last couple model years of LC200, but apparently not.



Good point re USB. Now that you mention it, I may need to add a USB hub to this thing. I'm hoping to have the follow devices connected:

1. USB OBDLink Dongle
2. TPMS receiver
3. Connection to DAC for HEC and software control
4. One dedicated to Android Auto
5. Ideally an aux USB for any other random stuff

I'll check on XDA forum and with manufacturer if this is realistic. The HU itself only has 2 USB connections as stock. If a hub, or a couple splits isn't a good idea, I could use a bluetooth OBD dongle. Then use one USB for the TPMS sensor and the other on an aux dash connector for both Android Auto and misc.

*EDIT: According to the guys @ XDA Dev, you can not only use standard bus-powered USB hubs to get more i/o, but you can wire up 12v powered hubs to get higher wattage charging ports as well. Very cool!

I'm using a USB hub on one of the USB ports on my EC Offroad unit - it has an Ethernet port (allows me to connect to my MOFI 4500 router for Internet as the built in WiFi can only be used for wireless CarPlay OR Internet access at any given time) and 4 USB ports that are used for a wireless keyboard dongle, and a USB thumb drive for music / map storage. Interesting thought on using a bus-powered hub to provide higher wattage charging ports - if that works for a wired CarPlay connection, that would solve one of the common complaints with these units. But I'm all in on wireless CarPlay and then plugging my iPhone into a dedicated charging port for longer trips to keep it charged.

What USB OBDLink dongle are you using? In my case, Bluetooth isn't an option because the EC Offroad unit only uses Bluetooth for the wireless CarPlay link - no other Bluetooth devices can be paired to it. Kind of a stupid limitation IMO.

 

[TeCKis300]

3. Connection to DAC for HEC and software control

I'm an audio junky. Tell me more about what you're doing here with an external DAC?

 

[ekolpack]

I'm using a USB hub on one of the USB ports on my EC Offroad unit - it has an Ethernet port (allows me to connect to my MOFI 4500 router for Internet as the built in WiFi can only be used for wireless CarPlay OR Internet access at any given time) and 4 USB ports that are used for a wireless keyboard dongle, and a USB thumb drive for music / map storage. Interesting thought on using a bus-powered hub to provide higher wattage charging ports - if that works for a wired CarPlay connection, that would solve one of the common complaints with these units. But I'm all in on wireless CarPlay and then plugging my iPhone into a dedicated charging port for longer trips to keep it charged.

Good idea re wifi router. My FYT unit has a 5G wifi antenna, so I assumed it would act as a tethered wifi hot spot using an installed SIM card mobile network. Perhaps that's not the case? I'll check on this and use the ethernet USB dongle + external wifi router work around if needed. Thanks!

What USB OBDLink dongle are you using? In my case, Bluetooth isn't an option because the EC Offroad unit only uses Bluetooth for the wireless CarPlay link - no other Bluetooth devices can be paired to it. Kind of a stupid limitation IMO.

This is the one I keep seeing recommended at XDA Dev. These guys are super geeks so I trust them. The only negative reviews seem to be from user error: Amazon product ASIN B005ZWM0R4

 

[ekolpack]

I'm an audio junky. Tell me more about what you're doing here with an external DAC?

If you're an audio junky, you'll not want to use the analog audio output from these cheapo Android HU's....or arguably even from higher end head units like Kenwood, Alpine, etc. One of the big reasons I held out for the newer HU's is that newer chipsets support digital audio out. These FYT units specifically have coaxial and optical digital outs. You also have the USB HEC option (which you also have with older PX6 units).

This topic gets pretty complicated. I'm not sure how much you nerd out on technical audio stuff, but it gets into sampling rates, re-sampling, digital conversion and dithering, audio system drivers/access for different versions of Android, etc. etc. etc. I started a thread about this on DIY Mobile Auto if you want a deep dive: HEC USB vs digital optical out of HU - https://www.diymobileaudio.com/threads/hec-usb-vs-digital-optical-out-of-hu.442929/#post-5990342

Basically, I'll be running my HU digitals out (either USB HEC or TOSlink optical) to a MiniDSP Harmony 8x12, which will then go direct out to ancillary speakers, and direct to high-end amps for front 3-ways (6" door, 4" dash, 1" A pillars tweets) and sub in back. All the main speakers (fronts and subs will be on Biketronics BT4180 amps using Hypex amp modules.....very high end stuff).

Anyway, the MiniDSP max sample rate is 48k. Even though I can go up to 192k using digital optical outputs, there is some question as to whether this is beneficial, since the MiniDSP processes at 48khz, meaning it would have to resample from 192k, meaning it might actually degrade the audio slightly. So I'll probably stick with 48k digital optical, OR use HEC USB, which tops out at 48k, but allows transmission of up to 6 audio channels, which means I might have more control over the entire audio/sound stage directly from my HU without having to dive into the DSP remote or software. Using a USB connection for HEC would also allow me to possibly run MiniDSP software on my HU and tweak it directly as needed without plugging in a laptop. That said, I'm not sure how reliable USB/HEC audio is. There is some question as to whether Android will route ALL audio to the HEC out (ie. ALL system sounds, ALL apps, ALL phone calls, etc.) I get the feeling the digital optical out might be more reliable, but not sure. As such, I'm running both good USB 2.0 data cable w/ ferrite inductor choke for HF blocking AND a good quality optical TOSlink cable AND a good coax digital cable just in case. If one doesn't work, I'll have other options without having to rip apart my dash and center console again.

 

[techster82]

I'll throw in my $0.02. I was going to order one of the large (Tesla style) PX6 head units, but as a super geek, I dug a bit deeper into the components used. The PX6 chip is pretty old. It was great a few years ago, but at this point, is nearing the end of it's useful span IF one hopes to keep updating to the newest Android OS for much longer. It is also likely that manufacturers will stop providing support and firmware updates for these relatively soon as this chip is phased out.

The newer chips such as UIS7862 and equivalents are much faster and support more hardware improvements like digital optical audio output. This means you can bypass the crappy DA section and anemic amplifier/preamp section of these HU's and go straight to a high-end amp or DSP for proper tuning and excellent sound quality. This along with the improved QLED screens, much snappier speeds and ability to receive and properly run updates and new OS's for at least a few more years is why I decided to go this route.

The newer Joying units are based on this chipset, along with the Teyes CC3, which is a good alternative to Joying. If you're a bit more adventurous and want something without a proprietary OS and locked down features, I'd go with an EKIY TS7 or similar 7862 HU. They have excellent support, the price is right, and they are a generic FYT, meaning they won't try to lock you into their little ecosystem with crippled firmware. There are many generic FYT HU providers that all sell pretty much the same generic FYT hardware, with possibly slightly modified stock OS (which can be changed) and/or slightly different accessories. Just watch out for crappy tech support. I tried reaching out to Kingbeats, Navifly and a few others. Kingbeats read my message but never replied. Navifly was slow to respond and didn't have a facade to fit 200 series. Teyes customer support barely spoke or understood English and took days of back and forth to get a simple answer to a simple question....just a giant waste of time. EKIY was BY FAR the best. They responded quickly, understood my questions, I understood their answers. They sent pictures with arrows inserted to point out specifics. They event sent a specific video taken just for me of the proper way to insert a connector I had an issue with. Some of the best customer service I've received anywhere. DEFINITELY not what I was expecting from a relatively no-name Chinese Ali Express FYT head unit reseller.

Here is the EKIY unit I bought. Make sure you get the version (A, B or C) that matches your factory HU wiring harness.

The main (only?) downside to these units is that so far, they're not making them with the large "Tesla style" screens, which is a bummer. I think that'd be super cool to have. Then again, the smaller 10.1" QLED is going to look much better than a huge 16" IPS in terms of brightness, contrast, color gamut, daylight visibility, etc.....so it's sort of a trade-off. Also, the smaller 10.1" screen looks way more like a realistic factory option (like the new 300's) and retains more of the real physical Land Cruiser buttons, which is a big plus.

So overall, unless you really, really like the big screen (at the cost of all these other things) I would recommend the newer 7862 based units. I just received mine from EKIY and will be documenting the install as a part of a larger series on the restoration of my salvaged 2008 TLC. You can bet I will be posting all of that here. Aloha!

I want to go ahead and order one of these units for my 2009 LC but am curious which version you picked as neither C or A is identical to the buttons we have here in the states.

Picture of my radio:

Options C or A from EKIY

 

[grinchy]

No horse in the race but that looks closer to A than C

 

[ekolpack]

I want to go ahead and order one of these units for my 2009 LC but am curious which version you picked as neither C or A is identical to the buttons we have here in the states.

Picture of my radio:
View attachment 2876553

Options C or A from EKIY
View attachment 2876554

For your specific factory head unit (same as mine) this is a bit compicated, make sure you read this whole post. This was the exact same issue and very first question I had for them. They sent me this picture and told me to buy version C:

This is how the connectors on the EKIY match up to the harness on my 08 TLC (front panel looks identical to yours), same "upgraded" JBL Synthesis system:

You'll notice the only connector not present is the light blue one. I BELIEVE this is the stupid "MOST" digital audio protocol output to the factory amp (ie. how your factory amp receives audio out from the factory HU). This is effectively, for all intents and purposes a proprietary unusable (outside OEM) connection/protocol that almost nobody uses. They were on some BMW's and Volvo's and some other random crap....and Land Cruisers with JBL....go figure. I think some of the old PX6 units offered this connection as an option, but as far as I'm aware, the new 7862 HU's do not (check with suppliers to be sure).

So, given the JBL Synthesis crap, if you get the newer 7862 option, and IF it really is missing the MOST audio output connector (can anyone confirm this???), you either need to use the limited FR,FL,BR,BL,S outs on the 7862 HU to rig up all your speakers (lots of ways to do this, none are ideal), or man up, do it the right way, and get a DSP and/or amp with optical input and 8-12 channels of processed i/o + real amps. I recommend either Helix DSP Pro, Helix M12 or M8, or the one I went with (mainly because it has superior DIRAC and FIR nerdy stuff) the MiniDSP Harmony 8x12 (built in amp w/ 40wpc....you'll pull more like 70wpc out of low impedance factory speakers). The MiniDSP C-DSP 8x12 is a good option too. Basically exactly the same as the Harmony 8x12 but it's DSP only, no amp. You'll need external amps.

But if you go this route, and do it right, you'll get way higher DA sound quality, way better amplification even with cheapo amps, and can swap out the terrible "upgraded" JBL speakers for decent (or really good) speakers and tune them to sound much better. Running the JBL's by themselves they are absolutely horrible. They sound muffled to death. They're some of the worst drivers I've heard, and I've heard a lot. The terrible inherent SQ is compensated for with very heavy factory DSP EQ, which is far from ideal for a real high-end sound system.

Or you can stick with the PX6 based units, which again, I'm pretty sure offer MOST bus output, and they'll behave basically as a drop-in factory replacement. I was researching them before I decided to wait on a better alternative with coaxial or optical digital out to do it the "right way" according to me

You could get a PX6 unit with MOST outs to your factory HU and piggyback off the factory system for now, then upgrade to the "right way" (according to me) down the road by going digital out of your USB port via HEC into a DSP and then a "proper" (pinky finger in the air) stereo system. That might be the best of both worlds if you don't want to put the $ and effort into a full upgrade now, but you end up with an older, slower HU. Also, I'm not entirely convinced USB HEC out is all that reliable. Supposedly it works fine according to other folks, but I suspect it may be buggy or not work with all apps or system sounds...mostly just my own conjecture on that. That's a big topic for another time. Your call.

Or I could be wrong on all that and the unit as pictured actually does support MOST audio output...in which case, what the hell is that light blue connector that's missing then? Can anyone chime in on this?

Anyway, if it's of any help, this is my exact setup:

- Stock = '08 TLC w/ JBL Synthesis
- Upgraded HU to EKIY T7 7862 FYT digital out to....
- MiniDSP Harmony 8x12 out to center dash, tailgate and rear door speakers direct from amp
- Additional MiniDSP Harmony line outs to external amps.....
- 3-way fronts: Morel MW6 low-mid (door), Morel MW4 mid (dash), Morel MT230 tweets (A pillar) driven by Biketronics BT6180 (Hypex UCD 180w/ch RMS@4)
- Sub: Upgraded box to LX570 10 incher, added depth ring to fit Image Dynamics IDQ10s 500W sub driven by Biketronics (Hypex UCD 500w bridged RMS@4)
- Focal A165 low-mid and tweets in rear doors (driven direct from MiniDSP amp)
- Kicker DSC4 4" coaxials in rear tailgate and center dash (driven direct from MiniDSP amp)
- Upgraded wiring for high wattage Morel speakers and sub to 12ga

 

[grinchy]

I think that blue connector is a antenna or digital out? How many pins are on it?

Here’s the details on F62 which has the MOSTest bus.

Post in thread 'Factory Subwoofer Info Guide'
Factory Subwoofer Info Guide - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/factory-subwoofer-info-guide.1193993/post-13034666

Super nice to see another DSP in a 200 @ekolpack

 

[ekolpack]

I think that blue connector is a antenna or digital out? How many pins are on it?

Here’s the details on F62 which has the MOSTest bus.

Post in thread 'Factory Subwoofer Info Guide'
Factory Subwoofer Info Guide - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/factory-subwoofer-info-guide.1193993/post-13034666

Super nice to see another DSP in a 200 @ekolpack

EXTREME CLOSEUP!!!

Just 2 pins? Again, not sure on this. It's also worth noting that many of the other connectors are missing pins, likely because the I/O is on other parts of the wiring harness (ie. video output, aux in, HVAC controls, etc.) or not used at all (connections for DVD player, stuff handled via CAN bus?). I'll double check this with EKIY after they answer a current Q I have into them re trigger wires for 360 cam.

 

[grinchy]

Let’s see. F61, the head unit side of f62 has 8 pins. It seems unlikely it’s this two pin. There would be 6 empty slots. F61 probably the connector 2nd right if picture with 8 pin on Hu and 2 pin on harness. So they have declined Most as expected, and the two shield grounds

It is a satisfying blue color.

 

[grinchy]

F61 and F62. Good news, these are not part of the 08 TLC.

 

[grinchy]

Here are the labeled items (five). Note that there are six plugs here. That sixth one never gets labeled. Frustrating! This is 2008 TLC US Model (I think).
Looks pretty different from the above pic. Maybe it's the base model.

 

[ekolpack]

F61 and F62. Good news, these are not part of the 08 TLC.

View attachment 2878517

What are these connectors for? Are you thinking they're the MOST bus? I don't see any that look like this on my HU, but I think the JBL Synthesis HU was the only one with MOST, maybe you're looking at the FSM for the standard audio system? Didn't that use analog to the amp?

 

[ekolpack]

Here are the labeled items (five). Note that there are six plugs here. That sixth one never gets labeled. Frustrating! This is 2008 TLC US Model (I think).
Looks pretty different from the above pic. Maybe it's the base model.
View attachment 2878535

View attachment 2878536

View attachment 2878537

Man I can't make heads or tails of that....doesn't even look like my factory system. Maybe it's a different version (again, without the JBL system?) There are definitely 5 connectors on my deck portion, as you can see in the pics above. The two pleasing blue connectors and the 3 whites. The only 8-pin connector is the lone white one above the "deck" that goes to the facade stuff, HVAC, passenger seat light, emergency flashers, and two ground wires. 6 pins are present on both the factory system and the new Android HU, so no difference there. When I go to install this thing, I'll see if I can get it to work with the factory amp fed by MOST. I highly doubt it, but I know it could be helpful to others. Speaking of which....

*video deleted, see below*

 

[ekolpack]

I messed up the above video (cut off the end). Here's a new/improved one with ending and added graphics in places for clarification:

 

[NKP Garage]

Here is mine from a couple years ago when I installed it. From Phoenix Android Automotive. Still happy with it after a few years:

 

[h777]

For 2016+ Land Cruisers, is the EC Offroad 13.6" the best available? I was looking at the Phoenix automotive unit for around $750. I guess the EC Offroad unit has much better display and features. But around $1300 more, I am not too sure. Unless someone here can say with assurance that it is a much more polished unit and less likely to be buggy. Since this is aftermarket, you can not expect something will be 100% bug free. However, if EC Offroad is charging all that extra money, it better be a much more polished unit.

If anyone here had to choose, which would you go with? I suppose EC Offroad have done extensive testing and you can feel better about putting that unit in your vehicle. I say that because they look to be also doing the installs too per their videos. I would imagine if there were issues, they would get with their supplier. I am sure they have done a good deal of installs at this time. However, that is a tough price to swallow. If it will provide less headaches and be close to oem, something to factor in.

I have a feeling I am like most here with a 2016+ Land Cruiser waiting to hear real world usage.

If anybody has any Chinese alternatives from a reputable company, please feel free to post here as well.

 

[LCTaylor]

I messed up the above video (cut off the end). Here's a new/improved one with ending and added graphics in places for clarification:

ekolpack - Did you ever get the Ekiy to work? I’m looking at it for my LC200 as a drop-in replacement for the factory JBL System.

My main concerns are - drive factory amp + speakers (I’m fine with the JBL factory sound) & reverse camera.

 

[kcjaz]

Wow, there is almost too much information here. I am interested in the 16" EC Off Road unit for my 2013 but I'm a little stunned at the price. The Phoneix automotive is half the price. If these units are essentially the same electronics from the same Chinese factory does anyone know why the price is so different? There must be real differences.

 

[LowreyLand]

I just added a link for the one I bought, but here it is again: 210.9US $ 48% OFF|EKIY DSP 6+128G Android 10 For Toyota Land Cruiser 11 200 2007 2015 Car Radio Multimedia Video Player GPS Navi 2din BT Stereo HU|Car Multimedia Player| - AliExpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002007344694.html?spm=a2g0o.9042311.0.0.58924c4d2y8Jng

Make sure you order the correct version (A, B, or C) that matches your wiring harness. The one I got also came with a "free upgrade" to 8GB of RAM. Apparently it's real RAM....we'll see.

My understanding is that these units offer the same functionality as their PX6 predecessors and then some. There are discussions on XDA Dev forum about specific bugs in certain version or with certain firmware for certain vehicles.....that kind of thing will always be present whether in PX6, PX5, UIS 7862 form or otherwise. But they should include everything you'd expect, including HVAC controls. I'm not sure about integration with factory backup cam as I plan to install a new backup cam with a Sony sensor. I would imagine if the PX6 units support this, the 7862 ones will too. I know there are multiple inputs for cams on my 7862 from EKIY, and even one or two video outs, which I may even hook up to an upgrade external ceiling screen in the back to replace the old DVD screen.

Hey buddy, I'm very interested in how this is working out for you? I have a 2015 200. I'm trying keep a very classy look and still have the latest technology. I have the grom but it's limited at best. What are you seeing so far?

I just added a link for the one I bought, but here it is again: 210.9US $ 48% OFF|EKIY DSP 6+128G Android 10 For Toyota Land Cruiser 11 200 2007 2015 Car Radio Multimedia Video Player GPS Navi 2din BT Stereo HU|Car Multimedia Player| - AliExpress - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002007344694.html?spm=a2g0o.9042311.0.0.58924c4d2y8Jng

Make sure you order the correct version (A, B, or C) that matches your wiring harness. The one I got also came with a "free upgrade" to 8GB of RAM. Apparently it's real RAM....we'll see.

My understanding is that these units offer the same functionality as their PX6 predecessors and then some. There are discussions on XDA Dev forum about specific bugs in certain version or with certain firmware for certain vehicles.....that kind of thing will always be present whether in PX6, PX5, UIS 7862 form or otherwise. But they should include everything you'd expect, including HVAC controls. I'm not sure about integration with factory backup cam as I plan to install a new backup cam with a Sony sensor. I would imagine if the PX6 units support this, the 7862 ones will too. I know there are multiple inputs for cams on my 7862 from EKIY, and even one or two video outs, which I may even hook up to an upgrade external ceiling screen in the back to replace the old DVD screen.

Hey buddy, how is this working out for you so far? I've got a 2015.