Guys, I have a problem when using Android in the car...
When using CoPilot or Google Navigation, I need the phone plugged into the charger because of the heavy load on the battery; having the phone die on me halfway through a journey isn't particularly conducive to arriving on time, y'know?
With the phone connected to the charger, I have no voice on Google Navigation; indeed, not only no voice but the phone wants to download and install text-to-speech each and every time, and despite downloading and (supposedly) installing this, voice remains absent. If the phone is running on battery only, I have voice.
With CoPilot, the problem is that I cannot run it at all with the phone connected to the charger. I get this message "CoPilot cannot work while your device is in USB mass storage mode. Please disconnect your device from your computer and try again." Now, this is despite the fact that the phone is a) connected to a car charger, not a computer and b) in "charge only" mode. When I disconnect the phone from the charger, it tells me (at the top of the screen) that it is "preparing the SD card". If the phone is running on battery only, I have no problems with CoPilot at all.
I have Auto Mount installed; should I remove it, or do you not think this is the problem?
I use my device in the car all the time I'm using google gps and don't have this problem at all. I'm not familiar with the auto mount software you use but that could be the problem.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Yup; uninstalled AutoMount and all works now.
Case closed
Mark.
I got extremely lucky today when I walked into a local CanadaComputers and they happen to have two 32GB TF101 in stock after the rest of their shipment sold out the day before.
I want to build a nice mount and put it somewhere on the dash. Has anyone thought about such a project?
Hiding the cables won't be an issue. I'm going to mount a 300W A/C inverter inside the centre console and cut a piece out the back (facing the back seats) and put a small plastic or metal grate for air flow (the fan exhaust on the inverter unit will face the grate).
Will run two USB cables through the transmission box and through the dash to where the mount will be installed. One for my Captivate and the other for the tablet. The Aux port is also in the centre console for music and video purposes.
To my understanding the tablet requires a 5V/1.2A source to charge with the tablet sleeping. To use the tablet while charging, 15V/2A is required? I'm not 100% sure. There is a 12V DC port in the centre console that is only active while the vehicle is running. The tablet can charge while the vehicle is running and run on battery power (sleeping) while the vehicle is off.
Internet connectivity will be tethered from my Captivate via Mobile AP. It works *decent* but for apps that require a consistent connection often disconnect between coverage sites. I hope LTE fixes this problem.
There are some limitations but I think I work around them. Such as Always On. When I'm running Google Maps on the tablet it will still sleep. I want it on at 100% brightness while the car is on and I want it to sleep while the car is off. Kind of like how Windows 7 has power profiles - one when A/C is connected and one for battery power.
I also want the tablet to automatically connect to the Captivate when in range. Does the tablet search for Wifi connections even while sleeping? By the time I open the car door; I want the weather widget and my Gmail to be updated. I want Maps working with a data connection. Everything automated.
Voice is also a HUGE bonus with this setup. I tested it today - works very, very well. My only quibble is the voice input button on the home screen is so tiny. I need a widget with a nice big voice input button so I don't have to turn my head off the road to look at the screen.
Oh and the reason why I don't want a 3G model of the tablet is because when LTE goes live in Canada it's promising up to 150 Mb/s downlink. I don't want to be limited by the tablet's radio. 802.11n supports ~300 mbit. When I upgrade my Captivate to a new LTE phone (probably around Xmas 2011) I can tether to the tablet with the higher speeds without a hitch! 3G is so 2010.
I'm so hyped this is gonna be AWESOME when it's done.
Give me ideas!
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that is more accurate, and has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
jerrykur said:
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but does it have a 10 inch IPS touch display with a tegra 2 and USB host? + internal storage for movies of course.
jerrykur said:
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
flak4 said:
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He might as well be saying "why buy a transformer if you can buy a netbook for 200"
This sounds like an awesome project, I'll look forward to seeing your updates. Tasker might be a handy app for this.
seshmaru said:
but does it have a 10 inch IPS touch display with a tegra 2 and USB host? + internal storage for movies of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they have screens you can actually see in daylight unlike a tablet.
As for the rest, if you was watching movies or using the USB host to run your coffee warmer while driving please stay away from me. Heck, if your talking on your cell phone and driving stay away from me.
flak4 said:
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
gumbi4u said:
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because only the driver could ever want to watch movies or browse the web. Checking your mail in the dunkin donuts parking lot is also ridiculous and dangerous and will kill everyone.
gumbi4u said:
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you all crapping on my thread?
I practically live out of my car because of my job. I use to do everything off of my phone and Zune. But the displays are too small. Yes this includes watching movies on my phone while waiting for some tests to complete (which can take hours). I use my phone for GPS and Google Maps (I don't use standalone GPS units). I drive long hours and spend a lot of time away from my home.
My laptop is good but is a hassle to set up. Personally I find navigating a tablet easier than navigating a laptop using the mouse pad. Using a laptop while sitting in the drivers seat is cramped, too. It's so annoying that I usually browse using my phone rather than my laptop.
The tablet can potentially replace the need for a Zune, GPS and laptop (for browsing, email and multimedia purposes) in this scenario and its functionality and performance will only improve over time.
You're telling me this isn't a sweet idea?
I was hoping to get some more thoughtful responses. If anyone has any answers for my initial post - regarding the AC requirements for the tablet - and how I can automate tethering, please share.
flak4 said:
Why are you all crapping on my thread?
I practically live out of my car because of my job. I use to do everything off of my phone and Zune. But the displays are too small. Yes this includes watching movies on my phone while waiting for some tests to complete (which can take hours). I use my phone for GPS and Google Maps (I don't use standalone GPS units). I drive long hours and spend a lot of time away from my home.
My laptop is good but is a hassle to set up. Personally I find navigating a tablet easier than navigating a laptop using the mouse pad. Using a laptop while sitting in the drivers seat is cramped, too. It's so annoying that I usually browse using my phone rather than my laptop.
The tablet can potentially replace the need for a Zune, GPS and laptop (for browsing, email and multimedia purposes) in this scenario and its functionality and performance will only improve over time.
You're telling me this isn't a sweet idea?
I was hoping to get some more thoughtful responses. If anyone has any answers for my initial post - regarding the AC requirements for the tablet - and how I can automate tethering, please share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have wifi set to on at all times and the network is remembered, it will auto connect when in range. Regarding the power, you'll need 2A 15v to charge it while it's awake. The USB cable supplied however doesn't deliver enough power and can't be used with a car adaptor for USB, you'll need to have a converter to use the wall charger for the tab.
Not sure about the other things though.
Take a look at thsi Youtube video below. The day the Ipad 2 was released, this guy mounted one in the dash of a new F150. Custom fiberglass/bondo work to rebuild the console to allow the docking directly in the dash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jr3_zLHTbY
Tablet mounted into dashboard = sexy
Not legal in some US states, I have no idea about Canada.
flak4 said:
I got extremely lucky today when I walked into a local CanadaComputers and they happen to have two 32GB TF101 in stock after the rest of their shipment sold out the day before.
I want to build a nice mount and put it somewhere on the dash. Has anyone thought about such a project?
Hiding the cables won't be an issue. I'm going to mount a 300W A/C inverter inside the centre console and cut a piece out the back (facing the back seats) and put a small plastic or metal grate for air flow (the fan exhaust on the inverter unit will face the grate).
Will run two USB cables through the transmission box and through the dash to where the mount will be installed. One for my Captivate and the other for the tablet. The Aux port is also in the centre console for music and video purposes.
To my understanding the tablet requires a 5V/1.2A source to charge with the tablet sleeping. To use the tablet while charging, 15V/2A is required? I'm not 100% sure. There is a 12V DC port in the centre console that is only active while the vehicle is running. The tablet can charge while the vehicle is running and run on battery power (sleeping) while the vehicle is off.
Internet connectivity will be tethered from my Captivate via Mobile AP. It works *decent* but for apps that require a consistent connection often disconnect between coverage sites. I hope LTE fixes this problem.
There are some limitations but I think I work around them. Such as Always On. When I'm running Google Maps on the tablet it will still sleep. I want it on at 100% brightness while the car is on and I want it to sleep while the car is off. Kind of like how Windows 7 has power profiles - one when A/C is connected and one for battery power.
I also want the tablet to automatically connect to the Captivate when in range. Does the tablet search for Wifi connections even while sleeping? By the time I open the car door; I want the weather widget and my Gmail to be updated. I want Maps working with a data connection. Everything automated.
Voice is also a HUGE bonus with this setup. I tested it today - works very, very well. My only quibble is the voice input button on the home screen is so tiny. I need a widget with a nice big voice input button so I don't have to turn my head off the road to look at the screen.
Oh and the reason why I don't want a 3G model of the tablet is because when LTE goes live in Canada it's promising up to 150 Mb/s downlink. I don't want to be limited by the tablet's radio. 802.11n supports ~300 mbit. When I upgrade my Captivate to a new LTE phone (probably around Xmas 2011) I can tether to the tablet with the higher speeds without a hitch! 3G is so 2010.
I'm so hyped this is gonna be AWESOME when it's done.
Give me ideas!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you mount it on your dash? Want it flying in your face in an accident? Get a 99 bucks gps.
nxp3 said:
Why would you mount it on your dash? Want it flying in your face in an accident? Get a 99 bucks gps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess some people don't read threads. Idiot.
Some people just have to come and **** on everyone's great ideas and dreams. Personally it sounds to me like this can make your life easier, and more awesome. Post some pics as soon as you have them!
I have the same project in works, I am using a Pro Clip and pad tap to accomblish it in my 2007 bmw 3 series. I have both the parts ordered and in transit, will mount this saturday and share pictures if u are intereted. The tethering would be done with my HTC evo using the sprint 4G network and to avoid the wires mess will be using blackberry bluetooth gateway to connect to car stereo.
Gonnaaa be shiccccckkkk.
You don't need Wi-Fi to get GPS to work like some idiots are saying, only if you rely on Google Maps. Even if you want to use Google Maps, you can tether up the Transformer with your phone.
I mounted the TF to my vents, shot a video few days ago
i try'ed to goggle, but no luck, only found profile changers app (setting profile and similar) tryed tasker, but this app its to complicadet for me, i need something very simple, just turn on bluetuth then i insert charging usb in car
thanx in advance, and sory if this one was already covered, im not so good in searching
ps. i do not have dock in car, just usb charger and some holder, i need this bluotuth/ charge for my freehand
Kancler said:
i try'ed to goggle, but no luck, only found profile changers app (setting profile and similar) tryed tasker, but this app its to complicadet for me, i need something very simple, just turn on bluetuth then i insert charging usb in car
thanx in advance, and sory if this one was already covered, im not so good in searching
ps. i do not have dock in car, just usb charger and some holder, i need this bluotuth/ charge for my freehand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure what are you looking for because I dont understand ur text perfectly.
If you want to turn on the bluetooth everytime u plug the phone to the charger, just make a tasker profile. When plugged in -> turn on bluetooth / when unplugged -> turn off bluetooth.
So it's been complained about a few times that you cannot sync wirelessly without being plugged into ac power with a WIRE. I want real wireless sync on demand. Why? Why not. My friend with his fruit branded device can and my HD2 is better than that.
Yes I know.....
power conscious OS
you're within range of WiFi and therefore ac power
leave it overnight
Other MS branded noise
No.
I want wireless sync without having to plug in and preferably without waiting 10 mins. I just got home and I don't care if it annihilates the remainder of my battery because with WP7 OS my battery still has days of charge left anyway.
Ok, let's cut to the chase. I have been searching for a while with no luck; I cannot find anybody who has come up with a fix or a workaround to get my HD2 to sync wirelessly without being plugged into ac power. I do not know enough to make a fancy app to allow my phone to do this but am willing to bet there is some way to trick the OS into thinking it is plugged in to ac power so it will begin to wirelessly sync after 10 mins. It would be nice to skip the 10 minute wait as presumably this is just controlled by a 'plugged in' timer and 'sync enable' switch of sorts but one step at a time. Now I know this is a bit of a 'duct tape' workaround but if it works, it works. So my question is this:
Is there, that anybody knows of, a switch or registry setting to tell the phone it is on ac power, or that it can enable wireless sync (as would be switched on by the OS once plugged in for 10 mins). I think you can see where I'm going with this so any other information regarding USB trickery or fooling sensors/software etc would be welcomed.
In summary: How does the OS/HD2 know it's plugged in?
Having a really hard time getting anywhere with this, especially seeing as I cant even get my wireless sync working while plugged into ac power as it should do according to MS. Followed all MS guides/troubleshooting and nothing happens even after waiting the 10/15/30 mins, all settings double checked and reset. After reading a lot of feedback it seems like a very hit and miss feature.
As for the manual wireless sync WITHOUT being plugged into a charger I've found very little but I'm looking at all possible solutions. Here are my clues so far:
The Zune HD DOES have true wireless sync capability (not charging) with the option to manually initiate it. There could be something to learn there if I had a Zune HD
Several sources claim WP7 sends IGMP packet data to initiate the connection to the Zune software. I want to look into the possibility of replicating this data to manually initiate the sync.
I have found no obvious switches in the registry that could be of any use. The only Zune related entry that showed any activity when performing a sync (over cable) was "znetsyncstate (0)" ((1) when Zune connected via cable). This is probably just a flag to prevent other apps interfering with Zune's progress while performing sync.
I said that faking the phone being on charge would be an option but I don't have a clue how to do that. I wonder if it would be possible to create a replacement USB driver "serialusbfn.dll" which fakes the charging state which could be switched using an app similar to the USB video app. Very clunky I know.
I read on XDA a guy had created an external battery pack that could be connected to the HD2 via USB to charge the phone at either 500mA or 900mA to replicate both PC USB and AC Power adapter charge respectively. He discovered you could replicate the charging state by splicing certain wires in an old USB lead plugged into the phone. Obviously this would be a horrible hardware hack and not a feasible solution but interesting, nonetheless.
Interesting stuff here about Zune network detection and awareness which could be useful if creating an app to initiate the sync but no methods regarding the sync process that I can see.
My next step is to monitor network packets while the wireless sync takes place so I can see what WP7 and Zune are doing if I can get wireless sync to work at all
Anybody know anything about modifying USB drivers/DLLs that could help?
Also anybody know of issues with Zune wireless sync on WP7.8/HD2? Be nice to hear somebody has it working and I'm not wasting my time! ROM I'm using in my sig
Please help!
I've hit a brick wall. I cannot for the life of me get wireless sync to work even plugged into AC charger. Without this working I can't go any further.
Has anybody using Dynamics HD2O 2.00b WP7.8 8858 ROM used wireless sync successfully?
How about anybody on WP7 on the HD2?
There was tweak app and it could able charge mode. it was made for joke (wireless charge) I think... But I can't remember name of app;;
Maybe found in bazaar or wphack??
Ah, I USED prs rom (its cooked rom based on pdaimatejam rom and im using pdaimatejam 8.7 ) and worked well. Exactly after 10 minute my hd started wireless sync but i can't remember that Zune software were running on my computer....
soble said:
There was tweak app and it could able charge mode. it was made for joke (wireless charge) I think... But I can't remember name of app;;
Maybe found in bazaar or wphack??
Ah, I USED prs rom (its cooked rom based on pdaimatejam rom and im using pdaimatejam 8.7 ) and worked well. Exactly after 10 minute my hd started wireless sync but i can't remember that Zune software were running on my computer....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, it's helpful to know that it is at least possible. I have still had no luck getting it to wireless sync with Dynamics HD2O 2.00b WP7.8 8858 ROM and I'm not getting much feedback regarding the wireless sync on that ROM thread. I'm loving the ROM too much to change just yet, so I may have to accept wireless sync doesn't like this ROM and put this project on the back burner until I switch ROMs.
I'll do some hunting and see what I can find on that tweak app you mentioned. If I can find it, it will be a great start!
Cheers
Here's some context, skip below the asterisks*** to read my actual question:
I have an arduino project I am working on that combines the arduino with GPRS, relay, and camera attachments (shields) to act as a smart alarm for a car. Essentially extending the range of functionality (remote starting, lock/unlock/ alerts etc...) to my smartphone.
Since car alarm sirens are annoying and useless, I would rather be called if my car is being "violated". The GPRS and arduino could easily handle phone call or text message notifications. It could also receive texts and turn on relays etc...
One feature I think would be great would be the ability to send a MMS message with a picture of the inside of the car. This would be difficult and probably more expensive to do (needs stronger arduino board, good camera etc...)
Then I thought why not just hack up an "old" ($50 used android phone that can take really good pics etc...) They are just built a lot better and more compact than the hack job I would end up piecing together and cost a lot less. There is only one thing I can think of... see below.
************************************
1) Is there any way to interface or control an android phone through the serial communication connector (ie usb plug hole) using commands from a device such as a raspberry pi, or arduino or similar.
What I would want to do is have a trigger (arduino monitor the dome light voltage line) to signal the arduino to control the phone to do the following:
--Call me
--take picture inside car
--send said picture via mms to me
I would also like the arduino to be able to read the sms messages I send to the phone in my car to do things like roll windows up, remote start etc... (arduino can do this last part with the gprs) as long as the arduino can read the text message it can perform something.
I am not looking for a remote client (like VM whatever its called).
If this isn't the place for this, please let me know where to start looking.
There is a product called mimic USB from customgadz.com that makes me think that sending commands through USB must be doable, but they are expensive and I don't know enough about it to help you do it well.
My first instinct would be bluetooth. I am not especially versed in arduino, but I know you can get a bluetooth shield for about 20-30 bucks. If you could make your dome light "trigger" tell the arduino to turn ON its bluetooth or send the equivalent of a button-press from a bluetooth headset (if the shield is always on). Then use Tasker on the phone! Create a task that when the phone senses bluetooth (either the new connection or the button press) then it snaps the picture, texts you, and calls you etc.
AFTERTHOUGHT: tasker can also detect charge state, to change settings when phones are plugged in/unplugged... So if you got the arduino to flip a relay, when triggered, that turned the port that charges the cell phone off... Then tasker could read that change in charge state and activate the steps you wanted. Then after a preset delay, or once the dome light went back out, you could have the USB turn back on to keep the phone charged. It is a little more circuitous work-around, but it would effectively be a command from the USB, like you asked for