Avin Avant 3 issues

[Oltorf]

I finally got my Avin Avant 3 with dual DVR installed and I've gotten most of the kinks worked out. Tell you what, this is the most complicated head unit install I've ever done and their technical support is basically non-existent. Also, you have to contact them to get any software updates, and I'm guessing they just don't spend a lot of time at their desks.

Any ways, I finally got most of my little kinks working, except one. When I put it in reverse, the reverse camera comes up, but it's all black. When I open the dual dvr app, it's recording the reverse camera and front camera so I know the connection is good.

Any ideas?

[az3579]

I have to say, I find it interesting that you found the install complicated. I found it to be super easy; everything, with the exception of the reverse camera, was plug and play for me.

I also found their support to be fantastic. I've had three different issues (IIRC) and support was always super quick to respond and had the exact solutions for me.

As for reverse, I have the same issue, though I didn't fully install the reverse camera, only tested while plugged in. I have a strong feeling that the reverse wires for the camera need to be tapped in to the reverse wiring for the transmission for it to be functional, bit I don't know that for sure. I didn't have to do this with a previous head unit, so I don't know why it's like this. I haven't yet asked support for a solution to this.

I did find the accessories I got (TPMS, DVR, and reverse camera) to be pretty mediocre, however. The unit itself works flawlessly and doesn't have any of the software bugs associated with other units I've had (Eonon and Xtrons).

Just out of curiosity, what update did you obtain from them? It wasn't Oreo, was it?

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[Oltorf]

I have to say, I find it interesting that you found the install complicated. I found it to be super easy; everything, with the exception of the reverse camera, was plug and play for me.

I also found their support to be fantastic. I've had three different issues (IIRC) and support was always super quick to respond and had the exact solutions for me.

As for reverse, I have the same issue, though I didn't fully install the reverse camera, only tested while plugged in. I have a strong feeling that the reverse wires for the camera need to be tapped in to the reverse wiring for the transmission for it to be functional, bit I don't know that for sure. I didn't have to do this with a previous head unit, so I don't know why it's like this. I haven't yet asked support for a solution to this.

I did find the accessories I got (TPMS, DVR, and reverse camera) to be pretty mediocre, however. The unit itself works flawlessly and doesn't have any of the software bugs associated with other units I've had (Eonon and Xtrons).

Just out of curiosity, what update did you obtain from them? It wasn't Oreo, was it?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I had some issues with the PDF instructions. There was some wrong information in it, like which wires were the (+) and(-) reverse light wires, and no information at all about other things - like the male USB plug on the main wire harness that has to get plugged back into one of the USB ports in the unit. I had to take it out about 5 times before I figured it all out.

They just emailed me the link to the update with the file name "3562". It's the update that they released 3/15, but I haven't installed it yet. I've heard that it's causing issues with other people and I don't think it's the cause of my reverse camera issues.

Also I'm having a real hard time getting ahold of anyone there. They'll send me updates (sometimes). What I really need is a replacement cable for one that I ripped the USB connector off of and then lost it behind my dash somewhere. I spliced an old USB connector on that I had laying around but I think that may not be doing the trick. I'm going to try emailing tech support. I've been contacting them on their FB page but that's spotty at best.

[az3579]

I'm going to try emailing tech support. I've been contacting them on their FB page but that's spotty at best.

For what it's worth, I've only emailed with them. The response through that method has been great so far.


What is this install document you speak of? There wasn't one available when I got mine in January. I was actually writing one up for them (taking my sweet time - busy) that I haven't finished yet... would you mind attaching it here?

[Oltorf]

For what it's worth, I've only emailed with them. The response through that method has been great so far.


What is this install document you speak of? There wasn't one available when I got mine in January. I was actually writing one up for them (taking my sweet time - busy) that I haven't finished yet... would you mind attaching it here?

I got them from the product pages on the website. There are PDFs for the rear camera and front camera - but both for the Avant 2 - and a video for the avant 3 unit itself. It's pretty incomplete though. He doesn't talk about how to wire it or where all the plugs go or anything.

[Dual]

I also found their support to be fantastic. I've had three different issues (IIRC) and support was always super quick to respond and had the exact solutions for me…
...For what it's worth, I've only emailed with them. The response through that method has been great so far.


I just want to make sure I understand your relationship with Avin, and if I have this wrong I really apologize. You are posting as someone who got a free unit from Avin in return for a promised future review? The thread is spread across a few different subjects, so if I got this wrong I do apologize. Please set me straight.

[az3579]

Not quite correct. I paid for my unit but got a large discount, as well as some accessories in return for a full write-up/video of how to install from start to finish on a car that originally had Business CD radio. I was unable to make a video but am almost done making written instructions with pictures.

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[derbo]

Not quite correct. I paid for my unit but got a large discount, as well as some accessories in return for a full write-up/video of how to install from start to finish on a car that originally had Business CD radio. I was unable to make a video but am almost done making written instructions with pictures.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Hurry up already. :rofl

[Dual]

I apologize then- thanks for clarifying!

[Oltorf]

Just an update - The DVR system plugs into the CCD RCA cable, not the DVR RCA cable. It's working now.

[Overboost]

Just an update - The DVR system plugs into the CCD RCA cable, not the DVR RCA cable. It's working now.

I have pulled the trigger on the Avant-3 for my X5 and really want the DVR setup. The new A3 is coming in mid January so I am researching all my options and formulating my installation plan. I read you had issues when applying reverse and got a black screen. The cable relocation to the CCD RCA cable from the DCR RCA fixed your problem? I have looked everywhere for proper wiring for the DVR into the Avant-3, if you wouldn't mind please let me know.

Front camera + rear camera. Is there a splitter on one specific harness or do they plug into separate jacks? The front DVR cameras shown on their site Model: DDVR-CAMHD1 show a USB connection so I am confused. Model: BMWDVR002 shows a completely different wiring harness adding to my confusion. Does the CAN Bus adapter automatically define reverse or did you need to wire into any reverse light trigger?

Thank you for your time Oltorf

[Oltorf]

I have pulled the trigger on the Avant-3 for my X5 and really want the DVR setup. The new A3 is coming in mid January so I am researching all my options and formulating my installation plan. I read you had issues when applying reverse and got a black screen. The cable relocation to the CCD RCA cable from the DCR RCA fixed your problem? I have looked everywhere for proper wiring for the DVR into the Avant-3, if you wouldn't mind please let me know.

Front camera + rear camera. Is there a splitter on one specific harness or do they plug into separate jacks? The front DVR cameras shown on their site Model: DDVR-CAMHD1 show a USB connection so I am confused. Model: BMWDVR002 shows a completely different wiring harness adding to my confusion. Does the CAN Bus adapter automatically define reverse or did you need to wire into any reverse light trigger?

Thank you for your time Oltorf

Yes, moving the reverse cable to the CCD jack fixed the reverse camera problem.

They supply a harness for the front/rear camera. They don't really specify what goes where but the jacks will only connect to the ones they're supposed to. It's not hard to figure out. I'd add to make sure you have a good connection to the reverse wire in the car. I don't think I do and it acts like the recording program just started every few minutes, which is annoying. Also the SD card goes into the front camera itself, not the head unit.

Good luck with it. I had to uninstall mine like 10 times to get it right. They are kind of glitchy units.

Also there's a new one coming out in Jan? updated hardware or what?

[Overboost]

Yeah, Avant-3 V3 has 4GB RAM now from the 2GB initially. Also running Android 8.0 Oreo.

I see on the website the DVR option ($99) comes with the reverse camera. I got my own reverse camera which is much smaller than the ones they offer. I installed it and tested it with a monitor so the connection is good. How did you wire the power to your rear cam? I am planning on 12V switched power when the ignition is in position 1 or position 2. Did you wire your rear camera power to the reverse lights? How would it be powered on in a normal driving recording mode without being in reverse?

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