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Crankshaft is a free GNU/Linux distribution that turns a Raspberry Pi into an Android Auto head unit: Android Auto runs on your phone, and the Pi displays the projected interface through OpenAuto. It is a DIY project, not a Google-certified product, and its older setup guidance does not establish compatibility with every current Raspberry Pi, phone, screen, or wireless adapter.
What Crankshaft does
Crankshaft packages the software and system behavior for using a Raspberry Pi as an Android Auto display. OpenAuto handles the head-unit emulation, while AASDK supports the Android Auto communication. The Android Auto app runs on the connected Android phone; the Pi is not a standalone Android device or a replacement for the phone.
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The project describes Crankshaft as a turnkey distribution and credits OpenAuto and AASDK as enabling components. OpenAuto is a separate Android Auto head-unit emulator built with AASDK and Qt. Its upstream README lists Linux, Raspberry Pi 3, and Windows support and describes features such as touch and button input, Bluetooth, audio playback, voice input, automatic device detection, and wireless mode. Those upstream feature claims do not guarantee that a particular Crankshaft image and hardware combination supports them.
Crankshaft states that it and OpenAuto are not related to or certified by Google or Android. Crankshaft project README · OpenAuto project README
What a basic build needs
A practical setup needs a Raspberry Pi, a display and input method, a microSD card with a compatible Crankshaft image, suitable power, and an Android phone connected by a data-capable USB cable. The historic guide uses the official Raspberry Pi 7-inch touchscreen as one example, but an HDMI display can be useful for initial testing. Check the documentation for the specific image and components before buying around an assumption of compatibility.
- Raspberry Pi: The older setup guide recommends a Pi 3B or 3B+. It says a Pi 2 might be suitable but lacks onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and warns that the Pi Zero, A+, and original Pi B may underperform. These are dated recommendations, not a current compatibility matrix.
- Display and input: Choose a compatible touchscreen or HDMI display. Screen connection, touch input, mounting, and visibility in the vehicle are separate considerations; a working video output alone does not establish touchscreen support.
- Storage and image: Write the image to a microSD card and insert it into the Pi. The old guide’s 4 GB storage minimum is a historical requirement and should not be treated as the right capacity for a current image.
- Power: The guide’s FAQ recommends a 5 V, 2.5 A supply for a Pi 3. Power needs vary with the board and attached display or peripherals, so verify the requirements for the hardware you select.
- Phone connection: The historical build uses an Android phone and a USB cable. Its Android 5.0 minimum is specific to that old guide, not confirmation of current Android compatibility.
The guide’s overall sequence is to assemble the hardware, write the image to the SD card, insert it into the Pi, and power the system on. It also suggests testing the phone and Pi over HDMI before buying the official screen. Because this documentation is several years old, consult the current Crankshaft installation documentation and releases for the image and setup details that apply to your planned build.
Rank #2
- Multiple Functions: This car has four drive wheels, the rotatable head has a camera and an ultrasonic distance sensor (Assembly required) (Raspberry Pi and Battery NOT included)
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step assembly guide and complete Python code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Compatible Models: Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+ / 3B / 3A+ (2B / 1B+ / 1A+ / Zero 2 W / Zero W / Zero 1.3 is also compatible but needs extra parts) (NOT included in this kit)
- Control Methods: Controlled wirelessly by your Android phone or tablet, iPhone (with Freenove App) and computer (run Windows, macOS or Raspberry Pi OS)
- Battery NOT Included: Please refer to the downloaded tutorial to buy
Crankshaft or OpenAuto directly?
The choice is mainly between a packaged setup and a more hands-on software route. Crankshaft is presented as the easier, turnkey option; working with OpenAuto more directly is oriented toward development and experimentation. Neither label by itself answers whether your specific combination will work.
| Decision point | Crankshaft distribution | OpenAuto directly |
|---|---|---|
| Setup approach | Packaged distribution intended to simplify setup. | More direct route for development and experimentation. |
| Hardware and operating-system support | Check the exact image documentation and compatibility reports; a current matrix is not established here. | Upstream README lists Linux, Raspberry Pi 3, and Windows; that does not confirm every board or configuration. |
| Wired or wireless connection | Verify support for the chosen image, phone, and any adapter. | Wireless mode is listed upstream, but that is not a guarantee for a given setup. |
| Display, input, shutdown, and power-loss behavior | Confirm the behavior and compatibility for the selected image and hardware. | Plan and validate these elements in your own setup. |
These comparisons follow the projects’ descriptions; confirm current details in the OpenAuto README and Crankshaft repository.
Rank #3
- This intelligent robot car kit utilizes a Raspberry Pi as its main controller, equipped with various sensors and functional modules, providing users with a rich interactive experience. Through a multi-platform client app (supporting Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android), you can easily control the car's various functions, including movement control, RGB light adjustment, and horn sound output.
- The kit is equipped with a multi-functional sensor system, including an ultrasonic module, photoresistor, and line-following module. These sensors enable the car to perform three intelligent modes: line following, light tracking, and ultrasonic obstacle avoidance. Additionally, the Windows client supports advanced face recognition and tracking features, adding more possibilities to your project.
- The camera module allows you to view the car's surroundings in real-time, enhancing the precision and enjoyment of remote control. Whether used for education, entertainment, or development projects, this multifunctional robot car can meet your needs.
- To ensure users can fully utilize all features of this kit, we provide comprehensive learning resources. In addition to detailed assembly videos and software user manuals, we also offer online documentation tutorials. These resources cover various aspects from basic setup to advanced programming techniques, allowing you to gradually master robotics technology and customize and extend your project according to your needs.
- Whether you're a programming novice or an experienced developer, this kit can bring you rich learning and innovation opportunities. Our online tutorials and video resources are regularly updated to ensure you always have access to the latest techniques and applications.
Check compatibility before spending on a build
The current Crankshaft repository describes a Raspberry Pi Android Auto head-unit solution and carries Raspberry Pi 3 and 4 topic tags. Those tags do not prove that a maintained release supports a specific board, image, phone version, touchscreen, or wireless configuration. The installation guide is old, so compatibility should be verified component by component rather than inferred from a feature list.
- Find the current installation instructions and releases for Crankshaft; confirm which image is intended for your Pi model.
- Check reports or documentation for your phone and the Android version it runs. Do not rely on the historical guide’s minimum as a current requirement.
- Confirm display connection and touch support for your exact screen, as well as the power demands of the Pi and attached equipment.
- If wireless use matters, confirm it for the exact image, phone, and adapter rather than relying only on OpenAuto’s upstream feature list.
- Where practical, test the phone and Pi with an inexpensive HDMI display before purchasing a dedicated touchscreen, following the old guide’s suggested approach.
Safety and limitations in a car
Crankshaft and OpenAuto are uncertified by Google or Android, and OpenAuto’s upstream README advises against using it while driving. The historic Crankshaft guide likewise says not to depend on the head unit for safety and warns that changes to Google’s Android ecosystem could make OpenAuto stop working. Treat this as a hobbyist project without a warranty, not safety-critical vehicle equipment. Keep attention on driving and do not operate or troubleshoot the system while the vehicle is moving.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1. 5GHz
- 2. 4 GHz and 5. 0 GHz IEEE 802. 11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5. 0, BLE
- 2 × USB 3. 0 ports, 2 x USB 2. 0 Ports
- 2 × micro HDMI ports supproting up to 4Kp60 video resolution
- Micro SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
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