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My solution to the lack of aux jack on the car dock.

I agree that having an aux jack on the Nexus One car dock would be pretty sweet, but it is what it is, and I wanted to move on... Here is what I did:
Nexus One (duh)
Nexus One car dock (...)
Kensington LiquidAuxbluetooth car kit: us.kensington.com/html/14484.html
Micro USB cable
Plug the Kensington L.A. into the accessory outlet, and connect the audio output plug to your AUX on your stereo. The L.A. provides a USB port to use for the Micro USB cable. (for charging)
Plug the micro USB cable in this port and route to your car dock.
Once you pair your phone with the L.A. place it in the car dock and setup the audio to be whatever combination you would like. I personally use the dock for calls (because the mic is better) and the L.A. for audio.
One accessory outlet, (no splitters) one wire coming from it to the dock, audio routed through the AUX in your stereo, and (IMO) really great call audio thanks to the dock and noise canceling, which still works with the phone in the dock...
Just sharing my experience, YMMV, IANAL, OMG, WTF, BBQ...
Pics - Add http to them to view (I can't post links yet apparently...)
yfrog.com/2r20100415073238j -LiquidAUX Device
yfrog.com/1420100415073316j - Plugged into AUX and has Micro USB connected.
yfrog.com/2m20100415073324j - Cable Routing 1
yfrog.com/j120100415073338j - Cable Routing 2
yfrog.com/4720100415073414j - Wheel wireless remote, media functions work, I couldn't get phone button to do anything, but that may be a settings thing.
yfrog.com/0b20100415073331j - Dock on the windscreen, the stock MicroUSB cable that comes with the phone is pretty 'stiff' and stays in place very well.

Pics please...

Awesome Find.
30 bucks with free shipping on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-LiquidAUX-Bluetooth-Remote-Phones/dp/B0011UIX2K
I'm about to order mine

+ 1. That looks like a really good solution. Another benefit you did not mention is that by powering the Car Dock with the Micro USB cable, you do away with the spiral lead that is on the Car Dock power supply. So easier to route and hide.
Any issues with charging the phone and powering the car dock? Isn't the car doc charger higher output than regular chargers and perhaps the one on the LiquidAux?

how's the music sound quality?
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

logger said:
+ 1. That looks like a really good solution. Another benefit you did not mention is that by powering the Car Dock with the Micro USB cable, you do away with the spiral lead that is on the Car Dock power supply. So easier to route and hide.
Any issues with charging the phone and powering the car dock? Isn't the car doc charger higher output than regular chargers and perhaps the one on the LiquidAux?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues I have noticed so far, there is no additional <warmth> on the LiquidAux I have been able to detect, and the phone charges just as quickly as it would when plugged in using OEM adapter. And yes, losing the spiral lead is a nice bonus...

yellowy0y0 said:
how's the music sound quality?
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sound quality for me is great, there is no interruptions, etc I have noticed. But I suspect that this would be a YMMV kind of thing based on the car stereo used and the distance / path (if that even matters with the relatively short distance) between the LiquidAux device and the phone...

uansari1 said:
Pics please...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I added some pics above (imageshack) but couldn't post links (yet) so just add the http part and you can see them...

um, do you realize you can still use the headphone jack when the phone is plugged into the dock?
http://www.google.com/support/android/bin/answer.py?answer=178184

MonkySlap said:
um, do you realize you can still use the headphone jack when the phone is plugged into the dock?
http://www.google.com/support/android/bin/answer.py?answer=178184
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why yes, but some people in this particular forum were voicing their displeasure of having a mass of wires dangling all over their car / phone etc...
I was offering an alternative, and it worked well for me, nobody said or implied that you need to do it too...
<Sheesh/>

How long is that cable(the 3.5mm one from the liquid aux). Looks pretty short..

tokyomonster said:
How long is that cable(the 3.5mm one from the liquid aux). Looks pretty short..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is in fact short (4") while this works fine for my use, YMMV...

Interesting solution, I like it
Here are clickable links for the lazy
http://yfrog.com/2r20100415073238j -LiquidAUX Device
http://yfrog.com/1420100415073316j - Plugged into AUX and has Micro USB connected.
http://yfrog.com/2m20100415073324j - Cable Routing 1
http://yfrog.com/j120100415073338j - Cable Routing 2
http://yfrog.com/4720100415073414j - Wheel wireless remote, media functions work, I couldn't get phone button to do anything, but that may be a settings thing.
http://yfrog.com/0b20100415073331j - Dock on the windscreen, the stock MicroUSB cable that comes with the phone is pretty 'stiff' and stays in place very well.

furbyslayer said:
It is in fact short (4") while this works fine for my use, YMMV...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I guess, worst case scenario, I can just buy a short extender.

Another question for you... Does the remote work with the phone? I'm waiting for mine to get here but I had read from many reviews that the control did not work properly with the iphone, just wondering if the nexus one had the same problem.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

awesome writeup... Even if this thing doesn't work to pickup calls I don't care, I always have a bluetooth headset for the car anyhow. I think I'll get an extra socket and mount it all under the dash out of sight.
Even thought you can plug in a wire to the headphone jack I want a solution where I can stick the phone in the holder when I get in, and pull it right out without messing with cables every fricken time... Most the time I don't plug my phone in right now just because of that very reason.
With a nice setup like this I'd plug my phone in every time I get in the car... awesome, Thanks!
Just ordered mine off amazon.. seems like a great price for the product.

Nevermind, reread your first post, missed the info I wanted the first read through. Well, since I'm stuck with this post existing, may as well clarify, you said you can choose to have the phone calls go through the dock with this, right?

furbyslayer said:
It is in fact short (4") while this works fine for my use, YMMV...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4 inches, is that all you've got? - that is short
I think perhaps you meant 4' or four feet.

yellowy0y0 said:
Another question for you... Does the remote work with the phone? I'm waiting for mine to get here but I had read from many reviews that the control did not work properly with the iphone, just wondering if the nexus one had the same problem.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The media functions work fantastic with the Nexus, the iPhone does not support track skip, where the Nexus does. I have not been able to get the phone button to start voice dialing like the iPhone does. I have not actually had a call while driving to pickup yet, so I can't say for certain whether that (pickup incoming) works or not...

kitsunisan said:
Nevermind, reread your first post, missed the info I wanted the first read through. Well, since I'm stuck with this post existing, may as well clarify, you said you can choose to have the phone calls go through the dock with this, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have call audio go through the dock, yes. The LiquidAux has a microphone, but it is quite far away from the the speaker's mouth IMO. Additionally, the dock still uses the extra Michael for active noise cancelling and is quite crisp and clear for calls. (I have so far made several outbound calls with great results.) The music pauses, audio routes up to the dock for the duration of the call, then the music resumed on the car speakers automatically...

[Q] Car Dock

Folks,
This is probably a stupid question, but I own the car dock and a Samsung Fascinate... obviously. My question is the car dock only plugs into the microusb port but has a connector on the rear, and comes with a 3.5mm audio jack.
That being said when completely connected to the dock and radio it does not play audio except from the built-in speaker.
What is this about? Is there something I am missing? A setting somewhere or... ?
Thanks for the thoughts.

The 3.5 jack is "supposed" to work when android 2.2 (froyo) is released for the phone.

Too bad the software portion responsible for this can't be ported back to 2.1

Arrrggh.. I bought one too along with a desk dock. Only to find out it's useless. I'm returning them while I still can.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Thought i would chime in here.
I too am waiting/hoping for froyo to fix the 3.5 jack but in the mean time i just turn my phone over and insert it backwards into the car dock when i need the audio out and plug both the usb and the audio in.
It works for me to, at the least, buy me time until i can do right.
Come on froyo!!!
Fascinate Voo Doo One Point Two

Easy fix...get a head unit that supports bluetooth and run your music through that. With hands free laws taking over everywhere it's not a bad move anyway. I've got that setup in my car and absolutely love it! Music is very clear and sounds great, not like radio transmitters. Since it's charging while playing you don't lose any battery life at all.

While I wouldn't call swapping out a head unit an "easy fix", I do second that comment that it is awesome and convenient to stream audio through bluetooth to the car.

Well,
2.2.1 is fully functioning and out now. The dock 3.5mm outputs work, and all in life is well. Be happy guys! PS: Go push the 2.2.1 leak (any of the versions, there are multiples!) onto your phone!
It does not void the warranty, if you have a hardware issue just use a windows PC and ODIN to jam the DI01 or DL09 stock unrooted load on the phone and your all set for warranty support/exchange. It takes 10 minutes to ODIN back to stock, easy as pie!

I have to second this. I initially just used the dock with the phone in backwards under 2.1, and directly plugged my USB and Audio leads directly into the phone. Since I flashed to 2.2.1 leak, it has been working wonderfully the way it's supposed to.
I really was pleased with the dock when I first got it, it's solidly built. Having to wait a short while for all of the features to work was a minor inconvenience to me, but now I'm really happy I stuck it out.

I am on DL30 right now with the car dock and the set up is still not doing audio through the audio out. To the people who are using it without a problems are you using the stock music player or a different player and is it working for calls, and audiobooks as well? For some reason I am having no luck wondering if it is.because.I don't use touchwiz apps.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

Does this dock fit the phone with a case on?

The only ones that will work with a case are the universal ones that clamp on.
Sent from my Froyonate

darkknight1aa1 said:
I am on DL30 right now with the car dock and the set up is still not doing audio through the audio out. To the people who are using it without a problems are you using the stock music player or a different player and is it working for calls, and audiobooks as well? For some reason I am having no luck wondering if it is.because.I don't use touchwiz apps.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On DL30, I have to open the Car Cradle application, and if the phone is in the dock, a little 'speaker' toggle icon appears next to the 'Exit' icon, this will switch audio to the dock output. It doesn't auto-switch.
There are applications on the market that will auto-switch based on the phone activity, such as Tasker. All DL30 does is enable the ability to use the external audio connection on the dock.
Now, I don't use TW either, I use LauncherPro, so I'm not sure if TW will auto-switch or not. I'm betting it probably will, as previously only TW would auto-launch the Desk Cradle and Car Cradle apps when the appropriate dock was detected, in all other launcher frontends I've had to start the application manually or use apps like Tasker mentioned above that would detect the dock and launch the associated app and settings.

I've noticed that the audio out of the car dock is terrible. Anyone else?
adrynalyne's DL30 1.0 with the included kernel btw

As far as I know, you need the stock music player. This is because you need to have the Car Cradle app open or the sound will just play through your phone speaker. Also, the Car Cradle app has a speaker "button" that you will need to toggle.

crazyfool287 said:
As far as I know, you need the stock music player. This is because you need to have the Car Cradle app open or the sound will just play through your phone speaker. Also, the Car Cradle app has a speaker "button" that you will need to toggle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need the Car Cradle to toggle the external aux connection, but you are not limited to stock music players, etc, to utilize it. I have Google Maps/Navigation prompts running through it, as well as Subsonic for music playback. As long as I've launched the Car Cradle app and toggled the connection on, all audio that would normally be output by the rear speaker (as far as any audio that has been produced on my phone so far when docked) uses the external aux properly.
As far as sound quality goes, my sound has been very good so far. I have engine noise coming through the USB charger, but once that's disconnected, it's quiet and high quality. Now, once I get this noise suppressor connected to my power source, that engine buzz will go away for good.

vai1018 said:
You need the Car Cradle to toggle the external aux connection, but you are not limited to stock music players, etc, to utilize it. I have Google Maps/Navigation prompts running through it, as well as Subsonic for music playback. As long as I've launched the Car Cradle app and toggled the connection on, all audio that would normally be output by the rear speaker (as far as any audio that has been produced on my phone so far when docked) uses the external aux properly.
As far as sound quality goes, my sound has been very good so far. I have engine noise coming through the USB charger, but once that's disconnected, it's quiet and high quality. Now, once I get this noise suppressor connected to my power source, that engine buzz will go away for good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try plugging some headphones into the phone and listen to a song. Then plug into the car dock and listen to the same song.
Please let me know if you hear a difference. Thanks!

Arixsin said:
The only ones that will work with a case are the universal ones that clamp on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only. I just got SlipGrip case and it fits perfectly with OtterBox Commuter on. The only problem for me was suction cup which is big (3.5") so it didn't stick to my tomtom adhesive disk on the dashboard. But it holds to windshield very good. I can't post any links yet so you have to google it ("SlipGrip Car Holder For The Samsung Fascinate With Case")

[email protected] said:
Try plugging some headphones into the phone and listen to a song. Then plug into the car dock and listen to the same song.
Please let me know if you hear a difference. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I tested 5 different scenarios. In the Fascinate Car Dock with aux enabled, on an FM transmitter, and on three separate headphones: standard iPod earbuds, Klipsch in-ear headphones, and Sony studio headphones from my recording studio gear. I am on SuperClean 2.1, and used both the included Music app and Subsonic for playback on each scenario. For comparison, I also performed all scenarios on three other devices: an Archos 605, an iPod Classic, and an iPod Touch.
With all of that, I couldn't discern an audible difference between the Fascinate and the other devices tested in the corresponding scenario.
The reason I stopped using my Archos was because the Fascinate's audio was just as good, and with Subsonic negating the need to sync my media library, it really has become an almost perfect portable media platform for me. Now, if I could only get the aux on the car dock to work without the need for the cradle app, it would be perfect.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Oh, to add, obviously I didn't plug the other media players into the car dock, but I tested using the same 3.5mm aux cable that the car dock used for the Fascinate.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

[Q] Car Dock Calling problem

I am sure there is a setting for this just cannot find in on the phone or in the hidden menus.
Problem: When the Fascinate is placed in the Verizon Car Dock and phone call is place via the bluetooth connection the call is distorted (over amplified sounds like). The sound quality of the call is simply not intelligible.
Troubleshooting the problem I narrowed the issue down to the actual car dock mount. Sound quality is GREAT when connected via bluetooth and/or connected to the car charger. Place it in the dock and whammo - crappy sound.
I understand there are small magnets that the Fascinate senses and cause the phone to go into Car Dock Mode. Anyway of turning this off?
Thanks All.

If you are referring to the verizon car dock I have the same issue. I tore the dock apart but found no magnets so I believe the issue lies in the electronics in the little black box that slides down and plugs into your phone. My work around is dial a number, when it goes to bluetooth, switch it to handsfree then back to bluetooth. Or slide the charging plug up make the call then push it back down. Yes it sucks...
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

thanks, I'll try it out.

I will try it out
I will try it out and let you know how I make out.

[Q] [SOLVED] G2X doesn't use internal mic with headphones plugged in

SOLVED: It was the cable.
Searching around, this seems to be a common problem with a variety of phones, some it works, some don't. My old G1 worked flawlessly in this manner.
Whenever I have a pair of headphones or my auxiliary cable for my car plugged in, the internal mic doesn't work when I receive a call. This sucks, because if I'm listening to music in my car and get a call, I have to remove the phone from the window mount and unplug the cable while driving down the road, or fiddle around with the power button to switch the phone to speaker mode (screen goes black after answering a call with the cable plugged in).
Is there a solution for this other than spending $180 on a bluetooth integration kit for my car (was looking at the Parrot MKi9000 or KlaT7)? I'm a little scared of this route considering the problems people have been having with A2DP on Gingerbread. I'm hoping the official Gingerbread release (if it EVER releases) will fix the A2DP and/or this issue. I am running Froyo right now, but am eagerly anticipating the official Gingerbread release.
Thoughts?

That does not match my experience with the stock ROM. I listen to Pandora in my car via an FM transmitter that is plugged into my earphone jack, and I receive calls all the time without having to go into speakerphone mode: the caller's voice comes through the car loudspeakers, and they hear me just fine. I just ran an experiment with a pair of earphones (no microphone) plugged in and called myself from my landline and I definitely heard it loud and clear over the landline phone when I blew into the microphone hole in the bottom of the G2x.

That definitely is odd. The phone is rooted along with faux's kernel, but I have the stock ROM. When I have the cable plugged in no one hears me on the other side, and voice dialing doesn't work either. Is your G2x all stock?
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

Yes, completely stock and unrooted.
Have you tried it with a different cable or with plain vanilla earphones?

No I haven't tried a different one yet. I'll try that when I get home tonight. Thanks for your input!
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

wmm said:
Yes, completely stock and unrooted.
Have you tried it with a different cable or with plain vanilla earphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is its the cable. Probably something with the connector is tricking the phone into thinking it has a microphone built in, just like when you plug in a headset it mutes your handset mic.

You are both correct. Just tried a different cable and it works great.
The cable I was using was the one included with the T-Mobile Window Mount Kit. I was using it because I have the Speck case and the original one I bought from MonoPrice.com was too thick to fit through the hole. The T-Mobile cable was skinnier and just barely fit. I took the phone out of the case and tried the one I bought from MonoPrice and it worked perfectly.
Thanks for the help!
Now I need to decide whether or not to bore out the hole larger on a $30 case. As most reviews have stated, it does scratch very easily and is very difficult to get the phone out. Anyone know of any other cases that have a larger diameter hole for the headphone out?

Where can I a find Multimedia Car adapter?

So I'm in the planning stages to dash mount a Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (still haven't bought the tablet yet), and wanted to know where I could find an accessory similar to the Galaxy Tab Multimedia Dock. My goal is to have one connection that will give me both power and audio out to my stereo. The desktop dock can accomplish this for me, but its very bulky and wont be easy to fit in my dash. I could take the dock apart and make it work, but would prefer not to waste 35 dollars like that.
So far the only other item I found that may work is this RCA Composite Cable with USB, but it says only for the original and some of the reviews mention the cable not having the usb attachment as pictured.
Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Finally found it on Amazon after a few days of looking. 30 Pin to USB Charging and 3.5mm Audio Out
Just ordered it and will post pics of my finished car installation and let anyone else who's interested know if it works or not.

isolated_epidemic said:
Finally found it on Amazon after a few days of looking. 30 Pin to USB Charging and 3.5mm Audio Out
Just ordered it and will post pics of my finished car installation and let anyone else who's interested know if it works or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how you make out with this. I'd be curious to see if it's compatible with the 6210.

Both of the cables I listed work great. The only issue I have noticed is that at when the stereo is turned up you can hear interference from the power cable. When the music is playing you can't hear it at all.
As I mentioned, here is a picture of the final product. It's hinged on the bottom and clips into place with the standard mounting hardware. FYI it's inside a 2000 Nissan Xterra XE. The volume knob is where the second lighter adapter was. I just hooked in an inline volume knob to adjust the output from the tablet to the stereo. I replaced the included knob with one I ripped off an old stereo. You can barely see that I also installed an auxiliary input jack that somehow miraculously reduces the volume of the tablet when another device is hooked in. All of the "guts are stored inside the dash where all of the other wires are located. If anyone is interested I can post more pictures.

Thanks for the follow up. The final product looks very good. Nice work!

Nice install. Thanks for sharing.

Man, that cable would have come in useful when i was still direct-connecting my tablet. I'll have to keep that in mind.
Put a PAC SN1 inline with your audio to reduce your ground loop interference - that's what i used when i was direct connecting the audio.
Also have this set up on my dash, but I've jumped to the 7.7 and gave the 7 Plus to my wife. I actually prefer to use bluetooth to connect the audio because i can use the car's steering control to control advance/reverse of media.
I'm putting up pics soon of my setup in the 7.7 forum.

rEVOLVE said:
Man, that cable would have come in useful when i was still direct-connecting my tablet. I'll have to keep that in mind.
Put a PAC SN1 inline with your audio to reduce your ground loop interference - that's what i used when i was direct connecting the audio.
Also have this set up on my dash, but I've jumped to the 7.7 and gave the 7 Plus to my wife. I actually prefer to use bluetooth to connect the audio because i can use the car's steering control to control advance/reverse of media.
I'm putting up pics soon of my setup in the 7.7 forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I was prepared to live with the interference because I didn't know I had a choice. I found a PAC SNI-1 ground loop noise isolator for 14 bucks on eBay. Can't wait to install it and get back to clear audio.
On a side note; after about a month with this tablet in my car, I have to say I'm in love. With the power plugged in and screen on while charging activated, the tablet turns on when I start the car, just like any stereo would. Also when I take it out at night it makes my car look already-broken-into and deters the motherlovin thieves that have been breaking into neighborhood cars.
By the way, does anyone know how to remove the annoying 100% charged sound? It can get especially irritating when I have plenty of stops to make and the tablet loses a percent and gains it back everytime I turn the car off and on again.