What would you expect from jacket-like magic-box like this?

[afarre]

I just finished my first version of this device that can be discussed at thread: Finished my jacket with VGA, RS232, USB hub, car charger, audio preamp, ...must see!!. See it for whole list of device features.

Because I consider current version could be highly customized to my needs, I start this new thread just to ask about few questions:

What do you miss? or What would you add?
What would you remove?

PLEASE USE CURRENT THREAD JUST FOR THIS POLL.

Objectives of current version and its features:
Take full advantage of all X51V wired connectivity.
Avoid bottom PDA adaptors hanging from PDA connector. All connectors should be arranged at box back face.
Still being a "handheld" while it is also a cradle (and maybe car holder).
Bed-like-slope-shape makes it comfotable to use PDA when on the table, compared with Dell cradle.

Box cannot be smaller because so big amount of connectors at the back and the clearance required among them. It leaves some free room inside that can be used for extra gadgets. This is one of the reasons I added an audio preamp. It helps to match car stereo aux audio input volume with internal radio/DC volume.

Here some suggestions already made that can also be discussed:
Rugged
Extra battery
GPS
WIFI range extender (I am afraid it is impossible!)

Additionally, could you suggest a name for it? :rolling: :)

[aximbigfan]

the hyper box. as to adons, it is sooo perrfic already... i mean really, you did a really slick job of it.


chris

Here are some of my suggestions:

* Slightly increased slope for device, for better viewing angle when sitting on the desk, or dashboard... Will also add more base space for additional componants / wiring!

* Some way of built-in USB host, without the need for CF adaptor (which is cost equal to the base project itself, there by doubling it's cost) Although not sure this is possible with the Axim!

* Maybe a place for additional battery that could charge when external power is applied, and (would be really great) if some way an 'auto-switching' circuit could be added that would "switch" battery power when the current battery dropped below a certain charge! This would be sweet....

* Name: Well, how about "Axim MMEB" (Mass Media Extension Base) :)

[dvmed]

Additionally, could you suggest a name for it? :rolling: :)

The Aximizer, maximizes the functionality of an Axim.

CradleMax.
or Mount CradleMax

pop out legs or swivel, so that it was stable in landscape mode on desk.


BTW you did really nice job with this. Kudos galore.

[lostjak]

I always wish they had a USB port.
Btw NICE work!

[dgoldring]

I still love this thing. A few thoughts (some of which are repeats).

1. Internal USB port, so you don't have to use the CF card slot for it.

2. Wi-fi antenna or booster

3. GPS

4. I don't recall from the other thread if there was an a/v in. SO that you could plug a portable DVD player into it.

5. A microwave over. :)

I kind of like whoever suggested the Aximizer for a name.

Doug

[Beweglich]

Kitchen Sink!
oh and if you could add a cotton candy machine I've always wanted one!

On a more serious note
GPS, battery to run USb hub and axim, SATA port for extra hard drive, or maybe firewire.
USb support through the Dock connector, ethernet, led battery indicator, mini projector, scroll wheel, please put a scroll wheel on it then you can add scroll wheel support to the x51 like the x30's had.

[dgoldring]

Oh my gosh...a scroll wheel. Oh how I wish the Axim had a scrool wheel. I can't believe they got rid of it in the first place!!

afarre, let me ask you a question, where does all of this get power from?? Is it drawing power off of the Axim battery or does it have its own power source when it is not plugged in?? I assume it has its own power plug??


Doug

[Beweglich]

I'm pretty positive that that thing plugged into the axim is like a leech on its battery!
But if he included a battery in the module then it wouldn't suck so much juice.
Still If you are that desperate then having a 30minute battery and lots of ports may be worth it.
or it could have a minor imrint on the battery, and size fooled me
PS
I'm pretty foolish most of the time:approve:

[afarre]

Oh my gosh...a scroll wheel. Oh how I wish the Axim had a scrool wheel. I can't believe they got rid of it in the first place!!

afarre, let me ask you a question, where does all of this get power from?? Is it drawing power off of the Axim battery or does it have its own power source when it is not plugged in?? I assume it has its own power plug??


Doug

Circuit I choose for audio preamp requires 12v, so it will only work at car.
Rest of circuits (serial and HUB) requires 5v, they are powered when 12v or 5v applied. Remember HUB woks also without power.

Where to take power for serial circuit has been discussed several times. It can be taken from several places but none convince me:

From USB client: it will only work when PDA is connected to computer.
From USB HOST: It is always present, but requires CF HOST and take power from it.
From VGA out: It seems to be a line that outputs 5v when mirror mode is activated. I do not like this dependency either.

Any other idea?

[afarre]

I mean “as it is” from PDA without any circuit.
I say that because car holder I bought came with a serial output and it was said to be used by some “TomTom GPS” (see: http://www.pdamods.com/proddetail.as...A11CRXDLX50MNT)

Before destroying it I raised the schematic of built in circuit and besides 12v to 5v power supply, it only had a pass through serial TX & RX lines. There were a transistor in between taking power from 5v, it means no voltage amplification so transistor was just a driver.

I seem that “TomTom GPS” uses TTL serial interface.
I am wondering if it is true and exists more devices like that.
Maybe I should add a switch to select TTL or standard RS232 output

[afarre]

In few hours: :)
Rugged
Extra Battery
GPS
More slope or more shapes available

In one day: :rolling:
WIFI range extender
Scroll wheel
USB host
A/V in
Pop up legs / swivel / car holder

It sure will take me at lest two days:
Kitchen sink
Cotton candy machine
Microwave oven.

[dgoldring]

And maybe on the side, you could have a snow cone machine. :)

Doug

[Pocketbrain]

Keyboard! Like the SnapNType by Belkin, I think you can pick up one for <$US30 now. Check Dell's website.

I keep wanting to get one, just to hack. I need something better to control MAME games with.


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