[Motorola Droid RAZR] Ohmster:
Car mount for phones, everyone invited to supply ideas

I would NIX the magnet. But the 3M Command Strips open up an entire new realm of possibilities, [MENTION=6309629]dtiger1138[/MENTION]. I was suspicious at first because they do not stick to extremely textured surfaces very well, but the only place on my dashboard that is really textured is underneath or over the passenger glove box, neither of which would be a potential mounting location. The strips come in all shapes, sizes, and strengths so we have some real potential there for a mounting strategy. Plus you can easily remove them without damaging the dashboard.

Maybe you can use that printer when you read some of the other ideas I have come up with. Right now we are in the engineering stage so all ideas, suggestions, methods, and whatever you got is very much welcome! :D

I love having the phone on the dash while driving, particularly for navigation. The success I have had with the A/C vent clip holder really got me to thinking. The A/C, although working well, is not ideal. It covers much of the vent and part of the screen is blocked by the steering wheel. Besides, I would be constantly blowing air into the phone and that might eventually clog it with dust. :(

Aside from really cool electronic gadgets and vehicles, tools of all shapes sizes, and uses are a man's best friend. The A/C mount is actually a really good adjustable holder for any phone, be it a Razr or the Moto X I am using now. I have attached several screenshots showing how the device mounts, the area of the dash where I woud like to mount it and how smooth enough it is for a couple of strong 3M command strips, and the rear of the bracket where the ball joint for position angle with finger tight lock nut. The only issue is the fins attached to the rear of the ball joint where the air vent fins connect. If one could remove the air vent fins cleanly and neatly with a Dremel, knife, or whatever, we would have a perfect surface to attach a plastic plate. Say 1" by 2" by a quarter or an eighth of an inch thickness, preferably black, we would be on to something!

So we keep an eye out for some disposable plastic object to cut the plastic plate from and once found, cut the plate, smooth it and round the corners. Nothing very old, plastic looses the oils and resins that keep it flexible and strong and we end up with brittle plastic. Then find a way to firmly and permanently, attach the rear phone holder ball joint, we could then attach that pate to the dash with the suggested 3M Command Strips from Tigger!

I spot some real potential here and not to exclude Sherri's suction cup idea. Those are typically used for windshield mounting and would be fine, "out of box" but then you must mount it on the windshield and have those wires to deal with, unless you do not plug the phone into charger when driving. The suction cup on smooth dash would probably work, but you would have to put a dab of clear silicone caulk under the suction cup or it will come loose. Suction cups held in place with a dab of clear silicone caulk could be pulled or sliced off, then you have to pick off the silicone with your fingers or some plastic picnic flatware knives.

Calling all boys with your Power Tools (And girls too) come and help find the best driving phone holder device.

Am I going to be thinking about this? You bet.

Will I try any of it at all? Only if I can find some of the things I need such as the piece of plastic to make the mounting plate from.

Will I share if I get this to work? You bet. If it comes out good I might make one for Sherri if she wants it and if it works and comes out the way we want it.

Having a good smartphone mounted on dash while driving is an awesome experience and once you try it, you never want to give it up again! Some of these mounting ideas give a clear view through the windshield and that would give you a dashcam, if you wanted one. I use this FREE app, 3D Compass Plus (AR,map,more) all the time and imagine how useful this would be if you had your location, coordinates, and compass in view as you tap the red snapshot button?

​

Thanks to [MENTION=838017]sherri[/MENTION] for the suction cup idea and thanks to [MENTION=6309629]dtiger1138[/MENTION] for the Command Strip solution and more to come. A guy does not get to be a teacher with a 3D printer at his disposal without having "something" worthwhile upstairs. :D