This very cool homemade design is brought to you by member reh8388 of Droidforums.net. Using some very basic materials and a Commando Charging Cradle they were able to construct this well built design allowing for hands free usage and charging. Many of the materials can be substituted with other materials and the cradle itself can be custom made as stated in one of our previous posts DIY Desktop Charging Station.
Materials:
1 - Casio Commando Desktop Charging Cradle
1 - Ram Mount suction cup mount w/ arm and diamond plate mount
1 - 12"x24" sheet of 1/8" thick black ABS textured plastic
Procedure:
1. Use paper, cardboard or any other material that is easy to cut, bend, and mark on to design the plate that will be mounted to your cradle. Below is a basic drawing of my plate.
2. Make sure your design is exactly how you want it and then trace this onto your sheet of plastic. I used a silver Sharpie and then when cutting I knew I had to cut all the way to the inside edge of the line.
3. On your desktop cradle remove the rubber feet on the bottom (they get in the way of your new backer plate from sitting flush)
4. Use a vice and clamp the backer plate into it right at the fold line.
5. Use a small torch to slowly heat the plastic. Be sure to do this evenly across the whole piece and do not get it too hot.
6. Once the plastic has some play in it begin folding to the approximate angle of the cradle. Do your bend slowly while continuing to heat the fold line with the torch. Too fast and you will crack/tear the plastic.
7. Test fit the backer plate to the cradle. If the angle needs a large adjustment, do this in the vice. If the adjustment is minor CAREFULLY heat the bend while the backer plate is on the cradle and form it to the cradle.
8. Make sure you like the shape and fit of your piece and glue them together.
9. Glue the diamond plate mount to the back of the backer plate making sure to leave clearance for your charging cable.
10. Let the glue/adhesive/epoxy cure and mount it all to your windshield.
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If Casio's phones are known for anything it's their extreme durability. And in that regard, the new G'zOne Ravine 2 keeps up the company standard. Like the original Ravine , the Commando , and the other G'zOne models before them, the Ravine should withstand just about any physical conditions while offering a mid-range feature set that includes world roaming, 3G support, and push-to-talk (PTT).
Sure, the design is bulky and photo quality continues to be disappointing, but call quality on Verizon Wireless is improved over the earlier handsets.
Design
It would be difficult to mistake the Ravine 2 for any other cell phone. It's big (4.33 inches long by 1.99 inches wide by 0.83 inch deep) and heavy (4.85 ounces), and it sports distinctive features like a ribbed hinge and a ring around the external display. It's far from pretty, but that's not really the point of a durable phone. And in case you didn't know that it was a Verizon device, the black-and-red color scheme will tell you so.
The thick plastic skin also stands out, especially if you're jumping to the Ravine 2 from a trendy thin handset. The absence of any rubber sidings was surprising, but the Ravine has a comfortable, solid feel that inspires confidence. And even with the extra bulk, the handset slips easily into larger pockets.
Casio promises that the handset will be able to withstand shock, dust, vibration, salt fog, humidity, low and high temperatures, and immersion in water. Casio has a convenient list of these durability claims on its site, most of which do appear to hold up. We gave the Ravine 2 a bath, put it in the freezer, dropped it onto a hard surface, and generally banged it around (now I just need to find some salt fog). In each case it survived and kept on ticking. The moving parts, like the over sized ribbed hinge, also are built to last.
The 1.38-inch external LCD shows the usual information, including the date, time, signal strength and caller ID. The display is full-color, as well, though we would prefer to be able to access basic features without opening the phone.
On the back of the phone are the camera lens and flash, though there's no mirror for taking vanity shots. The back cover is secured by a sliding lock to keep out moisture and dust, but it's still easy to remove. Thankfully, the microSD card slot is located on the right spine just below the Micro-USB charging port. Both have locking covers, as you'd expect on a durable device. Over on the left spine are a bright red PTT/shortcut button (that you can program), the volume rocker, and a voice command key. All are easy to find by feel when you're holding the Ravine 2 to your ear. On the downside, the headset jack is only 2.5mm so you'll have to use an adapter for most headsets.
The internal TFT display measures 2.2 inches with a full-color 320x240-pixel resolution. As you'd expect, it's nowhere near close to being a fancy smartphone display, but it doesn't need to be. Colors are bright, graphics look fine, and the standard menu designs (you can choose between grid and list formats) are easy to navigate. You have the usual set of options like changing brightness, the back light time, the display theme and wallpaper, the menu and dialing font size, and the banner.
I couldn't ask for a better design for the navigation controls. There's a large silver toggle with a central OK button that you can program to give one-touch access to four features. Surrounding it are two soft keys, a camera control, and a combination shortcut for the speakerphone and activating the camera flash as a steady light. Compared with many phones, that's a useful set of keys that puts the best features in easy reach.
Farther down, there are the usual Talk and End/power buttons, and a Clear key that also opens the GPS features with a long press. The keypad buttons below have a spacious tactile design. There's plenty of room for fast texts, and you can dial. I also liked the bright back lighting and the large numbers and characters on the keys.
This incredibly simple to build system was developed by YouTube user Objectivityiskey and uses some simple materials which can be found at your local arts and crafts and hardware stores. Save yourself the $50 by designing your very own charging cradle out of Sculpey Clay.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a damaged LCD or Digitizer on your CASIO C811 GzOne Commando and are out of your warranty period, then follow the steps listed above to learn the necessary steps to disassemble your device. Make sure you document any model numbers on the screen or phone itself when looking for a suitable replacement.
These replacements can be found on ebay and other websites.
For those of you who have traveled frequently from the good ol' U.S. to Canada, you realize that one tremendous pain is the charges which apply once you cross the border to our friendly neighbors in the north. The best way to accomplish this is to swap out your SIM card to an affordable Canadian Company or to use a Dual SIM Card phone which can support both marketplaces. With this option you can pay two cell phone bills or purchase a prepaid SIM for the country you are visiting.
This amazing watch from CASIO not only lives up to the hype of nearly indestructible design like G-SHOCK watches in the past, it now kicks up to a whole new level with bluetooth capabilities that speak to your wireless devices and relay important information right to your wrist. This is not a giant computer on your wrist like other vendors offer, but a sleek embedded screen that reminds you of emails, messages, alerts, and now with soundhound integration can even control your music selection on your wireless devices. Automatic timezone adjustment and anti-theft features make this a must have for all you technology/fitness enthusiasts. Check out the video above to learn about this great new watch's capabilities.
Check Out our large Selection For the Phones Listed Below
Find the perfect accessories you need for your Casio phone here at PhoneCaseStation.
We carry all the latest Casio phone cases, Casio covers, Casio skins,Casio screen protectors, Casio wall chargers, Casio car chargers,Casio data cables, and much more.
Casio phones have undergone rigorous military testing so surviving the stresses and strains of everyday life are no problem, no matter what your everyday life includes.
True to Casio's reputation, these cell phones were built to make life easier.
The Japanese CASIO Computer Company claims to be still topping electronics market because it outsources everything that is available from modern technology. Also it has a long history of experience and craftsmanship and the ability to innovate and at the same time remain committed to utmost quality.
CASIO watches have multiplicity of functions. The company makes diving watches mountain climbing watches and smart watches that can locate the mobile phone or sound alarm when away from the mobile phone.
Resistance to shock when they fall from a height or are run over by a car and resistance to water are among their outstanding features. The watches known for quality and durability are stated to be increasingly favored by the youth in general and women in particular. Women's watches are designed in attractive colors.
CASIO watches are divided into five major types G-Shock Baby-G Edifice Sheen and Sheen.
G-Shock watches being produced since 1983 work with normal light and are shock resistant and withstand water pressure to a depth of 200 meters. These watches with multiple colors are keeping pace with the latest fashion trends.
EDIFICE watches are CASIO's sports watches that have 'succeeded in all countries because of their speed and intelligence."
BABY-G watches for youth and women have accounted for 'unprecedented" sales volume.
PRO TREK sport watches feature advanced functions including digital compass which determines the current location and direction. They also measure atmospheric pressure and temperature.
Sheen watches are for women some of which are designed with pearl and bright colors. CASIO's Compass watch gives prayer times for Muslims with a high degree of accuracy to determine the direction of Qibla in Makkah from any place around the world.
TheBlueDot review for the Casio G'zOne Boulder for Verizon. The G'zone Boulder Phone is a military spec water proof phone that is shock resistant and can withstand falls from a 3 story building. A digital compass and flashlight along with dust resistance are just some of the features that set this phone apart from the competition.
This quick but thorough review of the CASIO G'zOne Commando mobile phone details many of the key features of this virtually indestructible phone. Not only does this video showcase the durability of the Commando's build quality but also the great power in it's simple yet effective software for numerous functions and purposes. If you are looking for a powerhouse of a phone that can take a punch, then view the video above and hurry up and order this great nearly indestructible device.
This test showcases the CASIO G'zOne Commando Water Test and gives you a basic demonstration of the Commando G'zOne's ability to withstand low depths of water and resist moisture. This phone is designed for the user who puts their phone through a tad more than others and needs reliability versus trips to the wireless store for replacements. If you are looking for that extra layer of protection, then please follow our link below for great protective accessories.
If you are receiving a used phone or are having trouble with your phones current settings, then this video will help you to reset your CASIO G'zOne Commando back to it's original factory settings. Please be advised that this will erase your phones current settings so be sure to back up any important information.
This 2.5 minute guide gets right to the point, requires a 3-step process:
1. Hold "power" button for 3 seconds
2. When the red led light turns on, press "volume down+camera+power" buttons within 1-2 seconds
3. Then press "power" buttons to perform the hard reset
As a true test of the CASIO Commando's versatility, we offer this video which shows a true determination in great film quality of the daily abuses that these phones realistically will suffer in the wild, so to speak. We set out to drop test the Casio Commando 26 times, 8 times on the back, 9 times on the side, and 9 times on the face. See how it fared in the video.
After viewing many of these torture tests on phones throughout the internet, there are few that I looked forward to as much as the CASIO G'Zone Torture Test. This phone is a rugged beast and it's tank like construction had me curious as to how much abuse it could truly take.
As these phones are used in some of the harshest conditions, tests like these are essential to prove the level of durability. Enjoy the video and feel free to follow our link below for CASIO G'Zone accessories to further protect your phone.
The Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE isn't the sexiest phone to bring to a beach party, nor does it have the sexiest name (it's pronounced "jeez-one" in case you're wondering, as in jeez-one-person-should-be-fired-for-that-name). But if you're looking for smartphone that can survive almost anything, this is it.
That's because the rugged Commando was designed for someone who has an active, outdoorsy, and all-around swashbuckling lifestyle. It's water- and dustproof, can survive extreme temperatures, and is shock resistant. (For a full rundown of the phone's military-graded specs, you can check out its fancy, but lag-inducing Web site here.)
True, the Commando isn't perfect. It doesn't take great photos, and it isn't as powerful as other high-end devices available on Verizon. But for $99.99 on-contract, Casio's Commando is a reasonably priced Android handset that's built to last.
Design
Let's not beat around the bush: the Commando 4G LTE is hefty and doesn't look very chic. Understandably, 6.08 ounces of its weightiness is thanks to the device's rugged exterior. Sporting distinct edges and a triangular chin, the handset flaunts an industrial, mechanical aesthetic, and its body is reinforced with tough rubber along its sides and back.
The smartphone measures 5.1 inches tall, 2.7 inches wide, and 0.5 inch thick. While stuffing it into my front jean pocket proved snug, I imagine it wouldn't have a problem fitting inside rear pockets of larger pants, and small shoulder bags. In addition, despite its bulky build, the Commando 4G LTE isn't particularly wide, meaning it's still easily maneuverable with one hand.
Aside from a volume rocker, the left edge houses a programmable shortcut (or "tactile" as Casio likes to put it) key that you can customize to launch applications like your contacts, Gmail, or music. Up top are a 3.5mm headphone jack that can be covered by a small plastic door, and a sleep/power button. On the right are a Micro-USB port that also can be plugged, and a charging terminal. Finally, the bottom edge features a small hole that you can loop a lanyard or strap through.
Fastened by four screws in each corner, the device's back sports a dimpled texture. The 8-megapixel camera is at the top left with its flash right next to it. A vertical toggle lock secures the battery door. To remove the plate, switch the lock upward. Then, using an indentation to the right, pry off the plate with your finger. The 1,800mAh battery inside is also locked down. If you want to access either the 4G LTE microSIM card or microSD card slots underneath it, slide the orange lock at the bottom of the battery to the right.
The 4-inch WVGA display has a 480x800-pixel resolution and is topped with Corning Gorilla Glass 2. Not only is it responsive to the touch, but it's also easy to view outdoors in sunlight, and has a respectably wide viewing angle. It accurately and brightly displayed an all-white color swatch, text and menu icons appeared clear, and HQ videos on YouTube also looked sharp.
Above the display are a 1.3-megapixel camera and the in-ear speaker embellish with a small chrome-colored piece of plastic. Below the screen are four hot keys (back, home, recent apps, and menu) that light up when in use. Finally, all the way at the bottom are dual front-facing speakers. Though at times music came off a bit harsh at max volume, these speakers boosted audio quality and depth.
Software features
It's been a little over a year since Android Jelly Bean came onto the scene, so it's disappointing to see that this handset runs on the older Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich instead. You'll still get the usual batch of Google apps, though, which include Gmail, Plus, Hangouts, Maps, portals to the Play Books, Magazines, Movies and TV, Music, and Store, Search, and YouTube.
Basic task-managing apps include a calculator, a calendar, a clock with alarm functions, native e-mail and browser clients, a news and weather app, and a sound recorder. Verizon preloaded My Verizon Mobile (which lets you check your data use and minutes), Verizon Tones music and media store, mobile hot-spotting, its own brand of voice mail and navigating, Video Calling, and the media hub Viewdini .
Other apps include several Amazon apps (the store itself, Kindle, MP3, its app store, and Audible), an American Express app, a DNLA app for streaming media between devices, an FM radio, a help app for recording video alongside a movie editor, a music player, NFL mobile, the mobile office suite Quickoffice, Slacker Radio, Nuance voice command, a VPN client app, IMDb, and the shoe retailer Zappos.
Casio also packaged a handful of outdoorsy and active-lifestyle apps that come integrated in the phone's UI. Though I loathe bloatware, I personally find these apps useful and on-point with the kind of customers who would buy this phone.
One such add-on is G'zGear, which includes a compass (this compass is also featured in both the home and lock screens), a thermometer, a high/low tide weather app, and an app that tells you when the sun and moon will rise and set. There's also a star-gazing app, a pedometer and virtual trek tracker, and a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure. Some of these functions are also featured as home screen widgets for easy access, alongside a flashlight and battery-saver widget. You'll also get G'zWorld, an app that lets you record, share, and geotag all your outdoor activities, and Glove Mode.
As you can gather, users should activate Glove Mode when they're using the Commando 4G LTE while wearing gloves. When turned on, the device's UI simplifies into four simple categories: message and e-mail, notifications, camera, and phone. Once selected, the functionality of each of these four categories are simplified even further, allowing you to still use the most important features of the handset, but with the fewest taps and finger strokes as possible.
Camera and video
Both the 8-megapixel camera and 1.3-megapixel camera have digital zoom, an exposure meter, geotagging, a timer, six white balances, four color effects, two qualities, image stabilization, touch shutter, and grid lines. However, the 8-megapixel camera has six shooting modes (including HDR, continuous shooting, and panorama), 14 scene options (which has one mode just for cooking!), three focuses, seven sizes (from 640x480 to 3,264x2,448 pixels), and a flash. The front-facing latter camera has only three camera modes, three sizes (from 640x480 to 1,280x1,024 pixels), and a mirror image option.
For video recording, both cameras have audio muting and the same zoom, exposure meter, geotagging option, timer, white balances, color effects, two qualities, and grid lines functionality. The 8-megapixel camera specifically has four video modes (some of which are standard, slow motion, and live effects, which includes a silly faces module and the ability to change your video's background with a fake sunset sunset, for example), eight scene options, three focuses, a flash, and five video sizes (from message attachment to 1080p full HD). The front-facing camera can only record in standard mode, but the live effects (with the same six silly faces and background options) are still retained, and video sizes top out at 1,280x1,024-pixel resolution.
Photo quality was disappointing, and I expected sharper images from an 8-megapixel shooter (especially since I've seen clearer images from 5-megapixel cameras, like the LG Lucid 2 ). Colors looked washed out or inaccurate -- especially blues, which looked oversaturated and almost greenish. Edges looked blurry and I saw a lot of digital noise, even with pictures taken outdoors in ample sunlight.
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![[IMG]](http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c157/senatorbobvfm/Phone%20Mount/BackerPlate-1.jpg)
1. Use paper, cardboard or any other material that is easy to cut, bend, and mark on to design the plate that will be mounted to your cradle. Below is a basic drawing of my plate.
