So, now I have my 'new' old SL55, it was time to put an android head unit in it. However I was disappointed that there was only the WinCE unit available for this.

This was not good enough for me so I decided to 'improvise' using this head unit, and the SL 'WinCE' headunit:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2215123455...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

So first, get both headunits apart and see what we have:


Then stick the android head unit bits in the new fascia (note, PCB cutting and soldering required here and it's a bit fiddly). Fix in place with hotmelt glue to check everything works ok then fibreglass/epoxy it all in place properly afterwards (halfway done in this pic).


Then, obviously, once tested, install in the SL.


All done - runs my app nicely (full disclosure: I develop a little OBD app shown in the picture)


Now all I have to do is to connect up the audio (removing the bose d2b amp, etc, etc)

Notes:

* The screen sizes are different, though you can use the screen from the WinCE radio which works fine. The touchscreen connector is in the wrong place and the screen x/y orientation is changed, but soldering can sort that out.

* It's a fiddly job. Electronics knowledge is required. You need to trim the PCBs.

* You swear, A lot. Especially when you burn yourself with the iron doing a fiddly bit.

* Steering wheel controls work, though the buttons are recognised all the time even when you're not in the audio menu. this may be alterable.

* Reversing camera, illumintion controls, etc all work nicely.

* GPS although working in the headunit, and getting a good signal isn't working in tomtom, though that's not related to the build, it's a software thing that I need to look into on the headunit itself (android)

* some of the left side buttons are 'labelled' incorrectly, unfortunately unavoidable, but they still work when you press them.

 

can you post a write up of replaced the bose amp & rewiring the speakers? I'm wanting to put a pioneer appradio 4 with carplay in mine, but really don't know what kind of amp to replace the bose with & how to wire it up. I know there is a center speaker, 2 in each door, and 2 in the back that are wired in mono. I'm not sure if you can just latch onto the old wiring where it goes to the amp or if new wiring needs ran to each speaker.

 

Ok!

The R230 bose amp wiring harness looks similar to the R129 bose amp wiring but missing things like the sub output and a couple of other bits.

I'll try to remember to photograph things when I start ripping things out and wiring stuff up. I'm replacing the amp with a JL audio 600/6 channel when I get a chance (spare time is extremely scarce at the moment to do things like this) but post into this thread with updates on what I have done so far

 

if you really search , there IS a android version you can buy.......
you don't need to crack it open....well, just FYI

 

I have REALLY searched and have not found any android version for this application.
Link please ....

thanks,
Chris

 

http://www.dvdplayer.com.cn/html-en/...vd-player.html

it's all over china......

 

I've seen this unit "all over china" with "Operating System: WIN CE 6.0 Core ", but never android (till now, thanks ) .

The link you provided only takes you to a page that allows inquiry (not purchase). I have sent them an inquiry, but if you have any other examples (since you have found them "all over china" and I haven't been able to find it anywhere), I'd love to see it.

Cheers,
Chris

 

somehow alibaba and aliexpress blocked oversea IP, and the page won't load so I can't show you, but if you try contact all those distributors in china, they will have it.
I've been to china and seen it in person, if you speak chinese you can even bargain with them, these things are cheap.

 

this is the only page I find listing a price for the android version that is referenced in your link (AHL-8817GB) http://www.ptong.com/new/show-356223.html . They list it as 2300 yuan/ Taiwan.
if that is Chinese yuan ... that is about $370 us (very reasonable price indeed)
I have sent the company you linked an email and tried to skype with them ... nothing yet. Perhaps if I knew someone who speaks Chinese I might get some reply from them?

Cheers,
Chris

 

well, wish I had better findings to report. After exchanging 3 dozen emails with more than 10 Chinese manufacturers and distributors, I find that the radio you saw (r230 android 2003, etc) has not yet been manufactured for sale. No one even would say that is would be available anytime (soon or otherwise) except Jason at Hualingan (Shenzhen Hualingan Technology Co., Ltd ... the company you linked above) who (after exchanging 4 emails) finally told me at midnight last night, "In fact about this car we have only HL-8817GB [winCE 6.0] now, AHL is android system. And our android system is still undering developing now. So i sent you are the currently informations. And you find the informations in our webpagre are the future we will do."

So, I have not given up on android .... just hitting a dead end here.

any other leads on this SpiritR230 ?

thanks in advance
Chris

 

"Steering wheel controls work, though the buttons are recognised all the time even when you're not in the audio menu. this may be alterable."

Try some of the other settings on the little "Bus box"
Mine did as yours on the SL setting, but one of the other settings did the trick.
(S-class setting, second to last on the box if i remember correctly)

 

Really awesome work. Especially considering the limited connectivity options of the stock system...

How is your app coming along? Im a mobile dev myself and it sounds like a fun project!

 

After exhaustive search, having only found the unicorn in "spirit" and not flesh ... like the OP, I made my own.

I went a slightly different route.
I bought a 4.4 android radio like this
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pure-...026360354.html

and found a broken Comand headunit online (to cut up).... I then blended the two.

I have my car torn down as I been removing the entire D2b (and components), installing a new Alpine amp and Cerwin vega Sub ... and rewiring a bit to make USB available in the old handset space, etc. When I have it all done, I will likely add more detail and pics in a fresh thread.

But I thought I'd add a couple of pics of the new head unit (as I have finished that part of the journey).

Cheers,
Chris

 

You've got that finish spot on!

How did you go about blending the two fascias together - I'm guessing fibreglassing?

(I have that exact same unit on my desk as the resistive screen on the one I had done has become too annoying so was looking to re-do it - the spec of that radio is also better than the one I have as well)

 

Both of the parts are 100% ABS ... so to bond and fill, I used an ABS slurry (of ABS dissolved in acetone), but in retrospect, I would think that ABS glue (which is acetone, abs resin and MEK) would be easier to work with.

Cheers,
Chris

 

Impressive work Chris!

 

Found this today

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191559114100?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Says it won't work for SL65

 

It should work just as well on an SL65 - provided it is 2004 or earlier.

It looks like they finally made an android version for the early R230. very cool. Would have been nicer if they went with the 7" screen, but at 6.2" it is still far better than the stock HU. Integration is not that tough .... should install the same as the non android unit that was discussed a lot (and installed by some).

worth pointing out. If one plans on using this ALONG WITH a new amp (instead of direct wire as this unit will NEVER work with the Bose amp) THEN you need not order the extra extender harness (mentioned in the auction).


Cheers,
Chris

 

Mine is 2007. Any way to use this unit even if I have to replace wiring and don't care if steering wheel buttons work?

 

yes and no
the biggest issue in my mind is that in order to make this fit as intended (ie ... at all), you would need to swap the center console wood insert from a 2004 and earlier into your car (along with the cup holders - or the cup holder fascias at the least). The steering wheel buttons would likely work (mostly) and the rest of the wiring could likely be sorted out.

I would check with the manufacturer and ask if they are working on a 2005 and later version before seriously considering this ... my $.02

Cheers,
Chris

 

I'd swap you my center console/cupholders from an 03 (it is the silver) for your 07. Besides that the only thing you would need is this:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...easier-mb.html

and the whole thing would then be plug and play. The 05+ guys have it easy when it comes to swapping headunits compared to us 03-04 people.

I am going a total different route and need the 05+ cupholders and center console surround.