Develop Bugs

MHL & USB host

Anyone know if it's possible to use MHL in conjunction with a microUSB to USB host adaptor to output to HDMI and access an external USB drive at the same time? That'd make the SGS2 an amazing portable media unit.

No, it is not posible. Its an either/or connection to the micro USB port.
Shame, because as you say that would really be a great thing. MHL consortium are considering a number of improvements to the 2.0 MHL spec, so in future devices this may be a possibility.

So MHL can't be used when I'll plug a USB-Hub?

No, sadly not.
It's a shame - for now I'd prefer micro USB & separate HDMI port so USB can be utilised as well as an external display.

As would I, and a lot of others I suspect.

But you've got 16 GB memory and can copy your stuff to the memory and watch it later via MHL on your Flat? So this is not a big problem, I think

s60mike said:
But you've got 16 GB memory and can copy your stuff to the memory and watch it later via MHL on your Flat? So this is not a big problem, I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but 16Gb of FAT32 and you can't copy a file > 4Gb

I would use allshare to stream the movie or whatever to your phone from a laptop and connect the phone to TV via the MHL HDMI adapter...that way you have access to ur laptop's data without being hardwired to it

chizzwhizz said:
I would use allshare to stream the movie or whatever to your phone from a laptop and connect the phone to TV via the MHL HDMI adapter...that way you have access to ur laptop's data without being hardwired to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it helps only if your laptop can't play smoothly a HD video

Has anyone got a generic MHL cable to work with the galaxy s 2 yet?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

lufcmattylad said:
Has anyone got a generic MHL cable to work with the galaxy s 2 yet?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of...

I bought one from Ebay and can't really do anything good with it. Display shows briefly for 3-4 seconds on TV then disappears again. Don't know why.....I hope it's not the device itself because I tested 2 phones, they were bought at the same time, but none of them would work correctly....

If by generic you mean a not samsung one or one not dedicated to the SGS2 then i actually use a one, from ebay or someting like that, everything works perfect you just cant forget to plug power to it, and about the not working one, it seems mine gets jammed by gsm signal (i.e. when receiving a call), so from time to time the image disappears in a blink of noise, maybe that is your problem too, try it in airplane mode.

Oh, I think I misread that question - I have actually used a generic one with my SGSII (a prototype from the MHL consortium) and it worked fine!

chizzwhizz said:
I would use allshare to stream the movie or whatever to your phone from a laptop and connect the phone to TV via the MHL HDMI adapter...that way you have access to ur laptop's data without being hardwired to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't, when the MHL is connected, the WiFi stops working, I regret not having bought the Optimus 2x

erebocln said:
No, you can't, when the MHL is connected, the WiFi stops working, I regret not having bought the Optimus 2x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm no. I've been streaming with WIFI through MHL no problem for MONTHS. Using the Original Samsung MHL connector of course.

I have to put mine in offline mode to be able to use the MHL adapter.....
As for USB-OTG no luck yet.....

On Amazon, Ebay, DealExtrem ... you will find adapters that can do 3 things at a time:
- output HDMI
- let phone work as usb host, so that you can plug kbd, mouse, and external HDD (second wifi card, wired ethernet ...); once you have the usb A plug, just pub a hub
- recharge the phone (what is not possible with the legacy short OTG cable).
+ read memory cards
Such devices are sold as MHL devices. Some MHL devices don't to all that.
Take care. MHLv2 is more complex than MHLv1.

doublehp said:
On Amazon, Ebay, DealExtrem ... you will find adapters that can do 3 things at a time:
- output HDMI
- let phone work as usb host, so that you can plug kbd, mouse, and external HDD (second wifi card, wired ethernet ...); once you have the usb A plug, just pub a hub
- recharge the phone (what is not possible with the legacy short OTG cable).
+ read memory cards
Such devices are sold as MHL devices. Some MHL devices don't to all that.
Take care. MHLv2 is more complex than MHLv1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link as an example for such a device, that works properly (if you've tested, or you know it works) ?
Thank you

I can post links, but ... I have not tested any of those. And don't know any one personally who tested it.
Cable:
http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-Systems-MHL-Adapter-MicroSDHC/dp/B008CQKM2U
http://www.dx.com/p/5-in-1-micro-us...n-micro-usb-adapter-black-257780#.U8HYDNePul0
Monobloc:
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Micro-USB-Ho..._MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item258600844e
I don't like the monobloc version; I fear it's too heavy, and may help breaking the phone plug.
There are all sorts of OTG and MHL cables. I have seen OTG dongles as short as 4cm (monobloc), with small cable (8cm: 4-8€), with long cable (1.5m .... should be 7 feet), pure HDMI (passive cable, no card reader, 8-12€), VGA (including very cheap HDMI to VGA converter, 20-30€ ... including sound output). In some case, you need to buy accessories (extra power supply, extra uUSB cable, extra HDMI cable). Also seen a very cute hybrid card reader: http://dx.com/p/285865 (I love this product design, and I love this URL syntax )
Don't forget that there can be mistakes in item description.
Here I have described how to build an external battery:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54036759&postcount=17
On previous phone, I just soldered additional battery to internal one; on my new phone, I will do something more complex, and more flexible.
Loosing power via OTG/MHL is not a fatality. Most phone have an other hidden power input:
généric, that uses the USB plug:
http://www.dx.com/p/reverse-qi-wire...arger-receiver-for-micro-usb-cellphone-312805
TRIPLE CHECK POLARITY; I took the wrong one; have to fold the cable.
So ... even if your OTG/MHL module takes power from your USB, and can not recharge your phone, the specific shell can charge your phone the other way So, you need to build an internal specific module:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK7PRJ4SiK0
S2 specific back shell, so called receiver:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2013-newest-wireless-charger-for-samsung-galaxy-s2/1266101036.html
http://www.exportprive.com/en/batte...reless-charger-set-for-samsung-galaxy-s2.html
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/QI-Wireless-Charger-for-Samsung-Galaxy_821969998.html?s=p
The SGS2 is not designed to accept wireless chargers, so, you have two options:
- solder and take the pins out (cf youtube) (do not solder coild to battery, or you could overcharge the batt, and burn your phone ... I mean, physically set fire)
- find an item that includes back shell + specific battery (exportprive)
Many recent phones have the internal connectors, so you just need to change the back-cover. In this case, the software will be able to know the charger is wireless (as opposed to AC, and USB; advanced battery tools will show those 3 possibilities). I believe the motherboard for my HTC One M8 is designed to have those pins, but I can't find the specific cover yet (maybe in a few months); only found it for M7.

[Q] USB host? Is it possible with the a100?

Hello friends, I am new to this forum, but certainly not new to the tablet world. I purchased the iconia a100 a few weeks ago and I must say it is a superb tablet in almost everyway. That being said, I am trying to come up with a solution for the lacking usb host on this tablet. I am certainly not a dev, but I am wondering if there is anything in the works for a working usb host? Does anyone know if acer has any plans to offer an adapter or even a different docking station with the usb host working from the 40 pin? If anyone has any ideas or would like to start a project i will be glad to help in anyway I can. While i was researching this usb host problem i see that there was a very sinilar situation with the galaxy which has since been resolved. Any suggestions? Thanks

Not yet possible, but you can pretty much count on it to be baked into a custom ROM when we get the ability to fully unlock and root this device. Root is already possible, and done. Unfortunately, we cant really do much development on it right now due to the encrypted bootloader. Most devs are waiting for the ics update in January to get the ball rolling on tweaks and hacks to the a100.
Sit tight, they'll have you up and running in no time
ummmmm............ could you repeat that?

This is also #1 on my wishlist. However, I don't know if that is even possible with a custom ROM; it requires the hardware to support it and I don't recall seeing any teardown that states that it would be possible.

I've seen it done in various phones, but don't know if its been posted on any here, but I'm sure a search on the forum would help find them. Its a matter of reconfiguring the port in the programming and getting an adapter from micro USB to standard USB.
But don't quote me on any of this, I could be mistaken with other devices. There has been talk about USB hosting on the a100 before.
ummmmm............ could you repeat that?

Yes, you would need something called an OTG (on the go) adapter. The hardware in the device has to support host, so it is not JUST software.

I can confirm that i have tried the otg adapter as well as other adapters...and it only works as slave. I would just like someone to confirm that usb host is possible [that the harware supports host capabilities]. I am just glad to see there are more people interested in fixing this problem as this tablet is superfast and top quality in every other way in my opinion. Thanks again

Maybe something comes out of
http://www.circuitsathome.com/mcu/programming/android_adk_compatible_usb_host_library_release

I ordered an OTG cable and once it comes I will take a look at enabling USB host mode.
I am guessing that the hardware supports USB host, but will need a kernel module and some scripts to enable it.
I also suspect that the USB port will not supply power to an attached device. If this is the case, the workaround is to attach a powered USB hub to the OTG cable.
Crossing my fingers, and waiting for that OTG cable to come in the mail...

flar2 said:
I ordered an OTG cable and once it comes I will take a look at enabling USB host mode.
I am guessing that the hardware supports USB host, but will need a kernel module and some scripts to enable it.
I also suspect that the USB port will not supply power to an attached device. If this is the case, the workaround is to attach a powered USB hub to the OTG cable.
Crossing my fingers, and waiting for that OTG cable to come in the mail...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB host is enabled in the kernel. Hardware does support USB host.
Acer left it off the board entirely, so I doubt much can be done without hardware modding, which I'm all for lol.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.

Sounds grim if the hardware connection is not there, are we sure that the port is just not supplying power?
do the kernel modules load? (e.g. usb-hid, usb-storage)
Has anyone actually tried to:
a) insmod the correct modules
b) force change to host mode (the device probably has to be either slave or host, not both at once)
c) connect something (e.g. a mouse or a thumbdrive) through the otg cable and a powered usb hub?
At least I won't have to build a kernel to test this out.

flar2 said:
Sounds grim if the hardware connection is not there, are we sure that the port is just not supplying power?
do the kernel modules load? (e.g. usb-hid, usb-storage)
Has anyone actually tried to:
a) insmod the correct modules
b) force change to host mode (the device probably has to be either slave or host, not both at once)
c) connect something (e.g. a mouse or a thumbdrive) through the otg cable and a powered usb hub?
At least I won't have to build a kernel to test this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this comes up every now and then, I really dont know how far anyone gets before giving up. Feel free to try out whatever you want, while I don't care about USB host I know a lot of people do and would love an update on any progress anyone can make. Even if its just things that don't work.
Acer is generally lazy and cheap, we use the same kernel source as the a500 which has host, which is why we also have it. It could be modules, though I doubt its so simple. Also a powered hub would be needed, there is no power supplied to the port that anyone has found. This could be remedied with some hardware work I'm sure. The hub would also need to be one way, meaning not dumping power to host as I doubt the a100 will take it and without protection would likely suffer damage if the power pins are even hooked up.
The system itself runs at 12v though I'm sure there's a 5v rail someplace but if it can support powering anything past maybe a flash drive is unknown.
Take a visit to iconia-dev on free node, they'll know more of this then probably anyone here does lol
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.

The A500 does not implement USB otg, but rather a standard USB port. In other words, USB otg is not necessary for the A500 since it has a standard port. The USB otg standard allows a the port to act as both master and slave depending on the connection. In the A100 service manual, the schematic shows only one connection to the chipset (client), host is unconnected, which could be a problem. However, it is known that the Tegra 2 can support otg connections. I'm not certain, but it may be possible that by shorting pins 4 and 5 in the micro usb connector (ie, using an otg cable) and with the proper kernel level support, the A100 could still act as a USB host, albeit with no power supply to the micro USB port.
I'll continue to investigate this once I have a chance to build otg support into the kernel and recieve the otg cable.

flar2 said:
The A500 does not implement USB otg, but rather a standard USB port. In other words, USB otg is not necessary for the A500 since it has a standard port. The USB otg standard allows a the port to act as both master and slave depending on the connection. In the A100 service manual, the schematic shows only one connection to the chipset (client), host is unconnected, which could be a problem. However, it is known that the Tegra 2 can support otg connections. I'm not certain, but it may be possible that by shorting pins 4 and 5 in the micro usb connector (ie, using an otg cable) and with the proper kernel level support, the A100 could still act as a USB host, albeit with no power supply to the micro USB port.
I'll continue to investigate this once I have a chance to build otg support into the kernel and recieve the otg cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, but one thing, its already in the kernel. However Linux society and/or waydownsouth would know more about what's in there, I just know it isn't blocked there. Modules etc I don't know. I look forward to seeing some progress on this topic.
Tapatalked from my Galaxy S II.

Pulled the kernel config from my tablet, you are correct, otg support is built into the kernel.
I'm using ezterry's kernel, almost everything is built in, there are only a few modules that have nothing to do with this.

I tested with an OTG cable, which shorts pins 4 and 5 in the micro usb connector. As expected, this did not enable USB host mode.
I tested wtih 5V going into the micro usb connection, as some of the non-powered devices need that voltage applied to activate the port, still nothing. (and no damage!)
I added a few other things to the kernel, the dmesg output changed slightly compared ezterry kernel
When connecting otg cable with 5V, dmesg shows:
tegra-otg tegra-otg: SUSPEND --> PERHIPHERAL
vbus connected, lock wakelock
tegra-otg tegra-otg: PERHIPHERAL --> SUSPEND
tegra_usb_phy_power_off(inst:0), phy->regulator_on: 1, line : 2754
tegra_usb_phy_power_off(inst:0), tegra_get_revision(): 0
vbus disconnected, unlock wakelock
android_work: did not send uevent (0 0 (null))

In the possibility that USB host is not possible on the micro usb port, a hardware mod could be done. There are points for a mini PCI-E connector on the motherboard (this is where the 3G module would be for A101). Solder wires to pins 36 and 38 for USB data, 4 for ground and connect them to a usb port. The PCI-E only gives 3.3V, but power could be supplied by a powered hub instead. There is even space inside the unit to mount a micro usb connector on the end with the power button.
The main roadblock is that the solder points are on the back side of the pcboard so you have to fully disassemble the unit to remove the motherboard. It would actually be fairly easy to do if the points were showing when you remove the back cover.
I don't think I have the nerve to actually try this.

flar2 said:
In the possibility that USB host is not possible on the micro usb port, a hardware mod could be done. There are points for a mini PCI-E connector on the motherboard (this is where the 3G module would be for A101). Solder wires to pins 36 and 38 for USB data, 4 for ground and connect them to a usb port. The PCI-E only gives 3.3V, but power could be supplied by a powered hub instead. There is even space inside the unit to mount a micro usb connector on the end with the power button.
The main roadblock is that the solder points are on the back side of the pcboard so you have to fully disassemble the unit to remove the motherboard. It would actually be fairly easy to do if the points were showing when you remove the back cover.
I don't think I have the nerve to actually try this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you want to play it like that, you can use a mini pci-e > usb adapter, which is also available with and without sata too lol. It would, maybe, depending on the board used, even line up with the sim slot, so minimal case cutting would be needed to make it accessible for usb. Straight drop in for an A101, though we lack the actual slot for it. Might be something I'll try later on.
Edit: I forget, does the sim slot line up with the pci-e slot? Been awhile since I saw the inside of one, so I may be wrong on that point.

There isn't an actual mini pci-e connector in my tab, it's just the solder points, so you would have to solder on a connector to use the adapter. The sim slot doesn't line up. But it looks like the empty sim slot is not high enough for a micro usb port to fit anyway.

I tried the hardware mod. Unfortunately the mini pci-e is not hooked up to the system. In other news, the motherboard is very easy to remove and reinstall.

there is a ROM in which they have implemented the usb otg?
Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus con Tapatalk 2

Charging and using usb hdd - possible?

Hi everybody
I'm just about to mount my carholder, and was wondering if it's possible somehow to charge my tab, and use an usb hdd at the same time?
I'll be using the tab for the children to watch movies, at it could be great to do it that way?
Thanks

bloody2k said:
Hi everybody
I'm just about to mount my carholder, and was wondering if it's possible somehow to charge my tab, and use an usb hdd at the same time?
I'll be using the tab for the children to watch movies, at it could be great to do it that way?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know there's no way to do it, but there's always a modder who can prove me wrong... Stupid single proprietary connection.

slack04 said:
As far as I know there's no way to do it, but there's always a modder who can prove me wrong... Stupid single proprietary connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blame apple for the stupid single proprietary connection ... because that's who Samsung copied it from
---------- Post added at 09:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:15 AM ----------
bloody2k said:
Hi everybody
I'm just about to mount my carholder, and was wondering if it's possible somehow to charge my tab, and use an usb hdd at the same time?
I'll be using the tab for the children to watch movies, at it could be great to do it that way?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The trick would be to find/DIY a powered USB hub that sends power upstream to the host device as well. You'll need a powered USB hub anyways for the HDD, power would come from the cigarette lighter.
It's risky, but maybe someone could take a non-powered USB hub and just inject more power into it. I've got an old USB hub that has two connectors on the host side. One for power+data and another one for just extra power ... what would happen if I hooked up the second power-only connector to something like the Samsung charger. Probably just fry the USB hub with too much current.
Oh, and if you want the Tab to charge with data you'll need a Pershoot Kernel ROM with Any USB Charge enabled on it ...

You cannot fry anything as long as the voltage remains around 5V. The current drain (Amps) ist always limited by the device itself. You could hook up a power supply that is capable of 5V at 100A without danger to the devices.
However I doubt that any USB hub would send power upstream as this could indeed fry a device that is not made to accept current upstream like a normal PC for example. Also I think that the tab would not accept upstream current while in USB host mode since this mode normaly requires downstream current from the tab to the devices. So I don't think pershoots kernel would help.
Regards
Achim
Edit:
I just found the thread about building your own cables. Click
"USB Host with power" is what you are looking for. Although I doubt that there is an aftermarket solution for this. You will have to solder the required cable yourself most probably.

can be done if you mod the dock...
Look at my post on the make your own cables thread...
Usb host and charge at same time...yeah baby!

USB OTG + Charge?

I just recently got a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and so far I'm quite happy with it --- except one thing, I cant find a cable that lets me charge the tablet *and* use the USB Host (OTG) port... (i.e. read files off a USB drive or play a game with a USB game pad while keeping the tablet plugged in)
Is there a way to do this? it would seem to me that all it needs is a splice to give power to the Power +/- pins on the connector while keeping the OTG Data +/- pins active...? (I know nothing about the pinout so I could be wrong on this)
Just to be clear I want to use the OTG adapter WHILE CHARGING (I've found one device that gives both these options but says "only one function may be used at a time")
Ideas?

Discussed dozen times in 10.1 forum. Actually it is not possible. Build an otg + power cable myself but it only works with timing and with a specific procedure... quite annoying. Wait for a custom rom somewhere in the future as I do.

You may have issues trying this, OTG cables are iffy under Jelly Bean. Some may work, some may not. In fact, Google removed references to OTG support for Nexus devices last November since OTG is so spotty. Splicing a cable that might work may kill it. Decent battery-powered USB and SD hubs are available and bypass the OTG problems. I have the RavPower RP WD01 and love it. The USB port will support drives upto 3T. It also has an SD card slot.

mke1973 said:
You may have issues trying this, OTG cables are iffy under Jelly Bean. Some may work, some may not. In fact, Google removed references to OTG support for Nexus devices last November since OTG is so spotty. Splicing a cable that might work may kill it. Decent battery-powered USB and SD hubs are available and bypass the OTG problems. I have the RavPower RP WD01 and love it. The USB port will support drives upto 3T. It also has an SD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Powering the USB devices isn't a problem, I have a nice hub that powers them without issue, even extremely power-hungry devices. I was wanting to charge the tablet's battery while using the OTG adapter (original thought was for USB-gamepad-ing since high-requirement games drain battery, but I've since started using a PS3 controller over bluetooth so I can use the OEM charge cable and wireless for gaming --- but USB drives I'd have to copy the files over to internal flash or a MicroSD card to view while charging and i've found that the cards dont like files that are 8gb in size... (FAT-32 restriction iirc))
47kt said:
Discussed dozen times in 10.1 forum. Actually it is not possible. Build an otg + power cable myself but it only works with timing and with a specific procedure... quite annoying. Wait for a custom rom somewhere in the future as I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw that when I google'd but thought maybe there had been some new developments (especially with how this site's members love to tinker with electronics and write custom firmware). It's not a huge issue, since the Note 10.1 has amazing battery life (it's actually matching or doing BETTER than my iPad in most circumstances) I just like to never run the battery down low.. (why cant tablets have user-replaceable/swapable batters like most phones?!)
Thanks for the info!

Need OTG Advice/Information

Hello,
Long time lurker. First time poster.
I have a 10.1 Note Model # SM-P600 that I have set up in my car. Currently, the charging works fine via micro USB to engine/ignition accessory. Now that I have the initial steps completed, I am looking to add more stuff to the setup. I purchased a USB hub in order to connect a few different devices (USB DAC, External HDD, Camera, etc) along with a few different OTG cables. So far, I have not had any luck charging the device (although, I am able to access devices connected to the hub via the OTG cable). I understand that this is a common problem, and it seems that it has been solved on some devices (Nexus 7) by installing different kernel's and USB ROMs (not sure what this is?). However, I have only seen one bit of information in regards to the SM-P600, and that is the BinDroid kernel that I have found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2615959&highlight=otg
I flashed the kernel correctly (I believe, I see the kernel information showing up in my device information), but I am still not having any luck getting the device to charge while having the other pieces of equipment attached. Can anyone give me some good solid info on this problem? I thought I'd be able to install the kernel and that would fix my issue, but maybe I'm missing a few steps? Do I need to install something else? I am currently on the stock ROM, version 4.3. I was thinking about putting CM10.x on the tablet, but I don't think that it's supported...? I need a bit of clarity on that as well.
Please help if you can. Thanks!

P600 needs 2A current. I think when you attach other equipment to the USB hub, it may not be able to provide enough current to note so it will not charge. I am not an electrical engineer so someone with more knowledge can of course prove me wrong :laugh:

Generally when your device is connected with an OTG cable, your device is working in as a USB host supplying power to the devices. In your case, your Note will try to supply power to the USB hub. Even if your USB hub is powered by a separate adapter, your Note will not attempt to charge as it is in USB host mode.
You might wanna take a look at this mod.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/hw-mod-usb-otg-charging-galaxy-s3-t1953061