MEKEDE Wireless CarPlay Android Auto Car Radio for Audi A3 8P (2003-2013) User Manual

1. Important Safety Information

1.1. General Warnings

• Please read all relevant instructions carefully before using this device. Any damage to the unit caused by failure to follow the instructions will void the warranty.
• To ensure driving safety and avoid violating traffic rules, do not watch programs and operate the machine while driving.
• To avoid short circuits, do not expose this unit to rain.
• Do not place or leave any metal objects (such as coins or metal tools) inside the device.
• Do not open the machine for maintenance yourself. If maintenance is required, go to a professional maintenance station.
• When the engine is off, do not use the car audio for a long time, as it will drain the car battery.
• Do not insert objects into ventilation slots or other openings of the device.
• Do not touch, rub, or knock the screen with sharp objects.

1.2. Cleaning Equipment

• If the panel is stained, use a clean soft cloth (e.g., a cleaning cloth) to wipe off the stains.
• For very dirty panels, wipe off the dirt with a neutral detergent, then wipe off the detergent with a clean soft cloth.
• CAUTION: Using cleaning sprays directly on the device may affect mechanical parts. Do not use hard cloths or volatile liquids (such as thinner or alcohol), which may scratch the surface or erase characters.

2. Product Overview

The MEKEDE Intelligent Car Audio-visual Navigation System is a new and upgraded Android system navigation product integrating GPS navigation, WiFi Internet access, car entertainment, and more. It is designed for Audi A3 8P models from 2003 to 2013.

Figure 2.1: MEKEDE Car Radio with CarPlay interface in an Audi A3 8P dashboard.

2.1. Key Features

• Operating System: Android 14
• Display: 9-inch IPS Touch Screen, 1024*600 Resolution
• Connectivity: Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), Wireless CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto
• Navigation: Built-in GPS with support for various navigation apps (iGO, Sygic, Yandex, Google, Waze, AMAP)
• Audio: FM Radio, MP3/MP4/WMA/JPEG Digital Media Format support, 4*45W Out Power
• Special Features: Support steering wheel control, Can-Bus, Reversing Input, ADAS DVR (Optional)
• Material: Plastic and Metal
• Voltage: 12 V
• Warranty: 2 years

2.2. Model Variants (RAM/ROM)

Figure 2.2: Car Multimedia Player Parameter Comparison

3. Setup and Installation

3.1. Package Contents

Before installation, please verify that all components are present in the package:

Figure 3.1: Package Contents

• Main Unit (Machine)
• Power Cable + Canbus Box
• RCA Cable
• USB Cable
• Reversing Camera Cable
• GPS Antenna

3.2. General Installation Overview

The MEKEDE Car Radio is designed for a seamless integration into your Audi A3 8P (2003-2013) dashboard. The images below illustrate the appearance before and after installation.

Figure 3.2: Before and After Installation

3.3. Rear View Camera Connection

To connect the rear view camera, follow these steps:

Figure 3.3: Rear View Camera Wiring Diagram

1. Red cable (2) is connected to the back light "+".
2. Black cable (1) is connected to the "GND".
3. The reverse detection cable (4) (Brown color) is connected to the red cable (3) which extends from the video output cable. Follow the picture above to connect.

3.4. Steering Wheel Control Setup

The head unit supports steering wheel control (SWC) for safety and convenience. The setup process varies depending on whether your unit includes a Canbus box.

Figure 3.4: Back of the Host Device Wiring

3.4.1. If the unit has a Canbus Box:

Figure 3.5: Canbus Box Connection for Steering Wheel Control

1. Before starting the setup, confirm the Canbus box and 8pin serial cable are connected to the multimedia unit.
2. Then, refer to the on-screen instructions to set your car model. Navigate to System settings, enter the factory settings password (8888), then select 'Keys' and choose 'Audi' and the appropriate A3 model (e.g., 04-12 A3).

3.4.2. If the unit does NOT have a Canbus Box:

Figure 3.6: Steering Wheel Control Learning Interface

1. Connect the positive and negative poles of the steering wheel control line of the original car with the positive and negative poles of the square control line of the machine.
2. In the 'Application Interface', click the Steering Wheel icon to enter the 'Key Learning' interface.
3. Click 'Start Learning' to enter learning mode. Select a touch button on the screen.
4. Press the corresponding physical steering wheel button on your car, then click the 'Save' button on the screen. The learned state will be displayed.
5. Repeat the previous step for all desired steering wheel functions until all keys are learned.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Power ON/OFF

• Power On: When you plug in the car key and turn on the ACC power supply, the device will automatically turn on and display the start-up LOGO animation.
• Power Off: When you take off the car key and turn off the ACC power supply, the device will automatically shut down.

4.2. Panel Buttons

Refer to the physical panel for button functions. If there are deviations, refer to the actual product.

4.3. Main Interface Navigation

Click the physical Home button on the host panel or the Home button on the screen to enter the main interface. Press and hold the page to swipe left and right to turn pages.

Figure 4.1: Main Interface

4.4. Quick Settings Bar

In any mode, pull down and swipe the touch screen to display the drop-down Settings bar. This bar provides multiple shortcut switches, including screenshot, WiFi, and auto brightness, and allows adjustment of brightness and volume.

Figure 4.2: Quick Settings Bar

4.5. Task Manager

Click the Task Manager icon to view currently running applications. You can swipe left/right on an app to close it, or directly click the 'Close' button to terminate the program.

Figure 4.3: Task Manager

4.6. Application Program Interface

Tap the 'Apps' icon to open the application interface, which includes built-in and third-party apps. Swipe left and right to navigate through pages.

Figure 4.4: Application Program Interface

4.6.1. Third-party Application Installation

1. Download the third-party application (APK file) to a memory card or USB flash drive.
2. Insert the memory card or USB drive into the machine.
3. In the 'Application' interface, click the 'File' icon to open the 'File Manager' interface.
4. Locate and click the downloaded APK file to install it.

4.7. Music Player

The music player supports audio files from USB, SD card, and built-in storage (MP3, WMA, WAV, M4A, MID, etc.). Unsupported formats may not play.

From the main interface, click the music plug-in button or double-click an audio file in the 'File Browse' interface to start playback.

Figure 4.5: Music Player Interface

4.8. Bluetooth Phone Function

The unit supports Bluetooth phone functionality for hands-free calling and contact synchronization.

Figure 4.6: Bluetooth Phone Interface

4.8.1. Pairing a Bluetooth Device

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile phone.
2. On the car radio, tap the 'Phone' icon to open the Bluetooth phone interface.
3. Go to 'Bluetooth Pairing' and turn the pairing switch 'ON'.
4. Search for the car radio (e.g., "CarBt-xxxx") from your phone's Bluetooth settings.
5. Select the device on your phone. A 'Bluetooth Pairing Request' pop-up will appear. Click 'Pairing' or enter the PIN code (default is "0000" or "1234") to connect.

4.8.2. Contacts and Call History

After successful phone connection:

• Click 'Contacts' on the left to open the interface. Click the synchronize button to import your phonebook.
• Click a contact to initiate a quick call.
• Click 'Call History' to view missed, received, and dialed calls. You can long-press a contact in the history to call them.

4.8.3. Making a Call

From the 'Dial' interface, enter the number using the number keys. The system will display matching numbers from your contacts for quick dialing. Click the phone icon to make the call.

4.8.4. During a Call

During a call, you can:

• Hang Up: Click the hang-up icon to end the call.
• Transfer: Switch the call between the handset and car audio.
• Mute: Toggle microphone mute.
• Keyboard: Pop up the numeric keypad.

4.9. Bluetooth Music

Click the 'BT Music' icon in the 'Application' interface to wirelessly play music files from your connected phone. Ensure your phone supports the necessary Bluetooth audio protocols. The sound system will automatically connect to the paired phone when a Bluetooth device is connected.

4.10. GPS Navigation

The system features built-in global positioning with omni-directional map display and real-time traffic conditions for rapid and accurate positioning.

Figure 4.7: GPS Navigation Interface

4.10.1. Starting Navigation

1. Click the 'Navigation' icon on the main interface to launch the navigation program (e.g., Google Maps).
2. You can find your destination using various retrieval functions of the navigation software. Set it as the destination and start the route.
3. To exit navigation, press the Home button. The navigation will continue in the background.

4.10.2. Important Navigation Notes

• Ensure the host is correctly connected to the satellite dish and receives satellite signals.
• Ensure the vehicle is not in an area with poor satellite reception (e.g., tunnels, under bridges, near tall buildings).
• Always set the navigation destination while parked; do not operate navigation while driving.
• Navigation map companies frequently update maps. Timely update your navigation map for accuracy.

4.11. FM Radio

The FM radio supports automatic and manual station search. You can drag station icons to organize your channel list.

Figure 4.8: FM Radio Interface

The system will automatically play the last station when the radio is turned on. After an automatic search, the program will update and save the station list. There are 12 pre-stored stations in the favorites list. Swipe left and right to view all channels. Long-press a channel to bookmark it.

4.12. Video Playback

The unit supports 1080P video decoding and fluent playback of various video formats from USB/SD storage.

Figure 4.9: Video Playback Interface

1. Tap the 'Video' icon in the 'Application' interface to enter the 'Video File List'.
2. Swipe left and right to view video information (cover picture, name, duration).
3. Click a video file to start playback.

4.13. ADAS DVR (Optional)

The system supports ADAS DVR functionality, which includes front vehicle distance prediction, anti-collision warning, and lane departure warning to enhance driving safety.

Figure 4.10: ADAS DVR Features

4.14. Reversing Video System

The reversing video system provides a clear rear view image when reversing, helping to eliminate blind spots and assist with parking. It includes a third-speed distance reference line and displays astern radar information.

Figure 4.11: Reversing Video Display

4.15. System Settings

Click the 'Settings' icon to open the System Settings screen. You can scroll through the left menu to access various settings categories.

Figure 4.12: System Settings Interface

4.15.1. WLAN Settings

In the System Settings, click 'WLAN' to enter the wireless network settings. Turn on the WiFi switch to search for nearby networks. Enter the password and click 'Connect'. The system will automatically connect to matched networks after restarting.

4.15.2. Navigation Settings

Click 'NAVI' to enter navigation settings. Here you can set the default navigator (e.g., Google Maps) and adjust the background media volume.

4.15.3. Display Settings

Select 'Display' to adjust brightness and front/rear visual brightness. You can also enable/disable auto brightness.

4.15.4. Reverse Camera Settings

Click 'Reverse Camera' to configure settings related to the rearview camera, including radar reference lines, mirror image, and quick exit astern.

4.15.5. Radio Settings

In 'Radio' settings, you can adjust the radio signal strength (High, Middle, Low) and enable/disable radio antenna power supply. You can also select the radio area.

4.15.6. Date and Time Settings

Under 'Datetime', you can set the date, time, time zone, and choose between 12/24 hour format. Options for automatic date/time and auto time-zone are also available.

4.15.7. Advanced System Settings

Click 'System' for advanced settings such as start-up prompt announcements, power on multimedia memory, and volume modulation of music. You can also perform a factory reset from here.

4.15.8. About

The 'About' section provides product information, including product name, model, product info, Android version, software version, and service version.

4.16. Customization (Themes, Screensavers, Wallpapers)

The unit offers various customization options to personalize the interface.

4.16.1. Themes

Tap the 'Theme' icon in the 'Application' interface to choose from 15 sets of theme styles. You can also upgrade theme packs online.

4.16.2. Screensavers

Click the 'Screensaver' button to select different screensaver styles. The screensaver state can be entered via the shortcut button in the drop-down settings.

4.16.3. Wallpapers

Click the 'Wallpaper' button to set the background picture. You can choose from pre-installed wallpapers or customize by selecting a picture from your album.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your MEKEDE Car Radio.

5.1. No Power / Unit Not Turning On

• Ensure the car key is in the ACC or ON position.
• Check all power cable connections to ensure they are secure.
• Verify the car's fuse related to the radio is not blown.
• If the unit was recently installed, double-check the wiring against the provided diagram.

5.2. No Sound

• Check the volume level on the unit and ensure it is not muted.
• Verify speaker connections are correct and secure.
• Ensure the correct audio source (e.g., FM, Bluetooth, USB) is selected.
• If using Bluetooth, ensure the phone's volume is also up.

5.3. GPS Signal Issues

• Ensure the GPS antenna is properly connected and placed in a location with a clear view of the sky.
• Avoid areas with poor satellite reception (tunnels, dense urban areas, under bridges).
• Check navigation settings to ensure the correct GPS module is selected if applicable.

5.4. Bluetooth Connection Problems

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the car radio and your mobile device.
• Delete previous pairings on both devices and attempt to re-pair.
• Ensure your device is within range (typically 10 meters).
• Restart both the car radio and your mobile device.

5.5. Steering Wheel Controls Not Working

• Verify that the Canbus box (if applicable) or the steering wheel control wires are correctly connected.
• Perform the 'Key Learning' procedure as described in Section 3.4.
• Ensure the correct car model is selected in the factory settings if using a Canbus box.

5.6. Rear View Camera Not Displaying

• Check the camera's power and video signal connections as per Section 3.3.
• Ensure the 'Reverse Camera' setting is enabled in the system settings.
• Verify the reverse detection cable is correctly connected.

5.7. Unit Freezes or Becomes Unresponsive

• Press the RST (Reset) hole with a thin object (e.g., a paperclip) to restart the unit.
• If the issue persists, perform a factory reset (refer to Section 4.15.7), but be aware this will delete third-party software and current settings.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

7.1. Warranty Information

• Manufacturer's Limited Warranty: 2 years for defective items (excluding items damaged and/or misused after receipt).
• Accessories Warranty: 3 months.
• Defective items MUST be reported and returned within the warranty period (and in original packaging if possible). You must provide the defect description and your order number.
• Items with an expired warranty will NOT be repaired or replaced.

7.2. User Manual PDF

A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download: MEKEDE Car Radio User Manual (PDF)

8. User Tips

• For optimal performance, ensure your system software is always up to date. Check for updates in the 'System' settings.
• When installing third-party apps, always download from trusted sources to prevent security issues.
• If experiencing slow performance, try clearing the task manager of unused applications. A factory reset can also resolve persistent performance issues, but remember to back up any important data first.
• Customize your themes and wallpapers to personalize your driving experience.