Samsung Galaxy Y Charger Hack

My old and trusty Magellan GPS is due for retirement.  The rubberized cover is now starting to peel off.  One-third of the LCD display is busted due to a fall while travelling at about 80kph.  I used it mainly for tracking back my traveled path and also as an alternative speedometer..etc.  It is really a bare unit with only the basic map installed.  I just used my imagination to make the most out of the gadget.

Recently, I was given this Android phone called Samsung Y with built in GPS.  And so now, the Samsung Y can now replace the old Magellan.

There's a problem though.  When the GPS sensor is ON, and off course some navigation applications need to be active as well, the phone battery lasts only for some hours.  The logical step therefore is to find a way to extend battery life or have a charger always connected.  The phone charges via USB, by the way

I bought a CDR King 12V to USB charger for less than 100php (for those residing outside the Philippines, CDR King is a well-known shop selling electronics and computer stuffs.)  Sure, it charges the phone but only when it is OFF.  Once the phone is turned on, charging stops.  This is unacceptable.  How can I use the phone's GPS function if it is turned off?

Some hacking will be required.  Before proceeding, please read my warning below.

DISCLAIMER :  IF YOU DECIDE TO REPLICATE THIS MODIFICATION, I WON'T BE LIABLE TO ANY DAMAGE THAT IT MIGHT CAUSE.  DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

After opening the casing of the charger, I noticed that the two middle pins of the USB connector are just floating.  I took a 10k resistor from my parts box and used it to short the two floating pins one by one to either GND or +5V.  The phone still won't charge.

I took another 10k resistor and shorted both floating pins to GND.  The phone beeped and the charging icon came up.
Soldering finalized the hack.

This is the intended application.

It looks like more effort will be needed but at least the phone now charges while it is turned ON!!!

Honda Bravo Topspeed

Whenever a new motorcycle model comes out, one of the most asked question is the topspeed.  Even my Honda Bravo with its puny 100cc engine is not being spared from the curiosity.  Motorcycle and even non-motorcycle forums are full of arguments about the subject.


I have to admit, I am a speed freak myself but when I ride, I would constantly ask myself if the speed I'm running is safe or not.  The road itself has a certain beat and you need to follow its rhythm.  What I would like to say is that there is no sense in finding out your top speed when you're on a busy and crowded road full of pedestrians and motorists alike.


Too often, people would say the numbers they have achieved and will swear that it is indeed their top speed.  Later in the discussion, you'll find out what they have modified in their motorcycles.  On most underbones, speed is detected on the front wheel and therefore it is quite easy to "improve" your top speed by carefully choosing your front rubber.


But the question still remains.  How to determine that elusive top speed?


My suggestion is to learn first how your motorcycle measures speed.  Afterwards, find a more accurate measurement device like a GPS to calibrate out the error.  There are actually other methods which can be learned by doing some research.  Google is everbody's friend.


So what's the top speed of my Honda Bravo?  If the stars are aligned, this 100cc motorcycle can hit a good 100km/hr  based on its own speedometer and using the stock front tire.  In comparison, the handheld GPS reads just over 90km/hr.


Case closed!


Related Topics:
Honda Bravo Motorcycle
Modified Honda Bravo
Honda Bravo Review

The Rider's GPS

I bought a GPS unit at Circuit City in California when my previous company sent me to the US for a training.  Regular price was $150 but the sale price was reduced to $100.  Not a bad deal plus the fact that I really like to own one.  Another thing is that the rental car I used while I was there is GPS equipped and I found it really cool.



The unit a bought is a handheld Magellan GPS.  Not much help if you're on the road because the default map is very basic.  If I want a detailed map, I would need to shell out some cash.  It also unfortunate that the default map with main roads and points of interests are in the US.  The map of the whole world is there but is not very defined especially the coastal areas.  As an example, when you're on a seashore, the GPS would indicate that you're actually in the water but in actual, you are a good 10 meters away from getting wet.

So what do I use this gadget for?

Well I use my GPS when I do long rides.  With a printed map, it is a good tool to show where you are.  GPS units usually plots your location every second or depending on how you set it to update.  Comparing the map and the GPS track, you'll know if you made a wrong turn, etc.

This unit is also good if you're trekking.  I live at the foot of a mountain called Makulot.   Me and my son would do a climb whenever there's a chance.  We can then be a bit adventurous by not following the trail without fear of getting lost.  It is quite easy to do trackback.

This unit is powered using two AA batteries.  In my case, I bought 2500 mAh rechargeables.  Battery life is about 6 hours.