DIY Vibrant Dock for $5 in materials - Vibrant Accessories

I got my Vibrant last week, and I needed a contest entry for a contest over at Instructables, so I hacked up a cheapy iPod dock into an awesome dock for my Vibrant.
The speakers are great for desktop use at work, despite being so cheap.
Unfortunately, I can't post a link to it ... so here are some pictures instead.

Not bad, how do you feed audio into those speakers? Using the AUX jack on the top of the Vibrant im guessing?

Yeah. It's not shown in the pictures, but that speaker set has a built-in 3.5mm cable. You just plug it into the headphone jack on the Vibrant.

NICE! I love instructables.

Is that Sugru for the bumpers? Trying to think of things to do with my samples - neat stuff.
Anyway, awesome dock. Need to keep my eyes open for a cheap dock like that.

Yeah, the Sugru is for the bumpers. I also used it to cover the rough edges of the cut plastic, and to give traction to the feet and stabilize the bottom of the speakers (they liked to rock forward when the phone was placed on the tray).
Those speakers are linked in the Instructable ... I can't post links, but if you search on Amazon for "folding speaker set" and then sort price lowest to highest, you can get those speakers for less than $5 including shipping. They have black ones too.
I happened to get the white set for free from a giveaway. The sugru was free too, so in my case, this dock cost me nothing but a USB cable.

Here -- I think this is your Instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hacking-Cheap-iPhone-speakers-for-Android-Dock/
And the dock: http://amzn.com/dp/B000C8TSCQ
Might need to try making myself one of these too.

Personally, I'm hoping for a rotation mod (like CM has......it'll probably have to wait until CM6 is ported to it) that'll allow for the phone to be upside down. When that happens, I'll try to basically make this, but with a mount for the phone to actually dock into the connections.
If/When I ever get the ambition to do this, I'll definitely be using this instructable as a starting point.
THANK YOU!

Saiboogu said:
Here -- I think this is your Instructable:
Might need to try making myself one of these too.
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Awesome, thanks for posting those. That is indeed my Instructable.
tjhart85 said:
Personally, I'm hoping for a rotation mod (like CM has......it'll probably have to wait until CM6 is ported to it) that'll allow for the phone to be upside down. When that happens, I'll try to basically make this, but with a mount for the phone to actually dock into the connections.
If/When I ever get the ambition to do this, I'll definitely be using this instructable as a starting point.
THANK YOU!
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Yeah, rotation upside down would be awesome. If that were the case, you'd have to lose part of the tray in this version. But I do have a set of desktop computer speakers that are USB powered ....

Nice
Where did you get the clock app?

It's called Digital Clock, you can get it on the Market. It's a free app.

I also have those speakers. I can honestly say they are very cheap but good for the money. If you don't feel like waiting for shipping just go to wal-mart, they are packaged with some of their shirts for about 7 bucks
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Here's another one that I submitted to Instructables today ... no speakers on this stand.

tekkguy said:
Here's another one that I submitted to Instructables today ... no speakers on this stand.
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jesus hahahah

Hey bro, what case are you using, and where did you buy it from?

I'm using the Jelly Case by Amzer ... got it at Amazon: amzn (dot) to (slash) aTMvCj since I can't post links
By the way ... voting started today at Instructables, so if you're a member there, I'd love to have the votes!

Sugru substitute
You can use Goop or other similar type instead of sugru. There is also liquid handle sold as well. You can buy it at home depot or other places like that in adhesives section. there area bunch of these poly urethane polymers. Basically all you have to do to form it is use wax paper to create the depression shape desired.

BTW. You mentioned USB speakers. I have hooked those same speakers up via usb (just strip on end and shove it where the overall + and - of the batteries would be). Take very little electrical knowledge, but I would look it up if you haven't messed around with wiring things up, but I love turning things into USB powered. Although I wanted to put a mini-usb connector on mine and have yet to do it, but just say, for those of you out there, these speakers run off USB just fine.

Well when you buy them from amazon they come with a usb power cord. I didn't get mine from amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Related

HDMI Dock

when I went to preorder my evo ( ) I asked about the dock. the guy there said he thought it would run around $60-$100. what do you guys think? I'm getting it no matter what but I just hope its not $100+
gmelchert said:
when I went to preorder my evo ( ) I asked about the dock. the guy there said he thought it would run around $60-$100. what do you guys think? I'm getting it no matter what but I just hope its not $100+
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IMHO $60+ for a simple dock is ridiculous... Heck, anything over 30 is way too much in my book.
well if a hdmi connector costs 40 bucks (absolutely retarded price gouging) then a hdmi dock at that price is not out of the question. Would I get one? depends on if it's for the car or desk, for a car...hmm... maybe... desk, no
either way it better have power+data+audio line out + hdmi all from one connector... and it better not look like dr frakenstein designed it... .or dr seuss =P
I can deal with something under 50$ MSRP, so that it will hopefully be less online. I think I'll take a crack at making my own dock. Just put the phone with cables connected into rubber cement or something similar. Maybe not though as I hate to waste cables
ya HDMI cables are dirt cheap at tigerdirect or similar.... I'll hackup a regular dock and make my own dock..or just lay it on the desk w/the kickstand.
You know these will be awfully expensive since Sprint's freaking car chargers are lke 30+ bones.
Anything OEM will cost you up the ass.
HTCPedia's site is selling some accessories (with a pic of the dock with no price yet)
I am looking for an all clear case. has anyone seen any online?
bhagiratha said:
I am looking for an all clear case. has anyone seen any online?
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here you go... http://store.cheapdroids.com/Amzer-Clear-Snap-On-Crystal-Hard-Case-EVO.html
jvs60 said:
here you go... http://store.cheapdroids.com/Amzer-Clear-Snap-On-Crystal-Hard-Case-EVO.html
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damn that sucks they are covering the front-facing camera and most likely teh back kickstand too
Besides docks that have special things like the HDMI... I'm interested in the docks that may automatically trigger modes, like on the Moto Droid where the desktop dock triggers an alarm clock/media center mode, the car dock triggers the navigation and music. I thought I saw the Evo would do this as well.
If anyone's interested in saving a couple bucks and are looking for something like that as well, here's an old article about someone who created a fake dock using a piece of cardboard with magnets on it. The magnets, in the proper position, tell the handset which mode it should be in:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/how-to-hack-your-own-droid-dock-with-magnets-and-cardboard/
Could probably add magnets to a 'dumb dock' to simulate this if the EVO supports it as well.
gryffyn said:
Besides docks that have special things like the HDMI... I'm interested in the docks that may automatically trigger modes, like on the Moto Droid where the desktop dock triggers an alarm clock/media center mode, the car dock triggers the navigation and music. I thought I saw the Evo would do this as well.
If anyone's interested in saving a couple bucks and are looking for something like that as well, here's an old article about someone who created a fake dock using a piece of cardboard with magnets on it. The magnets, in the proper position, tell the handset which mode it should be in:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/how-to-hack-your-own-droid-dock-with-magnets-and-cardboard/
Could probably add magnets to a 'dumb dock' to simulate this if the EVO supports it as well.
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I doubt the EVO has the magnets in it to activate different modes. None of HTCs phones have yet (to my knowledge).
HTC6800 said:
I doubt the EVO has the magnets in it to activate different modes. None of HTCs phones have yet (to my knowledge).
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You're probably right. Thought I saw something about the EVO's car mount that sounded like it did something like this. But god knows the kind of stuff my brain thinks it reads when I'm half awake.

Car Mount

has anyone purchased a decent car mount for the vibrant? I'm all over the web looking for one that I certainly wouldn't regret in buying. So, please post links, opinions, and maybe pics. thank you
I do not have it yet, but i saw this get posted several times with some good reviews http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.37823
The Verizon Fascinate is coming out this week and the press release says there will be a mount. I'm going to take my phone by a Verizon store and see if they have one they'll open and let me check fit.
Car Dock – Attachable to the windshield or dashboard, the car dock displays turn-by-turn GPS navigation instructions, rotates freely between landscape and portrait modes, and features a preloaded Samsung “Car Home” application, giving customers access to everything the “Desk Home” app can do while on the go. The car dock is available for $39.99.
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http://www.androidguys.com/2010/09/07/official-verizon-drops-samsung-fascinate-days-sept-9/
Due to the similar size and shape, I'm betting most generic ipod touch/iphone mounts out there will fit. Planning on checking walmarts offerings and maybe bestbuy sometime this week.
I just bought this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150481766101&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
I think its great if you're not using a case, snaps right it and doesn't move, and the mount seems nice and firm. The holes for the speakerphone and camera are all in the right places so its good to go.
Only complaint i have is the top snap portion is a little long and gets caught in the seam between the front and back cover if you're not careful. I snipped a tiny bit off the end of it to blunt the end a little bit, and am careful to pull the snap back when i slide the phone in, and its nice.
There are is a thread in here as well and/or the i9000 accessories forum that discusses a few options if you are using a case.
Xidroid said:
The Verizon Fascinate is coming out this week and the press release says there will be a mount. I'm going to take my phone by a Verizon store and see if they have one they'll open and let me check fit.[/url]
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And on that note, i called my corp Verizon rep and ordered one - free overnight shipping. Part# is "SAMI500MNT"
SHould be here tomorrow @ 3:30'ish, that's when Mr. Fedex shows up.
I'll post details and pics if it's legit and ends up workin on the Vibrant.
(had to edit quote as i'm too new to post links)
Much to my dismay, not only is the micro-USB connector lower on the Fascinate than on the Vibrant, rendering the dock useless unless you remove the Vibrant's battery cover & insert at an angle, but the phone doesn't seem to recognize the usb connection. Although it does give you the audible signal that it's been plugged in - the charging indicator disappears immediately and audio is not passed through the 3.5mm jack at the back of the dock.
The overall design of the car dock is very nice and I can only hope TMO will bring something along these lines for the Vibrant.
Here are some pics of the car dock for the Fascinate, for those who happened to be curious.
LabattZ said:
Much to my dismay, not only is the micro-USB connector lower on the Fascinate than on the Vibrant, rendering the dock useless unless you remove the Vibrant's battery cover & insert at an angle, but the phone doesn't seem to recognize the usb connection. Although it does give you the audible signal that it's been plugged in - the charging indicator disappears immediately and audio is not passed through the 3.5mm jack at the back of the dock.
The overall design of the car dock is very nice and I can only hope TMO will bring something along these lines for the Vibrant.
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That's too bad, it looked promising. Thanks for jumping on it and trying for us.
Since the Galaxy is light in weight and came with 2 back covers, I did a DIY with velcro. I lined it up to my center dash (horizontally), hooked up the AUX and charger and BAM...only 5 bucks! I now have Google NAV/traffic and .MP4s at my finger tips.
DaSmittyman said:
I do not have it yet, but i saw this get posted several times with some good reviews http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.37823
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I just ordered this one. I'll let everyone know how well it performs when it arrives.
I got this Arkon car mount.
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-IPM515-...L68S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1287158680&sr=8-2
It says its for iPhone, but works just as well with most phones out there.
I have this mount:
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Univers...U3GA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1287178030&sr=8-5
Works great and holds the phone firmly.
The clingo mounts look awesome and have tons.of good reviews.
Texted While Driving
DKYang said:
I got this Arkon car mount.
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-IPM515-...L68S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1287158680&sr=8-2
It says its for iPhone, but works just as well with most phones out there.
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Just got this mount today and well.......it's a very tight fit. This is perfect for anything smaller than the Vibrant size, otherwise it's a tight fit or won't fit at all. I won't recommend it if you need a mount where you can move the phone in and out of the mount quickly, otherwise, it should do well.
I use this one:
http://www.meritline.com/car-holder...-windshield-with-suction-mount---p-54018.aspx
With my Vibrant. Works great. You've got to be careful with the clip though to make sure you don't release it too soon it it'll snag between the battery cover and phone.
Overall very nice & doesn't obscure the phone at all & the phone can rotate 360 degrees with almost no effort (though it hasn't happened accidentally or when I've hit a bump or anything).
Anyone ever heard of proclipusa.com? They are a bit expensive but I had it for my iPhone in my 06 acura TL and it was awesome! Haven't ordered for the vibrant yet but am going to soon.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
tekkguy said:
I have this mount:
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Univers...U3GA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1287178030&sr=8-5
Works great and holds the phone firmly.
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I got that too and it works pretty well. I've got an Xterra and it has a bumpy ride =\
~SB
Edit: I only use the vent not the windshield mount...
Xidroid said:
That's too bad, it looked promising. Thanks for jumping on it and trying for us.
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Official dock is now available... the cheapest I could find it was at Newegg for $35. Part #ECS-M979BEGSTA, I think (but some stores use this same part number for the Fascinate dock).
tjhart85 said:
I use this one:
http://www.meritline.com/car-holder...-windshield-with-suction-mount---p-54018.aspx
With my Vibrant. Works great. You've got to be careful with the clip though to make sure you don't release it too soon it it'll snag between the battery cover and phone.
Overall very nice & doesn't obscure the phone at all & the phone can rotate 360 degrees with almost no effort (though it hasn't happened accidentally or when I've hit a bump or anything).
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i have this one also and love it. tight fit and no matter how bumpy the road or water is (yes i use it on the boat) it stays exactly where you put it. on problem is you have to take it out of the case...

New MT4G Dock released EDIT: DOES NOT USE SIDE CONTACTS

Just read this- I can't find it anywhere online yet, but it might be available in store at T-mo.
Link:
http://www.tmonews.com/2010/12/the-mytouch4g-dock-has-arrived/
EDIT: Changed title so as not to get anybodies hopes up.
(OPINION- UNDERWHELMING)
Its does NOT use the dock pins. It uses the microusb port thus does not launch the dock app. Just FYI before we get 10,000 "does it use the pins?" questions. Source.
FYI, there are links in the tmo forum that I linked where you can purchase it but EVERYWHERE is sold out already.
EDIT: Fixed source.
Awesome, thanks for the info...and the save! Lol
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
I guess if they did have the pins, it wouldn't be able to rotate the device into the upright position. This would be more secure. When I had the N1 dock, one little nudge and the device would fall to the floor
@Kid Poker, man that's crap,o don't know if it would be practical, buy it would be nice if they make the mt4g dock in a way that it would use the micro usb and the pins, so it would stay in place better than just sitting on a few contacts.
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
Sorry I don't have pics, but had some hands on time with the dock. It does use the usb connector and swivels, and has bluetooth. $50 in a T-Mobile store, but buy 2 $3.99 straps with it and you get 30% off. It is a snug fit. I imagine a body skin will still fit, but no case will work with it.
kitsunisan said:
Sorry I don't have pics, but had some hands on time with the dock. It does use the usb connector and swivels, and has bluetooth. $50 in a T-Mobile store, but buy 2 $3.99 straps with it and you get 30% off. It is a snug fit. I imagine a body skin will still fit, but no case will work with it.
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lol Oh tmobile, I will never understand your pricing structure- but it's awesome! As far as a snug fit- thats what I kinda figured, I bought a Zagg full skin and a SS realook for the display (a little excessive I know- but hey that 50% off black friday deal from Zagg was awesome) instead of a case, so I could use the docks when they come out. Appreciate the info... but, do you work for t-mo, how did you manage to get access to the dock already???
Why would the dock not use the pins? Can we assume other docks will come out in the future that do use them?
mountainboy said:
Appreciate the info... but, do you work for t-mo, how did you manage to get access to the dock already???
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Just walked in the store, the downtown Minneapolis store has two of them. If I had been able to split it up on my bill I would have gotten it, but my credit is burned up with the MT4G. I'll have cash on me tomorrow, I'll pick one up and play with it for a while if they're still in stock. I'll post some pics tomorrow night.
wow $50 for a dock that uses the micro usb port, i wonder if you could do better with ebay knock offs. I'm sure you can probably not as nice but it'll cost 1/5th of the price.
What is the point of having a dock like this that DOESN'T utilize the pins on the phone? That doesn't make much sense at all to me.
You missed the "bluetooth" part, I see. Still, should be at least $10 cheaper imo.
kitsunisan said:
Just walked in the store, the downtown Minneapolis store has two of them. If I had been able to split it up on my bill I would have gotten it, but my credit is burned up with the MT4G. I'll have cash on me tomorrow, I'll pick one up and play with it for a while if they're still in stock. I'll post some pics tomorrow night.
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Cool, I'll keep an eye out. The pics make it look a little top heavy with the phone in it- I wonder how it balances out- wonder if the base is weighted...
greenstuffs said:
wow $50 for a dock that uses the micro usb port, i wonder if you could do better with ebay knock offs. I'm sure you can probably not as nice but it'll cost 1/5th of the price.
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Yeah $50 is steep- the other links are showing $38 though- that seems more of a fair price if it's a legit product. I'm thinking I would buy this for use in my office, and wait for the one that makes use of the contacts to use at home.
I'm using it right now. Got it at T-Mo retail. It looks like every store only got two in-stock for some reason? I guess I could take pics, but it would be with my crappy old iPhone 2G camera, which would be really low-res and pointless. :/
So, the quick-n-dirty 'review', for those of you who are as nerdy as me:
Synapsis: Don't bother!
myTouch 4G Swivel Dock
Pros:
Nice, weighted base (where the BT antenna is housed, along with micro USB intput and 3.5mm audio out). It is definitely weighted and nice feeling.
Looks fairly sleek, despite the cheesy 'my' logo on the front of the dock.
Bottom of the 'weight' is rubberized, so it doesn't slide around.
The back of the swivel stand has the same, soft, rubberized material so the back of the phone does not scratch on the plastic.
It serves the purpose of securely (emphasis on this) docking your device. That thing isn't coming out without some force.
No Bluetooth PIN is required to pair (simply pair in BT settings).
Allows you to charge and sync over USB (think 'iPod / iPhone dock')
Streams audio from the phone to the dock, via BT.
Cons:
Does not come with an extra USB cable.
No solution to use the FM Radio without just dangling your headset off of the side (in fact, the 3.5mm from the phone is blocked by the cradle). So, so, so, very lame. I realize I could just buy a cheap FM Alarm Clock, but what's the point of having all of this cool tech in my phone if there's no practical way to use it? Wasted opportunity, if you ask me.
Getting the phone in there at first, you feel like it might be really easy to damage the USB port.
A small amount of 'rattle' to the swivel mechanism, but otherwise, sturdy.
It is somewhat difficult and awkward to seat the device into the dock; this is a really snug fit.
BT audio kind of sucks biggity balls. Highs crack and there is a general layer of compression running through everything. Basically, there's no point in playing files that are encoded at anything above 64KBPS. Listening to music on high-end speakers kind of sounds like ass. So, yeah. Not sure why they didn't just route the audio through the USB port, iPhone-style? It's not terrible, but if you're an audiophile, you will cringe a little bit. Directly inputting to the phone sounds 200x better.
There doesn't appear to be a way to pair the dock with your computer, to try and re-route the audio stream (super nerdy stuff on my part).
T-Mo, in all their wisdom, left out support for landscape viewing throughout most of the OS. Really bone-headed and stupid (same complaint I have with using the phone as a GPS device -- sideways contacts / phone = stupid).
The docking pins are not used in any way, shape, or form (no automatic 'desk mode' / no automatic alarm clock). Lame. So lame. I'm so disappointed by this, because the docking pins were one of the main reasons I went with this phone (assuming super-fancy docks would be coming out).
The 3.5mm audio cables you plug in can very easily be unseated / pulled out from a bump. I don't know if this is because I'm using super-professional-grade cables that have a hefty weight / insulation to them? But if the cable applies any pressure to the dock's input, I get the infamous analog 'BUZZZZZZ!' sound. It's not cheap, I just think the cables are too heavy-duty.
The Dock wraps over the volume and lockscreen keys. Kinda dumb, but I understand why this has to be. I imagine the BT audio normalizes anyway.
They really should've thought out how to integrate their docks with the OS a bit more.
It's not terrible, but it's not mind-blowing. I got it for 20% off, and was able to use credit from a returned accessory. I got it for about $30, and I think that's probably a more reasonable price for what amounts to nothing more than a fancy USB port with lousy Audio Out capabilities. It's a solid and safe way to charge your phone at night, basically. I'll probably keep it, but it is a bit of a letdown, if you were expecting to drop your phone into it and have it automatically launch some kind of cool interface. I think they should've routed the 3.5mm stream from the USB input, and that they should've found a way to include an FM antenna into the device to make use of the super nice FM radio app. The fact that it doesn't automatically go into Desk Dock Mode is infinitely disappointing to me.
Basically, if your only other solution was to have it nervously balance on the edge of your table, sitting on your laptop, with your cat / dog or a child running around the house? This is a much better and safer solution.
If they just built landscape support into Sense, this would be pretty sweet. But I guess that's why they have it 'swivel', right? Lame.
Feel free to ask me any more questions, if you've got 'em.
@Jon C Wow, I'm impressed! Kudos man, I have a hard time typing out a whole paragraph. Excellent review! So, is the bluetooh in the cradle just for you to be able to plug in headphones at the base of the unit, or is there a built in speaker? I like their attention to detail with the rubberized parts you mentioned. So, with the phone being such a snug fit in the cradle via the micro usb- do you think that could cause any issues with the phone potentially being docked and undocked several times daily? I was pretty bummed when I noticed that the volume rocker is covered as while I'm @ work sitting at my desk, I like to put on Pandora with the ability to adjust the volume when I have to make phone calls. I'm thinking I will just continue using my business card holder for my phone stand- it seems to have more of the functionality I'm looking for lol.
@Jon C. Thanks for the write up! I really only want the dock to prolong the live of my micro usb port and for the auto clock function (I use it on my night stand) so I will NOT be purchasing this one. I really hope they come up with something else, total waiste to have the dock pins and not use them.
Man I miss my Nexus dock!
I updated the review a little bit. Not only does the dock block the volume keys, but it blocks the lock button and the 3.5mm out.
To answer your question: No, there is no speaker on the dock, simply a 3.5mm out.
Also, I need to stress how annoyingly difficult it is to actually seat the phone. The dock feels like it was engineered back when the phone was called the 'myTouch HD', and probably had slightly different dimensions (much like the gel cases, which do not fit exactly).
I really have to jam the phone hard against the back of the dock, to line up the USB port. I could easily see the USB port getting damaged from repeated 'misses'. The stupid little USB connector actually put a nice little dent into the side of my soft-touch paint.
Man, how the **** do you mess this up? What a letdown.
Sadly, guys, I don't think we're going to get anything better. That said, I'm really thinking about taking this thing back, based on how impossibly hard it is to even get the phone in there to begin with.
Jeez! Yeah I would take that thing back for sure. That really sucks that the stupid thing dented the side of your phone! They should give you something cool for free ;p...I'm just sayin...
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
Normally, my OCD would require that I swap out my current phone for another one. However, with all of the bull**** with the variances in screen quality and so forth, I'd rather not push my luck. Plus, the reps at all of the T-Mo stores around here are kind of pushy / annoying and get angry when you want to swap out phones.
Still, I am pissed. Super lame, T-Mo and HTC. What the hell were you idiots thinking?
I hope a third-party makes a dock with pin support. Odds of that happening? Slim-to-none.
Yeah, I can understand the ocd thing lol! You do have a very sad but true point about a new hit or miss phone. Just to clarify though, who is the manufacturer of the dock- HTC or tmo? You would think that they would come out with some kind of dock to utilize those contacts on the side of the phone.
Sent from myTouch 4G using XDA app

Car Dock Kit

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
REVIEW:
Got the dock today. Gotta say, not too bad. Although I don’t really think it’s worth more than about $25 tops. The build quality is ok. Everything is plastic, but it feels kind of light (the suction holder). Guess that’s a good thing if it’s being mounted to the windshield.
What’s included: Phone Dock, Suction Holder, Car Charger, Sticky suction pad (to use on your dash)
Suction Holder
There are 3 main components to this. The suction it pretty heavy duty. Probably better than my Garmin windshield mount. Once positioned on the glass, there’s a lever you push down drawing the air out making for a pretty good and strong contact. To release it from the windshield is just as easy. Just pull the same lever up to release.
The holder allows for full 360 rotation of the phone. Loosen the round knob to position and tighten. Once tightened, it’s pretty snug.
Where the phone dock connects, the suction holder has a little spring loaded push lever that’s used to clamp the phone dock to the holder. Same method is used to release the phone dock.
Phone Dock
Again, it’s pretty light. I wouldn’t say it’s feels cheap but just really light. The phone fits in pretty sung. It’s definitely not going anywhere. The dock also has a cut out for the camera, which is nice if you want to take pics of the road or maybe even a video of the guy in front of you with a lowered Silverado with a mural of his trunk on his tailgate 
Once the phone is in, the bottom end of the phone dock slides in and out making the usb contact. On the back of the dock, you have a micro usb port for charging and a 3.5mm line out jack. My only concern is with time, this portion will get loose. Seems like there’s 2 positions this click into as you slide it one way or the other.
Car Charger
It’s a micro usb car charger. Nothing more to say. Always good to have a spare one.
The dock definitely DOES NOT accept the phone with any cases. Don’t know about skins though. It’s a pretty sung fit with. Going to head over to TMO sometime this week and pick up the a ZAGG Dry application skin and see.
Figured it would, but as soon as you slide the plug from the dock into the phone, it goes into car mode right away, even without it being plugged into a power source. This can be deactivated by going into notifications and clicking Deactivate Car mode.
All in all, I’d have to say I’m pretty pleased with it. Not really pleased about how much it costs, but hey…It would have been nice for them to include an audio cable with the package. I bought this to replace my older Garmin Nav. Figure it’s much easier having this than traveling with the Garmin.
Update: Looks like this is going back. The line-out doesn't work. Getting no sound
smellmyfingers said:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
Thinking of picking this up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exogear-Exo...ccessories&hash=item588ef6bfb4#ht_4693wt_1270
Seems like a decent quality holder that will work no matter any case I use.
luckyduck69 said:
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Makes sense, T-Mobile just released the phone so they hiked up all prices on "new" accessories. It's all naming/branding my man.
Looks nice...if u get it post some pics please.
I have one but makes too much noise when the car moves.
Tmo Galaxy S2
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
Was feeling frisky so picked it up at the store with the phone. Works great but the phone is held rather tightly and requires two hands to remove it when getting out of your car. Might loosen a bit over time, but a PITA for now. Phone also recognizes that this is a car dock (as opposed to desktop dock) and kicks on the VoiceTalk app automatically. Kind of nice.
-- edit --
Used a universal on my last phone... have to say that having the charger plug into the mount directly is hands-down worth the extra money. I hated having to find the dangling end of the usb cord every time I got in my truck... especially in the dark. With the made-for-it mount, you sit the phone in the mount and then slide the bottom part up which engages the charge and locks in the phone. All with one hand.
-GP
Dsmwookie said:
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have one and the best part about this mount is that it sticks to almost part in my car. Aside from the really curved parts.
Bought my first car dock for my old Vibrant few months ago, now have to get it again for my new SGS2. Like before I am getting OEM directly from Samsung website. Not sure what TM sells but the one I saw in their store looks pretty crappy from some 3rd party vendor.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
The car dock... excuse me, "vehicle navigation mount" I got at the t-mo store two days ago is a Samsung-branded accessory. Guy had to actually open the box that UPS delivered that morning. Perhaps your store didn't have them yet?
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
esdwa said:
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they should start getting them in. There OEM it should be in green and white box with samsung all over it
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
What do you think of these Herbert Richter German made windshield mount? The mount is used in a Pioneer AVIC-F500BT GPS which is quite heavy.
ctkatz said:
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not as it is made to fit the device snugly. This is why I use a pouch belt clip as I use my phone all the time for navigation and can't be taking a case on and off every time.
My Exogear mint will be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it is. Cost $18 shipped off Amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Some quick shots of my Exogear mount. Sticks to just about any surface and holds most phones in a case. Video is uploading as we speak.
---------- Post added at 06:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------
http://youtu.be/PApQgF4Q8Lk
cheap but nice mount
Just rec this mount ordered 2 one for my s2 and one fr my wifes vibrant really pleased with them ordered one more {ebay}Samsung Galaxy S II T989 Heavy Duty Windshield Premium Car Mount Phone Holder
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Splaktar said:
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to mine? It works with a case on.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

I have a 3D Printer. Any requests?

**UPDATE 8/17/2012**
I've been working on many of your suggestions and am really enjoying hearing new ones. Please keep them coming!
I'll maintain this top post to include which projects I've finished, which I've started (and their progress) and which are in the pipeline.
Finished and posted to techneesh.com:
- Hybrid portrait//landscape dock (iExitus,
- Custom engraving (txkorm,
- Extra colors (-FuRBz-,
- Brass Knuckles Case (Se23, baghera1979,
- Bumper Case (thanks, ruvort)
In the pipeline (priority-ordered, approximately):
- Brass Knuckles 2.0 (with holes for charging/buttons, top cover for aesthetics, smaller finger holes, rounded edges)
- Dock for Otterbox Commuter Case
- Tobacco Case (not xda related, but xda member requested - will double as a microSD holder
- Bumper Case 2.0
- Dock for Hyperion Extended Battery
- Variable/adjustable dock for other cases
- Modular Dock (specs are not yet solidified. perhaps it will have a connection for an adapter to attach to your car, your bike, etc. Perhaps for preexisting docks like the iHome. Post your thoughts!) (tghockey07,
- HDMI//USB Host Dock
- Your next suggestion
Sorry if I didn't include you I got cut off bc I'm currently boarding a plane
*********************
Just upgraded from my bionic to this sweet phone & ordered the 4200 mah extended w/nfc from amazon for $19.
I made a custom car dock and docking station for the bionic- I was going to integrate HDMI & a usb hub (kind of like this ultrabook docking station) so ppl could use Motorola's Webtop Software more easily... but the # of ppl w/Bionics seems to have diminished extensively.
Anyway, I'm wondering if folks have any dreams for a sgs3 accessory that they'd like to exist.
I want the Mugen dock w/HDMI but it looks like it's out of stock until September... so I may design one myself. lmk any thoughts!
Triskite said:
Just upgraded from my bionic to this sweet phone & ordered the 4200 mah extended w/nfc from amazon for $19.
I made a custom car dock and docking station for the bionic- I was going to integrate HDMI & a usb hub (kind of like this ultrabook docking station) so ppl could use Motorola's Webtop Software more easily... but the # of ppl w/Bionics seems to have diminished extensively.
Anyway, I'm wondering if folks have any dreams for a sgs3 accessory that they'd like to exist.
I want the Mugen dock w/HDMI but it looks like it's out of stock until September... so I may design one myself. lmk any thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O_O man that printer is just insane. I've seen one in action and in some cases they have them in stores where you can just go an pay a certain amount for the object your printing
3D printers are amazing, and have really come down in price. I remember the first laser printers were in the $5000 and up range... ($5000 on the lower end as I recall)
And now, you can print in 3D ......... soooo cool.
So how would this work if you printed something for me? Not sure what yet, but I'm sure I could think of something that I've had in mind
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Araltd said:
3D printers are amazing, and have really come down in price. I remember the first laser printers were in the $5000 and up range... ($5000 on the lower end as I recall)
And now, you can print in 3D ......... soooo cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O_O dafuq am i the only one never heard of a 3D printer...?!
i'd like to have a cover with a 3d unishark on it!!!!!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Can you print a phone back?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 with XDA Premium
Awesome. One day I WILL have to buy/build a 3D printer, but they're still currently either way too expensive, or way too janky (MakerBot). And then one day a little further down the road: true desktop molecular manufacturing for everyone (nanotechnology).
In any case, here's something I'd definitely design and print for my phone if I had a 3D printer: End caps and/or snap-on housings for my right-angle 3.5mm stereo cable AND my right-angle micro USB cable. Why? Because I often have both plugged in and it's a pain to comfortably hold my phone in landscape mode while gaming with the nubs of each cable connector jamming into my hands. Would much rather have something with more surface area covering 'em. (KICKSTARTER?! $$$ )
GamerMYJ said:
Can you print a phone back?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 with XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you give him the 3d geometry file he can print it providing the overhangs are not too bad or it may have to be done in multiple parts.
A D&D Character holding a White Galaxy S III
Triskite said:
Just upgraded from my bionic to this sweet phone & ordered the 4200 mah extended w/nfc from amazon for $19.
I made a custom car dock and docking station for the bionic- I was going to integrate HDMI & a usb hub (kind of like this ultrabook docking station) so ppl could use Motorola's Webtop Software more easily... but the # of ppl w/Bionics seems to have diminished extensively.
Anyway, I'm wondering if folks have any dreams for a sgs3 accessory that they'd like to exist.
I want the Mugen dock w/HDMI but it looks like it's out of stock until September... so I may design one myself. lmk any thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love a docking station for this beast.
which 3d printer did you get? I'm pricing a few out right now as well if anyone has any pointers...
I desperately want a 3D printer. So many ideas in this thick skull. lol
You should do the inductive charging mod for your phone with the Pre back cover and fabricate a car mount for the S3 with a slot to slide a touchstone into it.
Oh yeah, I'd want one. I'm hoping for something similar when Samsung eventually gets around to releasing their official inductive charging kit unlike the Verizon only one that Big Red just released.
That's a really nice docking station for the Moto btw.
Responses for all!
baghera1979 said:
So how would this work if you printed something for me? Not sure what yet, but I'm sure I could think of something that I've had in mind
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if it's something that I think sounds cool I would probably just make it and send you one for free- the material isn't exactly cheap but it's definitely not expensive, either. The design time sometimes takes a while (2-10 hours), though, depending what it is. But yeah just throw down some ideas.
I'm also up to do custom orders for relatively cheap (~$20/hr design time, $3 per ounce printed). You can see some stuff I've done here, here, and here.
GamerMYJ said:
Can you print a phone back?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 with XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After I hacked my bionic for wireless charging I tried designing part of a phone back (my first print + first design ever, so it looks terrible). Even now that I'm pretty good with the printer & designing things, I don't think it has quite the precision for the fine interlocking mechanism required for the phone back to snap to the phone.
Also, you can see the fine bead of the print so it doesn't look as smooth as china-factory-printed-plastic. (see photo from first post) - so it's better for docks and things like that.
zmore said:
Awesome. One day I WILL have to buy/build a 3D printer, but they're still currently either way too expensive, or way too janky (MakerBot). And then one day a little further down the road: true desktop molecular manufacturing for everyone (nanotechnology).
In any case, here's something I'd definitely design and print for my phone if I had a 3D printer: End caps and/or snap-on housings for my right-angle 3.5mm stereo cable AND my right-angle micro USB cable. Why? Because I often have both plugged in and it's a pain to comfortably hold my phone in landscape mode while gaming with the nubs of each cable connector jamming into my hands. Would much rather have something with more surface area covering 'em. (KICKSTARTER?! $$$ )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The makerbot replicator has worked extremely well for me! ($1700). It will do 50+ prints without an issue, and until last week the only fixes I had to do were replacing the tape on the platform and cleaning out the extruder's motor. (last week the motherboard blew, but they immediately shipped me a new one free of charge, and now I'm running again).
OK so let me get this right - you have right angle cables and you'd like something to snap onto the phone to essentially cover both cables so it is
a) more comfortable to hold in landscape
b) protects the jacks from damage
is that about right? or do you want it to snap onto the cables themselves
bdangol said:
if you give him the 3d geometry file he can print it providing the overhangs are not too bad or it may have to be done in multiple parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I can print most things, even if there's an overhang (it just requires wasting plastic to print support material). Creating a design is pretty easy in Google's (actually Trimble just bought it) free program Sketchup. You can send me the file or an STL exported from any other 3d modeling software.
txkorm said:
I would love a docking station for this beast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of docking station? Power only? HDMI too? Landscape? Vertical? How many folks would also be interested?
Darmokk said:
which 3d printer did you get? I'm pricing a few out right now as well if anyone has any pointers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the Makerbot Replicator for the customer support. With relatively premature technology, I think it's worth it to spend a few bucks extra to get awesome support. They answer requests on weekends and will replace any broken parts promptly & free of charge.
However, I would probably try out the Solidoodle, as it is super cheap and looks good. I do feel bad supporting the company as the founder used to work at Makerbot and literally just stole their business model.
msgnyc said:
I desperately want a 3D printer. So many ideas in this thick skull. lol
You should do the inductive charging mod for your phone with the Pre back cover and fabricate a car mount for the S3 with a slot to slide a touchstone into it.
Oh yeah, I'd want one. I'm hoping for something similar when Samsung eventually gets around to releasing their official inductive charging kit unlike the Verizon only one that Big Red just released.
That's a really nice docking station for the Moto btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man. You must have seen my other post where I hacked my phone previously for wireless charging?
Not really sure I see the value to it being wireless charging if it's gonna stay stationary in a navigation dock, though? Would it be for device flexibility (so I wouldn't have to redesign it when I get a new phone)?
I'd like a dock that accepts the phone in a case and also works in landscape
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Actually didnt know about your previous mod lol.
Was more or less just thinkin aloud (or in text i should say) about a type of of car dock Id like to see for this and future devices. Im a little tired of buying 2-3 new docks (home, car, office) everytime I get a new phone in all honesty.
Would love for a slim universal car dock with inductive charging. Cable can be pulled from the inductive charging pad/touchstone for devices that require being physically plugged in. Makes things simple. Just get in the car, put the device in the dock quickly without worrying about fumbling wires or which side is your port on etc. When you get out just grab the phone. no worrying about wires, bending the usb connector cause you pulled at a wierd angle etc. you know?
Just figured the touchstone + mod would be a nice cheap base to start with for concepting over a $100ish inductive pad. Maybe even stick a laminated rewritable nfc tag in the center with a nice logo on it to program for carmode/ nav/ music or whatever as soon as you dock it. Maybe even make the dock itself detachable and usable as a desktop dock aswell... Ok ok lemme pause my brain for a lil while. I can keep going on and on about this stuff... lol
I am a mechanical engineer and do alot of 3D work in solidworks. I can sketch things up in 3D if people have an idea.
Could the OP use solidworks or step files to automatically print these? I would really like it to design docks and stand if I know the gap margibs from this markerbot
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
htcsnap93 said:
I am a mechanical engineer and do alot of 3D work in solidworks. I can sketch things up in 3D if people have an idea.
Could the OP use solidworks or step files to automatically print these? I would really like it to design docks and stand if I know the gap margibs from this markerbot
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an idea for a case for the sgh-i747. Just a simple 2 piece snap together case. Nothing fancy. Would be nice to see how that material holds up to some of the others I have.
I guess any clamshell style case would work as a template if you could do that and send it it to OP. I have looked for 3d dimensions for them and can't find anything for it.
Thank you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
baghera1979 said:
I have an idea for a case for the sgh-i747. Just a simple 2 piece snap together case. Nothing fancy. Would be nice to see how that material holds up to some of the others I have.
I guess any clamshell style case would work as a template if you could do that and send it it to OP. I have looked for 3d dimensions for them and can't find anything for it.
Thank you
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post some links or pics, in private or here of what you mean with clammshell? Dimensions i will get from my own device.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Think you could make a stand for me? I just need one that my phone could sit horizontally, and I'd just plug it in to my MHL adapter. How much would that cost?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 with XDA Premium

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