Develop Bugs

Attaching Portable harddrive

Hi been following XDA for quite a long time now (great forum)
Just had a thought would it be possible to connect a USB harddrive to your phone and get it to display the files on your phone?
Cheers Jake

AFAIK it's not possible for two reasons:
Main reason is that our phone isn't capable of USB Host which is what it would need to be able to negotiate a connection with the HDD. Both devices are effectively peripherals. I believe some phones are capable but not the Hero.
Secondly you would need to cable to go from your HDD which terminates in a mini usb connector (sure you'd be able to find on though).
Sorry,
Phil
Also, this question belongs in Q&A not Development but I'm sure a mod will be along shortly to sort that out.

http://adq.livejournal.com/95689.html
...but surprisingly nobody needs that.... pity...

Sort of stand corrected then I suppose. The usb chip does support Host but the support isn't in the standard kernel. He has made a go at porting it to the 2.1 kernel and is hoping to have it integrated into a villain rom. From what I read, I don't think he has got the USB port to be powered which severly limits the number of applications for this. Can get round by using a powered usb hub but this is pretty useless for mobile uses.
Is very interesting, still very much a work in progress though.

Thanks for the quick reply just thought could be quick useful.

When you think of it, if your phone battery would have to feed power to spin up a harddisk and keep it spinning, it would get depleted pretty quickly, so this feature would be of limited use anyway.

3.5 externals use their own power supplies

it would be cool, if this would be possible^^
an usb-memory-stick would be enough for beginning

docertabum said:
http://adq.livejournal.com/95689.html
...but surprisingly nobody needs that.... pity...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That guy developed a kernel patch with a driver to support usb host, maybe we could add it into the kernels that are being released, or even make it an optional patch that would be compatible with the kernels in this forum? I think keyboard support would be awesome, especially for those of us who like to flash roms often, it would make typing in all of our different account details in over and over again less of a hassle.

EVO as a USB Host?

Hey guys, i don't know if this has been addressed before or not. Is it possible to use the Evo as a USB Host, that is to say, (in my case) connect my DSLR to my Evo and download pictures so i can upload them to tumblr etc or flash drives to get files etc.
or am i just shooting in the dark here?

Possible (check)
Would help if you were well-versed in the art of Linux and mounting

indeed. but sadly, i am not. but! i am willing to donate to a helpful soul that is!

SilverStone641 said:
indeed. but sadly, i am not. but! i am willing to donate to a helpful soul that is!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres your best bet.
http://sven.killig.de/android/N1/2.2/usb_host/
It's for the nexus on froyo but it could still work
If I had the right cable i'd test it for you.
This oughta work too
http://jkontherun.com/2010/02/17/how-to-add-a-usb-keyboard-to-an-android-phone/

that looks like it'll work for keyboard or other INPUT devices, but would it work with external storage?

SilverStone641 said:
that looks like it'll work for keyboard or other INPUT devices, but would it work with external storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you kidding me? youre a senior member, read a bit, perhaps scroll down the page.
USB storage
insmod drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
# Wait for device enumeration
mount -t vfat /dev/block/sda1 /mnt/sdcard/usb-storage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a cable to even connect the two? micro to mini (if its a canon/nikon, if im not mistaken) micro to micro (pentax), beause else you'll need a powered hub according to the first link posted.

I just thought to start researching the status of otg usb and usb host mode on the evo. And to my surprise this is the only crappy thread I've come across. I cannot find an anwser as to if the evo has the hardware to support it. I know that the n1 droid and maybe the incredible support usb host mode even if u need a single its still something I want to know. I would drool over connecting usb flash drives, keyboards, game controllers etc to my evo. Someone else please show interest in this.

i concur. i'd love to be able to plug my ipod/DSLR/flash drive into my phone to upload/download files. i'd be willing to donate to make this happen

The list is endless... MIDI Controllers, extra screens, ethernet, fingerprint reader, wtvr.
Just got the cable today. Checking out these
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=696446
...links and trying things now...
thanks for the pointers. I'm running cyanogen nightly 8-1... so far, i get:
D/Tethering( 102): interfaceAdded :usb0
from logcat when i plug my hacked (routed dc+ voltage from a nearby
+5v pin to the upstream cable red wire) powered usb hub into this OTG cable.
The EVO charges when i have it all plugged in as well...

Looks like they have this working on the Desire HD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=993152
It's a similar device to the Evo, so maybe there is hope for the Evo to get it?

would like to bring this one back I just got a program called DSL controller it says my phone wont do usb host. Not sure if there is a kernel I need or if there is a ROM I can run etc.

I just ordered the cable I need for my phone and camera. So if anyone knows of a ROM that may do this please advise.

Any one try this yet? Do not want to spend the money till I see some one had it working

I too desperately wanted this to work... After buying the host-mode cable, trying various methods to allow "host-mode" on the evo, and trying a bazillion different combinations of settings - the DSLR controller software *always* gives me a "your device does not support USB host mode" error. I'm afraid this is dead in the water. DSLR Controller does, however, work nicely on my Asus Transformer tablet

Kernel with USB Host functionality

This is a question to the Developers here on XDA, especially the ones that are developing for the Desire HD.
I would like to point this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=694427
Like you readers have already read it's about USB Host functionality on the Nexus One.
On the following link you will find a thread of this being ported to the HTC Desire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=702742
The Question is, if there someone who knows how to get this to work on the HTC Desire HD and is willing to do that? It's not a practical functionality but it's sure is cool to have the possibility to connect your external HD, USB Controller, USB Mouse or whatever USB device on your Desire HD.
From my little knowledge i think that the modules need to be implemented in a Kernel, Maybe it would be a nice project for someone who works on Kernels? I don't know how to support the Desire HD with this feature, I hope someone can.
Kind Regards,
Shar!ngaN

I looked at this last night, but without having an adapter, I cannot test it.
I can however build you a kernel with USB Host compiled in tonight when I get home.
Would be nice to know if it will actually work
Send me a PM if you are interested.
Edit: Thanks for those links Interesting reading and info I need.
Edit 2: Adapter ordered.

leppie said:
I looked at this last night, but without having an adapter, I cannot test it.
I can however build you a kernel with USB Host compiled in tonight when I get home.
Would be nice to know if it will actually work
Send me a PM if you are interested.
Edit: Thanks for those links Interesting reading and info I need.
Edit 2: Adapter ordered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ordered an USB Host adapter around December last year, but it still hasn't arrived. So i actually cannot test it at this stage. However i would like to see that Kernel and would love to test it (As soon as my adapter arrives).
Thanks

Question: Do you only need an adapter to connect normal size USB to mini USB? Will the dhd have enough power/voltage to run a flashstick so you don't need external power?
If i only need an adapter i'm in for testing if it's compatible with CM7
I have an adapter lying around from using it on my N900 that had USB otg/host mode

From the video's i saw of Sven Killig's, that's the man who achieved USB Host functionality on the Nexus One. He powered his USB devices trough a self-powered USB hub.

@Shar!ngaN: As soon as I get my adapter, I will start messing with it.
But as you know with DealExtreme, that can take up to 30 days to arrive.

Yes i'm quite sure you will need an external self-powered hub.
I have already purchased all the equipment i need so i just need to get into the nitty gritty of modifying the phone. I need help on this!!

I have been playing with compiling this functionality into a custom kernel, but I dont know if everything is ok.
Will read up on the other phone's thread to see if I missing something.
@Mr. Blobby: Are you willing to reflash your kernel? This will be a requirement.

Ok that's no problem, and thank you very much,
Yes i am willing to do that, however i have been told it is very risky and you need to know what you are doing when carrying out the process. As a result, i am waiting to find out if someone can help me with it as i know nothing about smartphones and i don't want to end up breaking the phone.
Thanks alot.

I have the adapter and im awaiting the kernel (hope it works with the Telus version)

Flashing the kernel is not risky as long as you backup first. Use Rom manager.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

ooo ok thats a relief thanks!!
can someone please tell me what i first need to do? do i first need to root the phone as it is not yet rooted. If so, how do i go about doing it without 'bricking' the phone?
Thanks!!

Bump, any news on this

Dousan said:
Bump, any news on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still waiting too
i've got all the cables and stuff i just need to know how to re-flash kernel and root the phone etc

Anybody got it working allready?
I've gut the stuff to do it but i have no idea how to build the kernels and stuff

will be great to see it on an cm7 kernel

Too bad, still nothing

From the https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_vendor_cyanogen/blob/gingerbread/CHANGELOG.mkdn, it seems that CyanogenMod has got USB Host included from version 7.1.0.
I am using the JellyBean - Jelly Time ROM and wish to use my DSLR via the USB host feature, but not sure how to do it yet I have the OTG cable(http://cgi.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170844328875).
Any pointers anyone?

CM doesn't have USB host for all devices. In the change log - "Encore: USB host support - Verygreen". That's only for s specific device. If it was listed as 'Common' then it would be for all devices.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

[Q] A100 w/3.2 does not work in USB Accessory Mode

I have an Acer Iconia A100 Tablet with Adroid Honeycomb 3.2. I also have an Arduino-compatible board with USB Shield. (Arduino is an open source hardware platform that enables Android tablets/phones to do things like machine control over the Universal Serial Bus.)
My A100 won't communicate through the USB port to the board. I know it's not designed to work in USB Host mode, but this setup is designed for tablets with USB Accessory mode. Other posts say that Android 3.2 devices are supposed to work in USB Accessory Mode and with the Android ADK. (Note that I did enable "USB Debugging" in Settings - Applications - Development.)
Here is a picture of what I am trying to do:
www(Dot)seeedstudio(Dot)com/wiki/File:SeeeduinoADK_Setup.jpg
The Android phone can toggle an LED and receive input from a variable resistor. USB Power is provided by the board, not the phone.
I'm trying to troubleshoot why the A100 does not recognize anything connected to its USB port. Yes, I can transfer files to a PC over the USB, but that's about it.
I downloaded a terminal emulator app to my A100. When I put "USB devices" into the terminal emualtor, it never sees any devices connected -- not even my PC when I transfer files.
Another post talks about installing "Taboonay" on an Acer A500 unit to allow it to work in USB Accessory mode, but I could find nothing equivalent for the A100.
Can something be done to get the Acer A100/3.2 to work in USB Accessory mode?

This is a very interesting post.
First let me say I'm a noob but I will do the best I can with what I know.
I'm not sure if we will get full USB host or at least accessory mode. I think it will always be a multi-part issue. I think the micro USB port the A100 comes with doesn't the correct pins to provide power to ANY USB device. So what ever device is connected has to supply its own power. If this is correct I don't a way around having to supply any USB device external power(this doesn't seem like a major issue just a limitation).
At first I figured we could just use a powered USB hub and we would be good to go I guess not... at least not yet.
However on other devices developers here have been able to rewrite a USB driver to enable other modes and features. Right now the hope is that this can eventually be done. I don't think a solution is currently available. It does sound like you might of assistance in furthering that cause however and would encourage you join us all in seeing what we can get our A100s to do.
I hope this information was helpful for you.

NoSudo said:
the micro USB port the A100 comes with doesn't the correct pins to provide power to ANY USB device. So what ever device is connected has to supply its own power. If this is correct I don't a way around having to supply any USB device external power(this doesn't seem like a major issue just a limitation).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, the micro USB port will not supply power to devices connected to it, even if it did it would drain the battery even quicker than what it does.
In order to get USB host / accessory mode to work the most we can do at the moment is compile a kernel module for it and try to load it in the current running kernel via insmod. Right now such a thing does not exist, but hopefully if I ever get some free time and if no one else has done it I'll be able to do it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Thanks to crossix and NoSudo for the replies. I have been beating my head against the wall for weeks trying to understand my problem. Apparently, some Honeycomb 3.2 devices can operate in USB Accessory Mode and some cannot. I could not find anything in the Acer A100 specs that addressed this, and Acer Tech Support has not been helpful.
One question: If the unit can somehow get upgraded to "Ice Cream Sandwich," would that solve the USB Accessory Mode problem?

roc524 said:
Thanks to crossix and NoSudo for the replies. I have been beating my head against the wall for weeks trying to understand my problem. Apparently, some Honeycomb 3.2 devices can operate in USB Accessory Mode and some cannot. I could not find anything in the Acer A100 specs that addressed this, and Acer Tech Support has not been helpful.
One question: If the unit can somehow get upgraded to "Ice Cream Sandwich," would that solve the USB Accessory Mode problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, ICS will not.. but if they enable the functions at the time they build the kernel that might do it.
Sent from my moto atrix running jokersax CM9 (ICS)!

crossix said:
No, ICS will not.. but if they enable the functions at the time they build the kernel that might do it.
Sent from my moto atrix running jokersax CM9 (ICS)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is right... assuming they have a driver for such a thing. Since it seems they are basing their kernel on the Ventana board, I don't see why not.

crossix said:
No, ICS will not.. but if they enable the functions at the time they build the kernel that might do it.
Sent from my moto atrix running jokersax CM9 (ICS)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off subject, but geez dude, how many devices do you have? I find your posts all over xda with a different "sent from my ________" all the time! Lol
ummmmm............ could you repeat that?

6stringandy said:
Off subject, but geez dude, how many devices do you have? I find your posts all over xda with a different "sent from my ________" all the time! Lol
ummmmm............ could you repeat that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The MB860 is the Atrix. I should know, I'm running Joker's CM9 on it too

lol, I've been on these forums for a few years, so I've got a few different phones I've gone through including a palm treo 750, htc kaiser, the g1, nokia e75, htc aria, iphone 3gs, lg quantium and now the atrix.. I think my next phone is gonna be a tegra3
Sent from my moto atrix running jokersax CM9 (ICS)!

Ripped off by USB Capabilities
Recall that I have an Acer A100 with Android 3.2 and micro USB port that will not work in "USB Accessory" mode as the operating system would have me believe. How can I avoid a similar problem with my next tablet purchase? Could I have checked the tablet's specs more thoroughly? I feel ripped off and would like to know how to buy more intelligently in the future. Acer tech support does not have a clue about this and does not care.
Thanks to the respondents of this post.

yeah, as they said, the micro-usb port on board won't supply power to devices connected through it.
I tried THIS but didn't work, so, maybe if we could make an usb to micro-usb cable with its own power supply it could work (not sure at all)

USB Accessory Mode not Host Mode
Thanks, but the USB power is not an issue here. The board I am using (www(dot)seeedstudio(dot)com/depot/seeeduino-adk-main-board-p-846.html) receives external power. My tablet is supposed to operate in USB accessory mode in which it can send out USB information to this board which provides power.
I am trying to find out, before I buy my next one, whether the phone/tablet can handle this "USB Accessory mode." Some devices can handle it as per this picture: www(dot)seeedstudio(dot)com/wiki/File:SeeeduinoADK_Setup.jpg. The Acer A100 cannot. How could I have determined this before I bought it??

roc524 said:
Thanks, but the USB power is not an issue here. The board I am using (www(dot)seeedstudio(dot)com/depot/seeeduino-adk-main-board-p-846.html) receives external power. My tablet is supposed to operate in USB accessory mode in which it can send out USB information to this board which provides power.
I am trying to find out, before I buy my next one, whether the phone/tablet can handle this "USB Accessory mode." Some devices can handle it as per this picture: www(dot)seeedstudio(dot)com/wiki/File:SeeeduinoADK_Setup.jpg. The Acer A100 cannot. How could I have determined this before I bought it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to test something like that out is to bring something that requires being plugged into a usb to operate (like your keyboard) or you could Google "<device name> tech specs".
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium

Any news on this ...?
Has a usb driver been developed or something (will it be on ics )?
crossix said:
You are correct, the micro USB port will not supply power to devices connected to it, even if it did it would drain the battery even quicker than what it does.
In order to get USB host / accessory mode to work the most we can do at the moment is compile a kernel module for it and try to load it in the current running kernel via insmod. Right now such a thing does not exist, but hopefully if I ever get some free time and if no one else has done it I'll be able to do it.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crossix did you have time to check this...?
Thanx...
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk

Thanks for all the work, would love this on my tablet as well.

In the service manual I have found the scheme of our motherboard. Our device's HARDWARE doesn't support USB host at all.

New here, I just bought an Acer A100 specifically for using it with the android ADK based off this (apparently I can't post links? ok just google "Tablets and the Android Open Accessory Development Kit (ADK)" and click on the first result) website's recommendation. And now I find that it doesn't work at all? Nothing I can do about this?

[Q] OTG Cable for Sprint LG Optimus G LS970

Hi I am new to this forum and i just purchased and unlocked my Optimus G. Now I'm looking into a OTG cable that may work on this phone as the sprint version, as you all know, does not support Micro SD cards for extra data storage. Now i know they have wireless HDD's that you can carry to store information and Bluetooth keyboards and mice that you can connect to the phone out of the box. But i had External HDD drives that are not wireless and a Wireless keyboard/mouse USB combo all that i would like to run on the phone at a cheap rate. I have read some places that OTG is possibly not capable on this phone. Can anyone verify that this is not possible. Again i am very tech savy and my phone is rooted and unlocked, so if all i need to do is change a kernel or install some files i can definately figure out how to do that. Can anyone clarify this for me and if it is possible put links to cables and tuts on how to do this? i couldn't necessarily find it when i was looking on XDA earlier, and its the only site i really trust for information about my phone.

"USB host", or what is commonly referred to as OTG, is not supported on this device. I'm not sure of the usb controller so I cannot say as to whether or not this is a hardware or software limitation. Either way, I consider this a serious shortcoming, especially on a flagship device.

I was hoping you wouldn't say that. Well if that is the case, can anyone verify if this is not possible because of the software or hardware. If it is because of the software is anyone trying to develop anything for this right now? Thanks again for the verification^
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app

the nexus 4 "doesnt support otg" yet people have modified a kernel to add the feature in. the device does NOT support 5v so you will need to power the hard drive or w/e with external power using a y-cable.
if we have the same usb controller as the nexus 4 then i would assume we'd have to do the exact same thing... custom kernel + y cable for external power. so try and get some kernel devs together and work on on getting that project started for the LS970 device if you really wanna see it happen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2151159

autoprime said:
the nexus 4 "doesnt support otg" yet people have modified a kernel to add the feature in. the device does NOT support 5v so you will need to power the hard drive or w/e with external power using a y-cable.
if we have the same usb controller as the nexus 4 then i would assume we'd have to do the exact same thing... custom kernel + y cable for external power. so try and get some kernel devs together and work on on getting that project started for the LS970 device if you really wanna see it happen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2151159
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I built in USB host and USB otg support and a art user reported it wasn't working. However I can through up a 3.4 kernel if someone has the cable and power to test it.
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using xda app-developers app

If u send me a link to a y cable i will purchase one if that's what's needed. What are the risks to updating to this kernel you mention?....^ somebody on the other thread that was posted here said we have a more complete usb host package than nexus 4. I think he was the thread creator. When i get home ill qoute his post.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app

ziddey said:
That's up to your kernel devs. I outlined everything required for the N4 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38906771&postcount=2
That said, I once took a look at the kernel files for the Optimus G and it looks like the code for otg/host mode is far more complete than that of the N4. I'm curious if it's able to read the ID pin in its current state..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[email protected] said:
Is there going to be any chance this will be ported over to the Sprint Optimus g LS970G? Or a more proper place for this question? Thank you.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what they had to say on the other forum so far. I don't know any dev's, but if any of you are reading this it sounds like there is a lot of Source Code developed for this already on the Nexus 4. If anyone reading this knows someone capable of doing this if you could forward it to them, because I'm sure I'm not the only person who would like OTG or "USB Host" be available for this phone.

I guess nobody has tried to work this yet? I still haven't seen any kind of development.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app

Really sad to know that this amazing device does not support that

honest1212 said:
Really sad to know that this amazing device does not support that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surprising, really. I'm a little butthurt about it. But I'm more than happy to hotwire the 5 volt lead on my OTG cable upto an external power supply for testing if anyone has some mad keyboard skillz and wants to use my phone as a guinnea pig.

KD0MND said:
Surprising, really. I'm a little butthurt about it. But I'm more than happy to hotwire the 5 volt lead on my OTG cable upto an external power supply for testing if anyone has some mad keyboard skillz and wants to use my phone as a guinnea pig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news so far? In april, it seemed there wan't any modiefied kerned which allowed, as well as in nexus 4, to get the USB host function through an external powered usb hub, is there any now?

usb otg support on LG optimus g 970
I am running an Optimus G 970 and I was attempting to gain support of an external USB DAC called "HiFimediy Sabre".
My first project is to attempt to gain some usb otg functionality.
I created a cable to test since the native 5vdc power out function is not there.
I used my computer to power the cable with 5vdc which was verified by the phone "slow charging".
I ran the "usb host diagnostics". This is a diagnostic tool and it looks at the functionality of the usb port.
Note the following.
1. Phone is rooted.
2. Phone is running all stock software and firmware.
I was asked to reboot to apply a firmware fix by the app after allowing it rooted access.
The app was run one more time following the instructions on the screen and plugging in my pny 16gb usb drive.
It was not able to connect.
I received the following unique code: 188704.
I will follow up when I know more.
art

aduhaime2003 said:
I am running an Optimus G 970 and I was attempting to gain support of an external USB DAC called "HiFimediy Sabre".
My first project is to attempt to gain some usb otg functionality.
I created a cable to test since the native 5vdc power out function is not there.
I used my computer to power the cable with 5vdc which was verified by the phone "slow charging".
I ran the "usb host diagnostics". This is a diagnostic tool and it looks at the functionality of the usb port.
Note the following.
1. Phone is rooted.
2. Phone is running all stock software and firmware.
I was asked to reboot to apply a firmware fix by the app after allowing it rooted access.
The app was run one more time following the instructions on the screen and plugging in my pny 16gb usb drive.
It was not able to connect.
I received the following unique code: 188704.
I will follow up when I know more.
art
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this ever go anywhere???
Just curious.