I decided to update my head unit. I’m still not 100% sure if I’m going to keep it or not but I thought I would document my progress if anyone else was on the fence about it and was curious about functionality with these no name Android head units. Your experience may certainly be different with a different company
Current setup
I have a 2014 Touring with an RHB radio. It has Bluetooth, the hard drive, and a 2nd row screen. Also HDMI and AUX inputs above the inverter. There are modules that would allow the rear system to potentially work with aftermarket units but I was going the cheap route.
Head Unit
Inefela 8Core 4+64G Android Car Stereo with Carplay Android Auto, 9" Touchscreen with GPS WiFi BT. There are a number out there like this but I liked the plug and play feature. Price was $139.99 which is pretty decent for a 4G+64G system.
Ended up going with this one. It's 4+32G but I can do so much more with it
Amazon.com
Backup Camera Adapter (if using stock backup cam)
Big thing with this is you want a female harness connector and a male RCA plug. Lots of negative reviews about the Scosche CRTCR01 not fitting properly so I do not recommend that one. I also tried the Metra AXRSH-CH1 but since the Video Out didn’t work I didn’t want the extra RCA cables. Price was $18.99
Once you hook the backup cam to the rear backup cam input, boot up the device. Then go into Settings > Factory Setup (password is 1234 for mine) > Backcar Source Settings > change to CVBS > Reboot
Random notes and thoughts
Look for option that specifically says your car in the title (not just “For: 2014 Town and Country” at the end on eBay)
Stock Backup Camera uses 12v. No step down adapter required.
Canbus is LZ (LuZheng)
USB mouse works if connected to the USB inputs. Useful if your touchscreen calibration gets messed up.
CVBS In is Aux In. I hooked up a game system to CVBS In and Aux L In and it displayed on the screen (I think sound worked?)
99% sure Video out doesn’t work. It seems like this may be a decision by the developer to not include this feature but integrating these with VES systems appears not possible. I was really hoping I would be able to mirror to the screens with the included Canbus adapter but I guess it doesn't include that functionality. I spent a stupid amount of time looking at wiring diagrams but could never find a theory of operation.
Auto backlight works with the lights and is customizable. I manually turn my lights on and off. I don’t set it to Auto.
Voice button on steering wheel activates Google Assistant in Android Auto most of the time
Relevant thread
https://www.chryslerminivan.net/thr...net/threads/aftermarket-integration-with-ves.80122/?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest
Equalizer can be adjusted and did help the sound
Steering wheel controls work but can’t be adjusted using the included software
Cons
Most of the themes don't have Android Auto/CarPlay on the main screen so switching to it is at least 2 presses. Only 1 theme out of the 60+ is customizable?
Left paddle button switches between Radio, Video, USB, etc. but again doesn't include AA/CP
Concerns about staying in place? 7" screen would be more secure because they are held in with screws. This unit rests on the bottom of the opening and is only held in place by top tabs
Date is wrong format here in America. Appears to be locked to yyyy/mm/dd
Customizing the screen layout does not appear to be possible
Google Assistant voice is lower than media that is playing so you may have to turn off the radio or pause your music and turn up the volume
I may add some pictures later. If anyone has any experiences or thoughts, feel free to ask.
Current setup
I have a 2014 Touring with an RHB radio. It has Bluetooth, the hard drive, and a 2nd row screen. Also HDMI and AUX inputs above the inverter. There are modules that would allow the rear system to potentially work with aftermarket units but I was going the cheap route.
Head Unit
Ended up going with this one. It's 4+32G but I can do so much more with it
Amazon.com
Backup Camera Adapter (if using stock backup cam)
Big thing with this is you want a female harness connector and a male RCA plug. Lots of negative reviews about the Scosche CRTCR01 not fitting properly so I do not recommend that one. I also tried the Metra AXRSH-CH1 but since the Video Out didn’t work I didn’t want the extra RCA cables. Price was $18.99
Once you hook the backup cam to the rear backup cam input, boot up the device. Then go into Settings > Factory Setup (password is 1234 for mine) > Backcar Source Settings > change to CVBS > Reboot
Random notes and thoughts
Look for option that specifically says your car in the title (not just “For: 2014 Town and Country” at the end on eBay)
Stock Backup Camera uses 12v. No step down adapter required.
Canbus is LZ (LuZheng)
USB mouse works if connected to the USB inputs. Useful if your touchscreen calibration gets messed up.
CVBS In is Aux In. I hooked up a game system to CVBS In and Aux L In and it displayed on the screen (I think sound worked?)
99% sure Video out doesn’t work. It seems like this may be a decision by the developer to not include this feature but integrating these with VES systems appears not possible. I was really hoping I would be able to mirror to the screens with the included Canbus adapter but I guess it doesn't include that functionality. I spent a stupid amount of time looking at wiring diagrams but could never find a theory of operation.
Auto backlight works with the lights and is customizable. I manually turn my lights on and off. I don’t set it to Auto.
Voice button on steering wheel activates Google Assistant in Android Auto most of the time
Relevant thread
https://www.chryslerminivan.net/thr...net/threads/aftermarket-integration-with-ves.80122/?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest
Equalizer can be adjusted and did help the sound
Steering wheel controls work but can’t be adjusted using the included software
Cons
Most of the themes don't have Android Auto/CarPlay on the main screen so switching to it is at least 2 presses. Only 1 theme out of the 60+ is customizable?
Left paddle button switches between Radio, Video, USB, etc. but again doesn't include AA/CP
Concerns about staying in place? 7" screen would be more secure because they are held in with screws. This unit rests on the bottom of the opening and is only held in place by top tabs
Date is wrong format here in America. Appears to be locked to yyyy/mm/dd
Customizing the screen layout does not appear to be possible
Google Assistant voice is lower than media that is playing so you may have to turn off the radio or pause your music and turn up the volume
I may add some pictures later. If anyone has any experiences or thoughts, feel free to ask.
