dualsportmaps.com - Android App

[SteveO]

I have a Droid X in a Otterbox Defender case that fits into the Ram finger mount. One thing, even with the fingers, its possible for the phone to pop out. It should be zip tied to the ram mount, or use thin wire ties to help hold it in place. Either way, this is the way to go.

edit: I should have stated which Otterbox I have: The Defender.

[Thanantos]

Originally Posted by SteveO

I have a Droid X in a Otterbox case that fits into the Ram finger mount. One thing, even with the fingers, its possible for the phone to pop out. It should be zip tied to the ram mount, or use thin wire ties to help hold it in place. Either way, this is the way to go.

I wonder if a couple big rubber bands would work?

[SteveO]

Originally Posted by Thanantos

I wonder if a couple big rubber bands would work?

Yes, but the rubber bands would block the screen.

I've found that small thin zip tie works well, or a couple of thin zip ties linked together does the job.

I recently came across a package that held an item in a box. This thin wire is similar to what you would use to wrap brad bags, it has a very thin wire enveloped in plastic, which should be plenty strong enough to "assist" with keeping the phone in the Ram Finger mount. Because it's thin, it allows you to see the screen as well as holding the phone in place.


edit:
BTW, the OtterBox is by far the "BEST" protection you can get for your smartphones. These things are really tough, and do a great job of keeping the device protected. I've already dropped my phone in the garage once, no problem with the Otterbox.

[Thanantos]

Originally Posted by SteveO

BTW, the OtterBox is by far the "BEST" protection you can get for your smartphones. These things are really tough, and do a great job of keeping the device protected. I've already dropped my phone in the garage once, no problem with the Otterbox.

I have the Otterbox commuter for my Samsung Epic. Works great without interfering.

[worwig]

I use the longer length fingers, and there is no way my phone would come out by accident.

If you insist on a strap..... My daughter likes to string together bracelets. She has this thin elastic cord that she uses that is extremely tough. Using it for watch bands and such. You could just put a loop of it on there and strech it around the phone for security. You can get it in clear at hobby stores.

[EnderTheX]

I just downloaded and installed the dual sports map app with high hopes! I had been following the web site since several of my GPX files had been used to create the site and now I feel it has really come to fruition!


Unfortunately I ran into a problem right off the bat... It states my "directory on SD card to save is not accessible" when I try to download the maps. I tried to change the storage directory but it says the folder does not exist. I then tried to fiddle with the storage setting on the phone to no avail... I also tried to create a folder on the SD card and change the directory to that folder but it doesn't recognize it.

I am using a Droid 3. Please help!

[beechum1]

Originally Posted by EnderTheX

I just downloaded and installed the dual sports map app with high hopes! I had been following the web site since several of my GPX files had been used to create the site and now I feel it has really come to fruition!


Unfortunately I ran into a problem right off the bat... It states my "directory on SD card to save is not accessible" when I try to download the maps. I tried to change the storage directory but it says the folder does not exist. I then tried to fiddle with the storage setting on the phone to no avail... I also tried to create a folder on the SD card and change the directory to that folder but it doesn't recognize it.

I am using a Droid 3. Please help!

Don't suppose you have the data cable hooked up to the computer?

[craftycoder]

Originally Posted by beechum1

Don't suppose you have the data cable hooked up to the computer?

My question exactly. You must unplug the phone from a computer to access the SDCard.

[EnderTheX]

Originally Posted by beechum1

Don't suppose you have the data cable hooked up to the computer?

Ah yes! This simple question is key. I had it plugged into the computer because my battery was low. I have changed the mode to charge only and it is working! Thanks!

[SteveO]

Originally Posted by worwig

I use the longer length fingers, and there is no way my phone would come out by accident.

If you insist on a strap..... My daughter likes to string together bracelets. She has this thin elastic cord that she uses that is extremely tough. Using it for watch bands and such. You could just put a loop of it on there and strech it around the phone for security. You can get it in clear at hobby stores.

Got any pics?

The one shown below is the one I have, and my Droid did pop out of this cradle while on the bike. Ended up hanging by the power cord, which ended up breaking the connection inside the power cord.....had to get another one.....


RAM Universal Spring Loaded Cell Phone Cradle Holder

[craftycoder]

I am adding a Speedo/Compass/Trip data screen.
It will have current speed, current course, avg speed max speed, day odo, fuel tank odo, elevation, current time.

The compass turns independent of the two hands. Fuel will be based on miles per tank divided by fuel tank odo. You will manually reset that.

[David_in_TX]

Instead of machining a housing, consider buying an off the shelf aluminum enclosure from Zero Mfg.
http://www.zerocorp.com/

You could still use your machined back plate design to hold the electronics and get right angle floating nut plates to rivet to the walls of the Zero enclosure, or consider using one of the Zero covers that will fit their housings. Zero will sell you a turn key assembly with the nut plates installed, cover drilled with a gasket, etc. They have a lot of sizes, some in stock. I have used them for work, it always ends up being less expensive than hogging out boxes...I am a mechanical design engineer, I use CATIA and Pro/Engineer instead of Solid Works, but I really like that software...

[David_in_TX]

Also, you don't really want to mount the circuit board directly to the enclosure. All the vibration and shock will lower the life expectancy of the components and solder joints. This company sells standoffs to isolate the shock and vibration:

http://www.keyelco.com/products/prod...CategoryID=101

The switches and connectors are usually designed to be rugged enough to withstand the shock, but the components mounted on the pc board are not. The solder joints will crack under the vibration that most motorcycles produce.

[craftycoder]

I was going to put foam under the PCB and two large o-rings over it to secure it in place. It makes sense to further isolate the remote by putting a little foam between the box and mount as well. The joystick PCB is going to be connected directly to the case and need to be firm because if has a push button. If it breaks I'll have to reevaluate the design.

Thanks for the insights!

Originally Posted by David_in_TX

Also, you don't really want to mount the circuit board directly to the enclosure. All the vibration and shock will lower the life expectancy of the components and solder joints. This company sells standoffs to isolate the shock and vibration:

http://www.keyelco.com/products/prod...CategoryID=101

The switches and connectors are usually designed to be rugged enough to withstand the shock, but the components mounted on the pc board are not. The solder joints will crack under the vibration that most motorcycles produce.

[SteveO]

Just ordered some more parts for the Cell phone setup:




This should do the job of keeping the phone in place. And it works with the Otterbox Defender case on the Droid X