Car Mount cradle problem

[Malcolm]

The ratchet mechanism on the car cradle for my IPAQ has failed. As a result of course, the cradle just won't grip the PDA and cannot therefore be used. Has anyone had the same and tried to fix it? and and b) is it possible to buy the cradle only separately?

[Dave]

There used to be several retailers online that sold replacements, but checking my usual list of retailers I couldn't find any that stocked them.

[Malcolm]

Thanks Dave - have emailed Tom Tom support to see what they say. I see it has screws in the back so will take it to bits tonight - makes not difference as it's useless as it is anway (currently sellotaped up though). A real nuisance without it now - went into London last night and had to consult a MAP (remember those?). Anyone out there with a spare cradle?????

[DefenderBLACK]

Best bit of kit I have found for use with the cradle is ....... an elastic band (rubber band)!



Use 1 near the top to stop the ipaq falling top foward and a second sometimes to keep the arms clamped on to the bracket!



HAve replaced the bracket twice and after 1 month it goes again.



Paul
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www.montythemotorhome.com

t: @montymotorhome

[GFawkes]

I think the real answer is to throw the thing away.



But..

If you take the back off, and tighten the screw on the pulley right up, it will grip again. It did with mine anyway.

[Malcolm]

Thanks for the suggestions! Wish I'd read the last one BEFORE I took the thing to bits! Now can't work out how it all goes back. It's pretty c**p anyway BUT I'm not sure what to replace it with - all the cradles seem to come as bundles and seem pricey - I only need the cradle that I can fit on to a dashmount. Any thoughts anyone?

[MikeB]

Why not go for a Brodit holder. These come without the actual mount. Check out the reviews on this site.
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Mike Barrett

[nicgrant]

I removed the back & reversed the 2 springs at the top & bottom. now, instead of pushing the grips apart, it pushes the, together. You do have to wedge the IPAQ in, but it seems to retain a tight grip.

Nick

[Ginger]

I've had the same problem with mine,especially when hot, when the thing is useless. If you take the back off the holder and dismantle it you will find two wedges sitting against a rubber tyred wheel. I cut a number of grooves into the wedges with a junior hacksaw. The grooves are approx 5mm apart and 1mm deep. I also raised the spring pressure by inserting a 4mm packer under the tension spring(the one on the release lever.) Up to now the grip is firm and does not slowly release as it did before.



regards
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Alan

[Malcolm]

Thanks Ginger _ I reckon you have the answer. Design isn't that good though - it would have helped if they had a couple of "pegs" - like the Seido mount to at least stop the thing slipping down. Anyway - I'll give it a go.

[Dave]

Malcolm, if you still want to replace the the holder with the same mount, then HandNav are selling replacement mounts for £24.99 inc VAT.

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