Pumpkin AA0437B installed in a 2014 VW Scirocco
"Android head unit with a very good price-performance ratio"
** APPLICATION SCENARIO **
For me it is mainly limited to radio, telephony, music via Spotify and navigation via Google Maps. For me, vehicle integration via CAN bus was a particular selling point, as was the OEM look (if you remove the PUMPKIN sticker) and, of course, the price-performance ratio compared to the "big manufacturers" in the CarHifi area. The whole thing is installed in a 2014 VW Scirocco facelift, in which previously only a standard RCD 310 was installed without a large range of functions. I don't have a multifunction steering wheel.
** BACKGROUND **
There are many similar devices on the market of these devices. Sometimes they look identical except for the name on the front. This is because different Chinese manufacturers such as Klyde, HuiFei, Joyous, RoadMaster, etc. work on the basis of a common reference design, and different Chinese sellers (Pumpkin, Eonon, Erisin, Xtrons, Joying, etc.) then use these devices on their respective devices Market names. According to the device info, mine is from "Shenzhen Klyde Electronics" (MTCE KLD V2.94e). The device architecture is roughly divided into an MCU (microcontroller), which regulates Android-unspecific things such as the DVD function, Bluetooth, sound control, radio tuner and the function of the buttons on the front. Android is then operated via the processor board SoM (System on Module) with the Rockchip SoC (System on Chip), RAM, flash memory, etc.
** INSTALLATION **
The installation was, as I have written several times, simply plug and play for me. The middle panel in the dashboard of my vehicle is levered off with a plastic wedge. The radio is only attached with 4 Torx screws. The adapter wiring harness fits on the vehicle wiring harness without any further problems, and all plugs only fit once. Basically, the conversion can be completed after 15 minutes if you don't have two left hands. Tip: Do not remove the screen protector until the radio is installed. Since I stupidly transported the radio with tools in the same box, I caught a few scratches on the display ... :-(
Depending on where you want to put the two USB cables, it may take longer to pull them off. I put one in the glove compartment, the other goes to a converted VW USB port in the center console (this DIN fitting for the center console was once available from VW as an accessory instead of a CD changer, e.g. for the Golf V) . This USB port is used for the use of Android Auto (see below). Instead of the supplied microphone for the hands-free function, I use a FISCON microphone, which is installed in the OEM position in the VW ceiling light (jack-cinch coupling for connection to the pumpkin is also required). The installation in the ceiling light took the longest, but this was already done with the previous radio installation. Due to the side airbag topic, only the specialist should actually take action.
** ERGONOMICS AND OPERATION **
Before that I already had a head unit from PUMPKIN (Rockchip RK3188 processor) with 1 GB RAM, Quadcore (4 x 1.6 GHz) and Malaysk Android 4.4.4 KitKat ROM (used since early 2017). So I have a direct comparison option between two model series. Compared to my previous radio, the difference with this radio (Rockchip PX5 processor) with 4 GB RAM and Octa-Core (probably 8 x 1.5 GHz) is huge. The system runs much smoother and more stable, overall looks rounder and more mature than my previous model. If you leave the standard "Auto Sleep" function activated, the device is ready for use again within 1-3 seconds after the ignition is switched on again. It should be noted here that it does not switch off completely in the state, but switches to a kind of "hibernate" mode and draws more current than when completely switched off. However, it can also be configured that after switching off the ignition immediately or after a waiting period of e.g. Switches off completely for 30 minutes. With a cold start, the radio then takes much longer to boot. I did not measure the power consumption in "Auto Sleep" mode and cannot assess the danger of an empty battery. I read elsewhere that someone had no problems after two weeks away.
Yes, the display does reflect something, but not so much that it would bother me. This is probably also due to the incidence of light in the respective vehicle. There is an anti-reflective film for the device on Amazon, but with mixed reviews. The display is also quite sensitive to fingerprints. I am therefore considering having an upscreen reflection shield mat (matt and anti-reflective with scratch protection and anti-fingerprint) made to measure.