Database Develop

XDA and GPS

I am thinking of getting an XDA to use incar for GPS. I have read some articles on this site but they all seem to approach the problem half way through. Can anyone suggest the best GPS device, cradle, software and anything else that is needed
thanx

gps for xda
try www.routeplanners.co.uk, or www.tomtom.com for the superb TomTom Navigator2 packages for XDA.
Good luck Chop!

You can try also:
http://www.pharosgps.com/products/phone/c_siemens_ppc.htm

There is plenty of useful information on:
http://www.pocketgps.co.uk

Zed,
I would consider buying one of the new generation XDA's (XDA II). They are supposedly equipped with bluetooth. The main advantage with this would be the possibility to buy a bluetooth GPS mouse, or a standalone bluetooth enabled GPS reciever.
The problem with the non-bluetooth GPS mice is their need to use the serialport at the bottom of the device to communicate. If you wan't a car mount kit with amplified speaker built into the back of the cradle, they are only sold as powered mounts which use the serialport for charging.
Thus you would have to use the GPS mouse with charging capabilities and let the charging dongle for the mount with amplified speaker hang loose.
Or you could buy a car mount without power, but then you would not have the amplified speaker functionality.
The amplified speaker functionality is great for spoken directions from some the map softwares available.
Here's a link to a car mount with amplifying speaker:
http://www.arkon.com/CM530.html
I have bought one of these, but I have not recieved it yet.
If you want a review, take a look at:
http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29460&highlight=car*+mount
Here's a listing of GPS'es with prices and links:
http://www.gpspassion.com/en/hardware/gpslist.htm#Mouse GPS Receivers

GPS RECEIVER FOR XDAs
Have got a xdaII;
I first tried Tomtom bluetooth but often ecounter no power for long distance travelling. I sold it afterwards and switched to a wired solution with in car charger. It is perfect.
Details. pls. refer to the link below. It also works with Orange SPVM1000, Imate, MDA, IPAQ etc.
http://shop.wangtao.co.uk/info.aspx?ads=gps
Wish you will be successful in chosing one best suitable for you.

Your profile doesn't say what country you're in, and the answer varies by location. In the USA, Routis is a top-notch application for navigation. Pharos is absolute garbage. Deluo, the company that makes Routis also makes a very nice GPS receiver that works well with the XDA I and XDA II.
Bluetooth GPS receivers are rather silly, in my opinion. Totally pointless, since you need to power both the PDA and the GPS, so...you might as well wire them up. The Deluo kit has a nice arrangement with a lighter socket and a single cable up to the device to carry both power and the GPS data.

I would like to know how you get on with the Arkon, I have the same one and it is unusable, every time the phone changes to a different cell you get that doomp-de-doomp sound, when the phone rings the noise from the speaher due to direct rf breakthrough is absolutely atrocious and makes the system unusable.

Why is T-MO's BlueTooth so difficult to use?

The one thing I truly hate about my T-Mo MDA after 6 months is the difficulty using BlueTooth. I had an HP6315 (also T-Mo) which, despite all its other problems (like crashing everyday) had a far more sensible BlueTooth tool.
I don't have an issue with changing the stack--once I'm connected to a device I'm pretty much good, but the connection process is a serious pain in the patoot.
Before the impatient pros tell me "why don't you do a search before you post?" let me say that I have, and nobody I've found addresses this.
It's a really simple thing: every other device I own or have owned that uses B/T peripherals has a "Connect" choice. It doesn't matter if it was my 6315 Ipaq, my laptop computers, a Motorola cell phone or Samsung D-820/T-809 cell phones. All have the ability to force the connection. But the MDA doesn't, as far as I can tell. It either connects automatically, or you (frequently) have to delete the device and initiate a new search for it.
Am I missing something? Is this just the way the MDA is? Is there a piece of software or a registry hack that allows you to force it to connect?
I'm also curious as to why a regular telephone headset won't play back from Windows Media or BetaPlayer. It would very nicely on the 6315 Ipaq and still functioned as a phone. Any ideas? And, the reason I like to do that is I have a long commute and like to listen to Pimsleur language CDs (ripped to MP3) in the car. They work through the wired headset, but I can't stand wired headsets. I can imagine books on CD would also be enjoyable that way.
Thanks!

Yanktar03 said:
I'm also curious as to why a regular telephone headset won't play back from Windows Media or BetaPlayer. It would very nicely on the 6315 Ipaq and still functioned as a phone. Any ideas? And, the reason I like to do that is I have a long commute and like to listen to Pimsleur language CDs (ripped to MP3) in the car. They work through the wired headset, but I can't stand wired headsets. I can imagine books on CD would also be enjoyable that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do this. Get BTAudio.

Its not tmobile it the windows bluetooth stack. i have no problems but most people like the widcomm stack because its simple and easy. you should also try a bluetooth stereo headset its good thing to buy if you dont like wired headsets but advise to buy when having extra cash or look for a low price. prices are going down for some reason where i live

I DO have B/T stereo headphones, a pair of Jensens and a pair of IO gear. The latter list for around $150 or more, but a friend bought 2 pair (accidentally) off the 'net for about $35/per. That's what I gave him. The Jensens cost a little more but not much. Both make the HPs look like junk and are far more comfortable.
The problem is in my state it is VERY illegal to wear headphones while you drive. You can wear them on one ear, but not both.
Next, if you use them (not while driving) you are forced to use them as either stereo OR as a mono telephone headset--check the B/T settings.
It never fails to amaze me how if M/S has 5 or 10 choices, they will ALWAYS choose the most difficult to use (and idiosyncratic), the least useful, and the least reliable.

I was responding to this part:
Yanktar03 said:
I'm also curious as to why a regular telephone headset won't play back from Windows Media or BetaPlayer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

rpodos said:
I was responding to this part:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I appreciate your responding.

Niki and In Car Bluetooth

Hi Folks
I'm in the market for a new head unit. I'm wondering what your experiences are of the different BT kits and their handling of Telephony and Audio Streaming.
I'm down to 2 different HUs, does anyone have any experience of these with the Niki?
http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/products/car/cd_receivers/KDC-W7541U/details/
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/25/121/DEH-P700BT/media.html
How well does the Niki work with in car BT (especially with the above if poss)?
I would love to be able to use 2 simultaneous BT devices, is it possible?
What is your experience/advice?
tia
Mav

I use the Sony MEX-BT2500 - it's brilliant, no problems at all. Pick one up on ebay for around £80, you'll be amazed. They did have them in Halfords a while ago too. You wont have any issues with either unit you've mentioned.
I also have a Holux GPS GR-239 for SatNav, and this pairs up fine at the same time, as does other devices I've tried, so no worries for you, I'm sure.

Well, I went with the Kenwood, http://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk...7541U/details/
Great unit, and the HF function is fine. It will not stream audio though
Still, 4GB USB stick is well good enough for what I need

Motorola t 505 - Google it. I bought this a couple of months ago and it is the best FM Transmitter I have ever used. The signal is so strong that I hardley ever hear any static, even if I am streaming to a live radio station. I use mine every day as I am always on the road for my job - average 5 hours a day connected through bluetooth and streaming music from my phone to my stereo using the FM transmitter and only have to charge the thing once a week. This is the best one I have found so far and I have tried dozens of different ones.
Also - No interferance from the phone when you get a call unlike many of the other FM Transmitters I have tried - (NO Buzzing at all like you can sometimes get when phone call comes through when your phone is near a speaker or using a cheap fm transmitter) I use mine with my HTC Touch and Love it.
This would be strictly for your car though so if you are looking for headset to use out of the car as well, I guess this won't help.
I jsut realized you were talking head unit but you still might be interested in this product as it may save you money rather then buying a new stereo - Unless your current stereo really sucks, then happy shopping and I hope you find what you are looking for.
Before I bought mine, I was able to test it and make sure it worked well with my phone - Which it did - If you are able to convince them to let you pair it with your device and test how well it works, I would suggest you do just to make sure you will be satisfied with your purchase.

hotrod101 said:
I jsut realized you were talking head unit but you still might be interested in this product as it may save you money rather then buying a new stereo - Unless your current stereo really sucks, then happy shopping and I hope you find what you are looking for.
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Click to collapse
Thanks chap, but my old stereo really sucked and needed an update.
I don't need to stream from the phone now I can use USB sticks and the HF phone works great.

Infrared transmitter dongle/adapter for the HD2

I think it would be great if HTC, or a 3rd party hardware manufacturer would create a small and consolidated infrared adapter for the HD2. Or at the least, a bluetooth to infrared transmitter that would serve as a station. I'm looking at having something for the HD2 that competes with RedEye for the Iphone, found here (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/redeye-turns-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch-into-bona-fide-universal/).
I'm also aware that there are a lot of existing windows mobile softwares, like seen here (http://pocketpccentral.net/software/remote1.htm), that enable the use of an IR port to act as a universal remote, just like RedEye does, but it is limited to phones having a built in IR port. Which is why I was greatly saddened to find out that the HD2 doesn't have an infrared port, which killed my idea of the HD2 not only being a media powerhouse within its own enclosure, but also within my home.
That being said, i'm going to spend the next couple of months doing everything I can in my power (emailing as many HTC and party companies as possible), asking that they create an IR adapter for the HD2 that would connect to the micro usb port. If possible, the ir could be attached by a resistant bendable cable, allowing you to bend the infrared under the HD2 in the direction of your entertainment center. If anyone doesn't see this as being feasible, please correct me, before I make a fool of myself with HTC and it's partners. Everyone's thoughts on this topic will be highly appreciated by me!

conyeje2 said:
I think it would be great if HTC, or a 3rd party hardware manufacturer would create a small and consolidated infrared adapter for the HD2. Or at the least, a bluetooth to infrared transmitter that would serve as a station. I'm looking at having something for the HD2 that competes with RedEye for the Iphone, found here (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/redeye-turns-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch-into-bona-fide-universal/).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a pocketpc app called Total Remote that had a ir transmitter that plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack.
It was at http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/totalremote but I don't know if you can get them any more. doesn't look like it.
Sean

SeanX said:
There was a pocketpc app called Total Remote that had a ir transmitter that plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack.
It was at http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/totalremote but I don't know if you can get them any more. doesn't look like it.
Sean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought Total remote (on ebay, the last one in the world?) with the sound to ir converter that goes in the headphone jack a couple of months ago to experiment with on my Mogul. Life took a serious detour and I got sidetracked. The mogul has an ir port. Total remote shuts down on my Mogul when I push any of its buttons. Total remote works on my ipaq (without the sound to ir converter) so I bought a mini usb to 3.5mm cord on Amazon to try the sound to ir converter with my Mogul. Same thing. I push a Total remote button and it shuts down.
My true intention with this converter was to try a trick I learned on Engadget and capture my remotes signals on my ipaq, put those files (each individual signal as an individual file) on a pc with audio software, mute one channel, and save to my mogul (Engadget used an ipod) as a song (wav file) and play the song (remote command) with the sound to ir converter plugged in.
I haven't gotten that far, but will hurry up and try it with one signal to see if it works.
Anyway I've been planning on getting an HD2. I'll have to see if this works on it when I get it. I'm not sure how Total remote works. It works on my ipaq (which has ir) without the converter.
I'm guessing it is coded to send the signals out the headphone jack if you don't have an ir port (maybe a setting I didn't think to look for... yep there it is, a setting for infrared sending device with choices for irda or Griffin technology ir device). I'll have to give it another shot with my Mogul... Well, with that setting the program doesn't turn off. Now to find the right tv setting... It doesn't work with the Mogul.
At least with the right setting it doesn't shut down the program. I tried that setting on my ipaq also with the converter plugged in and it worked so I think that confirms it doesn't work for the Mogul. Not sure what that means for the HD2.
There is another setting for a CCF mode. I don't know what that is. Some sort of file. .ccf I don't know what to do with that. The ccf mode takes me to what seems like some sort of explorer with a home, device and macros tabs, what looks like a search field, a menu and a open ccf file button that goes to a file directory it looks like. The program has a library of devices it can control as well as the capability of sampling remotes and the menu button in the ccf mode seems to link to that sampling capability. I was able to complete a sampling, but don't where that sampling went. I need to find that file to try the Engadget method. Oh, it doesn't create a file I can get to. I just have to plug in a line from my ipaq headphone jack to my pc mic jack and play the signal (push the remote functions button) and record that signal on my pc with the audio software.
Griffin had the patent on this sound to ir converter technology and now the iphone has a dongle. Does that mean another lawsuit for Apple or is Griffin making their dongle or a third party? Griffin does make lots of iphone accessories.
Oh, also check out the tv remote control thread under the Mogul. There's a bright guy there working on something. I was going to help him, but I'm a moron. If some type of dongle will work don't worry about a flexible cord, just flip your screen. Total remote has a setting like that so it will open upsidedown each time.
Total remote is a free download now and you could make your own dongle out of a pair of headphones if you want to test it out on your HD2. Just cut the speakers off and wire a couple of ir leds on. I think all you have to do is make sure you wire one ir led on backwards meaning one side has its channel and a ground wired on correctly to the ir led and on the other side do just the opposite (i guess there's an in and an out or a pos and neg on the ir led). There's some info on the internet explaining how to do it. Actually the other thread can point you in that direction too.
Did I ramble?

conyeje2 said:
I think it would be great if HTC, or a 3rd party hardware manufacturer would create a small and consolidated infrared adapter for the HD2. Or at the least, a bluetooth to infrared transmitter that would serve as a station. I'm looking at having something for the HD2 that competes with RedEye for the Iphone, found here (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/redeye-turns-your-iphone-and-ipod-touch-into-bona-fide-universal/).
I'm also aware that there are a lot of existing windows mobile softwares, like seen here (http://pocketpccentral.net/software/remote1.htm), that enable the use of an IR port to act as a universal remote, just like RedEye does, but it is limited to phones having a built in IR port. Which is why I was greatly saddened to find out that the HD2 doesn't have an infrared port, which killed my idea of the HD2 not only being a media powerhouse within its own enclosure, but also within my home.
That being said, i'm going to spend the next couple of months doing everything I can in my power (emailing as many HTC and party companies as possible), asking that they create an IR adapter for the HD2 that would connect to the micro usb port. If possible, the ir could be attached by a resistant bendable cable, allowing you to bend the infrared under the HD2 in the direction of your entertainment center. If anyone doesn't see this as being feasible, please correct me, before I make a fool of myself with HTC and it's partners. Everyone's thoughts on this topic will be highly appreciated by me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read on the Redeye Mini website that the company will write software to support other mobile devices if the demand was there. The redeye mini attaches the the headphone jack, so if we could get them or some other developer to write software for it to run on wm6.5, we could use the redeye mini on our hd2s. It looks like it might be the same setup that griffin used for total remote. I would also be very interested in this.... I'm gonna send redeye an email expressing my interest. You should do the same.

Great Info Everyone!
I had feared that this thread had died a long time ago. Thanks for your inputs, despite how old the thread was! Good searching SeanX! Manicmoguladdict, your "rambling" has helped me, and I'm sure a handful of others, put DIY IR controllers into future mobile device possible, and you've renewed my hope. I must have missed that Engadget article, or must not have been looking at that site yet, for me to have missed the article you reference. I'm definitely going to check out the Mogul forum for the ir remote control development that you mentioned. And I'll also check online for DIY IR as you specified. Zarathustrax, good research on your part as well. I'm sending RedEye an email this very moment. Again, awesome job everyone, and I look forward to us reclaiming Infrared Control for all of our Windows Mobile Devices, whether it be through outside manufacturers, or our own DIY community!

My emails
This is the email that I sent to RedEye, and I sent a modified one(neglecting android concerns) to Microsoft and HTC as well. I'm hoping that, if it isn't already in motion, a partnership is formed between all these companies!
"I'm emailing you in regards of the support of redeye being manufactured for Windows Mobile Devices. There are a vast number of Windows Mobile Devices, as I'm sure your company is aware of. If concerns are that there isn't enough demand for it in this Mobile OS, then my only rebuttal is that it could be explained by the lack of IR hardware in many recent Windows Mobile Devices. I don't know whether it was in the push for thinner, longer lasting phones that cause manufactures to remove this piece of hardware, which was present in many past mobile devices. But, if there is one thing that I can acknowledge, it is the fact that many of the users of these devices has not forgotten about IR hardware and technology. Many of us have been introduced to it, and really want it back, and want to see it return to WM, either built into the devices, or eternally through dongles produced by reputable companies as yourself. What I'm trying to say is that, if you were to introduce IR dongles for WM devices, it would not only be accepted by many, but it would flourish, just as much as it has with apple devices. If standard is a concern, for producing the software that is compatible with these mobile devices, then I guess Windows Phone 7 Series is a bright and stable place to start introducing dongles for. Also, I'm pretty sure the Android community would go crazy if a dongle with proper software was released for them. And, if it is possible for the android community to receive a dongle, then the windows mobile 6.5 community would probably be just as excited to receive one as well. I know many HD2 owners would would love to be able to control their media devices by IR, just as much as the Iphone users are enjoying it. But, to be fair, I'd be happy if it were released just for Android, and for Windows Phone 7 Series. And if it were released for Windows Phone 7 Series, then I think it would be easy to make it compatible with the Zune, which would add even more demand for such a product. In the end, I'm asking you, Thinkflood, to release a product that is 100% lacking in the Android and Windows Mobile Community. I'm sending Microsoft an email as well, just in case they're not aware of this either.
Chinedu Onyejekwe"

Interestingly, Mr. Griffin described his idea here. Easy enough to give it a shot, only concern is about shortcircuit protection on my Leo. I seriously damaged the FM receiver of my Blackstone doing similar things.

this idea is super cool. schematics of that patent look really easy, can be done in 5 minutes. What is more important is to get the software algorithm right. I wonder if total remote would work with this DIY IR adaptor.

I like the bluetooth idea better.
Check this out for the Blackberry.
//unify4life.com/products/avshadow

fits in your pocket?
I'd hate to carry that thing around and connect to everything I'd like to control. We're looking for a pocket solution of existing components technology. Total remote uses a data base of most audio/video equipment and you can control most just by changing your setting. So you can change the channel at your favorite pub.

I love this idea. I subscribed this thread.

Very interested too.
Just some thoughts. Theoretically the HD2 flash can emit some percentage of its light energy in IR range. The photo diode, required for recording of the IR signals to learn commands from a remote, seems to be in place too (the camera is too slow for that, but the proximity sensor may have enough bandwidth). The question is: is there any information on the possible bandwidth for the flash diodes and for the prox. sensor? And is it possible to control them that fast ?
So far my solution for the total control is BT <-> RS-232 adaptor <-> everything else

Anyone heard of a working IR (infra-red) Dongle/Adapter for HTC HD2 (Leo) ??
It is very useful thing. I want to control TV via IR.

+1 this whole thread. So how difficult can it be to find a cheap bluetooth to IR relay (e.g. a little box somewhere in your toom which accepts Bluetooth and suirts out IR)? I know it's a niche tool but someone somewhere out there must be doing it?

Redeye
I am interested in this idea as well!
I finally want to be able to open my car with my phone again !
(See my "Open Your Car With Your Windows Mobile Phone" Thread.
So, yes. I definately would buy that redeye thing if it were manufactured 4 WM.

i ordered a bunch of ir diodes and will start testing if it could actually work.

I'm interesting too - hope you could solve this issue

There are several ir transmitters that plug into the headphone jack out there.... we just need to get a developer to write some remote control software that will output the correct audio signals to the ir transmitter and that has all the different ir codes for the devices we want to control.

Bump I'd love it if this was to happen. Any one have any new thoughts on this?

smeddy said:
Bump I'd love it if this was to happen. Any one have any new thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In mean time i would like to share some links:
http://www.hackint0sh.org/f131/35975.htm
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Infrared-transmitter-for-iPhone-iPod/
I tried the 10ohm resistor variant but I don't think its working...

FM transmitter accessory for tmobile htc hd2 ?

Because the HTC HD2 doesn't have fm transmitter function so i want to buy FM transmitter accessory. Does anyone have any recommendation for me ? ( sorry for my english)

tritran18518 said:
Because the HTC HD2 doesn't have fm transmitter function so i want to buy FM transmitter accessory. Does anyone have any recommendation for me ? ( sorry for my english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason that any FM transmitter with a 3.5" jack connection (the vast majority of them) would not work on an HD2. Just don't get one of those that connect only via the IPOD dock connector.
So, it's not really an HD2-specific question. Better to post in a forum about accessories for all phones.
I haven't had great results myself, with any FM transmitter. It is hard to find a good frequency to transmit on. Then, if you find one, that works well in one place--as you drive around in the car, you might easily find that frequency doesn't work well any more--noise interference, etc. As you are driving, it could not be safe to fiddle around a lot with changing frequencies as you drive.
I haven't been happy with any I have tried.
Other opinions?

what is an FM transmitter for, is it to do stuff like broadcast GPS directions on your car speakers, or is it for getting traffic information on the GPS software?

iwin2000 said:
what is an FM transmitter for, is it to do stuff like broadcast GPS directions on your car speakers, or is it for getting traffic information on the GPS software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is to broadcast any sound from any device with a 3.5 sound jack, through the car radio.
Most often they are used for playing music from your MP3 player (in this case the phone), through your car radio.
It would also work for any other sound though--phone calls, etc. (Only works in one direction, however, so if the phone is far from your mouth, may not be too great to use on phone calls, if you want the other party to hear you.)

tritran18518 said:
Because the HTC HD2 doesn't have fm transmitter function so i want to buy FM transmitter accessory. Does anyone have any recommendation for me ? ( sorry for my english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its hard to recommend...I have a Belkin iTrip that I picked up at Wal-Mart when me and we took our kids to Disneyland this past June. It works flawlessly in my wifes Jetta (which is what we drove to California in) and the sound was actually much better than I could have ever expected.
...however, in my Grand Vitara...its almost completely unusable, when I can get a station to pick it up...its far below FM quality and I have to have the phone in a certain location and in a specific position just to acheive this.
I have been looking into either getting a bluetooth receiver to attach to the stock head unit...or replacing the head unit all together (I would prefer to keep the stock one though)
I think it has something to do with the power of the antenna on your stereo, which is going to vary with every vehicle.
I did find a little gadget that you simply plug into the antenna input on the back of the stereo and plug the antenna into this gadget...when you turn the gadget on...it basically makes every radio station pure static by shutting off the antenna (It was only like $10.00...and I think it would work if you wanted to go the transmitter way)

Use a speakerphone with FM transmitter
I use a motorola T505 and you can get them for around $50 or so.