Votheon Car Radio User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Votheon Car Radio. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure proper functionality and to avoid damage.

Image 1.1: Votheon Car Radio main interface.

2. Product Overview

The Votheon Car Radio integrates modern infotainment features into compatible BMW vehicles, enhancing your driving experience with advanced connectivity and multimedia capabilities while retaining the original car system's functionality.

• CarPlay & Android Auto: Supports both wired and wireless connectivity for seamless smartphone integration.
• Bluetooth 5.0: For hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming.
• Wi-Fi & YouTube: Built-in Wi-Fi for online YouTube video playback (note: does not support additional app downloads).
• Original System Retention: Allows free switching between the Android system and the original BMW CCC system, preserving factory functions like iDrive control, original speakers, and CD player.
• Steering Wheel Control: Compatible with original steering wheel controls for safe operation.
• Camera Support: Supports original rear view camera and additional aftermarket cameras with RCA connectors.

3. Compatibility

This Votheon Car Radio is specifically designed for BMW vehicles equipped with the CCC (Car Communication Computer) system and an AUX (Auxiliary) audio input function. It is compatible with the following models and years:

• BMW 5 Series: E60, E61, E63, E64 (2003-2010)
• BMW 3 Series: E90, E91, E92, E93 (2005-2008)

Important: The original car must have an AUX function to enable audio and multimedia playback from the device. Without AUX, no sound will be heard from the Android device. If your original car does not have an AUX function, you may need to purchase an AUX adapter or activate the AUX function.

Image 3.1: System compatibility check (CCC vs. CIC, NBT, EVO).

Image 3.2: AUX output requirement for audio.

4. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Votheon Car Radio Unit
• USB Cable
• Power Cable
• Connection Cable
• Crowbar (for trim removal)
• Screwdriver
• User Manual (this document)

Image 4.1: Included accessories.

5. Installation Guide

Installation of the Votheon Car Radio requires careful handling of vehicle interior components and electrical connections. If you are not comfortable with automotive electronics installation, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

5.1. Pre-Installation Checks

1. Ensure your vehicle is compatible (CCC system with AUX function).
2. Disconnect the vehicle's battery to prevent electrical shorts.
3. Gather all necessary tools (provided crowbar, screwdriver, etc.).

5.2. Wiring Connections

Refer to the wiring diagram below for correct connections. Ensure all plugs are securely seated.

Image 5.1: Wiring diagram for Votheon Car Radio.

• Connect the 10-pin LVDS plug from the original system to the corresponding port on the new radio.
• Connect the main power cable and other auxiliary cables as per the diagram.
• If installing a rear view camera, connect it to the designated 'Rear view camera' input.
• Ensure the green fiber optic cable on the original car power plug is connected to the radio power plug.

5.3. Physical Installation

1. Carefully remove the original CCC screen and surrounding trim using the provided crowbar.
2. Install the new Votheon Car Radio unit into the dashboard opening.
3. Secure the unit with screws.
4. Reinstall the trim pieces.

6. Setup

6.1. Initial Power On

After installation, reconnect the vehicle battery. The unit should power on automatically or when the ignition is turned on.

6.2. Sound Settings (AUX Activation)

To hear audio from the Android system, you must select the AUX input on your original BMW CCC system.

1. On your original BMW CCC system, navigate to the 'Entertainment' menu.
2. Select 'AUX' or 'Audio AUX' as the input source.
3. Return to the Android system page and play music or other audio to activate the sound.

Image 6.1: Sound setup via AUX input.

6.3. Screen Resolution Settings

If the display appears incorrect or distorted, you may need to adjust the screen resolution.

1. From the Android system, click 'Car Info'.
2. Click 'General Settings'.
3. Click 'Original Menu Resolution Adjustment (Manual)' or 'Original menu Resolution adjustment (automatic)' and select the appropriate resolution for your original CCC system. Restart the radio after each selection if necessary.

Image 6.2: Screen resolution adjustment steps.

7. Operating Instructions

7.1. Switching Between Systems

The Votheon Car Radio allows seamless switching between its Android interface and your original BMW CCC system. This ensures all original vehicle functions are retained.

Image 7.1: Retained original vehicle system display.

7.2. CarPlay and Android Auto

Connect your smartphone for navigation, communication, and entertainment.

• Wired Connection: Connect your phone via USB cable.
• Wireless Connection: Pair your phone via Bluetooth for wireless CarPlay or Android Auto.

Image 7.2: Wired and Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.

Image 7.3: Online navigation via CarPlay/Android Auto.

7.3. Bluetooth Functions

Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connectivity for calls and music.

• Hands-Free Calling: Pair your phone to make and receive calls directly from the radio.
• Audio Streaming: Play music from your smartphone wirelessly.

Image 7.4: Bluetooth 5.0 features.

7.4. Wi-Fi and YouTube

Connect the radio to a Wi-Fi hotspot to access YouTube.

• Wi-Fi Connection: Go to settings to connect to an available Wi-Fi network.
• YouTube Playback: Once connected, you can watch YouTube videos directly on the screen.

Note: The radio's Android system is closed and does not support downloading additional applications. Wi-Fi functionality is primarily for YouTube streaming.

Image 7.5: Wireless Mirror Link and YouTube.

7.5. Steering Wheel Controls

The unit supports the original vehicle's steering wheel controls, allowing you to manage audio and calls without taking your hands off the wheel.

Image 7.6: Steering wheel remote control functionality.

7.6. Camera Support

The system supports both the original rear view camera and additional aftermarket cameras with RCA connectors.

7.6.1. Camera Settings

If you are connecting an aftermarket camera, follow these steps to configure it:

1. Click 'Car Info' on the main Android interface.
2. Click 'General Settings'.
3. Click 'Rear Camera Type' and select the corresponding camera type (e.g., Aftermarket Rear Camera, Original Rear Camera, AHD).

Image 7.7: Camera settings configuration.

8. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

8.1. No Sound from Android Device

• Ensure your original car has an AUX function.
• Verify that 'AUX' or 'Audio AUX' is selected as the input source on your original BMW CCC system (refer to Section 6.2).
• Check all audio connections, especially the green fiber optic cable.

8.2. Cannot Return to Original System

• Check if the original LVDS 10PIN connector is securely plugged into the back of the radio.
• Verify that the green fiber optic cable on the original car power plug is connected to the radio power plug.
• If the above steps are confirmed, try selecting the CCC system resolution one by one (refer to Section 6.3). After each resolution selection, restart the radio.

8.3. Display Issues (Distorted/Incorrect)

• Adjust the screen resolution settings as described in Section 6.3.

9. Specifications

9.1. System Comparison (Closed Android vs. Linus System)

Image 9.1: System specifications comparison.

10. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details are not provided in the product information. For warranty claims or technical support, please contact the manufacturer, Votheon, directly through their official channels or the retailer where the product was purchased.