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Building your own powered usb hub.

= DIY usb hub for HTC =
== Warning ==
First of all, your using this manual at your own risk, I don't take any responsebilety for your actions.
If you make a mistake you risk blowing up your phone usb port, or even burning out the phone completly.
I have a background in electronics and was age 12 when I did my first hardware mod on a computer.
I knew the risc I was taking when I started this mod, an I accepted it.
The included pictures are just for reference, do not use them as a guide, your board will be different.
If you happen to use the same usb hub, then also use the same connection points.
== Introduction ==
Unlike the Y cable this mod leaves all usb ports available, but it renders the usb hub useless for normal use.
It's gone be purely for use on HTC phones which DO NOT supply power to the usb port, check your phone before you start building.
== The parts ==
For this project we need the following parts.
* 4 port usb hub (this may be a active/powered hub, but those mostly have a to weak powersupply).
* micro usb cable.
* powersupply of 5V and at least 2000mA.
* half a liter of fresh coffee or energy drink.
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== Power ==
A standard usb port of a computer supply's 5V with 500mA, so for a 4 port usb hub we need 4x the current, making the 2000mA.
But as the phone also needs at least 500mA, we need a bit more power, totaling 2500mA, alltho there is some wiggleroom here.
A keyboard/mouse hardly ever need the full 500mA, so we can steal a bit from that.
The powersupply i used gives out 2250mA, and using the above wiggleroom it leaves about 700mA for the phone.
== The internals of the hub ==
When we open the usb hub were gone find something like the next picture.
This is my finished hub so ignore the black and red wires for now.
Look for the green and white cables and imagine the red wire above them and the black under them.
The green and white cables are the data cables.
Cut of the standard usb plug from the micro usb cable, and connect the green and white cables to the same points as the original cable from the hub.
If your hub has a connector instead of a cable, the white cable goes beside the red wire (positive), the green beside the black (negative).
This is visible on the pictures.
If you have any doubt, then skip to the next step and come back after it.
Once you have figured out the powerlines this step will become clear.
== Finding the power lines ==
Originaly the usb cable powers the controller and sends the left over power to the ports, making the hub able to power low power devices like keyboards and mice.
This is why we have the wiggle room on the power supply.
So first we have to locate the power lines on the board as outlined on the next picture.
Red is the positive path, blue the negative path.
Look for the negative path first and you'll find the positive in no time.
An easy trick is to start look at the usb ports.
You'll see that 1 of the 4 pins is connected to the ground of the port, thats the negative pin/track.
the oposite pin of the 4 is the positive (the data pins are the 2 middle pins).
== The power protection ==
Now if you look carefully you can see 2 gaps in the positive path (red collor), those are there because of the protection needed when pluging in the external powersupply.
And the fact that the controller gets power from 2 locations.
They are located in the yellow circles on the next picture.
== Bypasing the power protection ==
But as the phone doesn't supply any power on the usb port, in fact it needs power, were gone have to bypase (easier then removing it) the protection.
This is fairly easy, just connect the points which normaly go to the usb cable which connects the computer to the points of the external powersupply.
The connector on my hub is located right beside the protection diode on the right side of the board.
== Rerouting the power to the phone ==
Next step is to give the phone power in the same way.
To make it easier I used 1 of the usb ports for this.
Safes the hassle to connect 2 cables to the small connection points.
== Putting the hub back together ==
Now we can put the hub back into it's casing.
== The finished project ==
And we end up with a special usb hub for our phone.
Like it was bought this way.

reserved for the battery pack project.
space for rent. lol

FaQ
Known devices to work which do not supply power to the usb port.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HD2
Known devices to work which do supply power to the usb port (you need to skip the power bypase to the phone on these devices).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
this list will most likely contain tablets.
Known devices which do not work at all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: I can not find the power path or protection on my hub.
A: Post a high detail closeup of the print of the hub so we can help and draw the path on the photo for you, like in the manual.
But consider the fact that you are getting into a very risky situation, we could be wrong due to a bad picture and you could interpret the photo we draw in a bad way.
I highly recomment that you get help from someone more skilled.
Q: My phone does supply power to the usb port.
A: Do not attach the power cables from the phone usb to the hub, leave it all to the external powersupply.
But remember to tape/isolate the cables to avoid shortings.
Q: I really want to have a hub like this but i'm not capable of building 1.
A: as i got only 4 requests by pm the demand seems to be very little.
but feel free to try and convince me by pm, but pls make it at least 5 hub's.
plopper

Thx for the idea and the detailed information.
Just bought a hub today and will try it within the next days.
But one question:
Is it neccessary to change the powercables to the phone?
I'm not sure, but wouldn't it work only with the 'bypass protection' wires?
With this bypass the old connection points are on the same power level as the new ones? Do I miss something?
regards and thx again
mf_1

mf_1 said:
Thx for the idea and the detailed information.
Just bought a hub today and will try it within the next days.
But one question:
Is it neccessary to change the powercables to the phone?
I'm not sure, but wouldn't it work only with the 'bypass protection' wires?
With this bypass the old connection points are on the same power level as the new ones? Do I miss something?
regards and thx again
mf_1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the protection bypase is indeed enough, but that forces you to stick 2 cables to the small connection points of the original usb cable.
the connections on the usb port are free and mostly they don't even cut off the leads, so you end up with more surface area, resulting in a stronger connection.
on my hub the usb ports are actualy holding the print on it's place, and by using the same length on all the leads (data and power) from the usb cable, and using the usb ports to connect the power makes it less likely that some jerking on the cable breaks/damages the print, also since i picked the 1 which was furthest away.
doesn't change anything on the workings but it's a safer idea.
good luck and have fun building.
plopper

Works great.
I've bought a very small hub and it wasn't easy to find the connection point (only needed the +5V connection), but thx to your description everything works fine.
With ubuntu it was plug & play, now I'm trying WM and android.
regards
mf_1

mf_1 said:
Works great.
I've bought a very small hub and it wasn't easy to find the connection point (only needed the +5V connection), but thx to your description everything works fine.
With ubuntu it was plug & play, now I'm trying WM and android.
regards
mf_1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
updated the manual a bit, inserted a trick to find them quicker.
on android you might have to enable the usb host mode in the kernel (like ubuntu's usb_host kernel).
not sure tho, pls inform me if this is true.
we tested it on a android tablet in a shop and that worked out of the box.
plopper

To make it a little easier: gnd should be the same on both +5 areas, so you only need to make 1 connection.
My Hub is a LogiLink USB 2.0 4 Port HUB (UA0003), a very small hub with a 2,0A Power Supply (in Germany available at Conrad electronics for 10€).
Your hint regarding Androids seems to be right, unfortunaly I'm not able to activate it by myself. Maybe one of the developers will built a version sometimes.
Do you have drivers for WM 6.5?
I used Zenos driver without success so far.
Regards
mf_1

mf_1 said:
To make it a little easier: gnd should be the same on both +5 areas, so you only need to make 1 connection.
My Hub is a LogiLink USB 2.0 4 Port HUB (UA0003), a very small hub with a 2,0A Power Supply (in Germany available at Conrad electronics for 10€).
Your hint regarding Androids seems to be right, unfortunaly I'm not able to activate it by myself. Maybe one of the developers will built a version sometimes.
Do you have drivers for WM 6.5?
I used Zenos driver without success so far.
Regards
mf_1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on our use of the hub you are indeed right, both gnd's should be the same and can be made with 1 connection.
but if the gnd's in both area's are connected by default, then you found a very bad hub.
connection the psu wrongly on a hub like that can have very bad results, smoke out of the computer.
but for our mod. they are perfect, safes a bit of work.
i haven't found any working wince drivers so far.
i'll contact some of the android cooks if they are willing to help with a test.
plopper

Technical opinion on hub choice
Can I use hub like in picture ? have one lying around doing nothing.
No external power supply on hub, but could buy 2.25A power adaptor & wire it to power tracks.
Could use standard built in usb lead with micro USB adaptor plug ?
Want to keep size & weight to minimum as travel a lot.
Could this replace standard HTC charger(1 less plug to carry) or is full charging via a 2A+ power adapter risky !

Mister B said:
Can I use hub like in picture ? have one lying around doing nothing.
No external power supply on hub, but could buy 2.25A power adaptor & wire it to power tracks.
Could use standard built in usb lead with micro USB adaptor plug ?
Want to keep size & weight to minimum as travel a lot.
Could this replace standard HTC charger(1 less plug to carry) or is full charging via a 2A+ power adapter risky !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any hub can be used, just some need more or less modifications then others (due to bad design).
to be sure i would need a high resolution picture of the board.
the hd2 has multiple charging mode's.
the standard htc charger is 1 amp, but this doesn't mean it always pushed out that 1 amp.
it can deliver up to 1 amp, the same goes for the external psu you mentioned, just now we have a max of 2.25 amps..
if you worry i suggest you try and keep a close eye on the temperature of the battery.
above 60 celcius the risk of it exploding appears.
personaly i didn't feel a difference in heat on charging on 1 or 2 amps.
another option would be to drain the extra power by hooking up something like an external hdd, those need 1 amp (0.5 amps per usb port, 2 are used on these devices).
plopper

thanks for reply.
What constitutes as bad design for our intended modification ?
Is it not more simple to wire a non external powered hub as it will have no diode circiut to bridge, I'm thinking would only need to tap into power line for external 2A supply & with a micro USB adaptor on original recoil lead it would fit & feed HD2 correctly.
Will strip hub tomorrow if got time, is my rough summary sounding practical from your experience ?

Mister B said:
thanks for reply.
What constitutes as bad design for our intended modification ?
Is it not more simple to wire a non external powered hub as it will have no diode circiut to bridge, I'm thinking would only need to tap into power line for external 2A supply & with a micro USB adaptor on original recoil lead it would fit & feed HD2 correctly.
Will strip hub tomorrow if got time, is my rough summary sounding practical from your experience ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
with our intended modification the world turns around.
the best designed hub becomes the worst.
every protection they add, we have to cancel out.
i had the same idea like you, get a non powered hub and connect a psu to it.
but when i unpacked it the power socket appeared.
i wouldn't be surprised if you found the socket painted on the top side of the print and the diodes replaced for bridges.
means less work, hookup 1 random usb port to the psu, replace the plug and done.
plopper

hey this is a great idea, but unfortunately for the electrically illiterate it's a bit over our heads. i'd really like to tackle this but im going to have to learn some of the basics first. is there any chance that someone who has made one of these could upload a tutorial vid on youtube? im sure im not the only would who would appreciate it.

non soldered way?
I have bought a 4 way USB hub which has a usb socket on its input lead. This can be plugged into your PC or into a usb mains charger or usb car charger.
If the input lead is plugged into one of the four output sockets and the lead is cut open and the red and black wires are exposed, a 2A 5v charger can be connected to these wires by twisting together and taping.
This then powers both sides of the hub with 2A supply and by-passes the protection.
It does sacrifice 1 output socket but HD2 +keyboard+mouse= happy Ubuntu
Will this work?
Edit; I have posted a Thread in HD2 Ubuntu Q&A http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130905 to try for more feedback.
If it does work then thanks should go to Plopper for his hard work in this and on other Fora. (And apologies for any lost business!)

DOH!
I must have read this thread quite a few times, but I have only just understood what plopper and Mister B were saying in their last posts.
There is no protection in unpowered usb hubs, so no need to bypass it!
I have checked this and it works.
No wonder there have been no replies!

Robbie P said:
I have bought a 4 way USB hub which has a usb socket on its input lead. This can be plugged into your PC or into a usb mains charger or usb car charger.
If the input lead is plugged into one of the four output sockets and the lead is cut open and the red and black wires are exposed, a 2A 5v charger can be connected to these wires by twisting together and taping.
This then powers both sides of the hub with 2A supply and by-passes the protection.
It does sacrifice 1 output socket but HD2 +keyboard+mouse= happy Ubuntu
Will this work?
Edit; I have posted a Thread in HD2 Ubuntu Q&A http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130905 to try for more feedback.
If it does work then thanks should go to Plopper for his hard work in this and on other Fora. (And apologies for any lost business!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what you made here is a Y cable.
but i advise that you do solder the wires, this to avoid problems due to the bad contacts.
problems like sparks can do nasty things to any electrical device.
apologies accepted gracefully.
so far 4 have requested a hub, and 1 of those managed to build 1 himself.
thats not enough sadly.
beside that i'm working about 60 hours per week on average, so not much spare time left.
plopper

Thanks Plopper,
you may get more business now that DFT and Cotulla have released USB host for WM6.5
Good to see you back

powered hub for nexus 12v source
Can I pay you to make me a 4 port hub that uses a 12 volt source? I'm working on an auto project integrating a a nexus 7 into my car stereo
plopper said:
Known devices to work which do not supply power to the usb port.
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
HD2
Known devices to work which do supply power to the usb port (you need to skip the power bypase to the phone on these devices).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
this list will most likely contain tablets.
Known devices which do not work at all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: I can not find the power path or protection on my hub.
A: Post a high detail closeup of the print of the hub so we can help and draw the path on the photo for you, like in the manual.
But consider the fact that you are getting into a very risky situation, we could be wrong due to a bad picture and you could interpret the photo we draw in a bad way.
I highly recomment that you get help from someone more skilled.
Q: My phone does supply power to the usb port.
A: Do not attach the power cables from the phone usb to the hub, leave it all to the external powersupply.
But remember to tape/isolate the cables to avoid shortings.
Q: I really want to have a hub like this but i'm not capable of building 1.
A: If there is enough demand i'll build a stack of them.
I have no idea how to handle the posting/shipping of this, so if you can help me on this, then don't hesitate to send me a pm.
For now i still won't build any untill i have it all figured out.
Check back here in a couple day's for more info.
Q: When are you gone start building them?
A: Send me a pm where you request for a hub, and I'll inform you on the details.
plopper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

cms3717 said:
Can I pay you to make me a 4 port hub that uses a 12 volt source? I'm working on an auto project integrating a a nexus 7 into my car stereo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it as described in the thread but use the internal power adaptor board of a quality 2A plus rated 12v cigarette to usb charge adaptor to power the hub.

USB Host/OTG without doc

For the "old" Atrix 4G, there is a thread regarding USB Host, without a dock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=997187
Can the same be done with the Atrix 2 (buying the USB hub and the OTG adapter)? I assume getting WebTop app requires rooting? Can the USB OTG still be used without rooting?
If not using WebTop app, is there any advantage going this route, versus just using a bluetooth keyboard/mouse ? Maybe just so that I can copy files to a disk key?
I'm just envisioning using something like this while visiting a relative or staying at a hotel - hooking the phone up to a TV, to be able to do things.
Thanks

Yes, it works on the atrix 2. I've gotten usb mass storage, keyboards and mice to work. All before the root was available.
The only problem I have with it is minecraft pocket edition doesn't support remapping the input to keyboard+mouse.
Oh- also I had to shave a little plastic off the side of the OTG adapter for the HDMI cable to fit at the same time.
I would suggest going the bluetooth route unless you need usb mass storage or usb ethernet.
The mess of wires can get pretty bad...

Hmmm... I need help here.
I have this set up:
- Micro USB On-The-Go Host OTG Adapter
- The USB male split into two cables: power ( 5v + GND) and data (d+, d- , GND)
It's fully functional, on my Touchpad running CM9 and WebOS. But doesn't work on my atrix 2.
What the thread on the OP is suggesting is you have to put the 5v on the data cable too ?
-------------------
yeah, just did it. It works and still charges the cellphone! \o/

When I tested it, I used a hub. Thankfully the hub's included cable has a third lead coming off with only 5v and ground connected, so it was a perfect match.
I've spliced up a cable to test the way you have it. Unfortunately, even with 5v+gnd hotwired, I haven't been able to get it to work without a hub between the usb otg adapter and the usb device.
This suggests that Motorola only really wants you to use usb host mode with the official lapdock or docking station, etc.

Strange... The modified cable worked fine to me.
an usb keyboard worked with the cable and even an unmodified usb hub.
So you have a hub with a second cable only for power? Do you have a link ?

RogerThis said:
Strange... The modified cable worked fine to me.
an usb keyboard worked with the cable and even an unmodified usb hub.
So you have a hub with a second cable only for power? Do you have a link ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it and you're right about the keyboard. It works when connected directly.
Till this point I had only been trying USB storage and mice.
This kinda makes me think this is just a software deficiency that could be worked around.
As far as the hub goes, it's just a 4 dollar hub I found at goodwill.
After a little research, I found out what it is but it's discontinued of course. Any usb hub should work, the trick is the Y cable.
The hub linked to on dealextreme in that Atrix thread is wired in a way analogous to this.

Can you guys explain a bit more about these modified cables and the Y adapter cable? Like, exactly what cables do I need, and what modifications need to be done.
Thanks!

moofree said:
Just tried it and you're right about the keyboard. It works when connected directly.
Till this point I had only been trying USB storage and mice.
This kinda makes me think this is just a software deficiency that could be worked around.
As far as the hub goes, it's just a 4 dollar hub I found at goodwill.
After a little research, I found out what it is but it's discontinued of course. Any usb hub should work, the trick is the Y cable.
The hub linked to on dealextreme in that Atrix thread is wired in a way analogous to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man!, I use this site a lot and never saw this hub! Thanks!
The self made Y cable is fine, I just want a better solution without semi-naked wires hanging around. =)
extide said:
Can you guys explain a bit more about these modified cables and the Y adapter cable? Like, exactly what cables do I need, and what modifications need to be done.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the Atrix act as a host all you need is that OTG adapter metioned earlier. But, mobile devices don't provide power to "guest" devices. So, you need to power the usb device with a external source.
You have 2 options:
- Self powered HUB. Actually that's not enough. You'll need to power the USB pin 1 on the cable connected to the atrix to active the Host mode. That's why that hack (wire soldered) on the atrix 1 thread.
- The Y cable. As I described before is a normal USB cable powered by other USB cable. Ex: http://www.amazon.com/Apricorn-Power-Adapter-Cable-AUSB-Y/dp/B000JIOHDE
On our scenario, one will provide the data communication and the other the power. So, the data cable you will connect to the atrix and the other to a PC or the atrix charger.
I hope I made myself clear in a not so bad english.
If you buy a Y cable, you'll only need the OTG adapter ( http://dx.com/micro-usb-on-the-go-host-otg-adapter-pair-50774 ) and any usb hub.
If you want to make the cable, only 2 USB cables.
If you want to modify an USB hub. Just any hub and a cable.
I'm modifying an USB hub, I'll post pictues and I get home.

Rechargeable battery powered usb hub with otg cable
I was able to make myself a battery powered usb hub with an otg micro end on the cable and its rechargeable. All for $10

Using the USB host adapter and a y splitter, which I power via USB to AC adapter I can use a keyboard / mouse. I am unable, though to access a USB memory stick or the like. Looking at the Atrix 4G forums of people who did similarly - pre the latest firmware, the Atrix 4G needed to use manually mounting - which I assume needs root. But, the latest Atrix 4G automounts. But, I have a Atrix 2 with the latest firmware... and no automounting. Any ideas?
Thanks

I have the Micro USB OTG Adapter ( product B005N55WHI on amazon ) + the Y cable ( product B003HHK576 on Amazon ).
I put on the red plug of the Y cable a portable USB battery (phone detects it and is charging).
On the end of the Y cable I have my camera.
When I check with USB Hostdiagnostic it detects the USB device (my camera) but not the app I want to use it with. The USB host diag shows that at Android API Claims support and Classes found is NO and Device detected is N/A .
What am I missing?
Update:
USB Mouse and keyboard works.

atrix2 - pendrive auto mount
dzr said:
Using the USB host adapter and a y splitter, which I power via USB to AC adapter I can use a keyboard / mouse. I am unable, though to access a USB memory stick or the like. Looking at the Atrix 4G forums of people who did similarly - pre the latest firmware, the Atrix 4G needed to use manually mounting - which I assume needs root. But, the latest Atrix 4G automounts. But, I have a Atrix 2 with the latest firmware... and no automounting. Any ideas?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like above, I too have same issue with Atrix2(pendrive not getting detected / mounting), whereas mouse & keyboard work fine. can anybody help.

You need to use a usb hub between the splitter cable and the usb drive.

pendrive works
moofree said:
You need to use a usb hub between the splitter cable and the usb drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.................
It works, thanks a lot......
Hope same logic works for connecting USB printer as well .

I didn't have a female to female adapter. But I found an ancient internal USB hub that works just fine!
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in fact, I am posting this through the ATRIX 2, typing this with keyboard!!
EDIT:
Anyway to get USB controller to work?? the generic dual-shock II clone.

i have drawn a simple diagram using paint which i have understood by reading through out this thread,
is it correct?
and i have spotted a question in the diagram which asking for a Y splitter. is this is the one which called Y splitter or something else?
thanks
EDIT
and for the records is this OTG cable will work this atrix 2?

sachi9121 said:
i have drawn a simple diagram using paint which i have understood by reading through out this thread,
is it correct?
and i have spotted a question in the diagram which asking for a Y splitter. is this is the one which called Y splitter or something else?
thanks
EDIT
and for the records is this OTG cable will work this atrix 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That cable is right. but diagram is not.
Here see this...

dzr said:
Using the USB host adapter and a y splitter, which I power via USB to AC adapter I can use a keyboard / mouse. I am unable, though to access a USB memory stick or the like. Looking at the Atrix 4G forums of people who did similarly - pre the latest firmware, the Atrix 4G needed to use manually mounting - which I assume needs root. But, the latest Atrix 4G automounts. But, I have a Atrix 2 with the latest firmware... and no automounting. Any ideas?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using atrix 2 i did it and its automatically mounding the flash drive and mouse ,i don't have a usb keyboard so i didnt tried that, but flash drive is mounding automatic i am using stock ICS.

monichutti said:
i am using atrix 2 i did it and its automatically mounding the flash drive and mouse ,i don't have a usb keyboard so i didnt tried that, but flash drive is mounding automatic i am using stock ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It auto-mounts for me too.

NHS2008 said:
That cable is right. but diagram is not.
Here see this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh i see..thanks for the clarification..i will try it as soon as i got the OTG & Y split cable..just now ordered!! :good:

[GUIDE] $7 cable that triggers Car Dock Mode (NO SOLDERING REQUIRED!)

WARNING! CONNECTING ANY CABLE TO YOUR PHONE THAT DID NOT COME WITH YOUR PHONE IN THE BOX COULD DAMAGE YOUR PHONE, YOUR COMPUTER, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IN YOUR HOUSE, AND IT COULD KILL YOU!
you have been warned
Soooo I recently stumbled across this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=744636&page=3
that states that if you short pins 4 & 5 on a micro USB connector and plug it into an HTC Desire, the phone will automatically go into car dock mode. as luck would have it, I happen to know that this is the same method that is used to trigger USB OTG on devices that support it. The wheels in my brain began to turn... $7 and a few days later I came up with this:
MICRO USB HOST ADAPTER + A BIZARRE A TO A USB CABLE = A CHARGING/DATA CABLE THAT TRIGGERS CAR DOCK MODE!
I have tested this on my G2 using Virtuous G-Lite 2.0.1 and it works perfectly, but YMMV.
I got the USB host adapter here
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-B-Adapt...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328093895&sr=1-3
and the A to A USB cable here
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328094123&sr=1-3
Just in case you haven't already figured it out you just connect the female end of the OTG adapter to either one of the male ends on the A to A cable, then use the cable as you would any other charging/data cable in your car. the only difference is that now your device will automatically switch into car dock mode when you plug it in! you could also connect this cable to a dock that has a female micro USB connector on the back (like the G2 OEM desktop dock here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1473718) and create your own car dock!
an extra word of warning, DO NOT USE THE A TO A CABLE ON ITS OWN FOR ANYTHING! this is a non-standard conforming cable that would damage any two USB devices that you attempted to connect with it. I have no idea what it's intended use is on it's own, but don't think that it is the same thing as a USB data transfer cable (transfer cables have a chip inside the cable that makes the two connected USB host devices see each other as USB slave devices. this A to A cable is just a copper wire)

Nice, I didn't know people wanted this. I got a premade cable. Off ebay that triggered car mode no mods needed and it was a buck. Lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk

Any idea about standard dock mode? I know the official tmobile dock auto opens a desk clock.

scottcom said:
Nice, I didn't know people wanted this. I got a premade cable. Off ebay that triggered car mode no mods needed and it was a buck. Lol
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
What cable was this?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

ad505 said:
What cable was this?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess would be that the cable was not intended to trigger car dock mode, it was just poorly made. a really bad soldering job on the pins would short pins 4 & 5 and do the same thing. Other people have reported this same behavior when they buy low end cables or get water in their micro usb ports.

I tried this and it seams to work but all it does its launch tunein radio, any idea how to change it to other apps such as torque? Thanks

The short thing does work. I my self stumbled on to it while repearing a aftermarked charger .. I opened up the mini usb side and it had a resistor on jumping pin 5( - ) to pin 4 . With the resistor on it charches with the resistor bypassed and just jumped to pin 4 it goes in to car dock mode. Also my friend got a samsung infuse and came with a hdmi dongle usb, so out of curiosity hooked it up to my g2 and it whent to car dock mode
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA

[Q] HP Touchpad OTG support works great but..

Hi:
i bought a solar powered 4 port hub + otg cable..
using chainfires stickmount , this setup works perfect but
i search high and low :: why hasnt the hacker gurus replaced the F usb end
w/ a male micro end to eliminate one cable?
if i was smart, i wouldda ordered an extra otg cable and tried it..
the hub and cable took almost a month to get here so i cant just hackup the only cable i have
thanx

because otg cables are not designed to work only with the TP, but several devices, and since some of them send power thru otg, there is no need of powered hub.

accidental dbl post please delete

HPTP does require power to a hub , which i have.
i dont have any questions why.
my question is how.
i dont know what youre trying to say really.

I've been thinking of making just such a cable myself, if I'm right the TP end would need to have pins 4 and 5 shorted while the other end would be wired normally. I have a ZTE MF60 mobile wifi hotspot which also has a micro sd card slot and can be used as external storage but only wired, not wireless.

Troute said:
I've been thinking of making just such a cable myself, if I'm right the TP end would need to have pins 4 and 5 shorted while the other end would be wired normally. I have a ZTE MF60 mobile wifi hotspot which also has a micro sd card slot and can be used as external storage but only wired, not wireless.
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going from a very vague memory, when they hack up cables it seems like ppl short out pins 4&5 on the other end (non touchpad) end .. i could not be anywhere atall sure about this tho... like the otg cable right out of the box,, does the female usb end have pins 4 and 5 shorted together?
so hptp side is non modified micro male end;
other end is modified mini male end..
i would be verry interested if this ever gets done..to shrink up cable clutter hugely .
thanx

[Q] Quick Usb question

OK so here is my problem: every time I connect a USB via the micro USB port the device doesn't detect the USB. However sometimes if i am lucky I only need to twist the cable and it works shortly. Probably the cable is destroyed, anyone know if I need exactly this cable or if I could also use a normal micro USB adapter cable. Thank you.

Temporeiches said:
OK so here is my problem: every time I connect a USB via the micro USB port the device doesn't detect the USB. However sometimes if i am lucky I only need to twist the cable and it works shortly. Probably the cable is destroyed, anyone know if I need exactly this cable or if I could also use a normal micro USB adapter cable. Thank you.
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Click to collapse
Well, I'm a bit confused, as the 70x has actually 2 cables.
1. The USB cable that connects to a PC
2. The USB dongle adapter that has a full size USB connector (female) for connecting flash sticks for example.
Regardless, as in number 1, you can't use just any micro USB cable, like the one that comes with a camera for example. You might, but then again, the data connections may be wrong. Best thing is to try. Typically I use my HTC cable. Regardless, you won't damage anything by trying.
As in number 2, well, it may be hit and miss if you get a generic one. The + and - pin layout should be the same, but the data might be different. The only way is to check.
When you twist your cable, make sure it's not actually twisting the connector (micro). This may give false readings, when in fact it could be a damaged micro USB port on the Tab. So check it good.
MD

ok thanx. found a working cable.