yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Glad it helped!

I bought the UCA202 because it was the least expensive way to venture into this deal without losing too much cash if it didn't work out.

Well, it did work out and worked out GREAT!

If I were to do it again, I'd step up another $25-$35 and get this DAC instead (pic attached to post):

edit: removed link due to report that it may not be compatible with Android.

Here is a link to known-working DAC's:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/1320#post_9038046

Slightly better sound quality (according to what the Internets is saying).

Smaller form factor.

Probably uses less power.

Newer DAC technology.

Combined with my new CraigsDocks dock (pic attached to post) for true one-hand insert/removal of phone into dock, I'm waaaay happy with my car audio rig right now. Here's the review & info on the CraigsDocks dock.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2057851
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
I ordered the smaller one - Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC - will let you guys know how it works out.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] }{Alienz}{:
This is great except too many wires for my taste.

My setup is completely wireless. I have a wireless charging dock. Upon the phone being placed on the wireless charger, it launches a script from Tasker, connects to a Bluetooth DAC (which is also of high quality) and starts playing music.

Nothing to plug in, nothing to touch on the phone. Simply place it on the charger (secured magnetically) and it starts charging and playing music via PowerAmp.

Here is what I mean. Excuse the less-than-perfect quality. It was dark.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ye9s077va209arr/IMG_7442.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5ys4kc1ejhz0idm/IMG_7439.JPG
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
I like how AUX and the connection I'm using now, all connect instantly. I hate waiting even a few seconds for Bluetooth to connect. And the occasional handshake problems drive me nuts.

But I looked into this solution. Kinda expensive for me. Is it really $250?

Does handsfree calling still work for you?

Do you get full bitrate or is there any compression going on (before the DAC) like with normal bluetooth?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] FiveOhFox:
I use a standard holster with an nfc tag on it which triggers a series of actions to get my phone into car mode. Including connecting to my Bluetooth enabled head unit. The only cord I have is my power cord. Works for me!
[Galaxy S III Accessories] }{Alienz}{:
1. I picked this Bluetooth headset for a reason. I went through 3 different brands before finding this. It is PERFECT for the job. It powers on and off with the ignition key of the car. Upon me turning the ignition key it powers my wireless charger and the Bluetooth. This activates my Tasker script which turns on phone bluetooth and then connects to the car Bluetooth. This occurs with 100% reliability. I have had it for 5 months now daily driving every day and it has not failed a single time. It connects in about 2 seconds. Upon successful connection the bluetooth announces "Device connected!" and starts playing music. To me that is no different than the AUX cable except that I don't touch a cable.

2. The audio quality is excellent. The headset supports APT-X which means really high-quality transmission. It transmits at 384kb/sec with APT-X claiming that 54kb/sec is equivalent to CD-quality audio. For reference, I have a fully upgraded car speaker system with 7 speakers and 470W RMS (940W Peak). It sounds wonderful.

3. I do not use handsfree calling. The reason is that if you see the pictures, the phone is at a perfect tilt towards the driver and right next to me (It's next to my shifter). Hence when someone calls I have always either put it on speakerphone or just pick up the phone normally (it is wireless afterall and makes it really convinient). I suppose if you want handsfree to work you can do so but I haven't ever tried. The headset itself DOES support it however.

4. I never said the price is $250. I will list the components and prices below for everything.

-Samsung BHS3000 Bluetooth headset ($35)

-SoundShocker Pro (Needed for volume)($60)

-Palm Wireless Charging Dock ($10)

-Palm Wireless Charging Circuit ($5)

-Neodimium Magnets ($15)

-USB Charging cables and car charger ($10)

TOTAL: $135 and this includes wireless charging. Without it, it will be $95.

Edit: Perhaps I'll put a guide on setting everything for those interested. Not everything is plug & play and your guide inspires me to do it.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] Olli0077:
Did it charge with AC in this configuration?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] FreydNot:
Yes. My T-Mobile S3 is showing the charging symbol and the battery percentage goes up (slowly) even though I run an app (Torque) that never turns off the screen and runs the GPS and Bluetooth. I also play audio at the same time (Dogcatcher). I was worried that there wouldn't be enough power to keep up with the consumption, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] LS1 Sounds:
FreydNot, thanks for the excellent instructions for modifying the dock! I intend to do this to mine this spring using the Hifimediy Sabre.

A question for all: did you have electrical noise from the car before that was cured or improved by using an external DAC? I have horrible alternator whine and static sounds any time my phone is plugged into the charger, but not producing sound. For example, when using navigation, there is terrible noise until the voice comes on; then it clears up while the voice is talking, and returns as soon as it goes away. The same thing happens when songs are paused while using a music player.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
I did not have any alternator noise at any point before or after.

I did have occasional clicky type static sounds from the analog USB audio connection though. And that is gone now with this digital DAC solution. My stereo is 100% noise free now.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] FreydNot:
I did not have any alternator (nor any other) noise before doing the mod. When I first got the car (2008 Prius) it did have alternator noise in the audio. I found out Toyota had issued a technical bulletin about the noise. By pointing out the information to my Toyota dealer, I was able to get it fixed under warranty (at no cost to me). Their fix involved installing a isolation transformer in the car which did the trick.

I would think if you plug in a MP3 player (or a phone) that is charging from the car power and it makes noise, switching to an audio DAC won't be any different.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] uber_mike:
Well, I got the UCA222 (same thing - just red) and hooked it up to my AUX converter. It worked great for a few days, sounded really good and clear!

I say that in past tense because my S3 is dead now! I was using a standard OTG cable with no charging capabilities and I think the UCA drew too much power and killed the phone. The phone won't power on at all. I did some searching an found some similar cases when using flash drives with a standard OTG cable. I'm getting a warranty replacement and hopefully this won't happen again with the OTG + Charge cable. Just something people trying this may want to look out for.

Here are the pictures!

This the audiobaxics box is the Aux input converter for my car's stereo. I soldered the RCAs to the board, normally its a 3.5mm headphone cord but the plug broke.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] LS1 Sounds:
Thanks again. I think I will spend some time today trying resolve this problem before adding new hardware into the mix.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] LS1 Sounds:
I just wanted to say thanks for this thread! It gave me the motivation to improve my GS3 based car media system. It started by finding and eliminating a ground loop that's been plaguing me for a while now. It turns out that Pontiac G8 GTs have some wiring oddities, but the problem is cleared up now! I plan to finish this project by ordering a Hifimediy Sabre DAC, and modifying my dock for OTG USB audio per FreydNot's instructions.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] FreydNot:
Just wanted to post again to say that I'm not getting the charging I was expecting in the car. It worked very well on the bench, but in the car the battery is draining even though the phone says it is charging. I'm guessing I need a higher current car USB power adapter.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] Olli0077:
I try the modification with a Brodit Active Dock. The DAC works perfect!

But my Phone is not charging. What Kernel and Firmware do you use on your S3?

Look at this Thread they have the same Problem with OTG

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1953061
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Dang, my phone charges great! I can listen to PowerAmp through the DAC, have GPS navigating a route for me and screen on full-time and my phone still charges!

And that was with the phone's power coming from the USB port on the back of my JVC Car Stereo. hahah

Since then, I've purchased an external Cigarette Lighter and spliced it into the wiring on my car's Cigarette Lighter. Hidden it behind my dash and configured the Cigarrette Lighter for full-time power (does not turn off/on with the ignition key). I plug the phone into that using a standard USB charger I found on eBay for a couple bucks.

And phone is always charging up, no matter what I do.

I'm on Ultimatum ROM with Ktoonsez TW kernel.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Btw, if you guys haven't heard of it, the CraigsDock dock is freakin awesome! A bit pricy at ~$60 but it's the best dock I've ever used.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2057851
[Galaxy S III Accessories] Olli0077:
No luck with charging anyone an idea?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
I just went from 89 to 92% battery with screen on full blast. It took about 15 minutes.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Are you guys using the three way USB-OTG cable that has the dedicated power input?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] FreydNot:
T-mobile Galaxy S3, running Frosty Jellybean 11.2.1 which uses the stock Samsung Kernel. I'm thinking about trying a different kernel because I am getting tired of the M-M-M-Max Headroom type of stuttering.

I posted about using a powered OTA cable over in this thread. I tried the same cable in my car with the modified Infuse dock but it still didn't charge faster than the phone was consuming power. It's got to be the car charger I am using. I'll have to order a larger amperage one and see if that makes a difference.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] uber_mike:
I received my replacement S3 and have been using the OTG+Charge cable with the DAC for about a week now with positive results! First off, the alternator whine and charging noise are both gone! I'm so happy I'm able to listen to nearly noise-free music and have my phone charge at the same time now. Thank You. The battery charged from 30% to 65% while listening to music for an hour, which isn't bad at all.

Something else I notice is the connection to the DAC is much more stable with the charger attached. Before, I couldn't use jetAudio as it would play the music glitchy and crash or the DAC would disconnect. The stock music app would work, but still the DAC would still disconnect randomly. Now I can use jetAudio just fine and if it glitches, its only for a few seconds at the beginning of a song.

I'm going to say anyone who tries this, definitely

do not

use a standard OTG cable for the DAC, or you risk breaking your phone. Get an OTG+Charge cable.

Thanks again for this awesome thread!
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
uber_mike, that's great news, thanks for sharing the results with us!!!

I also wonder about the dock you're using.

I had the Infuse dock with an Infuse, Galaxy SII and Galaxy SIII and never saw satisfactory charging results with it, regardless of which adapter I used.

I mean it would charge, yes... but not nearly as quickly as if I were to bypass the Infuse dock.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
Well... It showed up today and my phone just freezes when I plug it in... so, I suppose it is not compatible or I am doing something wrong.

edit: The app UsbAudioTesterRoot shows 2 choice for usb audio, the on board chip and the USB one. If I choose the USB one the test works, and audio comes the the usb... but every other app freezes my phone as soon as I try to play audio. If I unplug the DAC the phone will either reboot or snap out of the freeze.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
What ROM are you using?

Who is your phone carrier?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
Bean's ROM, on verizon. I am thinking about nandroiding and flashing stock just to see if its rom/kernel related. And the thing about two choices are both part of the usb device... when its removed nothing shows up so I was wrong about saying it was an onboard chip.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Please let us know what happens. In the meantime, I've removed all reference to that DAC from this thread until we know it's working for you.

I was about to pull the trigger on it myself. :crying:

It uses the exact same chipset that known-working DAC's are using, so I'd be surprised if it doesn't work.

Have you tried it with a powered-USB hub?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
Yeah its a powered hub. I'm afraid to try without it.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] danba:
I think the current USB audio driver of the Galaxy S3 is intolerant with USB DACs which are not quite conform to the USB specification.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-ph...30#post_8910009

You should test the interworking S3 - Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC with the USB Audio Recorder PRO app.

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=usb+...io+recorder+pro

The USB Audio Recorder PRO app includes its own USB audio function.

The eXtream Software Development solution does audio over the USB without using the USB audio implemented in the Linux kernel (i.e. no need to request Google / Android device manufacturers to implement standard USB audio on USB host-capable Android devices).

USB audio & Android

USB standard (audio, mass storage, etc.) driver supported on stock Galaxy S3 / Note2

"As long as the kernel on the Android device supported the USB standard driver of the hardware (mass storage, input, etc.), Android would be able to use it and therefore open up a new range of extra devices compatible with the system."

USB standard (audio, mass storage, etc.) driver not supported:

* Developing your USB standard (audio, etc.) driver at the kernel space

"However, there are many devices that have not been "compatible" from the beginning. For instance, let's say your common RFID reader. It most likely uses a USB-serial port and probably comes with a Linux or Windows driver as well as some software. Most Android tablets will come without the USB-serial driver for your RFID reader however.

Therefore, if you want to load your driver you will need to root your tablet, determine the version of your current kernel, find the kernel sources online, hope that everything compiles to have your driver ready and then load it onto your tablet. In the end, when you finally have your kernel driver running, you will be required to write C code as well as some JNI glue to communicate with your Activity or Service in Android.

All in all, this approach is not very straightforward.

* Writing your own USB "soft driver" at the user space

There is a very elegant solution to aforementioned problem.

It requires far less skills in hacking and porting than the mentioned approach. However, you will require some advanced knowledge in Android programming as well as some USB know-how.

You can write your own "soft driver" in Android. Since the USB Host API has been released, it is now possible to communicate with any USB device using the most commonly seen USB transfers (control, interrupt, bulk).

In the end, your result will be portable across all Android devices that have USB host enabled and have Android version 3.1+. Moreover, this solution does NOT require root access to the tablet or phone. It is currently the only viable solution that does not require the user to have any know-how of rooting/hacking the device and risk losing warranty in the process."

http://android.serverbox.ch/?p=549
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sak500:
Strange i find just plugging my s3 via headphone jack to my car's in built blaupunkt system's 3.5mm input jack suffice to enjoy high quality music. The system has six speakers, 2 dashboard, to front left/right to rear left/right. Also came with 6 cd changer which i hardly use.

The phone part is connected to car's bluetooth and controls are on the steering wheel. I wouldn't dare mess around with my car's dashboard as it's still underwarranty.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
Thanks, I'm not going to pay $5 more for an app to tell me it doesn't work. I'm going to flash stock now to determine if it rom/kernel or not and then I might try writing a driver for it from that link.

Thanks.

---------- Post added at 08:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------

Same behavior on stock. I'm going to try a work around but for now $40 poof! :( Not to sound like I'm blaming anyone, just frustrated with this project.

Edit: I have no idea what any of that crap is on that "make your own driver" link... I'm giving up.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] danba:
There is a trial version:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5leHRyZWFtc2QudXNiYXVkaW9yZWNvcmRlcnBybyJd

"By all means try the TRIAL version first to see if your device works:

http://www.audio-evolution.com/downloads/USBAudioRecorderPROTrial_1.0.3.apk"
[Galaxy S III Accessories] gurde:
This looks complicated.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] sparkerjc:
It works, just like the other app I already used for testing USB audio works. Normal apps do not play through it, the phone freezes or reboots.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] OnTheEdge:
Am am very interested in this, but I have some questions:

1. I see you refer to using a "better DAC" many times, but reading through all of the posts it sounds like no other DAC works as reliably. What DAC would you recommend I try if I wanted to "upgrade"?

2. Have you played with cable lengths at all? I see you have the "mess" of the OTG right at the phone. Would this also work if an extension cable was used at the phone so it could be one nice clean cable going down under the dash, or would that mess up the audio quality and/or the charging ability?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
My new dock does have a single cable run.

I've updated the OP just now with new pics.

You can also find the pics & my new dock in my review here:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2057851

Here is one pic.

Well, I won't be making anymore recommendations. :lol:

Other than to suggest using ONLY what is shown in this list as having been proven to work:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/1380#post_9064874
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Personally, this is the DAC I'll be trying next. It's in the list and it's TINY in size.

It's also inexpensive ($49 + shipping). The downside is it comes from a DIY guy in Asia, so it wouldn't exactly arrive within just a couple days.

It has great reviews though and uses the latest technology in chipsets.

Stoner Acoustics UD100:

http://stoneracoustics.blogspot.fr/

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2452730&st=160&p=54596977&#entry54596977

It's the yellow thing in this pic below.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] pitcherj:
Just thought I'd share my experience.

I've used my fair share of "wireless" FM transmitters, however in my situation whenever the cigarette lighter power - USB adapter and the headphone cable were both connected to my phone, I would get a very slight (but noticeable) bit of static. Unplugging the power always resolved this, and switching USB power adapters resolved this for a short period of time, or changed the frequency of the noise on the line slightly. This happened with my Nexus S 4G, and followed to my Galaxy S III. The pitch of the noise did not change with the RPM of the engine, so I know it wasn't alternator noise. I'm pretty sure it was a ground loop.

I picked up an iSimple IS31 auxiliary input adapter over the weekend and installed it. Now there is no noise on the line (presumably because there is a line filter built into the IS31).

Here's the device:

http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-IS31-Universal-Auxiliary-Audio/dp/B002U5XPBE

NOTE:

The IS31 is the cheaper device of the line of auxiliary inputs, providing only a red-and-white RCA-style input. There is also the IS32, which provides a 3.5mm headphone port along with USB power, and there is also the ISFM21 that provides bluetooth connectivity, I simply went with the IS31 because it was available cheap locally.

All it takes is connection to ground, and +12v (on with accessory), as well as connection between the radio and antenna (that last one is plug-and-play).

This device operates on the same principle(s) as a "wireless" FM transmitter, except it directly interrupts the connection between the radio and antenna, so when the device's power switch is turned on, that radio station is completely taken over by your device.

I may at some point in the future give the USB DAC option a try as an add-on to this system so that I no longer need both a headphone and usb power separately connected to my phone, however I'm very pleased with the pure background silence provided by the IS31 (and I'm sure any similar FM Modulator device that directly interrupts the antenna connection).

Also, for those of you who do not wish to modify anything under your dash, you can very easily tap into a +12v accessory fuse in your car's fuse panel with an "add-a-circuit" available from most auto parts stores. This device takes one fuse, turns it into two, and adds a wire that you can then use to power other devices (They're available for both mini and standard size fuses). The ground, you simply find a screw under your dash that connects to the body of the car somewhere (though I'd suggest using a test light to verify that it's actually grounded prior to making any final connections).

Here's the add-a-circuit:

http://www.amazon.com/Littelfuse-FHA200BP-ATO-Add-A-Circuit-Kit/dp/B0002BGELQ
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Just a heads up to all Euro i9300 S3 owners.... the USB-DAC option is now available to you if you're running AOSP based ROM's!

See Jack Norris' thread & patch:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2029728

EDIT: It's now working on AT&T S3 Liquidsmooth ROM (CM10.1 clone) and Jack thinks he knows how to get it working on CM10.1 also:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2116877
[Galaxy S III Accessories] rafael94b:
Dude I'm still a newbie in this. I got the idea and all that but im kinda confused. The link is for N7 only. Can you please explain this a bit better to me and save me 3 hours of trying to stay awake in front of the monitor cause this Sh*t is too awsome to be true. :)

Have the S3 international model and waiting so long for this.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
If it were N7 only, wouldn't have posted it. :)

If you read the thread you'll find your info.

If you still have any questions after reading the thread, then I'll be happy to try and help.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] ParryB:
Subscribed. Could you have posted and hooked me up before I spent $$ on iBolt!!!?? Finally I can get rid of the static whilst there is no sound.

Great thread. :)
[Galaxy S III Accessories] aHcVolle:
is your phone charging whilst connected to the usb otg cable using the mentioned SW mod, the usb otg cable with charger and using cm10.1 ?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] CZ Eddie:
Charging doesn't have anything to do with the software thankfully.

You just need to make sure you have the the three-way USB-OTG cable. The one with a USB plug for charging. Pretty sure I linked to one in the OP.
[Galaxy S III Accessories] Olli0077:
I try it with a 3 way OTG cable on a i9300 no charging. Did it only works with a US Version of the S3?
[Galaxy S III Accessories] aHcVolle:
You linked to one that's only availiable in the US. I can't find one in Europe though ...

I tried it with a normal Y-USB cable and an usb-otg cable and it didn't work. I'm using a i9300...