Eonon GA5163 Review

[FatalSinz]

I know someone else has a GM5163 review, but i'd like to try my take at maybe doing another thread for specifically this deck.

First impression:

The price was considerably fair given the amount of features which is equivalent to your "standard" Navigation unit. I ordered the item on a Saturday, and they shipped Monday, arrived at my door on Thursday. That's without question the fastest international shipping i've ever had. That's the standard shipping. Not $3000 express shipping from Hong Kong.

The box it came in is actually VERY generic. No branding of Eonon anywhere on the box. Just says "Car Audio Deck" and then the features in bubbles on it. Which is a bit strange there's no brand name, but whatever. I was reserving my true criticism OUT of the box. Out of the box, it was a very factory looking deck. Very sturdy. The buttons don't feel cheap and wonky. They're solid like you would expect from factory. All the plug and play parts came with it. There was ZERO need to do any shopping for other parts. It is as plug and play as it gets.

It took me 30 minutes to install from removing the some bits of the interior, and putting it all back together.

The overall HUD/Interface of the unit, i wasn't entirely impressed. The icons that were on the screen felt very useless. The Nav, because it uses Google Maps, does require an internet connection. No way around it. However, you could just use a 3G dongle. Problem solved. My biggest problem was that my iPod couldn't be read. No idea why. It was plugged in, showed that it was being charged, but the actual song/artist information was not on the screen, and i couldn't play any music. Said "no music". Whatever. The app's that come with the deck are very outdated. It also doesn't come with Google Playstore. So, you cannot update ANY app. So, honestly, not impressed with the deck. FOR NOW.

Today i spent 3 hours trying to figure out how to upgrade the firmware from Android Jellybean (4.2.2) to run Android KitKat (4.4.4). At one point, i nearly bricked the deck. If anyone has ever booted their android into recovery mode, and seen the whole "Reboot system" and a bunch of other options, then you'll know what screen i'm talking about. I wasn't able to select ANYTHING in this screen. I figure i'll turn off the car, and see if that does anything. I turned off the car, but the damn screen was still stuck! FORTUNATELY, and i mean that this is an incredible feature, is that there's a reset button on the front of the deck. I'm so happy that Eonon added this. After doing a little fandangling, i uploaded some of the .img files onto a USB and booted the deck from the USB card and it worked! So now my deck is running 4.4.4!!!

That being said, the image i was using is also a rooted ROM. So now i can add any damn thing i want. Now the deck looks SUPER clean and proper. Like a real deck should look like. As for the iPod issue, i'm past that. I've just decided to get a 128GB flash drive, and plug it into one of the two USB plugs. NOW, i use Google Music to play the music, and now it functions like a 100% updated Android tablet, but specifically made for your car.

That being said, if KitKat came with the deck instead of Jellybean, this deck would have just gotten a 10/10 right off the bat. Now that everything is working with 4.4.4, i am actually rating this deck a solid 9/10. It now does everything i want it to. It's very responsive. Fast. Does anything you'd expect an Android to do.

The images below are from when i first bought it to the last shot i've taken. The photo of the Torque app is prior to KitKat, and the girl getting pounded was to see if the internet worked. The picture with all that fancy geeky text is the deck being flashed.


WORD OF CAUTION: MY METHOD OF INSTALL WITH THE FILE HAS BEEN REMOVED BY THE HOST. PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBSITE FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND HOW-TO.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2660662

[jdmage_mx5]

I have the same deck. Out of the box it is decent for a "generic" chinese radio. I updated mine to kitkat also but ran into an issue. Which IMG did you use? And what MCU are you on? I gained a lot of features but completely lost the ability to pick up any radio stations.

As far as needing a data service, just stuck an ATT Velocity mobile hotspot in the car with a 30gb data plan (overkill I'm sure).

[FatalSinz]

I'm not sure if i'm publicly allowed to post links to webpages with the .img contents. I'll toss you a PM.

[jdmage_mx5]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz I'm not sure if i'm publicly allowed to post links to webpages with the .img contents. I'll toss you a PM.

I got the links, thanks! I'm going to give the new IMG and MCU a try tonight. I like the version of kitkat I have now but hate that the radio quit working all together.

[FatalSinz]

Strange. I never use the radio...ever. I don't even know the purpose of radio anymore since it's all recycled material that's the same shit every damn day. Maybe that's just my local station. I'm more of a "metal head", so my type of music is frowned upon and apparently unpopular in every sense of the word. So, the Micro SD Class 10, 64GB does the trick. That being said, if you ever use any media player, i couldn't suggest Google Play Music any more. It's so awesome and compatible with the deck.

Good luck!

[jdmage_mx5]

I loaded up Pandora since I use that 99% of the time. I also keep a wireless hotspot in the car 24/7. Sometimes I travel from Arkansas to Colorado to visit family and cell service is not always available so a radio option would be nice for backup.

I'm not a music head enough to actually have music stored on any storage device.

[FatalSinz]

How do you use wireless? Through tether or 3G dongle?

[CWP_MS3]

Fuck you and your seated heat options, canuck!

[FatalSinz]

Originally Posted by CWP_MS3 Fuck you and your seated heat options, canuck!

Ask me nicely, and you can

[thespacecadet]

Ok, I'm a MSF newbie and I came here to the forum looking for this exact info. Recently picked up a 2013 Base-speed3 and have read conflicting things all over the place about this unit over the ease of install. Was there any splicing with the 8 channel Bose going into the unit? Anything beyond plug and play on the install?

Also, Where did you pick your unit up from?
I'm curious because your experience was so good, and I'd like it to be just as easy for me!

Thanks for your time man!

and to be clear, I can run the unit tethered to a phone yes?

[jdmage_mx5]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz How do you use wireless? Through tether or 3G dongle?

I have a mobile hotspot from att that I keep in the car.

Originally Posted by thespacecadet Ok, I'm a MSF newbie and I came here to the forum looking for this exact info. Recently picked up a 2013 Base-speed3 and have read conflicting things all over the place about this unit over the ease of install. Was there any splicing with the 8 channel Bose going into the unit? Anything beyond plug and play on the install? Also, Where did you pick your unit up from? I'm curious because your experience was so good, and I'd like it to be just as easy for me! Thanks for your time man! and to be clear, I can run the unit tethered to a phone yes?

My car is not a Bose model so I can't answer any of those questions. I ordered mine directly from Eonon.com shipping was extremely fast and so far customer service has been ok.

[thespacecadet]

Originally Posted by jdmage_mx5 My car is not a Bose model so I can't answer any of those questions. I ordered mine directly from Eonon.com shipping was extremely fast and so far customer service has been ok.

I was actually pointing those exact questions regarding bose at fatalsinz because he has the '13 with Bose, but I do appreciate your addressing them anyway

and I also appreciate you confirming my question on the wifi. I'm planning on running off the 30Gb plan I have on my phone.

[FatalSinz]

Originally Posted by thespacecadet Ok, I'm a MSF newbie and I came here to the forum looking for this exact info. Recently picked up a 2013 Base-speed3 and have read conflicting things all over the place about this unit over the ease of install. Was there any splicing with the 8 channel Bose going into the unit? Anything beyond plug and play on the install? Also, Where did you pick your unit up from? I'm curious because your experience was so good, and I'd like it to be just as easy for me! Thanks for your time man! and to be clear, I can run the unit tethered to a phone yes?

Literally, zero splicing was done. It was straight up unplugging the plugs from the back of the old head unit, and then just plugging it into the new one. Simple as that! Zero issues i've encountered in regards to any interference with the BOSE system.

And it definitely can be tethered to your phone! Or a wifi dongle if you have one.

[thespacecadet]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz Literally, zero splicing was done. It was straight up unplugging the plugs from the back of the old head unit, and then just plugging it into the new one. Simple as that! Zero issues i've encountered in regards to any interference with the BOSE system. And it definitely can be tethered to your phone! Or a wifi dongle if you have one.

Fantastic, going to order one ASAP.

[neganox]

If slimrom could be compiled for this, I'd be all over it.

[joeyspeed3]

@FatalSinz; I'm buying one of this as well, can i please get the links with the ROM too, also do your stock aux port still work or the unit comes with new cables for it

[FatalSinz]

Originally Posted by thespacecadet Fantastic, going to order one ASAP.

Originally Posted by neganox If slimrom could be compiled for this, I'd be all over it.

I just fired off installation instructions for the new firmware to @joeyspeed3

@neganox You definitely don't need a slimrom. The firmware is rooted as well, so you can feel free to delete whatever the hell you want. Generally, you'd want a slimrom for battery consumption and bloatware prevention. Given that the deck doesn't run off a battery like your phone, and the deck being rooted, you're free to do whatever you want.

You guys can feel free to thank me for this post! I'd appreciate it. PM me for install instructions as there will be some Russian language involved that i can help you get by with the instructions.

[CHUNKYBOWSER]

I think I may purchase one of these today. Think you could shoot me the Kitkat instructions?

[FatalSinz]

Absolutely. I've already had an MSF member approach me and successfully walked him through the process. Toss me a PM when you're ready.

[SparkySparks]

Has anyone found an rooted/updated version for the radio that keeps it's functionality as a radio? It would be nice to keep the radio, steering wheel, DVD(would probably never use it but would still be nice to keep) and reverse camera.

How much of the stock functionality where you able to keep?

[FatalSinz]

Hi sparky! With my firmware, I can confirm that all controls work EXCEPT for the Bluetooth hangup and answer button. Not a terrible trade off in my mind as I rarely ever receive or make phone calls.

Radio still works 100%! Can still use all the other steering wheel functions. Volume up/down, next/previous track, etc. DVD works as well! It's even got its own button on the head unit itself! The backup camera function is built into the device. As soon as you go into reverse the camera appears. The downside for me is I don't use one, and cannot disable this feature, so anytime I reverse the screen switches to the backup camera, but of course since I don't have one, it's just a blank screen. However your music doesn't turn off during this so it shouldn't really be a bother. Not like you'll be looking at what song is playing while you're reversing so the only reason to look down while reversing is if you had the camera.

Still, in my personal opinion, the best deck I've ever seen. Bold statement, but true. The fact the deck firmware is rooted gives me infinite possibilities as to how I want it as opposed to an unchangeable shitty software.

[SparkySparks]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz Hi sparky! With my firmware, I can confirm that all controls work EXCEPT for the Bluetooth hangup and answer button. Not a terrible trade off in my mind as I rarely ever receive or make phone calls. Radio still works 100%! Can still use all the other steering wheel functions. Volume up/down, next/previous track, etc. DVD works as well! It's even got its own button on the head unit itself! The backup camera function is built into the device. As soon as you go into reverse the camera appears. The downside for me is I don't use one, and cannot disable this feature, so anytime I reverse the screen switches to the backup camera, but of course since I don't have one, it's just a blank screen. However your music doesn't turn off during this so it shouldn't really be a bother. Not like you'll be looking at what song is playing while you're reversing so the only reason to look down while reversing is if you had the camera. Still, in my personal opinion, the best deck I've ever seen. Bold statement, but true. The fact the deck firmware is rooted gives me infinite possibilities as to how I want it as opposed to an unchangeable shitty software.

Thank you, I wasn't sure if all of the controls for the steering wheel buttons, DVD and back up camera were part of the stock image or if it was separate. Kind of sucks that the phone buttons on the steering wheel, other then that does the bluetooth calls work like normal? I'm guessing there is phone control options on the radio similar to on Android phone. How does the syncing to your phone contact list work with the rooted rom? Also wondering if the lighting adjust with headlights.

[FatalSinz]

I haven't quite figured out if there's a more convenient way to add contacts, but I already have all my contacts backed up on Google, so I tether my phone to my deck and log into my google account, upload my contacts to the contacts app on the deck and voila, dial from that. There is an integrated phone feature in the deck. Now this is where other decks do win, but with this deck, you can't dial through your phone to call someone, it has to be dialed through the deck. The integrated microphone I was sketchy about but it's clear as day which is awesome.

[SparkySparks]

So it uses your Google contacts for the phone book, which is fine with me as that is what I would be using on my phone. When you say you can not dial from your phone does that mean the radio uses Google Talk to make calls or you just have to dial using the radio?

[FatalSinz]

Yes, I mean that you have to use the deck to dial. Or you can just click the contact to dial like your phone. I've yet to try third party apps for calling which could and probably would work. My car is sidelined at my friends garage so I don't have access to confirm.

[CHUNKYBOWSER]

Do you know if a USB OBDII adapter such as

ScanTool.net LLC - OBDLink SX USB Scan Tool - OBD-II Adapter | ScanTool.net - ScanTool.net

will work with Torque on this head unit? I currently have a bluetooth OBDII adapter, but I was hoping to get a faster read speed and less lag by using a wire.

[FatalSinz]

It absolutely 100% works! I've tried it myself. Plug that sucker into the obd2 port, and the deck will read it via Bluetooth!

[CHUNKYBOWSER]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz It absolutely 100% works! I've tried it myself. Plug that sucker into the obd2 port, and the deck will read it via Bluetooth!

I am aware of that, sorry if I didn't make myself clear. The adapter I linked to is a USB adapter, meant to be plugged into the head unit directly. I was wondering if the head unit could read the OBD data through its USB port.

From the research I've done, it seems that it should be able to, I was just wondering if you tried it in this manner.

EDIT:

After further research, the OBDLink SX should work plugged in directly to the head unit. Thanks for your help.

[FatalSinz]

Ahhh. Now that I cannot confirm. I've never tried it and the deck is very new so lots of people haven't really reviewed the product. I don't see why it wouldn't work to be honest. But no guarantees.

[g00s3y]

Just in case anyone else is interested in purchasing this. I just got one off of ebay brand new for $350 shipped. They list it for $398 I think, but they accepted my offer of $350

This seller accepted my bid, not sure if others will - GA5163 New Android 8"L Car DVD Player Radio Stereo WiFi GPS for Mazda 3 2010 12 | eBay

[jdmage_mx5]

Be on the look out for warranty support. I saw on a couple of forums that an Eonon representative note if you bought from eBay or Amazon the 2 year warranty was not valid.

Basically, by buying off of the Eonon site and paying more you were buying the warranty coverage.

[g00s3y]

Good to know that. Each seller I looked at offers 1 year warranty with it, so at least it's better than nothing.

[FatalSinz]

Jdmage is 100% bang on. Was going to say the same thing. Eonon WILL NOT support you if you buy from a third party. They say this on their website. Furthermore, Eonon ships day of, or after, and arrives on your doorstep in less than a week. I ordered on a Saturday, it was delivered Tuesday.

The eBay stuff is approximately 3-4 weeks for delivery. If you ask me it's well worth buying from the manufacturer.

[SparkySparks]

The unit is only $389 with free shipping on Eonon's site and you get the full warranty, worth the extra $40 in my eyes.

[CHUNKYBOWSER]

Ordered yesterday from Eonon's website. Estimated delivery is Monday, pretty quick coming from China. I'll let everyone know what I think when I get it.

[FatalSinz]

It's a fantastic purchase! You'll truly love the deck. For real. Send me a PM for firmware install instructions.

[g00s3y]

Originally Posted by FatalSinz Jdmage is 100% bang on. Was going to say the same thing. Eonon WILL NOT support you if you buy from a third party. They say this on their website. Furthermore, Eonon ships day of, or after, and arrives on your doorstep in less than a week. I ordered on a Saturday, it was delivered Tuesday. The eBay stuff is approximately 3-4 weeks for delivery. If you ask me it's well worth buying from the manufacturer.

No it isn't that long for delivery, I ordered Tuesday night, shipped and tracking within 12 hours, and it will be here Monday. So about 3-4 business days, not weeks, don't spread misinformation.

Right now, $350/$389 isn't a big difference, but when it goes back to the regular price of $425, saving $75 for just 1 year less warranty isn't bad.

[FatalSinz]

My mistake. Forgot were already in March. I didn't have my head on there.

[jdmage_mx5]

I'd send Eonon an email because I don't think you will be offered any tech support or even the one year warranty FROM THEM if you bought from someone on eBay.

I'd honestly be curious if what I've read is true or if in the end they will provide tech support no matter what because they can not distinguish who bought from eBay and who bought from the website.

Seeing as this unit is a "cheap" chinese unit I'll take all the warranty I can get. Either way you got a good deal and a nice radio that's worth tinkering with.

[FatalSinz]

Eonon asks for proof of purchase in order to provide support. You have to provide them your order number when you purchased and it has to match your billing info.

Warranty is a fantastic thing.