My Android based head unit for datalogging and awesomeness (w/ steering controls)
05-06-2014 | 05:26 PM
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My Android based head unit for datalogging and awesomeness (w/ steering controls)
So, I've been running around on this setup for about a year now, and finally got around to taking a few pictures.
The head unit is a Parrot Asteroid Smart that has been rooted with a few other tweaks applied.
Using a Parrot Unika box, I was able to cobble together a working steering wheel control solution, even though the RX8 is not a supported application.
I used a double DIN Metra kit.
Using a PLX Kiwi 2 Bluetooth adapter, I am able to pull full CAN data out of the car (including tire pressure) as well as data from aftermarket PLX analog senders. I currently have oil pressure/temp and EGT. I can expand to as many inputs as is reasonable and still have it all displayed on the same screens as OBD2 data.
I think this is a MUCH better solution than any aftermarket gauges available right now, as Torque lets me define warning parameters. If a parameter gets too high/low, I get a visual warning of the gauge flashing, as well as an audible alarm through the car stereo. This enables me to keep my eyes up and not worry about gauges. If anything gets out of whack, the audible alarm will let me know to back off and look down.
IP connectivity is provided through my phone. It automatically bluetooth pairs with the head unit when the car is started up. In the center console, I have an LG wireless charging pad. Simply toss the phone into the center console, and it gets charged as I drive. No having to fumble about with connectors.
Since the Asteroid is android based, any of your favorite apps work with it. I pretty much listen to Pandora non-stop when I'm driving. Verizon ******* hates me, as I'm one of the lucky few grandfathered in with unlimited data. Last month I blew through ~22gb.
Using tasker and the headlight connection into the asteroid, i was able to write a small script that activated a red filter through chainfire 3D. When the headlights go on, the screen goes dim and red. It's not perfect, so I left manual control widgets on the desktop.
Let me know if you have any questions on the specifics. I have a good chunk of time into the install and getting all of the bugs worked out. I'm pretty proud of how it all turned out.
Link to gallery:
RX8 Android head unit install. - Imgur
The head unit is a Parrot Asteroid Smart that has been rooted with a few other tweaks applied.
Using a Parrot Unika box, I was able to cobble together a working steering wheel control solution, even though the RX8 is not a supported application.
I used a double DIN Metra kit.
Using a PLX Kiwi 2 Bluetooth adapter, I am able to pull full CAN data out of the car (including tire pressure) as well as data from aftermarket PLX analog senders. I currently have oil pressure/temp and EGT. I can expand to as many inputs as is reasonable and still have it all displayed on the same screens as OBD2 data.
I think this is a MUCH better solution than any aftermarket gauges available right now, as Torque lets me define warning parameters. If a parameter gets too high/low, I get a visual warning of the gauge flashing, as well as an audible alarm through the car stereo. This enables me to keep my eyes up and not worry about gauges. If anything gets out of whack, the audible alarm will let me know to back off and look down.
IP connectivity is provided through my phone. It automatically bluetooth pairs with the head unit when the car is started up. In the center console, I have an LG wireless charging pad. Simply toss the phone into the center console, and it gets charged as I drive. No having to fumble about with connectors.
Since the Asteroid is android based, any of your favorite apps work with it. I pretty much listen to Pandora non-stop when I'm driving. Verizon ******* hates me, as I'm one of the lucky few grandfathered in with unlimited data. Last month I blew through ~22gb.
Using tasker and the headlight connection into the asteroid, i was able to write a small script that activated a red filter through chainfire 3D. When the headlights go on, the screen goes dim and red. It's not perfect, so I left manual control widgets on the desktop.
Let me know if you have any questions on the specifics. I have a good chunk of time into the install and getting all of the bugs worked out. I'm pretty proud of how it all turned out.
Link to gallery:
RX8 Android head unit install. - Imgur
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