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Girlfriend's car has a factory CD player with no aux input, so I bought a belkin FM transmitter to plug into her galaxy s.
We've found that in rural areas it is acceptable sound quality until you get into or close to a town. Sometimes it even seems to get interference from nearby traffic. Quite a fickle device, at some points it's better to hold the transmitter in your hand or lay it on your lap. Guess it uses your body as an antenna to some extent.
Has anyone had better experiences with similar devices? Are there any DIY hardware hacks to increase the reception/amplify the signal?
I'm thinking maybe cracking the thing open and improving the antenna somehow.
I'd give the model number if I had it in front of me right now.
Joe-
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Not quite what you are asking for but I would look into an FM modulator. They can be picked up for around 15-$25 at Walmart,pepboys,autozone ect
That's what it is, Belkin TuneCast FM transmitter/modulator.
Joe-
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Sorry I meant wired. I've never liked wireless for the reason you described. And a few years ago the FCC has made it so FM transmitters like these and in sirrius radios cant send as strong a signal as they once could. Which is why I like the wired. Just give it power and ground and plug it into the cars antenna.
Here is an example. You can find them locally without the switch/auxiliary power loacally I'm sure. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001QBG614/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive
I see. It plugs directly into the antenna input on the back of the head unit and then the car antenna piggy backs to it. Yeah that should be much better!
Doubt this small town would have it. Maybe radio shack but doubtful.
Doesn't look like too much trouble once you pull the head unit. Where is it getting power from?
Thanks
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
most 12v switched sources should be fine, though most I see just run it to the fuse panel inside. Most kits Ive seen have an Inline fuse on the 12V wire so you could tap any switched 12V that you feel wont give you to much noise.
should be able to find them at any auto store that has an audio/electronics section or walmart
Maybe this will be inspiration for me to get one for my work truck. Depending where I drive I get great signal or none for my Sirius satellite
Does wally world carry the modulators perhaps?
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Yup, I mentioned it twice.
DERP
Thanks for the suggestions.
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I've had a few Belkins and found them to be too quit sounding (when you flip to another FM its a lot louder) and too low of range. I'm using a Satechi Soundfly right now, it can read from USB or SD card or be fed by AUX input. It has pretty decent volume output and good range. Also it allows you to use 87.7 and 87.9 which are mostly empty, where as most Belkins won't go below 88.1.
i bought one from DealExtreme a while ago cheap, and did the job but broke down after a while, so just make sure you buy a good device and you'll enjoy it.
spunker88 said:
I've had a few Belkins and found them to be too quit sounding (when you flip to another FM its a lot louder) and too low of range. I'm using a Satechi Soundfly right now, it can read from USB or SD card or be fed by AUX input. It has pretty decent volume output and good range. Also it allows you to use 87.7 and 87.9 which are mostly empty, where as most Belkins won't go below 88.1.
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Click to collapse
Satechi Soundfly looks pretty cool, if I deside not to use my phone and use the USB cable (I have a 16gb card that is too slow for WP7 but, would work for music), it will show the name via RDS, that's pretty cool, I'll get the song names showing up on my cars navi screen.
I have a older Belkin one I use. I am always looking fir something better.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Since I couldn't find a modulator locally, I did more research for my car and found pie.net.
Ended up getting this.
http://www.amazon.com/VWR-AUX-1998-...3XMK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335455435&sr=8-1
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I am in the market for a new head unit since the one I have has blue tooth but only phone functions. No audio streaming. Which was fine when I had the iPhone 4s because the radio actually had a Pandora Radio App. But now that I moved on to bigger and better things, Galaxy SIII I need a better head unit. My needs are really basic. 2 pre-outs (prefer 4 volts but will manage with 2 volts) Bluetooth Audio Streaming and the capability of controlling my SIII through the unit. The only head unit I found so far that does all that is the Pioneer AppRadio 2 (SPH-DA100)
Any suggestions?
Pioneer AppRadio 2
intelinside83 said:
I am in the market for a new head unit since the one I have has blue tooth but only phone functions. No audio streaming. Which was fine when I had the iPhone 4s because the radio actually had a Pandora Radio App. But now that I moved on to bigger and better things, Galaxy SIII I need a better head unit. My needs are really basic. 2 pre-outs (prefer 4 volts but will manage with 2 volts) Bluetooth Audio Streaming and the capability of controlling my SIII through the unit. The only head unit I found so far that does all that is the Pioneer AppRadio 2 (SPH-DA100)
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just ordered an appradio 2 earlier this week because i couldnt find anything that i liked that would do pretty much what you want to do
Maybe check out the Parrot Asteroid...
I can't believe a high end radio like the AppRadio2 does not have a dedicated subwoofer output. You only get four channels. Front & rear or Front & sub.
AppRadio2
I just bought the AppRadio 2 last week and haven't installed it yet so I've been playing aound with it in the house.
Initial thoughts were that I was going to be able to play videos, run apps all from my phone natively. I was wrong. Out of the box AppRadio2 comes with iPod connector with usb (for charging iPod/iPhone and for upgrading firmware on unit) for Android it has a HDMI connector you have to buy your own HDMI cable, MHL/slimport adaptor.
You also have to download appradio from play store along with a handful of compatible apps. Once that's done, you can finally connect your phone to the head unit via HDMI adaptor and bluetooth.
I tested out most of the free apps and was left unimpressed. Also the response time of the head unit was laggy at times (swiping screens).
I haven't used ARLiberator yet but I have done a lot of research and that app is what will probably keep me from returning the AppRadio 2.
A couple downsides are:
-no dedicated sub preout
-preouts are 2V rather than 4V
-no USB support for USB drives (***big disappointment since I have a GNEX and N4 coming in the mail-no external storage)
-no CD/DVD
-non detachable face (I work in high theft area)
I'm pretty sure thar there will be more android/smartphone compatible headunits in 2013 but I just couldn't wait. I have a 10+ year old Alpine cd player that is all but dead.
I did come across a new Sony headunit though XAV701HD. The interface is a lot better than Appradio2's and it has DVD/CD and USBx2 support! The only thing is that it uses mirrorlink which as of now only the s3 supports.
So for now I guess I'll keep the AppRadio 2 since I got it for a good price, and see what 2013 has to offer
What you are looking for is the Alpine ICS X8..... Sadly it's not out in the US yet
Sent from my GS3
Just checked Crutchfield and it's up for pre order... no ship date yet though
Check it out here
CZ Eddie said:
I can't believe a high end radio like the AppRadio2 does not have a dedicated subwoofer output. You only get four channels. Front & rear or Front & sub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a High/Low Level converter and connect it to the rear speakers. That's what I did =D
So upon researching dock options, I see that the official dock is in the works, with a MSRP US of 50 dollars:
http://www.slashgear.com/nexus-7-premium-cover-and-dock-details-leak-31240960/
Has anyone come across any viable third party alternatives? I'm so ready to use this with my PS3 controller to get my gaming on.
Edit: Well, looks like I missed a digit on the date. Ignoring my ignorance, let's talk docks! I'm very interested in 3rd party options or the viability of the old one functioning with the 2013 refresh.
Check the date on that article. Also the orientation of the nexus logo on the back
=)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
finalhit said:
Check the date on that article. Also the orientation of the nexus logo on the back
=)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also I think the new Nexus 7 doesn't have Pogo-pins? I don't have mine around me to confirm.
That's the old Nexus 7 dock
The date on that article is for July 31st, but back in 2012. It must be referring to the old Nexus 7.. the clue was the mention of a 3-pin connector on the side.
Right, so edited the OP to accommodate my terrible ability to read dates.
It looks like there are barely any options currently for a dock of sorts.
There is the incipio stand here:
http://www.shopandroid.com/incipio-fixie-universal-tablet-stand/6A39A12239.htm
There are a couple of Qi charging stands as well:
http://www.androidpolice.com/tags/qi-charging-stand/
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/qi-wireless-charging-pad-and-stand-p38173.htm
But again, this doesn't allow data transfer. It would be nice to place the N7 in a dock that is constantly connected to my desktop or by my bed for an alarm function.
The QI charging stand will take care of the second need, but data transfer would be nice as well. I'm very surprised we don't have docking pins.
I'm assuming being able to charge the device isn't a necessity, since you linked to the Incipio stand. I actually bought a black plastic stand at my local TJMaxx(or Ross, or Marshalls. One of those, lol) for only $4.99 or $5.99. I bought it for my Asus Infinity (10.1" tablet), and it works great in both landscape and portrait! Since getting my '13 N7 a few days ago, I've put it in the dock in both landscape and portrait as well. It also works great in either position! I've had my Note 2 in it, and even my Evo LTE before . Though, some of the display is blocked when either my Note 2 or Evo LTE is in this dock/stand. Just stating how versatile it is by being able to hold my 10.1" tablet, 7" tablet, 5.5" phone, and even 4.7" phone, all with perfect stability! If interested, you might want to check online for something similar. Knowing how well it works and how discreet it really is, I wish I would have bought at least 3 of these when the store had them in stock!
I'm gonna put some pics of the stand in the following post. Also pics of my Infinity an '13 N7 in both portrait and landscape position.
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
The Arkon Folding stand is nice. If you just want something small and effective. No charging, just a versatile cheap stand.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
That looks decent. Does it have any weight in the base? The problem I have with plastic stands is they are too light and move easy.
Remember folks 3D Printing has arrived!
Glory Days!
stanglifemike said:
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microcenter has those for $6.99.
Another cheap option would be small photo easels. Foldable and prop your tablet up for useability anywhere in the house. They are often available at the dollar stores, so you really can't beat the price.
Microcenter has a nice-looking metal stand that raises the tablet if you want to use it as a secondary monitor.
None of these are docks, of course, but the design of the Cygnett stand would keep the charging cord out of the way.
NH Apache said:
Right, so edited the OP to accommodate my terrible ability to read dates.
It looks like there are barely any options currently for a dock of sorts.
There is the incipio stand here:
http://www.shopandroid.com/incipio-fixie-universal-tablet-stand/6A39A12239.htm
There are a couple of Qi charging stands as well:
http://www.androidpolice.com/tags/qi-charging-stand/
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/qi-wireless-charging-pad-and-stand-p38173.htm
But again, this doesn't allow data transfer. It would be nice to place the N7 in a dock that is constantly connected to my desktop or by my bed for an alarm function.
The QI charging stand will take care of the second need, but data transfer would be nice as well. I'm very surprised we don't have docking pins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if there will be an Official dock that lets you:
1. Charge
2. Expand TV HDMI out
3. USB port for Hard drive access
I really want the Nexus & FHD to be a Home entertainment player...may be a remote/ Or Kinect like gesture control app built in with the dock
Hope this comes true...it will be the best Combo for a home unit!
sen-cha said:
That looks decent. Does it have any weight in the base? The problem I have with plastic stands is they are too light and move easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is pretty lightweight! It's hollow inside though, so you could easily add some weight to it! It hasn't been an issue for me in the few months that I've had it. My Asus Infinity is a pretty big device, but this stand handles that tablet just fine. Here's a picture of the bottom of the stand showing that it's hollow, but still has plenty of unused space inside of it to add your own weights to it if you wanted.
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
Haranzo said:
I wonder if there will be an Official dock that lets you:
1. Charge
2. Expand TV HDMI out
3. USB port for Hard drive access
I really want the Nexus & FHD to be a Home entertainment player...may be a remote/ Or Kinect like gesture control app built in with the dock
Hope this comes true...it will be the best Combo for a home unit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you with an official Asus/N7 dock!! Charger is a must (obviously), an HDMI port would be great, at least 1 USB port, and a 3.5 auxiliary jack for audio!! If they would release an official dock with all of these features, then I would not think twice about buying it(assuming it's less than $100, should be around $50)!!!! Even without the HDMI port, as long as the other 3 are included then I would buy it! ChromeCast is going to be a pretty common household item for all Android users, especially given the low price point! That said, an HDMI port isn't a feature that I would choose over an auxiliary audio jack! Sure I could just stream music to my home theater system using ChromeCast, but I also have smaller speaker systems that I'd like to be able to use without connecting via bluetooth(Jawbone Big Jambox for example), and they won't be nearly as loud as my home theater for when I'm not trying to have everyone in the house listen to the same thing as I am!!
Also, my Asus Infinity has a mini HDMI port built in to the side of the tablet. I mainly use it for gaming anyway, but especially when I'm wanting to play on my flat screen TV!! Just so easy with the Sixaxis app, a PS3 controller, an having the HDMI port right on the tablet! I have an HDMI - mini HDMI cable hooked to my TV at all times. Basically, I said all of that just to say that this is probably the main reason that an HDMI port on the official dock isn't really that important to me, and why I'd prefer the 3.5mm jack over the HDMI port. That's IF I couldn't have both anyway!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 2 using XDA Premium
just found this one. I haven't ordered yet, but I'm tempted. Looks like a legit charging dock for the 2013 N7.
thoughts?
Don't know if it's out yet but here's the official charging dock
http://www.mobilefun.com/40566-wireless-charging-dock-for-google-nexus-7-2013.htm
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
mixalot2008 said:
Don't know if it's out yet but here's the official charging dock
http://www.mobilefun.com/40566-wireless-charging-dock-for-google-nexus-7-2013.htm
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
Freaking pricey for a wireless charger though!! QI chargers can be found around $30 pretty easily now. The dock you linked should have at LEAST a 3.5mm port on the back if nothing else for them to have thy audacity to charge that much for it!!! Geez!!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Note 2 via XDA Premium HD
Lol yeah tell me about it but looks nice
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
stanglifemike said:
Freaking pricey for a wireless charger though!! QI chargers can be found around $30 pretty easily now. The dock you linked should have at LEAST a 3.5mm port on the back if nothing else for them to have thy audacity to charge that much for it!!! Geez!!!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Note 2 via XDA Premium HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you seen the Tylt Vu? thats $100.
But this really isnt that pricy imo...I'd much rather pay $50 to have an elegant dock / stand that will charge in portrait AND landscape than buy a $30 pad that you have to lay the tablet down on and thus lose the functionality of it. Plus it wont slide off on this.
Putting a nice dock with a qi charger warrants another $20 to me.
TeeX2.0 said:
just found this one. I haven't ordered yet, but I'm tempted. Looks like a legit charging dock for the 2013 N7.
thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like it uses the USB port for charging. My experience has not been good doing this.
Since I also have a Note 8 I decided to splurge on the multimedia dock. It works fine with the Note 8 and in the back of my head I had this idea that it might also work partly with the original Note. No such luck, not even charging worked. So if anyone is inclined to pick up one for a pittance, save your pittance.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk 4
I loved my N7 2012, up until the touch screen became unresponsive..... after my 6 year old dropped it and then tripped over it, completely destroying the screen....
I purchased off Amazon. I've been reading about touch screen issues. Anything else out the box I should look for? My original N7 had screen separation, and I just squeezed until it popped in place.
Any MHL issues? I use that sometimes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
jova33 said:
I loved my N7 2012, up until the touch screen became unresponsive..... after my 6 year old dropped it and then tripped over it, completely destroying the screen....
I purchased off Amazon. I've been reading about touch screen issues. Anything else out the box I should look for? My original N7 had screen separation, and I just squeezed until it popped in place.
Any MHL issues? I use that sometimes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful if you are trying to buy a Bluetooth keyboard or earphone to go with your nexus 7, the older Bluetooth peripherals with Bluetooth 2.0 or older might not be compatible with the tablet.
Uh oh.... I purchased one with my N7. I read on the reviews that it's a newer model though. Biggest complaint about it was that it's advertised as a keyboard/case combo, and the case part sucks.
On an unrelated note, what's a good java programming and compiling app? I'm not trying to write java for android either. Just introduction to java stuff. I hate lugging my laptop the miles across campus.
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jova33 said:
I loved my N7 2012, up until the touch screen became unresponsive..... after my 6 year old dropped it and then tripped over it, completely destroying the screen....
I purchased off Amazon. I've been reading about touch screen issues. Anything else out the box I should look for? My original N7 had screen separation, and I just squeezed until it popped in place.
Any MHL issues? I use that sometimes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does have some Major MHL issues though actually, but this is not a hardware defect. Sadly your MHL adapter (And mine...) Are useless on this tablet as it uses a different and incompatable tech called SlimPort.
What? I can't use MHL 2.0 or anything?
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No.
It's Slim Port, not MHL.
Not compatible. http://www.tested.com/tech/android/457205-mhl-vs-slimport/