Blackberry Bold DIY Snap-in Cradle
06-01-2009, 03:22 AM
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Thought I'd share a recent mod I undertook to get a Blackberry Bold snap in cradle solution. I made this using a snap-in adaptor for a Nokia 6500 Classic, and the Blackberry power station cradle for the bold. Sorry for the lack of DIY shots of the process of making it, but it was an exploratory process, which I wasn't sure would even work.
I cut away all the parts of the cradle I didn't need, removed the micro-USB connector and soldered wires onto the PCB for the +5V and 0V. Then ran them into the cradle and soldered then into the internal wires that existed. Since the Nokia 6500 classic uses 5V USB charging profile, I didn't need to try to modify the voltage.
Finally a lot of (very shoddy) dremel work improved the fitting, and I finally cut the springloaded top cover to fit the groove on the top of the bold to hold it in place.
The eject box still works, and though putting the bold in requires two hands, rather than a quick plug in, it works really well and charges wiout issue. I even retained the induction coil and moved it into the top section, which improves the phone signal.
Thanks to Bruce Miranda and other on the board who've already shared their experience making their own snap in cradle mods. There expertise gave me the confidence to try this, and the guidance to get it working.
Next job is to try to embed a navigon sat nav into the drivers side sun visor. If I can get this right, I'll have an easily hidden, hardwired GPS solution on hand too.
I cut away all the parts of the cradle I didn't need, removed the micro-USB connector and soldered wires onto the PCB for the +5V and 0V. Then ran them into the cradle and soldered then into the internal wires that existed. Since the Nokia 6500 classic uses 5V USB charging profile, I didn't need to try to modify the voltage.
Finally a lot of (very shoddy) dremel work improved the fitting, and I finally cut the springloaded top cover to fit the groove on the top of the bold to hold it in place.
The eject box still works, and though putting the bold in requires two hands, rather than a quick plug in, it works really well and charges wiout issue. I even retained the induction coil and moved it into the top section, which improves the phone signal.
Thanks to Bruce Miranda and other on the board who've already shared their experience making their own snap in cradle mods. There expertise gave me the confidence to try this, and the guidance to get it working.
Next job is to try to embed a navigon sat nav into the drivers side sun visor. If I can get this right, I'll have an easily hidden, hardwired GPS solution on hand too.
06-01-2009, 04:05 AM
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Nice mod. 
When I bring mine in the car, I just plug it into the cig light charger and put it on the front passenger seat. Your idea is a lot better.
When I bring mine in the car, I just plug it into the cig light charger and put it on the front passenger seat. Your idea is a lot better.
06-01-2009, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by sdg1871' post='896539' date='Jun 1 2009, 08:05 AM
Nice mod.
When I bring mine in the car, I just plug it into the cig light charger and put it on the front passenger seat. Your idea is a lot better.
When I bring mine in the car, I just plug it into the cig light charger and put it on the front passenger seat. Your idea is a lot better.
06-01-2009, 08:12 AM
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Originally Posted by richiemail' post='896637' date='Jun 1 2009, 10:52 AM
Thanks, originally I wanted to make an front ashtray cradle, a lot like the iPod/iPhone option some posters have setup, but I couldn't come up with a way to do it that would still allow the ashtray to close when it wasn't in use.
06-12-2009, 07:39 AM
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2008 730D; Black Sapphire; Cream Beige Leather; plenty of options!
Originally Posted by richiemail' post='896521' date='Jun 1 2009, 12:22 PM
Thought I'd share a recent mod I undertook to get a Blackberry Bold snap in cradle solution...............
06-15-2009, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Hawkwing' post='909184' date='Jun 12 2009, 10:39 AM
Nice job. That said there is a BMW adapter now, part number is 84 21 2 154 663 for a Blackerry Bold (9000).
Do you know if there is one made for the Blackberry Curve (8900) yet?
06-16-2009, 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 525is' post='912871' date='Jun 16 2009, 05:52 AM
Do you know if there is one made for the Blackberry Curve (8900) yet?
06-16-2009, 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Hawkwing' post='913070' date='Jun 16 2009, 06:57 AM
Not for the 8900 that I'm aware of.............................
06-16-2009, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Hawkwing' post='913070' date='Jun 16 2009, 07:57 AM
Not for the 8900 that I'm aware of.............................