Ca-Fi DASHLINQ4 801000 Android HU

[iammike]

So I'm looking pretty hard at this HU but I'm car audio stupid and not sure what I would need to keep steering wheel control and function with the Bose OEM system.

Can't find much info out there on this unit beyond one guy that has done several videos in a FRS so I'm guessing it's pretty new.

CA-FI DASHLINQ4 801000 SUITABLE FOR MAZDA 3 (2011~2012)

[JDS3]

Hi, I just installed this HU on my 2010 MS3 (with Bose) this weekend. As far as SWC, the audio controls (fwd/back/volume/mode buttons) still work, but the bluetooth phone buttons (answer/hang up, etc) do not. You don't need anything extra for the SWC - it's all integrated into the wiring harness that comes with the HU.

[iammike]

How is the sound on the Bose? Did you have to do any special wiring? On the Eonon unit I have, you had to cut and splice wires to RCA's so you could run them to pre-outs or else the output would be twice amplified and stupidly loud even on lower volume settings.

[JDS3]

No, I did not do that. But now that you mention it, the sound is a bit louder now. For music the max volume that I use is 13-14 out of 40, whereas before I was using 30-35 out of whatever the max was (40? 50?). I do not consider it a problem though, as I just keep the volume lower. Also some YouTube videos that I have tested were pretty quiet, so I had to turn it up a bit for those.



As far as sound quality, I would say it's pretty good for car listening. Compared to the old unit, there is better depth overall, and louder highs. The sub is much more noticeable now - with the old system I thought bass was lacking. The sound across all frequencies is perhaps a little less crisp, but for some reason I still find it easier to pick out details. And of course you have better equalizer control than before.



I am getting a little static/interference that is noticeable at quiet portions of songs, so I will need to see if I can fix that.

[MS3Shadow]

i'm also looking in that HU also.
@JDS3; can post pictures of yours installed, the website only has stock photo.

[JDS3]

Will try to take some this weekend.

[5doorsoffury]

Originally Posted by JDS3 No, I did not do that. But now that you mention it, the sound is a bit louder now. For music the max volume that I use is 13-14 out of 40, whereas before I was using 30-35 out of whatever the max was (40? 50?).

This is because you are feeding line level wattage (9-11wRMS) into a amplifier (Bose) that takes a much lower signal.

The Peripheral ISVE61 or equivalent can be used to fix the volume control and would probably increase the SQ a bit.

Its common when putting aftermarket radios into cars with factory amped systems.

[JDS3]

Here's a couple of pics. One of the overall install, and one of the center console (I took out the aux jack and put the USB ports in its place).

[iammike]

Most annoying thing about my current Eonon unit is that the screen is too dark in the day time and too bright at night even though it dims when I turn on my headlights.

How would you rate the Ca-Fi? I wish some of these units would let you set different values for lights on and lights off.

[MS3Shadow]

Also the description says android.
There should a way to config the brightness with that.

sent from my HTC One M8

[JDS3]

Originally Posted by iammike Most annoying thing about my current Eonon unit is that the screen is too dark in the day time and too bright at night even though it dims when I turn on my headlights. How would you rate the Ca-Fi? I wish some of these units would let you set different values for lights on and lights off.

With the screen at full brightness, I have no problems seeing it during the day. There was once when the sun was shining directly on it, and it was a little difficult to see, but that doesn't happen very often (I would be more worried if I had a sun roof). It's got a screen saver (shown in my picture above), that comes on after 30sec, and is dark enough that the screen doesn't bother me at night. However, I have not done much night driving since I installed it, so take that with a grain of salt.

At night (determined either by headlights on or time, your choice), a back light comes on so that you can see the physical button icons, but it doesn't actually dim the screen. As far as I can tell, you can only adjust the brightness manually through the settings menu. Maybe there's an app that can do it automatically? I haven't looked.

[iammike]

You could probably use an app like Lux or Tasker to accomplish something...though it wouldn't be able to go by your headlights. It would have to be set by time or something.

Worst case, you could make a Tasker shortcut on the desktop to change the brightness.

[hamfisted]

Looks like it includes the OBD2 adapter. Does it work with Android Torque app, or is there another OBD app included?

[MS3Shadow]

What does the OBD2 adapter do for the Ca-Fi?

Since I have my Accessport installed in mine.

sent from my HTC One M8

[swd120]

Originally Posted by MS3Shadow What does the OBD2 adapter do for the Ca-Fi? Since I have my Accessport installed in mine. sent from my HTC One M8

ODB2 adapter lets you do the gauges from your AP - but on the bigger HU screen. If you haven't checked out Dash Command, do it! Their interfaces are so much more capable than what Torque gives you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKEY1kZdhGo

Home - DashXL.net

EDIT: Also - with the CAFI USB->ODB2 support it should read PID's a shitload faster than chinese android HU's where you have to go bluetooth. It remains to be seen if it can read as fast as the AP can. Someone should test it ;-)

http://ca-fi.com/en/archives/890

[andrewz17]

Yeah I believe the DashLinq4 just came out in March but I remember there was a older Dashlinq from early 2013 if maybe that helps you find anything...

[vlp123]

Does the GPS app work without a wifi connection?

[andrewz17]

Originally Posted by vlp123 Does the GPS app work without a wifi connection?

Since it is android based, most people install their own preferred GPS app via Google Play Store such as Waze, Navigon, Sygic, etc.
So if you have an offline maps app, then it should work fine without wifi after you download the app/maps

[Inferno]

I have this unit installed on my Mazda 3, coming from the Eonon unit. I can say it's a real improvement.

Using copilot as navigation software is a good improvement. Also you get a lot of options back. Did root the unit for testing purposes and it all works.

So for me this will probably stay in the car.
Pros:
- Steering wheel controls works perfect (and is adjustable)
- It's fast
- iPOD function works perfect, also with my iPone 5S
- Bluetooth works better than with the Eonon
- People can hear me better with this microphone

Cons:
- The build quality is somewhat lower than the Eonon
- No information on the Mazda display (only saying "Navigation system", with the Eonon iPoD was displayed or the freq. of the Radio). But I don't miss it.
- Radio functionality can be improved (but I use spotify now more, or other radio app over internet)

[JDS3]

Update on screen brightness... I installed the most recent firmware and the screen now dims when headlights go on.

[emre1252]

Hi Buddy. I need your help. I m going to buy one of these. Can you make më an advice? Which one should i buy? Please. Thank you.

CA-FI DASHLINQ4 801000 SUITABLE FOR MAZDA 3 (2010~2013)

GA5163 8"L 2Din Large Screen Car DVD Player GPS Android BT Touch Radio Mazda3 CD | eBay

[Inferno]

The second one looks like an eonon one (http://m.eonon.com/productshow.aspx?pno=GA5163)
Since it's a new product I think there isn't a lot of experience.
Until now I'm quite happy the ca-fi

[emre1252]

Originally Posted by Inferno The second one looks like an eonon one (GA5163,Specific-Car-GPS,Car-GPS at Eonon.com) Since it's a new product I think there isn't a lot of experience. Until now I'm quite happy the ca-fi

Thanks. Some people say you cant listen to music from your phone via USB with ca-fi. Is it right? And can you personalize the openning screen logo? (Mazda logo for ex.) Thank you for your answer buddy.

[g00s3y]

Originally Posted by Inferno The second one looks like an eonon one (GA5163,Specific-Car-GPS,Car-GPS at Eonon.com) Since it's a new product I think there isn't a lot of experience. Until now I'm quite happy the ca-fi

The older WinCE units from Eonon are pretty much the exact same thing. The OS is Android now, has a better (albeit, minor) processor and a little more RAM I believe. The touchscreen is now capacitive, which is much better than the resistive screens they had before, a lot more accurate when using your fingers. Also the speed of the unit overall SHOULD be quicker now with android. Not to mention with the Eonon units you get to keep all of your steering wheel controls.

I had the G5163, the GA5163 is basically the same with the changes I stated, plus I'm sure a few others. Plus get it from Eonon now and you get a free backup camera and 3g dongle. I'll be purchasing soon.

[emre1252]

So You prefer Eonon rather than CA-Fİ

[BAT-man]

Originally Posted by g00s3y The older WinCE units from Eonon are pretty much the exact same thing. The OS is Android now, has a better (albeit, minor) processor and a little more RAM I believe. The touchscreen is now capacitive, which is much better than the resistive screens they had before, a lot more accurate when using your fingers. Also the speed of the unit overall SHOULD be quicker now with android. Not to mention with the Eonon units you get to keep all of your steering wheel controls. I had the G5163, the GA5163 is basically the same with the changes I stated, plus I'm sure a few others. Plus get it from Eonon now and you get a free backup camera and 3g dongle. I'll be purchasing soon.

I thought with Eonon you lose the bluetooth steering wheel controls?

[geekd4d]

Originally Posted by BAT-man I thought with Eonon you lose the bluetooth steering wheel controls?

You do.

[leach0789]

Does anyone know if any of these will work in a 2013 w/ Bose?

[BAT-man]

Unless you have Nav (tech-pack), 2010-2013 are all the same.

[insain]

I have a 2013 with Tech package. Has anyone had any issues with the Ca-Fi swap?

[HoodieWeather]

Coming from Eonon I enjoy the DASHLINQ4 801000 SUITABLE FOR MAZDA 3 (2010~2013) unit a lot more, I think I'll pick it up, granted I'm an Iphone user. Umm.. I also got a google account, so I should just be fine. The price is rather high, but you get what you pay for.