ALP Connect doesn't see BT Module

[citrus]

I just installed a new Intel Sofia based Joying head unit in my vehicle today. On the head unit I can see the Bluetooth device from the settings app (and even my August Smart Lock)

http://www.crsi.ca/web_images/alp-02.jpg

However, when I "scan" for the bluetooth device within the app, it doesn't see it.

http://www.crsi.ca/web_images/alp-01.jpg

Any idea what the problem might be?

[BestRadarDetectors]

Your device probably does not support BT 4.0 properly. Not many of these devices work with ALP Connect.

[citrus]

I don't believe so, as the head unit itself can see the ALP BT module and pair with it with the OS Settings app. These aren't the same old cheap, crap MTCD based head units from before that used the RockChip 3188 controller. These are a new generation with Intel CPU's and yes, they support Bluetooth 4.0.

https://www.joyingauto.com/joying-us-warehouse-7-inch-touch-screen-android-car-auto-radio-with-internal-digital-amp.html

All other apps I've tried are able to connect to Bluetooth devices just fine, for example, Torque and Dash Command connect to my OBDLink MX BT device just fine. So do BT mice and keyboards, so it doesn't appear to be a problem with the BT stack or implementation but something with ALP Connect. The August app also connects to my door lock, which is a BT 4.0 device.

I'd really like to get this working if you could provide some suggestions or contact the developer.

[winterbrew]

shanetrainST

He's the expert on this :)

[shanetrainST]

Ah.. yes.. Intel Sofia units, great unit but crap Chinese programming.

I have not tried it on my unit for a little bit, but I think Joyless Auto messed with the kernel to prevent Bluetooth devices (Very recently) but ALP did work.


May I suggest visiting XDA and hit up GTX, he maintains a custom firmware.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/rom-gtx-joying-stock-rom-2018-01-29-t3742482

Another guy is LBdroid on github, he started to rewrite the rom and apps (from scratch), his early firmware was good but un-usable but he know the most about the hardware and inner working of the system.


Also don’t bother contacting Joying as they are useless, same with all the Chinese units!!!!

[shanetrainST]

Ah.. yes.. Intel Sofia units, great unit but crap Chinese programming.

I have not tried it on my unit for a little bit, but I think Joyless Auto messed with the kernel to prevent Bluetooth devices (Very recently) but ALP did work.


May I suggest visiting XDA and hit up GTX, he maintains a custom firmware.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/rom-gtx-joying-stock-rom-2018-01-29-t3742482

Another guy is LBdroid on github, he started to rewrite the rom and apps (from scratch), his early firmware was good but un-usable but he know the most about the hardware and inner working of the system.


Also don’t bother contacting Joying as they are useless, same with all the Chinese units!!!!

[citrus]

Shane, no, they didnt mess with the kernel on this one. The Bluetooth stack and menu are fully accessible in the OS. I am already running GTX's custom alpha rom and I did ask him first before posting here. I'm certain its a problem with the ALP App. I'm fully aware that Joying is useless, this isnt my first head unit from them, I had the previous MTCD ones with the RK3188 and they were junk.

Can you elaborate on this? I'm not sure what yoiu meant by "ALP did work", On what hardware/Rom?
I have not tried it on my unit for a little bit, but I think Joyless Auto messed with the kernel to prevent Bluetooth devices (Very recently) but ALP did work.

[shanetrainST]

The last time ALP connect worked for me was a 2017 September/November build (I think) then stopped working at January.

It might be possible to downgrade and test it, I think GTX has a file on his mirror called Stock_keys_test that has been signed with superdaves keys and it should be a stock Joying rom from September, U can remain on custom keys and flash it.

IF u do try downgrade, there is a risk of bricking, so please be aware.

GTX is a wizard at these units, hopefully he can work a fix out

I have MCU problems with mine but as soon as I sort it I will see if I can get it to work