Oh, one thing to note....in the video, i'm using a USB to 3.5mm converter which basically fools the Sensus into thinking an iPod is connected. I thought i'd try this to improve the audio quality from the system but having replaced the Isudar box, the Blueooth quality seems much better when not running Android Auto, so i've now stopped using this and rely on the bluetooth connection only.

 

Wondering if you can answer any of my questions? I saw your comments on the original Isudar thread and for me, they're priced basically the same at around CAD$360 so I'm trying to see which one would be a better fit overall.

I'm curious to know if this or the Isudar kit needs bluetooth to be connected in order for audio to play in Apple Carplay? I'm looking to use Apple Carplay wired , but I've done my fair share of testing and feel like with the B&W system, it ruins the audio quality if anything is played via bluetooth. Spotify being played natively via Sensus sounds the best (but the native Spotify app on Sensus is slow as balls so I never use it), next would be wired Apple Carplay, and bluetooth audio sounds the worst compared to the other two.

 

Can't help with Carplay unfortunately as I've always been an Android user.

What I have managed to discover though is that the audio quality on my (very) old iPod (160gb, non-touch) and the Hualingan Bluetooth are comparable. Compared to the sensus Spotify app I'd say it's almost as good as the high quality setting, but obviously not as good as the Extreme setting.

 

I'm going to order the hualingan after reading your post. I've always hated the Sensus UI only using half the screen, and have been looking for a way to play videos (youtube, netflix, etc.) when I'm parked and waiting for my kids' various activities. Hualingan sounds like a great solution!

Will place an order via aliexpress (although I think I found Hualingan's direct website selling it for US $385).

 

Does night mode work with Hualingan?
With Hualingan, is phone paired to both Sensus and Hualingan box or just to Hualingan box.
Does Hualingan use car microphone or only Sensus microphone?
Does Hualingan require use of 3.5mm jack or can it connect to car via Sensus bluetooh?

Thank you!

 

So, bit complex the answer here.....and because, like the Isudar box, the solution is a bit of a fudge/workaround.

I have my Phone paired with the Car for Phone calls. The Phone is also paired with the Hualingan box which allows the user to see and make calls from the Hualingan Android launcher.*

The Hualingan box is paired with the car as a Media Source also using a specific app that is installed. This is what transmits the audio to the car.

Phone calls use the Car's existing microphone, but if you want Google Voice control, you need to install the supplied microphone in the Hualingan box.

* I actually unpaired my phone from the Hualingan box as I didn't find the system useful for phone calls. It is just easier to use the Car's system rather than navigate the Hualingan app.

I'm not sure if night mode works or not as I have mine permanently set to dark anyway. I'm also away from my car for a week now so can't check for you sorry!

 

I thought the audio was transmitted to the car via Sensus aux in?

 

It can be...

I'm using Bluetooth though as there was NO discernable difference in quality for me at the end of the day.

The quality is definitely better than Isudar BT.

 

The Hualingan box is paired with the car as a Media Source also using a specific app that is installed. This is what transmits the audio to the car.

Is this an app on the Hualingan box?

Did you try making calls using Android Auto? I think I am going to basically use this as Full Screen Android auto and not use the native Android OS.

 

Yes. Android Auto works fine. I just prefer the full Spotify and Google Maps experience...

 

silo24 Thank you for all the repsonses.

Now trying to figure out the difference with the pricing and the models of the Hualingan products.

From Hualingan's website, https://www.dvdplayer.com.cn/ , there only seems to be one model the HL-601. The Ali Express add's tend to not list the model or the hardware specs. I really only need the AA capabilities, but want the best hardware so wouldn't mind spending more of the full Android box has better hardware.

 

There are a couple of models on AliExpress. If it says Android, it'll be the HL-601.

They also have a stripped back version which is 'just' AA/Carplay which seems a bit cheaper.

Currently in Cafe Mambo in Ibiza and next responses likely to be a little less coherent! 🤣🤣🤣

 

I talked to the Hualingan people on Aliexpress about the differences between the Full Android version and the Carplay/AndroidAuto only version.

The Android version runs Android and is Snapdragon. The non Android version runs linux and is not based on Qualcomm cpu. They mentioned that the Android unit should receive firmware updates but that the Carplay/AA version would not.

I think I am going to get the Carplay/AA version as I do not expect to use the Android interface.

 

@Glennda5id would be great if you can share your experience installing and using the AA version

 

I have a question related, but not directly..
Do you happen to know how to route an aftermarket front camera front engine bay to this box? I am considering adding a front camera to this box, just trying to figure out how first..

 

Nice work! Looking to add this in this week after reviewing the detail from Isudar and Hualigan you posted. For the full Spotify experience does that require the module to be connected to Wifi via phone's hotspot or Volvo's modem?

 

Could any XC40 owners tell me if they have installed this module? I would like to know where the module can be installed inside the car.

 

Just received the Ai (Android OS) version similar to silo24 yesterday and installing this weekend. I'll post a recap...

 

Nice! I'm on the fence about which one. I don't think I would ever use it for anything other than Android Auto which is why I might take the cheaper one. I'll let you guys know which and provide feedback though. I will buy within the next month or so.

 

Thank you for this post, I have just ordered a Hualingan box for £300 with various Black Friday codes. Looking forward to having Google Maps back in the car.

Out of interest, can Spotify tracks be downloaded to the Hualingan box? One of my gripes with the Volvo system is the buffering etc.

Final question, there is mention of an an LTE/GPS antenna, are these provided with the unit or will I need to purchase separately?

 

Right now with ali $60 off $399+ The full Android box is $382 vs the AndroidAuto/Carplay box which is normal price of $280.

@silo24 If you have Full Android Box configured for Android Auto does it automatically come up to Android Auto mode and start paying music etc with the full edition or do you need to select Android Auto App to use Android Auto. (assuming its already been configured once)

 

Just to add to this thread, I purchased the Hualingan box to install into my Bowers & Wilkins equiped XC90. Unfortunately I am rather underwhelmed with sound quality of the Hualingan box through the B&W system which is quieter in overall volume and sound quality significantly worse when flicking between Spotify on the Hualingan and Spotify on the Sensus system.

The picture quality is good and whilst the system has a little lag it is more than useable. The Hualingan might be okay on a car with a stock HiFi system but for me it doesn't cut it on the B&W system, for that reason I will be returning it and looking to purchase an OEM Volvo retrofit android auto install

 

Did you do hard wire the audio (aux in) or use bluetooth for the connection between the Hualingan and car.

 

I'd agree with your assessment on audio quality if you are comparing the Spotify 'extreme' quality to standard.

I have mine set to normal quality and it's broadly the same. In terms of volume, check the output volume on the Hualingan....mine kept getting lower but seems to have stabilised.

If you're talking about a retrofit android auto from Volvo, I guess you have a pre 2018 car?

 

I've been using the hualingan for the past 2-3 months and have mixed feelings about it.

The good:

• full screen google maps
• ability to stream videos (youtube, netflix, hbo max, etc.)

The "I can live with it":

• The wired sound is similar to bluetooth quality. I have the HK sound system (not B&W) and think the native Sensus' Spotify app sounds noticeably better than via Apple Carplay or bluetooth, so if you need that level of sound, then you'll be disappointed in the Hualingan just like you are with CarPlay/ bluetooth quality. I can live with it since I can always switch back to native Sensus' Spotify when I care enough (e.g., listening to music v. podcasts).

The "I feel so misled and want my refund":

• one of the top reasons I bought this $450ish Hualingan is so that I can put in a mobile sim card so it'll have internet and be ready to go when I start the car... well, after 2 months of trying to troubleshoot, I haven't been able to get any internet from the sim card (it does get 3G sporadically, but in today's world we need at least 4G LTE for it to be usable with google maps). I've resorted to needing to use my phone as a wifi hotspot, which requires me to manually set that up each time I get into the car. It's annoying and I wish I could return this unit and get a full refund. But I can't get any refund so I'm just living with it.

Would I purchase this again? For the price, no. Do I still use it regularly despite the annoyances? Yes.

 

I've been using the hualingan for the past 2-3 months and have mixed feelings about it.

The good:

• full screen google maps
• ability to stream videos (youtube, netflix, hbo max, etc.)

The "I can live with it":

• The wired sound is similar to bluetooth quality. I have the HK sound system (not B&W) and think the native Sensus' Spotify app sounds noticeably better than via Apple Carplay or bluetooth, so if you need that level of sound, then you'll be disappointed in the Hualingan just like you are with CarPlay/ bluetooth quality. I can live with it since I can always switch back to native Sensus' Spotify when I care enough (e.g., listening to music v. podcasts).

The "I feel so misled and want my refund":

• one of the top reasons I bought this $450ish Hualingan is so that I can put in a mobile sim card so it'll have internet and be ready to go when I start the car... well, after 2 months of trying to troubleshoot, I haven't been able to get any internet from the sim card (it does get 3G sporadically, but in today's world we need at least 4G LTE for it to be usable with google maps). I've resorted to needing to use my phone as a wifi hotspot, which requires me to manually set that up each time I get into the car. It's annoying and I wish I could return this unit and get a full refund. But I can't get any refund so I'm just living with it.

Would I purchase this again? For the price, no. Do I still use it regularly despite the annoyances? Yes.

I was originally unsure whether to swap my ISUDAR for the Hualingan, but the price is double that of the ISUDAR, so I hesitated. After seeing your post today, though, that’s completely put me off the idea of buying it. Paying double for something that offers almost identical performance just doesn’t seem worth it. The ISUDAR definitely seems to offer better value for money. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

How does Wired Apple CarPlay sound via Sensus/Native interface compared to Hualingan? Have you tried Carplay via Hualingan as well?

 

Wired carplay via Sensus sounds similar to Hualingan. I haven't tried carplay via Hualingan's android OS since I haven't found a need for it (e.g., I have access to Google Maps directly via Hualingan and can use Spotify either through my phone via bluetooth or the Spotify app via Hualingan.

I think the sound quality for all of the above is similar (think bluetooth), whereas I distinctly hear better quality sound using the native Sensus Spotify app.

 

Ideally, wired Carplay shouldn't be bluetooth, but the audio stream may still be compressed. On your phone, do you have Spotify configured for high quality audio?

 

Yes, my spotify settings are set to have the highest quality audio.

 

Could you tell us what option is selected in the drivers menu as media for Hualingan to be audible? This might give us an indication.
Thanks

 

@silo24 and @Bearoski - thanks for the info, much appreciated!

Has anyone else tried the Hualingan Carplay / AA-only device yet? Aliexpress is currently only showing 1 sold so I'm not getting my hopes up.

Also, Hualingan is really inconsistent with the model number they refer to the devices by. I've spelled them out below for reference and help avoid confusion.

HL-601GB (aka HL-601): The box running standalone Android, ~$389

HL-6011: The Linux-based Carplay / AA-only device

 

Hi All, Just wanted to update on the latest developments in my ever continuing quest for a better Infotainment experience with my XC90. If you read the Isudar V2 thread you'll know that the Android Auto experience isn't as good as we hoped it would be...the resolution isn't perfect and whilst a good system, I started getting annoyed by the resolution and lack of configurability of the system. It's simply either a CARPLAY or an Android Auto box, so limited by what configuration is provided by both Google and Isudar. In the case of Android Auto, the minimum resolution is less than ideal and this started grinding my gears over time... So I bought this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007260841216.html

Made by Hualingan, this is an Android 13 device, with a customised launcher that seems to try to replicate some of the Android Automotive visuals of the newer Volvo systems. Installation is pretty straightforward, although rather than running CAN wires to the seat base like in the Isudar model, there is a dedicated branch of the wiring loom that connects to the steering column connector. It's pretty straightforward to install, just requiring 3 screws to remove the lower cowling of the steering column. Plug and play. View attachment 258499 For the screen, there is again a Y-connector for the Data cable to the screen....orignal plug into loom, new plug into screen. For the LVDS video signal, there are two separate connectors to the box, as opposed to the Y-Connector that Isudar supply. There is also a connector that needs to be conncted to the volume control panel. Some of us with the Isudar box had these connectors but they were unused. In this case they are required. As this device is essentially a full android device, there is a need for GPS & LTE antennas, plus a microphone. I didn't install the LTE antenna but both the GPS and Mic are installed up to the overhead console, via the A pillar. Easy enough to install... Once all installed, the system boots into Android with the main screen giving you access to Navigation, Music etc. These apps can be modified. I have navigation as Google Maps and Spotify as Music. View attachment 258501 See video link below for 5 minutes of Android/Android Auto fun!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mKpLwbC9N7CcCrwD6

So, initial impressions are VERY good.

1. Screen resolution is absolutely perfect within the Android system. You have full configurability of Screen Size/Font size as per any android phone/tablet. This allows you control over how Google Maps and Spotify appear generally, but of course this is a system-wide setting.
2. Switching between the Sensus and Android system is fast. Rather than press & hold, the switch is a double-click on the Sensus screen button....OR, you can press and hold the 'menu' button on the steering wheel to achieve the same. This is defintiely an improvement over the sensus system as you don't need to take your hand of the wheel.
3. Reverse/360 Camera switching is very fast. In addition, there are some additional settings that can be accessed to delay the switch off of the camera for 5/10/15 seconds, which is really useful as it kinda replicates the Sensus method meaning that you don't lose the camera when changing gear navigating for a parking space, which is an annoyance on the Isudar unit.
4. Spotify: You get a full Spotify app experience, including visualisations and video should you want it. I've actually turned this off now as I found it distracting. Browsing and searching is easy and the screen is fully swipeable for previous/next tracks.
5. Google Maps: Depending on how you configure the font/screen sizes above, you get slightly differing layouts. But it's good. The system is VERY smooth and despite the GPS receiver being installed behind the Camera unit in the windshield, I get great location accuracy.
6. Audio quality. This is, to my ears anyway, a better audio solution than the Isudar unit. Even though both use Bluetooth, the sound is 'fuller' than when using the Isudar box. Not sure if this is simply placebo, but when using anroid auto on the Hualingan unit, the sound quality also seems a little worse. Possible some additional encapsulation happening that degrades the sound.
7. LTE: The box DOES have an LTE Modem built in, however I am not using that. I have simply connected the Box to the Volvo's Sensus wifi hotspot. Works well and reduces the number of subscriptions i'm paying for!

Now for a note on Android Auto... The system uses an App called ZLINK5 to interface to your phone. Pair with bluetooth to the appropriate device (there are a few different Bluetooth devices in play here....the system has one for the Android device itself, one for the Audio output to the car and one for the ZLINK5!) an then the Android Auto screen loads up. View attachment 258502 Screen resolution is, as far as my 46 year old eyes are concerned, pretty much perfect. Physically the interface is fast and there is only one slight niggle i've discovered which is that in AA, when skipping back/forward, you seem to skip forward/backward twice, rather than once. Seems the system gets the instruction from both Android Auto and the CAN interface. So what's the verdict? I'm keeping this system. It's really flexible, allows me access to full Android and AA if I need it. Cost came in at around £400/$500 with taxes, but I personally think it's worth the premium. I've also noticed that Hualingan also do their own Android Auto/Carplay device that seems to use similar hardware, but without the Android build. This may be worth a shot for those that are happy with just AA.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007014326228.html

So, basically it costs you around $1k if you replaced the Isudar one

 

Ummm....nope. I sold the Isudar one. Total has been around $700.

I'd do it again.

 

Hello

First of all, thanks @silo24 for sharing your experience with the Isudar and the Hualingan. Based on your feedback, as well as reports from others, the Hualingan seems to be the better choice.
However, is there any footage, video, or installation guide available for setting up the box? You mentioned that the installation is quite straightforward, but it would be great if you could share more details.

Thanks in advance!

 

Hello

First of all, thanks @silo24 for sharing your experience with the Isudar and the Hualingan. Based on your feedback, as well as reports from others, the Hualingan seems to be the better choice.
However, is there any footage, video, or installation guide available for setting up the box? You mentioned that the installation is quite straightforward, but it would be great if you could share more details.

Thanks in advance!

I don't have any video for the install I can share unfortunately.....but Hualingan have several install videos on their website.

I've just checked and the XC90 one they have seems to now need a wire installed to the rear view mirror for CAN connectivity.

In my version for the XC90 and my mates XC60, the CAN connections are supplied via a dedicated T-harness that installs under the steering wheel, so doesn't sue the clip on crimp jumper things.

This is better shown in the V/S90 video:

I'm still very happy with mine and barring a couple of software issues that I'm waiting on Hualingan getting back to me on, it's been great!

 

Thanks a lot for the very fast reply! Where exactly did you find the videos on their website? I wasn’t able to locate them.
Anyway, is there also a video showing the installation in a V60?

 

Their website is awful. They have several YouTube Channels too.....which is confusing!

https://youtube.com/@Hualingan-car-multimedia

Another:

Hualingan Car Multimediea System

Our company is specialized in developing and manufacturing car DVD player, navigation and multimedia system for high end car brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Hummer, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti, Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

youtube.com

And another:

lingan Hua

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

youtube.com

For S/V/XC60, the process is the same electrically but it IS somewhat harder to remove the dash trims I believe.

Isudar actually have a video for the XC60 that may help...

 

Thx for searching and sharing the videos. I hopped that this solution will come with less effort, but seems not to be the case. Have to think about it and if I'm capable to install this box