Jebinc’s Charging pad mod

[jebinc]

Besides the phone sliding all around when driving, I noticed (even when not moving) that the charging coils focal length is too shallow; meaning it can’t reach the phone due to the slight angle caused by the camera bump. Even if I take off the super thin Apple MagSafe case, it rarely connects and shows “charging”.

Clearly a design defect with the pad Rivian is using. I assume I’m not alone with this issue.

As anyone reported this or opened a service ticket. What does Rivian say or suggest?

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[SoCal Rob]

@CommodoreAmiga reported it: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...e-with-the-rivian-charge-pad.8355/post-225924

 

[connoisseurr]

Any Qi changing pad in any vehicle is going to suck, unless it’s a specific technology like MagSafe.

When I get my truck back from service, I’m taking the wireless charging pad out and 3D scanning it so I can start modeling a new solution with MagSafe.

 

[SoCal Rob]

Any Qi changing pad in any vehicle is going to suck, unless it’s a specific technology like MagSafe.

When I get my truck back from service, I’m taking the wireless charging pad out and 3D scanning it so I can start modeling a new solution with MagSafe.

In case you haven’t seen it, forum member @RWerksman did extensive work on a solution which looks stock but works. https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...reless-charging-pad-install-diy-writeup.6404/

 

[crashmtb]

Besides the phone sliding all around when driving, I noticed (even when not moving) that the charging coils focal length is too shallow; meaning it can’t reach the phone due to the slight angle caused by the camera bump. Even if I take off the super thin Apple MagSafe case, it rarely connects and shows “charging”.

Clearly a design defect with the pad Rivian is using. I assume I’m not alone with this issue.

As anyone reported this or opened a service ticket. What does Rivian say or suggest?

The maximum distance from charger coil to device coil on the charging pad being used is 5mm. Between the rubber mat on top of it, any phone case or goddamn camera bump…that stacks up to well more than 5mm in a hurry.

 

[connoisseurr]

In case you haven’t seen it, forum member @RWerksman did extensive work on a solution which looks stock but works. https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...reless-charging-pad-install-diy-writeup.6404/

I did see this in the past and I may have looked at it incorrectly - I thought I saw something that had a 3D printed exterior only, and it looked real shady. May have been an old design. Definitely following this project now.

EDIT:
Looks like this setup is no longer being produced since that OP and others have stated Rivian is working on a wireless charger redesign.

 

[moosehead]

I have the first Gen Riviparts phone pack never installed. Happy to give it to anyone working on a solution to this issue. Just DM me your mailing address.

 

[SoCal Rob]

I did see this in the past and I may have looked at it incorrectly - I thought I saw something that had a 3D printed exterior only, and it looked real shady. May have been an old design. Definitely following this project now.

If I recall correctly, @RWerksman shows his work in the creative process so it is possible to see where he started and what he tried along the way. If you’re just glancing at one of his prototypes it might look like it’s crude but the finished product looks great.

 

[connoisseurr]

If I recall correctly, @RWerksman shows his work in the creative process so it is possible to see where he started and what he tried along the way. If you’re just glancing at one of his prototypes it might look like it’s crude but the finished product looks great.

Yep I was looking at an incomplete picture. It also looks like his project has been paused indefinitely, so I may still consider to do another version, or pick-up on where he left off.

 

[SoCal Rob]

I do IT work and even worked on telecom stuff back in the day. I generally think that wireless is convenient and wired is reliable. I love my bedside wireless charger for charging my phone overnight but wireless charging in a moving vehicle isn’t worth it to me. That doesn’t excuse Rivian’s poor implementation which is annoying to seemingly every single person who uses it.

 

[jebinc]

So, I found a quick solution…

I dug out an old Testap charging pad I had in my 2019 Tesla Model 3 and it fits perfectly above the Rivian pad. Took 10s to install, literally. It also connects flawlessly and stays in place. The benefit here is MagSafe cases/iPhones and non MagSafe phones can charge using this pad. Woo-hoo!

 

[momo3605]

So, I found a quick solution…

I Dig out an old Testap charging pad I had in my 2019 Tesla Model 3 and it fits perfectly above the Rivian pad. Took 10s to install, literally. It also connects flawlessly and stays in place. The benefit here is MagSafe cases/iPhones and non MagSafe phones can charge using this pad. Woo-hoo!

That's hilarious. I have a couple of these lying around the house too from my model 3, i'll give it a try too hahaha

 

[jebinc]

That's hilarious. I have a couple of these lying around the house too from my model 3, i'll give it a try too hahaha

Quick, easy, looks and works great, and best of all, FREE! ?

 

[connoisseurr]

I do IT work and even worked on telecom stuff back in the day. I generally think that wireless is convenient and wired is reliable. I love my bedside wireless charger for charging my phone overnight but wireless charging in a moving vehicle isn’t worth it to me. That doesn’t excuse Rivian’s poor implementation which is annoying to seemingly every single person who uses it.

Agree and disagree with a few statements.

We both have the Belkin BOOST+CHARGE Pro Wireless for bedside and it's a convenient setup. Since having the Mach-E, I setup a custom wireless charging mount that is between the driver and center screens. The wireless function is great, especially if you need quick access to information, payment for drive-thru, and also if you need secondary mapping data, to name a few.

The center armrest area on the Rivian is a great spot for wireless charging to be implemented, but it was just done so poorly. I'm also considering the idea of using a Lightning magnetic adapter for charging, but then I'm stuck dealing with a magnetic adapter in my phone all the time, which isn't the most ideal solution. The moment I need to remove it to directly connect a lightning cable, I'll lose it

 

[RWerksman]

Yep I was looking at an incomplete picture. It also looks like his project has been paused indefinitely, so I may still consider to do another version, or pick-up on where he left off.

No so much paused, but rather sold through. The STL files are on Thingiverse if you want to print them and assemble the solution yourself. (link in my signature)

At the end of the day, it was probably about as good a solution as an amateur on the internet could make. I run one in my R1T to this day and I'm pretty happy with it.

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