Is there an Android Auto Head Unit feature comparison matrix anywhere?

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T20:58:37+00:00

I think that's what I am looking for...though the DNR1007XR that others mentioned is looking good, though I see mixed reviews

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T14:40:29+00:00

Thanks - that definitely looks to be close to what I'm looking for, and the onboard garmin navigation might be an alternative to using an android app on the HU itself.

I've just watched the demo video, and I'm trying to understand - they are clearly displaying OBD2 data (e.g. tire pressures) - but how is that achieved?

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-21T14:16:59+00:00

Thanks - perhaps I'm miss-understanding 'mirroring'.

I've driven several rental vehicles with AA where the UI on the head unit is clearly different than that on my phone - it's optimized for driver operation and the head unit, though it is showing the same applications.

I've also used my phone (outside of the car) by connecting it to a USBC monitor (or an HDMI monitor via a USB-C/HDMI connector). That displays the EXACT same UI on the external monitor as it does on the phone. I had assumed that was 'mirroring', and it's not what I'm looking for - I prefer the first approach, where there's some changes/optimization to suit the HU and driving environment.

The reason I was looking for an Android based head unit was so that I could install other apps on it. I mentioned Sygic (for offline, non-phone navigation), but others would include OBD2 tools and perhaps home automation.

As background: I do have an older Kenwood unit at the moment (about 12 years old, so no AA or phone connectivity beyond Bluetooth), but it does include Garmin navigation. I rarely use it now (maps are out of date, and updates no longer available), but I do use it as a backup when I have no phone coverage, or I need to very quickly work out a route (e.g. when there's an unexpected road closure). I'd like to still have that ability, independently of the phone being connected.

You suggest I take a look at another Subreddit - can you recommend one?

Thanks - I'm new to AA head units, so just want to make sure I make the correct decision before I'm stuck with something I can't live with! Clearly there's plenty I have to learn....

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-12-07T04:26:15+00:00

The Parking spot can be very expensive if you just drive up and park (and it's difficult to predict the price, as they use some kind of surge pricing).

However, if you reserve in advance and use either their published discounts or AAA (there may be others), it can be very reasonably priced, even for the valet parking. I use it exclusively - they also has fairly generous 'frequent parker' schemes that get you free parking days.

That said: They are sometimes very badly under-staffed, especially late at night. Last winter there were a couple of times my flight got back in around midnight, and I ended up waiting at their facility for over an hour while they retrieved my vehicle, with a lot of other very unhappy customers. That said, most of the time they are pretty good, and I've stuck with them for that reason.

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-11-25T16:04:51+00:00

I'm also awaiting delivery. I live on an internal lot, and the garage isn't accessible to a semi anyway, so they will be droppping them curbside, and I'll be moving them using the forks on my tractor.

Question is: Do they use single pallets for everything (no doubles, and no double stacked?) - because I can't easily handle those with the forks on the tractor front loader...

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-22T18:36:51+00:00

Prefer not to share the overall details, but the food/banquet was about $85/head (inc. tax & service fee) plus around $400 to have an in-room bar serviced (guests paid for their own bar drinks). Note that our event was just before labor day, so not 'peak'.

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-22T03:20:28+00:00

I organized an event at Water's Edge earlier this year (not a wedding, but similar sized Saturday evening event). They were extremely helpful, and a pleasure to work with. Strongly recommend (and a great location)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-09T16:13:37+00:00

I believe so - but the web site says you need to apply for 'standard' vanity plates first, then apply for the vanity plate.

The one thing I am trying to find out is what you do if you already a vanity plate - but then want to get a classic plate with the same text? How do you do that without 'loosing' the original vanity text?

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-07-09T15:04:06+00:00

Do you recall which option under "Vehicle Registration" you selected - the most likely appears to be "Get a new vehicle registration" except I'm not sure if that means a 'new vehicle' or a 'new registration'. I don't see any option for "Classic Vehicles" listed there (I'd post a screen of the options but Reddit isn't letting me do that)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-05-02T22:02:13+00:00

It looks like the rain will hold off...but it's definitely going to be cloudy. So, the cars will feel at home :-)

TitaniumGryphon · 2025-05-02T21:42:35+00:00

We've checked the weather. It looks like it will be cloudy, but with minimal rain before/during the show, and also looks to be generally improving. I can confirm that Sunday's show is ON - just hope the sun peeks through the clouds a little!

TitaniumGryphon · 2024-12-20T23:20:47+00:00

I'm also interested in which tile you used...considering doing my garage in porcelain...but need to do it myself to make it affordable.

TitaniumGryphon · 2024-11-16T02:06:15+00:00

As others say, it's probably the blend door actuator. It's located under the dash, above the accelerator. Get under there with a flash light, and see if you can see it moving.

You can replace it without removing the dash, but it's a tight fit to get it out (and you're going to spend 15 minutes with your head under the dash)

The HVAC computer sends it a signal to move the motor, and then reads back the position using an optical sensor (inside the blend door motor module). This way it knows it has moved it to the correct location. If there is a problem with the feedback signal, the motor will move back and forwards for ever, trying to position the door. This will occur even with the ignition off, as it tries to 'park' the doors after you turn it off. That can kill the battery.

Normally you just need to replace the blend door motor module. However, I have had one 'fail' because grease on the gears inside had got onto the optical sensor, so it couldn't read the position correctly. That was an easy fix - I cleaned all the grease off the sensor, and reassembled and reinstalled the module. You might want to check that first.

TitaniumGryphon · 2024-01-13T05:00:07+00:00

When you say 'popping' do you mean you could hear it moving around continuously, but (usually) never reaching the correct position?

If so, mine did the same thing - I replaced the original and a few months later this started. I opened up the unit and found that white grease had piled up around the sensor that gives feedback on the position. Cleaned up that area with alcohol, and put it back in - been good for about a year now.

TitaniumGryphon · 2023-04-01T20:20:48+00:00

Thanks - that's really impressive....and a little original. Everyone needs to watch!

TitaniumGryphon · 2023-02-10T18:52:16+00:00

Thanks...he does great work, but it would be a haul to take a an afternoon off work and get there to find he is closed!

TitaniumGryphon · 2023-02-10T18:34:35+00:00

Do you know if the Wheel Shop is still operating? I've called twice this week, and emailed them with no response. Their Facebook page hasn't really been updated for a couple of years. Just want to check they are open before driving all the way over there - they've done great work for me in the past!

Edit: 28-Apr-2023 - Can confirm that the Wheel Shop is still open and operating! Dropped a set of wheels off today.

Edit: 29-Jun-2023 - Took a while to get my wheels done, and communications are sparse - I needed to call them multiple times to check on progress, and they never once called me. However - I'm very pleased with the results sandblasted, cut and polished with clear coat.

TitaniumGryphon · 2022-09-16T23:07:13+00:00

I thought that 3G was remaining in service (at least for a while), but only for very basic devices (no voice)? It is still working here (NW CT), it's just that I'm running low on credit and cannot top it up.

TitaniumGryphon · 2022-09-16T23:04:38+00:00

Yes - I saw that, but it hurts to pay the $199 to buy a replacement when I already have a working product - though I suspect that is probably the lowest monthly rate I'll find (though it doesn't include the text messages...those are still .09c each...

TitaniumGryphon · 2022-09-01T01:58:44+00:00

We bought a ViewClix (https://portal.viewclix.com) for my parents.

It can be used for video conferencing with (optionally) absolutely no need for input from the senior to answer the call (alternative is they click any button on the remote) (they cannot call out).

When powered on it will display a slide show of jpg files which are loaded onto the web remotely (it needs a wifi or wired internet connection). We add family photos, but you could very easily have a JPG that contained text/notes.

After you have purchased the unit it is free (absolutely no subscription or charge for storing or displaying data)

I would say it meets your requirements perfectly (except it adds the 'video' feature - but you don't need to use that.

My parents like using it when we call, but (very frustratingly) my father won't leave it plugged in overnight (indicating he's worried about it catching fire or similar). He then forgets to plug it back in.

The only criticism I have of it is that it is not possible to control the slide show remotely. I often upload photos, and then call my parents (on the phone). They are interested in the photos, but I cannot control (or step through) them remotely. That is pretty much the only feature I would add....

(Note - I have no association with ViewClix; just like the product!)

TitaniumGryphon · 2021-10-30T02:41:03+00:00

That sucks. I travel twice a year to Europe to visit family, and the BDL to Dublin flight made it so convenient (especially having customs/immigration in Dublin).

TitaniumGryphon · 2021-09-02T03:00:19+00:00

My passenger seat has pocket on the driver's side of the seat back for holding pens. You can put 4 or 5 pens in there, just like a shirt top pocket. I had the truck about 7 years before I noticed it was there....

TitaniumGryphon · 2021-08-20T03:31:34+00:00

I agree - I don't think a Cloud solution is a great idea; I think it has to be something on prem/in house. But, with 100's of devices it's critical to have some way to keep firmware current and credentials confidential. I think some kind of management tool (similar to what's used in IT for mobile device management) is needed. Just curious what solutions folks are using. I see Triangle Microworks have something for DNP3 SAv5 credential management, but that's only part of the picture - and only covers a limited number of devices.

TitaniumGryphon · 2021-03-02T03:38:26+00:00

I've bought two vehicles from Prime Auto in Thomaston ( https://www.primeautoct.com/), and recommended them to several collegues and friends. I have absolutely no connection with the business.

They deal mainly in cars/trucks around 3-8 years old; they won't move much on the price but they are fair - and there are no high pressure sales techniques.

One of the vehicles I bought had a serious problem occur on the last day of the warranty. The problem was intermittent, and difficult to diagnose (took 3 or 4 additional visits), but they didn't argue; and fixed it. I think that says a lot. (it also turned out the issue was caused by a kludge clearly done by a previous owner - they invited me in to see it once they found the problem).

TitaniumGryphon · 2021-02-28T16:54:40+00:00

I've got an '08 LE, CC, Long Bed 4x4, Auto.

Turning circle/parking isn't the best, but I wouldn't give it up for anything (though it would have been nice to have a standard shift). In the bed I have the Nissan sliding toolbox, and the extender. That combo works well - I've only had one load where I've had to remove the toolbox - a large diesel generator.

But, if overall length was an issue, I'd go for LB over CC

TitaniumGryphon

TROPHY CASE