Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Fair enough.

I remember reading somewhere that someone was able to alter "max volume" on mplayer, via a "config statement". I was hoping it was also possible for call volume. i would hope so given that media plays much louder than calls...again, on both ear piece and speaker.

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Bloody maniac!

Dremelling a £500 phone! you must be cazy, I don't even put the phone with my key, or put it down on a hard surface even though I have the Zagg shield.

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Well, I opted for a modeling knife over the Dremmel. The Drmmel would probably be too wide given I did not know how the screen would react.

The 900's screen is a soft plastic...it's not like I'm cutting diamonds, or splitting atoms. However, it really just boils down to being patient and maintaining blade control. If it makes you feel better, I practiced "safe cutting"...I used a screen protector.

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Do you want a phone that works well, or a phone that's in factory-fresh condition? I know which one I would prefer.

Now if only I could improve the battery life or GPS performance with a "hack" like this.

Regards,
Roger

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Just a quick update...did a "little" more cutting, based on recent findings about the earpiece driver placement (near LED) from Flynx's thread:

http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=54375

I can actually follow a conversation with the phone a few inches away from my ear now. I'd guesstimate a 30-40% volume gain.

- I started by trimming away the first layer of "black" plastic, which revealed a thinner layer of clear plastic (left side of the expanded slot)..

http://home.comcast.net/~masterpiu/DSC00198.JPG


- Here is a clearer shot...this is what I was going to leave as added protection, but opted for "full volume".

http://home.comcast.net/~masterpiu/DSC00197.JPG


- Here the tip of the knife is under the thin layer of clear plastic (sorry for crappy shot).

http://home.comcast.net/~masterpiu/DSC00200.JPG

- Here is where I gave up...tip of knife is pointing to thicker layer of plastic, that I don't feel like clearing out...right now. I think I can see the edger of the speaker, based on what the OP identified.

http://home.comcast.net/~masterpiu/DSC00202.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~masterpiu/DSC00207.JPG

The (2) angled cuts at the top of the last pic are just superficial to my screen protector...hopefully. :rolleyes: The cavity bottom is kinda goopy...remenants of the glue that I can't seem to scrape out. All I know is that the volume level is much more "comfortable" now. I can actually hold it 3" away from my ear, and hear perfectly with the TV on.

As always...YMMV.

I'll eventually cover the hole with some speaker fabric that I have, which will be held in place by the new screen protector.

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Are you out of your mind by doing this to your phone?
Why did you not try to disamble it at first and then cut it with at least a professional cutting tool/machine??

This guy is a maniac! who is with me? :D

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Hey, no problem. He has a screen protector on his screen!!! :D

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

Re-assembling my first 900 was a pain, and at this stage in my life, I don't have patience/time for things that are not important (getting the screen to line up properly).

Using a Dremmel is an unknown as far as how it will react when it his the cutting surface.

Using an pen knife, I have more control of the cutting depth, and it creates a cleaner cut (again, no patience/time this weekend).

Given Flynx's pics, there was nothing to "damage" using the more precise "knife".

The phone is not under lease, so it does not need to be returned to the dealer.

As a VoIP engineer, and owner of a full conrad-johnson tube system, I'm picky about my audio, found a resolution to my problem, and applied it.

;)

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

lol this looks horrible xD
Just insane :D

Re: Has anyone "widened" the cutout for the earpiece?
 

if anything, the op actually created a possible market for someone. maybe a 3rd party should make professionaly cut face plate replacement to maximize the ear piece volume. while i do think his resulting phone looks a bit hacked up, it is proof concept that the ear piece can be better utilised if the ear piece is placed in a larger/different location.