Develop Bugs

Blown Speakers - replaced

I have had the XDA family of phones since the very firs XDA was released in the UK. I cannot imagine being without one however... I am on my second XDAIIs having cracked the screen on my last
I have replaced no less than 4 speakers as they continually blow (becomming crackly and ever quieter) despite conservative use of volume. Earlier models would happily play MP3's on speakerphone without detrement. I have been spending about £17 each on replacement speakers and fitting them myself. Not only are they very difficult to find but I'm fed up with the hastle of (as happened this week) being away on business when it blows and having no phone :evil:
It occured to me that the fault is with the OEM part (genuine) speaker rather than with the phone so I sorted through my collection of dead phones and myriad of defunct gadgets and found a Motorolla V80 these have two speakers one for the earpeice and another for ring and loudspeaker use - this one I selected as a suitable donor.... :idea:
It is a circular 'button' speaker about 14mm around and about 4mm thick with a perforated metal front cover and gold contact pads. With a small case modification with a dremill burr the speaker nestled neatly into the opening of the old one (not noticable externally) and the wires were stripped from the dead speaker and soldered onto the contact pads. The new speaker was connected up the phone was rebuilt and rebooted.....
I'm a happy Owner of a modded XDAIIs with a loud speaker that works!!!!! :lol:
If anyone wants photos (I didn't take any) I could open it up again to take some. Please send me a PM - Cheers

limp brodit

anyone else found that the Brodit 'active' car holder for the universal is next to useless now that the weather is getting warmer ?
i.e. the rotating ball has become loose after only having it for a few weeks and minimal use, and it doesn't support the weight of pda.
just curious if it is only mine - and i'll have to superglue the rotating ball into one position, or its a common prob and other people should avoid getting the same car holder.
The Brodit holder is attached to the "universal" goosebeck suction mount from mobilefun, which was fine for holding a xda2i - but the rotating ball on the gooseneck is even looser and has already been superglued since it cannot support weight of the active holder+xdaExec

Funny you should say that. I bought a brodit holder about 3 weeks ago for my MDA Pro, It's a great product, but I now carry a screwdriver in the car to tighten the ball socket up against the backing plate every now and then.
I've also noticed the hot weather has made a big difference in the performance of the mount.

I have not noticed it yet, but it is a worry I have had. Since I don't need to use the swivel, when it finally does get loose, I probably will just position the swivel where I want it, tighten the screw as much as i can, and then put glue around swivel mechanism.

how to tighten the ball-joint
I've also found that the mechanism isnt supporting the weight anymore, when i put my mda in the position i want, it slowly sags down until it rests on the dashboard... very anoying!
I looked if i could fasten the ball-joint again, but i cant reach it since at one side the gooseneck is stuck on it, and at the otherside the actual holder is attached with a sticker.
so i cant get either side loose in such a way that i can stick it back on again..
or am i missing something here?
is my brodit holder that much different than yours? because this seemed to be the only way to connect the parts, using the supplied dual-side stickers.

Hmm. Looking at the clip that holds the phone, you should see a deep hole in the middle of it. The screww to tighten the ball joint is in that hole. See the bottom right picture in this set, and you will see the hole:
http://www.brodit.com/news.jsp?path=static/news/int/051101.html
Maybe the is a sticker covering the hole?

Hi All,
The sticker is on the back of the tilt and swivel plate (the part that detaches - to be fitted to the proclip or gooseneck)
It would be a good idea to check that the sticker that covers the bolt is in place and that the bolt is alligned correctly and firmly in place.
Then as kindly mentioned in previous post, relocate the holder and its central large screw into the back plate and ensure it is tighted well.
I have not had any complaints on this myself, but I shall drop a note to Brodit about this to ask if they have had any other issues with the tilt and swivel mechanism.
I have to say im alarmed though to read this, Brodit gear is usually recogised as the best quality holder available.
Thanks all,
Bryson

I already worked around the problem by just bending the goosneck in such a way that it wasnt a problem that the ball-joint was in its lowest position.
But yesterday i had the time to look into this again.
indeed, there is a deep hole which gives access to the screw in the ball-joint.
problem solved...
feel kinda stupid though...
a/ i didnt notice the screw in that hole myself
b/ i wasted a month before i accepted the advice given on this forum..
but thanks anyway, my brodit is now as good as new!

:shock: :shock:
feel kinda stupid though...
a/ i didnt notice the screw in that hole myself
b/ i wasted a month before i accepted the advice given on this forum..
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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Cases for car-holders, or car-holders for cases!

Hi,
Ordered my Orbit, and looking forward to it - may have finally got an XDA that I'll keep long term. Have had II, IIi, S, mini, Exec, so it would be nice if so!
My first post for a while - as usually the info I want I can find in a search. Except this one!
I'd really like a case for the Orbit - either a skin-type, or the alum' one. However I also need a car holder for it, with tough UK no-mobile-phones in cars rules insisting on this. Ideally one with a power speaker & mic, like the up-coming Seidio.
The question - does anyone know of a case/car holder combo that works together without having to remove the PDA from the case? I know you can get the cases with a magnetic back and corresponding holder, however would rather avoid this approach if possible.
Oh - and just to clarify, the case needs to still be pocket sized, so the usual large clip things sticking out the back will be no good. Maybe someone has "invented" their own solution? I figure the alum' one is modifiable, so am thinking that may be the best bet - just need some ideas for mounting! (esp' bearing in mind would like a active powered holder).
Thanks all!

I think you will struggle to find an active mount with speaker due to the audio output being part of the mini USB connector on these devices.
Take a look at Brodit 848714 for a passive holder or Brodit 968714 for an active version (charging only). These are just the holders, you will need a Pro-Clip to suit your vehicle, I also recommend a "Move it" clip between the Pro-Clip and the holder, it makes removal quick and efficiant, leaving just the small pro-clip in the vehicle (less chance of some low-life breaking in because a mount is on show). - These are quality holders, not the cheapest, but then do you want your new toy flying around the car due to a crappy mount?
For the audio output you could use Bluetooth - I have had my Artemis connected via BT and playing through the car stereo, a little low in volume but the quality was very good - Mike

Cheers Mike,
I've already got the brodit system - used it with both the IIi and S, so have the bracket etc. The brodit holders will not allow for any type of case (skin, alum, etc) - and I cannot see how to modify them to suit. The brodit bracket itself is just a platform, so have used with many other holders.
The Seidio case I refered to is (yet to be released):
http://www.handnav-hosting.co.uk/product_details.php?id=2373
I guess what I'm hoping for is a brand that makes a case, plus a compatible car holder that supplies at least power.
Worse case I'll most likely get alum pdair case, stick a magnet to the back, and just plug in a charge cable each time (and use bluetooth car-kit).
Thanks,

My solution
I have a siemens hcw600 bluetooth car kit - works superbly if you install jetware and the address book swap. DId this on my Mini S and now on my new Orbit...
I also got a standatd multi-way pda adapter off eby... if you get one with adjustable feet on the bottom, put the Orbit in, connect the usb, then slide the feet tight up to the usb... then add a few strategic drops of superglue to the feet and usb, and you have a fixed connector... this also works if the unit is i a case - just make sure its in the case and positioned before you clue the usb to the holder....

Great sounding tip - may give that a go! I did notice that the Orbit is now thin (width) enough to fit lots of mobile phone holders on their widest setting.
Going to review one of these new PDAHut mounts in the mean time.... Will let you know what it's like.

Dash speaker

The speaker in my Dash has gone bad. There is one on eBay, but no way I'm paying $40 shipped for a speaker the size of a thumbnail. I saw there are HTC Touch speakers that look identical for $16 shipped. I don't suppose anyone knows if Touch speakers are the same? I asked the seller for dimensions, but no telling if they'll bother to answer.

Gnat, I have a spare Dash I got off Ebay that looks like crap ( on the rear) but I was able to use for parts (saved me when I got water in my Keyboard for sure). I can open it up tonight and measure the speaker for you if you like. Now all you need are the dimensions of the other speaker and you're all set

Thanks very much for the offer, but I already have the speaker out so I only need dimensions for the donor speaker. Although if you want to sell the speaker from your donor, let me know!
Hmmm, try soaking your bad keyboard in alcohol for a few days, then let dry for a few more. That just might work and you'd have 2 good Dashes.

Gnat, thanks for the tip. I may have to try that. Have u confirmed that the dash speaker's the same as the one u need? If so PM me and we can go from there

I'm in need of a new speaker as well. Mine just started having a tinny, crackled sound, and I can't stand it! Do you still have an available speaker for sale? Is it as simple as unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one? Any way I could inadvertently trash something else in the process?
Thanks!

Where were you guys when I was relentlessly searching for this blasted speaker WEEKS ago?! ((breathing hard)) Okay. It'd be wonderful if you could post the whereabouts of a speaker replacement when you find one. lol I can't seem to find any anywhere. There was one on eBay, but it disappeared into thin air!

HTC Touch speaker is the same. I ended up buying one from this seller e2_shop on eBay, here's a direct link to the Touch speakers they're selling: Link

There are plenty of damaged Dash's on ebay. They are just kinda pricey. I got one tonight, and it's on its way. I found this, http://pdasmart.zftp.com/instructions/T Mobile Dash Instructions.pdf
for getting into the Dash. For those of you that have replaced the speaker, is there anything more to it than shutting down, removing the back, unplugging the old speaker and plugging in the new one?
Thanks!

OMG, GnatGoSplat, I needed that link before I spent a fortune for a defective Dash just for the speaker! Oh well, you live and learn. I bought another from your link above because I need the tools to open the Dash. That was a great deal. Thanks for the link!

Glad I could help.
You don't even have to unplug the old speaker, when you take the back cover off, the speaker is attached to the back cover and those gold contacts touch some gold pads on the motherboard. All you have to do is use a small screwdriver or similar tool to pry the old speaker out. I think it's held in with a little adhesive. It comes out pretty easily.
I'm guessing your new broken Dash has a bad LCD? If so, you can replace the LCD and sell the Dash for a pretty good profit. I sold a repaired Dash for $163 once!

Guys I was just wondering if anybody knows where to find a dash shell? I have some deep scratches on the case of my phone and I have been trying to find a new OEM one for it so I can pull everything apart and change the case and clean it up.

EBay? google search?

Mikey1022 said:
EBay? google search?
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I tried that but only came up with protective cases that you put the phone within.

search for OEM HOUSING not case or shell

Clydeisthe**** said:
I tried that but only came up with protective cases that you put the phone within.
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Here's one. That seller has several. It's the cheapest I could find.

try googling S620 Housing case

GnatGoSplat said:
HTC Touch speaker is the same. I ended up buying one from this seller e2_shop on eBay, here's a direct link to the Touch speakers they're selling: Link
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Whoa, whoa, whoa... I don't think I'm on the same page. I was under the impression this speaker was for the earpiece. Do any of you know where to find a replacement earpiece speaker? My other Dash won't allow me to hear the other caller unless I place the phone on speakerphone or use a headset. When I use the phone regularly, I can't hear the other party speaking. Somebody, please...help!

Rip Syntaxx said:
Whoa, whoa, whoa... I don't think I'm on the same page. I was under the impression this speaker was for the earpiece. Do any of you know where to find a replacement earpiece speaker? My other Dash won't allow me to hear the other caller unless I place the phone on speakerphone or use a headset. When I use the phone regularly, I can't hear the other party speaking. Somebody, please...help!
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That's the main speaker for speakerphone, ringtones, music, etc.
I don't have my Dash apart anymore and I didn't take any pics of it apart, so I don't know what the earpiece speaker looks like.
Best thing to do is probably to take it out and compare it to the one for other phones. If the Dash uses the main speaker from the Touch, could it maybe use the earpiece speaker from the Touch as well? Here is one on eBay. Pretty good pics on that auction for you to compare.

GnatGoSplat said:
Here's one. That seller has several. It's the cheapest I could find.
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Great thats awesome. Can anybody confirm that part of the housing is also over the screen or would the scratches that I have be fixed by replacing the screen itself?

GnatGoSplat said:
That's the main speaker for speakerphone, ringtones, music, etc.
I don't have my Dash apart anymore and I didn't take any pics of it apart, so I don't know what the earpiece speaker looks like.
Best thing to do is probably to take it out and compare it to the one for other phones. If the Dash uses the main speaker from the Touch, could it maybe use the earpiece speaker from the Touch as well? Here is one on eBay. Pretty good pics on that auction for you to compare.
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'Preciate that Gnat.

What Do You Use To Carry BOTH Phone & Headset

While I have read other threads such as:
What is the best case?
What case do you use for xyz phone?
I've not read of solutions to those having to carry both their phone and their headset (not everyone has a Blueant Z9/Z9i/V1 that has a shirt clip as part of the unit... ).
Does such a solution exist? For example, my wife has a Motorola Razr2 V9 and is stuck using an old soft (i.e. no protection) cigarette case that can hold both the phone and her headset. I keep my Tilt in my front pocket, face directed toward my body, at the moment.
There's got to be a better solution.

I'm interested in how others are handling this as well.
The ideal phone case for me (& it doesn't exist) & my diamond would be leather, fitted, front comes off for use, and has a pocket for my BT.

Well, I was lucky enough to find an old hard eyeglass case that fits the CDMA Diamond nearly perfectly. When it's closed, the phone does not move. There is a problem with hearing the ringer though. Might have to drill a few holes.
As for the headset, I use another hard eyeglass case for them. I think I might need to find something to wind the wires around.
Guess you could use soft eyeglass cases since them come with pocket clips, sometimes.

I carry my Universal on my back pocket easily with this nice & cheap flexi skin: http://www.boxwave.com/products/flexiskin/flexiskin-qtek-9000_722.htm , and my BT headset in my neck (http://www.tecnogadgets.com/fotografias/HBH_DS980_Stere_Bluetooth_Headset_1.jpg).
I know there are a lot of new models not so bulky as Uni, but I never saw a model that can be a micro laptop and a PDA cell phone at the same time and working wonderfull with my 528Mhz processor form 2005...
Cheers,