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iPhone 12 Pro Max: Car Vent Mount W/ Build-In MagSafe Charging
- Thread starter JKarnsy
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I just implemented a poor-man's solution. I taped the OEM magsafe puck to my dash with 3m dual-lock fasteners. Works brilliantly.
Just plug the USB-C bit into this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G1MS6JW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There are options on Aliexpress (unbranded and branded e.g. the ESR Halolock which charges 7,5W) and the aforementioned Zeera Suvolt (15W).
The Zeera (or ali-express versions of it) are the only one I've seen thus far that also has the Magsafe automation... and potentially charges at 15W (yet to be confirmed with measurements). More specifically, the Zeera is the only one of the 3rd parties at this point where I've seen a first-hand report of success from a MacRumors member.
This does sound like a great idea....I checked out the 3M products from your other posts in another thread.
Does the MagSafe puck(with phone attached) wiggle or move around with this setup when driving?
No. Zero movement. The 3M dual-lock fasteners (I always go with the clear version) is the same stuff they use for mounting toll transponders to windshields. It is a rock-solid mounting option.
That said, I've mounted it to a relatively flat section of exposed plastic on my dash. It might not work well against leather or similar porous materials.
Love the Zeera. I can’t say how fast it is charging but definitely faster than my regular block chargers at home. I did buy a new plug for the cigarette lighter that allows for a faster charge.
Initially, I just was looking for a new mount as my old one wasn’t strong enough to hold my new 12 Pro secure. I figured if I was getting a new MagSafe mount, I might as well get one that also charges. After doing a quick search, I found the review on the Zeera from ENFORCERMAN. So based on his review, I bought the Zeera. It’s everything that he said it is.
I could tell that my husband is just a bit irritated with me as I didn’t bring it up to him. Haha, I have one coming for Christmas for him.
Sorry so many questions.....But what case do you use with this setup? Trying to find a case for my 12PM that would stick and not fall off when driving.
I think the case is important as all magnets are weaker when "sliding" them vs pulling straight off. I use the Apple Leather case and have not had my phone fall off yet. I drive like a maniac and live in Cleveland where we have lots of potholes. My wife has the Apple silicon case and it also works well. I think the silicone case will provide a better "hold" as it adds more friction to prevent that sliding motion where the magnets are weaker.
If you already have a magsafe puck, my method is worth a try. If you don't have one yet, you might want to wait for a dedicated charger that engages with ALL of the magsafe magnets like the belkin one does. As you now the magsafe puck only binds to the ring of magnets, not the vertical magnets below.
I’m using Samsung fast charger in my car, I will post pictures tomorrow, sides of the holder opens automatically once sensor inside the charger detect any objects, place the phone inside & it’s gets close automatically & start charging.
I just got my Zeera Suvolt 2 today and although others seem to sing their praise I am not all that impressed. The magnets are not as strong as they appear in the YouTube videos. I have a glass protector on the back of my iPhone 12 Pro and it will just barely hold it at all. Even slight shaking and it falls off immediately. Just to test it out further I removed the glass protector and put it on the bare phone back. That did improve it a little bit but nothing like the videos from ENFORCERMAN. It just holds it and any sort of jar like hitting a bump while driving I expect will have it falling to the floor.
Once I get a chance to drive with it I’ll put up another review.
I ordered the other one from Ragee that is similar to Zeera. I’ll have a chance to compare the two and see which one works better once that arrives.
I guess I am still looking for the perfect setup using MagSafe and car charging mount.
I have not seen the 15 watt animation either but I only have a 2.4 watt charger to test with.
Once I get a chance to drive with it I’ll put up another review.
I ordered the other one from Ragee that is similar to Zeera. I’ll have a chance to compare the two and see which one works better once that arrives.
I guess I am still looking for the perfect setup using MagSafe and car charging mount.
I have not seen the 15 watt animation either but I only have a 2.4 watt charger to test with.
I’ve had just the opposite experience. I get the charge animation (with a fast charger) and my phone stays put. I live in the country in NH. I drive my car on roads that are very bumpy due to frost heaves and pot holes. I even tested it out on a washboard dirt road when I first received the Zeera. My phone stays securely attached.
Maybe it’s the glass protector on the back that is the problem. Have you tried it with another phone with no glass protector? My phone stays totally secure with the Apple silicone MagSafe case on it.
That’s too bad that it’s not working for you.
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Did you remove the little protective sticker thing they showed in the video? Presumably it keeps the little silicone ring or whatever is there to provide extra friction.
With magnets (any magnets) the holding strength is very weak when "sliding" them. A leather or silicone case will provide better grip on the OEM magsafe puck in this "sliding" orientation for example.
I am curious to know if the sticker is the issue here, please let us know. I am doubting to move from a Pitaka QI car mount to the Zeera Suvolt, and get a leather Apple magsafe case for my iPhone 12 PM. But if the Zeera is not holding the phone well I'll just continue with my Pitaka mount and a MagEZ case.
I had removed the protective ring on the charger disc and tried it with and without the glass screen protector on the back. The thickness of the glass definitely has an impact on the magnetic attraction. I ordered a Nakid skin from slickwraps to use to replace the glass protector. I'm also hoping the skin will not be as slippery as the glass is. I think that is also an issue as they mention not using leather cases with Zeera as it will slide off.
On another note I Also ordered one of those magnetic rings you can place in a phone case. I'm interested to see how much more magnetic grip I get using that. Perhaps I'll glue that on to the back of the skin like a case would provide. My goal is to use only a bumper case with a front screen protector.
I have a Corvette and the suspension is rather stiff. I expect that without the extra magnetic attractionyou get from using a MagSafe case that one good speed bump and it will drop to the floor.
On another note I Also ordered one of those magnetic rings you can place in a phone case. I'm interested to see how much more magnetic grip I get using that. Perhaps I'll glue that on to the back of the skin like a case would provide. My goal is to use only a bumper case with a front screen protector.
I have a Corvette and the suspension is rather stiff. I expect that without the extra magnetic attractionyou get from using a MagSafe case that one good speed bump and it will drop to the floor.
I made one by my self
Attached metal plates inside the cover
Result the best magnetic wireless charger i ever had !
Attached metal plates inside the cover
Result the best magnetic wireless charger i ever had !
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Nice!! How's the magnet strength? Also, do you have your design loaded on thingsverse?