A fully-functional car kit, available now!

[Waldman]

I wanted to post a review/my experiences with a home-brewed car kit solution that newtreouser has come up with, and I bought from him. And no, I'm not in any way affiliated with him. Found him on the Car Kit thread that's been going on interminably.

He set a price at around $60, which isn't so bad, given the cost of the alternatives, as well as the time he probably put into figuring out how to wire it all together.

The kit he's selling is a single cable running from the 600's headset jack into a switch. From there, 2 lines run out: one is a stereo line-out to your car stereo; the other is a mic jack. The switch toggles between mp3 playback and phone use. More on that later.

My needs were a bit odd (unusual cable lengths for each of the leads coming off the switch). Newtreouser was extremely flexible in custom-building the kit to my needs at no extra charge, including a 10' run to the mic, swapping his headphone jack for an L-shaped jack at the Treo end (for which he charged me the cost of a new jack, since he had to buiy one), and giving me a male stereo-mini line-out on the stereo side. All to my specs.

Ordered Friday, got the kit Tuesday.

I've got Aux inputs on my stereo, so that solved the whole cassette-adapter/FM modulator conundrum that plagues so many of us. Just ran the line up under the dash into the back of the stereo. Likewise the mic line: up under the dash and up the seam along my windshield. Almost completely invisible.

The switch was the only dubious part. Had to find a place to mount it. In my case, found the perfect solution in a dummy switch for an accessory that my car doesn't have. Looks almost invisible, and if I ever get rid of all of this, I'll just get a new dummy.

How does it all go together? Pretty seamlessly, if you ask me. Leave it switched to music, and I've got Pocket Tunes playing through my stereo beautifully. If a call comes in, Lightwave announces the call over the stereo. I answer the call on the Treo like usual, then flip the switch for voice, which activates the mic line. I hear callers over the stereo, and the mic picks me up just fine. Don't know if the THB unit even allows for music.

Robin posted to the Car Kit thread that calls don't sound THAT hot on the THB kit; same here. You aren't going to fool too many people that you're actually on the handset, but I doubt it's worse than any other car solution, including PalmOne's.

Other issues? Well, one of my lines was orange, which sucked. But I buried the line so it's invisible, and if you care, tell him not to give you colored lines. There was noise in the line when I plugged in the cigarette lighter adapter, which would have been a deal-breaker, but I think the lines were just too close together: some fiddling (jiggling more than anything else) and the problem went away and hasn't returned. Those were truly my only issues with the whole transaction.

Anyway, that's my 5¢. Why the long-winded shill? Well, I told newtreouser that if this worked out I'd sing his praises loud and clear, and, well, here I am. It's a LOT cheaper than the $200+shipping+install of the THB/Palm unit, and it works as advertised.

I'm a happy customer.

Adam

[hall316]

pics?

[Waldman]

I'll work on it. Though there really isn't much to show. Newtreouser posted some pix of the kit itself on another thread (sir? perhaps you can re-post them here). But it doesn't look all that impressive. Which is the point: it disappears into the car.

Man, am I long-winded. Short answer: I'll get 'em up in a day or two.

[dbrashear]

I wanted to post a review/my experiences with a home-brewed car kit solution that newtreouser has come up with, and I bought from him. And no, I'm not in any way affiliated with him. Found him on the Car Kit thread that's been going on interminably.

No antenna adapter, no interest. Oh well.

[newtreouser]

Hi Adam,

Thanks for writing the review on my car kit. I am happy to gain another happy customer.

How do you have the mic routed? Can you position it within 3 to 12 inches of your mouth as I recommended? It does make quite a difference in sound quality to the person you are talking to.

Normal length mic cables come with moulded connectors and are in black. Because you needed the special 10 ft length, I had to custom splice in the extra length and orange was the only mic cable I have in that length. I figured it's not a real issue since it is hidden anyway.

As for the noise problem you had, I suspect it was a ground loop problem. When you jiggled the connectors, a better connection was made and the (open) ground loop went away.

My car kit works with cassette adapter, FM transmitter, or stereo input ( as in your case). It also plays MP3 stereo! Everything plugs in for an easy install. No soldering required!

I am away from home with only my treo and do not have the pics of my car kit with me. I will post them in this thread when I return home. For now, you can see pics in post #113 of this thread:

http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=50528&page=6&pp=20&highlight=car+kit

My car kit is very affordable at $59 plus $5 s&h. If you wish to order one, have questions, or have custom requirements, or like a demo call from my car kit, please e-mail me at

firepiston@yahoo.com

You will get exc service and a response directly from me, not some canned computer reply.

Steve

I wanted to post a review/my experiences with a home-brewed car kit solution that newtreouser has come up with, and I bought from him. And no, I'm not in any way affiliated with him. Found him on the Car Kit thread that's been going on interminably.

He set a price at around $60, which isn't so bad, given the cost of the alternatives, as well as the time he probably put into figuring out how to wire it all together.

The kit he's selling is a single cable running from the 600's headset jack into a switch. From there, 2 lines run out: one is a stereo line-out to your car stereo; the other is a mic jack. The switch toggles between mp3 playback and phone use. More on that later.

My needs were a bit odd (unusual cable lengths for each of the leads coming off the switch). Newtreouser was extremely flexible in custom-building the kit to my needs at no extra charge, including a 10' run to the mic, swapping his headphone jack for an L-shaped jack at the Treo end (for which he charged me the cost of a new jack, since he had to buiy one), and giving me a male stereo-mini line-out on the stereo side. All to my specs.

Ordered Friday, got the kit Tuesday.

I've got Aux inputs on my stereo, so that solved the whole cassette-adapter/FM modulator conundrum that plagues so many of us. Just ran the line up under the dash into the back of the stereo. Likewise the mic line: up under the dash and up the seam along my windshield. Almost completely invisible.

The switch was the only dubious part. Had to find a place to mount it. In my case, found the perfect solution in a dummy switch for an accessory that my car doesn't have. Looks almost invisible, and if I ever get rid of all of this, I'll just get a new dummy.

How does it all go together? Pretty seamlessly, if you ask me. Leave it switched to music, and I've got Pocket Tunes playing through my stereo beautifully. If a call comes in, Lightwave announces the call over the stereo. I answer the call on the Treo like usual, then flip the switch for voice, which activates the mic line. I hear callers over the stereo, and the mic picks me up just fine. Don't know if the THB unit even allows for music.

Robin posted to the Car Kit thread that calls don't sound THAT hot on the THB kit; same here. You aren't going to fool too many people that you're actually on the handset, but I doubt it's worse than any other car solution, including PalmOne's.

Other issues? Well, one of my lines was orange, which sucked. But I buried the line so it's invisible, and if you care, tell him not to give you colored lines. There was noise in the line when I plugged in the cigarette lighter adapter, which would have been a deal-breaker, but I think the lines were just too close together: some fiddling (jiggling more than anything else) and the problem went away and hasn't returned. Those were truly my only issues with the whole transaction.

Anyway, that's my 5¢. Why the long-winded shill? Well, I told newtreouser that if this worked out I'd sing his praises loud and clear, and, well, here I am. It's a LOT cheaper than the $200+shipping+install of the THB/Palm unit, and it works as advertised.

I'm a happy customer.

Adam

[newtreouser]

Why? Do you think an external antenna will always give you better reception? I don't know how good the THB external antenna is, but I have have seen car kits with external antennas giving worse performance than not having it. Impedence matching an external antenna at microwave frequencies of mobile phones is tricky and lots can go wrong. An external antenna also makes the install more difficult. Do you really want a hole drilled through the roof of your new car?

I do not see much difference in signal strength with my treo inside or outside the car. Microwaves has very short wavelengths and the car does not block microwaves very well.

Try this test:

Put your phone in the freezer and call it. It will ring with no problem!

I have been using my car kit whenever I drive in the North east and let me say that reception without an external antenna has not been a problem. I am seldom without a signal.



No antenna adapter, no interest. Oh well.

[lnichols]

I can see why someone would want a kit with an external antenna. While a car does not block a cell signal, and a phone can work inside of a freezer, the phone has a limited transmit power and receiver threshold since it has to be against your head. Since an external antenna is not against your head, it can transit at a higher power and get better reception through the use of the higher gain antenna. A properly designed phone kit with amplified external antenna should always transmit at a higher power and receive towers from further away. I am sure that their are kits that do not, but this is what this type of setup is supposed to do.

[Waldman]

I probably do have the mic too far from my mouth, but there's no surface closer without reaching for it when I answer a call, which I'm unwilling to do; or letting it dangle in space in front of my face.

Again, this is a problem that isn't unique to this kit. It depends on the car you drive. So I'm not faulting the kit; just my car.

I'm working on those pix...

[Minsc]

A few quetsions:

1. what type of cradle are you using to hold the Treo? (I assume this doesn't come with the kit?

2. Is the MP3 playback in stereo?

3. Do you need lightwave? It was my understanding that if you're playing mp3's through pockettunes and a call comes in, the Treo automatically switches to the call and pauses your song.

[Waldman]

Ah, the cradle. Well, that's another bit of DIY that I actually prefer to the prefab solutions. Had a Pro-Clip mount, but REALLY hated the finish on it. Felt like I was wrapping caviar in Velveeta.

I found a plastic L-bracket that I mounted to the side of my console, and put a piece of grippy material on the face of. It folds away when not in use, and is invisible under the Treo. Looks like the 600 is floating next to the console. Very cool.

Y'know what: I REALLY need to post pix. That'll tell the story better than I'm attempting to. Today. Seriously. You can trust me to do it just like you can trust PalmOne to deliver a patch for the THB unit today.

As for MP3, it's absolutely in stereo. A close match to my iPod...which I've given away to my wife at this point.

Don't need LightWav: I just like it. The system works equally well without it. Some have argued better.

[mercer]

So, newtreouser, if I wanted to make something like this for myself would the wiring be as shown in the diagram attached below?

Just a note for anyone else thinking about making their own, my estimate is that for the price of parts, labor, and wiring/soldering neatness and expertise, the $60 price given by newtreouser is very reasonable. I just like making stuff. If my diagram isn't obviously understandable, you probably don't want to be messing about with electricity and your very expensive PDA phone!

[newtreouser]

I probably do have the mic too far from my mouth, but there's no surface closer without reaching for it when I answer a call, which I'm unwilling to do; or letting it dangle in space in front of my face.

Again, this is a problem that isn't unique to this kit. It depends on the car you drive. So I'm not faulting the kit; just my car.

I'm working on those pix...

On my install, I have the mic taped to a 1 ft length of solid house wiring, which is routed in the visor. With the positioning of the visor and the stiff wire, I can easily position the mic to close proximity of my mouth. When the mic is not in use, it can be stowed away and is invisible.

[newtreouser]

Mercer,

Your diagram will not work. Hey, I am trying trying to make a few bucks for my hard work. Is that OK? I am not making very much at the $59 introductory price. Price will likely go up once established with a good reputation, which I hope it will.

What more do you want, my car kit which provides a speakerphone that sounds better than the THB unit, with MP3 stereo playback, which the THB unit does not have. And my speakerphone WORKS, NOW, TODAY!

To disclose my design would be counterproductive for me. Hope you understand. How about asking THB instead? :)

So, newtreouser, if I wanted to make something like this for myself would the wiring be as shown in the diagram attached below?

Just a note for anyone else thinking about making their own, my estimate is that for the price of parts, labor, and wiring/soldering neatness and expertise, the $60 price given by newtreouser is very reasonable. I just like making stuff. If my diagram isn't obviously understandable, you probably don't want to be messing about with electricity and your very expensive PDA phone!

[GalenMD]

newtreouser,
What type of microphone do you recommend with your kit?

[newtreouser]

GalenMD, the mic/earset that came with your Treo works well, or you can use any mic/earset with a 2.5 mm plug. The beauty with my kit is you can plug in different mics. Different mics give you different sound, sensitivity, pickup pattern.

I use a cheaper old $9.95 mic from Sprint that is not as sensitive as the Treo's mic and it works well also.

[GalenMD]

That confuses me a bit. I thought this was designed for seperate signals: one for the mic and one for the speaker. Why would I plug in a combo device for the mic jack? The mic/earset that comes with the Treo is pretty junky, and besides, the mic was designed to be inches away from your mouth.
Would a solitary mic work by itself? I have a couple of mics with 6 foot cables that I can run to my visor (these came with older nokia car-kits).

[newtreouser]

Only the mic is used, not the ear bud (you can cut it away if it gets in the way). The mic plugs into a jack on my adapter harness and routed to the Treo. Having a jack for the mic allows you to plug in different mics. A solitary mic will work if it terminates in a 2.5 mm plug.

That confuses me a bit. I thought this was designed for seperate signals: one for the mic and one for the speaker. Why would I plug in a combo device for the mic jack? The mic/earset that comes with the Treo is pretty junky, and besides, the mic was designed to be inches away from your mouth.
Would a solitary mic work by itself? I have a couple of mics with 6 foot cables that I can run to my visor (these came with older nokia car-kits).

[GalenMD]

When I tried building my own ( with no success), I considered using this mic:
http://www.aaaprice.com/sonyecmdm5p.html

I think it's 3.5mm, but I don't know for sure. Sony's site does not say. It appears to be one of the only high quality mics that I could find.

[newtreouser]

Galen, no problem, I can custom build a car kit for you to accept a mic with 3.5 mm plug.

[newtreouser]

I will be releasing my updated car kit to now include 2 new features:

1. A high quality, excellent sounding microphone with 8 ft cabling.

2. A Low profile L connetor to the Treo

My car kit provides the following functionality:

1. Great sounding MP3 stereo playback through your car stereo speakers via the following inputs:

casette adapter (not included), or
FM transmitter (not included), or
Auxiliary car stereo input (male to male stereo adapter cable required- $4.95 extra for adapter cable)

2. Great sounding full duplex handsfree speaker phone with external mic via your car stereo speakers.

Price will be $75 plus $5 shipping and handling in the USA.

Pictures coming.

Email me at firepiston@yahoo.com if you have any questions or special requirements

[GalenMD]

newtreouser called me from his device over the weekend. I honestly could not tell he was using a car-kit.

I ordered one myself (though before the upgrade). I needed a 3.5mm jack for my mic and he was glad to oblige. He even left the 2.5mm jack in case I change over.

By the way, will the fact that you added an extra mic jack effect the quality or function of the kit?

I kind of hard-wired the iRock today. I spliced into my cars cigg. lighter (using crimp connectors so that I can do a rapid de-install without having to re-solder or risk voiding my car's warranty), added a spare hidden cigg. lighter, and stuck the iRock just under the stereo. It's all invisible. I have not done any of the wiring for the mic yet since I want to test out a few first. I even found a hidden spot for the MP3 switch.

What I really enjoyed was making a magnetic holder for my treo. I got the idea from someone else on this forum, but I think their post got deleted in the crash awhile back.

I took an ~2"x1" L-bracket, attached two large magnets, covered the whole thing in a piece of scrap fake leather, and slipped it into a seam on my dash. To keep it from sliding, I slipped out one of my components, stuck a couple of small screws the the bracket and into a hidden part of the dash, then put the component back. Even if I removed it, there will never be a visible mark since the screw-holes are inside. The treo never budges, not even on hard bumps. The whole thing cost me about $3.00.

Here are pics:

[newtreouser]

GalenMD, the extra mic jack should not effect the quality or function of my car kit. (unless you try to plug 2 mics in at the same time and you probably know that. :) )

You should be receiving your car kit today or tomorrow. Keep us posted how your install goes.

Looks like you'll have a sweet invisible install. You will have to pick a location to mount the car kit's toggle switch, which requires a 1/4" dia mounting hole and about 1.5" clearance behind for the wiring.

I am curious what holds your treo securely to your custom holder? Is there a lip on the bottom of the L bracket that supports the weight of the Treo? And does the magnet then hold the Treo to the bracket? It's hard to tell from the pics.

Note the title of ths thread: MP3 /Speakerphone Treo 600 car kit, which will be the official new name of my product.

So far, the only people who bought my car kit have Sprint's (CDMA) version of the Treo 600. I have not tested it with the GSM version but I see no reason why it shoudn't work just as well with my MP3/ Speakerphone Treo 600 car kit. Anyone here with a GSM Treo want to give it a try? I will offer you a money back guarantee if you have any problems with it.

newtreouser called me from his device over the weekend. I honestly could not tell he was using a car-kit.

I ordered one myself (though before the upgrade). I needed a 3.5mm jack for my mic and he was glad to oblige. He even left the 2.5mm jack in case I change over.

By the way, will the fact that you added an extra mic jack effect the quality or function of the kit?

I kind of hard-wired the iRock today. I spliced into my cars cigg. lighter (using crimp connectors so that I can do a rapid de-install without having to re-solder or risk voiding my car's warranty), added a spare hidden cigg. lighter, and stuck the iRock just under the stereo. It's all invisible. I have not done any of the wiring for the mic yet since I want to test out a few first. I even found a hidden spot for the MP3 switch.

What I really enjoyed was making a magnetic holder for my treo. I got the idea from someone else on this forum, but I think their post got deleted in the crash awhile back.

I took an ~2"x1" L-bracket, attached two large magnets, covered the whole thing in a piece of scrap fake leather, and slipped it into a seam on my dash. To keep it from sliding, I slipped out one of my components, stuck a couple of small screws the the bracket and into a hidden part of the dash, then put the component back. Even if I removed it, there will never be a visible mark since the screw-holes are inside. The treo never budges, not even on hard bumps. The whole thing cost me about $3.00.

Here are pics:

[GalenMD]

I am curious what holds your treo securely to your custom holder? Is there a lip on the bottom of the L bracket that supports the weight of the Treo? And does the magnet then hold the Treo to the bracket? It's hard to tell from the pics.


The treo is held securely to the bracket only by the magnets.The measurement of the "pad" is about 2"x2". That's all there is. There are no hooks, lips or anything else. I just "stick" my treo to it. In fact, the magnets were so strong, I didn't even glue the them to the bracket. I used the fake leather to make the holder blend in and to protect the treo (otherwise, the magnets would scratch it to sh**). The material was thin enough to not deteriorate the strength of the magnets.

When I first heard about this, I was skeptical about any effects the magnets would have. So far, I have had no problems at all. Everything, including the card integrity works perfectly.

This is by far the best holder I could imagine. The only downside that I see so far is that I have to physically plug in the car-kit cable.

[newtreouser]

That's cool! The Treo must have a something ferrous behind the plastic. I wonder what it is? Shielding material I'm guessing. What size, shape, and type of magnet did you use? The leather alos give it some friction so it sticks better and at the same time protect the Treo. Very nice!

The treo is held securely to the bracket only by the magnets.The measurement of the "pad" is about 2"x2". That's all there is. There are no hooks, lips or anything else. I just "stick" my treo to it. In fact, the magnets were so strong, I didn't even glue the them to the bracket. I used the fake leather to make the holder blend in and to protect the treo (otherwise, the magnets would scratch it to sh**). The material was thin enough to not deteriorate the strength of the magnets.

When I first heard about this, I was skeptical about any effects the magnets would have. So far, I have had no problems at all. Everything, including the card integrity works perfectly.

This is by far the best holder I could imagine. The only downside that I see so far is that I have to physically plug in the car-kit cable.

[GalenMD]

Actually, the leather does not offer any friction, just protection and good looks (gives it subtlety). It also offers to dull the magnets a bit. Without it, the treo was too hard to remove.

For the magnets, I just picked up a packet of rectagular magnets at the local hardware store. There were many sizes and shapes to choose from. I wanted a single large magnet, but they had none. The ones I got were purchased as a pair.
I'll have to guess at the measurements, but roughly: 1.5"x1.5"x1/4"
I placed them side by side on the bracket. I should've taken pictures along the way.

Again, this whole thing costs less than $3.00. Pick up some magnets and an L-bracket of a proper size and try it out.

[GalenMD]

OK. I received my "kit" today. As soon as I got home, I began the trial and the install.

Wow. This thing works great! I can now make and receive calls perfectly using this kit and an iRock. I flip of the switch, and I can play MP3's in beautiful stereo.

My only complaint is that the incoming voice is only heard on one channel. It makes it a little hard for me in my convertible, but then again, nobody can really hear me that well with the top down anyway.

When I first installed it, my phone would hang-up on me whenever I started to drive. Turns out, that was the wind sending a signal to disconnect. I was already resigned to not using it with the top down, but then I installed the mic in a special opening in the headliner above the rearview mirror (designed for a factory speakerphone). That solved the problem.

I tried using it with a spare Nokia mic I had from an old kit and it worked pretty well. I got even better sound with the direction mic I bought. With the top up, nobody can tell I'm on a speaker phone.

I would post pics, but there's nothing to see! I managed to completely hid everything.

[newtreouser]

GalenMD,

Congratulations on a nice install. I am continually trying to improve my product and have been testing my MP3/ Speakerphone Treo 600 car kit with audio out to both speakers while in phone mode and it is working very well with the included mic. My older version was designed with audio out in the right speaker only in phone mode to provide max separation and minimize feedback when the volumne is cranked up. By choosing and including a good mic, feedback is no longer a problem. If you'd like to swap yours for my updated version, please contact me offline.

I bought a Bell magnetic mount after reading about your custom magnetic mount. It works great! The Bell mag mount does not fit perfecly in my other car so I will either customize it or make one from scratch.

Come to think of it, the magnet is latching on the battery rather than some shielding material as I thought earlier.

OK. I received my "kit" today. As soon as I got home, I began the trial and the install.

Wow. This thing works great! I can now make and receive calls perfectly using this kit and an iRock. I flip of the switch, and I can play MP3's in beautiful stereo.

My only complaint is that the incoming voice is only heard on one channel. It makes it a little hard for me in my convertible, but then again, nobody can really hear me that well with the top down anyway.

When I first installed it, my phone would hang-up on me whenever I started to drive. Turns out, that was the wind sending a signal to disconnect. I was already resigned to not using it with the top down, but then I installed the mic in a special opening in the headliner above the rearview mirror (designed for a factory speakerphone). That solved the problem.

I tried using it with a spare Nokia mic I had from an old kit and it worked pretty well. I got even better sound with the direction mic I bought. With the top up, nobody can tell I'm on a speaker phone.

I would post pics, but there's nothing to see! I managed to completely hid everything.

[newtreouser]

Attached are pics of my latest MP3/ speakerphone car kit.

The "car_kit_Lconn_closeup" pic shows a the low profile L connector to the Treo 600.

The "MP3_Spkrphone_car_kit" pic shows the various components.

On the top of the pic is the IRock FM transmitter (not included), Cassette adapter (not included), Treo 600 (not included), Car Charger (not included).

On the bottom of the pic is my car kit proper. It plugs into the various components. A toggle switch selects between MP3 or Speakerphone mode.
Shown coiled up is the mic with 8 ft mic cable, the low profile L connector cable to the Treo is 30” long. The jack/cable that goes to the Cassette adapter/iRock/Aux input is 16” long. Mount the toggle switch in an easy to access location, mount your Treo 600 to a mount of your choice (not included. I highly recommend the Bell Magnetic mount or make a custom magnetic mount if you’re handy), route the mic and cabling up to the visor and you’re done.

My updated MP3/ speakerphone car kit includes:

• A high quality, excellent sounding external mic with 8 ft cabling.
• A Low profile L connector to the Treo 600

My updated MP3/ speakerphone car kit provides the following functionality:

Great sounding MP3 stereo playback through your car stereo speakers via the following inputs:
• Cassette adapter (not included), or
• FM transmitter (not included), or
• Auxiliary car stereo input (male to male stereo adapter cable required- not included)

Great sounding full duplex hands-free speakerphone with external mic via BOTH of your car stereo speakers.

Priced at $75 plus $5 shipping and handling in the USA.

Everyone who bought one loves it. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Paypal or Email me at firepiston@yahoo.com if you want to order one or have any questions or special requirements.

Delivery is 3 to 4 business days after payment received.

[Waldman]

So sorry to all for the delay. As promised, here are some pix. Though again, there ain't much to see. The red arrow indicates where I installed the switch. If you didn't know it didn't belong, you'd think it came that way.

The stereo has 2 aux ports, so I just have to switch over to listen to mp3s or take a call.

I'm gonna post these one at a time, just 'cuz. Enjoy!

Adam

[Waldman]

a similar shot...

[Waldman]

a 2-shot, showing the Treo mounted, and the mount folded back when not in use. These were taken in bright sunlight. Normally, the mount is far less visible (black against a black background).

[Waldman]

Getting bolder with the multiple attachments :cool:

The underneath shot is to show how the mount is attached. You'd never see it that way without crawling under the passenger's seat.

And a sideways view. From the driver's seat, you can't see that mount at all.

By the way, I currently use a small velcro strip to secure the Treo...but I'm looking into this whole magnet concept. Crazy!

[Waldman]

Last one. Shows the mic dangling from my visor. Not ideal, but not the fault of this system: attaching it to the doorpost would put it too far from my mouth.

I did a bit of investigating to find a better mic, and found out that they're not sold as standalone items: if you get an off-the-shelf car kit, they generally come with proprietary mics that are powered for more gain.

Hope these helped some of you...

Adam

[newtreouser]

Nice job with the install Adam! GalenMD, I'd love to see pics of your install as well.

I [played around with a custom magnetic mount Rev 0 today and here's some pics:

Pic 1. I took a thin sheet of acrylic and put it over a hot soldering iron to bend it into a u-bracket, using double sided carpet tape glued onto the back 2 bar magnets from Home Depot ($2.00 for both),

Pic 2. Shows the Treo plugged into my MP3/ speakerphone car kit, car charger and held by the magnetic mount which handily slips into the instrument panel cluster.

Pic 3. shows the easy access through the steering wheel to make and receive calls, play MP3 etc.

This magnetic mount works great! Each car is different so use your imagination and make your own custom magnetic mount.

I tried it on a Nokia phone and it wouldn't stick. Now I think the Treo 600 has something else that is ferrous inside the back cover other than the battery.

[GalenMD]

Following Waldman's lead, I went out and captured a few pics of my car-kit mount.

The first few pics show the magnetic mount I created. That was a nifty mount that you made, newtreouser, but I want to keep the unit away from the wheel myself.

As I said above, my holder is composed of 2 magnets (probably the same size as in newtreouser's pics) stuck to an L-bracket then wrapped in leatherette, giving it a nice soft feel.

[GalenMD]

The picture of the center consule shows how I was able to access the gear shift area. A few screws later, and I had full access to tons of space on either side of the gear shift.

If you look to the left of the consule, I managed to push the switch through a tight space between the entire center consule and the floor well. It's not visible to anyone except the driver. It's also far enough back and next to the seat so as to not get in the way.

On the left side of the consule, I added a cigarette lighter and plugged in the iRock. I ran the adapter cable around to the other side where I buried the iRock. It's pretty close to the stereo, but I may be able to get it even closer later (if I get the motivation).

The mic picture is pretty unimpressive. It shows a small grill above the rear-view mirror and next to the dome lights. I believe this was designed for the BMW stock phone (almost $2,000 -- no, thank you).

Finally, I have a picture of my Treo hooked-up. I do not use a power cable since I don't travel that much and battery life has never been an issue.

[ArcBody]

Nice job with the install Adam! GalenMD, I'd love to see pics of your install as well.

I [played around with a custom magnetic mount Rev 0 today and here's some pics:

Pic 1. I took a thin sheet of acrylic and put it over a hot soldering iron to bend it into a u-bracket, using double sided carpet tape glued onto the back 2 bar magnets from Home Depot ($2.00 for both),

Pic 2. Shows the Treo plugged into my MP3/ speakerphone car kit, car charger and held by the magnetic mount which handily slips into the instrument panel cluster.

Pic 3. shows the easy access through the steering wheel to make and receive calls, play MP3 etc.

This magnetic mount works great! Each car is different so use your imagination and make your own custom magnetic mount.

I tried it on a Nokia phone and it wouldn't stick. Now I think the Treo 600 has something else that is ferrous inside the back cover other than the battery.
:) Near Perfect Treo Location ! ! ! :cool:

[ArcBody]

The picture of the center consule shows how I was able to access the gear shift area. A few screws later, and I had full access to tons of space on either side of the gear shift.

If you look to the left of the consule, I managed to push the switch through a tight space between the entire center consule and the floor well. It's not visible to anyone except the driver. It's also far enough back and next to the seat so as to not get in the way.

On the left side of the consule, I added a cigarette lighter and plugged in the iRock. I ran the adapter cable around to the other side where I buried the iRock. It's pretty close to the stereo, but I may be able to get it even closer later (if I get the motivation).

The mic picture is pretty unimpressive. It shows a small grill above the rear-view mirror and next to the dome lights. I believe this was designed for the BMW stock phone (almost $2,000 -- no, thank you).

Finally, I have a picture of my Treo hooked-up. I do not use a power cable since I don't travel that much and battery life has never been an issue.
:) Just shows to go ya! Pro Install! Very Nice!

[newtreouser]

After being heated up by the sun today, the double sided tape let go and the magnets fell off from the acrylic sheet. :o I kinda expected that. Rev 1 will have the magnets crazy glued instead.

Nice job with the install Adam! GalenMD, I'd love to see pics of your install as well.

I [played around with a custom magnetic mount Rev 0 today and here's some pics:

Pic 1. I took a thin sheet of acrylic and put it over a hot soldering iron to bend it into a u-bracket, using double sided carpet tape glued onto the back 2 bar magnets from Home Depot ($2.00 for both),

Pic 2. Shows the Treo plugged into my MP3/ speakerphone car kit, car charger and held by the magnetic mount which handily slips into the instrument panel cluster.

Pic 3. shows the easy access through the steering wheel to make and receive calls, play MP3 etc.

This magnetic mount works great! Each car is different so use your imagination and make your own custom magnetic mount.

I tried it on a Nokia phone and it wouldn't stick. Now I think the Treo 600 has something else that is ferrous inside the back cover other than the battery.

[ArcBody]

After being heated up by the sun today, the double sided tape let go and the magnets fell off from the acrylic sheet. :o I kinda expected that. Rev 1 will have the magnets crazy glued instead.
If cyanoacrylate doesn't work, there are other options. ;)

[newtreouser]

Do you think cyanoacrylate won't work? How about epoxy?

If cyanoacrylate doesn't work, there are other options. ;)

[ArcBody]

Do you think cyanoacrylate won't work? How about epoxy?Hey newtreouser ~

I'm glad to see your product movin' along.
If I ramble you'll get more of my thoughts - so my response will be rather indirect.

With over 400 formulations of cyanoacrylate, you may find one that will work.
The Linear Thermal Coefficient of Expansion for Acrylic is significant, while Thermal Conduction is not. So when you bend it, if the surface heat is "extreme" you will see "Stress Relief" [also called Crazing]. This is because the heat applied surface expands substaintially more than the sub-surface - internal fracture resulting.

Thermally stabilize "heat soak" your Acrylic to the reqired formable temperature.
Shapeshift using a form that is also at elevated thermal equilibrium.
Allow the Acrylic to heat soak after forming and cool at an asymptotic rate.
You can observe internal stress by viewing with Polarized Light. This process will anneal the Acrylic and internal stress will be absent.

You may wish to consider using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS], perhaps of thicker stock.


Bonding to ABS is easier with many multipurpose adhesives.

My inclination would be to drill and tap 2 holes in each magnet.


1/4-20 or less
Drill alligned holes in 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4" ABS, PVC or Acrylic and countersink holes from the front.

Magnetic attraction follows the Inverse Square Law - so test your Magnetic Mount Holding Capacity, if you use thicker materials.

Flathead Hex Allan Key Screws [Black] will not touch the Treo, if countersunk, and will look "manufactured".
Adhesive should not be required but may also be desirable.

Don't know if this stuff is helpful -

but "that's the way uh hu uh hu I like it" ;)

~ Carl

[wasinaus]

Does the kit include a flash button for auto answer ?
Id think this is fairly simple extra momentary button across the microphone circut.

If one is already reching for the switch to change from MP3 to Microphone circut, putting an answer/flash button next to the switch would seem to make sence.

[newtreouser]

Thanks for all the ideas and thoughts, Carl!

Hey newtreouser ~

I'm glad to see your product movin' along.
If I ramble you'll get more of my thoughts - so my response will be rather indirect.

With over 400 formulations of cyanoacrylate, you may find one that will work.
The Linear Thermal Coefficient of Expansion for Acrylic is significant, while Thermal Conduction is not. So when you bend it, if the surface heat is "extreme" you will see "Stress Relief" [also called Crazing]. This is because the heat applied surface expands substaintially more than the sub-surface - internal fracture resulting.

Thermally stabilize "heat soak" your Acrylic to the reqired formable temperature.
Shapeshift using a form that is also at elevated thermal equilibrium.
Allow the Acrylic to heat soak after forming and cool at an asymptotic rate.
You can observe internal stress by viewing with Polarized Light. This process will anneal the Acrylic and internal stress will be absent.

You may wish to consider using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene [ABS], perhaps of thicker stock.


Bonding to ABS is easier with many multipurpose adhesives.

My inclination would be to drill and tap 2 holes in each magnet.


1/4-20 or less
Drill alligned holes in 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4" ABS, PVC or Acrylic and countersink holes from the front.

Magnetic attraction follows the Inverse Square Law - so test your Magnetic Mount Holding Capacity, if you use thicker materials.

Flathead Hex Allan Key Screws [Black] will not touch the Treo, if countersunk, and will look "manufactured".
Adhesive should not be required but may also be desirable.

Don't know if this stuff is helpful -

but "that's the way uh hu uh hu I like it" ;)

~ Carl

[newtreouser]

wasinaus,

No, it does not currently have a flash button. I do not want to add an additional switch. I would if I could incorporate it into the toggle switch (that switches between MP3/ phone mode) but I'm not sure if such a switch is available to make that possible.

Does the kit include a flash button for auto answer ?
Id think this is fairly simple extra momentary button across the microphone circut.

If one is already reching for the switch to change from MP3 to Microphone circut, putting an answer/flash button next to the switch would seem to make sence.

[wasinaus]

All it would be would be a momentary button on the the line to the microphone plug

------------------------ to mic plug
|
| switch here
|
------------------------to mic plug