Screen not responding when iphone in windshield mount

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Level 1

25 points

Screen not responding when iphone in windshield mount

I recently purchased a Boxwave windshield holder for my iPhone. The unit is fine, however when I have it placed in the cradle I cannot use the touch screen of the iPhone - it doesnt recognize my inputs. Only the home button works. As soon as I remove it from the cradle it works fine.
I check for clearance of all the side buttons and it seems fine. Reason I bought this Boxwave is because it can accomodate my iPhone with my Otterbox Defender on. Meaning I dont have to remove the case to mount it in place.

Thanks,

Posted on Jan 21, 2010 5:19 AM

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Answer 1

Frederick71 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 21, 2010 5:43 AM in response to ShadyMac

I bought the universal PDA windshield mount. I dont have anything connected to the iPhone when its on the cradle and when the screen is not responding to my touch.
I did noticed however that if I release the side grips of the holder then the screen seems to respond.

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Answer 2

ShadyMac

Level 4

1,283 points

Jan 21, 2010 5:27 AM in response to Frederick71

Which BoxWave product did you buy...I looked at their site and didn't see a car mount with a cradle or connector that fits inside the 30-PIN...just a windshield holder mount which would not interfere with the screen function...

Perhaps the 3rd party device when plugged into the 30-PIN is not compatible and thus disables the screen for some odd reason...

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Answer 3

ShadyMac

Level 4

1,283 points

Jan 21, 2010 5:50 AM in response to Frederick71

Hmmm... The iPhone screen is a static conductor touch technology...so if those side mount pads have a bit of static and they are close to the screen, enough to make it think it's touching then with them being on both sides iPhone would not respond to any other touches since two (one on each side) already register...

If you say it works if you just release the side hold pads that must be the issue...not sure how to fix that...maybe put something on the pads to try to break the contact iPhone thinks is happening...

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Answer 4

ShadyMac

Level 4

1,283 points

Jan 22, 2010 6:05 AM in response to Frederick71

The prox sensors are near the very top of the screen on the left side of center... when looking at screen in sunlight you can see them...so from the model I viewed on the website for the product you mention I would not say the sides with the pad have the ability to mess with the prox sensors...

Yes, they have pad on them but remember iPhones screen is a static electricity conductive screen... that's why you use a finger to navigate and can't use a normal stylus or pencil eraser like you can with normal tactile feedback depression screens...

It truly sounds like something on that holder or side pads is interfering with the screen while close since you say it works fine when the pads are released and you hold iPhone...

I'd try a different model windshield mount and see if you get different results.

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Answer 5

Frederick71 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 25, 2010 9:54 AM in response to ShadyMac

Thanks for your reply, appreciated. Its strange, I tried to lower the side grips and it didnt help either. However, if I loosen the side grip ( whereby the iphone is not secured ) then the touch screen comes back to life.
Im wondering if the rear view mirror of my car has something to do with it. As the iPhone is sitting bang in the center of the windshield and the rear view mirror is directly above it, perhaps interfering with the sensor?

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Answer 6

Frederick71 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 25, 2010 11:22 AM in response to Frederick71

Well I did some further research and noticed that even if I place the iPhone for example on my steering wheel ( resting on there when stationary ) the screen does not respond to my touches near the edges of the display. So I dont think it has anything to do with the holder.

I think its related to the Otterbox Defender.

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Answer 7

Frederick71 Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 21, 2010 6:02 AM in response to ShadyMac

Its a strange one for sure. The side pads already have a foam padding on them. Could it be a possible proximity sensor for the screen, EG the arms of the cradle are interfering with it? Im lost LOL

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