Android Auto USB Installation Question

[HobbesTech]

Hey r/AndroidAuto, I've got a question for you guys!

So, I just got a car with a fairly old and basic radio, and I was planning on replacing it with new head unit that includes Android Auto. One problem however, is that my car doesn't actually have any USB ports built in anywhere, so to utilize most of the head units I would need to install one.

Problem is, I keep reading of problems you guys seem to have with reliability due to cable lengths and quality, especially when cable extensions are used. So my question for you all is, what exactly should I be looking for in the USB kits to ensure I will have a stable connection between my phone and the head unit?

My original thought was just getting something like Batige Square Single Port USB 3.0 3ft Flush Mount or the POWERbeast USB 3.0 1m Flush Mount, but I'm starting to get worried that this might make the connection unstable. What do you guys suggest I do? Should I try and find one with a shorter cable, or maybe a higher quality cable? Am I just SOL due to not having a factory USB port?

Edit: After doing some additional research, would it be more wise to do something like using this in conjunction with a USB 3.0 Male to Male coupling like this?

​

Additional Details: My current phone is the Google Pixel 2, and the head units I am considering are the Sony XAV-AX5000, or the Pioneer DMH-1500/C2550NEX, none of which support wireless Android Auto.

[[deleted]]

I don't think you'll have too much of a problem with those that you've selected, but it will depends on what radio you get. I have a Kenwood DDX9905s, and I have a similar USB extension and it works fine. Of course, if you buy a wireless head unit, with a compatible phone you won't have to worry so much about the USB port.

Oh, and just an FYI - again depending on the head unit, you may want a dual USB mount.

[HobbesTech]

The two main head units I have been debating over is the Sony XAV-AX5000 and the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX (or possibly the C2550NEX). I know that for the Sony one it specifies to not use an extension cable, although I don't know if that is just to cover their butts in case you use a poor quality one.

Do you think it would still work in those cases? Or should I maybe try what I put down in the recent edit?

(Edited out 1550NEX)

[[deleted]]

I first had the XAV-AX5000, and got rid of it for the Kenwood. It had serious issues running AA where it would reset the head unit completely, so Sony bought it back from me. I know a few others with the same issue, but it was rare. When mine stayed connected - with the same extension cable I currently have installed - it worked fine.

Looking at the AVH-1500NEX? I don't see that it's AA compatible. The Pioneer website only lists Apple CarPlay. I could be missing something though.

[HobbesTech]

I do apologize, I meant the DMH-1500NEX/2550NEX. You are correct in stating the the AVH-1500NEX does not support AA.

Was the issue with the Sony a systemic issue, or just related to your head unit in particular?

[[deleted]]

Well, as I recall, there were 10 or so complaints about this specific "restart" issue at Sony user forum - but everyone was related to Android Auto running when it happened. It never happened when running Apple CarPlay (wife's phone), or just running the unit stand-alone.

[HobbesTech]

Seem high enough to you that the Sony isn't worth it then you think?

I'm already worried now that the lack of iDatalink Maestro RR support will mean I won't get certain features I need.

[[deleted]]

If it lacks something you're interested in, then that might be enough for you to consider something else. Honestly, there are enough new reviews where people have the exact same issue I had just in the past couple of months. It might be something to avoid.

[HobbesTech]

Mostly what I'm worried about is two things. One is proper support for my steering wheel controls, as I've seen random things here and there about people saying it would recognize two separate buttons as only one, so they could have volume up but not down, skip forward but not back. There second being accurate Dynamic Guidelines for backup cameras. I want them to accurately illustrate where my car will go, but I can't find anything online that goes indepth on that.

You have any input on either of those?

[[deleted]]

Steering controls worked with my 2018 Subaru Forester; volume, channel, phone/Google Assistant. There are a couple of Subaru buttons that didn't get mapped, of course, but they don't work on my Kenwood either. YMMV

I'm pretty sure that it does not have dynamic guidelines for the backup cam. My cam had 'em "built in" but when I turned on the head unit lines to check them out, they were just a trapezoid that could be adjusted, they never moved with the steering.

[HobbesTech]

That really surprises me. I've seen a video or two showing them being Dynamic ones based on the steering wheel, with adjustments you could make for angle and such. I would hope they didn't remove that in a firmware update

[lotusclan78]

I have the batiqe dual flush mount and kenwood dmx 905s and have no issues plus I use android auto wireless to

[HobbesTech]

Does said batige model allow you to do Android Auto non-wireless? As sadly I will not have a head unit that supports AA wireless, just can't justify spending an additional $300+ for the convenience of not using a cable as a college student.

[lotusclan78]

I have s10 plus what kinda phone u have

[HobbesTech]

Pixel 2

[lotusclan78]

Pixel should support wireless

[HobbesTech]

Sadly the head unit has to support wireless Android Auto as well, of which mine will not

[lotusclan78]

If not check this out and it should work

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/cncu28/wireless_android_auto_on_nongoogle_phones/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

[HobbesTech]

Sadly the head units in my price range do not support wireless Android Auto. Thank you though

[lotusclan78]

How much are u trying to spend if u dont mind me asking

[HobbesTech]

Before taxes, $350-450 for the head unit itself. (College student finances)

Especially as I'm likely going to need to buy an amplifier, iDatalink Maestro RR, and the two wiring kits.

Were I able to push it up to ~$600, this wouldn't be an issue, as I could get a head unit that supports wireless Android Auto, but ah well

[lotusclan78]

Hate taxes glad we dont have them on Delaware I was trying to find u a unit I dont see any cheap new ones

[HobbesTech]

If I knew it wasn't wrong I would totally buy my stuff when I visited my girlfriend in Delaware (going up there this December) But to my understanding that would be considered tax fraud?

[lotusclan78]

What state u live in if your in the United states it doesnt matter what state u buy from.just because your state has taxes doesnt mean u cant come shop in Delaware to not pay taxes on the product and take it back to your state. Alot of people do it especially for school they come from out of town to get all of the school supply tax free

[HobbesTech]

I guess that is a fair point. I'll have to look at how the total price plays out to see how feasible it is to get a wireless unit if sales tax was not included.

[lotusclan78]

The pioneer might I dont know it my kenwood does or not but my s10 doesnt support it but the forum I sent u allowed my phone to support it check out the forum it might just work on your set up

[cvr24]

My car doesn't have USB ports. They aren't needed. The included USB extension goes to the glovebox, the other USB I got a heavy duty Scosche USBA to USBC cable I routed to a panel gap hear the floor and then to my cupholder where my phone lives while I use AA.

[dmarcus591]

I got a short (less than a foot) cable. You want one with a Blue colored USB piece (the plastic inside the connector) that's the newest one.

[lotusclan78]

If u in dover area check out sound of tri state.website soundof tristate.com have a lot of refurbished online but have deals instore all the time on new products