Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S3 DIY Dock


Hello everybody! Naldo here!
It's been months since I got my Samsung Galaxy S3 and I'm very happy with it. This is my first smart phone btw, so I was surprised that this thing gobbles up battery like crazy!!! At first I thought I got a faulty battery but this seems to be normal with any smart phones.
I charge this phone like everyday and it's just lying around on my desk when I do, so I decided to make a cheap DIY dock. 






Although this dock doesn't activate "Dock mode", you can download apps from the Google store that activates a mock dock mode when Galaxy S3 is connected to a charger or PC.

If you want to learn how to make it, read more below. ↓

Most of the materials I used are recycled. The only thing I bought is the cable which cost only a dollar.

Good thing I have lots of scrap wood at my backyard.


Step 1: Measure the device.



Step 2:  Draw your design. I wanted a tall one that can support the the S3's back while docked. My S3 also has a leather casing so I want a design that can support additional thickness and weight.




Step 3: Measure and cut your wood. As any master wood craftsman would say: Measure twice cut once.




Step 4:  Fit and drill screw holes.

 


Step 5: Assembly




Step 6: It's now time to sand down the rough wood prior to varnish.





Needs to be sanded down more.



The fit is good but this still needs a lot of work. I couldn't wait (hehehe!).


Step 7: Apply Lacquer Sanding Sealer to make the wood super smooth.



Step 8: Wiring. 
Drill a hole on top. The width of the hole depends on the wire you''ll be using. I bought a Php50 (1US$) micro USB to USB data cable. After wiring, I used a non-slip mat to cover the wiring. You can use other materials such as paper or wood as well.



I made sure that the Micro USB connector to the phone can move backward and forward. This way even if I remove or replace my current case the phone's back can sit freely on the back rest.

Backward ←


Forward →

And here it is...charging!


Thanks for viewing!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Life of Pi

This book is a siren and its reader a sailor. To say it's beautifully written is an understatement. It's incredibly heartbreaking... almost haunting even.  Well, I hope you'll take it much lighter than I did. Good luck!



p.s. I wish I didn't laugh so many times.