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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
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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.
Anyone know where I can get one that is IN STOCK? T-Mobile doesn't have them anymore from what I can see and all4cellular has been out of stock as well. Both have been out of stock for weeks and I really want to get one of these. Any info would be great. Thanks
you can use any 3.5mm FM transmitter but I can tell you from experience basically they all suck. You are better off investing in a stereo for your car that has a 3.5mm aux jack than using an FM transmitter.
I would cost way to much to put a stereo in my car that has a 3.5 audio jack. Luxury cars are not easy to install after market stereo's in :/
you would be surprised. http://www.crutchfield.com/
I already know how much it will cost. First I have to pay someone to make a custom dash kit. Then ill have to buy a head unit and find a custom wiring harness. Trust me its cheaper to spend the money on an fm transmitter...
You may want to look into getting a bluetooth adapter instead or your stereo may have an alt. input for a dvd player or other rear entertainment system . Most fm transmitters are not worth the money but you may be interested in an in lin one which would be worth it .
Car doesn't have either. I know ALL my options even hacking up the wiring in my car to have an aux input. I don't wanna do that.
Phantisy said:
Car doesn't have either. I know ALL my options even hacking up the wiring in my car to have an aux input. I don't wanna do that.
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Then quit complaining and use google for a cheap pos fm transmitter.
http://studio.t-mobile.com/mytouch-le/accessories/power-play-fm-transmitter-31769 its in stock.
Just out of curiosity, what are you driving? I'm kind of a car guy. Also since it is in stock now if you do buy one let us know how it is, I have found that the only way I could get my ipod FM transmitter to work decently is if I used FM 87.9 because there basically no FM stations in the US that use that signal.
Joe333x said:
Just out of curiosity, what are you driving? I'm kind of a car guy. Also since it is in stock now if you do buy one let us know how it is, I have found that the only way I could get my ipod FM transmitter to work decently is if I used FM 87.9 because there basically no FM stations in the US that use that signal.
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99 Acura RL With Navi.
I just realized this but doesnt original MyTouch have a MiniUSB connector not a MicroUSB like the Slide? Meaning this Transmitter wouldnt be all that useful without using a Mini to Micro converter or using the line in option in which case the phone wouldnt get charged.
I found it at local t-mo store in L.A. You can't find it online or 611. Sucks. I loved it until I rooted and went to custom roms. There's an issue with the transmitters built in mic... it just doesn't work now. Kinda defeats the purpose I guess.
So it looks like it's back in the t-mo store. I couldn't find it all summer online and now it's back.
Phantisy said:
99 Acura RL With Navi.
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Are you really that scared to touch the stereo? Just because you have Navigation doesn't mean that the stereo isn't the same as all other cars, you have 2 different wires for each speaker, then you have typicaly 3 to 4 other wires, one will be ground, one will be an always on power (memory, saves your settings/stations), and a rem wire which just gives enough power to the head unit to tell it to turn on. There might be another wire for the dimmer on the front of the radio. And you DONT have to splice the wires, ever heard of BestBuy or Car Toys? or anything like that? They sell ADAPTERs that you just install inline with the stock wiring harness and you do'nt have to cut any wires. You don't have to spend tons of money for a custom dash kit either, I know for a fact they sell them at Bestbuy and car toys, pretty much any place that deals with car audio. Seriously though man, all you have to do is a little more research. Google is your best friend, me amigo.
Don't be a *****, it's really not hard, and honestly, who still listens to radio anymore? I mean get real guy, gonna waste your money on a damn FM reciever instead of getting a radio that will have 10000000x more use? But hey, to each their own, your money, your problems. Not mine.
If you car has an "AUX" connection in the back... alot of them do... go to radio shack and get a headphone to RCA wire and just connect it to your AUX and the phone and you're done.
ProjektStreet said:
Are you really that scared to touch the stereo? Just because you have Navigation doesn't mean that the stereo isn't the same as all other cars, you have 2 different wires for each speaker, then you have typicaly 3 to 4 other wires, one will be ground, one will be an always on power (memory, saves your settings/stations), and a rem wire which just gives enough power to the head unit to tell it to turn on. There might be another wire for the dimmer on the front of the radio. And you DONT have to splice the wires, ever heard of BestBuy or Car Toys? or anything like that? They sell ADAPTERs that you just install inline with the stock wiring harness and you do'nt have to cut any wires. You don't have to spend tons of money for a custom dash kit either, I know for a fact they sell them at Bestbuy and car toys, pretty much any place that deals with car audio. Seriously though man, all you have to do is a little more research. Google is your best friend, me amigo.
Don't be a *****, it's really not hard, and honestly, who still listens to radio anymore? I mean get real guy, gonna waste your money on a damn FM reciever instead of getting a radio that will have 10000000x more use? But hey, to each their own, your money, your problems. Not mine.
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You oviously don't know how this system works. There are about 15-20 wires. The radio has a cd changer, navigation and the normal wires all wired to the radio. Its all factory and not as easy as u think. I am by no means a *****.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
izzzy12k said:
If you car has an "AUX" connection in the back... alot of them do... go to radio shack and get a headphone to RCA wire and just connect it to your AUX and the phone and you're done.
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This car was out before the AUX input was in cars.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Regarding FM transmitters - I posted about the DesignTech transmitter a while back. Do a search and check it out. The correct channel versionstill pops up on ebay every now and then, and they are cheap.
If you can find the right version its frequency response and TX power are terrific, well, at least as far as FM TX go.
Hope this link doesnt violate TOS - if so please remove. But they dont sell it anymore, so I dont see the harm. http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufacturer/DesignTech/Item/20800/
Of course I am biased - I helped design the audio section - but I would put its sound quality up against anything on the market...
Blade
Got a playlist n slacker radio which o wanna hear through car speakers. Im a truck driver for Budweiser. And I hate regular radio. Thanks in advance
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Sure! check here -
http://tinyurl.com/3zk33ue
-mark
Although you should search.... Just get u a male 3.5 mm cable and plug it into your aux out. If that doesn't work get u an fm transmitter
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diomark said:
Sure! check here -
http://tinyurl.com/3zk33ue
-mark
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LOL haven't seen anyone use that one in awhile
But seriously those FM transmitters can be really flaky so be sure to get a good one and pay a bit more for it. The one I have from the wally car stereo section sucks big time so I don't use it.
Appreciate the link mark exactly what I needed cuz im driving now. Didn't know it would be the same as an pod. Preciate it fam
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You've got options.. best option is if your headunit in the car accepts 3.5mm jack, just get a cable.. that'll get you the best sound quality.
Next option is an FM transmitter.. but as people have mentioned, quality can be lacking on those..
3rd option is to get a new head unit in the truck that supports either the 3.5mm jack, or a2dp bluetooth..
I use the 3.5mm jack connected to my alpine radio and it sounds awesome especially with the built in equalizer options on the phone.
Gotcha im off work now about to go hit up walmart n get the jack. Thanks everyone
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My work truck has a tape deck, and I bought a cassette adapter that has a 3.5 plug at the other end.
As was mentioned previously, the fm modulator is pretty flakey here in Arizona. There is maybe 1 or 2 stations that I was able to tune to. Even then, it cuts out and I get other peoples music as I pass them.
The cassette tape is old school, but it works.
I use double twist player, and I am very happy with it.
tracebass21 said:
My work truck has a tape deck, and I bought a cassette adapter that has a 3.5 plug at the other end.
As was mentioned previously, the fm modulator is pretty flakey here in Arizona. There is maybe 1 or 2 stations that I was able to tune to. Even then, it cuts out and I get other peoples music as I pass them.
The cassette tape is old school, but it works.
I use double twist player, and I am very happy with it.
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Yeah FCC a few years ago cracked down on these FM broad casters(they where too strong) and now they all suck and you pretty much have to place it right next to your antenna to get good signal.
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
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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!
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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.
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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?
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A head unit is an aftermarket car stereo.
njfoses said:
A head unit is an aftermarket car stereo.
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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?
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The cars radio.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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svrlg said:
I installed a Kenwood KDC-BT852HD and a Metra GMOS-100 all-in-one interface
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sure you can do it for $60, but you will be much more satisfied if you've got the cash to spare.
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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
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I got new headphones about a week ago (shure se535) and had been using them with my note for at least twenty hours already. Yesterday while walking to work I was using them with my note and they were working just fine, and same with right after. Then when I was getting ready for bed I wanted to listen to some music so I popped them in and picked a song and only the left side worked! so I threw them in my laptop and they both worked. Tried them in the note.. only the left works.
When I push on the headphone jack slightly to one side, the signal returns to the other ear.. I checked for lint in the hole but it still looked brand new. It seems as if the little connector inside the jack for the right side has somehow become almost flush with the rest of the jack, if not pushed in somehow. The weird thing is, when I tried it with the stock headphones with mic, both sides worked! wtf!. It doesn't make any sense lol.
What should I do? Send phone in for warranty repair? Has anyone else had similar problems?
It happens to me too. But it's random.
ParaNOTE Android
I had the same issue with my old Shure headphones the other day. The Samsung headset works fine with the Note. The Shures work fine with my laptop. It's intermittent though with the Note.
This is discouraging to hear. 3.5mm jacks have been in use for so freaking long that you'd think there wouldn't be any problems...
I'm worried that if I do go to Telus and get a repair done that they will say there is no problem and not even touch it. I wonder why my $500 shures out of the blue lost connection, yet the cheapo OEM headphones work lol. I'm very careful to not let anything put pressure on the jack when plugged in..
Sigh.
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