GPS kit (mount, speaker, charger) for rental car? - Touch Pro2, Tilt 2 Accessories

So I'm thinking about turning my old Touch Pro 2 into a GPS for rental cars. That way I can save a few bucks because all the car rental companies charge extra for GPS.
I was thinking there has to be something like this already, and just hoping someone could point me in the right direction for the best one.
Something like a car mount that is not permanent, but sturdy. So I won't have to screw it in or anything, and can easily remove it when I am done with the rental car, but don't have to worry about it falling when I am driving.
It would ideally charge the phone (and connect to the cigarette lighter for power) and also have a built in amplified speaker. That way I could actually hear it when it tells me to turn.
Possibly have an external GPS antenna to connect to it also.
Anyone have any suggestions?

I have a generic mount that attaches via suction cup to the windshield. It has a gooseneck with a mount on the end that will hold anything the approximate size of the TP2.
I purchased it at Microcenter in Dallas a couple of years ago.
Take a look here: http://www.macally.com/EN/Product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=290

mrschwarz said:
I have a generic mount that attaches via suction cup to the windshield. It has a gooseneck with a mount on the end that will hold anything the approximate size of the TP2.
I purchased it at Microcenter in Dallas a couple of years ago.
Take a look here: http://www.macally.com/EN/Product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=290
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've seen these in stores before too. I was looking for something that will charge the phone though and also has an amplified speaker so I can hear the GPS prompts.

Well.. not sure if there is anything like that that is specifically made JUST for our phones... what I have done in my truck though is use a goose neck mount similar to that above. Then I simply have a charger plugged in to keep the phone charged... obviously..
I actually ran a converter box under my seat... the AC/DC converter boxes, and ran that from the charging outlet in the back of the truck for the people in the back (screw them they dont need that). From there I used a regular wall charger cause they seem to be way longer. That runs under my floor mat and up along the drivers side wall and up to my phone. That would clearly be a bit of a hassle to do if you rent cars all the time. I just cant stand wires all over the place and didnt want to have a car charger stretched across the dash. Now granted trucks are much bigger then trucks so this may not be an issue in a car, especially if you put the gooseneck in the middle of the windshield where most people do. For me I keep my phone off to the far left.
I have tomtom on my phone and use it daily so the GPS thing for me is key.
All my audio is routed right into the car stereo via a bluetooth A2DP car adapter, again... cant stand wires!
When I call comes in I can talk and then hear the people over the stereo using car kit feature.. when voice promts come over the phone its routed to the stereo.... when I'm listening to pandora or slacker radio or even music off the phone in general.. everything over the car stereo. I use the MS voice command all the time while in the car too so I just press the button on the phone.. wait for the "beep" to come over the car stereo and then say "call so and so and the phone repeats it back... I say yes.. and it dials then I'm connected. Another pet peeve is driving around seeing people with their cells up to their ears while they are driving 80 mph on the 75
Here's something similar here NEW A2DP Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit +Mic+FM+MP3 Player
Or even cheaper here: Bluetooth MP3 FM Transmitter Handsfree A2DP
Cant say why the cheap one so cheap. I do know I myself got a mid range one and when there is no audio coming from the phone there is a slight weird pitch that gets transfered from the fm transmitter to the stereo for some reason. I've actually had 2 of these and they both did it... from different companies so. I dont know! The next one I get will be a more expensive one in hopes that that goes away.
Bascially I've got it set up so that it all works like the microsoft sync they put in new cars. I just bought the truck the other year but didnt feel like dishing out 3 grand for the sync stuff to be put in haha.

Related

Arkon CM750 MDA III 3 PDA mount +speaker +gps charger

Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Powered PDA Mount for XDA III
FOR
XDA III aka XDA 2S
imate PDA2K
Included in all packages:
1 Powered PDA Mount Cradle
1 9" Windshield Swivel Pedestal
1 XDA III charging and data serial cable
1 3' Bluetooth GPS charging cable
More info here http://www.arkon.com/bluetoothgps.html#xdaiii-bt
if you dont already have a seperate GPS receiver then this one is good:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
a friend has one and it works great. everything in one unit.
However i have had warning from someone saying the GPS signal is interupted if you have a heated windscreen, due to the wires. my mates works great tho.
HPJ
(i should get commission for the amount of time i've recommended this unit!!!!!!!)
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/viewprod.php?product_id=2545&max_cat_id=14&vt=grid
This product does support the blue angel, however, I've heard mixed reports about how well it operates while the phone is changing nodes.
Cheers
numanoids said:
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I thought that so i gave them a call to ask.......the person on the phone said it is compatible with blue angel.....however as in all similar situations always good to keep box and receipt if purchasing and advice is wrong..... :wink:
Fair enough!!
I stand happily corrected. they're in glasgow so might swing past today and pick one up!
cool...let us know how you get on if you do get one
HPJ
Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am biased but ....
Have a look at www.brodit.com - find this product '849612'
Then find a bracket to mount this in your car.
May be more expensive but won't look out of place!
You can use your existing cable to charge the PDA in the car.
When I've finished developing my car kit connection cable, you can then have full hands free car kit including wired GPS, power, mic, sound of phone and nav through the car speakers - just plug my cable into the bottom of this holder and connect it to the car kit!
...Spence
hi s93ncer,
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
yes I agree, brodit is an excellent choice for cradles
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm nearly there, just 1 little thing to sort out this morning.
I have tested it and it does work with phone and nav audio - just used the pin outs for speakers and connect pin 19 to ground through a 10K resistor
I'll post more information when I have finished testing.
...Spence
paulmc said:
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, RF modulators are pretty crappy. The audio is mediocre at best and the frequency tends to drift so you're constantly needing to retune.
If you have a stereo that has a plug on the back for controlling a CD changer (most OEM stereos have this nowdays), you can most likely find an adapter that will let you add aux audio-in to your car stereo. I bought one from www.blitzsafe.com for my Toyota Celica. I used this to hook up the audio from a computer that I installed in the car.
This one is good, to ne honest the speaker on the XDA2s is loud enough and if using bluetooth (as most XDA 2 users do) then this mount may be better:
http://www.pdamods.com/products.asp?cat=23
Just ordered this:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
Should be here next week......I'll let y'all know!
HPJ
There is so much wrong with this product I cant even begin..
1) The vent mounts are useless. They can barely support the weight of the unit on its own. Once the PDA is in it then you can forget trying to get it to face any direction other than down. It just rattles around. I have tried it in my merecedes, a VW golf and an Audi A4 so it's nothing to do with my vents either.
2) The speaker on the powered unit picks up all kinds of crackles and noise. If I make or receive a phone call the noise it makes is unbelievable. Basically I have to keep the speaker turned to the lowest voulme (there is no off switch) the whole time and even then I can still hear a really annoying sound when I use the phone. (You know the sound I mean, it's the one you sometimes get if your phone is near unsheilded speakers just before it's about to ring).
3) The cable that connects the PDA headphone socket to the mount unit does not work. If is is fully plugged in there is no sound at all. If I pull it out slightly the sound works but then it cuts off the external microphone on my PDA so I cant use the voice command/voice dial options.
4) When I plug the charge cable into the bottom of the PDA the PDA tries to connect to a host via ActiveSync...there isn't one there of course so ActiveSync just hangs if I don't hit cancel in time. This does not happen if I use my normal charge cable.
Ozy...are you refering to the powered GPS mount that I have ordered (see above) from Holux, through Total PDA?? I hope not....
However it does sound as though maybe you've just got a faulty one...try sending it back...??
HPJ
No. I am refering to the original Arkon product in the title of the thread.
I suspect it may indeed be faulty but to an extent that ruins any confidence I may have had in Arkon's products. I will be sending it back and I will try to get a Brodit or something else instead.
Cheers.
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Looks like Holux do one for the Blue Angel available from HandNav :
http://www.handnav.co.uk/product_details.php?id=308
Only £99 inluding VAT and delivery.
Might give that a go.
The Arkon mount was never meant to be used with gsm phones, they just added a lead and hoped for the best when used with xda etc, it is an atrocious piece of kit, I launched mine out on the road when driving on the M5, if anybody in the factory had tested it they would have known right away that it wasnt fit for the purpose, regardless of that they are still selling it as compatable, it is also a great bulky lummox of a thing and looked much better bouncing down the hard shoulder.
ozymandias said:
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that, and called them. It works fine apparently...I'll let u know when it arrives
HPJ

Car Holder Bracket with built in Speaker

Hi
I use my wizard in the car, and have an adapter (ebay,£3) that goes from the headset out to a microphone and has a 3.5 socket - this then plugs into the mp3 input on my car stereo to give me a full hands-free solution - works great, but I have to unplug the headset connector to use TomTom, otherwise I can't use my stereo while I'm driving!
Anyhow, I've seen a car mount with built in charger and speaker on ebay and at http://www.pdamods.co.uk/products.asp?cat=125 - I was wondering if anyone else had got one and what they thought of it.
My main question is whether it has a built in microphone so that you can use the phone when its in the mount, or does it render the phone useless while it's in there?
** BTW, if anyone want's an easy to install copy of TT6, mail me!
No, that mount does not have a built in microphone. But it works well in combination with a BT handsfree.
That looks a lot like the i.Trek mount offered by Semsons. That mount has a microphone mounted in-line on the cable connecting the Wizard speaker to the mount's powered speaker. It's not shown in the photo but it's on the right side of the mount.
Now if they only made one that powers it and connects an external antenna in one step!
I really wonder if engineers who design stuff like this never get out or get to play with equipment they develop?
I have had a Nokia 6340i for many years and had the handsfree cradle in my vehicles and they were absolutely the best thing since sliced bread! Now however, the newer Nokia's aren't compatible with that kit, so I couldn't upgrade the phone. I was forced to finally buy a new phone and got a Cingular 8125, but now I see there's no powered cradle with antenna connection!
It's really a shame they don't think designs through to the end users needs! I also bought the Pioneer DEH-9800BT stereo, but it doesn't look like it's going to be worth it since I have to tell it to connect evertime I get in the vehicle, which means I have to remove it from my belt case and dork with it to get it connected. The radio also has a limit of 350 contacts for the primary user and I have in excess of 600 and growing so I guess it's going back.
Any other choices anyone can suggest for a Cingular subscriber? I really just want a hands free method for using the phone in the vehicle without having to meddle with the phone or the HF device and also be able to pick up external antenna connection like the Nokia car kit provided for many years of reliable service!
Thanks for any help!
ITADMIN
anyone know where I can get this in Canada?
http://www.pdamods.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=A111UCRIJAMMNT&cat=125
Thanks!

DIY Helmet Bluetooth to Wing Ideas?

Hi everyone, I am looking for Ideas on how to build speakers and a microphone into a full faced motorcycle helmet that communicates with my Wing (in stereo) via Bluetooth. I know there are commercial solutions but for the most part they are crap and a good setups (chatterbox) will cost in excess of $400. So I figure with the right guidance I could make a good system for a fraction of that $400.
What I’m thinking: (of course cheap is the slogan of the day)
1. Bluetooth adapter that will pair with my Wing and receive a stereo signal.
2. Noise canceling microphone
3. Decent (yet thin) speakers
The real question:
Would it be possible to strip apart a Bluetooth adapter and solder in speakers and mic. Allowing me to listen to music on my Wing while riding my bike. I would also like to be able to verbally answer and dial the wing with this setup. One of the big stumbling block is how to power the speakers (would an BT adapter have enough juice?), easily recharge (or replace batteries) in the adapter, and make pairing painless.
I would appreciate any ideas and comments you have. Thanks
Hello and Welcome to the forum!
But if you want to make some speakers in your helmet, Contact the police first and ask if it's legal.
I know a mate who has done that before and when he got a speeding ticket, the officers saw there were speakers.
He got a ticket for that aswell because it may inflect the safety and durability of the helmet.. LOL
Anyway, If i were you i just bought the original HTC headset wich is wired, and plug them in my ears.
Put on your helmet and you can call and such.
But maybe other people will have some other thoughts.
You think the mic will work in that enviroment?
ermm, well if you have a noise canceling mic than it should be no problem.
But i did some research for you and there are helmets availible with a bluetooth headset built-in. Connect your phone with that headset and play some music.
I've been looking to do the same thing. Its REALLY hard to get my helmet on with a bluetooth headset in my ear, its hurts as a matter of fact. I have to take some of the padding out from the helmet if I dont want pain, but thats just not worth the safety risk; I bought a $500 helmet for a reason. Lol.
The mic wouldnt even have to be noise canceling IF you kept the mic behind the chin wind gaurd or inside the helmet somehow.
I totally understand, I paid $700 for an Arai helmet for a reason and its not because of the *****en graphics. What I have started to do…
I have a set of Skull Candy headphones that I removed the speakers from that will fit nicely into my helmet and have great sound. I did a test and spliced the speakers in to the USB headphone adapter (stock) for my wing. I ran into my first problem…. The wing doesn’t have enough poop to drive the speakers. So I will need to use some kind of speaker amp. I found a cheap ($8 + shipping) and small amp on Ebay ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=260255057258&rd=1 )
So I’m thinking that if I can find a cheap Bluetooth (stereo and voice command capable) I could crack it open cut out the original speaker wires and solder in wires to connect to the head set amp. The head set amp looks small enough that I should be able to hide it someplace in the padding of my helmet. Then solder in wires to run from the amp to the speakers and finally mount the Bluetooth on the face guard infront of were my mouth would be.
What I am stumbling with is power. I need to figure out how to make the Bluetooth easy to charge and how to power the amp (requires 1 AAA battery). I would need to make the amp easily accessible to change out the battery which seems like a pain in the ass and may look ugly. What I would really like to do is have a common power source for both device so when I am home I just plug in one cord to the helmet. But I don’t know if that is even possible.
I really want to make this work but in the end this all needs to be functional and CLEAN. I don’t want it to look like I Forest Gumped my way though this project.
You might look at a tactical throat mic and a in-helmet speaker setup from midland. You could also try a in ear tube type setup from Midland also. Both products are for their GMRS radios, but I think with some modification you coud get it to talk to a bluetooth device.
Also you might look at Fire/police communication sights as some departments use bluetooth adapters with their 2 way radios for hands-free mic's that don't have to be connected to the radios.
Let me know if you ever come up with anything, this sounds like a very interesting project....
BG

can i listen to my tp2 in the car???

what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
Just do a search...
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an auxiliary conx on your radio you can just connect it with a 3.5 cable.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
cameraddict said:
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
I therefore fancied the combined cradle / FM transmitter instead from here My initial reaction was it was cheap rubbish - the socket was loose so although it would transmit a signal, as soon as you move the car it loses the connection to the TP2, making it useless. However, I then used a pair of pliers to tighten the socket in the cradle, and it worked well for nearly 2 weeks - including charging the phone while driving. I was getting to be quite happy with it, until today it just stopped transmitting a signal. I've opened it up but can't find any obvious loose connections, so it's now trash - proving my initial view.
I am now wondering about the FM talk transmitter. Has anyone tried it?
I have use the FM talk transmitter found on Ebay since July. It works great.
Only problem is that it doesnt charge the phone when the mini-usb car charger is plugged to the transmitter. It only powers the transmitter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAR-FM-TRANSMIT...wItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item414aa12524
this works real good for me.
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
osrix25 said:
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, the remotes would come in handy as the kids use my phone to watch films in the back..gotta love that TP2 screen!! I rekon i'll add it to my christmas list!!
BTW i'm using Miri's 2.5 ROM which does support the fwd/back on my BT headphones!
I use my Motorola T505 for bluetooth/listening to music, mostly Pandora. A little pricey, but I'm not a headphone type of guy and it's technically illegal in California to not use some type of hands-free set.
What kind of car do you have? I'm going to give this a try. It should also charge the phone. It looks like it will display track info in my BMW but not in my VW.
http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html
Everyone check this out. It's a mount and wireing solution. Some may like it. I will order me one in the next couple of weeks.
http://www.proclipusa.com/default.a...d=&parent_category=4&d_pcat=16708&d_cat=17907
Or
just buy a car radio with Adanced Stereo support over Bluetooth! that way you can also control your phone through the head-unit .
My method
As Die Bruine said a unit with bluetooth is great! However I couldn't afford the bluetooth adapter for my head-unit. So I have a stereo with a USB reader, after I connect my Tilt 2 I just tell it to go into mass storage mode!
HTCNeil said:
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do this too, and I accidentally discovered that you can still use the mic from the speakerphone when it's connected (via 3.5mm jack on the Sprint TP2), so I prop my TP2 on the steering column when I talk in my car (luckily, it cradles perfectly and the rubbery paint keeps it from slipping during turns). I'm told that they hear an echo when they talk, but my voice sounds better than any headphone or BT Headset I've used, and the voice quality over the speakers is really good.
well i bought the fm talk been using it for 3 days now and i love it. its easy to use its self explanitory just plug it in and go. makes the music sound louder on my cars speaker the only thing is that it doesnt charge your phone while in use but its not a problem for my i have temporaly flashed back to stock rom because its the only rom that has a long battery life well from my experience .....
thank you ugys for your thoughts i appreciate it

Aftermarket BT Car kit?? (hardwired, no batteries, no charging)

im looking for a seamless quality aftermarket solution for BT stereo input to my radio.
ive got a pre-2005 ford lincoln, and i would like to just enter my car, my phone auto detect, connect, and be used as my wireless mp3 player.
right now i have an aux adapter+headphone cable to connect direct to the phone, but im tired of that. I wanna go wireless.
Any suggestions? i'd either install myself or get a local audio shop to do it for me.
thanks
Sprint sells the HTC Car StereoClit(AUX) which should do what you are asking I think. It plugs into the aux connector and has a USB port for power. I just picked one up today after search all over the web for something like it with no luck. Was $60. I did find it online at several places but they were all the same $60.
Just found this thread that talks about the unit... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663446
edboston said:
Sprint sells the HTC Car StereoClit(AUX) which should do what you are asking I think. It plugs into the aux connector and has a USB port for power. I just picked one up today after search all over the web for something like it with no luck. Was $60. I did find it online at several places but they were all the same $60.
Just found this thread that talks about the unit... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663446
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung HS3000 in my opinion is better (has more features) and is only ~$30.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1711299
I'm taking pictures of my setup now and will post them in that thread in a few minutes.
I bought a Parrot MKi9200 a couple months ago and have never been happier. Along with the bluetooth music capability, it adds the hands-free phone capability as well as giving you multiple options for hardline connectivity (for friends equipment)
i'm also using a Samsung HS3000, everything hardwired behind the dash and battery disconnected for power on/off with the cigarette lighter's supply. Wired a second 2 port cigarette lighter to the hot wire of the factory cig, then grounded nearby on its own ground to avoid any ground loop issues. Ran both wires to my glove compartment and velcro'ed the unit to the ceiling.
I haven't tried the mic as my headunit has BT phone profile but no A2DP, upgraded from a parrot MKi9100 as i found with my OG Evo trying to do flac over BT it loses considerable quality over a wired solution. If you want both phone and music capability the parrot line might work but the Apt-X on the HS3000 or the stereoclip is superb. I thinks someone mentioned that with the stereoclip it does not pass audio to the headunit when calls come in and instead takes the call over the phone's speakerphone. The HS3000 does however have a mic and will take the call over the headunit and using it's internal mic.
I am was in your situation as well but I couldn't find a hard wired car kit that had apt-x codec built in, plus none could touch the hs3000 on price. I just opened the back of my hs3000 and disconnected the battery then went onto my Bluetooth settings and clicked on the hs3000 and unchecked use for headset so it only connects for audio.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
I was also looking to go this route. My Prius has a 12V socket and an AUX jack inside the center console so I wanted some sort of bluetooth receiver that was not battery powered. The 12V socket in the car is only active when the car is on so the bluetooth receiver would automatically power on when the car is and allow the phone to sync. Such a device just doesn't seem to exist and I've given up the search.
I just stopped by the Sprint store today and picked up the Sprint EVO LTE car dock and the HTC car stereo clip and got 20% off so total for the two was about $75 before tax. The instructions said it needed to be charged for two hours out of the box so i connected the car dock and the HTC stereo clip both into my dual USB port 12V adapter. I did get some ground loop feedback from the HTC stereo clip being plugged in but when the music was playing it sounded great. Definitely not as much ground loop noise as playing over the 3.5mm audio cable from the phone while plugged in and charging.
I'm going to order the ProClip center mount for my car and get a ball mount adapter for it to use with the car dock because the slope of the windshield puts the phone out of reach. Hopefully with the ProClip center mount the phone might get some air from the vent to cool it down too, I've never felt it as hot as it was in the car dock!
ilusnforc said:
Hopefully with the ProClip center mount the phone might get some air from the vent to cool it down too, I've never felt it as hot as it was in the car dock!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue with the phone in the window getting hot. Wish I had gotten the white version.
You may not want to spend the money, but honestly its well worth buying an after market head unit with built in bluetooth. Picked up my wife's bt equipped pioneer from Walmart for $145. Great investment.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Kcarpenter said:
buying an after market head unit with built in bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is a head unit? Are you talking about a head set?
edboston said:
What is a head unit? Are you talking about a head set?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A head unit is an aftermarket car stereo.
njfoses said:
A head unit is an aftermarket car stereo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not always an option these days. With all the "intelligence" in some cars, they put it in the radio. My 2006 Impala put all the controls in the radio so you can't just replace it. And if you have the aux port already, a unit like the HTC stereo clip is cheaper and easier to install.
edboston said:
What is a head unit? Are you talking about a head set?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cars radio.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
edboston said:
That is not always an option these days. With all the "intelligence" in some cars, they put it in the radio. My 2006 Impala put all the controls in the radio so you can't just replace it. And if you have the aux port already, a unit like the HTC stereo clip is cheaper and easier to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've yet to come across a vehicle its impossible to replace one in that's not brand new. It can be a little difficult, but there's always a way. Stereo clip is definitely probably cheaper and easier, but not the best solution IMO.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
I just got an Alpine 135bt head unit. It has built in bluetooth and a wired mic. It's worked really well with the EVO thus far. Easy to install as well.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I own a 2010 Impala LT (no BOSE) (so I have virtually the same body style and features as the 2006) and I installed a Kenwood KDC-BT852HD and a Metra GMOS-100 all-in-one interface. With this set up, my phone connects over blue tooth for audio and talking on two different channels so that I can take calls on the deck even if I'm listening to the regular radio. It also has a broken as hell pandora function.
Not only that, but the interface kit allows for all the stock bells and whistles to continue to work. My door Chimes, remote start, blinker, and steering wheel controls all work just fine.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
svrlg said:
I installed a Kenwood KDC-BT852HD and a Metra GMOS-100 all-in-one interface
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did a quick look up of these two items and found them on Amazon. The radio was $163 and the adapter was $229! So you are suggesting spending almost $400 and modifying your car when you can accomplish the same thing for $60 without making any modifications? The OP only wanted to use his phone as an MP3 player. While replace the factory radio can be done, I was just trying to point out it was not as simple as the other solutions presented.
edboston said:
I just did a quick look up of these two items and found them on Amazon. The radio was $163 and the adapter was $229! So you are suggesting spending almost $400 and modifying your car when you can accomplish the same thing for $60 without making any modifications? The OP only wanted to use his phone as an MP3 player. While replace the factory radio can be done, I was just trying to point out it was not as simple as the other solutions presented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously, you don't need to spend that much on a deck - I just wanted a really nice deck and I had some specific requirements.
As far as I'm concerned, having stock track and volume control at my fingertips on the steering wheel while listening to pandora over blue tooth is totally worth it.
See also: track info on the dash over blue tooth.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
edboston said:
I just did a quick look up of these two items and found them on Amazon. The radio was $163 and the adapter was $229! So you are suggesting spending almost $400 and modifying your car when you can accomplish the same thing for $60 without making any modifications? The OP only wanted to use his phone as an MP3 player. While replace the factory radio can be done, I was just trying to point out it was not as simple as the other solutions presented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can do it for $60, but you will be much more satisfied if you've got the cash to spare.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
I posted this up a while ago. Not sure if its what your looking for but I made a write up
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=903264
Integrate Bluetooth audio from phone to car audio
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2

Categories

Resources