I’ve been researching options to build a DIY Android Auto head unit in my 2005 Subaru WRX. In this video, I test out Open Auto Pro to see if it will work for my upcoming car project.
Open Auto Pro is a $29 paid version of the open source Open Auto software. It adds features like Android Auto, Carplay, FM radio, and more. I’ll provide my first impressions in this review.
Hardware Needed
To use Open Auto Pro, you need to get a few additional hardware pieces:
- A USB sound card – required for audio out
- An amp – I purchased a 4 channel 50W model for $26 to power speakers
- Potentially a Carplay dongle – for about $10 more
The tricky part is finding a screen that fits. Most double DIN screens are 100mm tall but my trim bezel is 99mm. I had to find a special 100mm display.
Walkthrough of the Software
Booting up Open Auto Pro, you are greeted with a main menu screen. Options include:
- Phone – for contacts and calling
- Android Auto – mirror your phone (not tested yet)
- Auto Box – Apple Carplay interface
- Phone mirroring
- Reverse camera – if added
- Dashboard – fully customizable gauge cluster!
In Dashboard settings, I can add any gauges I want like a tachometer, speedometer, etc. It will pull data from an OBD2 scanner.
You can also jump into music settings. An equalizer is available to tweak sound quality and loudness.
Applications include an FM tuner app if you add radio hardware. Volume and screen brightness are adjustable too.
Overall, the settings are very robust. You can tweak things like DPI, resolution, Bluetooth, etc. Auto starts on boot so it’s ready to use immediately.
Final Thoughts
- Boot time is fast – under 30 seconds
- Software is very customizable for car use
- Has both Android Auto and Carplay options
- Supports FM radio, back up cameras, and more
I’ll need to do more testing once fully wired in my car. But so far, Open Auto Pro looks very promising as an open source head unit option. Here’s the OpenAuto Install Guide that was completed after this article was written. Enjoy!
○○○ LINKS ○○○
openauto pro ► bluewavestudio.io
4x 50w amp ► https://amzn.to/3vtXZyO
7inch touch screen ► https://amzn.to/3pSc9IO
