Develop Bugs

[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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

USB OTG cable with charging - is that possible?

While researching ability to use USB DAC while charging the phone in the car I found this video. The guy clearly says that tablet is charging while accessing all those accessories via USB OTG. Similar cables are found on ebay, called "USB OTG with power".
The big question is: would the Galaxy S3 actually charge while using USB DAC at the same time? It should be possible, but I don't have the phone yet (still considering it), nor do I have the cable, nor a USB DAC In theory it should be the same with any accessory - can someone actually confirm either way, whether phone can or can't charge in USB OTG mode with similar cable? This video shows similar setup on Galaxy S (only it's normal OTG cable, USB hub, usb Y-cable and card reader) and it's definitely charging while mounting USB devices! Will S3 do the same?
I fear that upgrading from Galaxy S with voodoo control of Wolfson chip to north-American S3 with worse audio path might not suit me if there's no way to power the phone and use external DAC at the same time in the car... I hope there is a way... I appreciate any advice and opinions.

It's a first time I see such cable...All I read was people saying it's impossible in the first place. Well, hopefully in 2 weeks I'll be able answer your question

midirt said:
While researching ability to use USB DAC while charging the phone in the car I found this video. The guy clearly says that tablet is charging while accessing all those accessories via USB OTG. Similar cables are found on ebay, called "USB OTG with power".
The big question is: would the Galaxy S3 actually charge while using USB DAC at the same time? It should be possible, but I don't have the phone yet (still considering it), nor do I have the cable, nor a USB DAC In theory it should be the same with any accessory - can someone actually confirm either way, whether phone can or can't charge in USB OTG mode with similar cable? This video shows similar setup on Galaxy S (only it's normal OTG cable, USB hub, usb Y-cable and card reader) and it's definitely charging while mounting USB devices! Will S3 do the same?
I fear that upgrading from Galaxy S with voodoo control of Wolfson chip to north-American S3 with worse audio path might not suit me if there's no way to power the phone and use external DAC at the same time in the car... I hope there is a way... I appreciate any advice and opinions.
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Click to collapse
HI. I Got it working on SONY XPERIA S now i will play with GALAXY SII AND SIII , check my siganture and website --> follow me i hope i can help

sonic_boom said:
HI. I Got it working on SONY XPERIA S now i will play with GALAXY SII AND SIII , check my siganture and website --> follow me i hope i can help
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Looks like it's possible on some devices, but not with Galaxy and Nexus family... But it would be great if you can confirm that, so let me know if you can try it. Thanks.

Finally got the cable.
The result - nope, doesn't charge

Maybe the "Allshare hub" could do what your asking for?

sonic_boom said:
HI. I Got it working on SONY XPERIA S now i will play with GALAXY SII AND SIII , check my siganture and website --> follow me i hope i can help
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Click to collapse
Sonic, any luck with your friends phone? Really looking foward to your results :fingers-crossed:
Do you have part #s for the variable resistors in your samsung post or at least where you got them from? I would be willing to try some things out if I could find the right pieces. What I really want to get my hands on is the MHL adapter that was shown off with that spider laptop at IFA a couple weeks ago..

SUCCESS!!! I can confirm that this USB OTG cable (http://ebayitem.com/190710044655) DOES CHARGE MY GALAXY S3! I plugged in USB cardreader with SD card into the phone through this cable (it lit up and card is fully readable), then plugged USB cable end into PC and phone showed a charging icon! Moreover, after waiting for 5 min. with screen off (cardreader still glowing blue and working) battery has gone up from %72 to %75 (and while I was writing this, to 78%), so it is indeed charging! Yay! It probably won't get up in the car, where just phone alone is "not discharging" at best from the car adapter, but at least it should allow me to listen to music with quality DAC and use navigation without (or with minimal) discharging.
I have not tested it with USB DAC that I intend to use for my car (Behringer UCA222), because I have to go out and buy it. Hopefully it works. Anyway, this cable definitely works with simultaneously charging my north-american Samsung Galaxy S3 (from Bell Canada) while powering USB cardreader!
Somebody else has mentioned that another cable (http://ebayitem.com/120980364117) also worked in his Galaxy S2.

I bought Behringer UCA222 USB DAC and tested it in my car with the USB OTG cable with power that I mentioned. It works great! And the phone is indicating a charge. Sometimes when first playing music after plugging the device it sounds like fast forward for a few seconds (I guess clock rate mismatch or something similar), but after the presumably clock is locked it plays perfectly fine.

midirt said:
SUCCESS!!! ...
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That is outstanding..gonna order one of these guys right now.
Here is a better link for all the ebay listings. Be aware of the differences, MicroUSB adapters would allow you to use your existing charge cable to plug into it while the standard USB would require you to be very close to the charger or have a USB A-A cable to attach to a power source.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...Host+OTG+Cable+++USB+power&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Jeremy.Stewart85 said:
That is outstanding..gonna order one of these guys right now.
Here is a better link for all the ebay listings. Be aware of the differences, MicroUSB adapters would allow you to use your existing charge cable to plug into it while the standard USB would require you to be very close to the charger or have a USB A-A cable to attach to a power source.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...Host+OTG+Cable+++USB+power&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that apparently not all of those cable work in terms of charging the phone. People say mostly that it doesn't work. The only guy mentioned success is with the cable I bought, but he then confirmed it with another, more convenient cable. I have the one that needs a USB extension cable to reach the charger, but it's about a buck on ebay, so no problem there. But not all cables work this way: most reportedly will allow you to power USB accessories but not charge the phone.

I found that this configuration works for charging while in USB HOST mode:
S3 -> standard otg cable -> Powered USB2.0 HUB -> devices (keyboard, usb dac, usb hdd...)
The only catch is that the hub must be powered before you plug in the phone or the phone will try to power the hub and will never enter charging mode. I'm using this setup in my car and it works perfectly. As long as I start the car before plugging the phone, we are good to go.
I only confirmed this works with AOKP JB builds. No idea about other roms/kernels. Hopefully this helps someone.

midirt said:
The problem is that apparently not all of those cable work in terms of charging the phone. People say mostly that it doesn't work. The only guy mentioned success is with the cable I bought, but he then confirmed it with another, more convenient cable. I have the one that needs a USB extension cable to reach the charger, but it's about a buck on ebay, so no problem there. But not all cables work this way: most reportedly will allow you to power USB accessories but not charge the phone.
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I got mine in the mail today (ordered 10/16) and tried it out as soon as I could. I can confirm it charges and allows for OTG at the same time. This is the auction I bought from: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251127542280&ssPageName=ADME:L:eek:U:US:3160

Hello y'all. I'd like to ask your attention to this thread, especially but not limited to sonicboom and others, I really could use some help.

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.
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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

Use USB-C On the go (OTG) and power charging simultaneously?

Hello out there.
Has anybody figured out a way to using a USB-C On the go (OTG) adapter for OTG functionality, and get power charging working simultaneously?
I have seen some people have had success using USB Y cables with micro-USB OTG, but haven't read anything confirming this works or is even required using USB-C compatible phones such as the Nexus 5x. I saw some Startech Y cables are available for purchase and some dodgy homebrew setups which I wouldn't attempt personally!
I have a USB-C OTG connector and a mains powered USB 3.1 hub. With this setup I can charge or use USB devices successfully on the phone, but it's one or the other, not at the same time. I'm forced to choose the USB charging option on the phone to switch between the two.
Any thoughts or experience on this using a Nexus 5x or similar? Cheers!

And sort of related - new Macbook can drive an external display over USB-C. Can Android / Nexus 5x?

I have also been looking for this - to allow always-on wired ethernet. Have not found a solution. My Nexus 5X will last for several days when the ethernet adapter is externally powered by a hub, however. The trick is to make sure nothing is running except essential comms and email when on standby. The new Marshmallow Developer mode allows this, by selecting most apps to be 'inactive' during standby and only allowing one app to run at a time. My phone runs for weeks at a time in standby when there are no ethernet connected and no WiFi/4G. Connecting wired ethernet cuts that to about 7 days, depending on email notification activity.

trevmar said:
I have also been looking for this - to allow always-on wired ethernet. Have not found a solution. My Nexus 5X will last for several days when the ethernet adapter is externally powered by a hub, however. The trick is to make sure nothing is running except essential comms and email when on standby. The new Marshmallow Developer mode allows this, by selecting most apps to be 'inactive' during standby and only allowing one app to run at a time. My phone runs for weeks at a time in standby when there are no ethernet connected and no WiFi/4G. Connecting wired ethernet cuts that to about 7 days, depending on email notification activity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the same boat, needing to have a Nexus 5X connected via Ethernet and powered.
So far I've tried:
- a USB Type C to USB female OTG cable
- a USB Type C to microUSB adaptor via a Dell powered USB OTG cable and a powered Acasis OTG USB Hub
but I got the same behaviour:
- USB OTG works with Ethernet and no power
- USB C to USB OTB HUB/powered OTG adaptor = power, but no OTG functionality
Is there a an updated USB C OTG pin out diagram available ?
(Similar to this one ? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2303902)