WORKING car dock with hard case!!! - Atrix 4G Accessories

So I'm the kind of person that figures if I want it bad enough and someone doesnt make it ill just build it. And because i wanted a hard case for the protection but also wanted a car dock for the music/navigation but the 2 were never really possible from what i had found. So I got the Speck Candy shell case and then ordered the original Motorola car dock and decided to see what i could do.
The dock showed up at my house last night and within 10 min of it being in my house i had taken the whole thing apart and started cutting and trimming to make things fit. I had to cut the side curves off the ends of the car dock (not needed because now my top clip keeps it from moving side to side along with the USB port). I also had to cut out the USB port chip board from the dock and move it up about 1/16"-1/8" so that it would make perfect contact with the phone while it still had the case on it. I also had to notch my Speck case so that the top clip on the car dock now clips onto the case instead of the actual phone because of the thickness of the case doesn't allow the clip to reach all the way over. I haven't had time to make it look pretty yet (ill try to do that this week) and i didn't have time to take any pictures (but i will if you guys want them) but it does work and I'm THRILLED with it.

please post pics of the finished product =)

Please post pics, i also have the car dock and would like to modify it a bit to fit my tpu case.

Related

DIY Captivate Car Dock (with pictures)

So I'm sure everyone has seen the DIY android car dock. There was a thread in here with someone wanting to make something similar (and me silently stalking it), but no one had found a suitable case to make the mount from. Well, I went on ebay and was able to find one, so here's some pics of the finished unit. Sorry there are no before pictures, I forgot to take them in my excitement.
The case cost me about $5. The other parts used were a garmin gps suction mount, the clip to hold a garmin gps, and some double sided tape. I simply used a dremel tool to cut off the ends of the gps clip to provide a flat surface, and attached it to the case with the tape. Looks somewhat ugly due to the clear case color(couldn't find a black one) but it works well, rotates, and looks good with the phone actually in it.
Well apparently I can't post external links(the images), but there's no way to upload the images here.
The USB ciggarette adapter
http: // imgur.com/WhHe1.jpg
The case/mount/tape
http: // imgur.com/ZRIQh.jpg
http: // imgur.com/qZ5Aj.jpg
http: // imgur.com/VJ5YJ.jpg
The phone mounted in my car:
http: // imgur.com/ZH5or.jpg
http: // imgur.com/TTowp.jpg
Linked...
The USB ciggarette adapter
http://imgur.com/WhHe1.jpg
The case/mount/tape
http://imgur.com/ZRIQh.jpg
http://imgur.com/qZ5Aj.jpg
http://imgur.com/VJ5YJ.jpg
The phone mounted in my car:
http://imgur.com/ZH5or.jpg
http://imgur.com/TTowp.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks nice. How does the Captivate fit in the case, does it just snap in? I can't see how is it mounted it on the car... vent clip?
aloant said:
Linked...
Looks nice. How does the Captivate fit in the case, does it just snap in? I can't see how is it mounted it on the car... vent clip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting the links. Yeah, it just snaps into the case. The gps mount I'm using is the suction cup mount as it fits nicely onto my stereo face. It's just a regular garmin gps ball mount clip that I cut the ends off. It's 2 pieces, the mount, and the clip part, so you can use it with the vent mount.
Nice job. Other than the tape, it looks good. This seems to be the mod of choice for DIY car docks. I don't see why manufacturers can't seem to make this a retail product. Just a snap-on/slide-in back plate with a ball cup on the back. Anyway, thats a nice way to take your captivate for a ride!
I would like to do the same thing but my concern is the fit of the case to the phone. I want it to be snug but remove easily without scratching/damaging from repeated use.
Do you feel confident that case will hold up?
If you do, mind throwing out a brand name or model number?
Shovelhead84 said:
Nice job. Other than the tape, it looks good. This seems to be the mod of choice for DIY car docks. I don't see why manufacturers can't seem to make this a retail product. Just a snap-on/slide-in back plate with a ball cup on the back. Anyway, thats a nice way to take your captivate for a ride!
I would like to do the same thing but my concern is the fit of the case to the phone. I want it to be snug but remove easily without scratching/damaging from repeated use.
Do you feel confident that case will hold up?
If you do, mind throwing out a brand name or model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My concern as well. I'd change up the mounting a bit for my car since there's a plate the previous owner mounted an XM radio head and I can't take it out without leaving an eyesore. If this can go there, my car will be /perfect/.
I'd actually prefer some sort of clear sleeve (think the "case" that comes with the N1) so that after I get my permanent case I don't have to snap it in and out of both, but if that's what it will take, I'll do it.
@Shovelhead84: Yeah, the tape isn't the best looking. I really wish the snap-on case was black, so you couldn't see it at all. It's kind of an eyesore in my mercedes without the phone in it, lol.
The case itself fits the phone pretty well, and it fits in pretty easy. It's not quite as easy to remove the phone, but still easy enough. I'm really not sure why no one is making docks like this either, all of the one's I've seen have been gigantic and ugly. I'm not worried about it damaging the phone, as the case only covers the back.
I'm not sure what the brand is since I got it off ebay, but here's a link to the exact one I bought.
http: //cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-i897-CAPTIVATE-AT-T-SNAP-OEM-CASE-COVER-/350388879623?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item5194ce0107
BigJayDogg3 said:
My concern as well. I'd change up the mounting a bit for my car since there's a plate the previous owner mounted an XM radio head and I can't take it out without leaving an eyesore. If this can go there, my car will be /perfect/.
I'd actually prefer some sort of clear sleeve (think the "case" that comes with the N1) so that after I get my permanent case I don't have to snap it in and out of both, but if that's what it will take, I'll do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it would be nice if the phone just slid into the case. Unfortunately all of the cases I've seen snap together around the phone, so this was the first one I found that appeared to even be useable for a car mount. Hoping I'll find something a little better later. This definitely works well enough for now though, and the price was hard to beat (I had the garmin parts sitting around from my gps I don't use).
phone damage
have you noticed any scratches or scuffs from taking the phone in and out often?
i am with you waiting on that sleeve type case like in that original video
epoplive said:
@Shovelhead84: Yeah, the tape isn't the best looking. I really wish the snap-on case was black, so you couldn't see it at all. It's kind of an eyesore in my mercedes without the phone in it, lol.
The case itself fits the phone pretty well, and it fits in pretty easy. It's not quite as easy to remove the phone, but still easy enough. I'm really not sure why no one is making docks like this either, all of the one's I've seen have been gigantic and ugly. I'm not worried about it damaging the phone, as the case only covers the back.
I'm not sure what the brand is since I got it off ebay, but here's a link to the exact one I bought.
http: //cgi.ebay.com/SAMSUNG-i897-CAPTIVATE-AT-T-SNAP-OEM-CASE-COVER-/350388879623?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item5194ce0107
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the case for like $5? The listing is about $13

Is there a skin/case that would fit over the Powermat dock door for the Evo?

The Powermat dock door comes with a blockage that plugs into the usb port and keeps it covered when its on, and the case for the Evo I have now wont fit over the new dock door, so is there a case that anybody knows of that would.
I second this. I would love to get a case that covers the new door as it is larger than the original back case.
-Hank
what cases do you have? I would think a Gel case (I have the one from Sprint) might have enough give in order to stretch around it.
Joeriginal said:
The Powermat dock door comes with a blockage that plugs into the usb port and keeps it covered when its on, and the case for the Evo I have now wont fit over the new dock door, so is there a case that anybody knows of that would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I am trying to figure out is why the hell they designed it with that nub. If you want to usb to your computer do you have to take the battery cover off? Or how about charging in your car?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I currently have a Trident Cyclops case. Now, me being me saw this post and looked at my case and said, "Surely this can be modded to fit." The other voice in my head said "This can be modded, and don't call me Surely." Any who, I wanted a Powermat for some strange reason. Do I really need one, you ask? Doesn't my battery last almost all day anyway, you ask? Yes, but who doesn't want something that passes electricity wirelessly through the air to their phone? So off to Best Buy I went to blow my niece's Christmas present money on a shiny new door and base charger. After a few hours with a dremel, some sand paper, a file, and my utility knife, I had a hard case that supported the nub and the slightly thicker door. It being my first mod ever of sorts like this, it worked out all right. Looking at it, you would not notice any modded difference other than my knife slipped while trimming the rubber flap that covers the USB and HDMI ports and a few mishaps with the dremel (that thing spins REALLY fast!). I wish I had something to post screen shots with of it on my phone, but I am too lazy to break out the DSLR at the moment, It's beddy bye time. Any way, I am pretty sure that the second time around I would be able to mod the case so you would not notice any difference from stock other than the rubber door being trimmed. This mod also allows for me to remove the connector from the door to the USB plug with out having to remove the case at all, and easily too, in case I need to throw the USB cable in it to link to my computer. If any one is intetested, PM me and I will throw up some screen shots tomorrow night. When the holidays are over and my wallet can support it, I may blow my other niece's birthday cash on another Trident Cyclops case and redo it to perfection.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
mitchellvii said:
What I am trying to figure out is why the hell they designed it with that nub. If you want to usb to your computer do you have to take the battery cover off? Or how about charging in your car?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if your only concern if the USB plug, it is actually a separate piece that easily removes from the phone in case of needing car charger or USB cable for the computer without needing to pull the battery door off.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[Q] Is there a case that allows full access?

I'm looking for a case that will support the tab (folio style or the like) yet have the cut out or designed in a way to have access to the headphone jack and dock port.
I would really like to load movies onto a SD card and watch them via the USB host adapter. However, I will be doing this mostly in places that will need headphones. Also will need a case that supports the tab so I don't have to hold it. (Thanks Samsung, for this little inconvenience)
Anyone see anything that will make this possible?
I would like this as well. Most cases give headphone access but that port connector location kinda sucks. We almost need a case with a build in port connector that has a wire oud the side....perhaps detachable.
Ya.. I've been looking at cases for an hour and now resorted to looking on ebay.
That dock connector is seriously in a bad spot.
I could really care less about the case, but I care greatly about not having to hold the darn thing up with my hand while I'm using it. This includes while watching movies or showing someone pictures I just took.
Trying to add a support solution without adding the case would be an option...
I have the ACase Folio, which I am very happy with. When I want to use the Tab with something plugged into the dock connector, I fold the ACase cover all the way back and stand the Tab on the Rabbit Portable Stand and Holder, $10 on ebay, shipped, at http://cgi.ebay.com/Rabbit-Portable-Stand-and-Holder-iPad-Galaxy-Tablet-PC-/220772954466
The stand is just wide enough to accomodate the USB adapter (as well as the USB cable). Works great for me.
Thanks, I've seen the rabbit stand and it's the best stand of that type IMO. However it's just one more thing to carry. Add that to a bumpy plane ride and I'm still looking for a case that does it.
I just got the Belkin slim from Best Buyer, and it's going back.
pdxrealtor said:
Thanks, I've seen the rabbit stand and it's the best stand of that type IMO. However it's just one more thing to carry. Add that to a bumpy plane ride and I'm still looking for a case that does it.
I just got the Belkin slim from Best Buyer, and it's going back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Rabbit Stand comes in two pieces, that you interlock to use (see first picture attached). When not using, one of the pieces fits flat into the other, and the two pieces fit flat into a seal-able baggie that comes with the stand (see second picture). Would take up minimal space in your carry on for traveling.
For bumpy plane rides, you could use velcro to attach the stand to the Tab or a Tab case.
(I have no connection to the Rabbit Stand or the ebay seller. It just happens to be the only good solution I have found to using the Tab in landscape mode with the USB adapter plugged in, and a good one at that.)
Oh yea baby ill give you full access. That what she said she really did.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
rooCASE Multi-Angle (Black) Leather Folio Case Cover
cleblanc92 said:
I would like this as well. Most cases give headphone access but that port connector location kinda sucks. We almost need a case with a build in port connector that has a wire oud the side....perhaps detachable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys, I HIGHLY recommend this one from Amazon:
rooCASE Multi-Angle (Black) Leather Folio Case Cover for Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi
I cant link to it yet, since this is my first post!!
I got it from Amazon last week after using the Belkin one for a few days. It's $43. but it's really worth the investment!!
The pouch is detachable from the Case itself so that it can stand portrait position AND landscape position. It attaches to the case by two large Velcro circles.
You can flip it around so that the charger faces out and the case closes while charging. Or you can leave it with the port on the bottom and move the Tab up (in landscape position) and the cord runs along the inside spine of the case while it charges.
Check out the specs and more details at Amazon.com
Executive Portfolio Leather Cover for Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 GT-P7510
Built-In Stand for Comfortable Viewing at 45 Degree Angle. Detachable Inner Sleeve for Handheld Operation;
Business and ID Slots with Accessory Flap. Elastic Loop for Pen or Stylus. Dual Zipper for Easy Access.
Access to All Ports and Controls.
A MUST Have for all GALAXY Tab 10.1 Owners!! Available in Black, Magenta and Red. Search: rooCASE Galaxy Tab 10.1 Executive Portfolio
Reattaches by Velcro for Landscape / Portrait Viewing. (Galaxy Tab NOT Included)
(NOT Compatible with Galaxy Tab 7, 8.9 and 10.1v P7100 European Edition)
If you are concerned about thinness and slimness, this isnt for you. This REALLY makes you look like an Executive!!
I saw this. It's just too thick for my liking.
I could have dealt with it, but the fact that you're always going to have a keyboard sized front cover in front of the TAB was a deal killer.
At first, I thought about that, but then I quickly realized that I wasn't. I guess the Tab distracted me too much I can't ignore the extra protection & stability it provides though. My stylus doesn't roll too far either and is easy to find on my desk which is also black (and the lights are dimmed for a little "Table-
Hopefully someone will develop one for those users who prefer a slimmer form factor which has the functionality & accessibility of this one. The port cant be moved so they should definitely take a closer look when designing them. If they put it on the other side, then it would be waaayy to similar to that "other" device, which shall remain nameless.
J
RooCase is AWESOME from Amazon! so many different ways to set it up its impossible to not have your desired configuration. Unless like someone else said you bought this tab for the sole fact of it being thinner than the thing that soaks up my woman's monthly friend. Just goes to show you that Apple will suck you dry!

[GUIDE] Otterbox commuter is compatible with docks

I had an otterbox commuter since I bought my Atrix, but after getting a couple of docks I jettisoned it. Well last weekend I smashed it to pieces, so for it's replacement I was determined to get the docks and the case to play nice.
I was shocked at how easy it really was. First remove the dock insert, then on the silicone under-layer of the case, simply cut off the plug covers and the phone plugs right into the dock without any hassle.
But I wasn't done, in that configuration the whole phone is basically supported by the usb port. An accidental bump or nudge could render the phone nonchargeable- no good. So I set to work with an exacto knife trimming out the dock insert until it was just right to provide support to the back of the case, broke out a little sand paper to smooth out the roughest portions, and presto! Pics below.
Oh yeah, before anyone brings it up, I'll be seeing what I can do about the car dock next.
Any idea if the defender could work
Sent from my MB860 using XDA
I've never actually put hands on the defender, so I don't know how much chunkier it is than the commuter. It looks like the defender layers are reversed; the hard candy shell inside, and the rubber around that? Try putting the case in the dock without the insert, and without the rubber wrapper, and see if the usb plug reaches the phone. If so, it may be worth trying cutting the port plugs off. Otherwise, it depends how hands on you want to get with removing more from the dock than just the insert. But the standard docks are $15 on amazon, so if you hack it all up to pieces and it doesn't work, you've not lost too much in the name of science.
As it happens, I took my dremmel to my car dock last night and it was promising at first, but by the time I got enough material removed for the phone to sit in the dock with the case on, it was being held less snugly than it is in my standard dock, and I hadn't even worked out how to get the usb plug to line up right. [sour grapes] I hate the car dock launcher interface anyways, so I'm just going to buy a second standard dock and mount it to my dashboard.
Ummm....if that's an Otterbox Commuter on your phone in those pics...it don't look nothin' like the two I have or the one's on Otterbox's website.
rusreid said:
Ummm....if that's an Otterbox Commuter on your phone in those pics...it don't look nothin' like the two I have or the one's on Otterbox's website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know whose website you're visiting, but the commuter case is as shown below. The first pic in op was just the gooey center so you could see where the cut was made. From the front you can't see much of the hard candy coating anyhow, but it was there....
In that first pic, it looks like there's a different plastic shell on the front side. I see it now though. Sorry 'bout that.

DIY Qi/Wireless Car Dock idea

I've been thinking about creating my own wireless car dock. Basically I was thinking of using a case protector and trimming the edge off that locks the phone into the case to provide for easy insertion/removal from the "dock". On the back of the case I was going to cut an opening for the wireless charging transmitter...preferably one with magnets to assist with keeping the phone in place. Not sure if I'll just buy/use the Nexus 5 charger I currently have build my own. On the back of the charger I was going to attach one of the swiveling mounts which can then attach to one of the mounts similar to what the Pro.Fit mounting brackets and such use.
Any comments, concerns, better ideas?
sorry bro its been done.
The Air Dock
and the official website
http://www.theairdock.com/
undivide said:
sorry bro its been done.
The Air Dock
and the official website
http://www.theairdock.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really the same thing at all. The OP is looking for a solution that uses magnets. You could get a random car dock, trim any plastics past the ball joint to fit, epoxy a nexus wireless charger to it, and be done. That would work nicely.
did you even read anything about the air dock ?
you probably skipped over this part...
"Inside the Air Dock are magnets that pull the phone tightly into the foam face"
the FAQ also covers the nexus 5 & 7 + magnets
only reason I bothered posting the product is because the price seems reasonable when you consider how much it would cost to "rig up" something hack style which, in the end, would probably not function as well nor look as nice as the air dock does.
I realize the air dock exists...and it's $69. I already have numerous cases and Qi chargers I can use to do this. The only thing I really need is the swivel adapter and the bracket to install in the car. I think the air dock is great but I feel like I can create something very similar that would work just as good if not better and for less money. The way I look at it, the air dock is missing one thing that I would like just for my own piece of mind, especially since I drive in Pennsylvania a lot (and if you ever have driven in PA, you know you can practically lose your car in the potholes there). I like the idea of a case/surround that doesn't require it to "snap in" to but provides just enough support for a solid hit so it doesn't pop out/off. Basically my idea is very similar to the air dock except it includes a case around the charger part. The way I look at it, even if I were to buy everything to make this, I can still make it cheaper than the air dock. The "case" I would hack apart I can get as cheap as $10 or less, and I already have 3 spares. The charger can be had for around $12 (even if I want to buy just the coil and PCB) unless I want to spend a lot and get another nexus charger which is $50. The only other thing I need is the adapter and mount which is about $9-15. So I can make the same thing for as little as $31-$37.
hey man thanks for writing back ! yes I used to live in PA near philly, now I live south of wilmington DE, this winter has been hell ! my rearview mirror fell off 2 weeks ago from hitting a pothole so I see your concern. one of the reasons why I stopped mounting my phone in my car (used to have an iphone 5) I bought a cheap mount from walmart as you can see here they say the stickiness lasts awhile as long as you wet it when it starts to dry out however mine will no longer get its stick back so its worthless to me.
are you going to fix mount this to your dash, or suction cup it to your window ? the latter I would not recommend
I'm sure you've seen the ram mounts x-grip, it looks top notch and I think if I ever upgrade from the cupholder recess in my scion my phone would be so lucky to find its place there.
sometimes I rest it in front of my stereo so I dont have to look at the word "aux" while the music's on!
Pandages said:
Not really the same thing at all. The OP is looking for a solution that uses magnets. You could get a random car dock, trim any plastics past the ball joint to fit, epoxy a nexus wireless charger to it, and be done. That would work nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I did just yesterday lol.. iMagnet dock with the Qi Nexus charger. The iMagnet dock has 4 strong mangets on the end, well I took those and put them on the plates that you're supposed to put in between a case and phone and glued them together to create a flat surface for the nexus charger.
It works perfect for me. Also had to order a charger to support the nexus charger.
iMagnet Dock
Car Charger
Truck is dirty, shhhh waiting for a nice day to clean it, damn you Michigan!
I know what I'm getting with my next paycheck
I just hope the magnet on that dock is strong enough to hold my phone through its fairly thick silicone case
ilikethepenkils said:
That's exactly what I did just yesterday lol.. iMagnet dock with the Qi Nexus charger. The iMagnet dock has 4 strong mangets on the end, well I took those and put them on the plates that you're supposed to put in between a case and phone and glued them together to create a flat surface for the nexus charger.
It works perfect for me. Also had to order a charger to support the nexus charger.
iMagnet Dock
Car Charger
Truck is dirty, shhhh waiting for a nice day to clean it, damn you Michigan!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty similar to what I want to do, although I was thinking of taking a Nexus 5 case and cutting a hole in the back and epoxying it to the charger two allow 2 things. One is to provide a little extra support for severe potholes and also to allow the wireless charger to sit directly on the phone maximizing the charge rate. I was going to cut the lip off around the edge of the case so the phone can just be placed into the case instead of snapping it in since the magnets will take care of the bulk of keeping the phone in place while the sides of the case will just provide extra support. Just an idea. If anything I'll start off with the same/similar thing as what you have and possibly add the case idea if I notice issues of slipping or popping off with pot holes.
As for how/where I was going to mount it (2009 Scion XB), I was thinking of either mounting near the stick shift or possibly to the right of the stereo. Either way I'd rather have something relatively close to the top of the dash. The stick shift would be too low but at least it's accessible if I need to take a quick glance at it.
undivide said:
I know what I'm getting with my next paycheck
I just hope the magnet on that dock is strong enough to hold my phone through its fairly thick silicone case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Cruzerlite TPU cases. They've always served their purpose well for me at least. The magnets on the Nexus 5 Qi charger are pretty strong without a case. With the cruzerlite cases it's not quite as strong but it does hold a bit. Probably wouldn't hold well hitting a series of potholes though. I guess it also depends on how vertical it would be to. I would imagine it would have a better chance of breaking loose completely vertical as opposed to some angle to it.
ParadingLunatic said:
That's pretty similar to what I want to do, although I was thinking of taking a Nexus 5 case and cutting a hole in the back and epoxying it to the charger two allow 2 things. One is to provide a little extra support for severe potholes and also to allow the wireless charger to sit directly on the phone maximizing the charge rate. I was going to cut the lip off around the edge of the case so the phone can just be placed into the case instead of snapping it in since the magnets will take care of the bulk of keeping the phone in place while the sides of the case will just provide extra support. Just an idea. If anything I'll start off with the same/similar thing as what you have and possibly add the case idea if I notice issues of slipping or popping off with pot holes..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in an apartment complex with speedbumps.. Made the truck go about 40-ish and the phone didn't even budge.. so you should be good. lol
I know what I'm getting with my next paycheck
I just hope the magnet on that dock is strong enough to hold my phone through its fairly thick silicone case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My N5 is without case currently. Every case I have is too bulky and just eh, thinking about trying the poetic bumper one Ive seen on amazon..
I Made this
DIY wireless car charger: http://youtu.be/dDH2_auNWVs
It would actually be nice if there were a thread specifically for DIY Qi charger projects which included pics/plans etc. I guess creativity and the search feature will have to suffice for now.
I was also thinking of building my own Qi charger. I'd like my case to be much smaller though, similar to the Nexus 5 Qi charger. I was thinking of stacking the coil on top of the PCB but I'm not sure what shielding if any is required between the coil and the PCB.
If only that new NXP semiconductor solution were available right now. Check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50hjojLLDww. Nothing much you can do about the size of the coil, but that tiny PCB is freaking sweet.
ilikethepenkils said:
That's exactly what I did just yesterday lol.. iMagnet dock with the Qi Nexus charger. The iMagnet dock has 4 strong mangets on the end, well I took those and put them on the plates that you're supposed to put in between a case and phone and glued them together to create a flat surface for the nexus charger.
It works perfect for me. Also had to order a charger to support the nexus charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo! This is exactly what I was suggesting. I think I'll wind up doing the same. I've got one of the CHOE Qi chargers at home, but it is magnet-less. I'm also picking up a PowerBot unit to throw on my desk at the office.
I think you'll find that using a case to hold the phone snugly is not only overkill but also a hassle. Magnets work great on their own, but having a rubbery surface makes it even better.
I have the Air Dock (see here) myself but am considering downsizing to an official Nexus 5 charger fixed to a ProClip (see here) This would not only be smaller but also sturdier. First I might affix the Air Dock itself to the ProClip and see if that satisfies me.
Definitely happy with the Air Dock, though. Great product. The guy making them is great as well.
active nfc, Qi & bluetooth car dock
Hi all, I''ve been messing about with different versions of this for months now, since i had my Nexus 4. When i changed my car last year, the new one came fitted with an active, adjustable Brodit/Proclip iPod dock and a Parrot bluetooth system
The first thing i did was removed the active ipod plug from the bottom of the mount and replaced it with a standard micro usb for the Nexus.
Then i added an nfc tag to trigger a LLama event to switch on bluetooth and start music playback when connected
I decided i didn't like the Parrot system so i removed it and went back to the Belkin Aircast Auto i had from my last car and routed all the cables behind the dash to the lighter socket
Then i thought i'd try a cheap "puck" Qi charger. The jaws on the old ipod mount are very deep and the puck fitted in behind the phone nicely, with the nfc tag on top (first pic). The phone charged well even while streaming bluetooth, but would only maintain charge while using bluetooth and Sat Nav. together, so i kept the option to unplug the Qi and use wired charging when i needed more juice. The charger was a little wider than the phone, hence the foam and slight "v" angle on the mount jaws to hold it firmly
So last week i ordered a new pull tab slip case for my phone and the one that arrived was too small, so i thought it was time to break the guts out of the Qi charger (unclip the 2 halves and remove 4 screws to release a one piece coil and circuit board) and tidy the mount up a bit.
I made a taller plastic backplate for the brodit mount, stuck the circuit board to it with mounting tape and stuck the nfc tag directly to the centre of the coil. Then i added packing to even out the thickness of the whole piece and altered the slip case so it would slide over everything while leaving an access flap so i can still use the wired charger cable when necessary (pics 2 & 3)
If this works well i'll rebuild the charging "sandwich" from better plastic to decrease the thickness a little, then i'll fit an extra lighter socket behind the stereo for the charger

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