Samsung's MHL connector controversy - how to respond? - General Topics

I decided to buy the GSIII after hearing that Samsung had made a great phone, done a decent job of preventing the carriers from ruining the phone, and had become a top level member of the Linux foundation to boot!
But then I heard about the MHL connector scam - and that is one slimy move. Note that it is not only incompatible with the MHL standard, it is incompatible with other Samsung MHL cables. (If Samsung has issued some sort of clarification or explanation then please let me know.)
If I keep looking for perfection amongst the manufacturers I will never get a new phone, but I certainly don't want to simply turn a blind eye to this obnoxious move. If this is successful for Samsung, I can see them creating a fresh batch of incompatible connectors for every new device they create.
I was disappointed that Apple users never raised a fuss through all those years when Apple kept getting rated as the worst environmental offender in the Consumer Electronics industry, but one of the things that sets Android users apart from Apple users is the lack of blind brand loyalty.
So, is there an informal boycott of Samsung accessories afoot?
I guess I'm suggesting that the XDA community could discourage people from buying any of Samsung's "trick" accessories, including their fake MHL and PDMI connectors. I hope consumers will come to realize that, while Samsung makes great phones, their accessories are not a good choice, and I hope that Samsung will come to realize doing stuff like this isn't worth it.
Obviously, the less money they make from this slimy move the less likely they are to repeat it. The outcome is up to us.
[I'm posting in General forum rather then GSIII because I believe this issue - connectors, standards, and taking action - is of general relevance.]

Get ready for a horde of blind Samsung fanboys to flame you, they are just as bad as Apple fanboys. I actually read about this MHL issue. But at least they released the source code for their international device.
For me, personally, I think MHL adaptor is stupid, its clunky and inconvenient, too many wires involved. A dedicated microHDMI connector solution was better, but manufacturers abandoned it to save money because they have to put in another connector and pay royalty. I like the idea of the royalty free DisplayPort, but there is no micro version of it yet.
I'm probably not getting the SIII unless its price drops a lot since the Nexus is still the best phone software wise.
I'm imagining/wishing 2-3 years from now all phones will have a built in projector, but not sure how they'll keep it small.

An update - still appears that the port is a fake
I did my best to get an answer from the MHL Consortium but they would not respond - even to simple question such explaining how a consumer can distinugish an MHL compliant product. But it is a consortium, not a standards body - it represents member companies, not consumers, so I guess this is to be expected. The media types remain confused too.
I put together a quick website to try to inform consumers about this:
http://www.galaxymhl.com/
I believe that Android users are not the 'sheep' that iPhone users are (as evidenced by XDA itself) and I hope we can influence Samsung on this by encouraging consumers to not buy their 'fake' MHL accessories.
Even if Sammie just stops using the MHL branding with the phone and the accessories it will be a big improvement. As things stand, they are really undermining the standard.

Update!
I have received a complete explanation and have posted it there:
http://www.galaxymhl.com/
I'm pleased that, in the end, the advantages of the 11-pin MHL port on the SGS3 are significant enough to allay the initial suspicions that this was just about selling more accessories.
On the other hand, wow, was it ever a ton of work to get a clear explanation - would have thought they would have wanted to explain this clearly from the beginning. At the very least, I might have thought they would posted a clear explanation to a relevant wikipedia article once all the WTF articles started appearing.

It works for Galaxy W?
Inviato dal mio IPhone 5

PasqualeITA said:
It works for Galaxy W?
Inviato dal mio IPhone 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the Galaxy W does not support MHL.

Tomaxda said:
I have received a complete explanation and have posted it there:
I'm pleased that, in the end, the advantages of the 11-pin MHL port on the SGS3 are significant enough to allay the initial suspicions that this was just about selling more accessories.
On the other hand, wow, was it ever a ton of work to get a clear explanation - would have thought they would have wanted to explain this clearly from the beginning. At the very least, I might have thought they would posted a clear explanation to a relevant wikipedia article once all the WTF articles started appearing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, finally I got it. So if I've understood it well, The official MHL adapter works fine to allow you HDTV signal (HDMI) and USB OTG at the same time but... every review I read says that the MHL adapter needs power in its microUSB connector, so has anyone tested if it is possible to get USB OTG in that connector fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed??
Thank you very much in advance!

Tularis said:
Yes, finally I got it. So if I've understood it well, The official MHL adapter works fine to allow you HDTV signal (HDMI) and USB OTG at the same time but... every review I read says that the MHL adapter needs power in its microUSB connector, so has anyone tested if it is possible to get USB OTG in that connector fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed??
Click to expand...
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I don't have the actual adapter (was boycotting it) so I can't say anything concrete, but I believe that what you are saying conflicts with the explanation that I received. The Samsung adapter for the Galaxy SIII is supposed to be able to get its power from the phone - no need for power from a separate USB cable. The adapter in question is here:
http://www.amazon.com/Adapter-HDMI-EPL-3FHU-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B0080CXSOU
Can you give me a link to one of these reviews that says otherwise?

Tomaxda said:
Can you give me a link to one of these reviews that says otherwise?
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Sure, here for example:
clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s3-mhlhdmi-adaptor
It says:
"Please note: For the MHL cable to work you will need to have it connected to mains power."
So I don't really know what to think...Maybe you can power it using a Hub...
At first when I saw the S3 MHL adapter I though in using this connection scheme:
imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/mhlotg.png
But I've been told that this is not going to work. I have not tested it yet but maybe its a matter of the USB OTG cable used or one of them should not be OTG, I don't know. But I have not been able to find any website or review that shows both, USB OTG + MHL, wroking at the same time and for me that is suspicious...
EDIT: sorry for links but I'm not able to use them yet...Copy+Paste

Tularis said:
Sure, here for example:
clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s3-mhlhdmi-adaptor
It says:
"Please note: For the MHL cable to work you will need to have it connected to mains power."
So I don't really know what to think...Maybe you can power it using a Hub...
At first when I saw the S3 MHL adapter I though in using this connection scheme:
imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/mhlotg.png
But I've been told that this is not going to work. I have not tested it yet but maybe its a matter of the USB OTG cable used or one of them should not be OTG, I don't know. But I have not been able to find any website or review that shows both, USB OTG + MHL, wroking at the same time and for me that is suspicious...
EDIT: sorry for links but I'm not able to use them yet...Copy+Paste
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for supplying that link. I will try to contact Clove to see whether perhaps they just added that disclaimer about needing power because past MHL adapters needed it.

Tomaxda said:
Thanks for supplying that link. I will try to contact Clove to see whether perhaps they just added that disclaimer about needing power because past MHL adapters needed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it needs power in its microUSB female connector, but I wish it doesn't. Nobody has the MHL and the USB OTG to make the test? Maybe the OTG cable should be connected to a USB hub in order to supply power also...I need to test that on my own, but the MHL cable has not arrived yet and Im getting holydays veeeery soon...

The whole mhl thing has put me off getting any adapter.
Does anybody know if the S3 has the capability of connection to a Widi adapter or all the companies developing a medfield platform just to go off and make propritary adapters??
FYI;
Intel claim widi for their phones only
http://software.intel.com/en-us/blo...splay-technology-on-ia-phones#comment-1641598
HTC have their own adapter;
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/14/htc-media-link-hd-review/
http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-sense-4-complete-walkthrough
Generic stickers to further confuse us all;
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/19/wi-fi-alliance-announces-first-miracast-certified-devices/
I've been trying to connect but the phone only wants to shoot files at my Belkin adapter, no success.
If the galaxy S3 supports miracast should it work, maybe it will come with jelly bean...
http://www.autoomobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s3-lg-optimus-g-miracast/1003391/
I'm hugely confused!

Closed
Wrong section, please read and respect the rules.

Related

[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)
Click to expand...
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!

Modding the original samsung dock

After buying the dock and seeing that I've paid $24 only for a piece of plastic with a connector I decided to dig a little deeper into it to make it better.
So, I was assimilating information from these topics:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1155065
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16342363&postcount=4
I started to put my knowledge at work and this is what came out - see attachments.
Basically I can now use my charger of choice and at the same time I can plug in USB stuff.
The small relay inside is switching the power supply for the USB host from the 5V output of the tablet to the main 5V supply when you are plugging in the power adapter (the original or non-original).
The button next to the USB host (I know .. it is white .. but they were not having other colors at the electronics store ) has the function to switch the connection of the USB port from the regular OTG to the circuit that is enabling the AC charging on the tablet. So, when I'm not using the usb host capabilities the tablet will charge in fast mode, with full current.
There is one interesting thing I've found. If I'm plugging in the tablet with the switch in the fast-charge mode and after that I'm switching to USB-Host mode, the tablet will still continue to charge in AC mode (see snapshots for proof ).
I have to mention that all the original functionality of the dock has been preserved and the 30 pin connector at the back can still be used with the original intent (with the proper cables).
If anyone want to replicate this mod and needs additional details, just ask and I'll gladly answer.
Very cool. Lots of great details and pics.
One word: Brilliant.
Good work mate.
Awesome what about a HDMI port?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 using Tapatalk
The hdmi has to wait a little. I have ordered a mhl adapter on ebay but is gonna take a while until will arive. An on top of that I need to find time in my crowded schedule.
Could you please supply the wiring schematic diagram of your mod? That would be a lot helpful. Thank you.
This is awesome, great work! Shame it doesn't come with that full USB port stock. If I get one of these tabs, I'll definitely be looking to repeat your work.
ro_explorer said:
The hdmi has to wait a little. I have ordered a mhl adapter on ebay but is gonna take a while until will arive. An on top of that I need to find time in my crowded schedule.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome, can't wait to see your update of HDMI
I'm sorry not to have provided the requested info but my daily job is currently killing all my time (including the theoretically spare time). I'll draw the schematics ASAP and also I'll re-order the MHL adapter since the first one got lost in the mail (and I've been reimbursed).
Anyway, as a heads-up - I'm thinking to put the MHL adapter on top of the dock so I'll keep the original port accessible (and also the audio jack). I still don't know how exactly I'm going to do this ... but I think I'll figure it out when the time will come.
thats quite innovative
ro_explorer said:
The hdmi has to wait a little. I have ordered a mhl adapter on ebay but is gonna take a while until will arive. An on top of that I need to find time in my crowded schedule.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apparently the dock has hdmi passthrough meaning you still need the samsung hdmi adapter (http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EPL-3PHPBEGSTA) I haven't yet tried my dock with my hdmi adapter, I will do tomorrow and let you know - good luck incorporating that too
awesome job mate...schematics would be really helpful. Can't do this mod on my own, but my father is more than capable...I think i have project for him (if you can find some time to draw those schematics off course )
Would it be possible to modify the dock to disable data and only enable AC charging? I'm using the Tab in my car and every car charger I use seems to only send 500mA of current to the Tab so it dies a slow death in my car and needs to be recharged at home once a week or so.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Can you show where you soldered wires to in the dock?
Bought one and want to charge at same time as watch movies from usb device.
Anybody help me?
Have you thought about making and selling these?. I for one would certainly buy one!. Wouldn't have the balls to try and do it myself...... av
Hi guys,
I've put together some schematics. Sorry for the lack of very deep details but I can not take the glue off my board and other hi-def picture I was unable to find so you will have to use an ohmmeter to find out the exact pins based on the clues in the picture.
Basically, in the attached picture is the implementation I currently have in the dock. Due to the lack of free time I was unable to continue with implementing the MHL adapter inside so I guess I'll drop that one.
If you need any details based on the attached picture do not hesitate to ask.
Full size picture: http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/83/dockmod.png
And to answer the ones asking if I'm thinking to sell these : Actually that thought crossed my mind. I have other mods done on my Galaxy Nexus also (see the Ringke inductive charging mod) and also other great stuff that I'm building by exercising my hobby. Unfortunately, when I'm pushing like 70-80 hours a week on my daily job there is little to none spare time left .. and the little I got I'm spending it with my son. In a relative future when I'll have more spare time (or no job) I'll consider starting a business based on the know-how I've gathered until now.
thanks for update...
Just purchased the break out board so when arrives will give this a go!!!
Also found this if anybody wants to try the dock...
Pin 1 = 30 Shield Connector
Pin 2 = 28
Pin 3 = 27
Pin 4 = 13
pin 5 = 19
pin 6 = 18
pin 7 = 17
pin 8 = 6
pin 9 = 7
pin 10 =3
pin 11 =4
pin 12 = 1+2
usb host, hdmi & charge...AT THE SAME TIME!
I just wanted to point out a similar thread posted in the "galaxy tab plus accessories" forum. This may have already been done before but i figured it would be much bigger news if so. XDA member "emil_b" claims to have modified the multimedia dock to simultaneously do hdmi out, trickle charge the tab , & serve as usb host! In case some of u may not know, the same dock works with ALL tab variants(PERSONALLY ONLY TESTED WITH P1000, P7100, P6200, P6210 BUT 99% CERTAIN) so if this proves true, this should be shared with all the other tab forums in hopes that it can be made into an actual product.
Here is the original post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677845
Ended up modding my dock now and have usb host with charging...
Thanks Ro-explorer for the idea...
old dock from samsung p1000...
i have from my old p1000 (i sold it) the docking station at home. mhm i think they have the same cabel and so.
but the p1000 have 7zoll and my tab have 8,9 and the pin is landscape
i cut the dockstation and my GT-7310 works wonderfull with the ( i say modded ) dock.
mini hdmi works and the rest too. only one problem is there now, i but a little piece of paper behind the tab and dock, for the perfect fit xD
okay the cuts look terrible but i work on them
sorry for my english but i hope you can see on the pics what i mean gg
lg

[Q] Micro-USB -> HDMI... will it work?

Bare with me here... though this may turn into a convoluted solution.
I already own a galaxy s2, along with the HDMI adaptor for it (I believe this is a microUSB -> HDMI adaptor?)
Unfortunatly, the Note does not have microUSB ports, or even a normal USB port. So, I was going to buy this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/eKit-Connec...1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1353974512&sr=1-2
Unfortunately, of course, this also does not have microUSB. But it does have miniUSB and normal USB.
So if I get an adaptor such as - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002O1S8...de=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B002O1S8IE
...Will this mean I can use my current S2 HDMI adaptor, on my Note10.1?
While this may seem overly complex, my reasoning is (I think) sound. I will be getting the USB adaptor block anyway, because it is compact and universally useful. And I already own the hdmi adaptor (a Note-specific one is £25 minimum...far as I can see).
So the only extra expense is the £2 for a micro-mini USB adaptor. Saving me £23.
...assuming this will even work.
Any notions?
I do not know for sure but I thought I read somewhere the first adapter will not allow video pass through. Sorry I do not know where I read that at.
I use the hdmi adapter made for the original tab 10.1 and have had no issues. I think its 30$ on Samsung website but i'm sure you could find it cheaper on Amazon or Ebay. Or even an off brand for that matter. Sorry Its not much but I hope that helps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
stormglove said:
I do not know for sure but I thought I read somewhere the first adapter will not allow video pass through. Sorry I do not know where I read that at.
I use the hdmi adapter made for the original tab 10.1 and have had no issues. I think its 30$ on Samsung website but i'm sure you could find it cheaper on Amazon or Ebay. Or even an off brand for that matter. Sorry Its not much but I hope that helps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I see, I'd just assumed USB was USB, not sure why it would block video... Strange
nirurin said:
Oh I see, I'd just assumed USB was USB, not sure why it would block video... Strange
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turns out you might be right. Damn. Back to drawing board!
nirurin said:
Turns out you might be right. Damn. Back to drawing board!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could one use a USB to HDMI converter or something to that effect?
DeBoX said:
Could one use a USB to HDMI converter or something to that effect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my plan. The galaxy S2hdmi cable is a micro-USB to hdmi converter.
Apparently the 4in1 USB adapter doesn't let any video signal through though. Uyoud have to buy a 30pin to hdmi adapter instead.
Just tried my mhl adapter from my one x no joy shame really maybe someone will find away around 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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

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