How To Properly Use STM

The following guideline will instruct on how to make the most out of your mounting system.

DO NOT EVER LEAVE YOUR TABLET "MOUNTED" ON A WARM OR HOT DAY. IF YOU CANNOT TAKE IT WITH YOU, PLACE IT ON A SEAT AND COVER IT FROM THE SUN, OR SIMPLY PLACE IT IN A SEAT BACK POCKET.

1- The Hinges

Hinges of new and refurbished products are covered by a 3-year limited warranty or up to five hinge replacement pairs, whichever comes first.

The current hinge was thoroughly tested in the summer heat with no issues. If you ever experience a decrease in friction, tighten both hinges very slighly .

Just like anything with moving parts, the hinges will eventually fail depending on the frequency of use; however, their life expectancy can be significantly extended by spraying dry PTFE lube directly onto the hinges when they start making squeaky noises. This will happen with one hinge at a time. Cover your headunit with cloth when spraying the hinge, as dry PTFE lube can be very hard to remove once set. Immediately clean any excess lube from the hinge and other areas of your vehicle.

DO NOT:

• Leave the tablet mounted in a parked/locked car on warm/hot days (the cabin temperature is always higher than the outside temperature).
• Mount more than 5 lbs total weight (tablet and accessories).
• Overtighten the hinges, otherwise, you will strip the screws.
• Move the mount up and down rapidly multiple times in a row; this can overheat the hinges.
• Set the friction of one hinge considerably lower than the other.
• Tighten only one hinge and leave the other completetly loosen (NEVER DO THIS).
• submerge in water.

2 – The Main Board and Stabilizer

Before installing the kit, avoid handling the main board near metal objects with magnetic property (keys, bolts, tools, etc.), and keep it far away from children.

The main board contains neyodinium magnets.Neyodinium magnets are fragile and easy to break when not handled properly. Every kit contains the tool to open the board. However, do NOT open the board unless instructed by customer support.

For V1 Users Only: The pry tool to remove the 2 brackets from the back of the main board when needed (when switching vehicle) is included in the kit; though, using  a kitchen knife is faster. Make sure the main board is always on its horizontal side when removing the 2 brackets. The main board can be cleaned with a towel and water. Our V2 mounts aren’t concerned since it uses screws for the brackets, as opposed to adhesive for V1 models.

The stabilizer’s goal is to prevent your tablet from shaking when driving on rough roads. Most supported vehicles have very little space for the stabilizer. However, the stabilizer will work well on any of the supported vehicles. If you notice that your stabilizer isn’t very stable, simply lift the mount away from the stabilizer when the vehicle is not in motion. This prevents the stabilizer from working too hard when it does not need to. Only put the mount against the stabilizer when driving.

DO NOT:

• Attempt to open the board unless instructed by customer support. This is realistically the only way the magnets can get damaged. Damages to magnets caused by user will NOT be covered under warranty.
• Bend.
• Place on vertical side when removing the 2 brackets on the back. Horizontal always.
• Customize the main board in a way that’ll decrease or increase its thickness (NEVER DO THIS).
• Use any other types of magnet before contacting us, even if the magnets are identical in look.
• Bring metal object with magnetic property close to the board when it’s not holding a tablet
• The main board can be cleaned with a towel and water. DO NOT submerge the board into water.

3 – Double Sided Adhesive

STM uses 2 types of adhesives, 3M 5952 for the main board (3M 5952 is always black and 1.1 mm thick), and 1 mm thick acrylic nano tape (any brand) for all other parts. Alternatively, the stabilizer (SB) can use 0.5 mm thick nano acrylic. In the case of mounts with cutouts (i.e. 2022 Toyota Camry), please use a blade to shape the adhesive for a good fit. It does NOT need to be perfect.

DO NOT:

• Use any other thicknesses (NEVER DO THIS)

4 – Safety

STM exists to make driving experience better and safer. Be mindfull of others on the road, and do not consume visual media while driving. STM is made of aluminium (anodized, and powder coated), stainless steel 304, low carbon steel/mild steel, polymers (ABS. acrylic, PVC leather). It is buyer’s responsability to make sure they are not alergic to these materials.

DO NOT:

• Operate the vehicle with the mount lifted, unless reversing.
• When not installed in a car or other environments, do not leave the mounting system near children

Contact Us
If you have questions, please contact us at: help@spdbygaston.com. Compatibility inquiries about your vehicle MUST include a clear photo of the head unit to receive a response. Please do not send us a photo from Google or elsewhere.

This page and all other pages of spdbygaston.com may be updated from time to time without notice.