Active Car Holder for Kaiser HowTo - WITH AUDIO OUT

[evilc]

I am writing this article as I have an HTC Kaiser and want the ultimate active holder for my car.
Brodit do an active holder, but it is regular USB, not extUSB, and it is hard wired to a cigarette lighter connector, so you cannot access audio via the extUSB whilst your Kaiser is in the holder. Also, Brodit seem to have abandoned screwing on the block that holds the USB plug in favour of melting it on, so you can't easily replace the plug with an extUSB splitter as you could with the Hermes holder.

This method should work for pretty much any extUSB phone (or even ones with other connectors) but in my examples I will obviously show a Kaiser and a brodit holder.

You will need:
Your phone.
A very thin plastic bag.
A passive holder (Brodit item 848752 for a Kaiser) or a suitably butchered active one that had the wrong plug.
Some plastic granules (Such as these (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35511&doy=22m10&C=SO&U=strat15) - not the exact ones I used, anything similar should do)
A hob, pan and water.
An audio splitter (Such as this (http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b144681.jpg) ORA 3-in-1 splitter)
About 10 minutes spare.

Step 1 - Preparation
Start boiling the pan of water, remove battery from phone (Put cover back on), put the phone in the plastic bag with plastic covering the USB socket.
Put the plug of the audio splitter into the phone whilst the plastic bag is still on the phone. The plastic bag should go inside the usb socket between the plug and the socket (That's why it needs to be a thin plastic bag). This is to make sure you get no melted plastic on your phone or in the USB socket.
Put the phone in the passive holder (Still inside plastic bag - again, why it needs to be so thin) - for the mentioned Brodit holder and a kaiser, do not slide it all the way to the stop at the end, leave about 1cm gap.

Step 2 - Holding the plug in place
So now you have your phone in the holder, with the plug in the place it needs to be to meet the phone as it is slid in, you need to hold the plug in that place permanently. This is acheived with the plastic granules I mentioned - they can be melted and moulded into any shape.
Once the water has boiled, place some plastic granules in the boiling water. You want maybe the size of a matchbox. Melting too much is fine as you can always re-melt and re-use it later.
Once the plastic is melted, remove from boiling water. You should be able to handle it right away - start kneading it to get rid of air pockets etc.
Roll it into a sausage and wrap it around the holder and the USB plug of the audio splitter - push it up against the phone to make sure it moulds nicely to it's contours - squidge it around as much of the passive holder as you can to make sure it has plenty of grip. Work fast as it hardens as it cools. Do not worry about getting the surface too smooth or perfect at this stage as the plastic can be worked once dry with sandpaper, knives etc.
If you have melted too much plastic, you can always pull it off at this stage - too little would be much more problematic to sort out.
Once you are happy, wait for it to start hardening as it cools.

Step 3 - Touching up
The inside will harden before the outside. Once it is structurally sound, but the outside is still a bit soft, remove the phone from the holder.
The plastic bag will probably stick to the melted plastic a bit, but you should be able to pull it away, or just leve the plastic bag on there. While the melted plastic is still a bit soft on the outside, you will need to work it a bit (use your finger or a cocktail stick) - neatening it up around the usb socket and moulding it against the holder where you could not before because the phone was in the way.

It sounds complicated, but it isn't. I did it first try and in 5 minutes flat. If you fail, you can always use a hair dryer to soften up the plastic and try again.

Step 4 (Optional) - Aesthetics
As it stands, it doesn't look very good, but the plastic is workable with tools (Or the stuff I have is) - sand it, carve it into nice smooth lines with no creases, then paint it black.

Once you have that done, you have the ultimate Kaiser holder - It rotates, it lets the keyboard open, and as soon as you slide the phone in the holder, it connects USB, audio and power.

Problems:
I am not sure how the plastic would fare in a very hot car or if mounted in front of a vent and there was hot air blasting at it. I think melting temp starts at 60 degrees celcius though, so you would probably be OK and what's the worst that could happen?

If I use my audio splitter (The ORA 3-in-1 adapter) with my cigarette lighter to USB cable (I have an official HTC one) for power, I get "Alternator whine" coming out of the Kaiser audio - there is a high pitched noise which gets higher pitched as you accelerate. Only really noticable on quiet bits of music. This may be any one of the parts' fault, but for me, the solution was to get power from my Blaupunkt Hamburg car stereo, which has a USB port.

[wizzzard]

Excellent post.
This is just what I was planning to do, since discovering the active mount had a "moulded" connector.
I have a question regarding the 3in1 splitter, does the Kaisers inbuilt mic work if you connect audio out via the center connection or do you need to piggyback an 11pin to 3.5mm adapter such as this (http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=155073) to use for calls, voice control etc?

[URPREY]

Nice job.

My active holder shipped today, so I'll be posting a tutorial for replacing the usb charger on that with the audio adapter. Hopefully I'll get it done by this weekend.

[Frans.]

Nice job.

My active holder shipped today, so I'll be posting a tutorial for replacing the usb charger on that with the audio adapter. Hopefully I'll get it done by this weekend.

Excellent Post!
Both Brodits once modificated would solve my problems.
Possibly in combination with
http://www.expansys.nl/p.aspx?i=157536

Professionals also could look at: http://www.bikertech.de/html/pda-selbstbau.html

[evilc]

I have a question regarding the 3in1 splitter, does the Kaisers inbuilt mic work if you connect audio out via the center connection or do you need to piggyback an 11pin to 3.5mm adapter such as this (http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=155073) to use for calls, voice control etc?
Good question. I would guess that the ORA adapter 3.5mm jack is stereo only and no mic, but it does pass the extUSB through though, so you could just use the adapter you pictured.

[evilc]

My active holder shipped today, so I'll be posting a tutorial for replacing the usb charger on that with the audio adapter. Hopefully I'll get it done by this weekend.

Good luck with that bro, I have an active holder already, but because of the way the block is now melted on, I did not see a way of easily removing it whilst being able to reattach it and keep the spacing exactly right.

[Schooleydoo]

If I use my audio splitter (The ORA 3-in-1 adapter) with my cigarette lighter to USB cable (I have an official HTC one) for power, I get "Alternator whine" coming out of the Kaiser audio - there is a high pitched noise which gets higher pitched as you accelerate. Only really noticable on quiet bits of music. This may be any one of the parts' fault, but for me, the solution was to get power from my Blaupunkt Hamburg car stereo, which has a USB port.

Sounds like a bad earth. Excellent guide :)

[robt2379]

Nice job.

My active holder shipped today, so I'll be posting a tutorial for replacing the usb charger on that with the audio adapter. Hopefully I'll get it done by this weekend.

Glad to hear yours is on its way, as you know Im waiting for you to chop your Brodit first!

Got all the bits ready, 3-1 adapter, 3.5 inch jack plug and Nokia car speaker for the IGo audio. I didnt get a reply from Brodit when I asked about a replacement mounting block, I'll chase them tomorrow.

How should I wire the stereo audio out to the mono speaker? Just use one channel, I assume the output is mono from Igo anyway. Will it be a problem just loading one side of the stereo output?

Cheers

Rob

[UnicornKaz]

Forgive me for my ignorance ... :p

what is so special about "Brodit" that compell you all to buy the holder and then performed surgery to it and make it less than new 2nd rate item ?? with chances of someone screw up and trash the whole thing ??

why not just shop around for a fitting or one that provide the right setup ?? :confused:

:eek:

ok ... flame suit is on !! :D

[skins07]

[QUOTE=Frans.;1605345]Excellent Post!
Both Brodits once modificated would solve my problems.
Possibly in combination with
http://www.expansys.nl/p.aspx?i=157536

Another idea is to use the Semsons 2-in-1 adapter and attach it to the bottom of the Brodit passive holder. The only problem I see is that the adapter might interfere with the plastic stop at the bottom of the Brodit holder.

Semson 2-in-1 adapter
http://www.semsons.com/2miusband3st.html

Brodit passive holder
http://www.proclipusa.com/site/framework/scripts/popup.asp?path=/media/images/products/devicecradle/848752.jpg&width=480&height=480&pageid=13242

[evilc]

Forgive me for my ignorance ... :p

what is so special about "Brodit" that compell you all to buy the holder and then performed surgery to it and make it less than new 2nd rate item ?? with chances of someone screw up and trash the whole thing ??

why not just shop around for a fitting or one that provide the right setup ?? :confused:

:eek:

ok ... flame suit is on !! :D

Do you know of any other holders that allow the Kaiser keyboard to slide out while it is in the holder and also allow the holder to rotate between landscape and portrait? Cause i don't. Besides, Brodit products are well made and they offer mounting kits for most makes and models of cars.

Also, we are doing no wiring here, the chances of "trashing" anything are slim to none, and it is reversable (ie reheat the plastic and remove), so I felt it was worth sharing.

If you read around the forums, you will see many people trying to acheive an active kaiser holder with all the features of mine - no-one yet seems to have found one as good that you can buy off the shelf.

Also, I went out of my way to point out that this method (ie using polymorph) should be able to mod many passive holders to active ones, not just Brodit.

Enough reasons for you?

[evilc]

Another idea is to use the Semsons 2-in-1 adapter and attach it to the bottom of the Brodit passive holder. The only problem I see is that the adapter might interfere with the plastic stop at the bottom of the Brodit holder.

My thinking on the matter was that if I used one with a dongle on a wire, when I spin from portrait to landscape and back, I am not putting pressure on the connectors, the cable of the audio splitter just bends.

I wouldn't mind one of those semsons one for my pocket, but I think wired ones are better in this case.

[UnicornKaz]

Do you know of any other holders that allow the Kaiser keyboard to slide out while it is in the holder and also allow the holder to rotate between landscape and portrait? Cause i don't. Besides, Brodit products are well made and they offer mounting kits for most makes and models of cars.

Also, we are doing no wiring here, the chances of "trashing" anything are slim to none, and it is reversable (ie reheat the plastic and remove), so I felt it was worth sharing.

If you read around the forums, you will see many people trying to acheive an active kaiser holder with all the features of mine - no-one yet seems to have found one as good that you can buy off the shelf.

Also, I went out of my way to point out that this method (ie using polymorph) should be able to mod many passive holders to active ones, not just Brodit.

Enough reasons for you?


This one does the job for me perfectly !! ( 360 degrees rotatation with keyboard out ..etc :p

http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-PDA-Phone-Holder-for-HTC-Kaiser-P4550-HTC-TyTN-II_W0QQitemZ250169535757QQihZ015QQcategoryZ130797Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

the only downside to it is the spring jaw ..etc .. but I haven't have any problem with it yet !! :D

[jgermuga]

I'll wait for this...

http://www.kidigi.com/Car%20HTC%204350.asp

Doesn't rotate though. Seidio did offer one for the 8125/8525 that rotated and allowed the keyboard to be slid open.

http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=386

They may do the same for the Tilt, but it is bulkier (what you don't see it that it is 3+ inches deep) and more expensive.

[fmquadri]

the guys at OnCourse Navigator are creating a new one for the Kaiser - Active windshield mount - with some sort of an FM Transmitter option. Not sure how that would really help, but the one for the 8525 worked well for me.

[UnicornKaz]

I'll wait for this...

http://www.kidigi.com/Car%20HTC%204350.asp

Doesn't rotate though. Seidio did offer one for the 8125/8525 that rotated and allowed the keyboard to be slid open.

http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=386

They may do the same for the Tilt, but it is bulkier (what you don't see it that it is 3+ inches deep) and more expensive.

something similar ..

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2050

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2047

I have no idea why this company have stuffs that isn't available out there .. and it's wholesale only !! :confused: :confused:

http://www.4ustuff.com/product.php?form=PDA%20AND%20SMARTPHONE%20ACCESSOR IES&mode=11&lag=&name=TyTN%20II%20Kaiser&search=HTC


even a much sought after metal case that is NOT a TyTN clone ... see the front with precised camera opening ... I want one really bad !!

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2046

[rabidpacketmonkey]

I've been able to find the metal case and the cradles on ebay, but I agree with you. It's hard to find their products in a store that I can actually buy from.

something similar ..

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2050

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2047

I have no idea why this company have stuffs that isn't available out there .. and it's wholesale only !! :confused: :confused:

http://www.4ustuff.com/product.php?form=PDA%20AND%20SMARTPHONE%20ACCESSOR IES&mode=11&lag=&name=TyTN%20II%20Kaiser&search=HTC


even a much sought after metal case that is NOT a TyTN clone ... see the front with precised camera opening ... I want one really bad !!

http://www.4ustuff.com/info.php?itno=2046

[SkizZO]

Here is my solution with the old Hermes.... and works fine also with the Kaiser

Ps: The "arm" to mount the PDA Holder has been constructed & mounted by myself ;)


http://skizz0.altervista.org/hosted/car/comp1.jpg
http://skizz0.altervista.org/hosted/car/comp2.jpg
http://skizz0.altervista.org/hosted/car/cimg1982.jpg

[nogs]

Excellent post.
I have a question regarding the 3in1 splitter, does the Kaisers inbuilt mic work if you connect audio out via the center connection or do you need to piggyback an 11pin to 3.5mm adapter such as this (http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=155073) to use for calls, voice control etc?

Wizzzard,

My experiance of the 3 in 1 is that the 3.5" jack is audio out only (although i have not tested the converter you mentioned with the 3 in 1), Once you connect the 3 in 1 it disables the internal mic. My solution was to butcher the earpeices from the original HTC headset and route the MIC part to the preffered position. Read my solution here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1403931#post1403931)

Nogs

[wizzzard]

Wizzzard,

My experiance of the 3 in 1 is that the 3.5" jack is audio out only (although i have not tested the converter you mentioned with the 3 in 1), Once you connect the 3 in 1 it disables the internal mic. My solution was to butcher the earpeices from the original HTC headset and route the MIC part to the preffered position. Read my solution here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1403931#post1403931)

Nogs
I actually went for this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOR-HTC-EXTUSB-AUDIO-CHARGING-SYNC-HEADPHONE-ADAPTER_W0QQitemZ320174943040QQihZ011QQcategoryZ15 040QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem) adaptor with my old USB car charger. Everything works as expected but with altenator whine. (Note to self: Fix the earth from the lighter socket)
Earlier today I spotted this (http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/product_details.php?id=11918) which appears to have an audio out socket at the back of the charger unit. This is also easily transferred between vehicles.

[nogs]

I actually went for this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOR-HTC-EXTUSB-AUDIO-CHARGING-SYNC-HEADPHONE-ADAPTER_W0QQitemZ320174943040QQihZ011QQcategoryZ15 040QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem) adaptor with my old USB car charger. Everything works as expected but with altenator whine. (Note to self: Fix the earth from the lighter socket)

Wizzzard,

Do you suffer with echo much with that setup ? The HTC Headset/Mic adapter seems to have a mic that is not noise cancelling so my callers seem to get echo back unless i turn the stereo down really low.

The other powered mount you mentioned looks ok but i have a feeling the output from the power/speaker unit is mono.

Nogs

[nogs]

Also found this today which i might try as the mout lets you slide the device open while docked.

Here (http://www.modaco.com/content/HTC-Kaiser-Kaiser-MoDaCo-com/260897/Brodit-Active-Car-Mount-modding-for-audio-charging/#entry852043)

Nogs

[wizzzard]

Wizzzard,

Do you suffer with echo much with that setup ? The HTC Headset/Mic adapter seems to have a mic that is not noise cancelling so my callers seem to get echo back unless i turn the stereo down really low.

The other powered mount you mentioned looks ok but i have a feeling the output from the power/speaker unit is mono.

Nogs

No echo evident in car.
No complaints from other callers, except my wife, nothing new there. I do have the adaptor/mic directly in front of me, in the recess for Speedo etc. and the car speakers are mounted relatively low down in the door. If I turn down the headunit volume my wife says the echo is improved. I am quite happy with the end result for less than a Tenner. The UlimateAddons unit from here (http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/product_details.php?id=11918) needs more investigation as to stereo output but it doesnt allow the Kaiser to be used with the Keyboard open. Brodit should release a holder with charge, stereo out and mic, with noise cancelling dsp. These would sell like hot cakes if they were sensibly priced.

[josby]

Here is my solution with the old Hermes.... and works fine also with the KaiserThat's a really nice looking setup. Is that stereo input jack in the console original, or did you add that? I added one in my car using this (http://www.frontx.com/pro/p092_036.html) piece, but it was poorly made and started not holding plugs tightly and introducing noise after a month, so I had to get rid of it. I've been trying to find somewhere to buy a higher quality one ever since.

[Schooleydoo]

[QUOTE=Frans.;1605345]Excellent Post!
Both Brodits once modificated would solve my problems.
Possibly in combination with
http://www.expansys.nl/p.aspx?i=157536

Another idea is to use the Semsons 2-in-1 adapter and attach it to the bottom of the Brodit passive holder. The only problem I see is that the adapter might interfere with the plastic stop at the bottom of the Brodit holder.

Semson 2-in-1 adapter
http://www.semsons.com/2miusband3st.html

Brodit passive holder
http://www.proclipusa.com/site/framework/scripts/popup.asp?path=/media/images/products/devicecradle/848752.jpg&width=480&height=480&pageid=13242

Can anyone confirm this? I have the semson adaptor already, so would like to use that if possible. Brodit passive holder is still 2 weeks away so cant check now. Saw EvilC's reply, but i wont be rotating to landscape.