These Pumpkins last forever! I've had one for 10 years starting to go in to diagnostic mode occationally though probably signs it's finally dying, but I cant complain :D
Great review, I like that you cover everything in detail! The only thing about this unit that concerns me is those inline fuse holders. I tried a cheap Chinese aftermarket stereo in my car a few years ago and it had that same style of inline fuse on the ignition wire. After a few months, the plastic case came open all on its own, leaving the bare metal fuse terminals floating around behind the radio! Thankfully it did not short out, the radio simply stopped working. Easy fix at least, I just wrapped a couple zip ties around the plastic case to prevent it from opening again.
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words and feedback :) Excellent tip too! To be honest, I didn't even think of that and that can certainly be a concern. I thought about removing the fuses completely as the vehicle's wiring is fused. But it's nice to have the added safety and those little blade fuses aren't always reliable either. I had one years ago melt to the fuse box. How's the Escape holding up?
@@4DIYers It's been pretty good, I actually found out it has the factory installed remote start a while back! The original keyfob must have been lost, but the dealer had a new one in stock and I was able to program it myself, and it works! It did have a P0455 (large evap leak) pop up intermittently last fall, and I was hoping to diagnose it myself, but by the time I found a decent (cheap) scan tool capable of running the evap leak test on demand, it passed the test. So I'm gonna wait and see if it re-occurs.
That was lucky! I love the remote start on my truck, saves me from going outside to start the truck to warm up. E-test? You're in Ontario right? This must have been a while back, that testing was removed over a year ago. Keep an eye on your subframe too. That one I missed out on, I found out after that the frame was rotten. I didn't have a chance to see it in person, but apparently it was beyond repair.
@@4DIYers - I do NOT recommend removing the inline fuses. A power surge (during alternator servicing) zapped my 2018 pumpkin Android 8 unit, which only had the 15A slo-blow fuse in the unit. Power-to-GND restance on both inputs measured infinite; and the fuse was intact. My 2020 replacement unit, pumpkin Android 10, came with two 1A inline fast-blow fuses in the wiring harness that probably would have saved the previous unit. I now have also wired in a safety disconnect that removes power to both 12V inputs, a DPST 20A toggle switch (to be used only when the unit is OFF and for use during engine servicing or a jump start, etc.) These head units are too easily zapped by voltage spikes to risk that again---a $300 mistake.
Good looking Toy Taco. I probably helped build it when I worked at the plant it came from in California. I'm looking at a similar HU for my 4Runner with the same interior. Great review. Thanks!
Hey i found your video very helpful as I'm looking to buy a head unit myself. I saw some negative reviews regarding Pumpkin longevity. So, after almost a year, what is the experience, and does your satisfaction still maintain? My main concern is it getting slow or sluggish, or having some major problems with connectivity... Thank you!
Hello, Having had the unit for a year how do you find the screen brightness and contrast? and Can you explain the fast boot up feature, is this a sleep mode that draws current from the battery, or is it very low current in the mA range?
Still working great and I haven't had any issues with the brightness or contrast. The fast boot up feature is when the head unit turns on almost immediately once the key is operated. Only on updates it'll boot up slower, but that rarely happens. I haven't had any issues with battery drains either. I haven't checked the milliamp draw, but I'm assuming it wouldn't be more than other styles of head units. The truck doesn't get driven everyday, it's sat for 3 weeks and didn't show any signs of a low battery.
I bought this unit and put it in my 2000 SR5 Tacoma after watching your installation video! Thank you! Do you know the easiest way to stream Spotify from your phone through the unit? I have to setup my phone as a hotspot and connect it via WiFi then use the in unit Spotify app, but it disconnects often and is slow and clunky to use. It would be great to just connect via Bluetooth and play Spotify the way you would to a speaker. Thanks for any tips!
Awesome to hear and happy I could help! I haven't used it to stream music through my phone. I bought a compact 32gig usb drive and use that for my music instead. The only thing I can think of is making sure both the head unit and your phone is up to date with software.
Just bought this about 3 months ago, motherboard went out and the people I bought from on eBay sent me a new one along with emailing me a video on how to replace it. I don’t think that’s my responsibility but what can ya do. Super cool features when you figure out how to use them for half the price but just hoping this ones lasts. Volume knob is stuck as well. So can’t power down and the volume I have to do on the screen.
Like everything about it... except where is the music samples giving us an idea as to how it compares in sound to Pioneer or Kenwood. I saw in another video that the RCA's have high pass filters to front and rear speakers, and low pass filter for sub, and these cannot be changed. Is this true? This is why I'm hesitant to purchase one. Thanks
The reason for not including music is that is can flag a copyright, so not everyone will see the video, the audio can be removed, or it'll be removed completely. Furthermore you'd never get an accurate sound clip through a camera mic. It's a huge improvement over the factory unit sound quality wise. My other truck came with a Kenwood deck, upgraded speakers and an amp. I prefer the Pumpkin unit for sound quality. As for the RCA output, unfortunately I can't help with that as I'm not running an amp or sub.
I'm not trying to sell you one, I don't get any cut backs on sale, it's an honest review. If there's something I don't like, I won't feature it on my channel. The reason being is that I don't want to cause a conflict with a company, publicizing slander and getting myself in trouble. So if I don't like it, I simply won't publish the item. For the money, I think it's a great buy. I looked at other names like Pioneer, Alpine, or Sony, it'll be double the cost for a unit with equal options. I'm used to using Apple products, while I know the stigma they get for being overpriced and there are other items out there that has more options for less of the price, I like the feel. Something like the movements of the screen. I've used touch screen devices where the gestures were choppy, I could never stand that. The Pumpkin unit doesn't experience that. Even the plastic, items out there have that cheap feel, doesn't feel solid. The Pumpkin unit doesn't experience that either.
@@4DIYers The vid sounds like marketing hype touching on each and every thing from the manual to the revolving rear camera rather than a user review explaining the feel of the screen or plastic. I downvoted the vid because you titled it as a review, but you didn't review it.
Regardless how a video is done, I always find there is someone who isn't happy with it. I have over 80,000 subs, I try to accommodate everyone and I find it a bit selfish when a handful of people complain. That's not even covering the people who dislike my videos for spite. The reason I touched every single option is so that people can see the interface, know exactly what to expect, and what can be done. And I still didn't cover all the options. Over that whole video, I'm hoping viewers can get an idea how it works. It's not any different than my previous review where people were happy with my layout. I gave my opinion of the head unit at the end of the video.
@@4DIYers I'm sorry you think I'm being selfish. That was not my intent. If you believe this vid is an actual review even after reading my "complaint" then we've nothing more to discuss. Fyi, I was a new sub who had never posted before.
Am I the only one that has a collection of music and desires more of an offering than just folders? If Only there was App like Musicmatch juke box that allowed me to pull up a list of songs Via artist, albums, genre, etc... It's like new radios went forward 20 years in tech and negative 30 years in software. Or maybe its just Millennials than write software now days?
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i think you have one of the best and most informative reviews i've seen on here keep up the good work love it well done...
I have been using a 10-inch one for about seven months now and I love it great head unit for my Ford Expedition and I can definitely recommend it
Awesome to hear! I'm still using mine and it's been great so far.
These Pumpkins last forever! I've had one for 10 years starting to go in to diagnostic mode occationally though probably signs it's finally dying, but I cant complain :D
Great review, I like that you cover everything in detail! The only thing about this unit that concerns me is those inline fuse holders. I tried a cheap Chinese aftermarket stereo in my car a few years ago and it had that same style of inline fuse on the ignition wire. After a few months, the plastic case came open all on its own, leaving the bare metal fuse terminals floating around behind the radio! Thankfully it did not short out, the radio simply stopped working. Easy fix at least, I just wrapped a couple zip ties around the plastic case to prevent it from opening again.
Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words and feedback :) Excellent tip too! To be honest, I didn't even think of that and that can certainly be a concern. I thought about removing the fuses completely as the vehicle's wiring is fused. But it's nice to have the added safety and those little blade fuses aren't always reliable either. I had one years ago melt to the fuse box. How's the Escape holding up?
@@4DIYers It's been pretty good, I actually found out it has the factory installed remote start a while back! The original keyfob must have been lost, but the dealer had a new one in stock and I was able to program it myself, and it works!
It did have a P0455 (large evap leak) pop up intermittently last fall, and I was hoping to diagnose it myself, but by the time I found a decent (cheap) scan tool capable of running the evap leak test on demand, it passed the test. So I'm gonna wait and see if it re-occurs.
That was lucky! I love the remote start on my truck, saves me from going outside to start the truck to warm up. E-test? You're in Ontario right? This must have been a while back, that testing was removed over a year ago. Keep an eye on your subframe too. That one I missed out on, I found out after that the frame was rotten. I didn't have a chance to see it in person, but apparently it was beyond repair.
@@4DIYers - I do NOT recommend removing the inline fuses. A power surge (during alternator servicing) zapped my 2018 pumpkin Android 8 unit, which only had the 15A slo-blow fuse in the unit. Power-to-GND restance on both inputs measured infinite; and the fuse was intact. My 2020 replacement unit, pumpkin Android 10, came with two 1A inline fast-blow fuses in the wiring harness that probably would have saved the previous unit. I now have also wired in a safety disconnect that removes power to both 12V inputs, a DPST 20A toggle switch (to be used only when the unit is OFF and for use during engine servicing or a jump start, etc.) These head units are too easily zapped by voltage spikes to risk that again---a $300 mistake.
Good looking Toy Taco. I probably helped build it when I worked at the plant it came from in California.
I'm looking at a similar HU for my 4Runner with the same interior.
Great review. Thanks!
Thank you! Small world too. Hasn't been too bad, but I do wish the frames were a lot better on these trucks.
Awesome work as always man 👍keep it up
Thank you, greatly appreciated :)
Hey i found your video very helpful as I'm looking to buy a head unit myself. I saw some negative reviews regarding Pumpkin longevity.
So, after almost a year, what is the experience, and does your satisfaction still maintain?
My main concern is it getting slow or sluggish, or having some major problems with connectivity...
Thank you!
I like your demo. Mississauga or GTA area? I'm in the Belleville area.
Is the Vanku 7" Android PX6 just a newer version of the Pumpkin?
How did u get Netflix mate? I have the same device running android 9 and Netflix says not compatable with your device
I didn't resolved the boot problem, at least 30 seconds boot every time I turn on my car...
Hello, Having had the unit for a year how do you find the screen brightness and contrast? and Can you explain the fast boot up feature, is this a sleep mode that draws current from the battery, or is it very low current in the mA range?
Still working great and I haven't had any issues with the brightness or contrast. The fast boot up feature is when the head unit turns on almost immediately once the key is operated. Only on updates it'll boot up slower, but that rarely happens. I haven't had any issues with battery drains either. I haven't checked the milliamp draw, but I'm assuming it wouldn't be more than other styles of head units. The truck doesn't get driven everyday, it's sat for 3 weeks and didn't show any signs of a low battery.
I bought this unit and put it in my 2000 SR5 Tacoma after watching your installation video! Thank you! Do you know the easiest way to stream Spotify from your phone through the unit? I have to setup my phone as a hotspot and connect it via WiFi then use the in unit Spotify app, but it disconnects often and is slow and clunky to use. It would be great to just connect via Bluetooth and play Spotify the way you would to a speaker. Thanks for any tips!
Awesome to hear and happy I could help! I haven't used it to stream music through my phone. I bought a compact 32gig usb drive and use that for my music instead. The only thing I can think of is making sure both the head unit and your phone is up to date with software.
Can you have dual screen; have two apps run at the same time?
Just bought this about 3 months ago, motherboard went out and the people I bought from on eBay sent me a new one along with emailing me a video on how to replace it. I don’t think that’s my responsibility but what can ya do. Super cool features when you figure out how to use them for half the price but just hoping this ones lasts. Volume knob is stuck as well. So can’t power down and the volume I have to do on the screen.
Also a Pumpkin? Still using mine to this day and it's been good.
Hi, I’m looking into getting myself one of these, Bluetooth work well?
How do i install the dashcam on it?
Will Pumpkin be releasing an 8 core, 6gb Ram / 64gb Rom 7" double din unit?
I'm not even sure, I haven't done any work for them in at least a couple years.
Like everything about it... except where is the music samples giving us an idea as to how it compares in sound to Pioneer or Kenwood. I saw in another video that the RCA's have high pass filters to front and rear speakers, and low pass filter for sub, and these cannot be changed. Is this true? This is why I'm hesitant to purchase one. Thanks
The reason for not including music is that is can flag a copyright, so not everyone will see the video, the audio can be removed, or it'll be removed completely. Furthermore you'd never get an accurate sound clip through a camera mic. It's a huge improvement over the factory unit sound quality wise. My other truck came with a Kenwood deck, upgraded speakers and an amp. I prefer the Pumpkin unit for sound quality. As for the RCA output, unfortunately I can't help with that as I'm not running an amp or sub.
After sitting overnight what is the start up time upon returning to the vehicle?
Starts up immediately just like shown in the video. How long it sits doesn't make a difference.
Does it compatible for Vauxhall Astra h 2009?
yes
So was this a review or are you trying to sell me one? What do you think about it? Likes and/or dislikes?
I'm not trying to sell you one, I don't get any cut backs on sale, it's an honest review. If there's something I don't like, I won't feature it on my channel. The reason being is that I don't want to cause a conflict with a company, publicizing slander and getting myself in trouble. So if I don't like it, I simply won't publish the item. For the money, I think it's a great buy. I looked at other names like Pioneer, Alpine, or Sony, it'll be double the cost for a unit with equal options. I'm used to using Apple products, while I know the stigma they get for being overpriced and there are other items out there that has more options for less of the price, I like the feel. Something like the movements of the screen. I've used touch screen devices where the gestures were choppy, I could never stand that. The Pumpkin unit doesn't experience that. Even the plastic, items out there have that cheap feel, doesn't feel solid. The Pumpkin unit doesn't experience that either.
@@4DIYers The vid sounds like marketing hype touching on each and every thing from the manual to the revolving rear camera rather than a user review explaining the feel of the screen or plastic. I downvoted the vid because you titled it as a review, but you didn't review it.
Regardless how a video is done, I always find there is someone who isn't happy with it. I have over 80,000 subs, I try to accommodate everyone and I find it a bit selfish when a handful of people complain. That's not even covering the people who dislike my videos for spite. The reason I touched every single option is so that people can see the interface, know exactly what to expect, and what can be done. And I still didn't cover all the options. Over that whole video, I'm hoping viewers can get an idea how it works. It's not any different than my previous review where people were happy with my layout. I gave my opinion of the head unit at the end of the video.
@@4DIYers I'm sorry you think I'm being selfish. That was not my intent. If you believe this vid is an actual review even after reading my "complaint" then we've nothing more to discuss. Fyi, I was a new sub who had never posted before.
@@flyinhawaiian9174 bro did you even watch the video?
Could have bought the pumpkin android 8.0 cheaper and flashed android 9.0....just sayin...
Do you have a link and instructions to do this?
No link to buy it??? Wth.
I'm lazy and wanna click it, not have to Google search..
Just added it.
Am I the only one that has a collection of music and desires more of an offering than just folders?
If Only there was App like Musicmatch juke box that allowed me to pull up a list of songs Via artist, albums, genre, etc...
It's like new radios went forward 20 years in tech and negative 30 years in software. Or maybe its just Millennials than write software now days?
The have app store
Pin for this radio ??? Please
Try with 0000 or 1234
I bought one I will not buy it again
What was your issue? I've had a couple and don't have any complaints. Still have the one shown in the video and it works good.
I bought it four years ago and the channel started changing by itself after that stop working
Sorry to hear.