[MOD] Cheap wireless charging (~$15USD) - Samsung Galaxy Alpha

I wanted wireless charging, but the only one available (from fonesalesman.com) costs about $80USD to my door.
So, I bought an S5 pad and used some copper tape I had lying around. NOTE: Copper tape (or at least the one I have) is only conductive on one side because of the adhesive. I rolled the ends up to make large contacts for the terminals on the phone and wireless charging pad.
I also removed the golden pins from the wireless charging pad because they were a bit thick. If you do this, be careful not to remove the silver pad underneath (I almost did).
See pictures attached, they're pretty explanatory.
The current pad I am using is a bit thick, and have ordered a new one, but it works! And it doesn't cost the earth.
Hope this helps people.

Also, see attached the wireless charging pad I got.
It works, but its thick.
If anyone has some thin wireless charging pads, please recommend.

How does it look with the back cover on? Im thinking about doing this with the extended battery. Since there is some room available to the left it might fit better? Can you take a picture from the side so that one can see how thick the charger thing is?

killbom said:
how does it look with the back cover on? Im thinking about doing this with the extended battery. Since there is some room available to the left it might fit better? Can you take a picture from the side so that one can see how thick the charger thing is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi res picture 3mb
Thumb:

Hey guys,
It doesn't look as good as the post from DimonVideo, but as I said, I'm waiting on a thinner wireless model.
I'll put some pictures up later when I get home.

0.5mm Receiver
novastorm17 said:
Also, see attached the wireless charging pad I got.
It works, but its thick.
If anyone has some thin wireless charging pads, please recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm planning on getting this one.
Can't post the link to amazon as I do not have the minimum posts to do so.
Search this:
Alpha SlimPWRcard - 0.5mm Qi Receiver for Samsung Galaxy Alpha with integrated NFC coil

Those are the only model available for the Alpha. But since I don't live in USA, it would cost at least $50USD for me. So, I put together this thing

Where you get the pinout of the alpha wireless charger?

Related

Samsung Flip Case with Wireless Charging [HACK]

I have the Offical Samsung Flip Case (like the S-View without the window), and also a wireless charger, but the flip case has no charging receiver.
I bought this ultrathin wireless receiver from Amazon -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Expower-Ultra-thin-Standard-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B00FWMN69I/
But now the receiver covers the contacts used by the flip case to tell the phone when case is closed so it sleeps, and to awake when the case is open.
The PCB is so thin I could easily poke a hole through with a needle, which meant I could also put a small wire through to allow outside contact so the flip-case can connect to the phone.
First I poked 2 holes just underneath the connectors of the GND and P3.
Then I placed some double-sided sticky tape over the area
And pushed some thin wire through the holes so they went through into the phone to make contact inside. I used a strand of solid CAT5 as it was what I had lieing around.
I then pushed the wire flat onto the tape and trimmed them both so they couldn't short each other
Then some aluminium foil accross the contact area. I first tried without the foil but I found it was a bit hit and miss whether the case made contact with the wire. With the foil it works every time.
Now I have a flip-case with wireless charging!
youtu.be/C_5LhUly64k
Short video of the case and charging both working togethor
I have been trying to get something like this to work with my s view cover. Thanks for the info, I'm going to give this a shot
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
theusername said:
I have been trying to get something like this to work with my s view cover. Thanks for the info, I'm going to give this a shot
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhhh wouldn't it make more sense to return your 60$ sview case and get the 80$ sview with qi charging case? I don't see why u would opt to do some junky have when u can get the official case thay offers the same functionality and isn't janky
rettignick said:
Uhhh wouldn't it make more sense to return your 60$ sview case and get the 80$ sview with qi charging case? I don't see why u would opt to do some junky have when u can get the official case thay offers the same functionality and isn't janky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frist off, the official charging case is very thick compaired to the regular one. Second the wireless charging cases are hard to come by. Third this is XDA, is all about customization, hacking, and development. If you don't like it, don't go to that thread. Last of all, just by your use of the word "janky" I can tell you are an idiot. Please go flame some where else.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Stalka said:
I have the Offical Samsung Flip Case (like the S-View without the window), and also a wireless charger, but the flip case has no charging receiver.
I bought this ultrathin wireless receiver from Amazon -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Expower-Ultra-thin-Standard-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B00FWMN69I/
But now the receiver covers the contacts used by the flip case to tell the phone when case is closed so it sleeps, and to awake when the case is open.
The PCB is so thin I could easily poke a hole through with a needle, which meant I could also put a small wire through to allow outside contact so the flip-case can connect to the phone.
First I poked 2 holes just underneath the connectors of the GND and P3.
Then I placed some double-sided sticky tape over the area
And pushed some thin wire through the holes so they went through into the phone to make contact inside. I used a strand of solid CAT5 as it was what I had lieing around.
I then pushed the wire flat onto the tape and trimmed them both so they couldn't short each other
Then some aluminium foil accross the contact area. I first tried without the foil but I found it was a bit hit and miss whether the case made contact with the wire. With the foil it works every time.
Now I have a flip-case with wireless charging!
youtu.be/C_5LhUly64k
Short video of the case and charging both working togethor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't this add a irregular hump on the back at the wireless ports? The Original samsung S-view case has two wireless pillars sticking out to fit in the wireless ports. You covered the ports with two wires, how is it not adding a little hump on the back?
Deekayy said:
Doesn't this add a irregular hump on the back at the wireless ports? The Original samsung S-view case has two wireless pillars sticking out to fit in the wireless ports. You covered the ports with two wires, how is it not adding a little hump on the back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I can notice. It does make it more difficult to close the case but once closed I don't see any hump and still feels flat when laid on a surface.
Also the flip cases "pillars" are very thin compared to the ones on the official wireless charging cover.
You could always hammer the wire flat prior to inserting if you wanted.
Stalka said:
Not that I can notice. It does make it more difficult to close the case but once closed I don't see any hump and still feels flat when laid on a surface.
Also the flip cases "pillars" are very thin compared to the ones on the official wireless charging cover.
You could always hammer the wire flat prior to inserting if you wanted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice hack especially for those of us in the UK who have just managed to get a free standard Flip Case from Samsung.
Vince
I feel really stupid not being able to track down a definitive answer but, I have the Verizon Note 3 and the OEM "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 S-View Flip Cover"... does this thing have wireless charging built-in? I see that there are contacts on the cover inside the back and the Note 3 itself has the contacts exposed, so it doesn't look at all like the pictures in OP.
xeper said:
I feel really stupid not being able to track down a definitive answer but, I have the Verizon Note 3 and the OEM "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 S-View Flip Cover"... does this thing have wireless charging built-in? I see that there are contacts on the cover inside the back and the Note 3 itself has the contacts exposed, so it doesn't look at all like the pictures in OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung offers 2 different S-View covers. One has Qi charging built-in, while the other one does not. The Qi S-View cover is not easy to find at the present time, while the standard S-View cover is readily available. Where did you purchase your S-View cover? The package will tell you which cover it is.
If you didn't personally purchase the cover or don't have the packaging that it came in, then post a pic showing the pins/contacts on the inside of the S-View cover you have. We should be able to tell you which one you have, and if it has Qi capabilities or not.
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 3 via XDA Premium
That's awesome bro. I will acquire a wireless charger and attempt your findings...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Stalka said:
I have the Offical Samsung Flip Case (like the S-View without the window), and also a wireless charger, but the flip case has no charging receiver.
I bought this ultrathin wireless receiver from Amazon -- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Expower-Ultra-thin-Standard-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B00FWMN69I/
But now the receiver covers the contacts used by the flip case to tell the phone when case is closed so it sleeps, and to awake when the case is open.
The PCB is so thin I could easily poke a hole through with a needle, which meant I could also put a small wire through to allow outside contact so the flip-case can connect to the phone.
First I poked 2 holes just underneath the connectors of the GND and P3.
Then I placed some double-sided sticky tape over the area
And pushed some thin wire through the holes so they went through into the phone to make contact inside. I used a strand of solid CAT5 as it was what I had lieing around.
I then pushed the wire flat onto the tape and trimmed them both so they couldn't short each other
Then some aluminium foil accross the contact area. I first tried without the foil but I found it was a bit hit and miss whether the case made contact with the wire. With the foil it works every time.
Now I have a flip-case with wireless charging!
youtu.be/C_5LhUly64k
Short video of the case and charging both working togethor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I've definitely been looking for this info. I'm just a bit confused as to what you are contacting on the underside. You can't see that part. There are 3 little holes on the left side of the battery. Does your wire contact just the bottom one? Or does it act as a jumper and contact the middle one and the bottom one? I'm using a slightly different charging receiver. Thanks!
stanglifemike said:
Samsung offers 2 different S-View covers. One has Qi charging built-in, while the other one does not. The Qi S-View cover is not easy to find at the present time, while the standard S-View cover is readily available. Where did you purchase your S-View cover? The package will tell you which cover it is.
If you didn't personally purchase the cover or don't have the packaging that it came in, then post a pic showing the pins/contacts on the inside of the S-View cover you have. We should be able to tell you which one you have, and if it has Qi capabilities or not.
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 3 via XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the Qi info on the cover or package, so I'm assuming not. Attaching a pic just in case.
If it's not a wireless charging back, what are the contacts for? NFC? (and if it's NFC, why doesn't the standard back need the same?)
xeper said:
I don't see the Qi info on the cover or package, so I'm assuming not. Attaching a pic just in case.;
If it's not a wireless charging back, what are the contacts for? NFC? (and if it's NFC, why doesn't the standard back need the same?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/
Those contacts are part of a chip that tells the Phone what Kind of Cover is attached.
If you had a charging Cover there would be 3 contacts there plus 2 horizontal contacts higher and to the left for the NFC.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
xeper said:
I don't see the Qi info on the cover or package, so I'm assuming not. Attaching a pic just in case.
If it's not a wireless charging back, what are the contacts for? NFC? (and if it's NFC, why doesn't the standard back need the same?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the non-wireless charging S-View case. I have the same thing (in white) and was able to mod it to make the S-View AND wireless charging to work.
To the OP, thank you for the aluminum foil idea!! That's the one part my hack was missing as everytime I removed the case it was hit or miss with the contacts lining up correctly.
htcoveblue said:
Thank you. I've definitely been looking for this info. I'm just a bit confused as to what you are contacting on the underside. You can't see that part. There are 3 little holes on the left side of the battery. Does your wire contact just the bottom one? Or does it act as a jumper and contact the middle one and the bottom one? I'm using a slightly different charging receiver. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The three contacts to the left of battery are:
1. [CHARGE]
2. [GROUND]
3. [DATA]
The [DATA] part is used by the phone to determine what type of case is attached. The wireless charger connects to 1 and 2, whilst the flip-case connects to 2 and 3. So the holes are in the bottom two and allow the flip case to be recognized by the phone.
The best way to do this is to just buy the Techmatte Qi receiver! It leaves the contacts open on both sides, so my official Samsung S-View case works perfectly without ANY modifications needed!! Highly recommend that everyone go that route!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 3 via XDA Premium
nice job!
stanglifemike said:
The best way to do this is to just buy the Techmatte Qi receiver!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this would be the perfect solution.
I searched Google Shopping, eBay and Amazon for "Techmatte" and got no results
Anyone know of a UK seller or somewhere that ships to the UK with this in stock?
stanglifemike said:
The best way to do this is to just buy the Techmatte Qi receiver! It leaves the contacts open on both sides, so my official Samsung S-View case works perfectly without ANY modifications needed!! Highly recommend that everyone go that route!
SwiftKey'ed from my White Sprint Note 3 via XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is the best solution, but apparently, there will be many people who will buy the 1 to 1 copy s view cover, and not all of these will work.
Stalka said:
Yes this would be the perfect solution.
I searched Google Shopping, eBay and Amazon for "Techmatte" and got no results
Anyone know of a UK seller or somewhere that ships to the UK with this in stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This LOOKS like it will work the same:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mudder-Ultr...8&qid=1386782251&sr=8-15&keywords=qi+receiver
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

Wireless Charging W/ Lifeproof case ..help needed

Hello everyone I wanted to share my experience with a wireless charging pad and a lifeproof case. I purchased the Nuud lifeproof case a while back and ended up having to replace it due to the charging door that snaps closed started breaking. I figured a way to prevent me from opening that little snap door is to go with wireless charging.
I purchased the wireless charging reciever card and the oem charging pad off amazon. Much to my disappoint me the case was too thick for the wireless charge to continually work. It recognizes that its on the pad but would act as if I were plugging and unplugging a power cord every 2 seconds. So I tried to come up with ways to reduce the surface area between my card and the charger pad. I removed the stickers which ended up not being enough but then came up with the idea to remove the top cover of the oem charging pad. Removing this plastic seems like it was just enough to get it to work correctly. The only problem I see now is the phone is actually sitting on top of the coil which brings up some heat issues.
I'm thinking of sewing together some fabric to act as a cover. What do you guys think about this?
BUMP - I have a very thick ballistics case. I am wondering if a solution like this would work for me as well.
stein5830 said:
BUMP - I have a very thick ballistics case. I am wondering if a solution like this would work for me as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt my case is as thick as yours stein but it is working correctly once I removed the plastic cover on the charger pad. Not sure if you have all the items yet but you can find them on amazon for probably around 60 bucks.
Wireless Charging is working fine for me with my Otterbox Defender case and an Incipio Ghost 100 Wireless Charging Base. I'm using a cheap China QI antenna receiver that I got on eBay.
Currupt247 said:
Hello everyone I wanted to share my experience with a wireless charging pad and a lifeproof case. I purchased the Nuud lifeproof case a while back and ended up having to replace it due to the charging door that snaps closed started breaking. I figured a way to prevent me from opening that little snap door is to go with wireless charging.
I purchased the wireless charging reciever card and the oem charging pad off amazon. Much to my disappoint me the case was too thick for the wireless charge to continually work. It recognizes that its on the pad but would act as if I were plugging and unplugging a power cord every 2 seconds. So I tried to come up with ways to reduce the surface area between my card and the charger pad. I removed the stickers which ended up not being enough but then came up with the idea to remove the top cover of the oem charging pad. Removing this plastic seems like it was just enough to get it to work correctly. The only problem I see now is the phone is actually sitting on top of the coil which brings up some heat issues.
I'm thinking of sewing together some fabric to act as a cover. What do you guys think about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try moving the phone slightly on the charging pad.
I don't have the factory pad but on both of my qui charging pads the phone needs to be placed slightly above center. If I put it directly on the center I experienced the same symptoms you are describing.
Sent from a Galaxy S4... Far far away
gadget! said:
Try moving the phone slightly on the charging pad.
I don't have the factory pad but on both of my qui charging pads the phone needs to be placed slightly above center. If I put it directly on the center I experienced the same symptoms you are describing.
Sent from a Galaxy S4... Far far away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im thinking this oem charging pad is the prob I'm going to order the ghost and see if I get better results.

Adding wireless charging & magnets?

The Nexus 5/7 has Qi charging built-in and will stick to the magnetic Nexus Wireless Charging Pad.
I have seen this for the Note 3 that will add Wireless charging: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMRXD9U/
and this magnetic car dock that comes with a metal plate: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPMNNUO/
Is it possible to add both to the Note 3 without changing to a thicker battery cover?
I would like to know also. Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance..
I just spoke to another user via PM.
Apparently the nGroove Snap holds the phone pretty well using just the official Samsung Wireless Charging Cover, without an additional metal plate. Looking at pics online, i can see that there's some more metal in that cover, maybe that's why it works.
I had also read about people putting the metal plate behind their batteries - but I have no idea how thick it actually is.
The second one is good.
anyone knows of a similar pass through coil in Uk, i mean ebay UK or amazon.

The Air Dock: What works with it for you?

Hey everyone,
Just received my Air Dock in the mail and I've had mixed results using my Galaxy Note 3 with it. So rather than buying more cases and QI adapters, throwing stuff at the wall hoping something sticks, I thought we could all band together to find the best setup. This should be a thread for people to post their experiences and post links to the cases and wireless charging adapters they are using with the Air Dock and their GN3.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Air Dock, it's a new Indiegogo backed vehicle mount that employs nano-suction and QI wireless charging. It essentially uses a bunch of tiny suction cups (and some magnets apparently) to bond to your phone with out needing any kinds of harnesses or clips. The only issue seems to be that this tech requires some specific stuff to function well. The back of the phone needs to be high gloss plastic for it to stick well and it can't be too thick (i think .8mm is the max for it to still charge). For phones with matte backs (like the Nexus 5) magnets are an option.
Here is the link to the website and plenty of videos and pictures for those who don't know about it: TheAirDock.com
Ok, so I'll start with my setup and experience and hopefully others will follow along to find the best combination of accessories to get the most out of this dock.
Phone: Black Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon)
-I tried it on the dock with no case and while it holds, I'm not very confident in it. I think it may be the texture of the soft touch back. Also there seems to be magnets in it, which I'm not sure there were supposed to be but they are responding to something in the phone
Case: Black Cruzerlite Hybrid Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 3
-Same deal, it sticks to it but it's not inspiring confidence. It's not a high gloss back, so that's probably the issue (bought it well before the Air Dock). The dock also comes with a magnet sticker to place between the case and phone, and that helps but I haven't been able to get it to register a charge at all with the case on.
QI adapter: Wireless Qi Power Receiver Car Charger NFC For Samsung Note 3 N9000 N9005 BC279
-I think this is the part that has created the biggest issue. It's only ever recognized the charger a handful of times, with and without the back cover on. And even when it recognizes it, it just flashes the "now wireless charging" dealy and then goes back to discharging immediately. I know that the adapter works because it charges fine on my desktop QI charging pad.
It holds GN3 securely?
Jc003125 said:
It holds GN3 securely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. If i put it on there with no case and like 15 degrees of back lean it holds decently. The backplate isn't as glossy as it needs to be to hold securely though. It's capable of it, they've shown it holding the various Nexus tablets.
That's kind of what this thread is about, trying to find out the best combination of accessories to make this thing work correctly.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
i'm still waiting on my airdock, but regarding the QI receiver insert charging/discharging deal, have you tried to rotate the airdock 90 degrees? I've ran across QI chargers where orientation matters.
oilfighter said:
i'm still waiting on my airdock, but regarding the QI receiver insert charging/discharging deal, have you tried to rotate the airdock 90 degrees? I've ran across QI chargers where orientation matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I think that's worth a shot. The dock is weird in that the ball joint faces a specific direction, which is different than the prototypes I saw. And if what you say is true, mounting it on the windshield would make the dock upside down. I'll give that a go when I go to my car in the AM.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
B1gC72 said:
Hmm. I think that's worth a shot. The dock is weird in that the ball joint faces a specific direction, which is different than the prototypes I saw. And if what you say is true, mounting it on the windshield would make the dock upside down. I'll give that a go when I go to my car in the AM.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
an easier way is to not move the dock, and just rotate your phone 90 degrees (vertical vs. horizontal), and see if that helps with the wireless charging.
B1gC72 said:
Hey everyone,
Just received my Air Dock in the mail and I've had mixed results using my Galaxy Note 3 with it. So rather than buying more cases and QI adapters, throwing stuff at the wall hoping something sticks, I thought we could all band together to find the best setup. This should be a thread for people to post their experiences and post links to the cases and wireless charging adapters they are using with the Air Dock and their GN3.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Air Dock, it's a new Indiegogo backed vehicle mount that employs nano-suction and QI wireless charging. It essentially uses a bunch of tiny suction cups (and some magnets apparently) to bond to your phone with out needing any kinds of harnesses or clips. The only issue seems to be that this tech requires some specific stuff to function well. The back of the phone needs to be high gloss plastic for it to stick well and it can't be too thick (i think .8mm is the max for it to still charge). For phones with matte backs (like the Nexus 5) magnets are an option.
Here is the link to the website and plenty of videos and pictures for those who don't know about it: TheAirDock.com
Ok, so I'll start with my setup and experience and hopefully others will follow along to find the best combination of accessories to get the most out of this dock.
Phone: Black Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon)
-I tried it on the dock with no case and while it holds, I'm not very confident in it. I think it may be the texture of the soft touch back. Also there seems to be magnets in it, which I'm not sure there were supposed to be but they are responding to something in the phone
Case: Black Cruzerlite Hybrid Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 3
-Same deal, it sticks to it but it's not inspiring confidence. It's not a high gloss back, so that's probably the issue (bought it well before the Air Dock). The dock also comes with a magnet sticker to place between the case and phone, and that helps but I haven't been able to get it to register a charge at all with the case on.
QI adapter: Wireless Qi Power Receiver Car Charger NFC For Samsung Note 3 N9000 N9005 BC279
-I think this is the part that has created the biggest issue. It's only ever recognized the charger a handful of times, with and without the back cover on. And even when it recognizes it, it just flashes the "now wireless charging" dealy and then goes back to discharging immediately. I know that the adapter works because it charges fine on my desktop QI charging pad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The receiver you have is not a very good one, its rather weak, i had to add another ferrite or flexi magnet to it so that most of my other transmitter can detect it, but if nfc is a must, you have no choice.
oilfighter said:
an easier way is to not move the dock, and just rotate your phone 90 degrees (vertical vs. horizontal), and see if that helps with the wireless charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I tried all orientations and no such luck. I think it's the QI adapter.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
kms108 said:
The receiver you have is not a very good one, its rather weak, i had to add another ferrite or flexi magnet to it so that most of my other transmitter can detect it, but if nfc is a must, you have no choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. NFC isn't a must so could you recommend a better QI adapter for the thread?
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
Would also like to report back on the docks performance today. I had my phone on it (in the case) all day with just a small amount of back lean. It held strong on the drive to and from bwork. I also went for some drinks after work and it held strong to and from along a fairly bumpy road. I still want to find a glossy back case but my confidence is growing in the nano suction as is.
I also wanted to report that I put my old Galaxy S1 in it (only phone I have with a glossy back) and it held just like it does in the videos.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
B1gC72 said:
Good to know. NFC isn't a must so could you recommend a better QI adapter for the thread?
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is three
nillkin has one with qi/ s view function
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2605204
yijieneng
powerqi with copper coil (non nfc)
yijieneng and powerqi shown below.
Hi Guys,
Just to know if I'm the only one experiencing difficulties with my airdock :
I received my items 2 days ago (I have 2 as a friend also ordered one) and test them with 2 Nexus 4 :
Concerning the suction, it's definitily very very good with the N4 and no case, clearly, no risk to have the phone fall while driving !
So, that was the good news ...
The bad one is that the charging is very unreliable on both airdock pads, but with differents effects :
On the first one, it's very difficult for it to be seen charging by the phone, but when it does, it work for several minutes ... and stop working without apparent reasons ...
On the second one, I experiment the same kind of symptoms as described in the first post : the wireless charging is only seen by the phone for something like 1/2s, and then it's off ...
That's quite a disppointment as otherwise, it holds the phone just fine in the car and I found it very convenient. I hope I was just unlucky with mines, or maybe they suffer from transport (the package shows no evidence of it yet ...).
I contacted Greg, the guy from theAirdock.com to have his advices on the matter, but no answer so far ... I was wondering if I'm the only experimenting those issues ?
rogue931 said:
Hi Guys,
Just to know if I'm the only one experiencing difficulties with my airdock :
I received my items 2 days ago (I have 2 as a friend also ordered one) and test them with 2 Nexus 4 :
Concerning the suction, it's definitily very very good with the N4 and no case, clearly, no risk to have the phone fall while driving !
So, that was the good news ...
The bad one is that the charging is very unreliable on both airdock pads, but with differents effects :
On the first one, it's very difficult for it to be seen charging by the phone, but when it does, it work for several minutes ... and stop working without apparent reasons ...
On the second one, I experiment the same kind of symptoms as described in the first post : the wireless charging is only seen by the phone for something like 1/2s, and then it's off ...
That's quite a disppointment as otherwise, it holds the phone just fine in the car and I found it very convenient. I hope I was just unlucky with mines, or maybe they suffer from transport (the package shows no evidence of it yet ...).
I contacted Greg, the guy from theAirdock.com to have his advices on the matter, but no answer so far ... I was wondering if I'm the only experimenting those issues ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not the only one, I had similar issues with my Note 3 (actually why I started this thread). I ended up contacting Greg as well and he recommended I purchase a Qi adapter from their site, which did make it function much more reliably. It's acceptable in my opinion at this point but I'm still not 100% sure it's going to charge or stay charging anytime I set it on the AirDock.
Bad news is, my solution isn't really an option with the N4 since (i believe) the wireless charging is built in. I do believe that the Qi charger in the AirDock is generally weak though since I tried about 3 different Qi adapters before finally buying the one from the AirDock site that worked. Otherwise it would do exactly what yours is doing (got both of the things you described with different adapters). I would say try to exchange your docks.
Something that works for me sometimes if it doesn't start charging right away is to unplug the USB cable from the lighter socket side and plug it back in. Also be sure that you are plugged into the 2.1A socket that it comes with, as i found it won't work with the standard 1A plugs most people have laying around.
I really love the concept of the AirDock and I'm glad I backed it but the build quality is certainly suspect. Mine is starting to fall apart after only a few months (the suction pad part is starting to separate from the housing, i can only assume because of how the phone has to be pulled to remove). I think this is par for the course with beta hardware though. Fortunately, customer service was very accommodating in my experience. Hope you're as fortunate.
Yep, actually, I found the thread on the N5 forum after I put my post here. And there indeed seems to be a few complaints with it
I had ne feedback from Greg sincemy email yesterday, but I figure they may be quite busy those days as many people seems to be receiving them.
Well, I hope he will provide a solution, because, for one of the two, with the same symptoms as yours, I can believe it's a problem with positionning, but for the other, the phone start charging for a few minutes and, without it moving, stops ... To me it sounds more like a loose contact somewhere inside the airdock ...
Well, wait'n see, they say ...
I will keep you posted of Greg's answer ..
Any word on how this works with the Note 3's stock "leather" textured back? Is a case required for it to stay?
Also, has anybody tried it with the Samsung brand wireless charger cover? The Air Dock website suggests that the Samsung brand cover is the best wireless charger receiver available; even better than the ones that Air Dock sells.
do you use the Magnetic Sticker?
For the original poster, how did things work out for you in the end? I have a Nexus 5 and it works extremely well with the AirDock because of the smooth back and also because of the magnets. I'm thinking of going to the Note 4. On the AirDock site it does say the textured back of the Note may not stick too well so they recommend using the magnetic sticker. I have one that come with my AirDock and can't imagine putting that on the back of the phone case. I expect it would be pretty damn ugly.
2xbass said:
For the original poster, how did things work out for you in the end? I have a Nexus 5 and it works extremely well with the AirDock because of the smooth back and also because of the magnets. I'm thinking of going to the Note 4. On the AirDock site it does say the textured back of the Note may not stick too well so they recommend using the magnetic sticker. I have one that come with my AirDock and can't imagine putting that on the back of the phone case. I expect it would be pretty damn ugly.
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I thought for sure I had already posted this response. I ended up getting an AirDock and the OEM Samsung Wireless charging cover for my Note 3. It's been a good setup. I'm not using the ugly sticker. The magnets in the AirDock seem to hold on to some metal in the wireless cover. It isn't as good as a smooth backed device, but it works for the most part. I'm glad I bought it.
That's good to know. Thanks for replying. One way to get a smoother back and increase the adhesion on the AirDock while avoiding the thickness of a case is to get a vinyl wrap although I'm not sure how they would go with the Samsung wireless back since it looks like the shape especially around the camera is slightly different. I have a D-Brand skin on my Nexus 5 and I really love it and it makes the back even smoother. I just got a Note 4 yesterday and have ordered a third-party Qi receiver coil so I'll see how that goes first. Looks like SlickWraps has some nice vinyl skins for the Note 3 and 4.
Also want to report that yesterday I tried my Note 4 with the AirDock using the standard back. At first it did not adhere at all. However I noticed that surface of my AirDock charging pad was pretty dusty. For my Nexus 5 I had been relying mostly on the magnets to hold the phone there. So I cleaned the AirDock with a bit of water as they recommend and the Note 4 holds very securely now. I think if I add a vinyl skin or a very thin case I think it would be even more secure.

Wireless Charging Back Cover

Black one in stock now: http://www.mobilefun.com/47945-official-samsung-galaxy-alpha-qi-wireless-charging-cover-black.htm
White one on preorder: http://www.mobilefun.com/47948-official-samsung-galaxy-alpha-qi-wireless-charging-cover-white.htm
For wireless charging how does this exactly work?
It works by induction. You need a special charging station (read: a square box that is resting on your nightstand from now on), where you can put your phone on. You don't have to fiddle with plugs.
The charging station works with a standard USB connection and for your phone you need the above mentioned back cover, with is a complete replacement for the existing backplate. The special back cover contains all the electronics and contact pins to connect with the phones battery.
looks like it make the phone super thick!!! Plus cant use with any cases
jerflash said:
looks like it make the phone super thick!!! Plus cant use with any cases
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Of course, they have to place the coil somewhere, it's just a sacrifice you have to make for having the convenience. Also most flexable rubber/silicone cases do work because they stretch (I just prefer to go without them for the sake of ruining the design of the phone).
It should be arriving here by end of week and I'll be sure to take a few pics for you guys.
FYI, I have purchased a wireless charging back for every single Samsung device I have ever owned so I have plenty of experience (S3, S4, Note 3, and currently S5)
I was running the wireless charging back on my LG G3 so I have some experience as well. That back only added 1 millimeter to the thickness...I measured it. Just better design. I have the alpha and I'm currently testing next to the iPhone 6. Liking both phones alot. Need to test battery life
Sent from iPhone I'm testing using Tapatalk
The most disappointing thing about the wireless charging back cover, other than its extra thickness which makes it less flush, is on the standard cover, the SAMSUNG logo is shiny and embossed, giving the same effect as the metallic edging. On the wireless charging cover, its matte and flat like a cheap tacky plastic print. Not at all in-keeping with the quality of the rest of the phone.
BunnyKillBot said:
The most disappointing thing about the wireless charging back cover, other than its extra thickness which makes it less flush, is on the standard cover, the SAMSUNG logo is shiny and embossed, giving the same effect as the metallic edging. On the wireless charging cover, its matte and flat like a cheap tacky plastic print. Not at all in-keeping with the quality of the rest of the phone.
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Click to collapse
Hmm this is quite strange, usually Samsung does not cheap out on those wireless charging back covers and try to make it as identical to original as possible (at least on all the models I've used them on). Perhaps they didn't spend as much into this one due to the lack of popularity/demand for this device. Still surprises me though, it should cost cheaper in that case as well.
@jerflash: Actually on the S5 the gain in thickness is almost not noticeable. My dad uses one and switched backcovers and you don't see it.
Inductive coils are super thin copperwires that need next to no room for themselves.
I bought one of these for my note 3 and even though it did give it some weight and thickness, the battery cover was thick enough that the camera lens would not come in contact when places on a flat surface which was nice.
BunnyKillBot said:
The most disappointing thing about the wireless charging back cover, other than its extra thickness which makes it less flush, is on the standard cover, the SAMSUNG logo is shiny and embossed, giving the same effect as the metallic edging. On the wireless charging cover, its matte and flat like a cheap tacky plastic print. Not at all in-keeping with the quality of the rest of the phone.
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Click to collapse
That is the wireless charging cover of the Alpha right? Can you tell me if it has magnets in it for alignment? I'm trying to build a car dock with magnetic attachment like the Nexus 5 and wonder if this cover for the Alpha would let me do that.
---------- Post added at 11:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:16 PM ----------
open1your1eyes0 said:
Of course, they have to place the coil somewhere, it's just a sacrifice you have to make for having the convenience. Also most flexable rubber/silicone cases do work because they stretch (I just prefer to go without them for the sake of ruining the design of the phone).
It should be arriving here by end of week and I'll be sure to take a few pics for you guys.
FYI, I have purchased a wireless charging back for every single Samsung device I have ever owned so I have plenty of experience (S3, S4, Note 3, and currently S5)
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And/or would you know the answer to my question?
Is anyone using the qi cover with thr Alpha?
imthenachoman said:
Is anyone using the qi cover with thr Alpha?
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I am. As far as am aware there are no magnets in the cover but a metal plate is there.
open1your1eyes0 said:
I am. As far as am aware there are no magnets in the cover but a metal plate is there.
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Click to collapse
And it works? I emailed Samsung and they told me there are no qi chafgers that work with the Alpha. If youre saying it works I might actually buy it and build a magnetic charger for it so I can dock in my car. Thanks!
They also confirmed thr Alpha has OIS.
imthenachoman said:
And it works? I emailed Samsung and they told me there are no qi chafgers that work with the Alpha. If youre saying it works I might actually buy it and build a magnetic charger for it so I can dock in my car. Thanks!
They also confirmed thr Alpha has OIS.
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It definitely works (using it daily at work) so whoever you talked to has no idea what they're talking about. Wouldn't be the first time honestly.
That wireless charging cover looks super ugly and so doesn't fit the amazing design of the rest of the pone. Not sure what Samsung was thinking when making such a poor looking charging cover.
imthenachoman said:
And it works? I emailed Samsung and they told me there are no qi chafgers that work with the Alpha. If youre saying it works I might actually buy it and build a magnetic charger for it so I can dock in my car. Thanks!
They also confirmed thr Alpha has OIS.
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Click to collapse
Thay confirmed OIS,i try to find out anywhere this info but I only find in one US site nowhere else
is it possable that Alpha has OIS
Can you shere this info with us m8
Could you please tell me whether the extra thickness of the cover makes it impossible to fit a case over it? I have in mind a flip case.
Samsung do not yet list a wireless charging back on their web site for the Galaxy Alpha. I wonder if this is a picture of the back for the bigger battery.
I got my official wireless charging back. Unfortunately, it does make the phone slightly thicker which means cases are not going to fit over it. I tried a cheap plastic soft case which I thought would stretch enough to fit but it didn't. So I had better not drop my phone.....
Otherwise, the wireless charging works fine with a Nokia DT desktop charger.

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