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Ordered new 8" 2DIN Sat Nav Stereo for my VE Series I

Ashdob

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keep us posted!!

Will do fellas. I spoke with them today, and they are looking to do it within the next few weeks. They have my contact details so hopefully I get a call back. They said there is no gaurentee they can even do the dual zone, but their engineer is very confident.
 

TazzI

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Just thought Id post some progress on my end :)

Recently had work which related to getting a custom aftermarket system working with a dual zone VE aircon. Iv applied some of this R&D from that project to the android headunits, and am currently able to control my dual zone aircon VE with the android headunit. :D

The little addon module Iv put together will allow you to control your fan speed, aircon ect as per usual. The only down fall is the air temp can only be output as single zone, as in both passenger and driver will have the same temp (Theres only 1 temp dial after all!!).

But at least the aircon actually works and can be controlled correctly. I still have some more testing to do, but Id be interested in sending off a sample unit to someone with a dual zone vehicle with the android unit fitted?
 

TazzI

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Had multiple calls now from the above post, so to save repeated questions I will put a few question/answers below.

Q) Can I still keep my dual zone aircon?
A) Unfortunately not, your aircon will work, but both zones will stay the same. The Android units do not have separate zone control.

Q) How does it connect up?
A) Iv made it into a little OBD2 dongle. So it will just connect to your diagnostic port which is near your right knee on the drivers side.

Q) When will it be available?
A) I currently have it running in my ute, just ensuring that it functions without any problems under various conditions.

The Dual Zone aircons are actually very different to the single zone units. The commands are intentionally different which makes a translator box fairly complex to convert single zone commands to dual zone.

I can understand why places like Alpine are struggling with aircon related issues as its more complex than they would think.

On the other hand, single zone aircons are very straight forward, which is likely why only they have been made to work with the android headunits.
 
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Paulgggg

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Had multiple calls now from the above post, so to save repeated questions I will put a few question/answers below.

Q) Can I still keep my dual zone aircon?
A) Unfortunately not, your aircon will work, but both zones will stay the same. The Android units do not have separate zone control.

Q) How does it connect up?
A) Iv made it into a little OBD2 dongle. So it will just connect to your diagnostic port which is near your right knee on the drivers side.

Q) When will it be available?
A) I currently have it running in my ute, just ensuring that it functions without any problems under various conditions.

The Dual Zone aircons are actually very different to the single zone units. The commands are intentionally different which makes a translator box fairly complex to convert single zone commands to dual zone.

I can understand why places like Alpine are struggling with aircon related issues as its more complex than they would think.

On the other hand, single zone aircons are very straight forward, which is likely why only they have been made to work with the android headunits.
Any updates when this item will be available .Paul
 

TazzI

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Any updates when this item will be available .Paul
Unfortunately not yet, not enough time in the day to work on everything unfortunately!

On a scale of 1/10, where 10 is something thats unbelievably complex and difficult. The single to dual conversion ranks at about a 7. The problem is that the translation between single zone and dual zone is not a simple name change. There are completely different commands, which have completely different 'layouts' to perform the actions.

I can 'safely' say, any implementation is not going to be perfect.
Since even the android series 1 don't implement the aircon control 'perfect'. Infact, it can quickly and easily get confused, if the aircon system misses even 'one' command from the android unit.. they will lose sync and the controls dont match up. For example, if the android unit told the aircon system to 'turn everything ON', but the aircon misses that command... the S1 headunit will not 'recheck' at any time.. it will just assume its all good.

Whereas, factory headunits actually check the aircon turned on ect. Now... adding the complexity of the different dual zone/single zone command structure... you can imagine that even one wrong command or missed command will throw everything into chaos.
 

NU13

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For anyone interested i have brought a G8 designs Falcik DZ touch screen controler along surround dash kit for a double din head unit. G8 designs are very helpful and have bent over backwards to help.
For the record and after MUCH research i have decided to take the risk and have brought a Panlelo android headunit. IF (and it is an if) the head unit does what it is ment to do it could be the answer to a lot of my wants and needs for the head unit.
 

TazzI

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Thought Id give a bit of feedback/information about the Series 1 Android units which I think is important for anyone thats interested in them. I bought an android unit for research & development and to personally test all its features.

1) The aircon works perfectly fine on single zone aircons. However.. if the android unit is unsure on the aircon current status when you turn the ignition on, it defaults the aircon to off and towards your feet on low (Cold). Although.. this honestly seems to be no big deal, as the aircon is easy to select and use.
I found it goes to this default mode after letting the car sit for a long time. If popping to the shops, and coming back out, it seems to still know the aircon status. I could go into more details, but dont want to bore anyone! Basically.. its doing the smart option as an aftermarket unit to ensure your aircon always functions.

2) Naturally being android, trying to make it do too much is never a good. I found steaming music from spotify on 4G, and playing through the headunit by the USB and also selecting various items on screen and the phone and using the navigation would cause it to freeze up. This is because the headunit is trying to interpret each of your commands on your smartphone, and also what your doing on screen.. and play music.. and navigation and taking up the slack of the screaming song ect.
But streaming via bluetooth or playing music from a USB or saved songs on the phone was no problem.

3) There are multiple startup logos to choose from. Both Holden and HSV are available so it all starts up with a factory look. The boot time is roughly 30-45seconds. Thats honestly not very long, by the time you start the car and reverse out, its generally up and running!

4) When first starting the car and the headunit is still booting, selecting reverse will still bring up the rear view image which is brilliant! Connecting a reverse camera is very simple as well

5) Navigation has been absolutely seamless. The only thing Id suggest is to turn down the navigation volume, its quite a shock!

6) For SS/Sv6 vehicles, the top red gauge (SIC) can be programmed to the dual gauge setup so its not blank.

Overall, its a brilliant upgrade. I'll be stocking these units hopefully before Christmas.
 

NU13

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Great little write up Tazzi.
For anyone that is wanting to go aftermarket with a double din head unit this is absolutely the best option in my opinion. It's the Falcik HVAC touch screen developed specifically for these cars and come with everything you need to put an aftermarket headunit in.

Question for you Tazzi. What harness do you recommend for the these android units. The G8 unit i have brought comes with a harness to fit the factory harness but the end for the headunit looks like you/auto specialist has to wire that up themselves.
 

Chris SV6

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How is the unit going? looks like a great system. I have single zone air con so it should work fine. I might have to get one.
 

miguelbox

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I've had this installed for about 12 months and been happy with it as it was my only reasonably priced alternative.

I've just discovered that Aerpro now have a double din mounting kit for Series 1 single zone air cond that upgrades it to Climate Control:
More info: https://aerpro.com/fp9350bk
Cost looks to be between $350 and $400.

Has anyone used it?
Does it remember the previous air cond settings after turning the ignition off?

I'm now keen to upgrade with this to a head unit with Apple's CarPlay.

[Edit:]
I got the Aerpro Doublke Din Mounting Kit for $290 and installed it.
See post https://forums.justcommodores.com.a...luetooth-streaming.272065/page-2#post-2987321
 
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