Eonon GM5163 Review - 2012 with Bose

[bitburner]

My Review of Eonon GM5163:

I added some pictures that I took. Hopefully, they will help someone. If you search the forums and Google, you'll find the wiring diagrams.

This is my first review ever, so my only goal here is to help someone that may wish to buy this unit OR maybe the pictures will help someone... If anyone has questions, feel free to ask. I'll help if I can. I'm an electronics engineer, so I may know something!

Summary: I’m very happy with the unit. I love the way it looks in the car. I REALLY hope they release a patch to fix the MP3 issues!

My Info:

• 2012 Mazdaspeed3
• Bose system (navigation, keyless, etc…)

Severe Cons:

• I have ~2900 MP3s on a single directory on an SD card. The GM5163 only detects 2000 songs.
• I have ~2900 MP3s in multiple directories on an SD card. The GM5163 only detects 2048 songs. Yeah, this is strange! Also, with many directories the SD card takes a LONG time to load before a song starts playing.
• Update: I put the songs into three directories and the GM5163 will play all songs!
• An SD card with many songs takes a while to load (~20s with one directory and >40s with multiple directories)
• With 2000 songs detected and shuffle enabled, it takes about 20 seconds to switch songs.
• Update: With a class 10 card it changes songs faster (it is still unacceptably slow, but much better than a class 4 card)

Trivial Cons:

• An EQ would be great. It has separate treble and base, but a 5 band EQ would be much better.
• Bluetooth A2DP (streaming music from Android) - The display just shows dancing musical notes. I’d rather it show the Artist and Song. Album art would be a plus.
• On the Mazda’s left display, the display item that shows the radio preset or the artist/album/title just displays “audio off”.
• I had to modify the harness that came with the GM5163. I cut the audio wires and put male RCA plugs on them. Then plugged them into the GM5163’s low-level audio out. This really isn’t a con since they said I’d need to modify it for a Bose system. It did work without the modification, but the lowest volume setting (1) was too loud.
• Wish it would automatically re-connect to A2DP when the car starts (if A2DP was on when turned off) Update - Eonon has a patch for this one!
• A2DP doesn’t sound quite as good as the OEM radio (but it is close!)
• MP3 volume could be a little louder, but this may be just the way the Bose amp is. Probably has nothing to do with the GM5163.
• Rear USB1 - Doesn’t do anything. Eonon said it is for future use… Update - Eonon said this is for WIFI.
• The steering wheel phone control don’t work which I knew before buying the unit. I’ve read that there is an adapter that connects to the CAN bus that detects the phone buttons. I've also read that it is impossible because those buttons interface to the Mazda Bluetooth module directly. At any rate, if I figure out a way to detect the button(s), the GM5163 has two wires on the back that may be able detect them.
• Update: The trebble setting isn't applied after the car is turned off and then back on. The trebble displays the same value, but the actual sound isn't correct. If the trebble is turned up/down a notch, the audio will be corrected and match the display setting.

Pros:

• Looks awesome. It looks like it could have come from the factory.
• Quality is nice.
• The unit as a whole is very fast/responsive.
• Factory harness needed little modification with the Bose system, but other than that it worked like a charm. All other connections worked great.
• The right display shows the FM station, volume and displays the ‘mode’ the GM5163 is in. However, I wish it would display the FM station (if playing) while the navigation is running. It displays “NAV”.
• All of the documentation says the maximum memory capacity is 16GB. Well, 32GB works just fine! Even their “Live Support” said 16GB max.
• FM Radio:
• The reception is the same if not a little better than the OEM radio.
• I think the FM radio sounds better than OEM.
• The next station seek is very fast.
• The tuning knob is very fast.
• I think it looks fine.
• The only thing I think they could improve on is the area that displays the information (song title). It barely has enough room for a word let alone the whole title.
• MP3s - See Cons!
• Rear USB2 - The USB in the back of the radio can be used for any media (MP3s, Videos and Pictures)
• SD Slot on the Front - Works with 32GB cards (which they say 16GB is max). I’ve tried MP3s and divx formats.
• NAV:
• The maps that comes with the unit works well.
• I put iGo maps on it. It takes a ~10s to load. It works very well. Even with maps running the unit is very responsive.
• I placed the GPS antenna on top of the vent (see picture). It picked up ~6 satellites in my garage with good signal strength.
• While NAV is running, MP3 from the USB2 or SD card plays fine. The radio continues without issue. A2DP streaming works just fine.
• The OEM navigation works too. However, I don’t think the audio prompts work. I haven’t tried…
• Mirroring - Works like a champ. My Note 2 had a few issues, but once I figured out my phone, I fixed my phone and it works well.
• The NFC works well too.
• The GM5163 detects when the headlights are on.
• The GM5163 detects when in reverse. I don’t have the rearview camera connected yet. It’s too dang cold to install it at the moment. One minor thing, the harness that comes with the radio doesn’t have a connection for reverse specifically for the review camera. So, you’ll have splice into the GM5163’s harness (not the car’s harness). Not a big deal…
• DVDs - Plays them just fine. I wish the display could get a little brighter, but it works fine.
• Fader/Balance both work properly (yes with the Bose system). I’ve read a few places that the fader would not work and you needed a special adapter. Not true…

Update: Eonon replied back to an email with instructions on how to resume A2DP. They have a patch you have apply.

Touchscreen: It works fine for me. I've heard people say that the touchscreen isn't as great as their phone's. However, it does work nicely with leather gloves!

Installation Instructions:
I don't have any more installation pictures. I watched some youtube videos on how to install it. It is really simple.

• Put masking tape around all of your components around the radio so you don't scratch anything. For example, on the climate controls.
• Carefully, pop your vents off. I used a very thin metal shim with masking tape around it so I don't scratch anything. The vents will pop off going straight forward (to the back of the car).
• Set the vents on top of the dash. I didn't disconnect the wires to the vent module.
• Unscrew the two screws on the top side of the radio
• Pop the radio out - Don't let it drop down, you'll scratch your climate controls.
• Unplug the radio cables - One of them is a little difficult because of the angle. I'd have another person help you with this part.
• Remove the 4 plastic clips that are on the sides. You'll have to put these on your Eonon radio. Be careful not to break them!
• Modify your Eonon harness if you wish (see my review). You may have to splice into your reverse wire on the Eonon harness if you ordered the backup camera.
• Connect the harness into your Eonon radio
• Pop your Eonon radio in. Put the two screws in back in.
• At this point, I'd test it to make sure everything works. Does it turn on? Does it dim when the headlights are on? Does the display go black (or reverse camera come on) when you put the car in reverse? If you didn't modify the cable, is the lowest volume setting too high?
• Once you're satisfied, pop your vents back in.

[VRM_MS3]

nice. can't wait to install mine.

[Oni]

Only reason I won't get one is for Sat Radio... I wish they'd just add it already.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by Oni Only reason I won't get one is for Sat Radio... I wish they'd just add it already.

I hear ya, but I use Slacker Radio, maybe Pandora or worst case the SD card. At least I would use the SD card if Eonon would fix the speed and ability to detect more than 2000 songs.

It is strange that they support a digital TV tuner add-on and not a Sat Radio...

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by VRM_MS3 nice. can't wait to install mine.

If you have a Bose system, the volume from the pre-amp line-out could be a little louder. You may want to use a resistor divider from the speaker outputs to get more volume going to the Bose amp.

See this page: Speaker signal to line level

[Oni]

Originally Posted by bitburner I hear ya, but I use Slacker Radio, maybe Pandora or worst case the SD card. At least I would use the SD card if Eonon would fix the speed and ability to detect more than 2000 songs. It is strange that they support a digital TV tuner add-on and not a Sat Radio...

It may not be so bad once I move to Michigan, but in Texas, there's so much nothing that you need Sat Radio because your Cell Data will drop out and you'd lose things like Pandora all the time.

[jack_hammer]

Can you not use a small satellite radio tuner and run it in through an auxiliary input?

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk

[VRM_MS3]

Originally Posted by bitburner If you have a Bose system, the volume from the pre-amp line-out could be a little louder. You may want to use a resistor divider from the speaker outputs to get more volume going to the Bose amp. See this page: Speaker signal to line level

thanks! please do a write up once you have the rear view camera installed. never done this before but looks like it's just plug and play. i'll give it a try next weekend

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by VRM_MS3 thanks! please do a write up once you have the rear view camera installed. never done this before but looks like it's just plug and play. i'll give it a try next weekend

I have not installed the review camera yet. However, I does look like you have to splice into the reverse signal in the Eonon harness (not your car's harness). Also, it looks like I'll have to find power somewhere near the rear of the car within ~2-3 feet of the camera.

I'll update my review when I install it. But, the next 2 weeks here in Missouri is suppose to be VERY cold.

Also, I posted this little review on another site and Eonon has responded to it. The Eonon guy said he'll talk to the developers about the MP3 issues. I really happy that someone from Eonon is reading the forums.

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Any new updates to this and how the Head Unit is working? Looking big time into getting this. I'm really starting to like Satellite radio however and I live in Texas. I like the Idea of the SD Card slot as well. as I could just put songs on there and leave my phone free.

How has the system been working for you however?

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by GLOBETRAHTER Any new updates to this and how the Head Unit is working? Looking big time into getting this. I'm really starting to like Satellite radio however and I live in Texas. I like the Idea of the SD Card slot as well. as I could just put songs on there and leave my phone free. How has the system been working for you however?

Nothing new to note as of yet. So far, it is working great. Like I said, I use Slacker radio vs. Sat.

I still have an issue with the SD card slot for my MP3s. It only sees 1999 out of 2900+ songs and takes WAY too long (10-15 seconds) to shuffle to the next song. The SD card is really my only complaint.

I really like the iGo maps, but there is nothing wrong with the maps that come with it. I would have saved a little by using the iGo from the beginning and not purchasing the Eonon maps.

I think the reverse camera mounted on the license plate light would be a little easier and more integrated. They sell them for Mazda on ebay for less than the Eonon reverse camera. I did find a place to put the Eonon camera that will look nice, but I'll have to figure out how to mount it. I'll take a picture once I have it mounted. I'm just waiting until it thaws out here a little!

One other thing to note, I'm thinking about combining the rear line-out with the sub out pre-amp RCA connections. You have to use some resistors... The bass on some songs at lower volumes doesn't sound 'rich'. If I turn the base up, it just sound like it is adjusting low-mids. However, with other songs, it will thump (at much as the Bose can) and sounds great. So, I'm hoping combining the sub-outputs with the line outputs it'll help. I'll let you know what I find and I'll post a wiring diagram if I'm successful.

Do you have a Bose system?

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Hey, thanks for the info and the update. I do have the Bose system that came with the the check package on my 2011. I believe the 10 speaker layout right?

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by GLOBETRAHTER Hey, thanks for the info and the update. I do have the Bose system that came with the t Eww check package on my 2011. I believe the 10 speaker layout right? Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

Yes, my 2012 is 10-speaker also.

[jack_hammer]

How do you make the GPS read other maps? I have the eonon for genwon, but don't know how to swap them.

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk

[bstover17]

Have you tried the ipod connectivity? I am really trying to figure out how responsive the unit is when connected to an ipod.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by jack_hammer How do you make the GPS read other maps? I have the eonon for genwon, but don't know how to swap them. Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk

This is what the root directory looks like on my SD card for iGo maps.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by bstover17 Have you tried the ipod connectivity? I am really trying to figure out how responsive the unit is when connected to an ipod.

I don't have an ipod or iphone. Sorry...

[iammike]

Really really interested in this unit. Like finger on the trigger interested. Just wish there were more details of how the harness was modified to work with the BOSE. I'm no stereo guy so in that department, I'm a complete n00b.

Mine is a 2012 without the tech package but I do have the BOSE.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by iammike Really really interested in this unit. Like finger on the trigger interested. Just wish there were more details of how the harness was modified to work with the BOSE. I'm no stereo guy so in that department, I'm a complete n00b. Mine is a 2012 without the tech package but I do have the BOSE.

It really is easy if you have a soldering iron and a 4-male RCA plugs (Radio Shack). Simply cut the 4 speaker wires (the wires are identified on the GM5163 radio). Then solder the RCA plugs to the wires that are on the car's side of the GM5163 harness. Plug those wires into the line-out RCA connections.

If you don't have a soldering iron, they are very cheap, <$10 at Harbor Freight. I'm sure Radio Shake has a cheap one too.

You can also buy the RCA connectors from ebay. I just bought 8 gold plated RCA plugs from ebay for < $5 shipped.

That's it!

[iammike]

Originally Posted by bitburner It really is easy if you have a soldering iron and a 4-male RCA plugs (Radio Shack). Simply cut the 4 speaker wires (the wires are identified on the GM5163 radio). Then solder the RCA plugs to the wires that are on the car's side of the GM5163 harness. Plug those wires into the line-out RCA connections. If you don't have a soldering iron, they are very cheap, <$10 at Harbor Freight. I'm sure Radio Shake has a cheap one too. You can also buy the RCA connectors from ebay. I just bought 8 gold plated RCA plugs from ebay for < $5 shipped. That's it!

I know you were mentioning some weird behavior at low volume on some songs with the bass. Does this method include your hopeful solution or are you looking to try that in the future.

Also, I'm from Cape Girardeau MO. Been to St. Charlies many times before I joined the military 12 years ago.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by iammike I know you were mentioning some weird behavior at low volume on some songs with the bass. Does this method include your hopeful solution or are you looking to try that in the future. Also, I'm from Cape Girardeau MO. Been to St. Charlies many times before I joined the military 12 years ago.

Nope, I haven't tried anything yet. It is just simply too cold right now. I'll try alternate configurations when it warms up. As soon as I do, I'll update my original post.

I created a CD that has nothing but tones (15Hz, 20Hz, 30Hz, etc...) and then a chirp (15Hz-1000Hz). The Bose amp does some interesting things. It seems as though it distributes the bass through all speakers regardless of the fader/balance settings. However, the mids and highs obey the fader/balance settings. I could be wrong, but it seems like it.

At 60Hz the volume appears is much louder than 50Hz and below. So, the question I have is it due to the GM5163, Bose amp or the speakers (discounting the acoustics of the car and my ears)? At 100Hz it is louder still. After that it says a little more flat (volume is more constant). I expect this type of behavior to a point. But, this is why I hope properly tying in the sub output with the line out may help level things out. I may bring an oscilloscope home from work and get some real data. I’m an Engineer so I really like to understand why.

I wish I would have run some of these tests on the original radio for a comparison.

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Good information, I'm actually telling my GF about this because I would love for v-day. I might just get and see. I work at home not not in the car as much as I used to. I was worried about serious satellite then i got a letter about when the trial period would end.. Lol I was like yeah I don't need satellite

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[iammike]

So, I pulled the trigger on the GM version with the Miracast support.

Lets see if I understand this. The reason we have to cut the speaker signals coming from the main plug and get them connected to the RCA's is that the RCA's are meant as a low power signal going to an amp then letting the amp boost the power while the main plug is putting out the 65w the unit advertises?

EDIT: 2 more questions. Do you have a link to the good copy of iGo maps you got? Their website only talks about an iPhone version. Also, I'm thinking not all your pictures are showing.

EDIT2: Last one, I swear, maybe. lol I keep thinking of questions as I'm reading up on this. When you cut the speaker leads and soldered them to the RCA's, did you only cut the positive leads and leave the negative leads in the harness or did you cut both and make the RCA full positive and negative?

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by iammike So, I pulled the trigger on the GM version with the Miracast support. Lets see if I understand this. The reason we have to cut the speaker signals coming from the main plug and get them connected to the RCA's is that the RCA's are meant as a low power signal going to an amp then letting the amp boost the power while the main plug is putting out the 65w the unit advertises? EDIT: 2 more questions. Do you have a link to the good copy of iGo maps you got? Their website only talks about an iPhone version. Also, I'm thinking not all your pictures are showing. EDIT2: Last one, I swear, maybe. lol I keep thinking of questions as I'm reading up on this. When you cut the speaker leads and soldered them to the RCA's, did you only cut the positive leads and leave the negative leads in the harness or did you cut both and make the RCA full positive and negative?

Yes, for Bose amp, use the RCA's (low level) vs. the 65W outputs.

As for the iGo Primo maps, I just did a lot of searching and found someone who posted a copy of what they had on their Eonon unit. Then I found updated maps and updated it. I purchased the Eonon maps, they are actually pretty good too.

I cut both the pos & neg wires and wired them both to the RCA connector. I don't know if the 65W speaker outputs share a common ground or not.

Happy to help...

[iammike]

Cool, I decided to just to pos and neg as well. Why half ass it? lol

How were the Kudos maps on yours? I'm going to try those out before mucking about with the SD card...other than dropping some wallpapers on the card so I can have my own background.

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Have you already received it? I would love to see pics before and after install as well

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[iammike]

Originally Posted by GLOBETRAHTER Have you already received it? I would love to see pics before and after install as well Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

Projected to arrive on Thursday.

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Nice!

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[iammike]

As others have said, the shipping from Eonon is amazing. It's being shipped from Hong Kong.

I placed my order at 7:30am Sunday morning...Sunday night (Monday day in China) it was shipped and already picked up by FedEx and scheduled to be here on Thursday. That's the free shipping Eonon does.

[bitburner]

A few weeks after I received my unit, I just received a bill from FedEx for $18. Not a huge deal, but still.

[iammike]

Originally Posted by bitburner A few weeks after I received my unit, I just received a bill from FedEx for $18. Not a huge deal, but still.

Well ain't that some BS.

[jack_hammer]

Don't pay it. I sent something to Canada a few years ago. Several years by now, actually. Anyway, about a month later, they sent me a bill for $18 /$20 or whatever. I never considered paying it. They eventually quit asking. Nothing ever came of it.

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk

[iammike]

@bitburner; did you have to modify the GPS port and baud in the iGo sys.txt file?

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by iammike @bitburner; did you have to modify the GPS port and baud in the iGo sys.txt file?

This is my sys.txt file:

[debug]
max_memory=40000000
reserve_memory=1500000
cache=2048

I don't know if this helps... Let me know if you need anything else...

[iammike]

So it's on the truck for delivery. The shitty weather delayed it. I'll try to remember and take a lot of pictures as I go to post up.

[jack_hammer]

Originally Posted by iammike So it's on the truck for delivery. The shitty weather delayed it. I'll try to remember and take a lot of pictures as I go to post up.

why do you have your stereo listed in your mods when you haven't installed it yet?

[iammike]

Originally Posted by jack_hammer why do you have your stereo listed in your mods when you haven't installed it yet?

Because I would forget to modify the list later? Is that a problem?

[iammike]

Ok, here are some shots from my install.

The only harness modifications I made was to cut the signal wires, splice on the RCA connectors and connect to the line level outs.

The Wifi antenna is connected to the metal frame just to the left of the headunit, I believe the Wifi is for Miracast.

The GPS us up above the vents and as far to the left as I could go to keep it away from the magnet on the center speaker. I was concerned about possible interference.

Question for you @bitburner; . You mention in your Pro's that the unit detects when the headlights are on....but mine does not. I have checked the settings and the feature is enabled but nothing changes when I turn on my headlights.

[bitburner]

Originally Posted by iammike Ok, here are some shots from my install. The only harness modifications I made was to cut the signal wires, splice on the RCA connectors and connect to the line level outs. The Wifi antenna is connected to the metal frame just to the left of the headunit, I believe the Wifi is for Miracast. The GPS us up above the vents and as far to the left as I could go to keep it away from the magnet on the center speaker. I was concerned about possible interference. Question for you @bitburner; . You mention in your Pro's that the unit detects when the headlights are on....but mine does not. I have checked the settings and the feature is enabled but nothing changes when I turn on my headlights.

Check the two wires on the harness to make sure they are connected. Unless you push them together until it 'clicks', they pop apart easily. It may have popped apart when you installed the radio.

Originally Posted by iammike Ok, here are some shots from my install. The only harness modifications I made was to cut the signal wires, splice on the RCA connectors and connect to the line level outs. The Wifi antenna is connected to the metal frame just to the left of the headunit, I believe the Wifi is for Miracast. The GPS us up above the vents and as far to the left as I could go to keep it away from the magnet on the center speaker. I was concerned about possible interference. Question for you @bitburner; . You mention in your Pro's that the unit detects when the headlights are on....but mine does not. I have checked the settings and the feature is enabled but nothing changes when I turn on my headlights.

Do you have anything to add to my pros and cons? I'd like to hear your thoughts... How is your sound quality?

Also, Eonon has an update. I haven't installed it yet because you have to power the radio completely off (disconnect the harness or battery). When I try my sub-out mods, I'll install the upgrade.

BTW: That is exactly where I put my GPS sensor and close to where I put my WiFi antenna.

[GLOBETRAHTER]

Keep giving us updates, I'm jealous! I want one now

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