DUDU7 - New Head Unit + 360 Camera System + TPMS + ADAS Dashcam

[RetroRed5]

Afternoon all,

In spite of me being a bit of a fan standard Discover Media Pro system that came with my California, I was wanting something with a bit more functionality as well as something a bit larger (so easier to see) as well as something that didn't suffer with glare from the sun during the summer months (due to the sloped angle at which the standard screen sits).

After much research into the various options available, I decided to go with the new DUDU7 11.5" 2K head-unit.

It's been in my Cali now for a few weeks and so far so good; it's not without its own set of issues but I'm sure these can be ironed out over time.

I had this done as the same time as the new digital instrument cluster was installed, both together really lift the T6 interior and bring it right up to date.

Alongside the new head-unit and cluster, I had the following installed...

• 360 camera system (replaced standard rear camera and added front camera and a camera in each wing mirror)
• Front ADAS dashcam
• Direct TPMS

Whilst obviously not OEM, it does look almost as if VW were going to fit a floating screen, then this is what it might look like; the fit is very clean with a specific T6 fitting kit.

Here are a few pics...






TPMS monitoring, shows pressure and temperature, along with a history...



360 camera...





Checking the club site



Checking the Cali market...



Amazon Video (can watch from the rear, when parked up of course)...



Built-in levelling tools...



Running Carista...



Not for everyone of course, but if you are considering a new head-unit, the DUDU7 is certainly worth a look.

Cheers.

 

[Meoncoast]

Are you saying it will play a film for people in the rear to watch when you are driving ? I believe that, if so, there are a host of legal issues for the driver.

 

[RetroRed5]

Like any Android based head-unit, you can pretty much do what you want, so you "could" do that sort of thing I think (never tested it though). Even with a standard factory fit modern'ish head unit, you can use Android Auto (maybe CarPlay) as well to watch video while in motion, but of course it is your responsibility to not do that when driving.

What I meant was, when we are parked up on site somewhere, the screen is just about big enough such that we can sit in the back and watch something on the head-unit (Amazon, Netflix, BBC...etc).

 

[Wannabecamperman]

Like any Android based head-unit, you can pretty much do what you want, so you "could" do that sort of thing I think (never tested it though). Even with a standard factory fit modern'ish head unit, you can use Android Auto (maybe CarPlay) as well to watch video while in motion, but of course it is your responsibility to not do that when driving.

What I meant was, when we are parked up on site somewhere, the screen is just about big enough such that we can sit in the back and watch something on the head-unit (Amazon, Netflix, BBC...etc).

Indeed. Just like Tesla. Love it!

 

[Shadrack]

Afternoon all,

In spite of me being a bit of a fan standard Discover Media Pro system that came with my California, I was wanting something with a bit more functionality as well as something a bit larger (so easier to see) as well as something that didn't suffer with glare from the sun during the summer months (due to the sloped angle at which the standard screen sits).

After much research into the various options available, I decided to go with the new DUDU7 11.5" 2K head-unit.

It's been in my Cali now for a few weeks and so far so good; it's not without its own set of issues but I'm sure these can be ironed out over time.

I had this done as the same time as the new digital instrument cluster was installed, both together really lift the T6 interior and bring it right up to date.

Alongside the new head-unit and cluster, I had the following installed...

• 360 camera system (replaced standard rear camera and added front camera and a camera in each wing mirror)
• Front ADAS dashcam
• Direct TPMS

Whilst obviously not OEM, it does look almost as if VW were going to fit a floating screen, then this is what it might look like; the fit is very clean with a specific T6 fitting kit.

Here are a few pics...

View attachment 142136

View attachment 142137


TPMS monitoring, shows pressure and temperature, along with a history...

View attachment 142138

360 camera...

View attachment 142139

View attachment 142140

Checking the club site

View attachment 142141

Checking the Cali market...

View attachment 142142

Amazon Video (can watch from the rear, when parked up of course)...

View attachment 142143

Built-in levelling tools...

View attachment 142144

Running Carista...

View attachment 142145

Not for everyone of course, but if you are considering a new head-unit, the DUDU7 is certainly worth a look.

Cheers.

That looks so good,
I also like the idea of 360 camera.
Do the steering wheel controls function?
where did you buy from and what sort of pennies are we looking at?

 

[RetroRed5]

Yes, all steering wheel controls are retained.

The cost depends on a number of factors including which options you select, whether you want installation included (and distance from the installer); it can get quite expensive if you go for everything, but to put it into context, the cost for the new head unit, 360 cams, dashcam, TPMS and installation (which included full CANBUS integration and the T6 installation kit) works out at not much more than a replacement MIB2 Discover Media Pro if you buy new from VW.

I also had the digital instrument cluster installed at the same time...



Everything was installed by Ant at Everest-VW.

In terms of the pennies, best thing to do is check out their website, you can configure what you want on there and it gives you a price...

Digidash supply and installation experts, upgrade your Dashboard now!

We supply and fit digital dashboards, digidash, virtual cockpits specialising in Volkswagen vans and campers such as Transporter T5.1, T6, T6.1, Crafter, and Caddy. Our connected dash solutions are second to none, or, why not enquire about our services to supply and fit the fastest Android head...

everest-vw.co.uk

 

[Shadrack]

Yes, all steering wheel controls are retained.

The cost depends on a number of factors including which options you select, whether you want installation included (and distance from the installer); it can get quite expensive if you go for everything, but to put it into context, the cost for the new head unit, 360 cams, dashcam, TPMS and installation (which included full CANBUS integration and the T6 installation kit) works out at not much more than a replacement MIB2 Discover Media Pro if you buy new from VW.

I also had the digital instrument cluster installed at the same time...

View attachment 142160

Everything was installed by Ant at Everest-VW.

In terms of the pennies, best thing to do is check out their website, you can configure what you want on there and it gives you a price...

Digidash supply and installation experts, upgrade your Dashboard now!

We supply and fit digital dashboards, digidash, virtual cockpits specialising in Volkswagen vans and campers such as Transporter T5.1, T6, T6.1, Crafter, and Caddy. Our connected dash solutions are second to none, or, why not enquire about our services to supply and fit the fastest Android head...

everest-vw.co.uk

Thank you,
Looks to be a good project for me to get to grips with.

 

[antony.charnley1]

Thanks for the write up @RetroRed5 it was a pleasure to work on such a prestige example of a T6 Cali O. I thought I was doing quite well until I got to have a look around your Bulli!

I would also like to add that, the head unit can independently control rear screens if that's your thing, and using some nifty video capable USB C hubs We are also able to split the video in two for lossless digital signal to rear monitors or screens. I have tested it with a 1080p XGIMI HALO+ GTV and it looks and sounds great.

Another cool feature is the option for optical audio out, which I presently have running directly into the Gladen Sound up kit (T6 specific). An absolute 'Alpine killer' with it's Mosconi fully programmable DSP, a-pillar tweets, 8" doors, and underwear sub. The clarity at volume is unbelievable, I also recently paired this with a simple Helix kit that allows you to pair any Bluetooth devices and have the option of 'injecting' hi-res Bluetooth audio and starting up the amp by tapping into the 12v trigger. A really cool option if you just want to use your phone for tunes, or projectors etc.

AND.. Finally..

The 360 camera system is a 4 Camera DVR, I already create custom harnesses for some customers to enable a dash switch to bring up the head unit without ignition utilising relays to 'hide' the head unit from the vehicle CANBUS, and ensure that the only power used is leisure side. Meaning you can activate your night guard security and check all around your vehicle without even twitching a curtain.. unless that's your thing of course!

A highly versatile setup with lots of configurations including for factor, screen size, memory and storage before you consider the plethora of accessories that integrate. The only warning I would heed is that this system is really for the enthusiast, of course it can be run very simply as a wonderful Carplay or Android Auto mirror unit. But it's a lot more than that, and quite underutilised unless time is taken to ensure good setup and configuration. Including even tuning the video output to the DigiDash which can look really smart using native Google maps. I have fitted around 40 Dudu7 to date and many of which have been combined DigiDash installs with 360 systems including a recent investment in some rock solid laser calibration equipment to get those measurements and alignment on the cameras spot on.

There's a few spare kits unallocated so please get in touch if you are interested in learning more.

Ant.

 

[RetroRed5]

Hey Ant, nice to see you on these forums

Just by way of a quick review of Everest VW...

Everest VW is run by Ant, who is himself a passionate VW California owner. Ant is a very clever and skilled chap who knows the California very well (and other VW's).

I found Everest VW after doing quite a lot of research into instrument cluster upgrades and modern head-units that work well in the California. I initially spoke to Ant at length about what I wanted and he helped me understand the tech and fine-tune my order so that it was just right.

In my case, I pretty much went the whole hog which meant it was going to be a 2-day install.

Ant travelled up to me (in his California) and started the installation on the day as planned; he was happy to explain everything as he went and he treated my Cali as if it was his own; nothing was rushed and no corners were cut.

Ant does a lot of work in VW Transporter camper conversions as well, which are a little easier to work on than a California because the factory VW trim that the California is full of can be a little tricky to remove and refit, patience is needed, which Ant has in spades.

The install took the scheduled 2 days and every worked first time, no rework or refitting needed and literally no trace of any work having been done (other than the new tech of course).

Ant's own California (which is very nice btw) is in effect his sandbox; he installs, removes and re-fits all the tech he offers in his own Cali before going near a customers vehicle to make sure everything works as expected; he even has a direct line to the development teams for the tech and so has the ability to influence future development based on the feedback he gives them.

Technical ability and quality aside, Ant is a thoroughly nice fellow who is more than happy to go above and beyond to make sure that you are happy.

Very highly recommended.

Cheers