Database Users

Exec noisy car audio output when powered by car adapter

Having previously owned a IIs and having a standard usb cradle in my car run from a usb connectored "cigarette lighter adapter", I'm used to using my devices as a portable "car stereo". I even wired it up to replace my old crap car stereo, using a small "cheap boy-racer style" £30 stereo power amp under the dash. This has been great for the last year. I get in the car, dock the xda IIs into the cradle, plug in the headphone socket which is wired into the amp and hey presto, music - and tom tom prompts through the car speakers.
Recently I've been eyeing up the xda exec(JasJar/Universal) and after getting a second hand colleague to buy my IIis, decided to get the new device. Obviously the shorter battery life is a bit of a shock compared to my old one, but I was pleasantly suprised that
1) The audio output seems a better quality
2) The new device no longer needed a custom USB cradle plinth or gooseneck holder, ... I could place the "open clam" in the recess in my instrument panel, to the right of my speedo. Basically sitting just behind the steering wheel, which also solves the night-time reflection issues of a bright display.
Just one problem, I discovered that the USB sync cable supplied with the new device doesnt seem to enable charging to the exec when I plugged it into the 12Volt to USB adapter that worked with the XDA IIs that I wired into my dashboard.
So I decided to buy a new car power adapter for the new Exec, egged on by installing the great "mort player" which has an ideal "large button" interface on a black background which is ideal for use in the car.... and it doesnt forget the playlist like media player 10 seems to do each time you run it...
However, When the car power adapter arrived today, (from expansys)
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=125511
To my dismay it is very noisy! the audio output to my amp sounds great with just the headphone output to my mini under dash amplifier, but only on battery power. But when the adapter is supplying power, the audio output becomes "crackly" Any electonics boffins have any suggestions to remove the "noise" with capacitors, if so what type and where should I put them, on the audio, or inline with the cigarette power adapter dc input somewhere, or should I just send it back and try and source a better quality adapter?
Expansys also do 2 other models -
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=125969
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=125970
Does anyone know if these are as noisy as the other one? Does anyone else have a similar setup?
Thanks in advance
Derek

you have a ground loop. in america, we use negative as the ground, so be carefull with what I'm telling you (posative is ground in some countries).
What you need to do is run the amp and cigarette lighter off the same ground(s) and possibly the same feeds (supply voltage). Make sure you fuse the lines appropriately, or you might fry something.
I would suggest installing a secondary cigarett lighter outlet somewhere convenient (so you don't cross any other circuts in your car, and burn stuff out), and run it off the same points that your amplifier gets it's power. Fuse the new outlet with the appropriate fuse (should be 5 or 10 amps), and give your new setup a whirl. It's a cheap alternative for you to try (should be about $10 or 8 euro?)
Good luck, and remember, NOT MY FAULT WHAT YOU DO> TRY THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!

I agree with him ^
JAmes

Strangely - today the noise is gone... hmm... very strange...
perhaps it was a solar flare, or another explosion at hemel
or more likely - perhaps there was a loose connection somewhere!
Thanks for all the advice guys, I will certainly make sure I avoid any ground loops and ground the audio on the same physical connection as the car earth. I'll check this at the weekend when I have some daylight to work in!. I'll do this when wiring the new adapter in properly - I can't bear it hanging out of the lighter socket with the near the indicator stalk!
I can say the Exec is great device though... Its a far better solution for car audio - and no leaving an expensive hifi in the car to be stolen.
Hopefully someone else is inspired by this post to also use the device in this way. If you want plenty of storage for a full install of the tomtom uk map and loads of music, you'll be interested to hear that you can actually get a 2 gig card now from ebuyer for about £60!
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...vd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=103013
Cheers
Derek

This is very valuable info
interestingfellow said:
you have a ground loop. in america, we use negative as the ground, so be carefull with what I'm telling you (posative is ground in some countries).
What you need to do is run the amp and cigarette lighter off the same ground(s) and possibly the same feeds (supply voltage). Make sure you fuse the lines appropriately, or you might fry something.
I would suggest installing a secondary cigarett lighter outlet somewhere convenient (so you don't cross any other circuts in your car, and burn stuff out), and run it off the same points that your amplifier gets it's power. Fuse the new outlet with the appropriate fuse (should be 5 or 10 amps), and give your new setup a whirl. It's a cheap alternative for you to try (should be about $10 or 8 euro?)
Good luck, and remember, NOT MY FAULT WHAT YOU DO> TRY THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!
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Click to collapse
Indeed! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_loop_(electricity)

Micro-USB Extention Cable + Slimport = Success!

If you're wondering if it's possible to use a Micro-USB extension cable with a Slimport adapter the answer is yes! I have successfully used one to connect my Nexus 4 to a Slimport SP1002 adapter, then connect that via HDMI to my Pioneer SPH-DA100 car stereo.The bulky adapter with its myriad of connections and super short cable to connect to my phone is now hidden under the center console.
I can't post links yet, to find the cable I used Google "angledcables" micro-b usb extension

Just curious, why do you use MyDP to connect to your car's headunit? movies for the kids? GPS?

karasuhebi said:
Just curious, why do you use MyDP to connect to your car's headunit? movies for the kids? GPS?
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GPS, and as a workaround for the poor audio output of the Nexus 4. Although the ability to watch Netflix while waiting in the car is nice, too.

theexgov said:
GPS, and as a workaround for the poor audio output of the Nexus 4. Although the ability to watch Netflix while waiting in the car is nice, too.
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hmmm... this didnt work for me with
Black 3 Foot USB 2.0 USB Micro B Male 5 Pin to USB Micro B Female 5 Pin Cable
by YCS basics
from amazon
but I'll order the other one and try it because it would be so much better if i could extend the slimport rather than hang that whole thing from my phone

it works!!!!!!
The cable from amazon did not work but the cable from angledcables.com worked! Even though the envelope says usbfirewire.com, they have different models of micro usb cables
I got the 12 inch version of :
Item #: RR-MCB-EXT-XXG5
and i can CONFIRM it is WORKING for AppRadio 3 as an extension between the phone and Slimport adapter.

I suppose it's a hit or miss depending on if the company wired the 4th pin through (Which is usually used for OTG) or not. Slimport uses all 5 pins.

lopezk38 said:
I suppose it's a hit or miss depending on if the company wired the 4th pin through (Which is usually used for OTG) or not. Slimport uses all 5 pins.
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After a few days I had to disconnect the extension because it makes things way too unstable. The slightest bump stops the video signal. You have to totally remove it and plug it back in before it works again. I might try a few things to fasten the connectors together but I might just go without it.

drinklime said:
After a few days I had to disconnect the extension because it makes things way too unstable. The slightest bump stops the video signal. You have to totally remove it and plug it back in before it works again. I might try a few things to fasten the connectors together but I might just go without it.
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Sorry to revive an old thread. Did you get this sorted out?
I'm in same situation. I just got Pioneer AVH-x8500BHS and SlimPort adapter to mirror from my N5 to the x8500 HU.
But the Slimport is in my glovebox, I want to move it to my center console for easier access and better GPS signal.
I'm afraid all this plugging/unplugging of the SlimPort will eventually wear out the cable or the N5 port.

Anyone ever figure out a way to get the extension to work without it cutting in and out all the time?

theexgov said:
If you're wondering if it's possible to use a Micro-USB extension cable with a Slimport adapter the answer is yes! I have successfully used one to connect my Nexus 4 to a Slimport SP1002 adapter, then connect that via HDMI to my Pioneer SPH-DA100 car stereo.The bulky adapter with its myriad of connections and super short cable to connect to my phone is now hidden under the center console.
I can't post links yet, to find the cable I used Google "angledcables" micro-b usb extension
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!I know this is old post,but can you please tell me if you remember,can you use de 2Din touchscreen by doing this or you also need to get another app?I am trying to get it going,but I have one Huawei Mate 20 pro and I have bought something similar to what you post here and is not working....any ideas?
Thank you!

No wireless charging?

Since it has a titanium body, it looks like Wireless charging will be missed
Or will it?
It look like it has a charging pad, BUT it looks like it will a magnetic connector will allow Qi-ish like charging where you lay it down without having to connect a usb cable, but the back docking pins will charge the phone. When charged you just pick it up and go without having to disconnect anything, WHICH I FREAKING LOVE ABOUT MY QI wireless charging right now with my Nexus 6.

The back is ceramic, not titanium. So it could work, and does work, but you need to connect with their pins for the phone to recognize the pad. It's wireless but I think without the pins it doesn't work. We will have to wait and see..
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Since there's no headphone jack, it would be nice if there were a way to charge the phone and have a 3.5 mm jack plugged in to the USB jack at the same time. Especially in the car.

cb474 said:
Since there's no headphone jack, it would be nice if there were a way to charge the phone and have a 3.5 mm jack plugged in to the USB jack at the same time. Especially in the car.
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Just buy a cheap $15 Bluetooth aux. No more wires in my car, besides the charger if I need it.

You know, The phone supports Wireless USB. How exactly do you suppose they accomplish that? Its already been stated by Andy that the two connection points are magnetic for aligning accessories. Now, I don't think anyone knows for SURE how this phone's tech actually works yet. Since Andy went on record to say this tech will be open source, who is to say this wireless communication couldn't support Qi charging with a software update. It's entirely possible that this phone supports that out of the box. Really I am not confident that this could be answered with a " yes it does" or "no it does not" quite yet. Unless I am uninformed? can anyone else chime in?
EDIT** pins do provide power infact too.

When the phone website first launched there was an accessory for a wireless charging dock that said coming soon..... It's not there anymore. I thought it was supposed to transmit power thru the connector pins. But maybe the pins only transfer power from phone to accessory not accessory to phone.

bsg411 said:
When the phone website first launched there was an accessory for a wireless charging dock that said coming soon..... It's not there anymore.
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It is still there, when scrolling down the webpage. The image is of the phone lowering to rest in plate charger, to get juice via the two pins on back of phone.

lpasq said:
It is still there, when scrolling down the webpage. The image is of the phone lowering to rest in plate charger, to get juice via the two pins on back of phone.
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Your right.... It is still there....I overlooked it. Well I'm not really sure why every review says there's no wireless charging. Assuming this dock actually comes out.... It is charging without a cord/wire... Which is essentially wireless charging. It's just not qi wireless charging technology.... It could basically be described as proprietary wireless charging.

cb474 said:
Since there's no headphone jack, it would be nice if there were a way to charge the phone and have a 3.5 mm jack plugged in to the USB jack at the same time. Especially in the car.
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I was reading an interview and Andy indicated one of the next adapters for the phone after the camera is car audio integration.
I wonder what that is?
My BMW uses USB storage so I don't even bother with the phone.

tech_head said:
I was reading an interview and Andy indicated one of the next adapters for the phone after the camera is car audio integration.
I wonder what that is?
My BMW uses USB storage so I don't even bother with the phone.
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It will be interesting to see what they do with the adapters. If they do that, I hope it includes a 3.5mm jack. For a lot of people that's still the only way they have to tap into their car audio system.

I am pretty sure the 2 pins are just for power, and any wireless bit is through the 60hz system which is more than likely data only.
So no Wireless charging parse', but with the dock, it has fancy pin charging lol.
I do also look forward to seeing what else they use that expansion ability for. Heck If they wanted to add a headphone port to the phone how easy would it be to just build a slim plate that attached to it that barely is thicker than the port itself, but is a bit wider to include a nice DAC and AMP? Doesn't take up the USB port for charging and could have really good audio to boot. The possibilities are endless and unlike some of the other modular designs, this one seems to make good sense and not be an eyesore when not in use.

Wireless data transfer and wireless charging are not even remotely the same thing. Data transfer is radio waves with a transmitter and receiver. Qi charging is electromagnetic induction (a magnetic field around a coil of wire will induce a voltage in the wire).

OTG cable for Fire HD 8 that DOES support charging ?

I got a Fire HD 8 tablet with Carplaylink to get Apple CarPlay working in an old car I use. I need a USB OTG cable that DOES support charging an Android tablet.
I did a 20-30 minute search myself and all the USB OTG cables I’ve seen openly stated that charging for Android tablets and phones are not supported.
Any suggestions ?

ahmadka said:
I got a Fire HD 8 tablet with Carplaylink to get Apple CarPlay working in an old car I use. I need a USB OTG cable that DOES support charging an Android tablet.
I did a 20-30 minute search myself and all the USB OTG cables I’ve seen openly stated that charging for Android tablets and phones are not supported.
Any suggestions ?
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Can you use an USB-OTG while charging. Can you find a charging contact point with VCHG, open your Fire tablet, find VCHG contact point and measure the VCHG contact point using the voltmeter.
The USB-OTG with microUSB port input can be used for Fire TV Stick.

I had one cable that did exactly this a few years ago and I for the life of me don't know what happened to it. now when it comes to OTG you should just have a separate piece of the cable splitting off that you would plug into the wall yeah and the rest of the wiring would make its way where it needs to. now here's where the tricky part comes in terms of whether a device supports charging through USB OTG. I know the fire tablets support this because you may not be using adb or OTG for any particular reason, and your tablet will charge whatever it is plugged into with that cable. If the OTG cable is built properly then theoretically it should charge your tablet as well. But really good and decent cables are hard to come by, that aren't really expensive. however when it comes to something like this I would stay closer to a name brand because you can get ripped off pretty easily even if you read the fine print and find out that it doesn't do what it says. There are no real big laws or regulations behind the cheap charger and wire industry, so you pretty much get what you pay for. It's just a matter of finding the right one.

Improved ANDROID AUTO Connection

I have a Kenwood Head Unit (Aftermarket) installed in my BMW X1 and I use Android Auto everytime I am in the car. I have used both Wireless and USB Connection but find that the USB Connection is a better experience. However, up until recently, even using USB (my original Samsung USB C cable) I found that there were often delays and disconnects while listening to Music or using ANdroid Auto.
Recently I read an article that said with new updates in Android Auto, others were having a lot of improvement by using higher quality USB Cables - so, I started using my USB 3.1 cable (USB from AMAZON) and I was amazed at how much things improved.
Connections to the Head Unit and Android Auto are now nearly instant after starting the car - one or two seconds delay if any at all - and I am not getting the drop outs I used to get all the time. I am really surprised at how much better things are but I am very grateful and for those who have had a questionable experience (Slow connection and occasional drop outs) I thought I would share to see if this might also help them. Good Luck - hope this helps....

I also had to order a higher quality cable because with my s8 I was using the Samsung cable that came with the phone in my Volkswagen but the note 20 wouldn't work with so I thought I'd try another cable so I ended up ordering an Amazon basics usb 3 gen 2 cable. Its a beefy cable but it worked. So if anybody is having any issues, definitely try a higher quality cable.

Geekser said:
I have a Kenwood Head Unit (Aftermarket) installed in my BMW X1 and I use Android Auto everytime I am in the car. I have used both Wireless and USB Connection but find that the USB Connection is a better experience. However, up until recently, even using USB (my original Samsung USB C cable) I found that there were often delays and disconnects while listening to Music or using ANdroid Auto.
Recently I read an article that said with new updates in Android Auto, others were having a lot of improvement by using higher quality USB Cables - so, I started using my USB 3.1 cable (USB from AMAZON) and I was amazed at how much things improved.
Connections to the Head Unit and Android Auto are now nearly instant after starting the car - one or two seconds delay if any at all - and I am not getting the drop outs I used to get all the time. I am really surprised at how much better things are but I am very grateful and for those who have had a questionable experience (Slow connection and occasional drop outs) I thought I would share to see if this might also help them. Good Luck - hope this helps....
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Thanks but both ends are USB-C, so u have an adapter from USB-C to USB?

inningsdefeat500 said:
Thanks but both ends are USB-C, so u have an adapter from USB-C to USB?
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Correct - I use an adapter to convert the USB C to USB A - see link below
Amazon - USB C to USB A Adapter
Hope that helps....