Develop Bugs

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
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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

In car holder for S2 with case fitted???

Tried a search but found no results.
Has anybody found a good in car holder which works with a case fitted to the phone???

Almost every product would fit with the case
sent from my 2.3.3|dxkg3 DJGalaxy S2

Declan79 said:
Almost every product would fit with the case
sent from my 2.3.3|dxkg3 DJGalaxy S2
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Click to collapse
Does that include the genuine Samsung mount?

TheOriginalTableLeg said:
Does that include the genuine Samsung mount?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i understand you'd need to have your sgs2 out of the case for the official samsung one. (can't verify that from personal experience)
I can't post links since i'm new here, but if you google "Omniholder" you'll find a universal mount that might suit your needs.
Sorry about not being able to provide a direct link!

Thanks for the reply, I have since found a post on here which recommends some car mounts.
The Exomount looks good.
Thanks again

I found one that works with case fitted!
I bought one that fulfills you needs from e-bay a few days ago. I can't post links, so search for "ulette10" member's items (I think no other seller offer this item), and you will find the holer soon.
I'm very satisfied with it, I tested with two different cases (a TPU and a rubbery one) and worked percfectly with both. Easy insert and not as easy remove (but not hard). Has a really goot suction feet and a ballhead for easy orientation.
And it's cheap, at least compared to original Samsung car holder (of course it's a passive one vs. the OEM is active - i.e. charges the phone, I think).

I just got the Brodit 511258 mount, which is designed to work with thin (e.g. TPU) cases. Seems to work pretty well with mine. Harder than hell to find -- no one in the US sells them, so I had to go to clove.co.uk.

I'm using mine with a Brodit SGS2 adjustable holder with phone in a Casemate Tough. Fit's nicely.

Many thanks to all of you for the replies.
I will look at all the suggested in car holders.

I can recommend the Breffo SpiderPodium. Works great and is more than just a car holder too

3waygeek said:
I just got the Brodit 511258 mount, which is designed to work with thin (e.g. TPU) cases. Seems to work pretty well with mine. Harder than hell to find -- no one in the US sells them, so I had to go to clove.co.uk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance of some pics?
I've been using Brodit for several years now but ended up buying the official Samsung car holder for some reason. Unfortunately, it'll require the removal of my Case Mate Tough Case each time, which may become tiresome.
So I may end up going down the Brodit route again, especially if the holder you refer to will accept the phone with a case on.

Arc S Car Holder

Can anyone recommend me a good car holder for the phone? I want to get a sturdy good quality one, because I want to use it as a GPS navigation

Hey, I'm using Windowseat Mobile car dock (without the hands-free part). It's really great, the mount has an adjustable height supporting multiple devices, it's sturdy, looks and feels good. Here is the link
http://store.griffintechnology.com/iphone/windowseat-mobile-handsfree-car-kit

woah a bit too expensive for my liking.
Any other recommendations?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270819200517?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I got this one for my X10... Cheap, nice looking, working...when I have order it I thought it is a crap, but what you need from a card holder??? It fits, holding good and don't fall of the glass... Nice.

What does everyone think of this?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FoneM8-Omni...en-Blackberry/dp/B005XYJDY2/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

I think it is not good...because it is not enough flexible to choose a good position and the phone can fall out of it! I would recomend this one... The car charger is good and powerfull, not bad holder, as I said got it for X10... Some additional case.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Mount-H...936243?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f145331f3
Same at amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SUPERSTORE-...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1331747821&sr=1-10

http://www.tetrax.com/us/

i use this mount for my arc.
obostore.com/fit-to-all-car-motor-vehicle-holder-mount-p-2506-c-126.html

i order this one holder is it good?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-C...288437?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item2c67c16475

I'm using some el cheapo generic phone mount, works just fine. :laugh:

S3 Suction car mount by Garmin!!

By pure chance I found out that my SIII with its slimline cover fitted works perfectly in my Garmin Nuvi 205 dash mount.
Secure and easy to mount, almost as if it was made for the S3.
The Garmin Part Number
Item 010-10936-00 Suction cup with bracket (Nuvi 2xx series)
Cost is around $10 - %15
Cover is a Cygnet BlackFrost Matte slim case (around $20)
I love finding a really good cost effective solution for my toys!!
Video Clip. Please excuse poor sound quality, had to dig out my old Olympus compact to make this,

Thanks, looking forward to the video.
good to know since Garmin has quality mounts.
Does it actually clip in? Is it firm?
If you remove the case, hows the fit?

Fits snugly, clips into the mount as if it was made for it,
Doesn't work without the cover though, phone is just to small,
Would be possible rather easily I might add to put some shrink tubing on the arms of the mount and build it up a little to hold the phone naked!

I wonder if it would fit with a tpu case. Your case seems pretty slim

ZaJules said:
By pure chance I found out that my SIII with its slimline cover fitted works perfectly in my Garmin Nuvi 205 dash mount.
Secure and easy to mount, almost as if it was made for the S3.
The Garmin Part Number
Item 010-10936-00 Suction cup with bracket (Nuvi 2xx series)
Cost is around $10 - %15
Cover is a Cygnet BlackFrost Matte slim case (around $20)
I love finding a really good cost effective solution for my toys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the find. Do you think it would be able to fit the S3 with an Otterbox Commuter case on? My phone's approximately 7.7mm wide with the case on.
Cheers

Might fit but it would be tight, the rounded edges of the Cygnett case allows it to clip into the holder the otter box might be to square
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300TG using Tapatalk 2

my garmin gps always falls off from the windshield now..the suction cup doesn't hold..don't know how i'd feel putting my phone there..
am i suppose to wash it with soap or something to make it work again?

kl25 said:
my garmin gps always falls off from the windshield now..the suction cup doesn't hold..don't know how i'd feel putting my phone there..
am i suppose to wash it with soap or something to make it work again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get a replacement one...They are super cheap on eBay. I have one that is over 7 years old (*back when standalone GPS units were +$300!) and it still works great.

kl25 said:
my garmin gps always falls off from the windshield now..the suction cup doesn't hold..don't know how i'd feel putting my phone there..
am i suppose to wash it with soap or something to make it work again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fix that with alcohol. But then I fix everything with alcohol.

universal mount
I got this car mount from amazon.com
Search for Kropsson Aero universal mount.
the design of the mount was a great plus.
Feature wise, defiantly recommend.

proud a-clown said:
I fix that with alcohol. But then I fix everything with alcohol.
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Click to collapse
:laugh::good:
couldn't have said it better myself!!!!

I can confirm this mount works great with the rock quicksand case. Easy to put in and take out and holds rock solid. Before the case showed up I had used a couple pieces of heat shrink tubing held on with electrical tape and it worked awesome with the naked galaxy s3.
I like this style of mount because you can position the phone with it gripping the middle, top or bottom to fine tune where the screen is in relation to your windshield.
I went with this one though, instead of one of the $5 options: (replace spaces with ., I don't have enough posts to post links) www amazon com/gp/product/B0042PJ8NY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00[/url]
It's the actual oem garmin mount instead of a knockoff, and judging by the reviews the difference is the mount that holds the ball is made of metal, so it won't break. It came with one of the 3m PE Foam adhesive backed discs for mounting to the dashboard as well. Highly recommended.

I just tried it. PERFECT fit with my diztronic TPU case. Thanks OP!

Car Mount recommendation?

Can anyone recommend a good car mount?
I just bought some cheesy magnetic thing from Amazon. Will be returning ASAP. Ideally, I think I'm looking for something that can clip into either the air vents or on the dash of my car. I realized there probably aren't many pixel specific accessories made yet, but maybe someone has had good success with a different model for an earlier phone?
Anyway just wondering what you all were planning on using.

I've been using a good magnetic mount for the CD slot in my car since the Nexus 5 days. I like the Koomus brand of them from Amazon.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I personally been using ProClip for a while. With my Nexus 6 I have a universal one since I have a thin case it slips in. Mounts are made per vehicle too.
https://www.proclipusa.com/category/google-pixel-2
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I've had the third generation iOttie car mount for about a year, and it is excellent. It doesn't have a vent clip, but its suction cup mount is very sturdy. It even comes with a little pad you can use if your dash is textured.

I second the ProClip. You can get a custom mount for your vehicle, and select a separate holder. I've got a custom mount and a universal holder that can be adjusted if you switch phones.

I second the recommendations for iOttie mounts. I bought their wireless charging one back when I got my Galaxy S6, but I still use it with my Pixels because it is incredibly convenient to secure and remove the device. Excellent quality, usability, and adjustability, well worth the purchase.

coolsilver said:
I personally been using ProClip for a while. With my Nexus 6 I have a universal one since I have a thin case it slips in. Mounts are made per vehicle too.
https://www.proclipusa.com/category/google-pixel-2
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like a solid product! I have an '09 Kia Spectra and the dash doesn't look like an easy place to put a phone mount. I checked out their custom mount for my car and the only drawback I can see is it completely covers a vent (for a/c) which may or may not be an issues, I won't know until mounted but.. Any experience with that for you?

Yea on my prior vehicle I had it cover the vent. It was out far enough so it still put out air but it wasn't really directional as far as flow as before. Center ones I didn't care as much about being pointed at me to keep cool. It was a solid bracket though

coolsilver said:
Yea on my prior vehicle I had it cover the vent. It was out far enough so it still put out air but it wasn't really directional as far as flow as before. Center ones I didn't care as much about being pointed at me to keep cool. It was a solid bracket though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! They do look solid ...

I have an existing car mount for my S7 before I got the XL, it holds the phone in landscape and squeezes the sides. Little concerned that this may not be good for the squeeze sensors. Anyone think it could affect the sensors over time?

I have this one since May 2016 no issues and easy off and on for various phones..I have vent but they make cd slot and I think window too
iOttie
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017HME9DC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sent using Tapatalk

Haven't used these myself, but they look pretty sweet...https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DCSIRG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_KmO7zbB7T3BNE
Anybody used this one before?

Cowbell_Guy said:
Can anyone recommend a good car mount?
I just bought some cheesy magnetic thing from Amazon. Will be returning ASAP. Ideally, I think I'm looking for something that can clip into either the air vents or on the dash of my car. I realized there probably aren't many pixel specific accessories made yet, but maybe someone has had good success with a different model for an earlier phone?
Anyway just wondering what you all were planning on using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another vote for Proclip's mounting solution. The universal large holder works fine with my Pixel 2 XL with a (Caseology Parallax) case. It's pricey but it works beautifully.
I just ordered the IOAuto magnet holder to use with Proclip's mounting bracket. I'm tired of sliding my phone into the holder. 1st world problems, I know.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

morbidhippy said:
I just ordered the iOttie magnet holder to use with Proclip's mounting bracket. I'm tired of sliding my phone into the holder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does that work exactly? Which iOttie did you buy, and how does it work with the ProClip bracket?

dberthia said:
How does that work exactly? Which iOttie did you buy, and how does it work with the ProClip bracket?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, I meant IOAuto, not iOttie.
https://www.proclipusa.com/product/...xkJK2QwbcDyiiZdeiDsdvqZtMoM3Vg84aAjDOEALw_wcB
I bought the IOAuto Pro. It attaches to the vehicle mount that I purchased previously from Proclip. It comes with small circular metal disks that should be attached to your phone.
I hate the thought of using adhesive to stick anything on my phone so I'm going to try and place the disk between the phone and my TPU case. In think the magnet will still work fine.
Check out YouTube. I've seen a couple of videos of others installing it.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I like this simple magnetic holder:
Techmatte MagGrip Orbit Universal Air Vent Magnetic Car Mount Holder
It requires a thin metal plate which works fine if you use a TPU case or other case that's not too thick on the back; this way, it doesn't require any permanent application. I bought 3 for family members, and a friend got one after seeing mine. It's easy to mount, secure, very simple in design - it uses a steel ball that mounts to an air vent, and a magnetic piece that connects to the ball, giving easy adjustment in all directions, or complete removal. This magnetic piece connects to the phone's steel plate. My wife has an iphone 6P which works well; I have a nexus 5X.

coolsilver said:
I personally been using ProClip for a while. With my Nexus 6 I have a universal one since I have a thin case it slips in. Mounts are made per vehicle too.
https://www.proclipusa.com/category/google-pixel-2
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding a :good: for the ProClip. Mine just came yesterday and works perfect.

morbidhippy said:
I hate the thought of using adhesive to stick anything on my phone so I'm going to try and place the disk between the phone and my TPU case. In think the magnet will still work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious to see if that works out for you. I'm intrigued, but it seems like $50 is a bit steep for that mount. If it works well for you with a case, I may consider it though.

I know my solution isn't going to be for everyone, but it works well for my needs. I have a hybrid Proclip/Ram Mount solution. Proclip for the center dash mount, then Ram Mounts for the rest (ball, short arm, and X Grip holder). It's more involved than the common solutions, but it puts my phone right whereIi want it and it's rock solid--which is important for those track days.
As mentioned upthread, this does partially block the vent, but on my Mustang not by too much, and the passenger still gets air flow when it's directed their way. A bonus is the phone stays nice & cool when staying on playing podcasts while commuting, or running the telemetry apps while on track.

I can strongly recommend this one. They're a little pricey but I have them in my truck, car, 4-wheeler and mountain bike. Just the spring clips are strong and when you add the rubber sling it'll hold on to the phone almost no matter what. This one actually fits my P2XL better than my PXL. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066BWMNU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1