I can't wait to get started on my installation, I may have a couple of days free next week, I might have to set up a test rig on the bench.........

 

It truly is... I like it better than the Sync3 setup in the 2016 Escape.

I found the test bench procedure very helpful and convenient. It allowed me to familiarize myself with the head unit operation and set everything up at the comfort of my table with a big mug of hot chocolate. My garage is not heated or cooled, so spring and fall are the best times to be out there, but winter is off season for camping, so there is that to consider.

Rob, you have my contact details in case you have any questions or concerns you need immediate help with. Although, since you have an S8, Jeff may be your best point of contact.

We all look forward to your progress. Feel free to post pictures here or if you make your own thread, a link to it posted here would be a welcome addition.

 

@MountainManRobb just gave me a great idea after posting in a thread I created over in the 5th wheel section on 11/19/2019 which I have linked below.He reminded me of the app that is able to be utilized and now that I have an Android head unit, I can install the app on the head unit. Thanks for pointing out the obvious to me MountainManRobb!

TSD Logistics Fuel Program?

Here is the link to the app that TSD came out with a little while back in case anyone is interested: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ueldiscountapp

 

Is there any reason if planning to use a usb dongle you couldn’t use a different head unit? I’m trying to decide what one would be best and while you definitely have done a ton of research into it, wasn’t the initial direction so you could use Bluetooth for the scanner? I’m definitely looking at the A6 pro since it has so many reviews online but didnt know if there would be another brand that would be a better choice.

 

No, no reason at all. The USB dongle apparently works with any Android head unit, it does NOT need to be from ATOTO.

Yes, I was originally planning to go with a BT dongle, which is why ATOTO was key. ATOTO is the only head unit in this price range with dual BT antennas and receivers. BT1 is for phone, media and audio and BT2 is for data like an OBD dongle. It can even connect to the internet via a BT connection provided by a smartphone instead of using the phone as a WiFi hotspot. Most people do not know this is a capability, but it is...

Really it comes down to what you like and what you desire out of an Android head unit. Each company has their own "flavor" of the Android OS, but those are highly customizable for the most part. Even then, you can install a custom "loader" which changes the buttons, layout and just about everything. Some of the loaders cost around $5 or so, but some are free.

You can see some of those custom loader screens in post #82: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19604047

The top image is what my screen looks like with the subdued U.S. flag, but the ones below that are the custom loaders. If you really wanted to get froggy, you could "root" the OS and do whatever you like, but that can be like messing with the registry of your Windows computer, tread lightly and keep track of your changes...

There are so many choices out there that it is literally mind boggling. I selected ATOTO because SkySkiJason is a good friend of mine and has had the unit for quite a while. Then Jeff (BWST) who is another friend of mine bought one for his gas guzzler and liked it. The dual BT was a major selling point too, but looking back, it was not required.

I hope this helps. If not, let me know and I we can discuss it here or I can give you my phone number and we can have a conversation about the ATOTO and your options.

 

FTE'r Eaglescout94 and I just had a productive conversation on the phone. I was able to address his questions and give him a better idea of what was involved with installing and using the ATOTO (or another Android head unit) in our 7.3L PSD's.

I hope he finds peace in his decision and enjoys the project/upgrade he chooses.

 

It was a good conversation for sure. Ended up ordering the a6 pro with its own usb dongle and backup camera. Hopefully will have it in hand and possibly install next weekend

 

That was quick!

I guess I did a fair job of addressing your concerns. As I said on the phone sir, do not hesitate to post, text me or call me if you run into a hiccup. I wish you the best of luck and feel very confident in your ability to install, configure and enjoy the ATOTO A6 Pro.

 

Today I moved the truck from the back of the property up to the driveway since we are headed on a beach camping trip next Saturday and are looking to get 3 days of rain next week. It is just easier and less messy when the ground is firm and dry.

I tested the newly established FORScan gauges and the process of moving the short logs from the head unit to the USB drive. Using the built in file manager, I simply copied them from the default location (Download) to the USB thumb drive, then deleted them from the default location.

This is how I saved them quickly as the truck was warming up, then after a very short drive up the road to make sure the gauges were set properly.

 

thanks for the Pm on the SM.

I have read through most of this and will be doing a test run install Sunday if I get time.

 

You are very welcome, I hope the SM serves you well.

I thought I saw a head unit in your "pile-o-parts" in your thread. Let me know if you get stuck or need some advice. I am not an expert on these things by any means, but I managed to coerce mine into being exactly what I wanted.

 

I got mine installed and started playing with it some. Since I plan on using forscan as a gauge setup i tried to find the app, it cost money, i tried to transfer Forscan from my laptop via flashdrive, no dice. Is it possible to copy it from my laptop somehow or am I gonna have ti soend a few bucks for it again?

 

If you already paid for FORScan Lite from the Google Play store in the past, you do NOT have to pay for FSL again.

If this is your first time using/installing FSL on an android device there is a one time $5 fee. Then, it us yours and available to you on any future Android devices you have. I believe I have FSL installed on 4 different devices at the moment.

There is no way to transfer the PC version of FORScsn to an Android device that I am aware of.

 

I have not paid for the Lite version I believe, just the standard version for the laptop. I assume like the PC version the lite version will give me a code or saved in my google profile that works on other devices. I’ll be playing with the radio for a while I imagine to get it all setup and simple looking

 

Is that right, Sous? I tried adding FSL to the A6 in my Yukon, having already installed it previously on my S7 phone. Play store still wanted $5. Same when I fired up the S8. I've given Playstore/FSL $15 bucks so far. I thought I had to pay by device. I wonder what I did wrong. Maybe I did not sign in correctly and it thought I was a new user?