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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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?
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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
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Click to collapse
How did you get the case for like $5? The listing is about $13

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!

Magnetic Case for Car Mount

Any ideas about a magnetic case, because i want to use the iMagnet car mount (amazon.com/Cradle-less-Quick-snap-Technology-Smartphone-Windshield/dp/B008IOQ3K6). Not able to post links.
Nicest option would be a (partly) magnetic case which i can just mount to the magnetic car holder. I know it comes with metal plates but how to attach them to the curved back of the One?
We can also discuss any selfmade approache here

i use the imagnet mount and i placed the metal piece between the phone and case with no problems. holds up great on the mount.
i use a bear motion case, fyi
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVWJ9DU/

Sounds great! Doesn't the metal scratch the surface of the one or can I put something between the case+metal plate and the phone?

sorry for the late reply. it doesnt scratch it at all. no issues

ayman86 said:
sorry for the late reply. it doesnt scratch it at all. no issues
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Click to collapse
Great idea, but is the case still nicely fit the phone? I can imagine that it won't clip correctly anymore because of the added thickness. If i look at my case (just a standard backover from ebay) it doesn't seem to have any room for a magnet plate. Do you have pictures maybe?
This is also (maybe more elegant) solution: click!

well yeah, the case fits fine as i use it. lol. no problems.

Flip Cover + Car Mount?

I currently use a back cover and a simple car mount on my N5, but would prefer to use a flip cover. But my last faux leather flip cover was destroyed by the car mount.
So I'd like to know if there's a car mount that is flip cover friendly, or a flip cover that's car mount proof. It also needs a way to keep the cover open somehow. Thanks

the_rebel said:
I currently use a back cover and a simple car mount on my N5, but would prefer to use a flip cover. But my last faux leather flip cover was destroyed by the car mount.
So I'd like to know if there's a car mount that is flip cover friendly, or a flip cover that's car mount proof. It also needs a way to keep the cover open somehow. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally haven't seen one, but I thought about it when I got those clamp mounts where it clicks with enough pressure on the sides and the phone is clamped by rubber inserts. I tried it with my Seidio Ledger flip case and can be used if you flip the case landscape where the flap would fall open with gravity. I would not suggest folding it back fearing that the case may get damaged at the hinge or front flap.
Here's a car mount I reviewed, but you can use anything that are like the montar mount I reviewed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...i-review-winnergear-montar-universal-t2627658

Thank you for the review and pointing me towards it. I'd have guessed that the slight curve on the arms of the car mount would push the flip cover towards the screen, partly hiding it - but the pics you have posted tell me that's not the case.
Have you used the cover and mount for long? Did the cover suffer any damage from repeated mounting?

the_rebel said:
Thank you for the review and pointing me towards it. I'd have guessed that the slight curve on the arms of the car mount would push the flip cover towards the screen, partly hiding it - but the pics you have posted tell me that's not the case.
Have you used the cover and mount for long? Did the cover suffer any damage from repeated mounting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell you the truth, the flip case is really not condusive to car mounts. I really didn't fee all that comfortable using it with the car mount for a long amount of time. Getting it out and in is a pain in the butt lol. But maybe something like a spring loaded one that can release may work better than this one.

Exactly! And those fears aren't baseless. Like I said, my earlier flip case was destroyed this way.
Anyway, I found a really cheap car mount, unlike anything I've seen before and ordered it right away, it holds the phone vertically instead of horizontally and attaches to the steering wheel, so flip cover should be alright, though I'll have to see how it affects the charging port....
Anyway, its less than $1.5 so I don't mind trying it out. Link

the_rebel said:
Exactly! And those fears aren't baseless. Like I said, my earlier flip case was destroyed this way.
Anyway, I found a really cheap car mount, unlike anything I've seen before and ordered it right away, it holds the phone vertically instead of horizontally and attaches to the steering wheel, so flip cover should be alright, though I'll have to see how it affects the charging port....
Anyway, its less than $1.5 so I don't mind trying it out. Link
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Cool...hmm..tension mount. Interesting. Let me know how it turns out! Yea, for that price, I would experiment too lol.

Magnetic phone holders (car) and the 10

Hello!
I am still using a sticky pad in my car to put my htc 10 in landscape mode and use it as car audio, though I don't know how long this pad will keep its stickiness so I am searching for an alternative.
The air vent magnetic holders are good enough to hold the phone even in bumpy roads?
As the 10 is aluminum do you still need to put the metallic patch?

I've used both the "sticky" adhesive and magnetic holders in my car. For the HTC 10 if you use a magnetic holder you still need the metal disc since aluminum is not magnetic. Since I hate the idea of sticking a metal disc to the back of my phone I have a cheap TPU case that I stick the magnetic disc to and I just change phone cases when I'm on a long trip where I will need to mount my phone. The downside of course is the inconvenience of having to change cases.

vegetaleb said:
As the 10 is aluminum do you still need to put the metallic patch?
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yes, you'll need the patch. aluminum is not ferrous (.. as in, it contains no iron).
be aware that sticking the ferrous plate to the back of the phone also has a side effect of making the phone's magnetometer (compass) not work correctly, even when not magnetically mounted.

pidzero said:
yes, you'll need the patch. aluminum is not ferrous (.. as in, it contains no iron).
be aware that sticking the ferrous plate to the back of the phone also has a side effect of making the phone's magnetometer (compass) not work correctly, even when not magnetically mounted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I think I am gonna stick to the sticky pads

vegetaleb said:
So I think I am gonna stick to the sticky pads
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i will add that GPS and GPS-based navigation is unaffected. but yeah, at least make the plate removable!
good luck with sticky pads. tried and true

http://www.proclipusa.com/phone-holders/device/htc/10.cmsv this anything you ever thought about? I guess no landscape it looks though unless I'm wrong