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I still use my old XDA 1 (Himilaya) for sat nav (running TomTom5 - haven't upgraded to 6 yet) with a wired GPS mouse, so both the GPS receiver and XDA are always charging when the ignition is on/engine running. I leave all that kit in the car all the time. I've also got an MDA Pro (Universal) and am thinking of using that for TomTom instead because:
a) Take advantage of the data tariff on it and subscribe to Traffic Plus (or whatever TomTom call it)
b) I also intend to get a Parrot CK bluetooth add on for the car (allow the car speakers to be part of a speakerphone) so I can make/receive calls and also listen to WMAs whilst driving (I hate all headphones)
So, questions.
1) TomTom5 works really well on the original XDA 1 (no crashes, smooth scrolling, very responsive, etc). Will it work just as well on my Universal?
2) If using the traffic service (over GPRS/UMTS), will voice calls still come through OK? T Mobile UK
3) Would pretty much any BT GPS unit off ebay be OK?
4) How long do the batteries last before needing a charge on these BT units?
5) Are there any wired solutions, so I don't need batteries and the Universal could also be on charge? I'd much prefer that.
6) Is the traffic service good? I mean, does it warn/reroute you sufficiently in advance? Does it know, for instance, that some roads are always slow and avoid them?
7) Anything in TomTom6 worth the ugprade over 5?
Or should I forget the traffic (and still rely on the radio) and just stick to the satus quo, or maybe still get the BT thing for MP3/WMAs? Anyone got any experience of a similar setup to report? TomTom5 on the XDA is one of very few tech products with which I'm completely and utterly happy.
Can no one help on any of the questions?
Hi Xiasma,
I sell a Car Kit for £40, which sounds like it should do what you want.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/T-Mobile-MDA-PRO-Handsfree-Custom-Car-Kit-with-speaker-pr-36.html
It'll charge your phone and GPS at the same time, amplify the voice, etc. and comes with 3 different mounts to attach to your car. I haven't sold many and one person is complaining about people not hearing him when he makes recieves a call, although we've proved that the microphone is working correctly. See this thread for an in depth discussion on pro's, con's, etc.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/phpBB-2.0.18/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=275
I have no experiance of other solutions, but I think that as you have problems with loudspeaker, you'll have the same trouble as the guy in the thread. The thread goes on a bit, but I think you'll find it usefull.
Any bluetooth GPS reciever should work well with your phone, but I'd advise going for one with a Sirf III chipset, people seem to find them much better than sirf II. I have some new ones due in next week around the £50 mark, which sound a better deal than any others I sell at the minute.
HTH
Dave
That's great, Dave, thanks. It's got a built in microphone, but does it have line out so I could have the sound going through my car speakers (ie for MP3 and the like)? That would be perfect. Well, almost, I'd prefer to mount the MDA Pro open with the keyboard underneath - I guess this won't allow that, will it?
How many hours use does a good BT GPS unit last between charges?
Hi Xiasma,
unfortunately it doesn't have a line out, but I've seen Y-adapters around for a few pence which could well serve the purpose you require.
As you wish to plug it into your stereo anyway, you don't neccessarily need an amplified mount. Herbert Richter make several suitable mounts and a body which will hold your device with the keyboard open. (Laptop Style) It has cutouts for most buttons, sockets, etc. So you could easily plug your phone in to charge and connect it to your stereo.
Heres a good GPS reciever, the manufacturer claims the battery will last 11 hours. I honestly haven't tested one myself, so I don't know how accurate this info is.
http://www.mdapro.co.uk/shop/xcart/GlobalSat-359S-Sirf-III-Bluetooth-GPS-Receiver-pr-42.html
HTH
Dave
Is there a decent one out there that will accomodate the screen being opened, will hold it landscape as well as portrait etc...
Info please...
Hermes car kit for the Kaiser?
Can anybody tell me if the current Hermes car kits will fit the Kaiser?
I contacted Proclip and the said they have them in production and will have them no later then November but hopefully sooner. They are in my opinion the best out there.......no I don't work for them!
www.proclipusa.com
Brodit said a similar thing to me in an email. A couple of weeks.
Of course they did -- Proclip is the US distributor for Brodit.
For what will probably be a less expensive solution check out http://www.4ustuff.com/product.php?mode=9&search=htc+tytn+ii -- they're a manufacturer & sell only in the wholesale market.
3waygeek said:
Of course they did -- Proclip is the US distributor for Brodit.
For what will probably be a less expensive solution check out http://www.4ustuff.com/product.php?mode=9&search=htc+tytn+ii -- they're a manufacturer & sell only in the wholesale market.
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Click to collapse
Since they sell only to wholesalers...how do you propose we buy from them?
I don't -- just providing a preview of coming attractions.
This universal kit works well ... especially when you want the keyboard out
http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-PDA-Phone-H...yZ130797QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
~~~
Something that I dont like this kind of universal holder that uses a "spring", where there is a button to release the grip ... the spring will not tight anymore after let say several months.
And I am really afraid if it is not tight, the car bumps into something on the road and then the beloved PDA jumps out of the holder ! It happened several times.
I am not sure with Brodit / Proclip brand, can you share your experience?
I use one from Arkon and the spring is loose now. So, I removed the spring and glued permanently, cut the grip to make it fit for the Kaiser. It is ugly (really) but it can now hold the Kaiser very tightly.
Never had a car kit before, always had a pocket in my car perfect for a phone. Changed car now though and need some sort of holder. Also want to do away with my Bluetooth headset.
Does a kit exist where you put the phone in the cradle, and it both charges and connects to a car head unit/microphone. Obviously not for the Kaiser yet, but if its available for other phones, it will for this in time.
Know some executive cars have this built in and some companies cater for the aftermarket, but they seem to want hundreds. Am capable of installing said kit, just need a place to buy!
How about a Bluetooth car kit? they are available for most cars and head units (be it third party or factory fit units). and you aren't tied to a perticular phone or even make of phone.
gogol said:
Something that I dont like this kind of universal holder that uses a "spring", where there is a button to release the grip ... the spring will not tight anymore after let say several months.
And I am really afraid if it is not tight, the car bumps into something on the road and then the beloved PDA jumps out of the holder ! It happened several times.
I am not sure with Brodit / Proclip brand, can you share your experience?
I use one from Arkon and the spring is loose now. So, I removed the spring and glued permanently, cut the grip to make it fit for the Kaiser. It is ugly (really) but it can now hold the Kaiser very tightly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The man speaks the truth - i nearly crashed as i swerved trying to catch my bloody Uni!
lol
dangerous things.. need an alternative!
I like this one
http://www.kidigi.com/Car CHT 9000.asp
as it is much smaller than the mounts which also contain a speaker built into the mount itself. I find these to be fugly and way too bulky.
Also, this is easier to take apart on the end holding the speaker and wire around it so I can run it into my AUX jack in the car. I also have a mic tucked away above the rear view mirror, have wired a spare power socket in the glove box, and tuck the wires under a kuda mount on the dash. It's a very clean look and almost appears original equipment.
All I do is cradle my phone when I get in the car and I have MP3 tunes through the stereo. When a call comes in, I just hit the answer button on the phone and the mic kicks in, while the call comes through the speakers. IMO, better than BT because I can also play my MP3s wihtout having to resort to a downgraded music signal via an FM receiver.
I've been using a very similar setup with my 8125 and also pair to a Bluetooth GPS reciever, which will now be built into my soon to arrive Kaiser Works vey nice.
Downsides? Unless I put some kind of rotation dvice between the kuda mount and the kidigi, landscape mode is a no-go. Could possibly use the seidio model for this at the expense of some additional bulk, but it looks like they have stocked out (www.seidioonline.com). It's also pretty solidly mounted, so if you like the idea of a gooseneck that can be adjusted on the fly, the kuda would not work well.
funkstar said:
How about a Bluetooth car kit? they are available for most cars and head units (be it third party or factory fit units). and you aren't tied to a perticular phone or even make of phone.
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Was tempted by that, but if i need to run cables in the car to charge the phone, thought i might as well put one to the speakers/mic too. Im lazy too, dont want to get my phone out and turn bluetooth on and off every time i get in and out the car
Jgermuga - So connecting the original cable from that mount that leads to the speaker, to the Aux in on your HU, when the phone rings will it automatically switch to Aux and send the call audio to the speakers or do you have to switch it to aux on the HU and then answer the phone?
Schooleydoo said:
Jgermuga - So connecting the original cable from that mount that leads to the speaker, to the Aux in on your HU, when the phone rings will it automatically switch to Aux and send the call audio to the speakers or do you have to switch it to aux on the HU and then answer the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need to switch over to AUX on the HU, but still easier than enabling BT on the phone, especially when driving. Plus, unless BT is turned on when the call comes in, I am not sure there is a way to force the connection to go to hadsfree via the car. My change over might involve manual intervention, but it is easy to just ask the caller to hang on a second, cradle the phone and switch over to AUX.
I find it a lot less distracting than trying to get at the BT screen, enable BT, switch to phone pad, hit softkey for menu, enable handfree, and hope I don't hit any buttons inadvertantly, or wind up dropping the call. I have also had the call go into limbo where I had to end it and redial... Trust me, BT is great for headsets, syncs, A2DP, etc, but I am still not thrilled with how it works in the car.
And having it hardwired is pretty impressive when I hit the Voice Command hot button on my phone, say "Play, Dave Matthews" and off it goes!
I had wizard with which i was using holder from Herbert Richter system.
not being disappointed with the quality I'm buying another one for Kaiser.
gps4less have them on ebay for a nice price.
jgermuga said:
I need to switch over to AUX on the HU, but still easier than enabling BT on the phone, especially when driving. Plus, unless BT is turned on when the call comes in, I am not sure there is a way to force the connection to go to hadsfree via the car. My change over might involve manual intervention, but it is easy to just ask the caller to hang on a second, cradle the phone and switch over to AUX.
I find it a lot less distracting than trying to get at the BT screen, enable BT, switch to phone pad, hit softkey for menu, enable handfree, and hope I don't hit any buttons inadvertantly, or wind up dropping the call. I have also had the call go into limbo where I had to end it and redial... Trust me, BT is great for headsets, syncs, A2DP, etc, but I am still not thrilled with how it works in the car.
And having it hardwired is pretty impressive when I hit the Voice Command hot button on my phone, say "Play, Dave Matthews" and off it goes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sold!
So, i buy this, cut the speaker/charger off, i then need to extend the cables, one to a 12v, one to a mic and one to my aux in? Never tried anything like this before but willing to give it a shot. Any generic eBay mic do the job?
Car Holder
I have had good luck with Herbert Richter with my Vario and I have just bought the cradle for the Vario III and I imagine it will be just as good, they are great quality and do the job straight out of the box.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T-Mobile-MDA-...ryZ75447QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
If anyone is interested. They do vent, bike, suction based holders so look at other items.
Russ
does anyone make a car adapter that is compatible with a weighted friction mount?
Garmin devices have this thing called a friction mount that is weighted. basically the underside is a soft rubber material that keeps the base from moving, and it is filled with about a pound (1/2 kilo for those across the pond) of sand. the base is very sturdy. i have taken many trips with this base with no movement at all.
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portab...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1191742690&sr=1-1
My guess is that Garmin are the only one that would likely make any further attachments as they hold the copyright etc, seeing as the HTC devices are competition for them in so much as the TomTom/Copilot route then I dare say it would only be 3rd party taiwanese/chinese companies that are likely to risk breaching the copyright to make such holders to fit on.
Russ
Just got the tilt and I've setup Garmin GPS on it. I'm looking for a setup for my car that allows me to have a nice holder for the tilt using a vent mount if possible so that I can easily see the screen for the gps. Also, what is a good handsfree bluetooth setup that will allow me to play my music on the tilt thought the speakers.
you need to read the other threads right under your`s. All you are asking has already been covered here.
I've just bought this off ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=140294161361
I had a similar car kit for my prophet for gps navigation. it's not a hands free kit though. it had an inbuilt speaker so you can hear directions clearer and you can charge at the same time.
this seller is selling one with out the fm transmitter for approx the same price, so went with this for the fm transmitter. Hope it works ok... not a real fan of the swan neck design, prefer the angled neck as in the picture. This guy is selling it a bit cheaper than other sellers with the same/similar product. Other sites like brando were selling it for a lot more. There is the original HTC or other cheaper products, but no speaker.
Will review it once i get it, really hope it works ok like for my prophet...
wanwarlock said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=140294161361
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Wanted to take a look cause I'm looking for a nice solution but the link already returns :
"This item has ended with Buy it Now."
that's because i bought that. hehe
you can go and look at the sellers other listings. he has 2 kinds of these as i said above, 1 with speaker/no fm transmitter or 1 with speaker/fm transmitter.
Don't quiet understand the listing:Ca
Item # 130282049119 HTC Touch Pro FM TRANSMITTER CAR MOUNT KIT CHARGER $ 19.99
Flexible goose neck included
Item # 120354898072 Car kit for HTC Touch pro FM transmitter + charger $ 27.99
Flexible Gooseneck included
But both show a swivel mount (which I do like much better) and both items look the same
In case the item # disappears, sellers are zhoujing0209 and turbo-express
Can one clarify?
i think they maybe just copy & paste the descriptions. my seller is different than the 2 you listed. turbo-express was the most expensive 1 that i found including shipping.
yeah i like swivel as well. i think they all get them from the same supplier, hence the same 'stock' pics.
will tell when i get mine. looks like these 1s you can use as a handsfree...
Hah - I bought these last night.
I've already got a car charger.
A car mount - holder only.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=130282829189
Handsfree Mic
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=180321523945
3.5mm Audio to Pioneer Aux (CD Stacker control input)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=320314793352
I figure the mic, the charger and the Pioneer input should all plug into the next device giving me a handsfree kt that comes through my stereo. I'll also be able to play music through it.
3in1 Stereo device. Two mini usb ports and 1 3.5mm audio jack socket.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=180322159245
If it works I'll then invest some money in a mini usb extension cable just to tidy things up.
Well...
mattyman said:
Hah - I bought these last night.
If it works I'll then invest some money in a mini usb extension cable just to tidy things up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...did this all work? I really like the idea of using an external mic and then pumping the sound through the stereo.
Still waiting on delivery of the items...
mattyman said:
Still waiting on delivery of the items...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how the FM transmitter work? Usually the sound quality is nasty.
I found this on DX a similar mount for $17.99, just to give you guys an idea how much other people are selling it for.
pandaboyy said:
Let us know how the FM transmitter work? Usually the sound quality is nasty.
I found this on DX a similar mount for $17.99, just to give you guys an idea how much other people are selling it for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still haven't received mine yet, but my wife did say i got a parcel this morning. will update if it is & a brief review.
DX is always good for cheap electric/tronic stuff. they don't have a touch pro version AFAIK, also reading the forums, seems like DX gave another version to a buyer without the speaker. the pictured version looks exactly like the 1 i have for my prophet but mine is the swivel neck version.
anyone know if this will work with s cdma version
HTC Touch Pro car kit has in http://www.expansys.pt/p.aspx?i=170929 ???
if the holder fits, you can use it...
I bought one for my TP... It works ok!!!
I've had mine for a few days now. I have the cradle WITHOUT the FM transmitter, It's a charger/holder only. Fit and finish are a little above what you'd expect for a $15 piece of plastic. To be honest I expected to find casting tabs and rough/sharp edges, and I didn't. Granted that it's cheap plastic, but it works well with me FUZE.
**WARNING** The power supply that comes with it is regulated to 5v. It is NOT passing the full 12v from the car to the cradle. I know that other car kit brands (Seidio especially) put the power regulation inside of the cradle itself and send out a 12v cigarette adapter with their kit. Personally, I had my Seidio kit for my Wizard hardwired into my car. I'm glad I checked voltage prior to connection. I'd imagine the full 12v would fry the USB port/charging circuit in the phone.
Pix to follow next time I go to the car...
i did get the cradle yesterday.
a bit different from the pictured item, it came with a goose neck - but ok. the suction cup initially wasn't holding well, after a few tries & a bit of saliva (ewwww! haha) it worked ok & managed to hold my touch pro. good build to be honest
the fm transmitter worked well. i opened s2p & the sound is good. as good as a clear radio channel. volume is a bit on the low side - even at touch pro max volume. need to turn the radio vol. up quite a bit (remember to turn it down once finished!) the channels go up by 0.1 MHz (if that's correct) so pain if you need to use higher frequencies. I just used 88.5 i think, no radio stations here using that frequency.
Good fit of my touch pro, not as tight as the 1 for my prophet (which was tight enough to cause a bit of chipped paint). i guess it's not for CDMA versions due to the back cover?
the cable that came with it is a bit short if you want to mount it on the windscreen. it is the coil type, but stretches if put on windshield. a worry is that the stretch would make the whole thing fall!
there is no speaker or mic input!! the description says it has a speaker & mic & can be used as a handsfree kit. NO it can't...
1 other annoying thing is that if you use the fm transmitter, u can't charge the pda & vise versa. there is a switch on the side to choose from charging/transmitter. damn annoying if you asked me, wanted this to work with charging & transmitting... u can only do 1 thing at a time. also the short or tight adaptor that came with it...
not too sure on voltage, i guess it is 5V?
all in all, good product/build but annoying that it does not have a speaker/mic input & u can't use the transmitter while charging!
will post pics when i get home. i don't know whether it's worth complaining or not to the seller about the product description not accurate, but for $56 NZD i might just do that...
pbmestre said:
HTC Touch Pro car kit has in http://www.expansys.pt/p.aspx?i=170929 ???
if the holder fits, you can use it...
I bought one for my TP... It works ok!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes & no. that is just a holder & adaptor. what i'm talking about is like that with a speaker/fm transmitter so that if e.g. u use GPS, the voice is louder.
*Looks at watch and sighs wistfully while still waiting for parts*
Why don't you open it up to see if you can connect the wires yourself? Shouldn't be too hard to tweak the kit to charge and receive at the same time...
might do that actually. was thinking of it earlier on. i'm sure u can 'cross' the switch so that it can both work together...
I just receive my car kit.
This is what i received ( sorry for the quality of the pictures)
If you link the marked wires together the phone will always be on charge
My biggest problem is that the phone wont fit with the Seidio's Innocase Surface Case on it.
I am planning to atach a microphone also.
how did you get the swivel neck?? i hate my goose neck....
it's the same unit as mine, i guess you bought from the same seller? turbo-express? i emailed the guy saying that it doesn't have a speaker & it came with a goose neck, he replied in broken english like - oops sorry, not like in the picture & no speaker.... hmmmm
used this over the weekend to navigate, i hate the fact that i can't listen to my cd's while i use it. the car kit for my prophet just had a nice, loud speaker which was excellent.
another problem is that for some reason, the transmitter would switch off all of a sudden intermittently.
show us your completed 'hack' ok? will do like you said so it will always be on charge
shame about your case... maybe now use invisible shield or the likes????
Hi, I have a THB Bury kit with a hard wired (not Blue tooth) Kaiser mount, the audio from the speaker is fine but the Mic quality in a call is awfull with buzzing and noise! to the point it is unusable most of the time.
ive checked the install and everything seems fine, moved the mic to the bottom of the rear veiw mirror and tried various other locations without improvment, ive had a look arround the web for this fault and although it is mentioned as a possible design flaw i cant find much info on a fix.
has anyone had experience of this or any suggestions??
The car is 2001 Volvo V40 20T and the kit is Bury TakeTalk with controller mounted under glove box, speaker is mounted on left kick panel and mic is now mounted on bottom of rear view mirror!
Cheers
Mark
THB = Total Heap'o Bobbins
Hi Mark,
I have exactly the same problem.
Someone suggested to me (can't remember if it was on here on on another car forum I'm on) that there ia an issue with the mic connection pin from cradle to docking connection.
The suggestion was to disconnect/reconnect, but I have tried and given up on this.
Pretty poor show for something that cost a total of £150 with both the System8 kit and then the cradle. My TyTn/Hermes cradle never had this trouble - and don't get me started on the fact I had to buy a new one due to the slightly offset usb connection........