Develop Bugs

how to listen to all sound via a car kit

i dont know if anyone ahs noticed this before. I had a xda 1 and the o2 car kit. i fitted a switch on the radio mute, and wired the kit,s speaker jacks into my stereo,s aux input. this allowed me to listen to wmp, or any other app. Then i bought an xda2 and everything went wrong. so i decided to try sort it out.
My plan was to modify the car kit to accept the phone, and cut out a notch so that i could use the headset, and cut it up and wire it direct to my stereo,s aux input.
however, after i did the cradle mods, i had the phone sitting in, testing it. At this stage my kit was still wired as per my xda1. The phone works fine, including mute. Then, i tried wmp. As reported , there was no sound. I then plugged in my headset, whilst the xda was in the cradle, and IT WORKED!. Sound from the wmp went out via the car kit and into my aux input! I Bought a new2.5 jack, with no wires, and i just insert it, before cradling the phone and i have the exact same functionality as the xda1!...its really kool, as my Haicom gps works fine too. I havent tested Fonix, ie., does the mic work before u activate the phone, but im hopeful.
Now, my final problem is the charging issue, and id appreciate advice. My proposal is: to purchase an appropiate universal lapto car power adaptor,
To purchase a 9 pin lead, which will sit between the carkit and the cradle lead. Then all i have to do is patch the power adaptor into the 9 pin lead, deleting the original power. Will this work, and what size power adaptor will i need [v/curent], and whats the wiring mod?........id love to know if the headphone jack trick works on all kits/.....it may be posssible to buy and modify a jack plug so that it fits in wiyhout modifing the car kit....
N

re the charging issue
ok..ive read all posts concerning this issue and there appears to be some confusion....can the original xda car kit supply enough current to satisfy an xda11 and wired haicom gps. Some posts imply that there is a wiring difference which makes the unit appear to be charging whilst there not, whilst some posts say its because the original unit can only supply 1 amp.......can someone please advise?

I gues you have to get the 2.5mm plug out when you leave the car in order to use the mic/speaker?

charging issue
ive just tried the unit in the car, both with and without the haicom connected. both times it said it was charging, but both times the battery level actually fell.....this indicates that there is a wiring difference between XDA2, in the charging cct. funny thing though is that the xda2 charged using a cheap cigarette lighter type charging lead....can anyone explain this?

must be the charging circuit. I found that even a 400mA charger is enough to charge the Himalaya.

My XDA II Car kit has a jack plug on the bottom, but if I use that no sound comes out. I'm assuming this takes audio out from the 22pin connector at the bottom of the XDA II.
When you say you've plugged a 2.5mm jack into your XDA you mean the socket on the actual XDA itself right? And that enables audio through the 22pin connector or does it just output audio through the jack?
My problem is now that I'm going to have to rip my (very expensive when I bought it) XDA II Car kit to pieces to put a 2.5mm jack into the bottom of the phone when it's in the car kit!
Is there nothing at all that anyone's got to force the XDA out of in-car mode or anything or is that completely hard-wired?
God this is annoying! Why is there always something wrong, even with the coolest gadget in the world!

I have the same problem.
It used to work with rom 1.03 (as I remember) but after an upgrade, the sound from MDA2 except phone call went through the build-in speaker.
HTC knows this problem, but dont do anything about it.
A conspiracy agains carkit mod'ing.

This issue is known since approx last april.
It MUST be the carkit:
XDA2/iMate carkit only supplies in-call phone audio via the carkit speaker
MDAII/Qtek2020/Yeti carkit supplies all audio via the carkit speaker (dis-advantage: It continuously mutes the radio when ie using TomTom, but that can be fixed by using an alternative radio-mute circuit/switch)
Both carkits only use the 22-pin bottom connector of the Himalaya to accomplish this.
Until now (afaik) no one has succeeded in finding a solution for this.
I wish I bought my carkit 2 month later, at that time the MDAII carkit was sold for approx 170 euros (compared to the 140 for the XDA2 carkit). The extra functionality is really worth the extra 30 euro.

Alternative radio-mute circuit/switch
@edsub
edsub said:
(dis-advantage: It continuously mutes the radio when ie using TomTom, but that can be fixed by using an alternative radio-mute circuit/switch)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few weeks ago I bought the MDAII-carkit and am still preparing to install it in my car. I will use it with Alturion navigation software, but expect that this will create the same proble as TomTom (constantly muting the radio).
Could you elaborate on the "alternative radio-mute circuit/switch". I.e. how to create it/where to buy it?
Thanks in advance, regards
Albondigas

You can buy an audio-mute box.
You place it between your car-speaker leads and connect the carkit audio out to it (mono or stereo).
As soon as the mute-box detects a signal on the carkit audio out, it switches the car-speaker from radio to carkit.
It seems to work quite well, but since it is based on detecting a signal an then switching, i can imaginge you lose frist 1 or 2 seconds of the carkit-out.
No idea how that works out with TomTom . . . .

XDA II Car Kit
eayuwna said:
Is there nothing at all that anyone's got to force the XDA out of in-car mode or anything or is that completely hard-wired?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check pin 19 of the plug wiring. This is the pin used to tell the XDA II it is in the car. When using the XDA II out of the car, in the Sync cradle etc... this pin is tied to ground.
I am about to experiment with making a car kit... If I have success with the audio, I will let you all know!
Recrem.

Audio mute with MDAII-Carkit
@edsub
Thanks, eDsuB, I get the principle and will look around where I could get the audio mute box.
And now I understand why Mocki in the german forum of ppc-welt inserted a one second 63 Hz tone at the beginning of the TomTom-audio files:
http://www.ppc-welt.info/community/showthread.php?t=40190&page=2&pp=50 (in german)
It would be embarrassing to miss the first three words of the message "in three kilometers turn right" :lol: .
How do you think about another solution on this forum and that is disconnecting pin 9 (orange/white) from the connector on the MDAII Carkit II. Apparantly that would also solve the problem with the permament mute of TomTom? See thread (it looks like you've been there also) http://www.ppc-welt.info/community/showthread.php?t=47131&page=1&pp=28 (in german).
Thanks very much,
Albondigas

I went in that forum a couple of times (especially when xda-developers was down), but since I have an XDAII/iMate carkit my problem is to get all audio thru the bottom connector . . . .
And even Mocki doenst have an answer . . .

Wired TOMTOM GPS receiver.

I am contemplating on getting a wired TOMTOM GPS receiver.
I read a few posts ago that a wired one would be better than bluetooth if you want to use a bleutooth headseat and a bluetooth receiver at the same time. The call disconnects?
Anyways, I just wanted to verify this before I buy the wired TOMTOM receiver from ebay.
Also, I need to know how it will connect to the XDA IIs. The websites say its SERIAL port. How do you connect a serial port to the XDA?
Also need advice on GPS as well. I have the TOMTOM 5 software and all the maps installed on the SD card. All I need is a device now.
SHould I go for bluetooth?
Should I go for wired GPS?
Which is the best brand of GPS receivers?
Would I face any problems if I operate bleutooth headseat and gps receiver at the same time?
Thank.s

No replies? Guys come on.. you must know something. TOMTOM gurus all over.

Wired GPS
Alitech
I have a wired receiver, not a TOMTOM one but one I got from Expansys. It works fine and I imagine the setup is the same as when I setup TOMTOM I had to select TOMTOM Wired receiver.
My collegue has a bluetooth receiver and I tested it outo n my phone. It worked fine but took a while to boot up (the receiver, not the phone)
The benefit that I find from the wired receiver is that it charges the phone as well. I use a bluetooth headset occasionally but due to the issues with the in-call volume going I tend to use a wired handsfree (but I'm about to upgrade the ROM to the imate one if I can find it)
Connecting to the serial port on the XDA - use the power supply port and ensure that you turn off your infrared port. this then allows you to use the COM1 port on the phone (having the IR active means that it uses the COM1 instead).
I found the receiver from Expansys fine to use and quite cheap. It has a quick warmup time and, like I said, charges the phone at the same time. My collegue with the bluetooth one can't charge the phone and the gps at the same time.
Hope this helps. My phone is the SPV M2000 btw.

So which is the best wired GPS for the XDA IIs ?

problems with wired
I have just got a wired gps for tomtom5 and i can't connect it to my spv m2000.
I have switched off ir beam done hard resets and so on but still it doesn't work. So be a little careful...other people seem to have had no trouble but something is causing trouble

Tom Tom GPS's
I bought the wired GPS with with the software from TomTom, and it works perfectly.
I also got bored and managed to wire up my XDAIIs to my Road Angel via the same RJ port as the TT wired GPS uses.
Plus, when I'm in other peoples cars, I have a generic BT GPS.
They all work as good as one another.

Ok once again, a lot of confusions.
Which is the best GPS receiver? Which one should we go for. Something that will work with the XDA IIs and fit into the charging and sync port.
Models and makes ?

Go for Wired
I currently use and XDA IIi with a wired GPS Receiver, You can purchase a good cradle at http://www.pdamods.com/products.asp?cat=23 which enables you to charge the handset and power the GPS receiver through the cradle, the GPS receiver connects via a RJ socket in the cradle. You have the option to buy the cradle and the receiver as a package for around £85 which comes complete with various mounting options. Personally i went for specialized mounting bracket called a safety clip which is completely non destructive and is available from www.brodit.com. Hope this helps.

Ok.. now I got it. So a good option would be going for a tomtom mount.
Upon research, I found this one.
http://www.pdamods.com/proddetail.asp?prod=A11XDA2SMNT&cat=23
It has the option to buy a FUZION GPS receiver with it.
I think I will go ahead and order it.
Will I need another mount of some sort? I believe the tomtom cradle is already a mount with various mounting options.

FYI: I use this:
- Rikaline GPS-6010-X5 (approx. € 70)
- Brodit active holder (approx € 60)
The holder will both charge the pda and the gps reciever. Quality of the reciever is very good.
Also FYI: I do have a bluetooth carkit from Parrot. You will find out that bluetooth on this pda means trouble, probably also with the GPS.

Can you provide any urls for these products.
cant find the broadit holder on the website.

I have the TOMTOM BT
I have no problems with my XDAIIs .... but i also dont use a BT headset ! i just use speakerphone !
I love the BT, i can take it from car to car and mountain bike
I have the xda charging on a usb car lighter socket and 1 charge of the gps lasts 4 hours - enough for my journeys ... but a car charger for this is only 6quid anyway and i can mount it in the boot!
i agree the BT is crap on this device, but i hope a rom will fix it.
Rich

I'm using a Holux GPS cradle with an Orange SPV M2000. Has some issues when you first buy it but if you look for my input on the thread you'll see how I got around it and I now use it daily in my own car and also hire cars without issue. Wouldn't say i'd recommend it wholeheartedly but if the advantages are suitable for you and you're prepared to mod it a bit it might work for you. http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modul...opic&t=13307&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Thanks for the comment. Seems like an interesting product.
Does anyone know where I can buy the Brodit Active Cradle For GPS for the XDA IIs?

What GPS unit should I get with IIi and TomTom 5

Scuse the Noobie question!
Quite like the idea of the solar powered GPS units, as I will be moving the setup from car to car, are these just a gimmick though?

I've got a TomTom 5 Bluetooth GPS which I bought for £105 from eBay. It works, but at times can be tempremental, and sometimes it doesn't work at all.

Globalsat BT-338 SiRF star III Bluetooth GPS Receiver
http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=428

Any standard wired gps receiver will have a built in charger for phone and gps, easily transferred as long as you have a mount in each car, look at Haicom or tomtom wired gps.

Thanks for the replies!
Can I ask a couple more mega newbie questions?
Do I need a unit with a speaker built in or can the XDA have a speaker built in?
Do international purchases work with UK bluetooth?
I need to get a memory card to download TomTom onto, what is the best type to get and a reasonably priced place to get them from?
Also wanted to use my XDA IIi as an MP3 player, am I right in presuming once connected to the GPS, I couldn't connect it to the radio for playing tracks?

GPS receiver

I am looking into buying a good GPS receiver with a mount. I already have the tom tom 5 software. Just need the mount and GPS now.
I have been reading reviews a lot and still undecided on what to get.
Do I get a wired one? Do I get a Bluetooth one?
Which ones are best in the market. There are loads and I cant decide.
Someone recommended the TOMTOM mount with a fuzion wired receiver.
Any recommendations? Where can I buy them?

http://www.buygpsnow.com/item.aspx?itemid=404
I used them - they are great - you get a free mount too!
BT338 is an excellent receiver - I would say best on the market.

also recommend the Globalsat BT-338, forget a wired solution, that's so last year, i'd advise buying a cheap £45 bluetooth adaptor over the wired solution but if your after quality get the Globalsat BT-338 as advised above, for reviews on BT GPS adaptors check here.
also, i've got this mount which attatches to the windscreen with minimum shake...got it after 2 of them flex arm style ones broke on me.
this is the mount i use for my MDA3, it charges and connects to my GPS receiver to charge that as well although you have to order the correct lead for your adaptor to do this.

Doesnt the BT gps take time to load up on start? I heard it takes at least 5 minutes to get the lights blinking.
Furthermore, any problems with using a BT gps and a BT headset at the same time?
If I get a call on the road while using my GPS, would I be able to receive the call too ?
Anyone experience any problems with this?

hmm, i've no experience in using a bluetooth headset with a GPS receiver, i would suspect there are issues but have no experience on this...i dont even have a simcard in my MDA3, it's purely used for Satnav.
my guess is that the phone cannot make multiple Blutooth connections simultaneously but will test the theory today at some point and report back if successful.....obviously this would be a good reason to go for a wired GPS solution in which case you should get a bargain as they're bound to be cheap now.

decoy7 said:
hmm, i've no experience in using a bluetooth headset with a GPS receiver, i would suspect there are issues but have no experience on this...i dont even have a simcard in my MDA3, it's purely used for Satnav.
my guess is that the phone cannot make multiple Blutooth connections simultaneously but will test the theory today at some point and report back if successful.....obviously this would be a good reason to go for a wired GPS solution in which case you should get a bargain as they're bound to be cheap now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My XDA IIi can make simultaneous connections. I regularly use my TomTom MK2 BT Device and my Jabra BT250 headset together, getting the directions straight into the ear-piece.

coolio, good looking out on that reply MaskedMarauder.
thats solves that one then....i'd get a Bluetooth GPS unit.

Directions straight to the BT headset? Thats ****ing awesome.
How do you do it?
Can you still receive phone calls while on GPS ?

The way I see it you have one of two choices.
These are the latest GPS receivers on the market and have literally just come out in the last 3-4 weeks.
Holux GR-213 (cabled)
Holux GPSlim236 (Bluetooth)
They are both based on the newest SiRF Star III chip.
Personally I went for the cabled version as I hate batteries and having to charge the thing. Plug in a cable and go. Also excludes any bluetooth hassles. It works fine on WM5.0 on my Himalaya (SPV M1000) and TomTom 5. No problems.
Hope this is of help.
Bought mine in UK from http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/product_details.php?id=1266

I have the Hollux gpslim 236, and it's cheaper than the globalsat and works fine...
And about the 5min startup, all gps are the same, and it depends on your line of sight.. Normally a cold start take 45sec both the hollux and the globalsat use the same sirf 3 chipset..

the Holux GPS Bluetooth looks good as it has the same chipset as the Globalsat but i noticed it comes with an 850mAh battery giving 10 hours operation while the Globalsat battery is 1700mAh providing 17 hours continued use...if they're both the same device technically i would advise paying the extra couple of £'s for the almost double battery performance alone.
also, on the gpsforless site the Holux Bluetooth is advertised at £104.99 and the Globalsat @ £114.99.....however i got mine at pdamods.com where it's now priced at £99.86(a whole £15 cheaper), best thing would be to check reviews done on the devices where possible...everyone has their own experience and different requirements.
all prices quoted include VAT but not postage.

Hi alitech,
Did you purchase one in the end if so which one? Also does your bluetooth headset kit work in conjunction with the GPS so you can make or receive calls while the GPS is connected via bluetooth?
Thanks
Msuk

Hi alitech,
Did you purchase one in the end if so which one? Also does your bluetooth headset kit work in conjunction with the GPS so you can make or receive calls while the GPS is connected via bluetooth?
Thanks
Msuk

Handsfree Car Kit and GPS

I am trying to work out the best way to set up the following in my car:
1 ) GPS on my Exec using bluetooth and TomTom 5.2
2 ) Bluetooth handsfree phone use using Motorola Razor
3 ) Car mount kit with charger.
I intend to have all of the above properly installed so no loose wires and mess.
From everything I have picked up from others the Brodit is the best solution for a mounting kit, so i will definately order that.
My dilema is I do not use the exec as a phone as it is just not pratical for that, so whilst i really like the idea of the Parrot CK 3300 I am not sure if it will pair with my Razor to use as a phone and the Exec for bluetooth GPS operation at the same time. If this is possible then it makes life easy. On the rare occaison that is use the Exec as a phone in the car it's own handsfree is pretty good any way. I also understand that the Parrot GPS uses the Exec speakers rather than the Car radio for the spoken directions so there is not need to have it access the car sound system.
The other alternative is to get the Parrot CK3100 for the handsfree car GSM bit , buy TT 5.2 then find a separate GPS receiver.
Does anyone either have experince of doing this or and idea of the best way.
Any suggestions here will be greatfully received.
Charlie

I've paired my CK3300 before with my XDA Exec and a Nokia 6600.
Used the XDA for GPS and the Nokia for handsfree.
When you pair the XDA with the CK3300 you get the list of devices on the Parrot and you get handsfree and serial port - You will only want to pair the serial port part of it. Just pair your RAZR as you would with a regular headset and it should all work.
Good luck!

numanoids
Thanks for the quick reply. That is very encouraging to hear. It really simplifies things if i can go down that route. I will order the bits on Monday, unless anyone has a better solution for this. Also can you confirm if the GPS spounds come throught he Exec speakers rather than the Car stereo?
Do you have any other advice about this?
Charlie

Yes the GPS sounds come through the exec and not the car kit.
Just trying to think if there is anything else you need to be aware of.......
It all should be pretty easy to be honest - just make sure when pairing the device that you use the advanced settings and choose pair with a windows ce device.