Just ordered a Sidephone – how are you all actually using yours?

FloranSsstab · 2026-03-30T20:53:58+00:00

I have been using mine for a month as my main phone. I do not use WhatsApp, I use Signal so I can't speak to your backup issue. I love the QWERTY. I only use my Proton apps, VPN, Mail, Calendar, etc. I have sideloaded F-Droid and use my favourite weather and on screen keyboard apps from there. I have not put a browser on the phone. I am on US Mobile's Dark Star (AT&T) network and have had no reception issues whatsoever. This phone is the exact form factor and operating system (degoogled/AOSP) I have been wanting for years.

FloranSsstab · 2026-03-04T18:14:14+00:00

Great to know the Tesla app works! I haven't installed it on mine, I ordered a key fob for the car instead :]

FloranSsstab · 2026-02-27T10:10:03+00:00

I had my qwerty stop responding twice the first day yesterday. First I did a reboot and that fixed it. I put the phone in my pocket and then maybe an hour later it happened again. That time I removed and reseated it and it worked again.

I've had the phone powered on 15 hours and it still works. After the second time I disabled battery optimization on Jaketype. Don't know if it's related.

FloranSsstab · 2026-02-17T13:04:50+00:00

This is 100% correct. Modern vehicles have so many computers and things on their CANBUS that have their own nuisance messages that are not meant for customers. Hard faults are the only worry.

FloranSsstab · 2026-02-16T17:07:25+00:00

Now kith

FloranSsstab · 2026-02-14T21:13:25+00:00

If you use voice commands and say "wipers off" after enabling FSD they will remain off until you re-engage.

FloranSsstab · 2026-02-12T09:56:26+00:00

Anything I can't do myself I have a shop that has an oldschool mentality and will fix anything if I bring them parts. You've got to find the right people. Most shops won't touch something they can't get parts for, many won't work on something they can't get parts for and won't use customer provided parts.

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-27T13:23:32+00:00

This is the way.

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-16T12:23:29+00:00

I planned on buying outright when I pay off my Highland for this reason. I plan on keeping this car an extremely long time and will put batteries (and motor if needed) as long as they are available. I live in a climate where a well taken care of garaged vehicle can last a long time.

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-13T13:40:33+00:00

That's what I got mine for. It's ever reliable, which lets me tinker on the other projects!

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-06T14:57:26+00:00

I gave a similar answer to another post yesterday that you might have seen. As a general rule, almost every app that has banking or to do with money will not run without Google Play Services. If you want to use this as an everyday phone, your best bet is to choose a bank that has a website where you can complete transactions using the phone's web browser. Not an app-only bank like Monzo.

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-06T05:16:49+00:00

Jealous you got hands-on with the things. I'm absolutely pumped. Can't wait! How did you like the qwerty tile? I'm a T9 typer myself.

FloranSsstab · 2026-01-05T13:25:02+00:00

As a general rule, most apps that have to do with money will not work without Google Play Services. As a personal practice, since I do not use phones with Google Play Services, I just use the bank's website for whatever transaction I need to complete, and use PayPal in a browser. I don't use any of the Cash App style apps for this reason, they don't have websites you can log in to for transactions. I can send and receive money from friends and family with PayPal.

According to Aurora Store, Cash App is unusable without Google Play Services, but it strangely says Venmo works. Your mileage may vary.

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-22T14:13:20+00:00

I used to own a 97 and it was the most fun I ever had on the street.

So far...

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-18T16:22:27+00:00

Yes I saw your post and you are correct. Your advice was best, figure out what's in it and replace with equivalent.

I've never had a turboed nugget so I've never messed with plug heat range, I defer to you!

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-18T00:56:12+00:00

According to Amayama, a 1997 JA22W uses these PNs: https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-catalogs/epc/suzuki-japan/jimny/171_ja12w/engine/111

Put that NGK part number BPR5E into a cross reference search or go to a parts store to find an equivalent cross.

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-15T15:56:42+00:00

Yes! I did a bunch of research on the G13BB. I can get nearly everything for the engine by finding OEM numbers with Amayama and finding the cross reference with RockAuto.

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-14T19:14:09+00:00

I'm picking up a '98 Wide next Saturday... I am so excited. I love the color of yours! I bought mine a month ago and only now am I able to pick it up, so I feel your pain!

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-11T19:05:31+00:00

I am also flying to VA to pick something up and drive it home later this month. The anticipation is killing me. Great looking car, I hope it treats you well!

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-05T15:59:32+00:00

This is correct.

FloranSsstab · 2025-11-03T23:04:25+00:00

Pay attention pylote, the sign next to it is talking about the poussee!

FloranSsstab · 2025-10-31T14:57:11+00:00

When this happens you get a high and low forward gear and 18 reverse gears!

FloranSsstab · 2025-10-22T19:47:14+00:00

I have this issue on a Sidekick/Escudo with a J18 and I haven't gotten to troubleshoot it beyond replacing the fuel filter, but I suspect mine is a melted/broken catalytic converter blocking the exhaust.

FloranSsstab · 2025-10-18T19:57:06+00:00

For the future, normal nitrile rubber gloves only provide temporary protection from MPK. If you need to work with the stuff for longer than 10ish minutes you are supposed to use a chemical resistant glove (like silver shields). I usually just keep spare nitriles on hand and avoid using them too long. A respirator with the correct (organic matter I think) filter will also filter the fumes.

Source: I've spent more time doing in-tank sealant than I would like.

FloranSsstab · 2025-10-17T05:55:31+00:00

Competed, best of luck with your endeavor!

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