Related
Hi all,
I am planning to modify an existing handsfree set for use with my XDA and during planning I found:
http://www.cheap.de/shop/pd1044621724.htm?categoryId=8
On this page you will see the following line:
Anschlussmöglichkeit für externe Antenne
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For those that can't understand German: Can support external antenna
How do they do this? I have not found any reference of a connector for an external antenna.
Regards Robert
6 foot tall ape descendant
external antenna
:x :x bummer, this was posted by me but I wasn't logged in :x :x
Climber, Robert
6 foot tall ape descendant
It probably uses a passive coupler. If you place a properly-designed coil very close to the phone antenna it will couple RF effectively.
Your right!
Got the car kit yesterday. Opened the cradle and found a large piece of PCB that is positioned close to the antenna of the XDA. This PCB is connected to the lead that comes from the external antenna.
Francois
Yeah, a passive coupler. Makes sense. It should give you a 3-5dB boost, good enough to clean up conversations in fringe areas.
external Antenna
Sorry,
whats PCB???
Can U make a Photo?
Stevie
PCB = Printed Circuit Board.
A foto would be overkill, just imagine a piece of epoxy 5*5 centimeters, covered with copper.
Francois
Hello FVH,
would be nice to hear your experiences with the car-kit.
Does radio mute work ?
Does the sound work through the radio speakers ?
What is in the box of the car-kit ?
Is it worth the money ?
Thanks :lol:
FVH,
Re the PCB description, is it just as you say "a flat piece of copper" without a pcb design on it, if it does what does it look like... are there any other components on it?
e.g. can we make one up easily!
using sticky back plastic or veroboard - e.g. Blue Peter with a bit of Maplin thrown in to achieve a better xda signal...
So if this thing really is just a flat plate, and has no intrinsic components, pcb tracks or special properties...does it that mean we could just rig up a sheet of tinfoil or other conductive item nearby...
I guess we need a Radio Ham with an xda to tell us we're onto a lost cause - Hopefully owning an xda is not like the early days of broadband, where you have to base your homebuying/renting on where you can get a service!
Or someone who's tried out the inductive antenna as mentioned on the other thread http://www.xda-developers.com/forum...=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=antenna
http://www.expansys.us/product.asp?code=AXF-15S
You can make a perfectly tuned antenna/pickup out of just copper etching on a piece of PCB. Unfortunately, it is infinitely easier to create a distuned antenna from the same components.
After a lot of research it seems the "as seen on TV" signal booster widgets (small PCBs) as suspected dont work.
http://www.bettercalls.com/
http://cellphones-accessories.com/cell-accessories/celphonpow24.html
This is a brilliant site where I found all the info:
http://www.criterioncellular.com/html/reception.html
Whats needed is either:
1) someone making a replacement antenna - as from the internal images shown on this website, it seems fairly easy to remove when dismantling the xda. Why not have a replacement one with an external FME antenna connector. This could then be attached to a small car type antenna.
http://www.tdc.co.uk/antennas/antenna_gsm.htm
apologies if my theories are a little optimistic on this... its just an idea.
2) Purchase of an external signal booster, which can be attached to a small antenna. Then directly plugged into a modified antenna (as 1 above)
3) A seperate re-radiator to boost the outdoor GSM signal inside the home, although this seems expensive! ($279)http://www.criterioncellular.com/html/cellular-amplifier-bda.html
4) as carlos suggested an inductive repeater, you can buy these for GPS systems, why not for GSM signals?http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=GPSW-RRAD-45
FVH - Have you noticed any difference with signal using the inductive coupler?
:wink: [/b]
Can anyone recommend a windscreen mount that would meet my following requirements?
1. Must hold the HD2 securely (goes without saying) - but doesn't have to be specifically designed for the HD2
2. Under or around £10 (can't afford those £40-£60 'official' things!)
3. Must not block camera lens as I wish to record some of my journeys
4. Can swivel portrait/landscape without removing
I have found a fair view that 'might' meet these requirements but I'd like to know for sure.
- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AIO-PREMIUM-C...ries_MobilePhoneBatteries?hash=item2304e852d0 <--- this looks decent but I can't work out whether it blocks the lens or not??
- http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1154
(some more but I've lost the urls - loads on DX to choose from)
Any help's much appreciated!
Hi, I bought this one on eBay:
WINDSCREEN SUCTION CAR HOLDER & CHARGER FOR HTC HD2 LEO, the company is "e-Cell"
It arrived yesterday and it works the way you want it to - there is a hole for the camera lens, but not for the LEDs, and it swivels all the way round.
It costs £7.85, with free P & P, and includes a cigarette lighter power supply (which I haven't used yet).
I hope this helps.
EDIT: I checked and the item is no longer listed - perhaps they're out of stock.
Thanks John, I managed to find the one you're referring to via Google but as you say it's sold out: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200433261802
It looks very similar to the ones being sold by DX for other devices (currently none on DX for HD2), e.g.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18225
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22814
It looks decent - how easy is it to put your HD2 into and remove it from the holder?
I've also found this super cheap universal one on DX: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23565
...which allows full swiveling and most likely the top of the HD2 (camera, flash) would stick out from the holder making it accessible for filming. I may order this one as I can always give it to a friend if it doesn't work out, though I'm def still interested in more stuff like your link.
Cheers
The Capdase Car Mount will work.
Try E-CELL on E-bay. I bought mine there, it is a veryy good holder for the HD2 and cost app. 8 pounds.
Search ebay for this "Holder Mount USB Car Charger For HTC Touch HD2 Leo 100". Has opening for camera and holds phone in landscape which is good for copilot.
Hi,
This is for the e-Cell model:
If you imagine the phone in the landscape position, with the five buttons to the right, the phone slots into two grips left and right, at the bottom. These are fixed and don't move, but at the top, in the centre of the phone holder is another clip that flexes to allow the insertion and removal of the phone. This piece of plastic then clips onto a standard flexible arm windscreen mount, which in turn fixes to the windscreen with a suction cup. There is a ball joint on the back of the phone clip, which, when you've found your best position, can be tightened to lock the mount so that it will not move.
I've only used mine a couple of times and it's relatively easy to put in and remove the phone, perhaps a bit stiff at first, and I've found it easier to fit the phone into the holder first and then attach the complete assembly to the windscreen. It seems to work OK, so it may be worth waiting for e-Cell to get new stock, particularly as you also get a cigarette lighter charger, and it's only £7.85 with free postage.
This looks similar to the e-Cell model:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/car-pack-for-the-htc-hd2-p23420.htm but they're sold out too! The joint on this looks more sophisticated, but it's more than twice as expensive. There seems to be a hole for the lens, but the picture isn't very clear.
http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280435698894&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
mine, cheapest and camera effective, even if I'd prefer a joint-like arm instead of the one it's got
Hi Ephestione,
It's a pity we can't combine the best features of all the mounts. For instance, mine doesn't have the cushioned grips, so I'll have to be careful not to scratch the phone with the rigid clips.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Car-Charger-Mount-Kit-Holder-for-HTC-Touch-HD-2-T8585_W0QQitemZ390175231504QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccessories_MobilePhoneBatteries?hash=item5ad8418e10
this one is available, exacly the same as ecell one, but will come "out of the box", and comes with a charger too. this seller also got the 1600mah andida battery.
for recording purpose, another good point is its having a strong and quite short metal neck that won't take cars vibrations as a long neck/flexible one would. definitely would recomend it.
Hi,
Yes, this is the same as the e-Cell item, and it works well. I paid a bit more because I was impatient and e-Cell seem to be UK based, so delivery was quicker. Some comments I found when I googled the holder questioned the location of the company, but I had no problems. I'll check out the battery, thanks.
I bought this and it will suit ur needs.
Hi guys,
Has anyone tried the Dash Genie for Streak?
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/dash-genie-in-car-holder-p23796.htm
They advertise it as magic - and we all know magic doesn't exist - so I am doubtful especially with the larger and heavier Streak. I would buy the original holder but this just seems more practical and universal. Also being able to use the Streak's camera as an on-board camera would be useful (Maybe...).
Currently the Dell holder on the UK dell website is selling for £35, which isn't overly priced in my opinion (Unlike the 45 or 50 they had before).
Any thoughts?
PS I would buy the Dash Genie to test but sadly mobilefun don't have them in stock at the moment - I have joined the email list though..
Thanks and best wishes.
I got one and the magic really does work. Has sticky and suction base so sticks to uneven dashboard beautifully. Small sticky pad really does hold streak firmly and securely esp. In landscape. Only issue I have is weight of streak makes mount bounce about a bit unless really well tightened with screw on back,never fear it will fall off though
Does it work with otterbox case on?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Thanks Ajed for you reply.
What do you mean by the screw on back?
I think I will only use it in landscape form so sounds good
Borijess, I'm not sure what the otterbox is made of, but seems like the plastic sticky doesn't work well or at all with silicone, teflon...etc. (According to reviews on the website).
there's a ball and socket joint joining phone holder to base. Screw tighten this and needs to be really really tightened to stop streak jiggling about. Otterbox case won't stick to pad unfortunately. I still unreservedly recommend it though.if you prefer a screen mount clingo do something similar
Thank you Ajed for your reply. I will definitely buy the dash genie when it becomes available through mobilefun website!!
...Although, some poor chap hit my car yesterday so I won't have my car for a week or so I guess - he hit a parked car on a bay as he probably had suffered from heart problem or something yesterday.
Hi all,
My HD2 running HyperDroid v12 from Pongster is a dream phone. Everything is working excellent except recently I got the digitizer changed from a local shop here in LA and in the process of fixing the digitizer the idiot seems to have ruined my GPS related hardware (which obviously he is not owning up to). I tried all sorts of software remedies (including changing ROMS) but nothing seems to get a GPS lock.
My questions is -
Is there any way to buy and replace the GPS receiver in the phone?
Thanks
The guy might have accidentally removed the connection from the circuit board, I remember seeing threads from before of other's doing the same thing when fixing the digitizer.
Moon2 said:
The guy might have accidentally removed the connection from the circuit board, I remember seeing threads from before of other's doing the same thing when fixing the digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Moon
Any recommendations on what tools to buy to open my HD2? Any schematics on what the gps antenna would look like? Coudnt find similar threads for HD2...
Here's links to official disassembly & assembly videos:
Disassembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL-jnUKufC4&feature=player_embedded
Assembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Q7mXdcJ54&feature=player_embedded
__________________________________________________________________
They tell you what you need, and instead of the "flat plastic stick", a guitar pick should be fine.
- No need to remove speaker from housing.
- Ignore everything from 1:47, and look at 3:22 from the disassembly video, instead of removing the gps coaxial cable, check if it's actually connected properly, if not, just push it in.
_______________________________________________________________
I'll try and find those threads I remember reading, in which the OP and other members had the same problem after replacement of digitizer.
Moon2 said:
Here's links to official disassembly & assembly videos:
Disassembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL-jnUKufC4&feature=player_embedded
Assembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Q7mXdcJ54&feature=player_embedded
__________________________________________________________________
They tell you what you need, and instead of the "flat plastic stick", a guitar pick should be fine.
- No need to remove speaker from housing.
- Ignore everything from 1:47, and look at 3:22 from the disassembly video, instead of removing the gps coaxial cable, check if it's actually connected properly, if not, just push it in.
_______________________________________________________________
I'll try and find those threads I remember reading, in which the OP and other members had the same problem after replacement of digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much bro... Greatly appreciate your help!
Moon2 said:
Here's links to official disassembly & assembly videos:
Disassembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL-jnUKufC4&feature=player_embedded
Assembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Q7mXdcJ54&feature=player_embedded
__________________________________________________________________
They tell you what you need, and instead of the "flat plastic stick", a guitar pick should be fine.
- No need to remove speaker from housing.
- Ignore everything from 1:47, and look at 3:22 from the disassembly video, instead of removing the gps coaxial cable, check if it's actually connected properly, if not, just push it in.
_______________________________________________________________
I'll try and find those threads I remember reading, in which the OP and other members had the same problem after replacement of digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Moon,
I followed the steps in the videos you provided and opened my HD2. The GPS coaxial cable seems to be fit in snug, which I guess is indicative that the GPS antenna itself may have gone bad somehow. Possible?
I did a little searching and found this link where I can buy an antenna from -
http://www.gsm4world.us/oem-htc-hd2-t8585-gps-antenna-board-flex-ribbon-cable-d-03752_579.html
That said, I am not too comfortable trying to replace it by myself. Any chance anybody knows a person/shop in the LA area who may have expertise in such jobs? The one I found in Glendale (CellularDR) is the reason this has happened so I'm not too keen on re-visiting them.
Thanks again for all the help!
Can't you get a separate external GPS receiver and bluetooth it?
It kinda beats the purpose of havnig a all in one device, plus you need to always watch 2 batteries and not just one . But, I must say it is the safe option and worth considering.
KT said:
Hi Moon,
I followed the steps in the videos you provided and opened my HD2. The GPS coaxial cable seems to be fit in snug, which I guess is indicative that the GPS antenna itself may have gone bad somehow. Possible?
I did a little searching and found this link where I can buy an antenna from -
http://www.gsm4world.us/oem-htc-hd2-t8585-gps-antenna-board-flex-ribbon-cable-d-03752_579.html
That said, I am not too comfortable trying to replace it by myself. Any chance anybody knows a person/shop in the LA area who may have expertise in such jobs? The one I found in Glendale (CellularDR) is the reason this has happened so I'm not too keen on re-visiting them.
Thanks again for all the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi KT did you manage to solve the issue? i´m having the same problem and i´m thinking if you managed to solve the problem replacing the gps antenna..
thanks
New back housing w/antennas
I had to replace the back housing on my phone as it broke (it looked like the plastic had deteriorated), and the new one comes with all 3 antenna attached, and a new battery cover for less than US 20.00. I have better reception now on all 3 radios, and the phone looks new again. If your have to take it apart anyway, why not replace the whole back? I got it from these people, eBay item 350487086071, but there are tons out there, and it was dead simple. Unscrewed the four screws, used the plastic piece to pop the snaps, and that was it.
YMMV, but for only 20, you can rule out the antennas if nothing else.
mikeeed said:
I had to replace the back housing on my phone as it broke (it looked like the plastic had deteriorated), and the new one comes with all 3 antenna attached, and a new battery cover for less than US 20.00. I have better reception now on all 3 radios, and the phone looks new again. If your have to take it apart anyway, why not replace the whole back? I got it from these people, eBay item 350487086071, but there are tons out there, and it was dead simple. Unscrewed the four screws, used the plastic piece to pop the snaps, and that was it.
YMMV, but for only 20, you can rule out the antennas if nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate, thank you so much for your reply, great tip, and good to know that is good quality product, and because I have a spare battery cover I bought only the chassis.. great price I will start from there.. thanks once again.
Sent from my HD2 using XDA App
So I had a burning desire to mount my Nexus 7 in my car (2008 Dodge Charger) for some time. But all of the docks/mounts out right now either use suction cups, are bulky, or block significant portions of the head unit in the vehicle already.
This has been a bit of an obsession, trying to find something that would work the way I wanted it to. I had a vehicle specific bracket that I used for my Sirius radio a few years ago. It has holes drilled for the AMPS universal mounting pattern. This is what I decided to utilize at this time. Just a few pics and links for now until I get some better pictures later.
AMPS T-Bracket
Arkon Slim Grip. I actually used the one that came with my ARKON Windshield mount, but I'm pretty sure they're the same thing.
This vehicle specific bracket was from Bracketron, however, it was purchased 3 or 4 years ago, so I don't believe it is made any longer. I couldn't find it on their website. However, a few other companies make vehicle specific brackets, and Panavise was on the ones I found with a quick search. I like the AMPS mounting system because it's fairly modular. Stay away from the RAM mounts, even though they make some very excellent products, they generally use proprietary accessories for their mounts.
LINKS
Arkon Slim-Grip Holder (I purchased the Windshield mount, but it's the same holder, I believe)
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Slim-Gr...ckaging/dp/tech-data/B0056G142G/ref=de_a_smtd
Arkon VSM AMPS adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BA503Y/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I also use the Belkin BT adapter for playback of music. It's pretty much awful for anything besides phone calls.
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car+hands-free+kit
I'll update later on.
nice
it is nice what you have done.
I have the exact same car dodge charger 2008 SE and I would like to know how I can remove the factory stereo that comes with the car ( same as the one you have in the pictures) and put the nexus 7 in its place.
if anyone had done this kind of project please send me the details on how to do it
Very cool and nice setup you have there although it seems like if you have a passenger in the car with you their view of the screen wouldn't be so good since it's on an angle.
One thing I'd like to know is though, is that bracket permanently attached to the car or is it just a matter of sliding in and sliding out that bracket that is between the crack there?
jonnyg1097 said:
Very cool and nice setup you have there although it seems like if you have a passenger in the car with you their view of the screen wouldn't be so good since it's on an angle.
One thing I'd like to know is though, is that bracket permanently attached to the car or is it just a matter of sliding in and sliding out that bracket that is between the crack there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I do have passengers that ride with me, but 90% of the time it's just me traveling for work. I didn't do this with them in mind. lol. However one modification I'll likely be doing to it is adding tilt/swivel adjust. Had it originally planned, but haven't found my solution yet.
The bracket is affixed to the car with the screws in the radio bezel. This makes it much more sturdy.
This isn't the same exact bracket as mine, but it's a similar one from Panavise. It uses the same screws.