PX5 MTCD Head Unit Discussion Thread [Rockchip PX5 A53 | Android 6.0 | 2GB RAM]

[aarick]

I thought it would be better if we consolidated all the discussion on the PX5 head units into a single thread and I will try my best to group all the useful information in the first few posts when more information becomes available. I think this will help with discussion on these head units and help improve everyone's experience

Post 2: Firmware
Post 3: Tips, Tricks and Fixes - Rooting instruction here
Post 4: Bugs/Issues
Post 5: Useful apps
Post 6: Useful links

For those not familiar with the PX5 Head unit, the specs are below:
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
CPU: Rockchip PX5 A53 Octa-Core
RAM: 2GB DDR3
ROM: 32GB
Audio output: 4*45W
Features:

1. Built-in Radio Tuner (RDS Enabled) (18 FM and 12 AM stations Preset)
2. Built-in USB & SD Slot
3. Region Free DVD Player
4. Screen Mirroring
5. Steering wheel controls (SWC) and Canbus interface

Optional compatible accessories:

• DAB+ USB Tuner
• TPMS
• 4G/3G Dongle
• OBD02 Module
• Camera
• DVR
• External Mic

The head unit comprises of two parts:

• a MicroController Unit(MCU) board, which controls physical buttons and A/V inputs/outputs to/from the headunit. This board interacts with Android OS.
• ANDROID part. The main Operating System.

Both MCU and Android ROM interact together to achieve the functionality of the head unit.

Manufacturers/reseller:

• GS - XTRONS
• HA - HotAudio/Dasaita
• KGL - Erisins
• MX - Witson
• LM - Erisins/Pumpkin

A comparison between PX3 and PX5 can be found posted here by @FauxDreams with some previous discussion on PX5 in that thread as well:
PX3 Vs. PX5 initial impressions, some issues/findings after a day of ownership etc

Some information I found on the CPU:
Rockchip PX5 Press Release

 

[aarick]

*Warning: Do not install 1024x600 fw on 800x480 HU*
It has been reported that it will not display properly once installed.

An update usually consist of two files:
The Android ROM (update.zip) and it is usually compatible with any head unit of the same model (MTCD) and CPU (PX5).
The MCU (dmcu.img) is specific for each manufacturer and it should never be updated on other manufacturer's MCU update file (unpredicted response from physical buttons - or CAN bus responses, or bricking the unit).
However, it has been tested and confirmed that JY, KD, GD and now HA MCU are cross-compatible Verified cross compatible MCU thread (thanks for info @marchnz(
Update at your own risk!

Installation instruction:
Unzip update.img to the root of the GPS SD Card.
Make sure you Don't include the dmcu.img if your MCU does not match the MCU of the firmware.

Latest Stock Firmware/Custom Firmware/MCU:
Please refer to this thread post by @ikerg for latest up to date firmware/mcu info:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...x5-headunits-repository-t3619906/post72622240

 

[aarick]

Will add more info here as more tips, tricks and fixes shows up.

Rooting:
Rooting has been achieved by using the app Kingoroot. Kingoroot APK
This will root the device and install Superuser app. Internet connection will be required during the root process. As I am not a fan of superuser and kingoroot staying on my device, I change superuser to supersu and uninstalled both app. Please see steps below.
Reported to not work on hotaudio devices. It gets stuck at 10%.

SuperSU:
Install SuperSU (I used SuperSU Pro) from the play store and grant it superuser access. When prompted, install updated su binary with the normal mode. Once installed successfully, uninstall Kingoroot and Superuser app. Reboot.

Factory Settings
Password: 126
More password codes on Post #11 (again, thanks to @drukhadze)

Xposed:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...-unit-discussion-thread-t3573881/post71770240

Screen DPI:
Some apps, does not display properly with the screen DPI set at 240. Spotify for example has the login button missing. I use a DPI changing app to change the DPI to 200 to make Spotify login button reappear. Check the useful app section for the app I use that allows for the DPI to be changed on the fly without a reboot, but DPI can also be changed by modifying the build.prop

DAB+:
Updated DAB+ v1.4 app:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxORzE28l_E3U01XYS04R3FENmc
Fixes stutter issue etc. Thanks to @trap63
17/04/25: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjrY0uqbW_kBgzJa4n7w88DQ1pz2 (thanks @zapedge)

Modified DAB+ apk by @realzoulou with less bugs and even more features:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...b-app-realzoulous-modded-version-com-t3609608

3rd party DAB+ option:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...-unit-discussion-thread-t3573881/post72134396
May be a better option as runs within Android and not dependent on MCU manufacturer. You need the following:
- a DAB + stick with an RTL2832 chip e.g.
(http://www.ebay.de/itm/USB2-0-DVB-T...0T-/262943378408?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275)
- RTL2832 Driver from Playstore
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=marto.rtl_tcp_andro&hl=en)
- Radioapp Wavesink Plus DAB + FM-RDS
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=en.ses.wavesinkplus&hl=en)

Developer Options:
Standard 7 tap on build no. does not work on these head unit. To enable Developer Option, install this one:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.singlebyte.devshortcut

App resume after standby:
This might be an option to test https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...-unit-discussion-thread-t3573881/post71950009

 

[aarick]

As bugs/issues are confirm by other members, I'll add to this list.

• Bluetooth:
  ~ Same issue with most other MTCD head unit. The bluetooth is not able to communicate with the bluetooth devices besides the official optional accessories, or phones. I tried using my bluetooth TPMS with this and it did not work.
  ~ Echo during calls also reported. Might be related to both external Mic and internal mic working together.
• WiFi:
  ~ WiFi on these units seems weak and unreliable. Issue seems to be a weak antenna, bad solder and/or no diversity soldered in. Some users have success in soldering diversity and getting better reception. Disabling bluetooth also helps as bluetooth usually use the same 2.4gHz chip and will reduce interference when disabled. A more powerful antenna also seems to help some.

 

[aarick]

Useful Apps:

• Easy DPI Changer - This apps seems to allow for DPI changes to be made on the fly without reboot. I am not sure if this is because Marshmallow supports this or if the app does anything different. Have not tried other DPI app.
• FM Radio Controller - Control FM radio from notifications and more features.
• AnyAutoAndio - Allows more app to be controlled within Android Auto App, including FM Radio Controller above
• Android Auto - Google's head unit interface/launcher
• MTCD Tools - Allows you to customise all your buttons to launch custom apps or do custom actions
• MTCDialer - Handsfree dialing
• Graser's Dasaita Tool - Xposed module with tweaks for ODB, whitelist sleep app and speed volume

 

[aarick]

Useful Links

• MTCD PX5 Headunits Repository & information (Stock & Custom) - Repository for roms and fixes. Updated more frequently by @ikerg than I do with this thread.
• ...

 

[aarick]

~reserved

 

[aarick]

Just had the Xtrons PX5 unit for around 3 days now and I am enjoying it. I originally had the MTCD RK3188 1GB unit that was slow and boots extremely slowly.
So far, experience been good. 2 small issues I have notice so far are that my WiFi isn't as strong as the previous unit and the station details aren't coming across to my centre display of my dash with the right info. I might try playing around with some of the factory settings and canbus options to see if it'll resolve it.
Love the fact that the HU doesn't shut down but goes to sleep and comes on instantaneously once I put the ignition key in.

 

[colostro]

Did you change HU or the motherboard?

Inviato dal mio Redmi Note 3 utilizzando Tapatalk

 

[aarick]

Did you change HU or the motherboard?

Inviato dal mio Redmi Note 3 utilizzando Tapatalk

head unit

 

[drukhadze]

I found out, there are follwing possible passwords on which factory settings has reaction

Static programmed passwords

126 - opens facotry settings app (Device customer name beginns with RM - parameter ro.product.customer). 
m123456 - opens facotry settings app with bit other parameters...
adbon - enables ADB
adboff - disables ADB
keject - sets ctr_key to eject
kpower - sets ctr_key to power
hcttouch - display some touch info. probably touch panel area size in pixels
hctreboot - initiates device reboot

hctbtup - writes on screen "BT updata!" , Sends Android Intent
hctbtte + 3 digits - probably starts some tests with bluetooth adapter. but no information what this 3 digits meaning

logcls - clears logcat
logcat - executes logcat as follows [b]logcat -f  <filename> -v time
		 filename = <external storage>/<current date+time>_android.txt
kmsg   - excutes dmsg command and writes output to <filename>
		 filename = <external storage>/<current date+time>_kernel.txt
radio	- executes logcat as follows [b]logcat -b radio -f <filename>
		 filename = <external storage>/<current date+time>_radio.txt
logcan - starts CAN bus logging app

1199	- enables/disables HZC_MENU . I don't know what it is
v5555	- Enables/disables Video while driving. Enable also removes "Watching video" under Car settings
hcttest + up to 3 digits - not tested yet.

There are also up to 2 passwords, which are stored on device. Action same like with password: 126 . Probably one of them set to 126.
EDIT:
On _GS Device in MCU stored passwords

126 - opens facotry settings app
3333 - opens facotry settings app, only logo change screen

 

[scubee]

Hey there
i noticed the changelog has a Kernel G sensor... can someone just help me verify if the unit comes with a G sensor/ accelerometer built in? would be fun to have that on with the OBD torque app.

 

[aarick]

Radio channel to my dash display is working now. Not sure what changes made it work. But I did turn off canbus and turn it back on.
EDIT: Issue comes and goes. Still ongoing.

New issue I found is that I'm not getting sound to the rear speakers. Might be just specific to my unit or model as I have an Audi specific xtrons model. Have emailed the seller. Anyone have similar experience?
Strange thing is that no sounds are coming through the rca cables. Even with all 4 unplugged, the front speakers still producing sound.
EDIT: RESOLVED, didn't realise the speakers are treated as amp and I needed to plug in the amp control cable.

 

[saz92]

Hello, I just updated the firmware to 20170304 and I can not get the HU to turn off completely when I turn off the car, I turn off the car and when I turn it on after several hours, the HU does not start a cold start Fast and I have the open applications of the previous session. What I can do to turn off the entire HU and when I start the car I make the cold start.

In the factory options I have here these parameters, I do not know if they will influence.

I do not know what the KNOB MODE ...

 

[aarick]

Hello, I just updated the firmware to 20170304 and I can not get the HU to turn off completely when I turn off the car, I turn off the car and when I turn it on after several hours, the HU does not start a cold start Fast and I have the open applications of the previous session. What I can do to turn off the entire HU and when I start the car I make the cold start.

In the factory options I have here these parameters, I do not know if they will influence.

I do not know what the KNOB MODE ...

I don't have access to my head unit at the moment, but I remember seeing an option called Default power status or something like that. Maybe that will do what you want?

I prefer it staying always on but in standby.

I'm also curious about the knob mode and what that does?

 

[Ga73]

Hi, received this update this morning if anyone's interested.. ?

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjrY0uqbW_kBgxd715vm7ZcxK6yR

 

[trap63]

Hi, received this update this morning if anyone's interested..

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjrY0uqbW_kBgxd715vm7ZcxK6yR

Hi mate, who is the people you are in contact to?
Can you forward a request to enable (accept) "ODB Link MX" naming in pairing? This BT is not so cheaper ($80) and therefore isn't "market destroyer" for their Xtrons ELM, they could avoid to lock BT in accordance to Google's rules for MMallow>+.

 

[drukhadze]

Yesterday i lost all data on both sd-cards. I think that was already second time. Have someone noticed such problem?

Hey there
i noticed the changelog has a Kernel G sensor... can someone just help me verify if the unit comes with a G sensor/ accelerometer built in? would be fun to have that on with the OBD torque app.

I don't have any G-Sensor. Elixir sees, that there is G-Sensor enabled, but no I don't get any reaction on it.
Probably hardware part is missing. Maybe some of unit versions have this sensor.

If some chip is built in, under "Extra settings" G-Sensor sensitivity setting will be displayed

I don't have access to my head unit at the moment, but I remember seeing an option called Default power status or something like that. Maybe that will do what you want?

This option has some other function. HU state while next power up

On - normal boot
Off - boot to standby mode. Display while boot disabled. No info about sound, while my HU still not installed
Memory the status of last - boot to last state

Hi, received this update this morning if anyone's interested..

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjrY0uqbW_kBgxd715vm7ZcxK6yR

This is the update from ro.build.date=Sat Mar 4 09:13:37 CST 2017, same as linked in #2

 

[aarick]

Hi, received this update this morning if anyone's interested..

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AjrY0uqbW_kBgxd715vm7ZcxK6yR

I just downloaded and looks like update.img is the same as the 170304 one, but dmcu.img has a different date. I wonder what has changed as the change log is the same. I'll upload just the dmcu.img for anyone that doesn't want to download the whole file

 

[aarick]

Anyone can get MTCD tools working? Tried it, but it's not recognising my steering wheel buttons.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/mtcd-discussion-questions-development/release-mtcdtools-control-music-players-t3436789

I'm assuming that it's probably written for android lollipop and doesn't work on marshmallow.