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Magnetic Case LG Nexus 4 [MOD]

I originally bought this case to be able to use the galaxy nexus in the car as a gps. The case offered a convenient solution. There is a magnet under the pattern. Then when I got the N4 and i missed being able to mount it in the car. Still having the case i decided to modify it in order to use it on the N4.
PARTS
-Galaxy nexus Wallee case from http://goo.gl/Vs7uJ 30$
-Car mount http://goo.gl/C2jxI 35$
-Cheap case for the N4, this is the one I used, goo.gl/yY9Bi 10$
Step 1
-Drill a hole in the center of the X, this is important for the next step
Step 2
-Cut a circular hole around the X shape with a dril. This part may be hard to find, my dad is carpenter so he had one handy.
Step 3
-Use sand paper or a file to clean up the edges of the disc
Step 4
-Use super glue, or any strong glue to join the X shape to the cheap case
And there you have it, it may be a bit pricy to buy the case and the car mount, in my case, i already had them, so all i spent is 10$ on a cheap case. But its such a convenient mechanism in the car.
Also, the dash mount is really high quality, the phone doesn't shake when you drive like most cheap ones.
Give me some feedback
LINK TO MY ORIGINAL POST ON G+ http://goo.gl/9SpIL

Some pictures, they can all be viewed on the google+ post also goo.gl/9SpIL

chrisMBP said:
Some pictures, they can all be viewed on the google+ post also goo.gl/9SpIL
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Nicely done!

Cheaper option....
http://www.amazon.com/Cradle-less-Quick-snap-Technology-Smartphone-Windshield/dp/B008IOQ3K6
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

looks really good, does the magnets have any effect on 3g or gps signals?

neotekz said:
looks really good, does the magnets have any effect on 3g or gps signals?
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I have a magnet on the back of my phone for my Steelie. GPS/Signal/compass etc. you name it, is not affected by a magnet. I have a neodymium earth magnet on mine and no harm no foul.

The metal plate that sits underneath the case kills NFC. Read review (by nexus 4 user) on amazon with 3 star rating.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Carbon fiber laminate replacement for rear glass

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to share a recent modification done to my Nexus 4. Like many people my rear glass basically spontaneously cracked in a spiderweb pattern across the entire surface of the rear glass. Frustrated I looked and looked for a replacement back possibly made of plastic or some other material...anything but glass!
Unfortunately I could not find what I was after, so I ordered a Nexus 4 rear housing with glass. Once it arrived and installed everything was great except I was constantly worried about the glass shattering again. Now that I had the original back off I could experiment a bit. It took me quite a while to chip all the glass shards away. Using a heat gun softened the adhesive and made it a lot easier. Also the wireless charging coil gave extra frustration to the glass removal, as its flexible and quite fragile.
Eventually all the glass was removed. At first I was thinking of going with wood, but after working with a veneer of Brazilian rosewood I realized that the wood was so thin that it was going to be a real pain to work with to get a precision form.
I really like the look of carbon fiber so I searched and found a piece of carbon fiber laminate 1/32" thick (.030" when measured). It came 3" wide and 12" long. I rough cut the basic shape with a band saw and then sanded the edge down to a 2.445" width. I then used a fine hand file to create the arched corners and ends. Eventually I got the perfect shape and then used a carbide end mill to create the holes for camera, flash and speaker holes. I also used a bit larger end-mill to make an inset on the rear side of the camera hole to drop in a new lens protector so that it would end up flush and not interfere with the camera once I installed it.
Finally I used some really nice double sided 3M 468 MP adhesive to bond the new back to the housing.
I was curious about heat dispersion, so I ran the phone through a few stress tests with both the glass and the laminate and the laminate actually came back with a slightly cooler result. So basically without strict data collecting I'd say my concern about heat is null.
I was really pleased with the results and wanted to share. Photo's don't quite do it justice like seeing in person. As you shift the phone in light there is a very dynamic weaved pattern reflecting similar but more intensely that the original glass. It's not as scratch resistant as the original glass but that was not exactly impervious to scratches either. I'm happy knowing there is basically zero chance of shattering. believe me I tried on a scrap piece.

That looks really nice! Be aware that carbon fiber will block/attenuate some signals like WiFi.

gdekatt said:
That looks really nice! Be aware that carbon fiber will block/attenuate some signals like WiFi.
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Thanks!
Hmm, I'll do a comparison next to my coworkers Nexus and find out if there's a difference.
Edit: I was not able to notice any discernable difference in signal strength on WiFi or the cell radio in comparison. Basically identical to the non-modded Nexus in signal strength and speed tests. Bluetooth works as it should. I have not tested NFC yet but I will when I get the opportunity.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Really like what you've done with your nexus 4. Only thing is, when it broke in the first place, why didn't you just put a dbrand vinyl on the back? They look amazing, fit perfectly and it's not too expensive.

22sl22 said:
Really like what you've done with your nexus 4. Only thing is, when it broke in the first place, why didn't you just put a dbrand vinyl on the back? They look amazing, fit perfectly and it's not too expensive.
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Thanks. I did put something similar over it but unfortunately there was a crack in the glass right above the camera lens and light would refract through causing photos to come out terrible. Having kids and a new baby just arriving, I can't live without those spontaneous photos when needed on the spot. Otherwise I would have left it with the skin.
Oh and the carbon fiber laminate was only $10.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Very cool!!! I like it a lot It would be even better to write "nexus" on the rear in the carbon, but i think it could cost a lot.

Where did you get the carbon fiber laminate?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

JoshP84 said:
Where did you get the carbon fiber laminate?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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http://www.mcmaster.com/#8194k52/=oaipze
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

perfoliate said:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#8194k52/=oaipze
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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If you plan to keep the phone a while, or resell it, keep the carbon fiber out of the sunlight. Unless they put some sort of UV protection on it? It will fade otherwise.
Looks great though. I have always been a fan of CF. I def give you a +10 for the project.

Covart said:
If you plan to keep the phone a while, or resell it, keep the carbon fiber out of the sunlight. Unless they put some sort of UV protection on it? It will fade otherwise.
Looks great though. I have always been a fan of CF. I def give you a +10 for the project.
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Thanks. It won't be spending much time in direct sunlight, but I think I'll do a test with a scrap piece and leave it outside and see how it holds up.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

I think you should make more and sell just the carbon fiber part.
SENT FROM MY RAGING NEXUS⁴ ?

rebj2007 said:
I think you should make more and sell just the carbon fiber part.
SENT FROM MY RAGING NEXUS⁴ ?
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If I had access to a water jet cutter I would definitely do that. Doing it manually by hand takes a lot of time and would drive the cost up more than I think people would be willing to spend.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

perfoliate said:
If I had access to a water jet cutter I would definitely do that. Doing it manually by hand takes a lot of time and would drive the cost up more than I think people would be willing to spend.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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I get a hard on every time I see carbon fiber Is there a glossy coat over it or is it just the CF so that you can feel the texture? I am quite curious to see the radio reception test results. If they turn out to be minor, please let me know how much you would charge to make one for me. If only I had such skills
22sl22 said:
Really like what you've done with your nexus 4. Only thing is, when it broke in the first place, why didn't you just put a dbrand vinyl on the back? They look amazing, fit perfectly and it's not too expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, just no! Real CF shall not be replaced with vinyls. NEVER!!!

anirudh412 said:
I get a hard on every time I see carbon fiber Is there a glossy coat over it or is it just the CF so that you can feel the texture? I am quite curious to see the radio reception test results. If they turn out to be minor, please let me know how much you would charge to make one for me. If only I had such skills
No, just no! Real CF shall not be replaced with vinyls. NEVER!!!
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Haha, I just said vinyl because it would be cheaper and less time consuming than doing the whole replacement thing, but the real CF does look really nice

anirudh412 said:
Is there a glossy coat over it or is it just the CF so that you can feel the texture? I am quite curious to see the radio reception test results.
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Generally in a carbon fiber laminate the weave is sandwiched between layers of epoxy to hold its form. This provides a smooth semi-glossy surface which also adds to the optical effect of the light bending as your viewing angle changes. There is a very, very subtle texture to it but its mostly smooth in characteristic.
So far I have not noticed a difference in radio reception, I will continue testing. If I had a second nexus with me it would be easy. There are so many environmental factors that make it nearly impossible to compare any current results with the previous glass back.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

perfoliate said:
Generally in a carbon fiber laminate the weave is sandwiched between layers of epoxy to hold its form. This provides a smooth semi-glossy surface which also adds to the optical effect of the light bending as your viewing angle changes. There is a very, very subtle texture to it but its mostly smooth in characteristic.
So far I have not noticed a difference in radio reception, I will continue testing. If I had a second nexus with me it would be easy. There are so many environmental factors that make it nearly impossible to compare any current results with the previous glass back.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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Yeah I know about the epoxy. I have had car parts molded out of CF. However, some case manufacturers provide an extra glossy layer over the finished product (which I am not a big fan of). But it seems its not the case here.
I am wondering what would happen if the laminate were to be glued to the glass directly. Any ideas?

anirudh412 said:
Yeah I know about the epoxy. I have had car parts molded out of CF. However, some case manufacturers provide an extra glossy layer over the finished product (which I am not a big fan of). But it seems its not the case here.
I am wondering what would happen if the laminate were to be glued to the glass directly. Any ideas?
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Definitely possible. It would just thicken the phone by about 1/32" which would probably make it a little less than even with the official bumper edge. I would bevel the outer edge in that case so it smooths out with the edge of the phone. I used a rubber based back like this at first with a nice grip to it. It worked great. The only issue i had was was a crack over my camera lens so the glass ultimately needed to be removed.
They make a special epoxy glue specifically for this but the double sided adhesive I used works great. Its more of a gummy adhesive than a tape so it conforms a bit and has great yield strength.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

I'm impressed, looks very clean. Makes more sense than spending money on another glass back.

[VIDEO] Neo Hybrid Case for Galaxy Note 4

Quick Video!

I am soooo not in love with this case. Cudos on doing the video though.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

I got the red and blue. The blue feels way better then the red one.

how is the heart rate sensor cutout on the back?

gotojanoo said:
how is the heart rate sensor cutout on the back?
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The NeoHybrid and capsule cases from Spigen are both restrictive for heart rate usage. I have trouble getting my finger on the sensor correctly. No trouble whatsoever without a case. Keep in mind finger thickness matters.
On another note:
I couldn't get into the NeoHybrid personally. It's too wide for me. The Capsule is too thick for a 1 layer case and causes scratches on the polished edges. I ended up just keeping my Ringke Slim on.

gotojanoo said:
how is the heart rate sensor cutout on the back?
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For some reason mine works just fine.

When I had the neo hybrid heart rate never worked. I have a uag maverick and it works perfectly now.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 4!

Actually picked this case up after seeing your review back on Amazon a few days ago. I actually like it, feels good in my hands.

Thanks for the feedback guys!
As for the heart sensor, it works for me.
I just lightly place my finger over the sensor, and as someone said before, finger thickness will probably matter in this issue.

A. Just an FYI, It's pronounced like "smidgen" with a P instead of an M
B. I ordered one of these too, and the mic holes did not line up on the Verizon variation Note 4, effectively muting all voice conversations. Did yours not have this issue?

I just received mine, its quite bulky if you ask me, heart rate sensor do not work for me, i have thin fingers so can get them into the sensor area but 20 attempte 20 fails, return to amazon oncoming.

jpmcnown said:
A. Just an FYI, It's pronounced like "smidgen" with a P instead of an M
B. I ordered one of these too, and the mic holes did not line up on the Verizon variation Note 4, effectively muting all voice conversations. Did yours not have this issue?
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1. LOL I pronounce how I feel like it LMAO
2. Yea Verizon has different holes. I have the ATT Variant so no issues here.

tragictramp said:
I just received mine, its quite bulky if you ask me, heart rate sensor do not work for me, i have thin fingers so can get them into the sensor area but 20 attempte 20 fails, return to amazon oncoming.
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Hi, I thought the same first. Is the LED coming on?
If you put your put you tip of your finger into the hole it should work.
Try using the phones weight so you aren't pushing too hard.
Hope this helps

I bought the red Neo Hybrid and I'm really digging it so far! It's sexy, doesn't add too much bulk for me. I came from a S3 with a ZeroLemon so I'm perfectly fine with the weight. Only complains is the heartrate sensor is a ***** to get to work sometimes. I'm thinking about taking an exacto knife and just cutting the divider from the camera to the heart rate sensor to make it work 100% of the time.

Ive grown to like the case, but cant get the heart rate monitor to work, ive tried all angles, all fingers and registered once out of about 500 attempts.

Why do you care so much for the heart rate monitor. I only used it once just to test it. For me it's useless. About the case it looks very nice. I am waiting mine to come

I had one of these on my note 3 and it was great, my note 3 survived a 30min wash cycle before I realized I had left it the pants I was wearing. I believe the tight seal that the lips of the case creates a tight seal and prevented any water from getting inside. I honestly have no clue how the phone survived that long in the washer, the note 3 even powered on straight out of the washer. Took it in a few days ago when I got my note 4 and they accepted it and even checked the stickers inside battery compartment for water damage and there was none.
I am considering going with one of these cases again for my note 4 being that the last one turned out really good for me and saved me the insurance deductible on a possible claim. I just a bit weary of a few reviews claiming they scratch the edges of the phone after a few removals for battery swaps. Anyhow going to keep checking reviews out. Thanks for posting video review. :good:

LMAO, yea I have only used the heart monitor once

It works fine if you place your fingertip sideways

Neo Hybrid Case
about the Neo Hybrid about 2 weeks ago, and for the most part I like it. But after I bought the glass screen protector from zag, I founded Defender case and remove the built in screen protector and I will not change again. For some reason I find the Otter Box defender or commuter with the zagg protector to be superior in both function and fit.

Hirsch Leonardo Medici - Curved End Watch Strap

HI all...
just fitted a Hirsch Leonardo, curved end watch strap to my Gear S3 and (in my opinion at least) it goes really well with the watch.
The model shown is the Medici which is a really soft premium leather and has white stitching, they also do other models in the same range with different colours and finish combinations. I also chose the black buckle option which again works well with the Frontier ( I might even treat myself to the optional deployment clasp )
I was looking for something to flow with the body of the watch and bridge the gap between the watch body and where the strap attaches to the lugs, I think it hits the mark pretty well.
What do you guys think?
All the best!
Xerxes

Looks great. Where did you get it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I purchased mine from Watch Obsession here in the UK, they do ship world wide though (they also have an January sale on at the moment too )
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/hirsch-leonardo-curved-ended-watch-straps
Watchband Center also have a nice range including the now discontinued 'mobile' model which is a leather/rubber hybrid and waterproof.
http://www.watch-band-center.com/shop2/index.php/user/watchstrap/suche/1/
Worth noting that the strap doesn't have a quick release spring bar so you'd need to get a traditional Spring Bar tool to help with the installation if you don't already have one.

Xerxes8933a said:
I purchased mine from Watch Obsession here in the UK, they do ship world wide though (they also have an January sale on at the moment too )
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/hirsch-leonardo-curved-ended-watch-straps
Watchband Center also have a nice range including the now discontinued 'mobile' model which is a leather/rubber hybrid and waterproof.
http://www.watch-band-center.com/shop2/index.php/user/watchstrap/suche/1/
Worth noting that the strap doesn't have a quick release spring bar so you'd need to get a traditional Spring Bar tool to help with the installation if you don't already have one.
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Xerxes8933,
Thank you for the information. Again, great looking band. Thanks for sharing it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers Legacy app

You're welcome....
As a side note, a tip I picked up from a couple of watch owners forums (Omega, Rolex etc.) is to use Scotch Tape to carefully tape up areas around the lugs and the back of the watch to help protect against accidental scratching when swapping over straps when using a spring bar tool. Takes a few minutes to do but totally worth it for added piece of mind...
Best Wishes
Xerxes8933a

Xerxes8933a said:
You're welcome....
As a side note, a tip I picked up from a couple of watch owners forums (Omega, Rolex etc.) is to use Scotch Tape to carefully tape up areas around the lugs and the back of the watch to help protect against accidental scratching when swapping over straps when using a spring bar tool. Takes a few minutes to do but totally worth it for added piece of mind...
Best Wishes
Xerxes8933a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip, thanks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Xerxes8933a said:
just fitted a Hirsch Leonardo, curved end watch strap to my Gear S3...
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Click to collapse
Did you have a lot of difficulty getting the spring bars in? I'm trying to install a Leonardo to my S3, and it doesn't seem like I can adjust the inserts so that I can get them close enough to the end of the strap to engage the spring bars. What position of the insert did you use?

baristaman said:
Did you have a lot of difficulty getting the spring bars in? I'm trying to install a Leonardo to my S3, and it doesn't seem like I can adjust the inserts so that I can get them close enough to the end of the strap to engage the spring bars. What position of the insert did you use?
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Hi there...
When I first fitted the strap it was a very tight fit, this isn't just true for the Gear S3 as I did some reading and spotted that people on traditional Swiss watch owners forums (Omega, Rolex etc.) were also finding it a little difficult to fit.
The knack (I found) is to line up/insert one end of the spring bar (the opposite end to where the little cut away is in the strap) into the lug hole and then use your spring bar tool to pop the other end of the pin under the lug, once you have both ends of the spring bar under the lugs, push the strap very firmly against the body of the watch which gives you a bit more wiggle room to engage the spring bar into the second lug hole by gently nudging it into position (I hope I explained that OK ).
Initially when I first fitted the strap I had the inserts and bar set to position 7 (see attached images).
However, I noticed after a few weeks that the strap had softened up a bit (being leather) so I was able to refit the strap with the insert set to position 3 which I think looks a little better against the body of the watch (see image).
You could try position 3 but it might be a bit easier to try position 7 first and see how you get on.
In case it helps, I've also attached a picture of the underside of the watch so you can see how the strap sits against the body of the watch.
best wishes...
Xerxes

Xerxes8933a said:
When I first fitted the strap it was a very tight fit...
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Xerxes, thank you so much for such a detailed reply! I have to be honest, if it weren't for the pictures you originally posted, I would have assumed that the Gear S3 was outside of the 4.5-5.5mm adjustment range of the Leonardo, and I would have returned the straps.
I'm no stranger to watches and watch straps, have swapped straps many, many times and I've never had this much difficulty before. I went back to looking at some of the posts on the Watchuseek forums and I noticed a common theme about how challenging these straps were to install. I looked even closer at some of the installed strap pictures and I saw several where the straps were slightly marred from the installation, and I can definitely see how now. But I know it's possible here, so I'll give it another try.
Kudos on the strap installation at position 3, it looks noticeably more form-fitting than the already acceptable fitment in your original pictures.

Mission accomplished. I found that using your tip about catching one end of the spring bar in, and just getting the tip of the other end of the spring bar really helped. Instead of pushing the strap however, I found that it was much easier to push the spring bar towards the body of the watch with the small forked end of the spring bar tool.
I used position 7, but I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to use position 3 after the strap breaks in a bit. Thanks again for the help!

baristaman said:
Mission accomplished.
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Excellent!... and happy (in some small way at least) to be of assistance.
I was wondering how you got on with it all, so I'm really pleased to read you managed to install it
all the best!
Xerxes

Question Long Length Strap

Hi, I need a new watch Strap for my watch 4 classic.
It needs to be longer in length than the standard Samsung one that came with the watch as I am an ambulance driver and must be bare below the elbow for hygiene reasons.
Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations please.
Thanks

Currently I'm waiting for these both to be delivered to try them and see which is bigger.
Velcro
Elastic

maxal said:
Hi, I need a new watch Strap for my watch 4 classic.
It needs to be longer in length than the standard Samsung one that came with the watch as I am an ambulance driver and must be bare below the elbow for hygiene reasons.
Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations please.
Thanks
Click to expand...
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spart0n said:
Currently I'm waiting for these both to be delivered to try them and see which is bigger.
Velcro
Elastic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for the elastic, it's HUGE. When I used magnetic metal bands I had to get the ones that were over 10in max length to get them on and off my wrist without taking the strap off the loop. This elastic one I can get on and off with it at 75% ish not even fully open. It stretches that much, you'll be happy.

Here's some pics of it on my wrist to show you how much is left to open it that I don't need

You need a long band because you job wants you to be bare below the elbow?? That kind of doesnt make much since as a watch fits on your wrist and thats below your elbow to begin with!! LOL! Sounds like you shouldnt be wearing at watch at all but regardless, are you looking for a strap that doesnt slip and slide up and down your arm or some sort of an elastic strap that can be removed easily? Heres what I use as I work construction and with a big fat watch I'm always grabbing on something in a weird position and my watch used to get hooked on stuff and slide onto more of my wrist and I'd always scratch myself up and wind up bleeding because of it. I'ts a big fat leather strap I bought from a seller on Etsy from Poland named Dganin. Here makes some fine leather craft, a bit on the expensive side but well worth it! I bought one for my Frontier S3 years ago and just got another for my Galaxy Watch 4..........