Mangtoos
05-08-2014, 01:27 AM
I just received my Eonon GM5151 unit today, and have begun the process of figuring out how to install this into my 2005 Mazda 3 without causing any problems. The GM5151 is pretty much the same thing as the D5151, but it includes a NFC reader/controller that is supposed to allow for quick connection and screen mirroring of any android device. It was only $40 extra, so I figured it was worth it since I'm looking to have a Nexus 7 on the dash as well. I'm going to hopefully document my progress as I go, and provide my opinion of the GM model is worth the additional cost over the D model. Once successful, I'll likely start doing more with this and experiment with reverse/dash cam installation and AV input methods, different GPS software, etc.. I'll try to update this thread as I do that. This could be considered a mini how to and review.
This unit is for 2004-2009 models, but I'm calling out 2004-2005 because the LCD screen on these cars are not compatible with the Eonon 5151 (or pretty much anything similar). I don't get fancy temperature displays or any information about my car today. This means, as is, it will be blank and unusable. I purchased a 2008 LCD screen off of ebay for $40 off of a crashed car, and plan to wire this into the existing canbus to make it work.
Hopefully this will be useful to someone.
1. Unboxing
After removing the package paper and bubble wrap, the box is revealed:
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s1.jpg
Which has the documentation nicely placed at the top when you first open it.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s2.jpg
Under the foam:
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s3.jpg
Overall I'm quite impressed with the packaging. It's a good first impression. Almost everything I order from China comes loosely wrapped in bubble wrap which is package taped up and shipped. This was packaged in such a manner that there is little chance of damage.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s4.jpg
There are a ton of connectors and components, which makes me excited. All of the cables were bagged or have plastic caps on them to prevent damage. I'm used to antenna ports with covers, but even all of the video cables were capped which would prevent input interference or accidental shorts for connections you may not use. Quite impressed.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g1.jpg
One thing that concerns me right away is the GPS module. Reading reviews and issues, I've noticed many people have complained about a lack of GPS reception from this unit. This leads me to my next task, making sure this isn't a problem for me.
2. GPS
Since the GPS will be mounted under the dash monster tons of wires and metal (which may act as unintentional antennas) I suspect their will be tremendous amount of EM interference where this thing will be installed, and it doesn't appear that it is designed to help mitigate that. Now you could route this thing outside of the dash, and maybe put it on your roof (which would work very well), but that isn't very practical, nor would it be pretty.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g2.jpg
I opened up the GPS to take a look what I was dealing with, and to confirm the antenna position. The GPS appears to be a fairly common external antenna which you can purchase from China for about $5-$10 with shipping. I'm not sure on the update frequency, but it's probably pretty bad (1hz or so). I'm going to see what I can do with this, but this might be worth replacing at some point. Unfortunately the underside of the antenna is covered with a metal box which is soldered to the board, so it would be too much of a pain in the ass to add an SMD RF filter inside, so I'm limited to controlling the EM reduction from the outside.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g3.jpg
I double routed both ends of the cables through ferrite rings to reduce the EM interference along the cabling itself. I also put copper shielding along the bottom and sides of the unit to block as much EM interference from hitting the antenna itself from below. Since I plan to mount this at the top of the dash from below, the only thing above the antenna should be plastic and window. This is probably the best I can do without replacing the GPS outright. Hopefully it's enough.
1. LCD Screen Wiring
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/l1.jpg
Next on my list of things to do is get the 2008 LCD screen ready to mount inside the harness. I'm thinking I want to keep the existing connector intact as is, so I've opened it up to look around for the best place to connect the cables I'll be connecting into the canbus. It looks like splitting the wires in the existing connector is probably my best path.
To be continued....
This unit is for 2004-2009 models, but I'm calling out 2004-2005 because the LCD screen on these cars are not compatible with the Eonon 5151 (or pretty much anything similar). I don't get fancy temperature displays or any information about my car today. This means, as is, it will be blank and unusable. I purchased a 2008 LCD screen off of ebay for $40 off of a crashed car, and plan to wire this into the existing canbus to make it work.
Hopefully this will be useful to someone.
1. Unboxing
After removing the package paper and bubble wrap, the box is revealed:
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s1.jpg
Which has the documentation nicely placed at the top when you first open it.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s2.jpg
Under the foam:
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s3.jpg
Overall I'm quite impressed with the packaging. It's a good first impression. Almost everything I order from China comes loosely wrapped in bubble wrap which is package taped up and shipped. This was packaged in such a manner that there is little chance of damage.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/s4.jpg
There are a ton of connectors and components, which makes me excited. All of the cables were bagged or have plastic caps on them to prevent damage. I'm used to antenna ports with covers, but even all of the video cables were capped which would prevent input interference or accidental shorts for connections you may not use. Quite impressed.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g1.jpg
One thing that concerns me right away is the GPS module. Reading reviews and issues, I've noticed many people have complained about a lack of GPS reception from this unit. This leads me to my next task, making sure this isn't a problem for me.
2. GPS
Since the GPS will be mounted under the dash monster tons of wires and metal (which may act as unintentional antennas) I suspect their will be tremendous amount of EM interference where this thing will be installed, and it doesn't appear that it is designed to help mitigate that. Now you could route this thing outside of the dash, and maybe put it on your roof (which would work very well), but that isn't very practical, nor would it be pretty.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g2.jpg
I opened up the GPS to take a look what I was dealing with, and to confirm the antenna position. The GPS appears to be a fairly common external antenna which you can purchase from China for about $5-$10 with shipping. I'm not sure on the update frequency, but it's probably pretty bad (1hz or so). I'm going to see what I can do with this, but this might be worth replacing at some point. Unfortunately the underside of the antenna is covered with a metal box which is soldered to the board, so it would be too much of a pain in the ass to add an SMD RF filter inside, so I'm limited to controlling the EM reduction from the outside.
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/g3.jpg
I double routed both ends of the cables through ferrite rings to reduce the EM interference along the cabling itself. I also put copper shielding along the bottom and sides of the unit to block as much EM interference from hitting the antenna itself from below. Since I plan to mount this at the top of the dash from below, the only thing above the antenna should be plastic and window. This is probably the best I can do without replacing the GPS outright. Hopefully it's enough.
1. LCD Screen Wiring
http://custodela.com/p/eonon/l1.jpg
Next on my list of things to do is get the 2008 LCD screen ready to mount inside the harness. I'm thinking I want to keep the existing connector intact as is, so I've opened it up to look around for the best place to connect the cables I'll be connecting into the canbus. It looks like splitting the wires in the existing connector is probably my best path.
To be continued....