Database Develop

Nexus 7 car install build thread

Hey guys/gals,
Thought i would share my most recent project with you all in the hopes of getting some advice and feedback and showing off my install
This will be an incremental build thread, i'll add to it as i get more pics and work my way through some issues.
I have installed a Google/Asus nexus 7 in the dash of my MY00 Subaru WRX. I trialled the optus mytab (AKA ZTE V9) in the dash but it didn't last more than a day since it was a piece of crap performance and audio-wise.
After spending a few months building a nano-itx double din touch screen pc to go in the dash, i changed my mind (for the millionth time) and decided to stick an android in there instead. The intel PC is now sitting in a box at home doing nothing...
The biggest trouble was finding a tablet that would fit in below the A/C controls nicely.. in the end, the N7 was about 3mm too big bit i broke out the dremel and made it fit!
Having trouble with the audio output though, it is horrible... it buzzes every time i touch the screen and it buzzes when wifi is active and it is just generally crap.
I would like to plug in a USB soundcard (DAC), something like the Fiio E10 but then i wouldn't be able to charge the tab while USB OTG is active.
I was hoping that the pogo pins on the side would allow charging whilst the USB dock connector could be used for OTG but it doesn't look like it will work since both the pogo pins and USB connector go to the same usb switch internally.
another edit: there seems to be a thread on the charging issues... i have also just found that my tab drains it's battery faster than it can charge it... I'll have to look into this further: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1791717
Parts list:
ASUS Google Nexus 7
4 Channel Nakimichi Amplifier
Single Channel Class-D 1000W Nakimichi Subwoofer amplifier
Four-Gauge power/ground
Gold plated Ground splitter and +12v Splitter/Circuit Breaker
Oxygen-Free Copper speaker cables (around 12 gauge)
(coming soon) 1.5 Farad Capacitor (to stop headlights dimming)
2 x Kenwood 1200W Subwoofers
4 x Focal 6" Splits
Good quality RCA cables
R/A 3.5mm headphone plug to 2x RCA 30cm cable
R/A Micro USB cable
gutted tomtom GPS charger
(coming soon) RCA volume level control (thanks for the idea ahavens17)
20mm wide metal strips
Hook and Loop velcro
Rubber trimming/edging
Update: Added some more pics showing my crude but effective way of holding the tablet in-place.
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To hold the tablet in place, i have used some metal straps cut to size that are screwed on using the screws that hold the top of the ash tray to the dash fascia. I stuck some velcro on to the metal straps and 2 small strips on the back of the tablet to dampen vibration and stop the tablet sliding around sideways. The velcro also stops the metal straps from marking the back of the tablet (not that it matters since it is hidden behind the dash)
You can see how it is done in the pictures above. Also, I am using right-angle micro USB and audio connectors so that they fit nicely in the dash
My blog of the install is here: Finniss.net
you may or may not find more updated info there as time goes on.

Dude, that's awesome! Good work!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

How easy is removal?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Looking to do the same thing in my 2000 outback!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I'm not talented enough to do this to my car. I just have to lay my tablet on the passenger seat.

I'm not that talented either but will just end up using a dremel and some Velcro or something lol
I have a huge double din slot so I won't have to do much cutting at all I will have to buy a cheap 40$ radio to put where my 6 disc CD changer in so I an use that as my AUX input as I am not buying an amp using stock speakers plus I would like to use FM just for sometimes you know lol and possible CDs
Now what would be super cool is to have your tablet start your car when you NFC bump it! Someone work on it!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Wordlywisewiz said:
Now what would be super cool is to have your tablet start your car when you NFC bump it! Someone work on it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll get to work. what a cool idea! "get in the car, tap it with S3, brooom!"

curseddagger said:
I'll get to work. what a cool idea! "get in the car, tap it with S3, brooom!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might have issues with newer cars but my 2000 out back should have no issues with being "NFC Hotwired" lol
Edit check this out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9H54r6AUNA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Idk how but he has digital gauges on his tab
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-develope
rs app

Wordlywisewiz said:
Might have issues with newer cars but my 2000 out back should have no issues with being "NFC Hotwired" lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh yeah, mine has a brandt alarm system on it with a keypad which may pose a challenge but not something that i am totally unfamiliar with ;P
p.s. that sounds dodgy... I have spent many hours messing with that stupid alarm system to avoid having to tow the car back to subaru head office when the alarm system dies (which it frequently does, requiring replacement)

Wordlywisewiz said:
Idk how but he has digital gauges on his tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like he is using a bluetooth -> OBDII engine diagnostics cable and the android car home app. I've toyed with this before too and it's setup on my Nexus 7 now

wyattyoss said:
How easy is removal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a slide in/out setup like i would love it to be but the plastic surround around it easily pulls off and the tab can then be removed.
When i get home, i'll get some more pics of how it is held in place, etc.

I'm thinking this but I'm gonna do it motorized
http://www.mp3car.com/android-table...-car-sliding-dock-using-hacked-dvd-drive.html
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Such an awesome stereo replacement!! awesome mod...might do that tomytruck...1st..i gotta buy the nexus7 lol
Sent from SAMSUNG -SGH -I717 | FJ's UCLF6 B4

cougar11 said:
Such an awesome stereo replacement!! awesome mod...might do that tomytruck...1st..i gotta buy the nexus7 lol
Sent from SAMSUNG -SGH -I717 | FJ's UCLF6 B4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gotta buy it also
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

This is actually why I bought the nexus 7. I have a car pc now with an 8" lcd but it fried itself a month ago. Just haven't gotten around to figuring out how to mount the Nexus 7. Bluetooth works great in my truck via my JVC deck. I stream from my phone all the time. I just wish there was a Google Now "car home". It'd be really nice to have voice control over everything with a decent looking interface.

You got me interested. Keep up the work. Can't wait to see the final setup.

I'm going to be leaving my stock radio intact, and using a ProClip mount. That way it will still look good and I'll still have a radio, and cd player.
Actually, the proclip for my car installs in a matter of seconds and disappears just as fast, so it will still retain the stock look.
I've already run an ipod2car to my changer inputs, then converted that so I can use it as an ipod cable, or an aux in. Then I plug in an htc stereoclip into the aux in for bluetooth. So it will be wireless to the factory deck. All of that stuff is hidden in the dash so all I have exposed is the little aux input and the bluetooth receiver.
I have to do it this way because my radio is in a piece that goes all the way across the dash, and isn't in a modular center console piece that I can pop out and work with. So If I put it "in" the dash.. it would be permanent and I'd have to do all the amps.
I'll post pictures once they make the mount for the nexus and I get it in. For now it just rides in the passenger seat.
The gauges are from an app called Torque, and it uses a bluetooth OBD2 reader that can be found on amazon. It's good for getting some basic numbers, and even allows logging. But there is a slight delay and well, it isn't much compared to my HP Tuners for my car but that's not saying much. it is definitely a must have for any car installations.

Idk I might not end up doing it I think my timing belt is more important along with getting my exhaust fixed....
Plus its an Asus Tablet and I had bad experiences with them with the prime....
Plus me being 17 and just getting my lisence idk if I should be distracted while driving
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

I am interested in this as well.. I just put a cheap double din DVD player in my 01 forester and I would totally send it back and use that $200 to buy a nexus 7.. I just want to figure out how I could mount it and still be able to remove it with out taking the dash apart.. The other thing is what is the best way to get your audio to your speakers if you dont have a amp installed? I guess I could just get a small cheap amp if I needed to.

I'm running a Samsung galaxy tab in the dashboard of my Kia soul, 2010 sport model, for over a year now.
A lot of whine and stuff to the stereo, but then I got a 3.5 mm cable with a ground loop isolator on it. Did you get one of those? It solved my problems.
A couple members on my website, soulhamsters.com, are also using Nexus seven and other tablets in their dashboards.
Blasted from my HTC Rezound (Zone23s Newtified 3.2.1)

My car install/mount

Finally got all my parts for my car mount, and got everything put together.
I was limited with what I could do as I don't want something hanging off my windshield, and I won't put any holes in my console, etc.
The goal was to have the car still be as stock looking as possible.
So I used magic. And I think this same mount, and idea could be used pretty much universally for most cars.
I've already got a bluetooth rig setup, so it's all wireless unless I wanted to charge.
The list of supplies goes like this.
1x -Padholdr social 7" tablet mount http://padholdr.com/ipad-and-tablet-holders/
1x -4' x2" package of industrial velcro
2x - 1/2"x1/2" cylinder neodymium magnets
2x - 1"x1/2"x1/8" bar neodymium magnets
some 3m double sided trim/mounting tape.
Let's get right into the pictures.
This is what I'm working with, not quite as easy as the center consoles that have a small trim piece that pops right off around the radio.
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Here's the padholdr, the Nexus fits in it nicely without any modification. They also include bigger spacers, so you can take the two halves apart, and make it hold a thicker device, such as a nexus in a case.
You'll see in this picture, the bottom of the padholdr is curved. The back piece will rest on the gray ledge on my dash, the curved nature could mean it would want to rock back and forth. And even more importantly, the padholdr hits my volume knob on the radio and it just overall sits higher then I'd like.
Time to bust out the dremel. Not only will the flat edge make it sit more stable, but it will also give the clearance needed for the volume knob.
Using the router attachment, and standard bit that came with the dremel. Great success. Went through the acrylic/plexiglass like butter.
Padholdr all put back together after the cut. As you can see, the front piece will block any of this from being seen, as it still has the curve in it.
If you look back at my dash, the 1/2 x 1/2" cylinder magnets went behind the dash with the 3m mounting tape. In between the radio and the air vents, Just below center on those vertical columns. Once the dash was all back together, you can't even tell they are there. This is the stock look I was going for. Magnets don't seem to have any effect on the radio, etc.
Here is the padholdr, after applying the soft side of the velcro. To the cut I had made previously, and the back of the padholdr where it may come in contact with the dash. Then the 1x1/2x1/8" bar magnets were attached to the padholdr using the same 3m mounting tape, and then covered with the velcro as well. So they wont leave any marks from contact with the dash.
Lets see what we've got. Nice! Everything is clearing the radio, and it just barely sticks out at all. Lookin good.
Now, will this thing hold with the extra weight of the tablet?
The answer seems to be yes, yes it will!
Other angles.
Went for a cruise last night and it didn't move a hair. Used it for the first time for real this morning on the way to work, solid.
There are probably some concerns about the magnets. I had the tablet up and running, and playing a song while putting it into the padholdr. It doesnt turn the screen off, doesnt distort the speaker. I haven't found any ill effects. I even calibrated the compass with it in the padholdr and the compass was still working.
This same type of mount could be applied to virtually any vehicle.. As long as there's a trim piece around the radio that you can gain access to. Very happy with it so far.
I could probably do a video of it in action if people want it.
This morning on the way to work I was jammin out, while putting my gauges from torque up, and then when i hit traffic went to maps and figured out where the traffic jam was.. Such a badass tool to have in the car.

This is some fine crafting! Maybe I'll do something similar when I receive mine.

That Is pretty nice if I do say so myself. I plan on integrating mine into my car as my source of entertainment as well. I'm not keeping my radio though.
Question ... do u use ur fone for internet?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

cybervyrus8587 said:
That Is pretty nice if I do say so myself. I plan on integrating mine into my car as my source of entertainment as well. I'm not keeping my radio though.
Question ... do u use ur fone for internet?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I've got an EVO LTE on sprint so I just crank the hotspot on there. I've got an ubuntu server setup at my house and I run a subsonic server off of that. So all that coupled with the subsonic app on the nexus means, instant access to 500gb of my music and movies while I'm movin down the road.
I also plan on putting a couple nfc tags in hidden locations, one to turn the hotspot on for my evo. And then basically an enter and exit for the nexus. The enter would set the screen to never turn off, and bluetooth and volume. While the exit tag would put it all back where it was.

regalpimpin said:
Yep. I've got an EVO LTE on sprint so I just crank the hotspot on there. I've got an ubuntu server setup at my house and I run a subsonic server off of that. So all that coupled with the subsonic app on the nexus means, instant access to 500gb of my music and movies while I'm movin down the road.
I also plan on putting a couple nfc tags in hidden locations, one to turn the hotspot on for my evo. And then basically an enter and exit for the nexus. The enter would set the screen to never turn off, and bluetooth and volume. While the exit tag would put it all back where it was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U wouldn't happen to live in TX would u? I only ask cuz I would love to get some pointers especially with those hidden nfc chips. Also.. r u worried at all the Sprint will find out ur tethering?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

That looks great! I'm going to try this with a Tab 2 7.0 in my Fusion.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I am extremely curious to know how you set up your car to do bluetooth audio.

What do you use for FM radio? Have you found a way to control it from the 7? Unfortunately I think the only solution is to use a data streaming service like tunein radio.

This is an awesome idea! I definitely need to look into something like this.. A video would be nice, if you wouldn't mind.
ifalldownalot said:
I am extremely curious to know how you set up your car to do bluetooth audio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha I see what you mean..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

For the bluetooth audio to the stock radio.. It's a combination of things. And I'll get some pictures or video later.
First, I had an iPod2car.
Something like this, other companies make them now as well
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pseW37dLoOC/p_541PXDP2/Peripheral-iPod2car-iPod-Adapter.html
This charges an ipod, and allows the seek on the factory radio, to actually seek on the ipod. It plugs into the factory cd changer input that was in my trunk. Didn't have a cd changer, but they run the cable on all the cars, whether they had it or not.
So on my factory radio I just have to choose the cd changer as the source, instead of fm or cd. And its a wired connection, not a transmitter= no static
i sold my iPod a long time ago though. So this cable was really of no use to me anymore.
That's when i picked up an adapter that converts the male ipod cable, to an auxillary input.
http://www.cablejive.com/products/dockBoss.html Mine had a female stereo jack on it though. Looks like they've just changed it slightly through the years.
I made this into a nice panel, so that I can still use the ipod cord, or plug the ipod cord into the panel which is in my cubby hole in the center console, in which then it acts as the universal input instead.
(this is what i may take some pictures of.)
The aux input then exits from the center console on the passenger side, right at the floor. Out of sight, out of mind.
Then I use the HTC Stereoclip to receive the bluetooth audio as I also have an evo lte.
http://shop.htcpedia.com/htc-car-stereoclip-audio-bridge-a100.html
Basically. Hop in car, turn on hotspot, turn on bluetooth adaptor. put nexus in the padholdr and put it in place, turn on bluetooth. It automatically pairs and connects to the stereoclip. Then automatically opens the car home ultra app and I'm off.
I'll make a video of how it all works.

Buick should def think about replacing that crappy stereo with a touchscreen

They have of course in the new Regals.
Unfortunately that new regal just cant put out the same kinda power to the wheels that this 14 year old with 200,000 miles can.

regalpimpin said:
They have of course in the new Regals.
Unfortunately that new regal just cant put out the same kinda power to the wheels that this 14 year old with 200,000 miles can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man I completely agree!!! Love the old regals
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Nice setup. I also have a regal and made a phone mount a whole back. I was wondering about your input. I've been looking for something like that for years. Currently I use a fm transmitter / hands free kit, but the quality sucks. Do all regal have that input, I don't think mine does?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Could someone explain the magnets to me? Confused, is it attached to the dash with velcro or magnets? ....or both?
Could I also ask how big the Padholdr is exactly? I especially want to know how long the entire unit is (for a Nexus 7 fit) and how thick the right and left "legs" are. (these are the parts I'll be attaching to my dash).
Thanks!

Great post! I am gonna try it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Nice work :good: Can you tell me what App your using as an interface as the chunky buttons look far better and easier to use than the stock media controls.

Godswrath said:
Could someone explain the magnets to me? Confused, is it attached to the dash with velcro or magnets? ....or both?
Could I also ask how big the Padholdr is exactly? I especially want to know how long the entire unit is (for a Nexus 7 fit) and how thick the right and left "legs" are. (these are the parts I'll be attaching to my dash).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just sticks there via magnets. The velcro, is just stuck on over the magnet, so there aren't any hard surfaces to scratch the dash. It's just padding.
The back piece on the bottom of the mount that I cut rests on the ledge holding some of the weight, and the magnets then hold it firmly in place.
So there are the bar magnets on the back of the padhldr, and then I took apart the dash, and there are slightly bigger cylinder magnets on either side of the radio behind the dash trim. So if the holder isn't in use, its totally stock. I don't believe in sticking anything to the dash which is why I came up with this solution in the first place.
-As for the padholdr dimensions, I can get more detail later, but I'd say the sides are about an inch wide at the thickest section on the bottom. And again, you can use different spacers that they supply for different thicknesses of tablets, or if you had the nexus in a case like the moko slim-fit.
And an update after using this for a few months now. Always been perfect. Nexus has never budged or gone flying off on me. Still working great.

rushy75 said:
Nice work :good: Can you tell me what App your using as an interface as the chunky buttons look far better and easier to use than the stock media controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is CarHome Ultra. and with more recent updates you can alter the appearance a little more and it looks even better. Definitely recommend.

nice setup been thinking of doing something similar.

Best Car Dock For Note 2?

I've narrowed it down to these 3
http://www.ibolt.co/ibxs-33603
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004G1L52Q
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007BCJKQA
The first one looks optimal because of that cord that connects to only one side of the phone and can connect to the car charger and the aux. ( shows around 1:30 of the video )
Tried googling for a cord like that but couldn't find any... if there are cords like that sold separately I may consider the cd one more.
Please let me know your opinions and if there are any cords like that.

Ibolt had a rocky start with their presale...but if they get their **** together, I would recommend their product.
swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2

finalhit said:
Ibolt had a rocky start with their presale...but if they get their **** together, I would recommend their product.
swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what happened to them? what did they do wrong

See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910428
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app

dakleenupman said:
See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1910428
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i read a couple pages already.
i guess they are looking to upgrade a new version?
so i should wait till their next product comes out?

I have the ibolt dock and am hapoy with it now that they shipped the charging arm. What I like is that it will hold other phone in the future not just the note2

Flexia32 said:
I have the ibolt dock and am hapoy with it now that they shipped the charging arm. What I like is that it will hold other phone in the future not just the note2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty sure most of these other ones hold most phones as well.
i just kinda have a thing for it blocking my view, rather it be on the cd slot but i like the cord where it can connect to charge and aux from only 1 plug on the phone
was wondering if there are any cords like that sold separately

DeveloperOptions said:
The first one looks optimal because of that cord that connects to only one side of the phone and can connect to the car charger and the aux. ( shows around 1:30 of the video )
Tried googling for a cord like that but couldn't find any... if there are cords like that sold separately I may consider the cd one more.
Please let me know your opinions and if there are any cords like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ibolt are supposedly going to sell the chord separately, though I don't know when they open to do so. I bought the official s3 dock and will be buying that ibolt cable once it's available.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

http://www.clingobyallsop.eu/car-mounts/universal-car-phone-mount
I just buy this car mount and is the best i can find untill now...i like because u only grip to the phone back...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

lucian75 said:
http://www.clingobyallsop.eu/car-mounts/universal-car-phone-mount
I just buy this car mount and is the best i can find untill now...i like because u only grip to the phone back...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep hearing reviews that the cling part gets gummy in the heat. I stayed away from that one since I'm in Florida and it gets pretty hot here most of the year.
I too am on the hunt for the perfect car mount... I'm leaning towards the mountek just because I'm tired of the suction cup models not sticking to the dash, and the vent models don't work for me.

nmw407 said:
I keep hearing reviews that the cling part gets gummy in the heat. I stayed away from that one since I'm in Florida and it gets pretty hot here most of the year.
I too am on the hunt for the perfect car mount... I'm leaning towards the mountek just because I'm tired of the suction cup models not sticking to the dash, and the vent models don't work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd be correct sir. When the gummy part heats up from being in the sun for a while (or from dust collecting), your phone will shoot off the minute you break hard.
My old HTC One X took a few tumbles from a similar gum-based mount. If you're using in a stationary function, say on a desk or wall near a desk, it'd probably be ok.

How hard do you want to work for it and how much do you care what it looks like?
I butchered a HTC HD2 dock to work. It looks good (subjective of course but there's almost no clips and wires and latches and junk, very minimal) and it's secure (it is suction cup, it's just been a good working suction cup for me) includes usb charging, one handed not a ugly little cable hanging off to the side.
But it was kind of a ***** flipping the usb port over and still having it point at the right angle and not bugger up the wire connecting to it. But all in all took less than two hours and I love it every minute I'm in the car, so, worth it.
ProClip makes an even more convenient mount as far as using it. Like a slot you drop the phone in, no aiming, requires no attention at all. Usb charging. Very stable. But ugly. In my truck it would be fine but in my nice car I just don't want to look at something so blocky and mechanical if I can avoid it. It's not the worst by far in that respect but I just like better if it's possible. Also it's $100 in two parts. If it looked better I'd have no problem with that. The HD2 mount was 70 I think but it served the entire lifespan of my og evo and now works for my gn2 so that 70 is pretty good by now.
The new ibolt one? Blech. Well it looks a little better than most commodity universal mounts. The aluminum rails are at least cooler than the usual all black plastic. But to me it's only a slight improvement. It's still a generic crappola universal gps/phone clamp like all the rest. It's one unique feature is the special usb cable that will trigger smart dock mode. But thanks to Samsung there is no distinct car mode detection, just smart dock mode. So if you assign that to a car home app, you get the car home everywhere i cluding your desk and nightstand. We can use nfc tags and get a better result than that with no special cable. So it's back to being a completely generic, ugly, inconvenient, holder.
The next best option I've seen is this universal one that has springloaded grabber arms, but they have it set up for one handed operation. The arms are open when the dock is empty. When you put the phone in it presses a button that releases the arms to close on the phone. It's surprisingly secure. I shook the mount all around trying to shake the phone free.l and it didn't budge. When the arms close, two buttons pop out at the same time opposite each arm, on oposite sides of the phone. To release the phone you just grab the phone, and your thumb & forefinger are already right there on those two buttons. Press the buttons together and that opens the arms. So you are releasing the phone and grabbing the phone in the same motion. It works quite well. No usb built in but the port is exposed to use your own cable. Looks are fair. They are are thin and unobtrusive compared to many and there's only two arms on the sides and two resting pegs on the bottom. You could hack those rests right off and it would work exactly as well and look significantly neater. Suction cup base. It's called Smart Tap.
Another option is someone Someone on xda here came up with a pretty clean hack of the original note mount. No filing, just a little heat gun softening.
I never heard of Mountek so thanks for the clue I'll check it out.
There is really no "good" solution for the this phone yet.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

I ordered one the "iMagnet Cradle-less Magnetic Mount with Quick-snap Technology". It should be here tomorrow. I'd post a link, but I haven't gotten enough posts in to get that ability, even though my account is pretty old.
It's one of the magnetic mounts. You stick a metal disk on your phone/case and bam. Has good reviews, so I thought i'd give it a try.

lucian75 said:
http://www.clingobyallsop.eu/car-mounts/universal-car-phone-mount
I just buy this car mount and is the best i can find untill now...i like because u only grip to the phone back...
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i saw a couple bad reviews on that as well so it kinda turned me off, i'd rather get something that's more secure.
i really like the ibolt cable, not a big fan of suction cups either so the mountek looks optimal if only i could get that cable separate i might just end up getting ibolt because of the cable
you guys have given some really good insight,i will check out the hd2 as well and see if i could get that to work haha.
about the smart dock mode, i don't have any other dock elsewhere so that's not an issue for me, but it doesn't go into dock mode if i plug in usb to connect to the computer or plug it into my charger does it?

I just got the iOtti mount for mine. I LOVE it!
Here's my "review": http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1982558&page=3
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Beamen1 said:
I just got the iOtti mount for mine. I LOVE it!
Here's my "review": http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1982558&page=3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where you are located, but I guess we are far away from summertime to test it out if it stays stuck to the surface? I was looking at this case as well, until read in another forum about people having issues with a sticky part of the suction cup especially when it gets hot outside. Maybe it was a defective batch or whatever. That kind of put me away from buying it, plus I was waiting for Arkon to release their slim grip ultra mount with a sticky suction cup I actually have it coming my way next week and will review it once I get it. But I don't think it has any release buttons, etc. like their other grip mount I had for my DX. I guess I'm still on the fence until I get it and test it out. But I'm definitely glad iOttie is working out for you! I just wish they would drop "i" cause I'm sure a lot of android people buying their mounts as well lol!!!

The one from iOttie on amazon is worth every penny it works too well lol make sure where you it is where you want it cause it sticks like rubber cement!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

sleepy8686 said:
The one from iOttie on amazon is worth every penny it works too well lol make sure where you it is where you want it cause it sticks like rubber cement!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So once you release a suction cup latch you have to pry it off the dash board with a butter knife? Will it take off dashboard textured layer or so? Not sure if you were kidding or serious about it sticking like cement

vectron said:
So once you release a suction cup latch you have to pry it off the dash board with a butter knife? Will it take off dashboard textured layer or so? Not sure if you were kidding or serious about it sticking like cement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is not kidding. Read the Amazon reviews. This thing sticks to anything and the quick release is a GOD sent. It's SO easy to take the phone in and out of the mount, and once you put it in the mount it isn't going any where. Lots of adjustable settings. I LOVE it.
On my previous mounts I didn't even use them that often (only when I needed GPS), but this thing is so easy to take in/out that I do it every time I drive the car. It is worth every penny for sure!

I used my 50% off at Samsung.com and got the universal there. Loving it.
http://m.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ECS-K200BEGSTA
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

Air dock 2.0

Does anyone have one of these and if so has anyone used with their S6 edge? I just ordered one with the CD mount and think it would be an awesome car dock for the S6 edge. If you haven't heard of it, it is a car dock with qi wireless charging and built in micro magnetic technology of some sort that holds the phone in place. Very slick and minimal for the most part.

I'm not brave enough to use it for my device, but if there was ever a surface that it should be ideal for holding it's the S6's. Let us know how well it works with yours.

Sounds nice but the way I drive there's no way it could work.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am interested in how you get on - I am thinking of ordering one myself but reviews of the 2.0 version are few and far between.
It's not micro magnets btw - the magnet part is a normal magnet in the mount and they include a magnetic sticker you put on the back of your phone. Without the sticker the magnets do nothing, but I think this is only needed for phones with a rough rear texture (or phones with covers on - I presume it would work with the sticker on the inside of the cover instead).
For phones with a flat smooth back, it works with the "micro suction foam" which looks similar to the clingo sticky surface. I am hoping with the Edge this will be sufficient.
Though I haven't decided if I will be using the phone with a case or not yet, and the case I have ordered to use for now is transparent - so there is no chance I am putting the sticker on in that case. It seems like a shame to use a case where I can't see the glass back (or indeed, it seems a shame to use a case at all!). First world problems...

je2345 said:
Does anyone have one of these and if so has anyone used with their S6 edge? ........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I ordered this during their Indiegogo campaign earlier this winter and received mine last month. When I tried using it with the S5 I was greatly disappointed. It would not stick with the spigen case I had, so I had to carry that phone without a case and it still wouldn't stay on the dock. It just kept on falling off with the slightest bump in the road. I guess I could have tried the magnetic sticker they send you but I knew that I wasn't going to have the S5 for much longer.....
Well the S6 edge has a perfectly flat back, so it sits on the airdock 2.0 perfectly. I haven't taken it on an off road trip but with normal city road bumps it hasn't fallen off once. The wireless charging function is now much faster, so in my opinion, this dock is a must have if you are looking for an elegant solution for charging/ and holding your S6 in your car, especially if you like to look at your phone (or have others look at your phone screen GPS, etc...)
Just make sure you order the correct suction cup and base for it. I had a bamboo flat internal surface and the long flexible mount for smooth surfaces didn't work. Good thing I ordered the standard mount for textured surfaces as well.
The NFC function in the airdock 2.0 is interesting and using tagwriter you can easily program it. I programmed it to launch tunein to stream internet radio on car... However, the nfc chip just keeps beeping, and it keeps trying to launch the app. So I turned it off and don't use it. Haven't tried another app to see if I have better luck. Will have to troubleshoot this sometime..
Strongly recommend this despite the NFC trouble.

Thanks for the great review. I finally got hands on with the s6 edge today at my best buy and the back does seem like it should work great with the air dock. I also ordered a bunch of sleek cases and hope (I always buy cases but never keep them on) the cases will work with the dock. I got the CD mount as with my car it's the only great spot available seeing how i hate windshield and dash mount. My dock just shipped and I'm like a kid in the candy store checking shipment status every hour.

je2345 said:
I also ordered a bunch of sleek cases and hope (I always buy cases but never keep them on) the cases will work with the dock. I got the CD mount as with my car it's the only great spot available seeing how i hate windshield and dash mount. My dock just shipped and I'm like a kid in the candy store checking shipment status every hour.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... what I just read was "I also ordered a bunch of steak cases and hope the cases will work with the dock."
Time for a nap already

Poetique said:
So... what I just read was "I also ordered a bunch of steak cases and hope the cases will work with the dock."
Time for a nap already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. I get so excited when a new phone launches so I just buy accessories to fill the void but then leave them behind because I like my phone like my wife...naked!

$85? I have made my own Qi charging car solutions for 2 years now using ProClip and a TechMount Qi charger. Total price for both is well under $85, and works for all phones, even those without magnets strong enough. e.g., my Nexus 5 (strong magnet), NExus 6, Note 4 and now the S6E.
I'd try the airdock, but $85 is a little silly.
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xxaarraa said:
$85? I have made my own Qi charging car solutions for 2 years now using ProClip and a TechMount Qi charger. Total price for both is well under $85, and works for all phones, even those without magnets strong enough. e.g., my Nexus 5 (strong magnet), NExus 6, Note 4 and now the S6E.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's nice and all, but how well does your phone stay charged when you use GPS and stream music using data? I reviewed a Qi car dock once that wouldn't charge up my S4 with just the screen staying on, let along actually using the device for battery intensive activities. What are your experiences with the S6E charging on this dock with anything more than keeping the screen off?

KryptosXLayer2 said:
That's nice and all, but how well does your phone stay charged when you use GPS and stream music using data? I reviewed a Qi car dock once that wouldn't charge up my S4 with just the screen staying on, let along actually using the device for battery intensive activities. What are your experiences with the S6E charging on this dock with anything more than keeping the screen off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the phone. Depends on the screen really. I always have google maps going for traffic, and an mp3 player. The Nexus 5 would always hold a steady charge. The Nexus 6 would drain. Note 4 would drain, but slower than the Nexus 6. The S6E is stable.
I have automateit automatically dim my screen and turn off wifi when it senses a BT connection to my cars. I can't speak to your S4 or other "battery intensive activities" but I've had this setup in multiple cars with multiple phones for 50k+ miles. I stopped using the built in navigation in any of my cars since I now exclusively use google maps, it's always qi docked.

xxaarraa said:
Depends on the phone. Depends on the screen really. I always have google maps going for traffic, and an mp3 player. The Nexus 5 would always hold a steady charge. The Nexus 6 would drain. Note 4 would drain, but slower than the Nexus 6. The S6E is stable.
I have automateit automatically dim my screen and turn off wifi when it senses a BT connection to my cars. I can't speak to your S4 or other "battery intensive activities" but I've had this setup in multiple cars with multiple phones for 50k+ miles. I stopped using the built in navigation in any of my cars since I now exclusively use google maps, it's always qi docked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I couldn't live with "stable," with as much as I drive and use the phone in the car, I can't have a phone with 15% battery stay where it's at. I currently use a wired setup with a powerful 4.2A dual USB charger and watch the numbers climb with the phone doing navigation, talking on it / streaming music, and other activities that would normally chew through a battery being wirelessly charged - but that you had good luck with it, is good and maybe I'm the only one who can't get it to work! :good:

KryptosXLayer2 said:
Yeah I couldn't live with "stable," with as much as I drive and use the phone in the car, I can't have a phone with 15% battery stay where it's at. I currently use a wired setup with a powerful 4.2A dual USB charger and watch the numbers climb with the phone doing navigation, talking on it / streaming music, and other activities that would normally chew through a battery being wirelessly charged - but that you had good luck with it, is good and maybe I'm the only one who can't get it to work! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nah, it's not just you man. It's these big phablets and how much juice their screens take up. The Nexus 6 was outrageous. Yet another reason the phablets were not for me. I liked the Note 4 way better than the Nexus 6, but neither of them did anything for me.

I have the original Air Dock, not the 2.0. (Actually, I have the Galaxy S4 version. Just magnets in different places, I think.) I have a Spigen Slim Armor case with kickstand. It all works great! Amazingly, the Air Dock holds the phone in the case very well. Charges through it just fine. I think the Spigen case might actually have a coil inside it to transfer the charge from a Qi charger through to the phone.
Playing music, screen on, navigating... still net positive charging.
The only thing that doesn't really work well is the magnet sticker from Air Dock. I put it in between the two parts of the case, but it still doesn't really attract it into position when I put it need the Air Dock. Not that big a deal.

Well got my air dock 2.0 and love it!!! Works great with my sleek Rinkge fusion case on it and sticks perfectly. Best car dock I've ever used and seen

je2345 said:
Well got my air dock 2.0 and love it!!! Works great with my sleek Rinkge fusion case on it and sticks perfectly. Best car dock I've ever used and seen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news, thanks for letting us know. Did you need to use the magnet sticker?

Nope, work's great on its own

je2345 said:
Nope, work's great on its own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind posting pics? Would love to see in action.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

It the airdock really worth double the price of this?
http://www.amazon.com/Qi-infinity-3...p/B00N4H1R1M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

jdubsss said:
It the airdock really worth double the price of this?
http://www.amazon.com/Qi-infinity-3...p/B00N4H1R1M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think so. It's personal preference, but I used to have a car dock/holder that had adjustable sides and I hated it. I love the way the Air Dock holds the device in place.

Samsung Wireless Fast Charger Teardown + Platinum Qualcomm 2.0 Fast Car Charger

The back story ->
I have an old Nokia Wireless Charging Car Dock and love it. SO much so that I made it work with my sammy devices using a heat gun to bend some of the plastic. Coming into the new devices and wireless standards, I wanted to keep with the same trend and update/ upgrade. Got ahold of the Samsung Wireless charger and had no reason to upgrade the nokia since the charging was the same. In comes the Samsung Wireless Fast Charger and wanting it in the truck. So, I went to work on a teardown of all my gear (again) and here is the insides for you folks. I included the Platinum 12v Car Qualcomm Fast Charger 2.0 since it is what I am using in there with it.
I have a Note5 and an S6 Edge+ so I can verify it IS faster.

I can't see, I'm blind, lol.

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HOW TO TEARDOWN -
Using a regular + screwdriver, you can move the rubber on both sides of the rubber on the bottom of the charger. There are just 2 screws there.
Once they are unscrewed, flip over the charger and turn the top part of the charger counter clockwise. It should then lift right off.
Now that the top is removed, there are 5 screws holding the middle section to the base. Remove them.
Base should now easily lift away from the middle section.
Flip over the middle section and you have an additional 5 screws to remove.
Now to fully remove the electronics from the unit. You would need a Heat Gun and a Soldering iron if you planned on keeping it in a warrantable state. Otherwise, just use a heat gun and a pair of wire cutters.
I used the heat gun to remove the coil from the frame as well as the ribbon cable LED daughter board. Then using the cutters, cut the section where the LED was out as to not have desolder the coil.
DONE.
As for the car charger, I used a knife and some pressure on the seams. "POP' in 4 places and I was done. Desoldered the 2 grounds and 1 positive. Soldered up some red and black 14gauge lead wires and I am off to install in the truck.
I didn't put the Nokia modification up since I doubt there is any interest. Basically I gutted it, Used a heat gun and bent the arms in a manner that would hold my devices and allow for the thicker electronics. Then used some moldable plastic (polymorph) to make a BASE for the electronics to screw into / secure it. I had already added a Ram Ball mount to it so reassembly and plugging it back in were all that was needed. - Overly simplified explanation -

Ready2Mosh said:
I can't see, I'm blind, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the 3rd post. I just 'dumped' the pictures here and will reorganize later.

The 12v charger and the 120v charger have the same output specs with the exception of the 12v output on the car charger. Have had this setup working for over a week now without fail or issue/. The second one is for a 'STEALTH' install on a piece of vehicle trim. When I am navigating, or using Torque app, I keep the device in the Car dock under the rearview. Just driving around, I set it behind my shifter where I put another charging pad under it. Just waiting for my Micro Suction tape to use as a pad so it doesn't move around.

Great pics, sounds like something id do but my Grand Cherokee has nowhere "extra" i could place my ohone onto a hidden qi charger.
You know they make much smaller dash cams right? (Sorry, had to).

farfromovin said:
Great pics, sounds like something id do but my Grand Cherokee has nowhere "extra" i could place my ohone onto a hidden qi charger.
You know they make much smaller dash cams right? (Sorry, had to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know with the dash cam. It is multi purpose. I like for people to know they are being video'd, especially LEO. then I remove it and use it for other activities.

Thank you for posting this! It inspired me to try taking my wireless charger apart and intergrating it into my car.
Unfortunately I only had the "regular" (non-fast) Samsung wireless charger for my Note 5 and didn't get very far. When I removed the silicone and stickers on the back and front, I couldn't find any screws!
I think I saw the regular Samsung wireless charger in one of your pictures, have you tried taking it apart and do you have any tips?
Thanks again for posting this, the pictures and instructions made a very nice tutorial
(attached below are pictures of my wireless charger without silicone/stickers)

Not joking here. I just sold that unit yesterday. Have you tried looking in that single cylindrical hole on the bottom? Or try holding the unit in between both hands and turning opposite directions?

skygear said:
Not joking here. I just sold that unit yesterday. Have you tried looking in that single cylindrical hole on the bottom? Or try holding the unit in between both hands and turning opposite directions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, talk about bad timing. Thanks for the suggestions.
I checked the small hole in the bottom, and there is no screw there either, just a nice view of the board beneath.
I also tried twisting the unit in opposite directions and nothing seems to move. I could try putting it in a vise but it was already difficult to grasp the bottom to twist, I'm not sure if I'd be able to get any more leverage.
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get for the regular wireless charger? I've been thinking how nice it would be to have the fast charging version anyway, now there might be an additional benefit of being able to open it easily.

Sold it to a buddy for 20, he wanted a fast charger too so I sold that to him for 25 and a cable. ~$45 and a handshake.
I got a deal from a retailer that was hesitant on getting them in stock. I put in on 4 of them and paid less than $100USD for them all combined.
If your device supports the fast charging wirelessly, I would recommend in the investment. Check amazon, bestbuy, and all the normal big box places for "black friday/cyber monday" weekend deals.
Worst case with your current one, pry it open or use a dremmel.

THOUGHT on the vise. Put it horizontal instead of vertical. That way the cylindrical disk will split as you tighten it. All the internals should be fine. Or do it in that manner to gain access to a spot where a flat head will have purchase for prying.

You can buy raw charging boards without a case on amazon for like 12 bucks.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

david_b01 said:
You can buy raw charging boards without a case on amazon for like 12 bucks.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The samsung fast wireless boards? Got a link for that?
Couldn't figure out search parameters that yielded me that.

0micron said:
Wow, talk about bad timing. Thanks for the suggestions.
I checked the small hole in the bottom, and there is no screw there either, just a nice view of the board beneath.
I also tried twisting the unit in opposite directions and nothing seems to move. I could try putting it in a vise but it was already difficult to grasp the bottom to twist, I'm not sure if I'd be able to get any more leverage.
If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get for the regular wireless charger? I've been thinking how nice it would be to have the fast charging version anyway, now there might be an additional benefit of being able to open it easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Sorry for revive this... Any luck opening it? I´m in the same boat here
The LEDs are driving me crazy at night. Just fixed the Fast charger thanks to this thread, but the regular one is resisting haha

EP-PG920I teardown
If it's the newer pad, you do twist to open. I took apart for the same reason. I have a S7 Edge and no point in using a fast charger on my night stand.
The top twist counter clockwise. Attached is a photo with the notch.
Once open, there are 4 screws on the inside and then the bottom comes off.
There are 2 bulbs and access is not great but you can get to them and eliminate or black out.
If you have any other questions, let me know. I have the newer pad, the newer fast charge pad and the new fast charging stand.

Ungie said:
If it's the newer pad, you do twist to open. I took apart for the same reason. I have a S7 Edge and no point in using a fast charger on my night stand.
The top twist counter clockwise. Attached is a photo with the notch.
Once open, there are 4 screws on the inside and then the bottom comes off.
There are 2 bulbs and access is not great but you can get to them and eliminate or black out.
If you have any other questions, let me know. I have the newer pad, the newer fast charge pad and the new fast charging stand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its really hard isnt it? can´t easily turn it counter clockwise.. its slippery and hard.
Any tip?
Thanks again!