Hi,
my China case for 13€ arrived today and I hat some spare rare earth magnet laying around.
I only had to set a small cut and slide the magnet into the lining at the right position.
The magnet has to be kinda strong, else the sensor would not recognize it.
These are the magnets I used:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/super-strong-rare-earth-re-magnets-20mm-x-2mm-10-pack-10305?item=2
I enjoy my cheap but working hack and I hope you do too
Tek.
Ahoy XDA!
First post in the Nexus 7 forums.
So I got fed up with not being able to sleep and wake my device using the flap on my case so I decided to take matters into my own hands.
At first I thought I would sand down a magnet, cut a slit into the side of the rubber far enough to push the magnet through and be done with it. Sanding the magnet took way too long and cutting perfectly straight through the rubber proved to be much more challenging than I anticipated. So use caution if you plan on attempting this method, it didn't work for me and the method I ended up going with was so much cleaner and easier to implement.
I decided to drill a 1/2 inch hole straight through the front flap of the case and insert a neodymium magnet into the hole. Turned out really well. I'll show you the completed project and then a brief description of how I accomplished it. Also check out the video of how it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T49Ap83xpiE
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Step 1: Acquire Magnets
Head to your local hobby/craft store (I went to Michaels but I'm sure most hobby stores carry these) and find yourself a 1/2 inch neodymium magnets. I got the "ProMag Brand Round Neo Magnets 4-Pack .5 in diameter/12.7 mm diameter". I'm not sure of the height but if you can find this brand, they are the exact same as the front flap on the case.
Step 2: Locate Magnetic Sensor
So I found the sensor to be roughly 4.5 in up from the bottom and 2.5 inches out from the left but please don't rely on these measurements. Test your own device yourself and figure out the best place for the magnet.
Step 3: Mark Your Hole and Drill
So after finding the optimal location for the magnet sensitivity, mark that spot on the inside flap of the smart case. I placed the case on a piece of wood and opened it so that the front of the case is face down (essentially like you would have it if you were using the tablet). I clamped the case into place to prevent it from moving and I then started with a 1/4 inch drill bit and used a power drill to essentially pilot a hole through the case. I don't know if this step was necessary but I find that with a pilot hole the larger bit will not wander as I drill with it. Next I took a 1/2 inch drill bit (into my hand not the power drill) and centered the drill bit into the hole in the case and the small hole that I had made into the wood. I then began to slowly and with even pressure turn the bit in the cutting direction. Do this step slowly and without too much pressure because if the bit bites too hard into the rubber, the case will try to rise and the bit will cut a gash into hole. I clamped around either side of the hole and as close to it as I could to prevent this from happening. After getting through almost all the way by hand on this side of the flap, I turned the case over, centered the hole in the case over the hole in the wood, clamped and started again, even slower this time. I figured any mistakes I made on the front side would look much worse than those on the back. (see first impressions ). So after about 20 minutes or so of this hand drilling I had a rough but even circle. It is important when you drill by hand that you try to keep the bit at a 90 degree angle with the case and dont let it move when you turn it. If it moves the hole will be oblong and look terrible. So like I said I had a nice hole with slightly burred edges.
Step 4: Test Fit, Sand, Test Fit Again, Sand Some More
At this point I positioned the magnet over the hole and forced it into the rough cut hole to get an idea of how much more rubber I would need to remove. It fit but the case would warp a bit because the magnet was slightly too big (Oh the innuendoes that could come from this tutorial). I next too some 50 Grit sandpaper and rolled a torn strip of it into a tight tube, place the tube into the hole and then released the pressure so the tube expanded to the size of the hole. I then pinched the top of the tube and while hold the case just slightly off the edge of the table while still applying firm pressure around the hole so that it wont move, I pushed and pulled the sandpaper tube through the hole to slowly expand it and smooth out the burrs created by the bit. Now take caution in this step because the sandpaper is rolled it will expand as you sand so every minute or so, take the magnet and keep test fitting to get a nice snug fit. You don't want the hole so big that the magnet can fall through. I made mine just tight enough that I have to apply pressure to the magnet and it literally pops in and pressure from the rubber holds it in place.
Step 5: Smooth With XACTO Knife
So after getting the perfect sized hole for your magnet, you will still probably have some small pieces of rubber, we'll call it flash, on the inside rim of the hole. Take your XACTO knife and CAREFULLY trim these flashings away. Apply barely any pressure as they will be quite thin and you don't want to change the shape of the hole or cut into your case. Use whatever method you need to smooth out the hole whether it is cutting or scraping I used a bit of both, but however you do it you should come out with something similar to this.
Step 6 (Optional): Sand and Rubber Coat the Inside of the Magnet
I figured metal against glass may not be the best thing in the event you store your tablet in a bag with other things, so I opted to plasti-dip/rubber coat the side of the magnet that could potentially make contact with the screen. It's pretty simple and you can find a can of this stuff for pretty cheap at your local hardware store. I didn't want to do both sides because I thought the silver looked pretty nice on the outside but do both sides if you prefer it black all around. Keep in mind when you spray, don't get any on the sides of the magnet if you can help it. This will change the outer diameter causing a misfit on the hole we just made.
I took some more sand paper and gave the side I planned to paint a which scuffing so that the paint would stick better and then gave a few short and light bursts, just enough to make a coat. I let it dry for about a half hour and then test fit once more.
Word of caution, when you sand a magnet, the shavings will then feel the need to stick to the magnet. I found the best way to get these off is to scoop them all into a pile on one side of the magnet, then take the sprayer extension on your sink and spray them off with the high pressure water. Make sure before you paint that you get all the shavings off of the side you plan on painting as this could potentially scratch your screen.
Step 7: Test Fit Once More and Glue
So this could be the most critical step of all. Adhesion. Once you glue the magnet in place, you are basically committing. Also, because of the tight fit, adding too much glue will cause leaking and make a mess all over the case, which will look ugly and be a pain to take off. So the key in this step is LESS IS MORE.
Test fit your magnet once more. Lay your case open on a flat surface and push the magnet in. Check both sides ensuring that it does not stick out and no gaps are formed. Make sure the case does not warp with the magnet in and go ahead and test it out with your tablet in the case. This is your last chance to work out any kinks before gluing.
BEFORE PROCEEDING MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE YOUR TABLET FROM THE CASE AND TAKE IT FAR FAR AWAY FROM THE GLUE AND YOUR HANDS.
I used a Gel Super Glue. I highly recommend this because it wont run and won't make a mess. I positioned my case open on the flat surface on top of a piece of wood in the same fashion it would be open if I were using it. Here comes the tricky part. Get yourself a toothpick and put a few drops of the superglue on a piece of cardboard. While holding the magnet in between your fingers so that you can look at the edge, dip your toothpick into the glue so that only the slightest coating of glue is on it. I would say even a full drop of glue is far too much. Just a light coat on the end of the toothpick. Run the toothpick along the outer rim of the magnet quickly but cautiously, avoid getting it on either of the faces of the magnet. Once you have your coating, carefully position the magnet over the hole, and here come the tricky part, you want to try to place the magnet on top of the hole without touching the glue on the sides. I sort of dropped it onto the hole and moved it to center then quickly pushed it into the hole. Once you have it in place ensure that it is flat and even with the case. Check to make sure that the glue hasn't leaked but if it has DO NOT TRY TO WIPE IT OFF. Allow the glue to dry, it will be much easier to chip or sand off later than to clean a super glue smear off of the rubber.
At this point your case should be looking pretty good. Don't move it until you've given the glue enough time to dry and definitely do not test it with your tablet in place until it has dried.
I hope this post helps some of you and if you have questions before doing this or while you are in the process, please let me know and I will do what I can to help.
-Pixlgeek
I'm wondering if one can't use a sheet magnet. Not necessarily this specifically, but maybe something from the back of the usual fridge magnet stickers.
http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Magnetic-Material-12-inch-Magnetizing/dp/B001NGE9C0
Sheet magnets, strip magnets, refrigerator magnets all do not work. I tested all of them and none produce a strong enough field to activate the sensor. Yeah it would have saved me a ton of trouble if those actually worked.
I've been thinking about different ways this could be done with Tasker and the light sensor. I wonder if using a sheet magnet and the magnet sensor could work.
I have done it in a much less finessed way. I went to Michaels and got the thicker square magnets with the adhesive side peel aways. I just stuck them on the sweet spot of the inside of the case. I have a screen protector on so no scratching and the magnets are not metal, they are the flexible gray material, so I don't think breakage due to pressure is a problem.
Been using it on a temporary kindle fire case for a week and it works great. So for someone who doesn't want to drill and glue, this is a good alternative. Magnets were an 6 pack for $3 or so. But they have to be the thicker 1/4 in models for stronger magnetism.
OP, I love your mod and it's a great permanent solution. Mine is just temporary till I get my smart case.
I have found that it does not take a very big neodynium magnet. You do have to be a little more precise with placement if you go smaller. I have a second set of magnets now on their way to see if I can just superglue one cleanly to the outside of the official travel cover. I tested with 4 or 5 different kinds i had around but all were a little too thick to just glue to the outside at 1/8in thick. Might go 1/2 or 3/4 dia and make a vinyl decal to put on it so it is not quite as tacky as I imagine just a magnet glued to the outside will be.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
sashusmom said:
I have done it in a much less finessed way. I went to Michaels and got the thicker square magnets with the adhesive side peel aways. I just stuck them on the sweet spot of the inside of the case. I have a screen protector on so no scratching and the magnets are not metal, they are the flexible gray material, so I don't think breakage due to pressure is a problem.
Been using it on a temporary kindle fire case for a week and it works great. So for someone who doesn't want to drill and glue, this is a good alternative. Magnets were an 6 pack for $3 or so. But they have to be the thicker 1/4 in models for stronger magnetism.
OP, I love your mod and it's a great permanent solution. Mine is just temporary till I get my smart case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can use the flat fridge magnets? I was under the impression that thses cases had the magnet in them already?? Just got mine this morning and it hasn't got one :'(
Love this idea and have the necessary magnet. However, what happens when you flip the front cover around to the back of your Nexus (Which I do when using it)?
I tested by putting a magnet on the front of my cover with some double-sided tape and the sensor just turns the screen off again. Is there a position the magnet can be placed on that doesn't cause this behavior?
Fantastic.... really good
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Max-E-Moose said:
Love this idea and have the necessary magnet. However, what happens when you flip the front cover around to the back of your Nexus (Which I do when using it)?
I tested by putting a magnet on the front of my cover with some double-sided tape and the sensor just turns the screen off again. Is there a position the magnet can be placed on that doesn't cause this behavior?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't that break the case (the Asus one)?
I don't do it because I am afraid the sides will tear lose...
Noxeus_ said:
Doesn't that break the case (the Asus one)?
I don't do it because I am afraid the sides will tear lose...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sides? Around the drill hole? Take it easy when drilling, select the slowest speed. Or turn the drill bit by hand like the OP did.
I did not actually drill a hole, just placed the magnet on the front of the Asus cover above the sensor with some sticky tape. For testing before committing putting a hole in the front cover!
With the magnet where I placed it, once the front cover was swung around to the back (like a magazine) the screen turned straight off again. I tried multiple positions but could not find one that did not show this behavior.
Thanks to the OP for locating the sensor location. I was able to figure out a cheap and easy fix to prevent the magnet from shutting the tablet off when the cover was folded back, pretty simple stuff.
Basically I used a small piece of steel (a steel washer to be precise) taped to the back of the case underneath the tablet, where the magnet would otherwise sit when the cover was folded back.
I'll eventually switch it out with some steel foil to make the shield thinner, but I think any ferrous material should work in shielding the back side of the tablet from the magnet, assuming the magnet is fairly weak. Hope this information helps someone else.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zvovb5s8qgmp0f3/2013-06-08 15.48.24.jpg
Are you missing on the Krusell Luna case for Nexus 7 the smartcover function as I do ?
What is smartcover ?
It's kind of magnetic switch, which will automatically turn on the display, when you open the case, and switch it off, when you close it. IT'S VERY PRACTICAL :cyclops:
What do you need
- Vodafone magnetic pen or similar (https://www.google.com/search?q=vodafone+magnet+pen&hl=cs&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X)
OR
- magnet size 1,5mm height x 10mm diameter)
- case Krusell Luna for Nexus 7 (http://www.krusellcases.com/uk/p_krusell_product.aspx?i=237680) or similar
- thin double-sided tape (or glue, if you don't care about the lifetime warranty of Krusell)
How to do it
- remove the magnet from Vodafone magnetic pen
- test it and place magnet to the location : 100mm from left, 49,3mm (50mm) from bottom (eg. use normal tape to stick magnet temporary)
- when tested, use double-sided tape (thin) to stick the magnet to the location "permanently" (still later on you can remove it, depends on the tape)
- press THANK YOU, if it worked :good:
What to avoid
Don't select too big/high magnet (>2mm) - it may scratch the display then.
Don't use too thin magnet - or it will not work (eg. magnetic tape)
What you will get
Case with smart cover function
You will not damage design of the case
Still working all the functions of the case as before (stands, magnet is not "touching" the display) etc.
Hey, do you like your Krusell case? I've never used mine, because it leaves no bezel, which makes it hard to drag in from the sides. It's also very tight, and I read about screens breaking because the case was too tight, and I really don't wanna risk that. Though I'm only planning to use it as a travel case, and as a dock for watching movies and using keyboard and mouse.
I recently picked up the Moko 360 Degree Rotating case for my Nook HD. It is a nice leather like case that covers the Nook HD well. The only spots that are really exposed are the top and bottom of the device. This does provide nice access to those areas though.
On the outside of the front cover is a small attached holder for a stylus along with the name of the company. There is an elastic band that holds the front cover shut when not using the device. On the back is the swivel which allows for the front cover travel a full 360 degrees. There is also 2 small speaker cut outs in the plastic body. One of these is covered up by the back part of the case when the cover is closed. When the case is opened it exposes the speaker hole allowing for sound to travel freely. The Nook is held in a plastic body that clips over the sides. The two sides have openings that expose the power button and the volume rocker. The back of the plastic body is wrapped in the same leather like material as the rest of the case.
Upon opening the front cover your Nook HD will turn on as the case has a magnet in it that controls power on and power off. This is a nice feature that will also move you past the lock screen when opening the case. If your lock screen is set to a pin number it will not move past this but it will power on. The front flap becomes a bit of a hindrance if you open it in portrait mode. This is due to the design as the back of the front cover is the area that creates the stand. You can push it all the way back to help get it out of the way though.
With the Nook HD setup as the case is designed it will be in landscape mode to use the stand. There are three spots to put the bottom of the device in which allow it to sit at three different angles. If you want to change to portrait mode you just rotate the Nook HD. This is very nice when you want to use the device for reading instead of watching a movie. The problem with this is that the bottom of the device does not sit in the divots as well as it does in landscape mode. So if you are using the Nook in your lap the Nook will suddenly slip and fall backward. Which makes reading a bit harder.
The over all design of the case is very nice. The material feels great in the hand and does help prevent slipping. It also seems to be very well constructed. There were no areas that looked like they would com apart. The stitching is nice looking and tight. The velvet like material is very soft and seems like it will protect the screen of the Nook very well.
My complaints about this case are the overall size that is added to the device. This is just the nature of this type of case since it needs the rotating hinge to enable the 360 rotation. I also don't really like the added piece on the front cover that holds a stylus. It looks kind of bad and seems like it was a last minute addition instead of looking for a better place for it. As mentioned earlier the divots need some work to help hold the Nook better in portrait mode.
Over all I would give this case a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAVEUCS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Current price is $9.99 as of 3-2-2013.
I'm looking to get a Dot View case. But the official HTC one does not rest flat on a table due to the spring in the case. But, is there any third-party dot-view that rests flat on a table rather than at an angle?
Python. said:
I'm looking to get a Dot View case. But the official HTC one does not rest flat on a table due to the spring in the case. But, is there any third-party dot-view that rests flat on a table rather than at an angle?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this case from ebay, it rests flat on the screen
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slim-DOT-...hash=item2ed42e1e24:m:mv75jEKm24ySmpK0f55v2UQ
Not that it helps you but I bought an original HTC dot view case off Amazon. It rested flat. Seems to be a hit-or-miss scenario with the originals.