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[How-To] ★Build Your Own Dock★ -- 3 Part Series (Finally DONE!!)

Hey guys, I'm back! If you haven't seen the other thread I made, I was asking if anyone wanted to know how to make their own dock. Since I got a pretty good response I decided to write up a detailed tutorial.
Links to the Articles
--> Part 1 (building the body)
--> Part 2 (implementing the functionality)
--> Part 3 (making it look good)
Back Story
I've wanted to make my own desktop dock for some time now and I finally did! I ran into some troubles with it in the end so sorry for the tardiness, but it's done now .
That's all I have to say for now. Happy hacking!
~Gregory
A Few Juicy Images

Look great already, can't wait to see the finished product. ^^

0utkast said:
Look great already, can't wait to see the finished product. ^^
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Click to collapse
Thanks! It should be done in a about a week hopefully

Great stuff

looks sexy

Awesome work! Looks great. BTW I was looking through your other posts and I saw a nice matte back piece on your Galaxy S. Where'd you get it from?

runedrune said:
Awesome work! Looks great. BTW I was looking through your other posts and I saw a nice matte back piece on your Galaxy S. Where'd you get it from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from Ebay. I can't remember the exact one (Ebay doen't keep records that far back) but I think it was this one

Part 2 Is Complete!
Hey guys, Part 2 of the tutorial is complete and it can be found here:
DIY Galaxy S Desktop Dock (Part 2)
Enjoy!

Not to be a spoilsport
there's something i don't understand :
1-what about fire
2-what for exactly....I didn't notice an external power connector in wiring diagram, so i assume this is just a nice case for listening music....did i miss something ??
Anyway it seems a good job and you work really clean....my own works before (sometimes even after) the final hand are simply horrible !!!!!!!
Curious to see step 3

gbnz said:
there's something i don't understand :
1-what about fire
2-what for exactly....I didn't notice an external power connector in wiring diagram, so i assume this is just a nice case for listening music....did i miss something ??
Anyway it seems a good job and you work really clean....my own works before (sometimes even after) the final hand are simply horrible !!!!!!!
Curious to see step 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, "what about fire." Well, the entire dock is going to be coated in Bondo (automotive filler) so the chance of the outside catching on fire is 0%. The inside however, is going to be left bare, but since it will be a sealed unit, the oxygen supply would quickly run out if a fire were to start.
As for the power supply, there is a DC input on the left side of the diagram. I am thinking of stealing power from the USB hub as well, but I have yet to test if it will supply sufficient power if multiple devices are also plugged in. I am also going to be putting in a battery pack so that it can be used without an external power source.
Part 3 will be coming within the next week or two so stay tuned!
~Gregory

Finally done!!!
Hey guys, the dock is finally done!
Enjoy.
~Gregory

gschier said:
Hey guys, the dock is finally done!
Enjoy.
~Gregory
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a amazing work I will make something like this to me
I have a question. The USB Hub is to connect to a PC, right?

pauloallex24 said:
It's a amazing work I will make something like this to me
I have a question. The USB Hub is to connect to a PC, right?
Click to expand...
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Yes, the USB port on the left side connects both the USB hub in the front, and the phone to the PC.

gschier said:
Yes, the USB port on the left side connects both the USB hub in the front, and the phone to the PC.
Click to expand...
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And you don't have problems with the power with the phone and 2 PEN's, for exemple?

pauloallex24 said:
And you don't have problems with the power with the phone and 2 PEN's, for example?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you've used a non-powered USB hub before you will know that it can't supply enough power to fill up all it's ports with power-drawing devices. I've found that I can have my phone and two USB sticks plugged in at the same time and it works fine. But once the fourth port is filled some of them stop working. It was something I knew would happen from the start, but it's not a tough sacrifice to make.
I also thought about using a powered USB hub, but didn't want any more wires sticking out.

gschier said:
Well if you've used a non-powered USB hub before you will know that it can't supply enough power to fill up all it's ports with power-drawing devices. I've found that I can have my phone and two USB sticks plugged in at the same time and it works fine. But once the fourth port is filled some of them stop working. It was something I knew would happen from the start, but it's not a tough sacrifice to make.
I also thought about using a powered USB hub, but didn't want any more wires sticking out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try
I'll post here my developments when I start

This is amazing man

Wow, amazing job!
I would add the HUB with external power source though - using a lot devices

cool Can we do it ourself?

That's pretty cool.
In your circuit i see that you use a 3.5mm jack to connect line out to your amp.
gschier said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, this isn't needed, as the SGS outputs (analog) audio via the USB when connected to a car dock (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980937).
I think this can't be used in your application, because you connect to the PC, but if that isn't required, this could be an option.

[Q] anyone concerned with the lack of USB port

i love the drag and drop feature but im worried. pricing and specs are awesome and of course not having a usb port isnt a deal break but still

I am, I really hope they release an accessory so I don't have to buy the keyboard. Technically speaking it would be super cheap to make.

Actually I am since my G Tablet has the ability to power my 500gb USB HD that has all my movies on it which works wonderfully since their last update.
I'm not saying this to bash the Asus, just that this is a very useful feature that I would want to have available without the extra dock.

Do you mean specifically from a usb flash drive? You should be able to connect to a pc through its usb drive through the transformers proprietary port and drag and drop that way can you not?

Technically it could be done if someone took up the challenge
Similar to the xoom usb host modification
http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/15979-hack-enable-usb-host-mode-ie-thumb-drives-on-the-xoom/
It may actually be easier, since the transformer already supports USB through the 40 Pin connector via the laptop dock
Its just a matter of trying to figure out the proprietary connector Asus put on the transformer
I really wish they would have at least included a micro USB port

Not a bit. The price point on the tablet alone is already great for what it has now. From a business standpoint they needed something extra to justify the dock price since it is there ostensibly to add more functionality than a normal tab has.

i am sure someone will hack up a cable very soon, since it's clearly stated that the port has both USB host and client capabilities.

Charging stand
There is going to be a charging stand according to Asus for 69.99 that includes 2 USB ports.
campuslife.asus.com/index/1947/official-eee-pad-transformer-unboxing-video/ (see the comments section)

markthompson23 said:
There is going to be a charging stand according to Asus for 69.99 that includes 2 USB ports.
campuslife.asus.com/index/1947/official-eee-pad-transformer-unboxing-video/ (see the comments section)
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Click to collapse
So basically you could turn it into a honeycomb desktop? (stand + keyboard and mouse, or stand + keyboard, mouse and screen through HDMI).
This would be a decent desktop setup for kids I guess.

I posted something on on Asus' Campus Life. Please hit reply to it and respond requesting this accessory! Look for username Dean.
http://campuslife.asus.com/index/194...ideo/#comments

markthompson23 said:
There is going to be a charging stand according to Asus for 69.99 that includes 2 USB ports.
campuslife.asus.com/index/1947/official-eee-pad-transformer-unboxing-video/ (see the comments section)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... If true (and it's written in a very straightforward way, even includes MSRP) then Asus are really planning quite an ecosystem for this tablet. That implies good support in terms of updates etc. as well, to try and get the ball rolling... Nice find!

[Q] Use Motorola Lapdock with SG3?

I have an old Lapdoc that I used to use with my Droid Bionic. I loved the latest version of Webtop and thought this was one of the best things about having a Motorola smartphone. The news that Motorola is discontinuing Webtop got me wondering if there were a way of using the Lapdock with my SG3, perhaps in mirror-mode. Anyone tried to make this work or have any ideas on how to do so? For those unfamiliar with the various Lapdocks that are out there, they have a male micro-HDMI connector and a male micro-usb connector that attach to Motorola smartphones. The micro-usb provides power to the phone. Even for those who don't already have a Lapdock, now that they are being discontinued, they can be found dirt-cheap out there.

If I'm not mistaken it has nothing to do with hardware but is all software. So your answer is no.

I believe there may be some options. Between a USB OTG cable, and a number of adapters.
I've ordered one myself for another project and will let you know what I come up with - hopefully the hardware arrives within the next week or so.

yourtvlies said:
I believe there may be some options. Between a USB OTG cable, and a number of adapters.
I've ordered one myself for another project and will let you know what I come up with - hopefully the hardware arrives within the next week or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking forward to hearing what you come up with. Good luck and keep us posted.

harpdoc said:
I have an old Lapdoc that I used to use with my Droid Bionic.
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Click to collapse
I got a 50$ lapdock for the Atrix 4G. I'm currently using it with the newest Atrix HD LTE that didn't get the WEBTOP software.
BUT as the lapdock is nothing more than an HDMI monitor with a USB hub/keyboard/touchpad, The Atrix HD use it as if it is connected to an HDTV with a USB keyboard.
It work very well. Any phone with HDMI out and USB can use the Motorola Lapdock. Even my MK802 PC-on-a-stick is ok with the lapdock.
As an OTG laptop, the lapdock doesn't need to tether or anything else. And most modern cellphone with dualcore cpu are as fast if not faster than an Atom based Netbook.
...plus is it stylish and very thin and recharge your cell on the go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1887128
have fun !

Hm...
So the MHL cable I have doesn't support USB OTG, in fact, I'm not sure that any do. I'll have to dig through this thread and see if anyone's figured it out yet.
The lapdock's connections are standard: microUSB and microHDMI, and it's working well for what I purchased it for... though it would be a lot of fun to hack something together to take advantage of the SGS3 with it.

MHL OTG

Does anyone have an idea whether its possible to use MHL + OTG with charging on the Skyrocket? Whether it be stock or an aftermarket rom/kernel doesn't matter. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on this phone, but I'm leaning toward not possible.
This is what I planned on ordering. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LAZG2M/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would assume since the MHL adapter puts the device in charge mode, it wouldn't read the attached usb device (if using a hub or y adapter) since it is not in Host mode. Any have any experiance with this or have any links they can provide. It would be much appreciated!

kennyry said:
Does anyone have an idea whether its possible to use MHL + OTG with charging on the Skyrocket? Whether it be stock or an aftermarket rom/kernel doesn't matter. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on this phone, but I'm leaning toward not possible.
This is what I planned on ordering. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LAZG2M/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would assume since the MHL adapter puts the device in charge mode, it wouldn't read the attached usb device (if using a hub or y adapter) since it is not in Host mode. Any have any experiance with this or have any links they can provide. It would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same cable and mhl works as long add the rom supports it. As for your question I found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1741583&page=21 and on the last page there is a link for someone who got it to work on as3 however our phones have different pin configuration but you should be able to do the same thing as him

OTG while using MHL sounds like a great way to fry something important on your phone. it's clear the note 2 had something like this in mind with the smart dock. it looks like the smart dock works with the S3 so it could be that the way they designed the usb port it all just works as needed for this.
I'm interested in the usecase/motivation for doing both at the same time if you don't mind sharing.

lart2150 said:
OTG while using MHL sounds like a great way to fry something important on your phone. it's clear the note 2 had something like this in mind with the smart dock. it looks like the smart dock works with the S3 so it could be that the way they designed the usb port it all just works as needed for this.
I'm interested in the usecase/motivation for doing both at the same time if you don't mind sharing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my Skyrocket screen was destroyed by my youngest son So, I had an idea to use the old phone with the MHL adapter to connect to my TV (which is not a smart TV). The need for the OTG is to plug in peripherals such as kb/mouse, but after further review, i could probably just use bluetooth. The device itself doesn't need to have much storage really, all of the movies are being streamed from my mini home server (DLNA).
So instead of going out and spending 60 on a smart TV adapater, I figured I would try to make use of what I already had, a phone with a broken screen. I'm not even sure the digitizer works and I was unable to find a replacement screen a decent price. The phone has already been replaced with a Nexus 4, so I'm not really concerned with the "safety" of the skyrocket.
I think it would be nice to use it as a TV adapter, surf net, play games watch movies while in bed using a wireless mouse/keyboard.
You would think there would already be something like this out there...
I came across this, then noticed their statement "Use Bluetooth keyboard for wireless control" Which really tells me no OTG... and heard was broken ha.
http://www.amazon.com/iBolt-Streamer-MHL-Charging-Dock/dp/tech-data/B0094M3DZY/ref=de_a_smtd

[Q] Charging Nexus 9 while using OTG cable/usb hub?

As the title says, I want to charge my Nexus 9 while using a keyboard/mouse and other peripherals that I would have connected to the Nexus 9 through a USB hub. I know it is not always possible to charge through the hub, so I was thinking about something like a 'micro USB splitter" that expands the micro-USB port into 2 micro-USB ports: one for the charger that comes with the Nexus 9, and the second port for a OTG cable/usb hub/etc. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I did read this post here for the Nexus 7 but not sure if the same is true for the Nexus 9.or if any additional options existed for the 9. Ultimately, I guess I'm wondering if it is unrealistic to expect to find something that charges the device at the same time as using a hub/OTG cable without too much modding or hassle? My device is rooted and I've flashed some mods and tweaked some things on previous devices I've had, but am by no means an expert so I would hope to keep the hacking/modding for something like this to a minimum, if possible. Plus, there's an outside chance I may return the Nexus 9 in the next week so I wouldn't want to get too crazy until I knew for sure I'd be keeping it.
I understand that a specific kernel with certain capabilities may be needed, but I'm unsure how to find out which kernel would work and if it would be compatible with stock ROM or CM12 (when it comes out). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Even if it's a pipe dream, I'd at least know not to continue to waste my time looking for a solution that doesn't exist

I tried this one a few days ago but it did not work: https://sites.google.com/site/sonicboomworld/my-projects/otg-and-charging
Maybe it's possible with the right resistor value.
Edit:
Mod for Nexus 7 - needs kernel support:
https://mehrvarz.github.io/usb-host-mode-power-management-nexus7/

Thanks for the reply - is this kernel still being supported by the dev and is it confirmed working on Nexus 9?

I don't know as i do not own a Nexus 7.
But even if he still supports this kernel it would not help much for the Nexus 9:
A kernel is very hardware specific and the OTG changing issues is even more hardware specific.
There is absolutely no chance that you can simply use the N7 kernel on the N9.
One of the amazing kernel developers (who owns a N9) here at XDA would have to look at it.
Generally I think for "OTG + charging" to work the USB chipset on the device has to support it and/or you have to find out how you could trick the device into enabling this mode (with a certain resistor on the USB connector and/or with a kernel modification).
The bad thing is that no device seems to support the official "USB Accessory Charger Adapter" specification. (see section "OTG micro plugs" here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go for details)

Just to give you more information, there was a nexus 7 kernel by flar2 called ElementalX which had OTG + charging support. He is working on ElementalX for Nexus 9 as well, and he said he may or may not add support for it. If you and maybe others are interested, I'm sure that it will get added upon request.

MWFD said:
As the title says, I want to charge my Nexus 9 while using a keyboard/mouse and other peripherals that I would have connected to the Nexus 9 through a USB hub. I know it is not always possible to charge through the hub, so I was thinking about something like a 'micro USB splitter" that expands the micro-USB port into 2 micro-USB ports: one for the charger that comes with the Nexus 9, and the second port for a OTG cable/usb hub/etc. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I did read this post here for the Nexus 7 but not sure if the same is true for the Nexus 9.or if any additional options existed for the 9. Ultimately, I guess I'm wondering if it is unrealistic to expect to find something that charges the device at the same time as using a hub/OTG cable without too much modding or hassle? My device is rooted and I've flashed some mods and tweaked some things on previous devices I've had, but am by no means an expert so I would hope to keep the hacking/modding for something like this to a minimum, if possible. Plus, there's an outside chance I may return the Nexus 9 in the next week so I wouldn't want to get too crazy until I knew for sure I'd be keeping it.
I understand that a specific kernel with certain capabilities may be needed, but I'm unsure how to find out which kernel would work and if it would be compatible with stock ROM or CM12 (when it comes out). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Even if it's a pipe dream, I'd at least know not to continue to waste my time looking for a solution that doesn't exist
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The company I work for is developing a OTG cable that does exactly that: lets you charge your phone/tablet while using a USB peripheral.
We are testing it in the UK market currently, but not selling in the US at the moment. You can check it out here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sansys-Char...F8&qid=1417298449&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+otg+mlc
We were thinking about doing a kickstarter or indiegogo for it, but not sure the amount of interest in a niche device like this.

Can you confirm that it is working on the Nexus 9? (and/or the Nexus 5)?
If it is, I'll order one immediately. I've been looking for such a thing since I had my Galaxy S2.

lfrst05 said:
Can you confirm that it is working on the Nexus 9? (and/or the Nexus 5)?
If it is, I'll order one immediately. I've been looking for such a thing since I had my Galaxy S2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't confirm that it will work on the Nexus 9, but my partner from China is sending me a sample so I can try it out. I have a Nexus 9 and 5 also, and they'll be the first devices I will test it on.
We've also sent a couple out to some Youtube reviewers as well, so there may be a video review on them soon.

We just put up an Amazon US listing for this cable if any of you in the states want to try it out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OLKFR44/
I should have one in hand in the middle of the week to test out.

mkygod said:
We just put up an Amazon US listing for this cable if any of you in the states want to try it out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OLKFR44/
I should have one in hand in the middle of the week to test out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really excited to get my hands on one of these! let me know if it works.

mkygod said:
I can't confirm that it will work on the Nexus 9, but my partner from China is sending me a sample so I can try it out. I have a Nexus 9 and 5 also, and they'll be the first devices I will test it on.
We've also sent a couple out to some Youtube reviewers as well, so there may be a video review on them soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet, this sounds awesome, let us know if it works :fingers-crossed:

mkygod said:
We just put up an Amazon US listing for this cable if any of you in the states want to try it out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OLKFR44/
I should have one in hand in the middle of the week to test out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This arrived from Amazon today. Unfortunately I can't get it to work. When the micro usb is plugged into the N9 it lights up blue. At that point I'm able to mount a thumb drive, use a mouse and Playstation controller. But once the other end is plugged into a charger the light goes off and whatever is connected stops working. The N9 begins to charge at that point. If plugged into my PC, same thing.
Note: the blue light goes off when other end is plugged in regardless of if anything else is in use.
BTW, running elementalX kernel and Lollipopalooza rom.

TSman74 said:
This arrived from Amazon today. Unfortunately I can't get it to work. When the micro usb is plugged into the N9 it lights up blue. At that point I'm able to mount a thumb drive, use a mouse and Playstation controller. But once the other end is plugged into a charger the light goes off and whatever is connected stops working. The N9 begins to charge at that point. If plugged into my PC, same thing.
Note: the blue light goes off when other end is plugged in regardless of if anything else is in use.
BTW, running elementalX kernel and Lollipopalooza rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard some people say in certain other situations with OTG + charge, you need to plug everything in first, then plug the OTG cable into the device. Try that and see if it works?

saadi03 said:
I've heard some people say in certain other situations with OTG + charge, you need to plug everything in first, then plug the OTG cable into the device. Try that and see if it works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave it a shot with this method but still a no go. Tried it on my phone as well with no luck.

TSman74 said:
Gave it a shot with this method but still a no go. Tried it on my phone as well with no luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a bummer, thanks for the info.

Would we happen to need a kernel that supports simultaneous charging and data transfer? I bought a usb y cable and that only allows me to use one or the other. Which sucks .

Some devices have been known to work with only modified OTG cables such as galaxy tablets and experia phones.

What would this modification be?

I finally got a chance to test out these cables. I thought my first cable was busted so I ordered a 2nd one.
I'm VERY sorry to report that this cable does NOT support USB OTG AND CHARGING AT THE SAME TIME. It is not just your device.
Apparently, there was some miscommunication between me and by business associate in China that lead me to believe that this cable would function this way but it only functions as a USB OTG OR CHARGER CABLE. Language barrier didn't help since I do not speak Chinese and he does not speak English very well. If you read the description, the functionality of this cable is not very clear and obviously written by someone with English as a second language. And also, I can see how the photos can be misleading as well. He went and listed this product on our Amazon account to sell before he even sent me a sample for me to test out and I'm kinda mad at him for doing that.
I was pretty excited at the prospect of it doing OTG and charging at the same time, but now im dismayed that this cable cannot do it. This whole thing was a waste of time to try to bring a product like this to the US that bares little benefit other than being a 2 in 1 cable that can replace a regular USB OTG cable and a Charging cable (albeit a very short charging cable). Sorry that I got your hopes up guys
I do want to clarify exactly what this cable does though: Basically all it does is switch from Charging mode to USB OTG mode depending on how you have it plugged in. If you plug the cable into the mobile device only, the blue light will turn on, letting you know that you can use the USB OTG port. However, once you plug the other end of the cable into a charger, the blue light will turn off, and the cable goes into charging mode. The USB OTG port will not work or light up again until you remove the cable from your charger.

hey there everyone, i'm trying to understand this a bit more. i have the same cable, but my understanding is that it wont work unless the kernel supports it. does anyone know if this is possible to actually fix in the Nexus 9 kernel? i really need this for a project