Blackstone hard sleeve?? + Audio player controller idea - Touch HD Accessories

Hi I am paranoid about breaking the screen on my HD/Blackstone at work as I could quite easily bash it against something whilst it is in my pocket.
My current method of protecting the screen is to keep it in the standard sleeve that comes with it and make sure that the screen is always pointing towards my body so that if I bump into something I am less likely to damage the screen.
Does anybody know of a hard sleeve for the HD/Blackstone? I know that you can get plastic and aluminium cases but they are useless in this case as they don't cover the screen.
I don’t really like the look of the leather ones. I would consider one if I was a business man . I'm after something with the same principle as the standard sleeve but tough and maby that allows access to the headphone socket and EXTusb port at the same time.
Cheers
P.s. Audio player controller idea (FOR ANYBODY WHO IS INTERESTED).
I am thinking of purchasing the RC E100 remote control. I was thinking that I may have a go at determining what data is sent to the USB port to control the audio player so that I can build my own controller.
My plan is to use a micro-controller with a serial / USB interface so that I can create a controller to be driven by switches or a car radio stalk (which is the intended application).
At the moment this is just an idea and any input would be appreciated. I will start a thread when I have a bit more of an idea and info about how it will work.
Off the top of my head I realise that the E100 must have some sort of internal amplifier and a DAC/processor to convert the audio data sent down the EXTusb port into and audible signal. For ease of design I think it would be best to just use the jack output of the HD and ditch all the external audio processing.
Theoretically leaving the control data for play pause stop next volume ECT ECT.
My question is does the jack on the hd still o/p sound when the E100 remote is plugged in and in use and if not can/has anyone modified the registry or something to enable it.
My knowledge of software is not brilliant. I am more of a hardware kinda guy . I have just finished a degree in electronic engineering and have been using micro-controllers a lot during my course and think I could get a micro-controller to send the appropriate data to control the audio player. However my knowledge of how the firmware/software on the HD works is virtually non existent . Hoping you’ll be able to help me out and all input is greatly appreciated.
Cheers

adramon said:
Does anybody know of a hard sleeve for the HD/Blackstone? I know that you can get plastic and aluminium cases but they are useless in this case as they don't cover the screen.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pdair aluminium case has a hard clear perspex screen over the touch screen.
Only disadvantage is you need to open the cover to use the touch screen, but then with other types of cases you have to remove from pouch or whatever so its not really that big of a deal.
Took me awhile to get used to it, now it doesnt bother me. I'd rather have a bit of inconvenience than destroy my phone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR7s7Xjyck0

adramon said:
Hi I am paranoid about breaking the screen on my HD/Blackstone at work as I could quite easily bash it against something whilst it is in my pocket.
My current method of protecting the screen is to keep it in the standard sleeve that comes with it and make sure that the screen is always pointing towards my body so that if I bump into something I am less likely to damage the screen.
Does anybody know of a hard sleeve for the HD/Blackstone? I know that you can get plastic and aluminium cases but they are useless in this case as they don't cover the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you said you don't like leather, but check this Belkin case for iPhone.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=374799#
I have it, and after trying out like 5-6 different cases, this has become my default case. The stock pouch is almost no protection against hits to the screen, but this little Belkin is very solid. It has reinforced front and back sides, probably hard plastic inside, it looks very stylish and it's also veeery tight. Actually a bit too tight I had to use my fingers to stretch it out a bit so that HD would fit inside.
But none the less, it's a very good case that provides good protection and has access holes on the top and the bottom, so you can easily use USB cord and earphones without taking the phone out of the case.

Related

Anyone using the Krusell case for TC with an Orbit 2?

The title says it all really, just want to know what the fit is like etc. As far as I can make out we're a bit stuck for cases for the Orbit2.
Many thanks. Apologies if I've missed this if it's covered here somewhere.
OK, just to round this thread off, in case anyone else out there is thinking of buying a Krusell case for the Touch Cruise to use with their Orbit 2, I now have one and basically I am fairly happy with it.
On the negative side, the case adds a fair amount of bulk and it's not possible to have anything plugged in to the bottom connector (a real pain for headphone use) whilst the case is poppered up. The fit is not exactly right, many of the holes don't line up exactly as they would if the case was designed for the Orbit2. The popper you need to pop to open the case to take a call etc is a bit of a fiddle, would have been great if Krusell had designed in a tag to make that easier.
On the plus side; the case is a big improvement for me over the case that came with the phone. The quality is great, ah the smell of new leather! The holes at the back for the camera and mirror and the speaker seem to line up fine. The fact that the holes at the front don't line up perfectly doesn't seem to make any difference to the quality of phone calls.
My plan is to get hold of a leather punch/sharp knife and do some customising, so that I can plug my headphones in whilst the case is closed and to enlarge some of the holes at the front so that it should all fit properly. Then if Krusell/someone else releases a custom made case for the Orbit 2, I wouldn't think I'd even want to change it.
If anyone else is interested and wants me to post any pics let me know and I will be more than happy to do so.
It would help if you had a link to the product.
I am interested in seeing your pictures too...because often times I have found the pictures on the manufacturers \ store websites are VERY misleading and small.
Thanks in advance.
Would it really help you? I see you are in the US, I am talking about the O2 (European) Orbit 2 which has differing dimensions from the rest of the Polaris', due to the O2 branding, which gives the whole phone a different shape and means various bits are in slightly different positions from the Polaris/Touch Cruise. If this still might help you I can fire up the camera and post some pics, no problem.

Metal Battery Cover

Hey guys - does anyone know of any after-market battery covers for the HD that would be metal - specifically for the purpose of attaching to a magnet? I purchased one of those magnetic "cradle" kits that is basically just a big magnet you stick onto whereever, with a little metal slab that you stick onto the back of your phone. Then - you can just stick the phone up close to the magnet and it sticks - a perfect low-profile car cradle. The metal slab that sticks to the back of the phone is thin - it doesn't really stick out any further than the camera housing - but it still isn't as sleek as just the phone by itself. I thought a replacement battery cover that sticks to the magnet would be perfect. So... does anyone know of any? Or perhaps a vendor that could custom-machine one?
SolusCado said:
Hey guys - does anyone know of any after-market battery covers for the HD that would be metal - specifically for the purpose of attaching to a magnet? I purchased one of those magnetic "cradle" kits that is basically just a big magnet you stick onto whereever, with a little metal slab that you stick onto the back of your phone. Then - you can just stick the phone up close to the magnet and it sticks - a perfect low-profile car cradle. The metal slab that sticks to the back of the phone is thin - it doesn't really stick out any further than the camera housing - but it still isn't as sleek as just the phone by itself. I thought a replacement battery cover that sticks to the magnet would be perfect. So... does anyone know of any? Or perhaps a vendor that could custom-machine one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made my own magnetic car holder solution. Didn't cost much and can't imagine it work better than this...
I can't see what you've done there... It looks like some sort of metal on the battery itself, so that the regular cover works fine... What is that? How is it affixed?
Jouh has placed 2 razor blades on the battery.
Cool! I'm going to try that...
just don't take ur phone to the airport...... they might think ur going to use the razorblades for other non magnetic purposes.
Ohh! Good point! I would have completely forgotten about them and then been really screwed - I actually have to run my mobile through an X-ray every day at work... That could be an issue. Oh well - back to the drawing board...
just do the same with any thin metal i.e. sheet steel.
spzero said:
just do the same with any thin metal i.e. sheet steel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really wouldn't recommend directly attaching the phone to strong magnetic sources. It may impede the functionality, reduce or affect the battery operation, interfere with the many antennas in the phone, not to mention run the risk of corrupting memory sticks etc?
The phone itself isnt that heavy so probably wouldnt need a strong magnet, but you'd want to use something quite strong just to hold it in place. Imagine driving over a speed bump or pot hole which dislodges the phone and makes it go sliding across your dash board and out of an open window. (worst case scenario..)
If youre looking for a quick release holder I would recommend something that you clip the phone into like those hip holsters and then find one that has a socket connection to a window mount.
makaveli2g said:
I really wouldn't recommend directly attaching the phone to strong magnetic sources. It may impede the functionality, reduce or affect the battery operation, interfere with the many antennas in the phone, not to mention run the risk of corrupting memory sticks etc?
The phone itself isnt that heavy so probably wouldnt need a strong magnet, but you'd want to use something quite strong just to hold it in place. Imagine driving over a speed bump or pot hole which dislodges the phone and makes it go sliding across your dash board and out of an open window. (worst case scenario..)
If youre looking for a quick release holder I would recommend something that you clip the phone into like those hip holsters and then find one that has a socket connection to a window mount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the same razors and the same magnet (This one) with my SE P1i for 1½ year without any issues.
And the phone doesn't move 1 mm even driving over the biggest speed bump in Sweden.
makaveli2g said:
I really wouldn't recommend directly attaching the phone to strong magnetic sources. It may impede the functionality, reduce or affect the battery operation, interfere with the many antennas in the phone, not to mention run the risk of corrupting memory sticks etc?
The phone itself isnt that heavy so probably wouldnt need a strong magnet, but you'd want to use something quite strong just to hold it in place. Imagine driving over a speed bump or pot hole which dislodges the phone and makes it go sliding across your dash board and out of an open window. (worst case scenario..)
If youre looking for a quick release holder I would recommend something that you clip the phone into like those hip holsters and then find one that has a socket connection to a window mount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly couldn't think of one thing that a magnet could have an effect on in the phone, certainly not the memory. The only type of memory that is affected by magnets are HDD (because the data on the disks is stored magnetically) and credit cards (once again, data stored magnetically). However, RAM/ROM is completely different and relies on gates and latches to store data, neither affected by magnet. Not to mention even if it did have an HDD (like old school mp3 players/iPod) it would take a strong magnet (mainly electromagnet) to corrupt the memory. Likewise, I can't foresee it having any affect on the battery or interfering with the antenas (unless you're using some super strong magnet....which you're likely not)
One of the only build quality problems i have with the Touch HD is that the battery cover creaks when pressed in certain spots.
To revive this topic, does anybody know of an actual aftermarket battery cover for this phone, preferably metal?
I searched google to find no results. It seems like it would be a good idea to make these
You can also shave the inside of the battery cover with a small sander. Than add ANY kind of magnet that will than fit inside the cover. The plastic cover is THICK so you can shave enough for some type of magnet.
I would also like a metal/rubber etc back cover. The quality of the orginal cover is driving me nuts..
Has anyone found this kinda aftermarket item?
sudo_x60s said:
I would also like a metal/rubber etc back cover. The quality of the orginal cover is driving me nuts..
Has anyone found this kinda aftermarket item?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news on that topic?

[Q] Bumpers?

I've seen all kinds of gtab covers and cases - so how about thoughts or ideas about bumpers, etc., that can make the gtab more kid-friendly?
So, no ideas on kid-friendlyness?? Bummer....
markgolly said:
So, no ideas on kid-friendlyness?? Bummer....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry no one's gotten to you. Personally I'm not too sure what you mean by 'bumpers' but I think I can safely assume you mean a protective strip around the edge. Bad part is that there is so much accessibility on the edges it's hard to cover; dock port, speakers, both usb's, power, headphone, ac plug. Dunno if it's feasible?
Personally I would like to see a form-fitting shell type case like the case mates 'barely-there' for phones.
unfortunately, I just don't see that happening anytime soon.
DIY solution -- electrical tape. The color will match and will help with scratches on the edges.
Not the best solution, but until there's a case that's easily accessible for purchase its a workaround.
Thanks, guys! Yes, I was meaning a case or high-impact rubber strips for around the edges and back (with a small lip on the LCD side to keep it from impacting flat surfaces - i.e., dropping on the floor). However, I don't know if the G's case can handle an impact from 4 feet even if it does have rubber strips....
The electrical tape idea is certainly one I need to think about....

A101IT Speaker Replacement

The Archos 101's speakers are overdriven, so many people are having speakers crap out, even after getting replacements. I replaced mine with higher wattage/sensitivity speakers, and now have no speaker failure, and much better sound quality and loudness. I used two Mouser.com Part # 253-CE221-RO.
I'm not going to bother with pictures, as it's quite simple:
1. Unscrew the Torx screws on back, 6 total. The two closest to the side buttons are longer, make sure you note this. A Torx 4 or 5 bit will be needed, though you could file a flatedge down in a pinch to make it work.
2. Slowly pry open the edges of the case with a plastic wedge. There are free ones included with lots of phone repair kits, or you can file something down in a pinch. Use a flatedge screwdriver if you don't care about scratching the case, but don't push it too far in if it's metal.
3. Once all the clips have popped, open the halves until you see the big flat cable, that's the screens connector. Disconnect it from the back of the screen. Slowly! It has adhesive behind it, let it slowly come apart so you don't rip the aluminum shield on the back of the screen.
4. The Power/Volume buttons will probably fall out, they are all attached together, just set it to the side. Lay the two sides open on a table. There are still 2 things connecting the halves to each other, but you don't need to remove them if you keep the halves close together.
5. Unsolder the old speakers and pry them out. There is a little strip of adhesive holding them in. If you can keep it in place, you can use it to affix the new speakers. Make sure you center the new ones in the hole, there will be a couple of millimeters space left over. Make sure the plastic cone of the speaker will not be touching any adhesive underneath it. If you make sure it's centered, you shouldn't have a problem. Use a couple dots of hot glue to firmly affix them in their holes. Don't overdo it, you don't want glue to seep under the speaker and touch the cones.
6. Reverse the takedown procedure to put everything back together, don't forget the Power/Volume button strip. Also, don't overtighten the screws, you will see a very slight depression on the front of the tablet where the screws are, if it's a noticeable depression, back the screws out a quarter turn.
7. Boot up and enjoy. Make sure you turn the volume down a bit before playing, these speakers are louder than the originals. At full blast it feels like it's going to vibrate the screen to pieces.
I also ripped off my micro usb port, so for anyone with very good soldering skills, or alot of solder braid(and balls), the part number for that is ZX62D-B-5P8. I had to use trace ribbon(Flexible Flat Cable) to remake the traces, as they were ripped off as well. Crack open an old CD-ROM or check the bottom of an old hard drive to find some with the correct pitch if needed.
I'm also adding front speakers on the right hand-hold, kind of like the A70(no room for one on the left on A101). Post a reply if you'd like a parts list and tutorial for that process.
Just finished the testing. I'm updating the OP with results and guide.
Thanks for posting the detailed instructions. Might have to give this a try, given that one of my speakers blew after a couple of weeks. Also intrigued by the front speaker....
How did you identify which speakers would be a suitable replacement?
Yes please, I'd love to have the part list and detailed tutorial for adding front speakers to the A101IT because I can go right down the street to Mouser Electronics because I live close to there and know where it is!
So how well do these new Kobitone Speakers from Mouser fit inside the A101IT; Is it a tight fit or loose one? Also, what is the difference in speaker size (if any difference) and are the stock A101IT speakers' shape circle like the Mouser ones or oval?
Thanks mate!
fisha21 said:
Thanks for posting the detailed instructions. Might have to give this a try, given that one of my speakers blew after a couple of weeks. Also intrigued by the front speaker....
How did you identify which speakers would be a suitable replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've built alot of custom electronics, so I measured the old ones and used a bit of experience to guess the rest. There is a couple of millimeters of space left around the speaker, but it's super close, and the original speakers actually have an extra plastic case on them because they couldn't find cheap enough speakers that fit exactly. You won't find a closer match in size to the originals, and they have the best sound of any speaker in this size range.
spicy_puerto_rican: The stock speakers are round, with a large plastic collar to make them slightly larger. My replacements are a few mils smaller, but even the originals needed adhesive to hold them in, so the size difference really isn't an issue. As I said, they have the best sound quality and volume of anything in the size range.
With the loudness of the new speakers, I've decided not to bother putting front speakers in, but if you open your archos, you'll see there is so much space in the right hand-hold you could do almost anything in there. Feel free to experiment.
Thank you! My speakers went bad. I followed your instructions and the new speakers work great. It was difficult, but it would have been even harder without your instructions.
Jason
Tesla74 said:
Thank you! My speakers went bad. I followed your instructions and the new speakers work great. It was difficult, but it would have been even harder without your instructions.
Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. It's been a couple of months now and they still sound good...

Aluminium Backcover Build - Possible or not

Hi there,
for Years i'm reading here silently and i never register myself.
I'm German and i hope that my english is well enough that you can understand my Questions.
I have a Question, not about Software for Samsung S8, so that's the Point for me to register here.
Hope that is the right Place in this Forum for my Question.
In the Future i plan to buy a S8 second hand. My Money is small so the most second hand S8 are in need of repair (Frontglas & Backcovers). Nothing what a Human with skills can handle. But i want to mod the S8 on the Side of Hardware.
Here is my Question:
Is it possible to make a Backcover from Aluminium and to use it instead of Glascover?
My thinking is to get a Originalcover and then to rebuild one from Aluminium (Thin it must be). CNC, or Lasercut for the precision.
I've googled many hours in the Hope to find something like this, but nothing.
So i want to ask you.
I think a Backcover from Alu ist not so breakable as Glas, more stable, but is it to realize without elektrical Danger to Part of the Phone.
I don't like the Cases & Bumpers & so on. I want to make my Phone more personal.
Are my thoughts crazy, or not? What do you think?
Hope my thread here is ok and do not conflict with the Forumrules. Sorry if that happens, but otherwise i will be thankfull for an answer or discussion about this Topic.
Greets to all outhere...
Interesting idea! Personally I would go with a skin like dbrand or slikwrap even if the glass is broken. Personal look and you don't lose any wireless functionality
Make sure that you remove the wireless charging coil before this!
Aluminium Backcover-Possible or not
Hi there,
i'm living in a relativ small Town in Northern Germany, but i hope i can find some
Manufacturers that can realize my idea. Maybe i must give an Order to some Firma over Google, or so.
To j91hernandez:
Can you give me eventually some links to the products. In Germany there are unknown, i think. I want to take a look on it.
I ask myself: is a Alu-BC thick enough to protect the Phone like the Glas-BC?
Or must can i use a Metall-BC instead Alu? I don't know.
The other thing is: you must remove the Original-BC to apply the, maybe stronger, Mod-BC. But if the S8 has no Guarantee you can make it like you wish.
Glas-Cover looks great, but i've seen so much broken S8s to buy in Ebay-Second Hand Shop, so i wondering, why nobody change the BC of the Phone to avoid the use of Cases, etc.
With a well designed Metall / Alu-BC it must be better, i think. Maybe you can make it less slippery for your Hands, too.
But: is there Dangers for electrical Parts of the Phone, i mean short circuit between Parts? In wich Way it affects the NFC Functions, etc.?
Maybe try & error! I'm willing to do so if i have the Money to buy a S8. So i try to get any Infos about that Projectidea.
zoroarctic said:
Make sure that you remove the wireless charging coil before this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a Point! The Function of the Phone shall be at 100%, so i think i must look and read about Phones with Metall-BC AND Wireless Charging how they doing it.
There would be a chance the metal backing by witch one would have to possibly custom make curves and all. But may dampen WiFi bluetooth and wireless signals. Anything other than plastic glass or aluminum I would imagine would interfere with wireless charging as well. Absorbing or warping the magnetic field
But I would say if a man could bend the edges properly a hand held rotary tool would more than likely suffice to do all edging and cutouts for various sensors. I have had to make due with home made metal object before but precision be on this is a must. As water resistance is more than like gone with the wind on this mod.....
Which I support fully
HoosierDaddy said:
There would be a chance the metal backing by witch one would have to possibly custom make curves and all. But may dampen WiFi bluetooth and wireless signals. Anything other than plastic glass or aluminum I would imagine would interfere with wireless charging as well. Absorbing or warping the magnetic field
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this
A plastic back would make much more sense as it would bend easier than metal for the corners while allowing for wireless charging and not causing any kind of electrical shorting issues.
zoroarctic said:
I agree with this
A plastic back would make much more sense as it would bend easier than metal for the corners while allowing for wireless charging and not causing any kind of electrical shorting issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
ok, Plastic-Cover is another idea to think about.
But it looks not so good as Alu, or Metall. Hm, maybe th use of a Skin can make the Optic cooler than. Another Sideeffekt is that the Plastik is covered then against big sctratches. No Danger for short circuits then and hopefully no problems with wireless charging and so on.
To Build such an BC is easier, right. Bending and cut out the Holes, that's all what we can make ourselves (if you are not Double-Lefthanded).
Thanks for the Input. Will think about that and trying it if i have my S8 in the Future.
A Fullbody-Cover protects the Phone completly (Front+Back), but on the other Side it is more thicker, unhandy. Often the Buttons are not good to press, and such things.
if you insist on aluminium/metal, then you are going to have to give up some functionalities. otherwise, plastics would be your only option. wood might be a viable option too, however durability would be an issue with the material.
imho though, you mentioned that you have limited money and if you're going to get an aluminium/metal/wood back cover machined by someone, it's going to cost more than you would think. replacement glass are way cheaper and as the other user suggested, you have vinyl wraps to get the look that you want

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