Related
I am 99% finished on developing a car kit for the XDAIIs. The plan is to make this available for all versions of XDA, MDA, SPV etc. when complete.
At the moment the kit will do the following
Power the XDA
Has got a microphone input.
Has got speaker output of voice through the car stereo speakers
Has got speaker output of navigation through the car speakers
Connects to a wired GPS antenna - currently using PS2 connector but I'll be making an RJ11 version on Monday!
All I need now is a way of signaling to the car kit that the XDA is in the holder! :x
From the car kit, I have 1 wire which needs to be connected to 5v to power on. I also have a 5v feed from the car kit so I could simply join the wires but thats not the point.
I would like to find either of the following options.
1 - 5v feed from the XDA when in the holder
2 - Using 2 pins on the XDA to feed 5v in and get 5v out on another pin.
I have also found that on an XDAII, there is a 5v feed on one pin when in a call, but there isn't anything out of an XDAIIs in the same situation. I just need 5v when the device is present in the holder.
If anyone can tell me if this is possible I would really appreciate it.
Regards
...Spence
In order to get the carkit to work, I think you had to ground the pin instead of putting 5V to it, as specified in this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=4829&start=75
It would be great if you could post your circuit !
Where did you get a proper connector, or did you just modify a xda II connector ?
Ciaos,
Kristof
A modified Carcomm cradle?
THe XDA uses 3 pins for the +5 Volt charger. I believe these pins are shorted inside the XDA
If you charge through 2 of these pins you might be able to use third to recognize that the XDA is inserted
s93ncer said:
I have also found that on an XDAII, there is a 5v feed on one pin when in a call, ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What pin is that that gives +5V when in a call on the XDAII?
What pin is that that gives +5V when in a call on the XDAII?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pin 12 on an XDAII goes to a positive voltage when in a call.
One thing I did notice was that the voltage does just appear and disappear, it builds up and drops off over 2 seconds,
Regards
...Spence
Thanks for the info!
Is there any similar behaviour when ending a phone call
I suspect my XDAII/iMate carkit is triggered by this signal, I would like to manipulate it in order to have the carkit amplify the TomTom directions also.
Other question: what type of mic did you use? The XDAII has quite some problems with the mic input signal (resulting is bad sound quality)
The voltage builds up to about 5v when making a call and does drop off to 0 when you end the call. Also, I don't have any problems with sound quality (although this is in an office at the moment) with the microphone.
I am using a universal car kit that my company sells, just hacked the connector off the end and connected it to the XDAIIs connector.
Still having problems, but with the car kit now and not the XDA
Can't get it to switch on/off when the XDA is in the holder and taken out!
..Spence
Sounds like you've found out some good stuff Spence.
I'm working on a similar project at the moment, except I'm using a circuit that detects audio coming from the XDA's pins, which then switches a relay to ground.. this is connected to the car stereo which goes to "Telephone mode" when grounded. Its about half way done at the moment, so I'm not sure how sucessfull its going to be.. but I'm currently having trouble with the volume of the audio from the XDA, (I haven't tried a Mic on it yet)
Would be interested to know if the XDA1 also has 5v on Pin12 when in call.. as I could revert to this if my plan doesn't work, although it would mean loosing Tomtom prompts through the stereo
Keep us updated on your progress :wink:
The other added goodie that I can put into some vehicles is a thing called an intellimute - made and designed by my company!
Linked in with the stereo, it will mute the stereo when it senses audio not just when in a call hence the Nav audio as well.
This might be useful to you - but you will probably have to but one to try it out.
I don't have an XDAI to try anything with - plus most people who I have spoken to have a II or IIs
...Spence
@swifty: When Pin 19 - Car On - is connected to GND via a 10k resistor the XDA gets into 'carkit-mode' resulting in ALL audio to be sent via the bottom connector. This will help you feed the audio to your stereo.
Together with the Pin 12 behaviour (+5V when in call) one should be able to build a carkit circuit:
Connect the audio-out pins to the car-stereo audio in or -alternatively- a seperate amplifier.
Make your car stereo go into mute when Pin12 gets 'high'
BTW, I gues you checked the wiki pages:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Connectors
I would like to know what mic type is used by you guys, as I read in the other thread mentioned that this still might have issues.
Thanks Edsub,
Thats pretty much how i've got it hooked up at the moment, but I think there was a problem with the amplifier I was using as the audio from the stereo was very quiet. I've now changed the circuit and will be testing it out in the car tomorrow.
Spencer
What connector and cable are you using for this.
Thanks
What connector and cable are you using for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To cut a long story short, I had a couple of data cables for Ipaq's (3800 I think) lying around and I got a complete car kit from stock, cut the cable off at the phone cradle end and soldered on the connector from the Ipaq.
At the moment it looks a real mess, but it does work!
Haven't played with it for a few days, but might do some more today.
FYI, the problems at the moment are car kit related, not XDA - the XDA issues are solved.
...Spence
If you need an xda 1 and or the car kit to loan for your project, let me know.
I still have my iMate/XDA2 carkit (the one as sold by ie Expansys).
There still are two things I like to change:
1. Mic quality. I allready used a better mic (Nokia style gooseneck) with a thicker wire (as sugested by Expansys): Things did improve, but I still sound like I have a bag over my head (or like I am talking into a toilet bowl according to my collegue) . . .Any help greatly appreciated
2. Only the in-call audio is send to the carkit speaker. I would like to get all audio on the carkit speaker (so I get better amplified TomTom instructions). The car-audio mute only has to do its work when in a call (otherwise you wont be able to listen normally to a conversation or ie. the traffic info on the radio)..also: any clues???
A hint: In one of the other threads on this it is suggested that putting someting into the XDAII headset jack wil get all audio out, but that is not quite workable withou drilling the cradle to pieces.
Can anyone tell me what the effect on the bottom connector signals is when you insert something (ie an empty plug) in the headset jack?
Hi all.
Great topic. There's one thing I still don't know.
Does IN_CALL pin work in XDA 2s / MDA III ?
Mine XDA IIs doesn't put anything on IN_CALL pin when calling.
I have been having similar problems with audio with powered cradles/car kits. Just cannot get the damned audio to come out of the car kit, only call audio! (XDAIIi/Qtek 2020i)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=41716&highlight=
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=45779&highlight=
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=45462&highlight=
Suggestion
Why not simply have a mini contact switch in the bottom of the cradle to sense when the phone is in the cradle?, or use a simple current sensing circuit?
a VERY simple circuit would be a coil of the 5v feed and a reed switch, when current is being drawn through the coil it will generate a weak magnetic field, which could be used to close the reed switch...
Simple yet effective...
i just bought the following car phone holder:
http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=241&xSec=76
but no one can hear me when it is connected in the car. it will work if i pick up the phone and select speakphone and then put it back on the car mount...
is there something i should be doing like profiles??
thank you
This Car holder disables the microphone in your wizard. The only possibility to use handsfree mode without modifying the holder is to use a bluetooth headset/handsfree.
Not in...
There is no possibility with the built-in software to switch on the speaker phone. But there is a cool software called Phone Alarm available on www.pocketmax.net which has the possibility of switching to various profiles one of the options being switching the speakerphone when a call comes automatically, you can set it in one of the 7 profile possbilities. This software does many other things too. Try it out. Worth every penny, covers many short comings that exist in WM 5.
@kull
There is no sense in profile switching when the microphone doesn't work in the holder.
Even with the workaround (take out, switch on speakerphone, put back in) the microphone won't work that well, because it is fully covered by the holder.
So, there are two options:
1. Buy a bluetooth handsfree/headset
or
2. Modify the holder: Put in a 4 pin 2.5mm stereo connector with a microphone attached. Requires some soldering and handycrafts skills.
cutting edge approach to handsfree in the car
-i took a piece of velcro and put one part on the dashboard next to the steering wheel, the other on the back of the wizard, just so it covers the battery cover. now i can just put in up on the dashboard. holds great and is only about $2 of investment.
-the other thing. get a converter plug at radioshack from 2.8mm to the smaller one used on the wizard. get a $10 cassette adapter. put the wizard on the velcro, put the cable from the adapter into the plug, the plug in the wizard. TATA music and phone calls (!) via your car stereo. ppl i called said that they could hear me well, i can hear them in surround )
1. I've seen adapters from MiniUSB to 3.5mm. (I think one actually came with the HTC version, but not with the AT&T Tilt - although the Tilt manual insists that it's there!)
2. I've seen adapters from MiniUSB to 3.5mm with a built in mic for handsfree operation too.
3. I've seen 3.5mm bluetooth adapters so you can eliminate cables completely.
I'll be mounting my phone above my dash and my aux-in port is in my center console. As such, I'd like a wireless solution (like #3), but I'd also like hands-free operation (like #2). I know such a thing exists (I found one on eBay), but surely there's a more elegant solution out there? Not one shamelessly parading around as a iPod shuffle?
Does anyone know of a hands-free device that connects to the phone via bluetooth and has a standard 3.5mm audio out? The only one I've found is parading around like an iPod shuffle - more than a little tacky.
i have one, it does look a bit like a shuffle though... works great though and even came with a BT transmiter that you can plug into anything with a 3.5mm jack and it will stream it with A2DP ( the receiver/headset is A2DP also) all for like $35 shipped. i monted it in my motorcycle helmet so i have wireless tunes plus the call come through both speackers so its actually intelligable while riding
IMHO its worth putting up with the shuffle-esque look for the price and features
This looks good
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875156001
Tritton AX Bluestream
drokkon said:
1. I've seen adapters from MiniUSB to 3.5mm. (I think one actually came with the HTC version, but not with the AT&T Tilt - although the Tilt manual insists that it's there!)
2. I've seen adapters from MiniUSB to 3.5mm with a built in mic for handsfree operation too.
3. I've seen 3.5mm bluetooth adapters so you can eliminate cables completely.
I'll be mounting my phone above my dash and my aux-in port is in my center console. As such, I'd like a wireless solution (like #3), but I'd also like hands-free operation (like #2). I know such a thing exists (I found one on eBay), but surely there's a more elegant solution out there? Not one shamelessly parading around as a iPod shuffle?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it is a bit more expensive, but there are headunits with integrated Bluetooth stereo and handsfree capability.
Parrot makes one (relatively expensive). I think Blaupunkt does too.
Sony has two models with built in stereo and handsfree Bluetooth integration, the MEX-BT2500 and MEX-BT5000. The 2500 is probably the least expensive solution that still has a CD player, I have it in my car and love it, although I admittedly have not even attempted to use the handsfree functionality (due to the fact that it is installed in an incredibly noisy convertible). I use the headunit for BT stereo and a Plantronics 655 for handsfree conversations.
Entropy512 said:
Well, it is a bit more expensive, but there are headunits with integrated Bluetooth stereo and handsfree capability.
Parrot makes one (relatively expensive). I think Blaupunkt does too.
Sony has two models with built in stereo and handsfree Bluetooth integration, the MEX-BT2500 and MEX-BT5000. The 2500 is probably the least expensive solution that still has a CD player, I have it in my car and love it, although I admittedly have not even attempted to use the handsfree functionality (due to the fact that it is installed in an incredibly noisy convertible). I use the headunit for BT stereo and a Plantronics 655 for handsfree conversations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow - hadn't even considered that, but thanks! Sadly, I have a Mazda3, which I really don't think would play nice with a different head unit. The stereo is just really integrated.
I guess I might have to go with the shuffle look-alike. Does anyone else own this? Can you confirm that it's decent?
hrishi2das said:
This looks good
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875156001
Tritton AX Bluestream
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheap it ain't, but that actually looks pretty good! Does anyone own it?
According to http://www.trittonsales.com/products/TRIBH102.html, it seems that the microphone is in the actual unit (necessary, since I won't be using the included headphones but rather hooking it to my aux), and I think it has the remote controls on it.
(On another note, as someone who has zero bluetooth/headset experience, I wonder what will happen when I'm listening to my music in the car and get a phone call - will the feedback just suck if the person is coming over the speakers and the mic is picking it up?)
iTech cheaper than Tritton
iTech makes several models, like Clip Radio or Clip R35, that are similar to Tritton. They run a little cheaper but are hard to find (try eBay). Might be sold as the HTC S100. Also, check out the Motorola S705 SoundPilot, which includes an LCD screen.
If you're thinking about an installed solution, check out my detailed review of the MK6000 in the Wizard forum. Also, Motorola T605 is similar to MK6000. Not as many features but much cheaper.
Just a word of warning if you use Voice Command with A2DP: once A2DP is connected, Voice Command audio prompts no longer work via Bluetooth (commands still work, just no feedback). Apparently, I am not the only one with the problem.
BennTech said:
iTech makes several models, like Clip Radio or Clip R35, that are similar to Tritton. They run a little cheaper but are hard to find (try eBay). Might be sold as the HTC S100. Also, check out the Motorola S705 SoundPilot, which includes an LCD screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to thank everyone very much for all their help! I guess it's down to deciding between three models. So if anyone has any experience with any of these, I'd love your feedback!
Motorola S705 SoundPilot
Tritton AX Bluestream (TRI-BH102)
i.Tech Clip R35
Thanks!
I have been using 2 scenarios in my car for years now:
1. Direct connection via audio plug, mic in the middle, then AUX to car stereo.
2. Bluetooth connection using the itech R35 with a short cable connected to the AUX car stereo.
Though I'm using Prophet, not a Kaiser, but you can draw the same lesson learned.
Direct connection is always clear, and you do not consume more battery on your phone. And when its connected, you are always ready to pick up incoming all. But this configuration requires 2 steps to pick up the call: one press from your car stereo to switch the input to AUX, then one press on your green button to pick up the call, unless you also play the music from your PPC.
BT connection, you always need extra step to enable the BT on the phone, and then switch on the BT adapter. If you forget to do this, you cannot pick up the incoming call. Also, the BT adapter (my experience with R35 with WM6) most of the time the connection was not established automatically, you can reestablish the connection by pressing the blue button once and then look at the phone to make sure the connection now is okay before start driving).
And you also carry one more new routine: to take the BT adapter for charging.
My experience after using it for a while, not very confinient. I'm looking into better solution, which is replacing the stereo unit with integrated BT one.
lie_ui said:
Though I'm using Prophet, not a Kaiser, but you can draw the same lesson learned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much! Unfortunately, my phone is mounted on the dash, but my AUX is inside my center console. Therefore I can't use the wired solution.
However, both locations have 12V ports, so I CAN keep the both phone and BT adapter powered. Sounds like that's the way to go.
What has your experience been on the i.Tech Clip R35 as far as quality is concerned?
Thanks!
I just ordered the Sonorix C3 to test out myself. Was between that and the Moto S705. The range on the Moto seems too good to be true. Lots of bad reviews. Haven't heard much of the Sonorix but the few reviews I have found are positive.
itech R35
i.Tech Clip R35, whenever you plug in the power plug (very tiny pin, I wish it is a mini USB like the PPC so I can reduce charger to bring along for travel), and it starts charging, it will turn off the BT during the charging period.
If you can find the one with mini USB charging port, that will be better.
It might not sound annoying for you if you have not used it, but after using it for a while, you will find that extra job everytime you enter and exit the car, ie: switching it on and then off, checking the BT connection before start driving, will eventually become problematic as well, or you can call it laziness. =)
In term of quality, the sound will be very loud and clear, as you use your car speaker. Very nice while driving. But the mic quality is not very good, people will say their barely hear you. I use a short cable and hang the chip R35 just below the rear mirror to get it closer to me.
And remember, to press the R35 to accept call, not your phone anymore. =)
My wish is something like this one (see the picture attached).
I ordered one, the BT connection is perfect. It turns on whenever you switch on your car, and it draws power from the car, so it never needs to be charged. It initiates the BT connection automatically to your phone.
The only draw back is it uses FM to feed to audio to your car stereo. I wish it has an output that I could connect to the car AUX.
In my city, all of the FM frequencies are used, so its very hard to get a clear transmission using any channel. Otherwise, this is the best choice.
I just checked their website (www.satechi.com), its kind of weird, now they do not have this product any longer. They used to have both flavors, with and without A2DP. Most people concern about the FM transmission quality and the mic performance. Otherwise, its an excellent idea. No wire at all.
lie_ui said:
In term of quality, the sound will be very loud and clear, as you use your car speaker. Very nice while driving. But the mic quality is not very good, people will say their barely hear you. I use a short cable and hang the chip R35 just below the rear mirror to get it closer to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for your input! I actually ordered one the other day, so I'll report back soon with my own thoughts.
I'm sorry to hear about the miniUSB port - I was hoping to cut down on chargers too. Worse, it seems, is that it isn't useable while charging - I suppose it's not a deal-breaker, but I would have liked to just be able to charge it while I used it.
Glad to hear the audio is good, and I hope the mic works somewhat well, as it will be beside me in the center console.
I want to hear your thoughts on the R35 as well drokkon. I am curious to see what you think about mic quality so I can decide if I really want to get it or not!
kpaznb0i said:
I want to hear your thoughts on the R35 as well drokkon. I am curious to see what you think about mic quality so I can decide if I really want to get it or not!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received my R35 yesterday (I ordered it from a Hong Kong-based ebayer, so keep in mind that it takes quite a while to get here).
Started using it right away after charging it for 3 hours. Initial thoughts:
Charger isn't MiniUSB, so I'll have to find some kind of car charger solution. Although, it's been pointed out that it doesn't play music while charging anyway, but I'd still like to leave it in my car at all times.
Music quality is superb! Also one little snag: unlike my bluetooth stereo headset, this thing doesn't automatically pair back up every time you power it on. You have to power it on, and then "click" the power button one more time to actually connect it to your phone again.
Called voicemail and it was cool to hear my phone over the car speakers. Unfortunately, I have yet to actually take a real call, so I'll have to get back to you on the mic quality. My Mazda3 will also make a great test bed, as it has "pronounced road noise" (but that was the only "con" listed in tons of otherwise great reviews, so I got it anyway!).
That is a bummer to hear that it doesn't automatically pair back up every time. But I guess it won't be that bad once it becomes habbit.
Let us all know when you find out about mic quality and final thoughts.
kpaznb0i said:
That is a bummer to hear that it doesn't automatically pair back up every time. But I guess it won't be that bad once it becomes habbit.
Let us all know when you find out about mic quality and final thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay - so here are my final thoughts:
You're right - it does become habit: hold for two seconds to power on, click once to re-pair. Pretty simple.
The sound quality shocks me - I'm no audiophile, but as far as I'm concerned, this isn't "near" CD quality, it IS.
The connection drops once in a while between phone and R35. After a call, sometimes the music is paused, sometimes it picks up where it left off, and sometimes it re-starts the song. This must be due to something I'm doing wrong or just the clumsy nature of what I perceive to be a fairly young technology. It's most likely the Tilt rather than the R35.
On to mic quality! I've only made two calls. Both times, people could hear me fine, despite that the device was in my center console, somewhat blocked by my shoulder. I was definitely speaking up, as my car is pretty loud on the highway. However, both times the callers asked to be taken off of hands-free because of pronounced echo (no small feat while driving, considering that turning off hands-free, as far as I know, involves clicking "menu").
Potential mic solutions: My device is pretty stationary, being attached to my console with a 4- or 5-inch audio plug. I'm thinking about getting a longer cord, so I can maybe turn my stereo down and hold the mic closer to my mouth... so much for hands-free, but maybe it would help the echo. More likely, I think I'll just let the R35 handle the "wireless stereo" and my headset handle "headset," since WM6 allows me to choose between those two bluetooth modes. That way the phone will ring while listening to my stereo, I take the call with my headset, and then resume listening to my stereo... I presume.
Finally - battery life. It boasts standby time of 16 hours and 6 of talk (I believe). I know you're not supposed to leave batteries in the cold, but my R35 was in the car overnight during the cold snap in Colorado last week - it probably was in the upper teens Fahrenheit. The day before, I fully charged it and listened to it for no more than an hour (and that's a generous estimate). The next day, I got 20-30 minutes before it went dead. I didn't realize that cold zapped batteries that dramatically. Since I always want to leave this thing in the car, that's another case for a car charger.
Speaking of car chargers, I guess I will post again, asking if anyone knows how I can get a "custom" one. There's this ridiculously tiny plug, plus the voltage/wattage listed on the wall transformer - surely I can find a custom solution...?
That's it - hope it helps! Can anyone review any of the other devices similar to the R35?
I don't own a Kaiser "yet". But I tried the Sony HBD-DS220 (or DS200) recently on my car w/ Axim X51v and Asus P525, and it works perfectly. Sound is perfect and you can't really notice it's over BT. And one nice thing about this headset is you CAN charge it while listening to music. But like all A2DP device, you will notice 1-2 sec out of sync if you use this for movie or MTV.
Hi
Just after some input on connecting to a car stereo. My thoughts
1) I have read the guide on creating your own mini usb to 3.5mm jack plug cable and have also seen similar things for sale
2) I have seen on a car forum for the car i own a guide for making a cable connecting 3.5mm jack plug to the AUX on the car stereo (used for the cd changer).
3) I can charger my kaiser through a usb cable in the car.
4) There is obviously a power source on the stereo.
Given the above, would it be possible in theory to have a direct connection between the phone usb and the stereo that would allow the phone to play through the stereo and also charge it at the same time?
I dont want to go through the process of doing it if there is some fundamental reason why it cant be done.
this might be wht your looking for hxxp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3in1-usb-Adapter-for-HTC-KAISER-P4550-TYTN-II-VARIO-III_W0QQitemZ190232228190QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item190232228190&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Of course you could. But keep in mind that your microphone won't work for most usb+3.5mm adapter. It's very troublesome to pick up the phone. I would recommend you to opt for BT route. e.g. Stereo bt headset w/ 3.5 mm adapter like Sony Ds-220 or BT head unit like JVC BT-1
Something you might have to research is alternator whine.
I made a lead myself as you described. But as long as the device was charging There would be a buzzing coming from the speakers. This went away when running on battery power and when the device was fully charged.
I also tried a bluetooth device, and again if I tried to use it while it was charging I would get the dreaded buzzing.
I still have not found a solution. FM transmitters have never worked either for me. There is not enough space between channels here.
5manarmy said:
Something you might have to research is alternator whine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can solve this by installing ground looping isolator if the power source from yr car is not clean
Hi.
I had the same problem, see my solution with the help of others:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2353474
Good luck.
Well I think based on what I have read and the replies on here I am going to give it a go.
I will update on here once completed
I have a bluetooth stereo in my cab and my phone connects to the stereo using the bluetooth, I am also able to use Btmusic and play anything on my phone thru my car stereo its great for the odd file just wish it would do video as well thru bluetooth.
Os
jackleung said:
Of course you could. But keep in mind that your microphone won't work for most usb+3.5mm adapter. It's very troublesome to pick up the phone. I would recommend you to opt for BT route. e.g. Stereo bt headset w/ 3.5 mm adapter like Sony Ds-220 or BT head unit like JVC BT-1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original mic supplied works okay for me with the headphones chopped, but its very echoey even mounted as far from my speakers as possible so would agree with the above.
Ive the same setup in my car. The phone stuff was easy, it was getting the right VAG adapter to fit my cars HU that gave me the most trouble.
I also hardwired in my charging cable to keep it tidier and my cig lighter free, might be worth thinking about.
I have made a start on this. I have wired in the cable from the Car stereo and at the moment this ends with a 3.5mm Jack Plug. I have also bought the YC A200 cable from HTC which allows connection of the 3.5mm jack plug, a wired headset and also mini usb charging. In fact two of the HTC cables were delivered to me (one ordered but 2 delivered and invoiced) so I might use one as a development cable.
So far - music plays through stereo ok, not over impressed with the quality so far but am going to fiddle with the settings. SatNav also plays through the stereo - much easier to hear. I have had an issue this morning when having music playing and satnav running that the GPS signal was being lost. Not sure if this is a problem with running the two things at once or an interference issue from somewhere. I have never had problems with the GPS before. Am going to do a soft reset and try again on the way home tonight.
I was looking at hardwiring the charging cable to tidy things up and free up the lighter socket. I was going to use the 12v feed from the stereo. Is there anything I need to do or be aware of on this?
How does the mic etc work? I know you can use the headset but I would prefer to use the car speakers if possible. We also have a number of old nokia car kits at work which I was thinking of using for the mic. Would the speaker side work if I connected the relevant cables from the headset port on the HTC adaptor to the 3.5mm jack plug connections?
Im just using the mic from the supplied headset, chopped off the cable past the mic/volume slider and mounted it in the car. Call audio comes through the car speakers.
To hardwire the charger in you need step the voltage down from 12v to the needed 5v. I took a live and earth from the back of the stereo, took apart a usb cig charger and soldered the cables into it, put it back together and hid it behind the dash. Then just took a mini usb cable from that up to the 3in1 plugged into the phone.
SRSWOWHD cleaned my sound up considerably using Pocketplayer.
Well, my experiences so far,
Got the HTC YC A200 cable
1) Playing music through car stereo works great
2) GPS works fine most of the time, still not sure what the problem is, mainly voice directions not working properly all the time
3) Charging via the cigarette lighter socket, still got to hard wire the charging
Latest development
Got a Nokia car kit mic, just had to trim the locking lugs off the 2.5mm (or is it 2mm) jack plug. The mic works fine and the caller can hear me ok. The sound comes through the stereo but is not as loud as the music but i can change this slightly by fiddling with the plug, gets louder or quieter but still not the same volume as the music.
Any ideas? Would it be that the HTC adaptor is expecting the htc wired headset?
removing alternator whine / hum
Finally solved the alternator whine / hum over at my place too. Key is to take the power for the charger directly from the power feeding the car stereo. That way both the stereo and charger reference the same ground which eliminated the ground loop and thus the alternator noise.
http://www.jenrathbun.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26&p=76#p76
Anyone else find this attached headset dongle annoying as hell?
Couldnt they have made this a sleek, rectangular snap on type thing, or better yet, install the headset jack on the device... argh.
Any aftermarket solutions?
You can get a sleeker adapter from xpansys for about 10 bucks (it's easy to find, just do a search on there). I have it, and it's pretty nice for using a headset. The dongle's good if you want to charge or sync your phone and listen to music at the same time, but I agree, it's clunky.
Alternative
http://www.fuzedepot.com/htc-stereo-headset/11A29A1450A.htm
Received mine in 2 days via UPS.....WORKS GREAT for FM stations and Phone Functions!
Well it's large because of the number of connections on it. Two extUSB, one 3.5mm and one 2.5mm ... that's a lot of stuff.
I use the dongle in my car, I have it permanently there with my windshield mount. I have it hooked from there into my car speakers.
(and a microphone it is annoying that it doesn't go through the device when hooked up without one, but with this my calls go through the car stereo with a cassette tape adapter)
I also have a charger cable permanently connected to the dongle. So when I get in my car I just plug in the dongle and place it in the mount and I have all functions, headset, car stereo and charge.
I agree it is large, but for all the connections it offers, it is great.
When I am bringing my fuze to listen to music from it, I just connect a much smaller angle adapter I bought off amazon.