Dasaita Head Unit for 2nd Gen Tacoma

@Gadgethm - I used the same USB adapter to preserve the OEM port and it worked a champ. Terminating the free RCA cables is good practice - I had a bunch of leftover RCA solder-on connectors from when Radio Shack was a thing. They also do the job. +1 on using the head unit integrated mic. I futzed with routing the external mic up the A pillar and locating by the visor pivot point. When exercising it with phone calls to friends, the integrated mic outperformed. I can't comment on the GPS trick (had no OEM GPS for my install), but all I did was place the provided GPS antenna on top of the plastic dash vent plenum and it has worked without issue for me. Good luck in the adventure.

@kingston73 - I think on the XDA forum, there is some resource on the world of these Chinese android head units. While there are changes between the generations (PX5 to PX6 for example), within generations they tend to land on the same MCU, BT chip, Tuner chip, and amplifier stage across the different providers. There is some differentiation with the basic software provided from the vendors for the basic functions of the units. However the real value of these units is in leveraging the customization and application universe of the android marketplace. I wish I could say there is evidence that one provider has better support than the other, but the reality is that for the most part you're on your own. There are good resources available, and TW has some true end user experience feedback that is useful in making your decision.

I drove with my stock speakers for about 90 days after installing the Dasaita unit. The equalizer certainly helped get more out of it compared to stock radio, but it was readily apparent that the sound was constrained. Bass was stronger, but even more muddy than before and the tweeter would push into static over sound. A friend has a 2015 with a Pioneer head unit and Infinity speakers. I copied his speaker config as the path of least resistance. I don't have any external amplification (and he neither) but I honestly can't tell the difference between the audio performance of the two using my ears. The only minor difference would be that I threw in some sound deadening behind my speakers (not full door) and on some bass heavy tracks it sounds "cleaner" in my truck. I still have plans to hide a small self amplified subwoofer under the drivers seat, but I'm happy with it's sonic performance so far.

 

Nope, just plugs in. Very simple.

I feel this position is better anyway



Ya I understand your concern but for some reason the intergraded mic sounds better for callers.

You have a OEM mic?

 

I did what your wanting to do. It made about 70% noticable difference to the sound system. I can only imagine how hard the bass would hit if I had a regular 10" or 12" sub box sitting in the back seat. But I've moved on from setting car alarms off years ago. For me, the little under seat amp/sub is more than enough.

 

That's on my future projects list. I bought a 8"

$126 LOPRO8 Amplified Car Subwoofer - 600 Watts Max Power, Low Profile, 8" Subwoofer, Remote Subwoofer Control, Great For Vehicles That Need Bass But Have Limited Space, Black

LOPRO8 from SSL awhile back. It's on my workbench and taunts me every time I pull in the garage. I also bought some seat jackers in case I need extra clearance. I intend to delete the air vent that is under seat and try to locate as far forward as possible so I can preserve as much rear seat foot room as possible.

Any tips from your install that would help me out?

 

Wait, do you mean the mic that came with the stereo when you say stock mic? Or you mean the mic that is built into the tacoma? I'm talking about the microphone built into the taco between the map lights on the roof, that one isn't plug and play with the harness I got, and it needs a 5V supply to work properly. Interesting that the one on the front of the head unit works better than toyota's microphone.

I also have a LOPRO, though mine is a

$141 LOPRO10 Powered Under Seat Car Subwoofer - 1200 Watts Max, Single 2.6 Ohm, Voice Coil, Built in Amp, Low Profile, Remote Subwoofer Control

LOPRO10. I haven't installed it yet, but its on my to-do list

 

I didn’t try to use the OEM ceiling mounted mic. I did try to use the external mic that was provided with the unit. When exercising it with friends, they consistently preferred the internal over the external mic. Counter intuitive.

 

Ahhhh gotcha. Very interesting that their provided external mic is such poor quality haha, I definitely will not be using that.

I am curious as to whether or not the experience is the same with the factory Toyota microphone. Its entirely possible the integrated mic is still better, given that the car was made back in the earlier days of bluetooth handsfree calling. Guess we will find out!

 

↑this

 

Mine just arrived, will try and get it installed today. I find it hilarious that they direct you to TW for the install on 13-15 models.

 

Whoa, we're big time now lol. Might need to run spell check on my old posts

 

So I’m trying to re-use the factory metal mounting brackets but the bolts that it was mounted to the oem hu with don’t fit in the holes on the dasaita. I don’t remember reading any problems about this, only about the brackets themselves. I took out my alpine unit that I currently had installed and those screws fit neither the oem nor the dasaita. I can’t think of any other solution other than taking this thing to a hardware store and trying every screw in there until one fits. Any thoughts?

 

Same, I ended up not using the OEM brackets. The hu sits sturdy, even off-road.

 

How does that one turn on? By unplugging the shitty external one?

 

I'm confused by your question. How does what turn on? The external mic or intergraded mic, the head unit?

 

The integrated one. I never even noticed it before. I looked around in the settings and couldn’t find a way to switch it. I have the external mic up by the mirror and 80% of people I talk to say they can’t hear me.

 

Sturdy enough for whoops, jumps, and long travel antics? Cause that’s the plan and I don’t wanna have to take this stuff apart again.

 

Unplug the external one. It should automatically work. Mine did at least

 

Ah I see. I don't jump my truck, it's strictly used for daily/camping. I definitely would not trust the yellow clips to hold in your situation lol.

So, I suggest you look around at a hardware shop for something that would match the threading. I also (might be overkill) considered drilling out a new hole and popping in a few rivet nuts if theres enough room to do so.

I've been wanting to get the brackets on there but never get around to it. The thought of it flying at my face in a head on crash does cross my mind every once in a while. I can take a look at it this weekend if youd like and see if I can figure the proper thread pitch/remedy.

Edit: I've taken my hu out probably 30 times since I've owned it. I'm always adding things to it. Just food for thought.

 

I gotcha, I’ll go to my local hardware store in the morning and see if they have something that works. If not I’ll just install it for the time being and forget about it until it’s too late. You don’t have to take it apart and do all that, if I find a bolt/screw that works I’ll lyk. I’m very eager to get this installed so if I can’t find something that works, what happens happens.

 

Regarding the brackets options, I tried multiple attempts to drill out the right hole(s) without pulling out the whole dash. I got to the point where it looked like the sweet spot would be along a punched out strengthening ridge. I was debating pulling the whole dash out so I could line up from the back unimpeded when I just happen to notice some old industrial strength velcro squares on my oddments tray. They supposedly handle 50 lbs each so with both in play I think they are overkill. I stuck it on the radio and brackets in close enough position with about a half inch forward bias. When I tightened the bolts in the brackets back down, it seated perfectly and I could hear a bit of the velcro "creep" as it settled in. I've taken it out a few times by releasing the bolts and the velcro seems to be holding up fine. It's an option for your consideration.

Others have said that pulling the dash is not that difficult. I think it's a bit drastic, but to get the hole right I don't see another clean way.