[Q] Metal disk between phone & custom case - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Whilst viewing YouTube custom case reviews for Note 4 I've noticed some people using a thin metal disk sandwiched between their phone & the case with no explanation. What is the purpose? Does have something to do with nfc.

It's probably a Qi wireless charging receiver. Some folks extract the coil to reduce the thickness of the receiver.

I use a magnetic car mount that has a thin metal disk so it sticks to the holder.

Related

Touchstone wireless charging mod?

Has anyone thought about stuffing the touchstone coil into the nexus4? It sounds stupid i know since the n4 already has wireless charging built in, but the chargers are expensive and hard to find while the touchstone chargers are cheap and plentiful.
peachpuff said:
Has anyone thought about stuffing the touchstone coil into the nexus4? It sounds stupid i know since the n4 already has wireless charging built in, but the chargers are expensive and hard to find while the touchstone chargers are cheap and plentiful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Qi protocol requires that the receiver send a handshake to the transmitter to start charging. If a non-Qi device is on the plate, then it will do a start and stop every 20 sec to poll for the signal. I am working on changing the Touchstone coil to a Qi transmitter coil and see what happens. I received the Qi coil, Qi inductive charging sleeve (for testing) and waiting on a Palm touchstone sleeve. My concern is that the touchstone without the Qi communication on charging status may overheat the N4 if it doesn't stop the power transmission properly.
terracode said:
My concern is that the touchstone without the Qi communication on charging status may overheat the N4 if it doesn't stop the power transmission properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have put touchstone coil's in other phones and had no issues, i don't see how it would be any different here. There are 4 contact points that connect the qi coil and nfc on the rear cover, attach the touchstone coil to 2 of them and hope you can close the cover with everything inside.
peachpuff said:
People have put touchstone coil's in other phones and had no issues, i don't see how it would be any different here. There are 4 contact points that connect the qi coil and nfc on the rear cover, attach the touchstone coil to 2 of them and hope you can close the cover with everything inside.
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Click to collapse
He's doing the opposite; he's replacing the coil in the touchstone charger with a QI charging coil.
I connected the Qi compliant coil to the Touchstone board and it didn't recognize the Qi receiver so it didn't start energy transfer. I then moved the thin wire coil that the Touchston uses to sense a Palm Receiver to above the Qi coil. The transmitter didn't start with a Qi receiver, but did recognize the Palm receiver and started energizing the coil. Issue was the voltage was very low due to the mismatched coils (Qi transmitter and TS receiver). I need to take apart the Touchstone receiver to see what it uses to activate the transmitter. More tinkering is needed.
I think QI controls the charging level from the phone, by communicating back to the charger. It may not be a good idea to disable this mechanism by swithing a charge coil on manually (though I'd think that the phone would not charge at all, then).
If you want to try, I think QI uses 141 KHz. Supply that to a coil at the correct power and see if it charges.
jutezak said:
I think QI controls the charging level from the phone, by communicating back to the charger. It may not be a good idea to disable this mechanism by swithing a charge coil on manually (though I'd think that the phone would not charge at all, then).
If you want to try, I think QI uses 141 KHz. Supply that to a coil at the correct power and see if it charges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am actually doing the opposite. The Qi coil is on the transmit side attached to the touchstone charger power board. I need a way of sending a proper signal to the Palm Touchstone so that it energizes the coil. The Qi receiver doesn't have the proper interface to send a signal to the Touchstone to power up.
$50 is hardly expensive.... Wall Mart wanted $50 for a plug in travel charger for my galaxy tablet. Just find the lg one.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Qi coil
terracode said:
I am actually doing the opposite. The Qi coil is on the transmit side attached to the touchstone charger power board. I need a way of sending a proper signal to the Palm Touchstone so that it energizes the coil. The Qi receiver doesn't have the proper interface to send a signal to the Touchstone to power up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you able to replace the qi coil successfully to TS?
For someone who want's multiple docks around, $50 does add up. For someone like me who has 2 or more touchstone chargers laying around from previous mods/palm phones this would be useful.
I've tried to do the following to my Nexus 4, but couldn't get off the back cover without damaging the phone (I could get everything but one corner of the phone to pop open, I noticed I was beginning to damage the body a bit and stopped trying).
Mind you, the following needs to be used with a case; works best with rugged cases/hard cases.
If anyone is able to open their phone up you can try my following idea:
1. Remove the back of the phone
2..There should be 4 pins, 2 for NFC, and 2 for the QI coil.
3. Use a voltmeter to find out which pin is positive and which is negative.
-- I am not sure if the touchstone coil could fit INSIDE the phone, so I assumed it would not fit, and came up with this solution--
4. Using copper tape (if you've modded your GNEX before, you probably have some left over) stick it onto the pins, and lead them outside of the back cover, wrapping around so you see the copper tape on the OUTSIDE of the phone
5. Close the phone back up, the copper tape should now be hanging outside of the side of the phone.
6. Get your touchstone coil and tape/adhere it to the inside of your selected case.
7. Take your copper tape yet again and solder it to the leads of the touchstone coil, and position the copper tape so it touches the existing tape (from the nexus) when you put the case onto your phone.
That's it. The touchstone should be thin enough so that it doesn't interfere with the fitting of the case. This was the situation for my previous two mods with Galaxy Nexus's, the fit of the case was no problem. (Otterbox Commuter, and SGP Neo-Hybrid).
DDRFAN said:
For someone who want's multiple docks around, $50 does add up. For someone like me who has 2 or more touchstone chargers laying around from previous mods/palm phones this would be useful.
I've tried to do the following to my Nexus 4, but couldn't get off the back cover without damaging the phone (I could get everything but one corner of the phone to pop open, I noticed I was beginning to damage the body a bit and stopped trying).
Mind you, the following needs to be used with a case; works best with rugged cases/hard cases.
If anyone is able to open their phone up you can try my following idea:
1. Remove the back of the phone
2..There should be 4 pins, 2 for NFC, and 2 for the QI coil.
3. Use a voltmeter to find out which pin is positive and which is negative.
-- I am not sure if the touchstone coil could fit INSIDE the phone, so I assumed it would not fit, and came up with this solution--
4. Using copper tape (if you've modded your GNEX before, you probably have some left over) stick it onto the pins, and lead them outside of the back cover, wrapping around so you see the copper tape on the OUTSIDE of the phone
5. Close the phone back up, the copper tape should now be hanging outside of the side of the phone.
6. Get your touchstone coil and tape/adhere it to the inside of your selected case.
7. Take your copper tape yet again and solder it to the leads of the touchstone coil, and position the copper tape so it touches the existing tape (from the nexus) when you put the case onto your phone.
That's it. The touchstone should be thin enough so that it doesn't interfere with the fitting of the case. This was the situation for my previous two mods with Galaxy Nexus's, the fit of the case was no problem. (Otterbox Commuter, and SGP Neo-Hybrid).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was this simply the metal coil or the entire assembly including board from a Pre charging cover? very Interested as I have a Nexus 4 I will be receiving Monday
singularityq said:
Was this simply the metal coil or the entire assembly including board from a Pre charging cover? very Interested as I have a Nexus 4 I will be receiving Monday
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Click to collapse
You should only have to replace the metal coil.
OP, a simple google search would have sufficed http://www.webosnation.com/nexus-4-gains-touchstone-charging-thanks-clever-hacking

[Q] DIY Magnetic Car Mount?

So since the Nexus 4 doesn't slide right off the wireless charging orb at the angle it's on, it obviously either has magnets inside it or at least a metal plate of some sort, right?
I was thinking about pulling one of the plastic pieces off my dashboard, installing a relatively powerful magnet on the inside, popping it back on and just sticking the Nexus 4 to it to use as a mount. (I am aware it wouldn't charge wirelessly, that's ok)
Would that work? Or is there any reason this might be a bad idea? I just want to make sure a regular old magnet isn't going to damage it or something.
Thanks!
vitaminbooya said:
So since the Nexus 4 doesn't slide right off the wireless charging orb at the angle it's on, it obviously either has magnets inside it or at least a metal plate of some sort, right?
I was thinking about pulling one of the plastic pieces off my dashboard, installing a relatively powerful magnet on the inside, popping it back on and just sticking the Nexus 4 to it to use as a mount. (I am aware it wouldn't charge wirelessly, that's ok)
Would that work? Or is there any reason this might be a bad idea? I just want to make sure a regular old magnet isn't going to damage it or something.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll work fine. I did it with my Nexus. I don't have pictures of the Nexus setup, but you can see my magnetic holder/charger for my GS4 here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2375924

[Q] Spigen Neo Hybrid (SGP11120) Mulitple Q's

I'm thinking about getting the Spigen Neo Hybrid (SGP11120) and wondered if anyone could answer these questions.
1. People seem to be complaining about the difficulty in using the HRM with this case.
Would simply cutting away the material between the HRM and camera fix this issue? (yes I know it would void warranty etc).
2. If I were to buy the Choetech wireless charger kit http://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Wireless-Charger-Receiver-Included/dp/B00PUA06TA/
Would it work and charge with the case? And will the receiver fit into the case, it's 1.3mm thick. Or should I get a thinner receiver?
3. Car mounts: I'm thinking of buying this type of car mount clamping mechanism http://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Universal-Dashboard-Windshield-Revolution/dp/B008ALV0V4/ and using the phone in portrait orientation.
Not the actual mount displayed, but one that fits into a CD tray.
Would the sides of the case frame offer no grip and cause the phone to just slip down or would the grip of the clamp by sufficient?
Or should I be looking at mounts which have "feet" for the phone to rest on, instead of relying on just grip?
i.e. this type, even though it look big and ugly http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroove-Universal-Phones-Devices/dp/B004G1L52Q/
4. Does the frame of the case (the none metal version) cause any reception problems (cell and GPS)?
5. Is the back of the case "grippy". I've heard the "Verus Iron Shield" is more grippy, doesn't have the HRM problems, but the people say the frame looses reception.
Thank you for any help.
I have that Choetech Stadium wireless charger, and it works fine through my UAG case. I'm using the N4SlimPWRCard from Fonesalesman which is 0.5mm thick, wouldn't like to see a 1.3mm thick one!
0-0-0 said:
I'm thinking about getting the Spigen Neo Hybrid (SGP11120) and wondered if anyone could answer these questions.
1. People seem to be complaining about the difficulty in using the HRM with this case.
Would simply cutting away the material between the HRM and camera fix this issue? (yes I know it would void warranty etc).
2. If I were to buy the Choetech wireless charger kit http://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Wireless-Charger-Receiver-Included/dp/B00PUA06TA/
Would it work and charge with the case? And will the receiver fit into the case, it's 1.3mm thick. Or should I get a thinner receiver?
3. Car mounts: I'm thinking of buying this type of car mount clamping mechanism http://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Universal-Dashboard-Windshield-Revolution/dp/B008ALV0V4/ and using the phone in portrait orientation.
Not the actual mount displayed, but one that fits into a CD tray.
Would the sides of the case frame offer no grip and cause the phone to just slip down or would the grip of the clamp by sufficient?
Or should I be looking at mounts which have "feet" for the phone to rest on, instead of relying on just grip?
i.e. this type, even though it look big and ugly http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroove-Universal-Phones-Devices/dp/B004G1L52Q/
4. Does the frame of the case (the none metal version) cause any reception problems (cell and GPS)?
5. Is the back of the case "grippy". I've heard the "Verus Iron Shield" is more grippy, doesn't have the HRM problems, but the people say the frame looses reception.
Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never tried neo hybrid before, but I own the tough armor, and now ultra hybrid
1. The camera and HRM cutout looks pretty close to the tough armor, and it was indeed so difficult to get the HRM works properly, I tried many finger position, including the one explained in the manual, but almost impossible to get it work properly. I use Ultra hybrid now with bigger cutout, and it works very well.
4. No problem with the reception on my tough armor and ultra hybrid (both frame made of plastic)
Kinsman-UK said:
I have that Choetech Stadium wireless charger, and it works fine through my UAG case. I'm using the N4SlimPWRCard from Fonesalesman which is 0.5mm thick, wouldn't like to see a 1.3mm thick one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eggy_maxx said:
I've never tried neo hybrid before, but I own the tough armor, and now ultra hybrid
1. The camera and HRM cutout looks pretty close to the tough armor, and it was indeed so difficult to get the HRM works properly, I tried many finger position, including the one explained in the manual, but almost impossible to get it work properly. I use Ultra hybrid now with bigger cutout, and it works very well.
4. No problem with the reception on my tough armor and ultra hybrid (both frame made of plastic)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both very much

Wireless charging and magnetic case

The case I use has a magnet in it for my car mount. Will that interfere with wireless charger?
geekdadof3 said:
The case I use has a magnet in it for my car mount. Will that interfere with wireless charger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try mounting your phone without the plate in the case. I used a slim case on my Note 5 and now Note 7 and they stick to my dash mount fine. The coils in the phone are enough to stick to a strong magnet.
I've had much success with the phone sticking to my magnetic mount without any case.

Looking for an embedded magnetic wireless charging case+mount

Never got into wireless charging on my S7. Always had a magnetic mount on the vent with a metal plate between the phone and the case. Now that I'm hooked on wireless charging, I'm on a similar setup but with a wide ring magnet between phone and case so it doesn't interfere with wireless charging. My one issue is that when the phone is flat on a desk, it rocks just a little (and I like a thin case). So what I'm looking for is a thin case, with an embedded magnet (so it's a flat bottom surface) and where the magnet is in a configuration where it doesn't interfere with wireless charging (whether it's a wide ring, or a few magnet points spaced out, etc.) I've thought about digging into my case as a DIY but not there yet Pitaka MagCase looks like it would so the trick but it hasn't been released yet. Any out there that I'm just not finding?
Thanks!
And, this is on an S9 plus.
Can you post pics of your setup? I'm looking for a magnetic wireless car charger that holds up via the vent.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
thx for the tip.... now i want one too
https://www.ipitaka.com/collections/magcase-for-samsung-galaxy-s9
Search on Amazon for "Magnetic Wireless Car Charger, ELEGIANT Fast Wireless Charging Car Mount Phone Holder". Looks like it's now out of stock but there's dozens just like them. I went with something inexpensive to make sure it worked. And it did- fast charged on the mount as well as the Samsung official desktop wireless charger. Although the swivel ball joint on the vent mount was a little flimsy. I placed the magnetic ring such that the top of it was about 1/4" below the bottom of the fingerprint sensor (I spent a lot of time trying to figure out exactly where the coils in the phone were; you can take a good guess by knowing that the desktop Sammy wireless charger woks with both the phone standing upright as well as on it's side and that it's got two coils).
Even though the ring is very thin, it still adds a slight bulge in the middle and makes it "wobble" a bit. I don't have the right shop equipment to shave a circular channel on the inside of the case to place the magnetic ring
Found one made by Nillkin. Have to use their own charging mount (which makes perfect sense as it uses four small magnets at four corners of the mount). Reviews aren't great, it's standard (not fast) charging, and the I like my side buttons uncovered.
Xvida makes one as well (a little bulkier than the Pitaka) but S8 is the most recent they support as of now.
hey guys,
you might wanna hold off getting the pitaka magmount, I received info from pitaka that the s9+ position of the wireless charging coil of S9 therefore the position of the built-in metal plate is different from other cases, they are still testing there new wireless charging mount, it will come out later.
I will be getting a review unit of the case later and I will let you know how I feel about the case. cheers guys.
xzr3b0rnzx said:
hey guys,
you might wanna hold off getting the pitaka magmount, I received info from pitaka that the s9+ position of the wireless charging coil of S9 therefore the position of the built-in metal plate is different from other cases, they are still testing there new wireless charging mount, it will come out later.
I will be getting a review unit of the case later and I will let you know how I feel about the case. cheers guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the iOttie magnetic mount/quick charger in my car.
It worked really well with my S8 and note 8.
I put the small metal ring inside the case on my S9+ and it was very finicky.
Sometimes it would only charge (not fast charge) and other times it wouldn't charge at all.
I found that by placing the ring up higher near the camera, it maintained position to quick charge the phone and hold it securely.
The qi coil in the S9+ seems to be a bit closer to the camera than the other devices I've used.
I hope this helps.
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Great- thanks- similar to my current setup- I'm just looking for a case where the ring is actually embedded in the case, so the back of the case is perfectly flat.
Looks like from another thread the S9+ MagCase has launched- not on Amazon yet but on the Pitaka site- would love to see a review to make sure it quick charges wirelessly (as opposed to not quick). Sounds like they had issues with magnet placement originally and that might affect it.
Nillkin makes one. It's on Amazon as well.
y2k1ltd said:
Nillkin makes one. It's on Amazon as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes- thank you- the Nillkin looks great- and a lot less expensive than the Pitaka- but the case has full edges that cover the buttons which I'm not a fan of.
texasmax said:
Yes- thank you- the Nillkin looks great- and a lot less expensive than the Pitaka- but the case has full edges that cover the buttons which I'm not a fan of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, it's not bad.

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