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[Q] Docking station?

Does anyone know if the HTC Desire Z support a proper docking station like the Motorola Milestone does?
I've bought some cheapo dock off Amazon, and it charges the phone fine, but there doesn't seem to be a special dock mode like the Milestone had (it used to know it was in the dock by rotating the screen and acting like a Desk Clock). Strangely, the desire Z has a desk clock app, but the app doesn't automatically start, nor does it use landscape mode unless you open the keyboard.
This could either be because its a cheapo dock or the desire Z just lacks the magnetic switch to tell the phone that it's in a dock. Anyone know?

Which dock did you purchase? I haven't been able to find any on Amazon specifically for the Desire Z (tried searching as the G2 also). I have seen a few different ones on Ebay but they all look cheap and are coming from overseas...

It's this one:
w w w . a m a z o n . c o . u k /gp/product/B004AH22NC/ref=oss_product
(sorry, newbies can't post proper links)
It has one captive USB cable that goes to your computer, then a micro-USB socket that connects to your charger. It looks pretty cheap and nasty and doesn't completely surround the side of the Desire Z, so you have to 'aim' it onto the USB connector that sticks out of the base.
It's ok, but not great.

That looks just like the ones that are being sold on Ebay. Price is about the same but they are shipping from Hong Kong...

Tbh, it's a bit rubbish. I just found out that if I have it plugged into both a computer (for syncing) and the charger (for charging when my computer is off at night), it will get confused and won't send any power to the phone (the amber/green LED isn't turned). It also causes my computers bios to hang for 10-15 seconds when it boots.
I wouldn't recommend getting it. Hopefully someone makes a better dock

Thanks for the heads up as I was considering ordering one for myself (would take 2-3 weeks to get here anyhow). I'm sure its only a matter of time until someone makes a more official one for the G2 or the Desire Z.

yesterday i recieved the docking station from Ebay
: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250725370529 :
Quality is awesome, long cable.. fits perfect on my desk.. if you search for a dockingstation i recomen this 1.

Ordered the one in Roachie's post.
Now waiting for it

some pics:

@sergioka: Are you satisfied with build quality and overall impression?

It has a good quality,
but it was a little bit hard to put the device on it, because of the usb connector.
You should put the docking station on a higher place to look on the display, the device looks only to one direction, to the front.
bye,
sergioka

here, with the Zee on it:
added info:
The LEDs are very bright

Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.

BlackMountainCow said:
Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there not an option in the setting menu when you click on display
(eg.
Settings>Display>Auto Rotation)

BlackMountainCow said:
Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem with stock rom. Now, with CM, there's no problem

MacaronyMax said:
is there not an option in the setting menu when you click on display
(eg. Settings>Display>Auto Rotation)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The option is there, but to no avail. If I uncheck it, Sense won't turn to landscape at all. If I turn to landscape first and then uncheck it, Sense will return to vertical as well. I just don't see why Sense doesn't landscape when all lists, menus and apps do so automatically.

@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
1) I noticed on the back there is a micro USB as well as the USB lead comming out the unit. To charge the G2/DZ can you just plug the USB into the plug adaptor or do you have to use the supplied plug?
2) I noticed the spare battery port on the back, do you have to have a battery in there for the unit to charge or can you leave that unused?
3) Do you have to have the device open with the keyboard on show or will be work in the closed position?
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
Sorry to ask so many questions, its just I'm after a dock to put beside my bed so that i can use my G2 as my alarm clock etc.
Thanks in advance

Here are my answers
KarlosTheJackal said:
@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
1) I noticed on the back there is a micro USB as well as the USB lead comming out the unit. To charge the G2/DZ can you just plug the USB into the plug adaptor or do you have to use the supplied plug?
1) I only use USB
2) I noticed the spare battery port on the back, do you have to have a battery in there for the unit to charge or can you leave that unused?
2)You can leave it unused
3) Do you have to have the device open with the keyboard on show or will be work in the closed position?
3) You can close it, I only opened it for marketing reasons
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
4) Hmm, is there a menu where I can config such a thing? At this moment : no
Sorry to ask so many questions, its just I'm after a dock to put beside my bed so that i can use my G2 as my alarm clock etc.
Thanks in advance
No Problem mate! Hope it helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sergioka said:
Here are my answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I'm ordering one of these! Thank you so much
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

KarlosTheJackal said:
@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "Kaloer clock" for this purpose. You can configure it to automatically start upon charge and much more:

Adding a Magnet to car/desk dock to enable modes?

Our phones have a magnetic sensor and I'm assuming that's how Samsung's docks automatically pull up the car/desk dock apps. So does anyone know what type of magnets (if this is how it works) and where they would need to be placed if you wanted to either mod a 3rd party dock or make your own?

Just do what i did with my old droid. I used the magnet.out of a phone holster, i ran it over the back till it activated, i marked the spot and made a cradle. The opposite side of the magnet should activate the.other mode......,, ie positive turned on car dock, negative turned on desk clock.

justin94 said:
Just do what i did with my old droid. I used the magnet.out of a phone holster, i ran it over the back till it activated, i marked the spot and made a cradle. The opposite side of the magnet should activate the.other mode......,, ie positive turned on car dock, negative turned on desk clock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guessing I need to use a weak one ha
Sent from my sch-i500 Showcase using XDA app

I tried it this morning and i couldn't find that sweet spot for the magnet to activate

justin94 said:
I tried it this morning and i couldn't find that sweet spot for the magnet to activate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, maybe it's more to it than that on the galaxy?
Did you have your phone plugged in when you tried? That could be a condition..

There does not appear to be a magnet in the car dock, it seems the dock screen activation is linked to the micro usb connector on the dock. I checked the entire car dock with a paperclip and found no magnet. When you install the phone into the dock it will only activate the dock screen when you slide the top piece into the micro usb connector..

rich1az said:
There does not appear to be a magnet in the car dock, it seems the dock screen activation is linked to the micro usb connector on the dock. I checked the entire car dock with a paperclip and found no magnet. When you install the phone into the dock it will only activate the dock screen when you slide the top piece into the micro usb connector..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn samsung, why you wanna do that? I would have loved to buy both docks if they allowed the phone to be in a case
Sent from my sch-i500 Showcase using XDA app

Yeah, I just ordered a dock for the express purpose of opening it up and analyzing the special usb connection. I need to make a custom dock/cable for mounting in the dash of my car.

Buji said:
Yeah, I just ordered a dock for the express purpose of opening it up and analyzing the special usb connection. I need to make a custom dock/cable for mounting in the dash of my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool... please post your findings..

elijahblake said:
cool... please post your findings..
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Click to collapse
Will do, but right now I can say this thing's not going to be easy to get into without tearing it up.

Buji said:
Will do, but right now I can say this thing's not going to be easy to get into without tearing it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe ya on that... I had the desk dock for a day or two, but took it back since I couldn't keep my case on it... I didn't really inspect it too much for screws though.

Observations: Photon Q Vehicle Dock

I had a hard time finding any info about the car dock before I purchased one. So, here are a few things that may be of use to someone:
The included power adapter is rated at 750ma
The dock has 2x USB outputs, but at 750ma it's only just enough power to maintain GPS, Bluetooth, Backlight and a data connection (with semi-weak signal). Charging 2 phones at once isn't recommended.
The dock has an identifier so the phone knows that it's a vehicle dock (as opposed to my old Photon 4G)
When you first drop the phone into the dock, it asks you what kind of dock you are using. The Home dock does the same thing. It remembers each dock via a dock ID of some sort.
The dock fits the phone extremely well, best one I've had so far.
Better than the Droid 2 and Photon 4G. The Photon Q drops in with little effort and holds in place VERY well.

N1XRR said:
When you first drop the phone into the dock, it asks you what kind of dock you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't do that with me....but then I only have (and have only used) the car dock. Maybe it requires docking with both docks before it prompts you?

PythonFanTN said:
It doesn't do that with me....but then I only have (and have only used) the car dock. Maybe it requires docking with both docks before it prompts you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly. It's been a few weeks since I first dropped the phone into the dock...
But, putting the phone into a new dock of the same type (at least the Home dock) prompts to request what type of dock is connected.

Anyone have any tips on where to find one under $50? I'm really missing having a good dock, but getting impatient for the price to go down.

benofilis said:
Anyone have any tips on where to find one under $50? I'm really missing having a good dock, but getting impatient for the price to go down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.neobits.com/motorola_kpm5778q_vehicle_navigation_dock_for_p4013180.html?atc=gbs&gclid=CPmvoK3grLMCFRRbnAodbDEA9g
That's where I got mine. Not less than $50 but right at it counting shipping.

Looking at picking up the Costco deal on the Pho Q with free car dock after MIR, and wanted to confirm - I'm guessing that you can't use the dock with a case on the phone, correct? Looks like it wouldn't slide in properly.
Anyone try the dock with one of those Skinz "cases" which are really more like full body screen protector films?

I can't say from personal experience that you can use it with a case (mainly because I don't use cases nor have some little voice in my head compelling me that I absolutely must have one)....but I do know the dock comes with a little insert that you take out/don't use in the (no pun intended) 'case' of those who use cases.

cmags said:
Looking at picking up the Costco deal on the Pho Q with free car dock after MIR, and wanted to confirm - I'm guessing that you can't use the dock with a case on the phone, correct? Looks like it wouldn't slide in properly.
Anyone try the dock with one of those Skinz "cases" which are really more like full body screen protector films?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a plastic adapter that needs to be inserted in the dock for a "snug" fit. I suppose you could just leave the adapter off for a slightly looser fit and try it with the case on.

Thanks for the info. I've got mine ordered, and having not seen your replies, ordered one of those "full body screen protectors" to protect the sides of the phone so it would fit in the dock. But, if there's a removable insert to allow more room for a case, I may get an Otterbox. I'll have to see how much extra play room it comes with before committing to a case that may or may not fit.

Does the dock make the phone go in to vehicle mode? Is there a way to disable this so you can still fully operate the phone?

ericcire said:
Does the dock make the phone go in to vehicle mode? Is there a way to disable this so you can still fully operate the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does make it go into vehicle mode, but that doesn't change all that much. It just launches a custom launcher app with large horizontal icons and sets up bluetooth (if you want the app to do that) and audio-out to the dock. It also has a page of customizable launcher buttons, which is a big step up from other "Car Home" apps.
You can get back to the regular homescreen by just hitting the regular home button.
You could probably also use something like Tasker to customize what happens when you put it in the dock. (I use Tasker to explicitly launch the vehicle home app, because I want the audio out, *then* launch my audiobook app)

Has anyone tested mass storage access in the vehicle dock? Mine won´t work. The phone charges but the alpine headunit says no usb-device. With the same cable without the dock between the usb cable and the phone it works well.

....i have tested it on sony radio - it works, but on blaupunkt no - no media detected

I have had both the photon 4g and the lte with docks and i thought the old one was a bit better built but the new one does fit well. On mine whenever you hit the home button when in the dock it went to car home not your normal home screen but if you run a third party launcher you can change that. I noticed that the charger that comes with it doesnt always have enough juice to charge it if you are in an area of weak signal with gps running so i swapped the charger with a 2A one that i used for my tablet. Never have a problem now and my phone will go from 70% batter to almost full in my 30 min drive home from work.
Hope it helps.

I thought I might ask here before opening a new thread.... Anyone know what protective cases are compatible with the dock?
I (like many) prefer otterbox cases. But with my last phone the Otterbox case blocked the data connector to the vehicle dock.
Anyone tried the otterbox case with the dock? or any recommendations for other cases that ARE vehicle dock compatible?

pir8man said:
I thought I might ask here before opening a new thread.... Anyone know what protective cases are compatible with the dock?
I (like many) prefer otterbox cases. But with my last phone the Otterbox case blocked the data connector to the vehicle dock.
Anyone tried the otterbox case with the dock? or any recommendations for other cases that ARE vehicle dock compatible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ottorbox is very tight even without the adapter plate (taking it out allows for a fatter phone) and the rubber flap blocks the ports and you cant fold it back or it doesnt fit...
Sent from my XT897 using xda premium

Mordannon said:
On mine whenever you hit the home button when in the dock it went to car home not your normal home screen but if you run a third party launcher you can change that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the newest/JB build, there's actually 2 home buttons...the middle right one goes back to vehicle dock home, but you can press the one on the lower lefthand corner to go back to regular phone home.

I am thinking about getting this phone ,I saw I another thread that the droid 3 desk dock works well withthis phone ,so would the droid 3 car dock also work?
Sent from my Droid 3 using xda app-developers app

Can anyone tell me if this dock's ability to launch the "car mode" is available in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod? I.e. is there custom software needed to enable this functionality, or is it part of stock Android?

Speedraca said:
Can anyone tell me if this dock's ability to launch the "car mode" is available in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod? I.e. is there custom software needed to enable this functionality, or is it part of stock Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ability is there, the car mode is detected and signalled properly in CM10.1, but there is no car home/launcher app installed as part of pure AOSP/CM jellybean system installation - you have to install some car home app from play market so it's launched automatically when the phone enters the car dock.

Charging stand with storage switch

Hi all,
Have just bought a stand for my HTC m9, it's a sleek looking bit of kit and only costs a tenner which is pretty cheap.
It is designed to work with the phone with no case although there is a removable part which allows the usage of the dot matrix case too, I've confirmed that this works too.
Chances are you may be able to fit some other cases in there but they would have to be slim, the Spigen hybrid does not fit unfortunately, possible to do some modding but that would be down to you.
You can connect this up to your laptop /PC ( USB 3 charges pretty good compared to usb2) it allows you to mount storage via the dock, also confirmed, a standard USB socket is also present on the back which can be used for OTA purposes, keyboard, mouse, gamepads, hard drive etc (untested but should work).
The design is sleek and sturdy, it holds the phone up well, could maybe use a little more weight.
Personally I got it for work so I can mount it and maybe use it as a clock, see messages via the dot matrix case, play music (can change tracks from the matrix case) so far it's working as expected.
Would recommend.
£9.95p amazon UK. Quick delivery, 3 days, no charge.
Edit: @ mod, like a massive melon I've posted this in the wrong thread, can this be moved to accessories please. My apologies, haven't had much sleep,

Yeah, I got one of those too, only to discover that it kills quick charge for some reason. Would not get above 150mA no matter what charger I used.

iElvis said:
Yeah, I got one of those too, only to discover that it kills quick charge for some reason. Would not get above 150mA no matter what charger I used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't say that i was beginning to like this, will have a tinker.

Actually, I'm getting a normal charge from mine. I don't like fast charge, it damages the battery. So id rather not do that. Normal charging for me. Just under two hours.

Have just noticed something. Whilst plugged into a charger, this device does not allow USB OTG? What is the point of that? If you disconnect the charger then it works very well but not whilst connected, have not tried whilst connected to a computer / laptop.

dladz said:
Have just noticed something. Whilst plugged into a charger, this device does not allow USB OTG? What is the point of that? If you disconnect the charger then it works very well but not whilst connected, have not tried whilst connected to a computer / laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure the switch on the back is in the right position? I'll admit I haven't played with mine much.

iElvis said:
Sure the switch on the back is in the right position? I'll admit I haven't played with mine much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have tried both, like i said without the cable connected it works fine, selecting it away from OTG, does switch connectivity off, however connecting a cable whether on OTG or USB de-activates it.
I know this isn't an official dock so support is going to be really limited.
Might take it apart and see how it's patched, the power source is more than likely for mounting the phone onto a computer, hence the disconnection.

Loose USB charging port

I just noticed that my charging port is extremely loose and any USB cable I stick in there has a lot of wiggle room. Because of this if I move my phone while charging it sometimes looses it's connection. I don't believe it ever did that before. Does anybody else notice a loose fit or is it just my phone?
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

My charging port is pretty solid. But just to avoid this scenario, I got the samsung wireless fast charger pad
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Couple of things, if you have a case, try charging without it on. Otherwise try another cable. I thought mine was loose too but it ended up just being a cable that didn't fit well.

Thanks for the feedback guys. My case doesn't come into contact with the charging port or the cable when it's inserted. I use the original cable and a cheap chinese one intermittently. The Chinese one is quite long which is why I use it, but it wiggles much more than the original. I'm pretty sure there was no wiggle at all in the beginning so it must be from using the cheap cable. Note to self (and others): "Don't do that!"
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Hi there, I'm having the same issue. The thing is that I don't remember if it worked well from the start.
I always use an alternative charger and keep the original in the packaging.
One day noticed that at least 1/4 part of the plug remains out of the socket. This makes the plug wiggle and remain loose. Sometimes (a Tagwood cable) disconnects by the own weight.
I don't hear the common 'click' when plugging in or out.
Tried different cables, many including the original and every does the same.
I don't know if it is a design issue or a broken thing.
What I can see, I don't find any anomalies. Neither where is bottoming. It looks very sensitive parts so I don't want to touch it.
I only noticed that socket looks shorter than other micro USB plugs.
Sorry for my English.
If there's any suggestions I want to hear it.

hellcore said:
Hi there, I'm having the same issue. The thing is that I don't remember if it worked well from the start.
I always use an alternative charger and keep the original in the packaging.
One day noticed that at least 1/4 part of the plug remains out of the socket. This makes the plug wiggle and remain loose. Sometimes (a Tagwood cable) disconnects by the own weight.
I don't hear the common 'click' when plugging in or out.
Tried different cables, many including the original and every does the same.
I don't know if it is a design issue or a broken thing.
What I can see, I don't find any anomalies. Neither where is bottoming. It looks very sensitive parts so I don't want to touch it.
I only noticed that socket looks shorter than other micro USB plugs.
Sorry for my English.
If there's any suggestions I want to hear it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung phones have suffered from charging port issues for years. My Note 3 drove me crazy with it. You can try contacting Samsung, but I'm not sure what they would do.

Action123 said:
Samsung phones have suffered from charging port issues for years. My Note 3 drove me crazy with it. You can try contacting Samsung, but I'm not sure what they would do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a Norte 3 and the plug was very strong and tighten.
Also 3.0 charged twice faster than other phones.
The phone is not buyed in my country. I can't contact Samsung

Guys, my brother had the exact same issue with his.
It ended up being lint that built up inside the port. Take a pin and clean the port out. I was shocked at how much lint (just from a normal pocket) got stuck in the port. Its definitely worth checking.

Worked for me!
CISGS said:
Guys, my brother had the exact same issue with his.
It ended up being lint that built up inside the port. Take a pin and clean the port out. I was shocked at how much lint (just from a normal pocket) got stuck in the port. Its definitely worth checking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-------------------------------
At first my charging cable worked fine, but over time the connection became very touchy. Based on the post above, I opened up a paperclip and fished around the port area and was surprised by the lint that came out. Now my cable is connecting more securely and charging more reliably. Thanks for the tip!