[Resolved] Portable Music Transducer - General Questions and Answers

Hi everyone,
So I know someone that has some type of transducer device that is portable and very easy to attach/detach to any surface. However, this device does not have a brand name on it and he is not allowed to let anyone touch it besides himself.
Basically, this device (when playing music) can be attached to any surface, and the surface instantly becomes a giant stereo (we tested lockers, tupperware bowls, and a milk carton). It works extremely well, and I am very interested in finding and purchasing something that works very similar to this.
Here is an example of the product, but it is not portable and does not have a 3.5mm jack
http://www.amazon.com/Surface-Transducer-Virtually-Anything-Speaker/dp/B002KIRTY0/ref=pd_cp_e_1
Please help me find this product. Thanks!

Nevermind guys, found it (or basically a similar product).
I thought that was going to be a lot harder.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/portable-audio-video/eaf8/#tabs

Related

[Q] First time owner-Microphone replacement

I have combed through forums, read article after article, but I cannot find an answer to this question.
But first, I should introduce myself. I'm a long time lurker but first time poster! Thanks to you guys, I ordered my G tablet a few days ago and it should be coming in today!
Secondly, I wanted to thank all the developers and members on this forum. You guys (and gals?) have been an invaluable source of information! (And a seriously effective form of marketing! Viewsonic should be paying you guys!!)
Ok, now onto the question. I've been reading that the microphone on the tablet is... sub-par. And I've also read that there is no way to have an external line-in. My question is, is the microphone replaceable to add more sensitivity? Or is it possible to wire up the microphone so that instead of a microphone we install a 3.5 mm jack in its place? As a songwriter, getting song ideas down into a program like "songmemo" or "4-tracks" is going to be pretty important.
Once I receive my tablet (after I study for finals ), I'm going to take it apart and see what is possible. (also, thanks to "t3h_g3n3r4l" for the hardware breakdown thread, now I know what I'm getting myself into!)
+1 An alternate microphone would be great, or even better the ability to use any external mic. I also use both those programs listed, but the built-in mic is a little issue. I would assume a small preamp circuit could be made to fit and attached to a 3.5mm jack and soldered on in replacement of the current mic, but I have not opened mine to check, otherwise it would be nice to add software that could handle a usb microphone.
My tablet still hasn't arrived yet! I have a pile of accessories that have already been delivered and no tablet! This is killing me. I really should be studying for finals but this waiting is making it hard to concentrate.
"...otherwise it would be nice to add software that could handle a usb microphone"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. The only reason an external usb mic or even a bluetooth headset wouldn't work would be because the software. Unfortunately I'm horrible at coding so I don't even know what it would take for a fix like that and I'm not going to post some egregious request.
As soon as my tablet comes in, I'll pop it open and see what I find. If the microphone is wired in, then I think soldering in a 3.5 mm jack should be easy. And if the signal is low, you could always use an external pre once the jack is in.
The only issue I can see is if the G tab uses one of those cell phone "button" type microphones. I'm not familiar with how those work. Though I'm sure there's a solution even for that.
What I am trying to figure out is if you can use a headset mic because if you can I can solder up a 3.5mm jack with a preamp, and also the software is already built in android to handle a headset mic.
*Edit* Headset mic is a no go I guess on to another idea...
Alright, so was delivered.
Once I finish writing this essay, I'll take this baby apart and see what our options are.
Hopefully this help. Its the chip that handles the audio made by realtek.
cjackxiii said:
Hopefully this help. Its the chip that handles the audio made by realtek.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou that will help greatly! It appears that the chip has multiple stereo mic/line-in inputs including one that has a built in preamp, so now the question is will android allow us to utilize those inputs if we hook them up allowing us to use not only the internal mic but an external plugged into a 3.5mm jack? I think some testing is in order ....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
*Edit* I opened my G-Tab and it is quite possible to replace the stock mic with a 3.5mm jack, but you will need some serious soldering skills (very small solder points) unless you just cut the wires to the existing mic and reuse them (leave them soldered to the board) which I am not to keen on. As far as soldering another input right to the chip, this is also possible (again you would have to have some real skill with the iron as they are also very very small soldering points. It might be easier to write a usb driver and software to use my m-audio box lol (and I am excellent with a soldering iron). On a side note I saw they got ubuntu 11.04 working on the gtab so once they get the sound going in it, my usb m-box should work great (I may wait for this option. Ardour would be nice)
Beeeeaauuutifull!!
Though, I'm a bit wary to try anything on my brand new G tab. Heh.
Oh but it looks so promising!
Edit: Ok, now I can't see the pinout you posted..
Mankey Magic said:
Though, I'm a bit wary to try anything on my brand new G tab. Heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too lol, my wife hates when I bust out the iron on new toys. She doesn't want me messing up her $400 dollar angry birds machine.

Using the P500 to listen to music while playing basketball?

Hey,
my intenion is basically described in the title, I want to listen to music with my P500 while I'm shooting some hoops. To be able to do that I need some things though.
1. Some kind of band that lets me properly attach the P500 to my arm, does anyone know a band like that? (I have searched but didn't find anything yet)
2. Good headphones that stay in my ear while playing basketball. I've found some on amazon, but pretty much all of them had mixed reviews, can anyone recommend me good sport (basketball) headphones?
Thanks in advance!
just try to use the phones speakers it's much better
I think it's a really bad idea
I mean you'll whole the time jumping and shooting will be annoying to have something too heavy sticked to your body
get a chest holster, then modify it from a gun to your phone.
Then try some of the panasonic sport headphones
Use backhead headphones
Reedddd said:
Hey,
my intenion is basically described in the title, I want to listen to music with my P500 while I'm shooting some hoops. To be able to do that I need some things though.
1. Some kind of band that lets me properly attach the P500 to my arm, does anyone know a band like that? (I have searched but didn't find anything yet)
2. Good headphones that stay in my ear while playing basketball. I've found some on amazon, but pretty much all of them had mixed reviews, can anyone recommend me good sport (basketball) headphones?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this would work so well attached to your arm. There is a lot of movement going on around the arm so I think the headphones would get in the way. I think either putting it in your pocket and under your shirt or attaching some kind of holster at the hip and under the shirt would work best. I'm speaking from what I've seen.
The headphone, you should use a bluetooth headphone, right?
There's a earphone wich is a small arc, all you need to do is to put that arc around your ear and play...
About the case, I don't know anything wich might be that secure, cause while playing, you're shaking your body a lot, so this case would be very useful for those who wants to practice any sport...
Also, there are some arm straps for iphone-touch nokia like. Since the sizes of the phones are similar, you can give 'em a try.
vamoslakers said:
I think it's a really bad idea
I mean you'll whole the time jumping and shooting will be annoying to have something too heavy sticked to your body
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this its too heavy when your playing ANY sports
You could wear a belt and attach a phone holster.
"get a chest holster, then modify it from a gun to your phone."
I can picture a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode based on this.
I use it for jogging.. but there are no jumps, plus the swept can damage it
In ear headphones are the best for physical activity, in ear blue tooth ones will be best, although i have not been able to get my hands on them
vinny86 said:
In ear headphones are the best for physical activity, in ear blue tooth ones will be best, although i have not been able to get my hands on them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've paird Nokia bh-214 bluetooth headphone with Optimus V. When I exercise at the gym, this is what I use. However, experience tells me, optimal distance between the two devices is about 30 feet (with no wall). This may not help OP.

Exercise/Running Accessories

Don't know if anyone else out there is using their phone as an all purpose exercise device, but I figured I'd share my setup in case anyone else was interested.
I'm using a Tune Belt AB83 to hold the phone/secure it to my arm. I purchased mine from Amazon, here. I know they also sell in some stores, just none in my area.
I don't use any sort of protective case on my phone, and the Tune Belt holds the phone securely without making it impossible to remove. You can easily press any of the buttons or manipulate the screen while it's in the Tune Belt. There are also larger models that might hold the phone inside a case - the AB85 might be the one to look into for that purpose. I found the Tune Belt folks very responsive to my questions, though, so may be best to just call/e-mail them and ask.
Since I also use the phone to track calorie burn/heart rate/etc, I also have a Polar WearLink+ Bluetooth Transmitter - it paired with the phone with no problems and the app I used (Endomondo Pro) was able to detect my heart rate, again, no problem.
I plan to use a set of Philips ActionFit Stereo Bluetooth Headset on order, but they haven't arrived yet - the sweat proof quality was the big draw for me there, particularly since I have shorted out headphones in the past. In the meanwhile I'm using an old pair of headphones that I don't mind ruining.
So what about you? Are you using this device to aid in your exercising? Got any accessories you'd like to recommend?
I completely agree with this. I got the TuneBelt just before XMAS, and it works like a dream.
I personally use the Runkeeper app. I like it since i have used it before. The interface is simple and the audio cues are awesome. You can set them for time and or distance and you can customize what it tells you. Time, average pace, average speed, distance, etc. And it also works with heart rate monitors but i don't have one so i haven't been able to test that feature out. Other than that i use my Skullcandy Smokin' Buds. Definitely not sweat proof but they have a warranty and were cheap so i am not worried.
I like the bluetooth headset, but either I'm not turning it off properly or it can't hold a charge worth a lick. More often than not I'm using an older set of wired headphones that are most definitely less convenient (not to mention a bit more dangerous - I've damn near unintentionally ripped them out of my ears several times).
I've got Runkeeper on the phone as well, just never used it.
Did recently pick up Impetus Interval Timer and really like the way it works (countdowns and such) and that it can be heard over music. Seems pretty customizable for a free app, which is always a plus in my book!
I thought about the wearlink with bluetooth. I prolly should have but I just bought the Polar FT7 instead. Nothing special but it works. I might have to look into your set up as well. I have Endomondo installed. And strap and transmitter aren't too much.
Toughmudder.com Wisconsin Sept 8th!! That's what I'm training for atm.
Team: Mississippi Mud Militia

School me! Nexus 5 & in car entertainment

I've recently got myself a new (to me) car and I want to get a new stereo/head unit to go in it. I have no experience with ICE and don't want to make a costly mistake.
Here is what I would like to do, if possible:
Have my phone connect to the head unit automatically when I get into the car. This will require a head unit that has bluetooth, I presume? And Tasker to perhaps control this.
Have my phone go into car mode (again, Tasker I presume) and my screen to be mirrored to the head unit, automatically.
Be able to control my music app (Shuttle, but I don't mind using something else) using the steering wheel-mounted controls (forward, back, volume).
Display and be able to answer incoming calls using the head unit/car speakers. Without taking my phone out of my pocket. I presume the head unit will need some sort of mic or something.
Ideally use Google Now via the head unit, and Maps as well.
I probably could cobble together a reasonable working knowledge of all this stuff if I spent hours on the internet but when the resources of XDA are at my disposal, why not use them? I am sure there are some really clued-up people on this forum when it comes to ICE and connectivity, so if you can offer advice, or tell me where the flaw in my plan is, or help me to avoid pitfalls then please comment.
Also any recommendations on head units that aren't really expensive but incorporate the screen I would need into a double-DIN space in a 2009 Mitsubishi Colt and will do what I want it to do.
Very grateful!
Oh and the reason I've posted here is because I'd rather get the knowledge I need from people who have an N5 and who know about any problems there might be with this particular phone. I've watched a video on YouTube which showed a head unit working with the N4 and N7, but the N5 wouldn't connect to it :-O
What's your budget? You can find units that fit your criteria from 200 all the way up to 700. Most units will do what you require so I'd just go to a brick and mortar store and find one you like. All brands are pretty good nowadays. I've always been a fan of Alpine or Sony but again that's just preference.
theesotericone said:
What's your budget? You can find units that fit your criteria from 200 all the way up to 700. Most units will do what you require so I'd just go to a brick and mortar store and find one you like. All brands are pretty good nowadays. I've always been a fan of Alpine or Sony but again that's just preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tbh I don't know. Can I get something for £200? £300? I'm in UK.
Can you explain to me how the voice input part of it works, do all these head units have an integrated mic so I can answer calls?
Also, am I looking for something that has Miracast or MirrorLink? Or is there some other standard which the N5 uses to connect?
Sorry if I sound ignorant but I really don't know how it all works, and that's just the sort of customer that unscrupulous sales people LOVE walking in to their store!
Perhaps there's an internet site you can recommend that lays out the basics?
Also, this is probably a stupid question, but can these type of units control your phone even while the phone screen is off? For instance I would want to play music from my phone without ever taking it from my pocket, or launch and run Maps from the head unit, with the phone screen off. Can that be done?

[Q] Video Streaming over TRRS?

Hello Folks!
Maybe thats a dumb question, but why not?
So this is the situation...I have an really old and big TV at home, which only has RCA Inputs. As I watch a lot videos on youtube/other websites, I was wondering how to get these videos on the TV for maximum comfort
So this day I found an old TRRS->RCA Cable back from my Nokia N95, which seemed to work (checked it with a measuring instrument; it's the OMTP Standard). Looks like this.
I was enthusiastic and plugged it in, turned the TV on - the sound was running nicely, but there was no video. Ok; I thought 'maybe it's only a software issue and I have to share the Nexus' screen anywhere'...but I could not find it.
So I was browsing the whole afternoon to find a solution and I found this on reddit. I know, that this was possible with an old Galaxy S and some HTC Devices.
Is it true, that the TRRS Jack in our Nexus 5 can only be used for Microphones?
Is there no way to say the device via software to use that ring on the TRRS as video output?
Does anyone know if the board is configured or is it hard-wired only to work like this?
I'm running newest OmniRom 4.4.4 Nightly.
Please don't say "buy a new TV ans use HDMI, buy these, buy that"...as I'm a poor student I don't want to spend a lot money
(been thinking about buying the new RasPi which has exactly this feature, but I don't know how good video streaming is working with this one...)

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