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USB-Host I miss it - you to???

Hi,
I miss the USB-Host on all of our slick new Devices!
Only the very BIG HTC has an USB-Host.
The only "small" WM5, GSM,GPS and USB-Host Device ever made was the FJS Loox T830.
I think this is not right! What's your opinion?
An Usb-Host gives you endless possiblities!
BR
Daniel

yeah..
but there's really no way to do it?

yes, definately would be great to have!!

Yes i am agree with you

What's the point? A WM device can't provide enough power down the USB port to power most devices, so you'll have to use a powered hub anyway. Unless you WANT to kill the battery in 10 minutes flat.
Need a keyboard? Get a BT one.
Need a mouse? Get a BT one, though why you need a mouse when you have a touchscreen device, I don't know...
Need a memory stick? Get one that takes mini-SD cards. I have one, they're very useful!
Need a printer? Why? You've got some printer drivers and a print option in your WM programs? Didn't think so...
Wifi dongle? Get a device with wifi built in...
Etc etc...

my mine use case is Various FTDI based Hardware to Control or Measure stuff.
e.g UniLog. one of the things we did:
http://blog.lieberlieber.com/2009/0...-flying-uniglide-a-solution-for-hang-gliding/
and some more

FloatingFatMan said:
...Need a memory stick? Get one that takes mini-SD cards. I have one, they're very useful!
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens if the SD slot is behind the battery?
What happens if the memory stick isn't yours
I found it extremley usefull on my Toshiba G900. I would often have work colleages giving me memory sticks out "in the field" (actually a very big automation site in Langley - HWDC) and ask me if I could email/keep something for them during our integration testing. I also took photos of stuff and put it straight onto there memory sticks.
So you might not see any reason to have it but, some of us do.
edit: not to mention the really coool - when they said "oh yeah I have that on memory stick but my latops back in the office", you can imagine how I could act all geek then and say "you got it on you? is it in that Excel file? Let me have a look now mate"

doesn't tv-out is a usb host question??
if it is so i like it .
i would really like to have tv-out on my htc wizard

FloatingFatMan said:
What's the point? A WM device can't provide enough power down the USB port to power most devices, so you'll have to use a powered hub anyway. Unless you WANT to kill the battery in 10 minutes flat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, this is untrue. And if you think using your wifi or BT connection in a "constant" way doesn't blow through your battery, you've never done it
Second, I want to plug in an ultrasound probe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MNQmD_Jtco
Can't do that with BT (too slow) or WiFi (too power hungry and I cannot tolerate unknown latency or dropped frames in by wireless medical device connection).
USB Host is terribly useful and not only for the "obvious" things listed. Let the users/developers find interesting uses. They are out there!

GPS Tether- Is it possible

Since I got my G1, I have wanted to tether the GPS to my laptop. I have Microsoft Streets and Trips, and I was wanting to stream the NMEA data over USB to the program, instead of buying a GPS receiver.
Now, I know there is a program called NMEAblue or something to that extent by a Max Kellerman, but it never worked AND I dont have bluetooth on my lappy (damn Acer... )
So, since I am not a dev (yet...) is there a program out there that can do this? Or is there a tutorial or something I can use to build this myself? (I guess now is as good a time as ever to learn to script...). Thanks in advance, and Mods, please feel free to move this as you may see fit. Thanks everyone!!!
BTW, Canon202, your ROMS are amazing!!!!! Positivley... explosive!!!!
x01660

I'm actually more interested in tethering the other way around. You can buy a 70$ bluetooth gps thats 1/4th the size of a G1, that gets fixes infinitely quicker, more accurate, and works in tree cover and around big buildings, etc.
Would be nice to tether the gps device that I have to the G1's google maps via bluetooth.

x01660 said:
I have Microsoft Streets and Trips
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a sextant.

Android In-Vehicle Infotainment

So I've had a project for the last few months getting Android running as an infotainment system. Here is a demo i thought i'd share with you guys..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNcDq9S8n3I
Basic features:
Android 2.1 (looking to update to GB)
7inch touch-screen (800x480)
3G modem
GPS
Reverse camera (backup camera to see what's behind you)
USB port
would love to hear some criticism or anything regarding the device.. its not perfect, its got a few bugs and glitches.. but is sort of ready for everyday use but is missing a few components to make it 'official' android device (wifi, bluetooth etc).. but i'm just wondering if anyone is interested in something like this? Is this worth developing further on?
This thing runs on Cortex a8 omap3530 board and is based off 0xdroid build.
apologies if im in the wrong forum

Wow dude, thats really cool! I'd love one of these for my car. If you could get Honeycomb on that bad boy it'd be sweet! Just wondering, how do you plan on setting up a rear view camera? Just connect a camera at the back of the car to the tablet itself, then run the Camera app? Seems like the simplest way to me..

Haha cheers love to see the honeycomb source once its out then we'll talk although I'd imagine i'd need better hardware...
currently camera is interfaced by usb (has a usb hub) so i got a cable running under the carpet through the boot then camera is mounted on the bumper. yup camera is called by any camera calling intent.. so any app can use it.
I want to get some proximity sensors (like parking sensors) and write a proper reverse cam app to complement it. But we'll see...

Very cool!
I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I was going to use MeeGo or maybe Moblin since I don't have the programming skills (or Android knowledge for that matter) to build my own computer around Android. I dig what you got so far though.
My suggestion for the reverse camera is one of two things, because it would bug me to have to find and open the camera app every time I needed to back up.
Keep your touchscreen (what model are you using BTW?) and use a bluetooth or wi-fi relay (I know they make 'em, but they are $$$) to provide an input from +12V signal from your reverse light wire to automatically open the camera app, then close the app. Of course, you'd have to program for that.
Or
Have you considered this touch screen? Lilliput 7" touch screen with auto-reverse input. (Needs a RCA camera though)
http://store.mp3car.com/Lilliput_629GL_70NP_C_T_7_VGA_Touchscreen_w_Aut_p/MON-016-0002.htm
This is the one I plan on using since it switches automatically to the camera input whenever you are in reverse. Once you go back to any other gear, the OS input shows up again.
Just a thought to make life a little more convenient (although you already bought your parts so you may be stuck.)

chjade84 said:
Very cool!
I've been wanting to do this for a while, but I was going to use MeeGo or maybe Moblin since I don't have the programming skills (or Android knowledge for that matter) to build my own computer around Android. I dig what you got so far though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! It needs a lot of time and dedication but it's a real good learning curve. I had to learn a lot of things on the way.. especially c/c++ I wasn't great at but had decent skills with higher level programming.
If you are planning to work with MeeGo its a little fussy with the hardware requirements.. Correct me if i'm wrong, but I think you need an Intel Atom processor. These are a little pricey if you're after an evaluation/hackable kit! But I'd imagine it'll be easier to program as it's a lot more closey coupled with linux.
chjade84 said:
My suggestion for the reverse camera is one of two things, because it would bug me to have to find and open the camera app every time I needed to back up.
Keep your touchscreen (what model are you using BTW?) and use a bluetooth or wi-fi relay (I know they make 'em, but they are $$$) to provide an input from +12V signal from your reverse light wire to automatically open the camera app, then close the app. Of course, you'd have to program for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just had a look at those relays, sounds like its something I really need! Is this how the standard backup cameras work? That was something I was confused about.. I wasn't sure how to detect if i'm on reverse.. especially with the parts I already had. I'd imagine once you implement it you just need a service running in the background to listen for the relay.
The touchscreen is a TFT resistive 4wire touch-screen. It's not something I want to keep as I really want capacitive multi-touch.. But this fits perfectly with the board and was easier to deal with
chjade84 said:
Or
Have you considered this touch screen? Lilliput 7" touch screen with auto-reverse input. (Needs a RCA camera though)
http://store.mp3car.com/Lilliput_629GL_70NP_C_T_7_VGA_Touchscreen_w_Aut_p/MON-016-0002.htm
This is the one I plan on using since it switches automatically to the camera input whenever you are in reverse. Once you go back to any other gear, the OS input shows up again.
Just a thought to make life a little more convenient (although you already bought your parts so you may be stuck.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find! I wish I saw that earlier .. Quite pricey but would make life so much easierrrrr!
Cheers for the feedback! Best of luck for your project!

tknz said:
I just had a look at those relays, sounds like its something I really need! Is this how the standard backup cameras work? That was something I was confused about.. I wasn't sure how to detect if i'm on reverse.. especially with the parts I already had. I'd imagine once you implement it you just need a service running in the background to listen for the relay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think most factory backup cameras use two inputs and switch between them. I don't have a lot of experience with them though.

chjade84 said:
I think most factory backup cameras use two inputs and switch between them. I don't have a lot of experience with them though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean exactly. I'll try the relays because it at-least gives me a standard interface to work with (bluetooth or wifi) so there isn't any work you have to deal with on the hardware abstraction.. Although it would probably be better designed if I had some sort of voltage input coming when the vehicle on reverse (the reverse light as mentioned). But I don't really have the electrical expertise to make it happen lol.

tknz said:
Not sure what you mean exactly. I'll try the relays because it at-least gives me a standard interface to work with (bluetooth or wifi) so there isn't any work you have to deal with on the hardware abstraction.. Although it would probably be better designed if I had some sort of voltage input coming when the vehicle on reverse (the reverse light as mentioned). But I don't really have the electrical expertise to make it happen lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well essentially what I was thinking was you'd have the bluetooth relay hooked up to your reverse light wire. This should allow your computer to monitor whether or not your car was in reverse. Relays are pretty simple - one input switches on/off another, usually one of a much higher or lower voltage. So in essence, it's a switch activated by voltage. (There used to be an electromagnet inside that physically moves a piece of metal to make a connection when a voltage is applied - now it's all transistors and whatnot.)
So, if you are in reverse and your reverse lights are getting power, the bluetooth relay should sense that and signal the computer (through a serial command it seems) which in turn could tell a background service to open the camera app. Once the voltage from the reverse light wire is lost, the relay should again tell the computer that you aren't in reverse anymore and the background service would close the camera app and re-open whatever app you were in.
*I should note this is all "in theory"... I don't know exactly how those wireless relays work/communicate and I don't know Android programming at all.

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking what about using the GPIOs on the board and attach that to the reverse light? would that be possible? and using some resistors on the way to limit the voltages so i don't fry the board.. but we just need to detect some voltage input...
Not sure, will look into it. Right now, taking a pause on the development.. Got a lot of work to take care of but I can't wait to get back into it. I really want to port this to gingerbread.

tknz said:
Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking what about using the GPIOs on the board and attach that to the reverse light? would that be possible? and using some resistors on the way to limit the voltages so i don't fry the board.. but we just need to detect some voltage input...
Not sure, will look into it. Right now, taking a pause on the development.. Got a lot of work to take care of but I can't wait to get back into it. I really want to port this to gingerbread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could possibly do that, a real cheap voltage regulator would probably be better though. You could also use a cheap relay if the correct voltage is already somewhere on the car. Again, I'm not too sure how those bluetooth relays work, but it sounds like you are on the right track.

Great Job!
I was thinking of doing something similar myself.
I am looking at going with one of the tablets as it is just seems easier? I only really need internet, google maps(GPS) and wifi tethering. I would imagine you are running stereo sound from a 3.5mm? I would still have a seperate head unit to control volume and handle all the regular functions as well as inputs from a 3.5 to RCA cable.
How are you running sound off that setup? Are you running a head unit still?

The sound is running off a small amplifier. then RCA to 3.5mm.
Haven't had the chance to play around with the wifi tether as right now i don't have a wifi card.. It would make sense to have wifi tethering or just wifi reciever and use a phone to tether 3g to the system. Avoids having separate data plans.

Can we get a copy of your "AIVI Car Home" for our own DIY projects?

I don't mind releasing the source for it. Its just right now its a bit messy and quite a few things are hardcoded.

tknz said:
So I've had a project for the last few months getting Android running as an infotainment system. Here is a demo i thought i'd share with you guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice project. I gutted a Clarion Mind last year to do pretty much the same thing but am looking to upgrade. You said the software needs work but it's a real good start. Would you mind sharing your hardware list with us?

Nice work!

Something I was also interested in seeing is having vehicle manufacturer recommended service intervals and such available as reminders from your in car system or phone or both.

Stu_Gotti said:
Something I was also interested in seeing is having vehicle manufacturer recommended service intervals and such available as reminders from your in car system or phone or both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use 'aCar' which, if you are unfamiliar, you enter the make, model, mileage and all the pertinent service requirements. Battery every 3 years or 50,000 miles, coolant every year or 15,000 miles, oil every 6 months or 3,000 miles, etc. Then, every time you get gas you enter the current mileage as well as gallons/liters of fuel and the price. From that information you not only get your MPG but it will also trigger reminders to do the necessary maintenance at the correct intervals when they come up. You can do this for multiple cars as well. It's a very good program.
On a related note to this thread, I started my own 'carputer' project using an Archos 70 Internet Tablet and an unused articulating wall mount for TVs. It's still a work in progress as well since I don't have all the parts yet but will do everything I wanted (eventually... lol) except the rear facing camera. The video is obviously just of the media player.
I shot this late last night to show a friend. He wanted to know why someone would want a tablet/computer in their car, lol. Sorry about it being so dark.

Dude
I am keen as mustard on one of these beauties, I was considering running xp MCE but the android option would be much nicer..
Love ya work.

tknz said:
I don't mind releasing the source for it. Its just right now its a bit messy and quite a few things are hardcoded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Would love to play with it. No matter how clean the code is it's just gonna get better...
thanks for showing it..

[Q] android ecm/ecu

Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?

therealmaximus said:
Anyone think that they could replace a obd2 ecm/ecu with an android phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be wrong, but:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque

ive seen these, they just read parameters from the computer via the obd diagnostic port, what i meant was actually removing the the obd computer and using an android device to receive the incoming sensor data and use the data such as rpm, throttle position, and so forth to advance or retard timing tables and fuel tables to actually run the engine i have tuning software for my honda that i can run and retune my engine with but only from my laptop id like to be able to do this with an android device.

[A] 😉 let me know
That's an interesting question and not what I thought it was when I first read your initil post. Reading it literally you're asking about replacing the actual 'brain' that conductor that co-ordinates the entire ignition,fueling,emmisions and other secondary parameters that make the engine run in a harmonious symphony(oh, whatever happened to self metering by atmospheric pressure drop and contact breakers lol). I read it as taking out the OE ecu/ecm/powertrain module or whatever other term you use for it and replacing it with an android device. An interesting exercise but hardly worth the mountain range of problems involved considering you can go out and buy a custom fully programmable ECU anyway.
That is how it sounds though when you say replacing the ecu with an android device. i.e removing the ecu and putting in one running android or a piggyback ecu running amdroid....... i know, i'm being maybe a little too pedantic but it drew me in and made me read the thread and am definitely interested in finding out if there are any android apps that can reprogram or flash an ecu similar to the ones that run on windows.
I've mentioned in another thread I have a deep knowledge and experience in the car side of the equation but my knowledge of computers themselves ranks about 'interested in knowinf more but basically capable of using one n that's it' level. Or tge same as 99.99% of car drivers. They can drive but beyond that all they really know is where to out the petrol in although 100,000s of them will say they know all about cars lol.
In other words, I see know reason why technically there are no equivalent android apps/devices that can do what software packages running windows you use on a laptop. I'm in a similar but different position than you. I really want that ability to remap/flash new firmware onto ecu's except right now I don't have a laptop or desktop of any kind right now. All my online and computer needs are admirably dealt with on my Note 3 so i haven't bothered replacing either my pc or laptop when they passed on.
Was on ebay recently and seen very interesting and potentially useful software claiming to be able communicate fully with any obd1 and 2 ecus allowing you to reset, remap and 'chip' any ecus and also fully set up a new replacement custom reprogrammable ecu too although i am skeptical you could buy one that fully capable for £20 off ebay but they promise full customer support and the ability to download an entire remap for almost any make amd model so perhaps their claims are based on the abilitynof their product rather than merely sales rhetoric.
Anyway, what I mean is I see no reason why if windows can fully communicate with obd2 and android can also read current and pending dtcs, display freeze frame, live data and allow you, if you know the particular formula, to view data with custom PIDs then it seems possible that a software package written for android couldn't be capable of doing wnat these windows/mac programmes can do. I'm sure I've seen linux compatible software for desktops out there so surely an android version is poasible. BUT as i explained my knowledge of computer systems/languages is risible so there may well be a glaringly obvious reason that android is unsuitable (there's probably 1000s of 10 year olds laughing lije mad thinking is this guy stupid or what lol).
BUT if you ever come accross such an software package that runs on android let me know because if not it looks like I'm going to have to go buy this 20 odd quid ebay software AND a bloody laptop on top to bw able to use it

What else do you do with your Note Edge?

Yes, what else do you do with your phone? We have one of the most feature-rich, complex phone existing but the xda Note Edge forums are so quite.
I'm sure that there are options, futures wich we are not using at their potential.
So let's speak about interesting things we do with the phone.
My examples:
1. Kodi+addons+bubleupnp+ Chromecast=relaxation time
I watch the movies I want from my bed on my non smart tv. Time for "Game of thrones" s6 ep1 now If someoane needs any info regarding this please let me know.
2. I live in Uk and the car repair prices are so big. Therefore in time I learned that the best way to save money when you need a car repair -if you can't fix it yourself-is to already have an idea about what the problem is and how much the spare parts are(ebay is the best friend for parts) before going to the mechanic.
Bluetooth Obd scanner(�£4) + diagnostic app (torque for ex) are helping a lot when the engine light comes on.
What about you? What other interesting things are you doing with your phone?
P.s.-has anyone managed to find a way to use the phone as a live booting usb, without root? If you have root it is easy to do that using drivedroid.

rew2 said:
2. I live in Uk and the car repair prices are so big. Therefore in time I learned that the best way to save money when you need a car repair -if you can't fix it yourself-is to already have an idea about what the problem is and how much the spare parts are(ebay is the best friend for parts) before going to the mechanic.
Bluetooth Obd scanner(�£4) + diagnostic app (torque for ex) are helping a lot when the engine light comes on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're into cars, you might want to check out the app "Dash". You run it while you're driving and it gives you real-time info from your OBD scanner in a nice interface, among other things.

RichBordoni said:
If you're into cars, you might want to check out the app "Dash". You run it while you're driving and it gives you real-time info from your OBD scanner in a nice interface, among other things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use that also, very good app. Thanks!

For monitoring helth I use two aps: Icare and Shealth.
With Icare I'm checking the blood pressure (fairly accurate, in my case -12 as stated in the descriprion).

Rough animator is just amazing with the edge's grunt and an s-pen