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[Q] Can the XOOM act as a USB Host?

Hi, can anyone who owns a XOOM pls let me know if you can plug in:
1) a USB flash drive to the XOOM, and view and open files on the drive?
2) an external hard drive and view and access files from your XOOM
Many thanks

masrinz said:
Hi, can anyone who owns a XOOM pls let me know if you can plug in:
1) a USB flash drive to the XOOM, and view and open files on the drive?
2) an external hard drive and view and access files from your XOOM
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Xoom have a USB port? Pretty sure it only has MicroUSB. I guess they do have microusb flash drives not that I look.

Hi. Yup its only got micro USB, but I guess you could use the included adapter cable to plug in a flash drive.... we don't have the XOOM here yet, but the functionality of being able to connect a flash drive, move files e.g. PDF or .doc and then view them is important to me.

masrinz said:
Hi. Yup its only got micro USB, but I guess you could use the included adapter cable to plug in a flash drive.... we don't have the XOOM here yet, but the functionality of being able to connect a flash drive, move files e.g. PDF or .doc and then view them is important to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of today what you want is not avab. The cable it comes with doesn't take input. They do have a cable online that will do this one day, but doesn't do it yet.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

The cable that Motorola "will" be selling is a micro-usb to standard usb (female) adapter. I'll look around for the sources, but I know that I saw this detailed in a few videos from Motorola techs and at least one reviewer site.
The cable is not just a straight conversion of form factor, but has the necessary pinout to instruct the Xoom to jump into usb host mode. From the reports that I saw, it would absolutely provide the ability to plug usb drives, cameras and other accessories into the xoom for direct access. In fact, the reviewer that I saw, made a comment that they had verified the functionality by plugging in a couple usb keyboards... supposedly worked like a champ.
Lame that we need a "special" adapter, but I can imagine that if it is just a pinout issue, it may be possible for the good folks here at XDA to craft a software solution that would allow us to bypass the motorola-branded cable... It would have been WAY cooler if it was a standard usb port, like some of the other tablets on the horizon.

Thanks. They mention in many reviews and I think Google mentioned it too that you can attach a mouse or keyboard by cable (I know about Bluetooth) which suggests that it should support input, so is it just a hardware interface thing or an actual firmware OS/software issue?
Edit: thanks for the great response gigglebox.... we posted simultaneously

Is this it?
http://www.clove.co.uk/motorola-xoom-camera-connection-kit

masrinz said:
Is this it?
http://www.clove.co.uk/motorola-xoom-camera-connection-kit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Visually, yeah. Looks like they took it off their site for some reason. In fact the only times that I saw this on Moto's site, was in the day or 2 leading up to the launch... when typing in xoom into the search bar on their landing page, it would spit out a drop-down menu listing the Camera Connection Kit (by name and pic).
I dont like the fact that they call it a "camera connection", but they werent pulling any punches about it serving as a host. They did note that the external storage (thumbdrives, etc) were not yet supported, but that they would be. The cameras and (according to them) keyboards were working now.

I believe it is possible but right now it is a software limitation.
More info here: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/329075

Droid4All said:
I believe it is possible but right now it is a software limitation.
More info here: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/329075
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, the engineer from moto definitely says the hardware should accept any usb 2.0 or higher device, but it's a software issue. Toshiba have a straight usb and a micro usb port on their device so hopefully they're working on this.
We don't have the XOOM here yet, but hopefully by the time it becomes available (approx April) we might have the option of the Toshiba as well.

I use this USB host cable and it works great. Have tested it with my 750gb Oyen and 320gb WD Passport external HDD's, several usb flash drives (8-16gb), San disk USB memory card reader, and a USB keyboard.
For those having issues getting their Xoom to recognize USB storage devices here's what I've got and did to get it to work: I flashed my XOOM (3.1) to the 2.6.36.4 Tiamat_Xoom-v1.4.4-Full_Throttle Kernel and was unable to get the USBMount to recognize drives or storage at first. I installed USB Mass Storage Watcher from the market (it's free) and it works awesome! Can mount any storage I want (NTFS, FAT16/32, HFS, HFS+, EXT2, ETX3, EXT4) with any capacity. I think this app will work with any rooted Xoom (or other devices). Under my Kernel my USB host is located under/usbOTG.
Hope this helps.

FYI ... I've checked it and stock ROM Xoom without root is able to operate standard PC keyboard/mouse using basic one-to-one usb->microusb adapter (without any electronics onboard).
Probably with proper dual socket usb adapter (also without electronics onboard) it would be possible to connect both keyboard and mouse at once.

irekd said:
FYI ... I've checked it and stock ROM Xoom without root is able to operate standard PC keyboard/mouse using basic one-to-one usb->microusb adapter (without any electronics onboard).
Probably with proper dual socket usb adapter (also without electronics onboard) it would be possible to connect both keyboard and mouse at once.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have a Logitech keyboard and mouse that connect by the unifying receiver,or mostly any keyboard+mouse combo that connects by one receiver, then only a standard OTG cable should work.

[Q] Help! Can't use any USB devices...

I've looked at all relevant threads in the Xoom forums and on the web but still can't find the solution to my problem so I'm hoping one of you guys can help me.
I have:
1.Motorola Xoom US WiFi(But bought in Singapore, MZ604)
2.Working DIYed USB Host Cable(I plugged my DHD into the microUSB end and a normal USB-USB cable at the other then plugged into my computer
3.Sandisk ThumbDrive, Kingston ThumbDrive, FAT32
4.Microsoft USB Mouse
I'm running the awesomely win Tiamat ROM(thanks) as well as the kernel which I was told worked from the this thread(Tiamat 1.4.2), I have the USB Watcher OTG app too. But not only can I not mount or use any USB device, the devices do not light up. there appears to be no power flowing to the devices.
A little help please
Thanks for reading this post
BTW After flashing the 1.4.4 Kernel my WiFi refused to work so I downgraded.

When you searched other threads, you missed a very relevant one. In this section, exactly 12 posts below yours, is a similar thread with this post:
"I'm not sure if its a power problem or the unusual way the built-in Sandisk software mounts the drive (it mounts as a "cd drive" in Windows); but Sandisks are problematic.
If you can, please try another thumb drive just to be sure. Preferably, one with no lights (to minimize power requirements) and not a Sandisk or Kingston, which both use proprietary built-in software upon insertion into PC usb ports."
Secondly, you should not have flashed another Tiamat kernel. 1.4.4 is included in the Tiamat 1.0 ROM. BRD stated that in the OP of that thread. You may want to reflash the Tiamat 1.0 ROM again. Then you will not need to flash any other kernel.

I'm sorry if I was not clear, but my sandisk or Kingston appears to be of the type which does not have the annoying U3 thing(the thing mentioned that causes the thumbdrive to mount as a cd drive.) I reflashed the 1.4.4 kernel just to be sure it's there(oh and I did reflash the ROM), and got a error what prevented WiFi from working. And none of the USB devices I tried(including the kingston with no lights) worked. I think there's no power, so I'm looking for help here. Anyway thanks for reading my long post, sorry if I'm annoying.

tlkh said:
I'm sorry if I was not clear, but my sandisk or Kingston appears to be of the type which does not have the annoying U3 thing(the thing mentioned that causes the thumbdrive to mount as a cd drive.) I reflashed the 1.4.4 kernel just to be sure it's there(oh and I did reflash the ROM), and got a error what prevented WiFi from working. And none of the USB devices I tried(including the kingston with no lights) worked. I think there's no power, so I'm looking for help here. Anyway thanks for reading my long post, sorry if I'm annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your wifi is not working, I would recommend reflashing the ROM. USB drive connection has been problematic. See this thread > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068999

I usually connect devices through a hub on a stock unrooted xoom wifi running 3.1. Without the hub I've found usb mice work without external power (provided by the hub) but flash drives do not. For troubleshooting maybe try connecting through an externally powered hub to see if you don't meet the power requirements.
Honestly though, since the flash drive's light doesn't even come on it sounds like the xoom is not recognizing that it should be a host which hints to me that there's something wrong with the cable. The way you tested it doesn't sound like it tests the OTG part of the cable (the 5th pin) because the PC will be the host either way. I just bought Motorola's Camera Connection Kit off of amazon. I figured for long term use it's better than a home made one anyway. I'd post the link but I don't have enough posts yet...just search Motorola Camera Connection Kit on amazon if you're interested.

[Q] android tablet to use as point of sale

Hi. At the company I work for, we are looking for a tablet pc to use as point of sale on small stores. The idea is to stop using desktop pcs, and use tablets instead.
The exact requirement is a tablet that is:
1. Cheap (US$ 500 max)
2. Has USB Host ports or USB OTG. USB accesories to be connected include keyboard, USB to Serial, USB to Parallel converter, or USB Dot Matrix Ticket printer(Epson TMU), and a USB Wired network adapter.
3. If possible, one that has Wired network conectivity(RJ-45)
4. Has unlockable bootloader. It's best if it's provided by the manufacturer, but as long as it works, it's okay.
5. Tha manufacturer provides kernel source code.
Other conectivity options, such as WiFi or 3G really don't matter, as those will be disabled, because they are not needed.
The tablet would go inside a specially designed case, together with the ticket printer, the power adapters for both, and maybe the keyboard.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

[WORKING][USBOTG][STOCK] - Atrix 2 USB OTG Host Mode and USB Accessory acquisition

04/11/2014 - 01:41AM - Central Time
USB OTG does work on the Motorola Atrix 2.
I post this because there are no defining topics listing all the requirements and caveats of making this work currently as of the date. Just alot of help topics to sift through. I got a little obsessive in my search to make this work so this is pretty much a knowledge dump.
Started from original help threads here on the forums (various many... lots), figured things out from there through conversations with Chainfire. Ultimitely fixed with lots of research and use of his USB Host Diagnostics App.
Requirements:
Motorola Atrix 2 Stock 4.0.4 - Rooted [stock kernel as well]
(what drove me insane on this was that in USB HOST Diagnostics App it showed kernel support, and API support up to Device detected)
USB OTG Y cable, usb 2.0 (I was concerned about this in the beginning however mine appears to be usb 2.0, got it off amazon.)
(Through research it concerned me that a usb 3.0 would not work. Have not tested this)
USB Drive, usb 2.0
- Tested with a Sandisk Cruzer Micro 1gb
(I assume others will work although there have been some help topics mentioning problems with certain usb drives)
[NOTE]
Must be formatted fat32 - I have noticed a few threads I researched mentioning exfat is not supported for certain devices
(have not confirmed as of post date if exfat is supported for Atrix 2 Stock)
[NEEDED] For USB Host AutoMount
Usb 2.0 Hub (I have an old one i cut apart originally. Dont remember the make, and I lost the housing for it, but hey it works)
---------------
USB Host Diagnostics App by Chainfire
(v1.3 as of post date)
Get it at Play Store [link]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions (i.e. my exact process)
I came from testing a multitude of custom roms. None of them worked. I have a help thread on it here. Unconfirmed if any of them work at all I had no success. If you are wondering the post thread is here.
- Flash to stock ICS 4.0.4 (if you are not already)
- Root the Atrix 2
Not sure if the relevant (but this is the exact process I took)
-Install BMM
-Installed Busybox (1.22.1)
-Installed USB Host Diagnostics App
(get your host cable and usb drive ready)
-Ran the app
(Follow the instructions it will ask you at the end if you wish to attempt to fix the issue)
- Say yes to try to fix it.
- Follow instructions (go for a reboot)
- Open up usb diagnostics app.
- Run again to confirm
Congrats!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will not make it automount.
- You do not need a separate program to do this.
Grab your USB hub, plug the USB Drive into the hub and plug it in. To my surprise it automounted.
Chainfire had mentioned checking out a certain file when I was trying to find custom roms that would work. The file was there but they did not work. I gather that file was added by his program and made it work on stock ICS 4.0.4.
There are alot of other threads for other devices. Samsung requires shorting the last 2 pins on the USB connection. This is not needed for Motorola, but keep this in mind if you are randomly searching for USB OTG answers.
---------------
Thanks: Chainfire
Couldn't have figured this out without his help. I highly recommend his apps, he definitely has a deep knowledge of the android system.
Hopefully that should clear things up a bit for anyone searching for the Atrix 2 USB OTG help. I'm moving on to hopefully port from ICS USB OTG host features to a custom rom like Cyanogen. Ill update a link if I come up with anything.

Hello, maybe someone can guide me for final results and find solution. My plans was watch Tv on lapdock 500pro, after i find dvb-t reciever for android. the model was ]CSL - mini DVB-T Stick (from amazon)
requriments of device informs that phone needs android 4.0 or high, dual core cpu (neon support) and usb otg
i have atrix2 mb865 with stock 4.0.4 +root and text inside /proc/cpuinfo returns - "Features: swp half thumb fatmult vfp edsp neon vfpv3"
last one what i need must be usb otg support, so after i get device i connect it direct to microusb and run installed Air Dtv app, it returns "Device not found" then i find this topic and install Busybox and USB Host Diagnostics and run app. I rush to make it quickly so when start diagnostics app asks me connect usb device but i have no any usb device and otg cable also. so i just plug charge cable in lapdock`s usb and connect it to phone, app little think then ask me to Fix usb otg support and after ask to reboot system. After reboot i try again connect directly that device but app again returns "Device not found" - then i check topic again and start to build otg cable.
After cable was complete i check it by connecting to external power (wall adaptor) then i have results.I run USB Host Diagnostics, start test connect device by otg cable, and app returns me (see pic)
Also, when i connect device by otg cable now system popup "By which programm you want use device" and give choice to Air Dtv or Idtv Mobile, 2 apps. But Air Dtv returns me "Device initialisation failed, unplug device and connect after few seconds" another app cant find device also. (see pic)
Also i install Usb Device info app, and able to see connected device info, system shows me that stick is connected to phone. (see pic)
Also i able to mount usb stick to phone by otg cable with external power, and can view files in it. Means i suggest that otg cable and otg in system works
My final point was view Tv on lapdock but at this step i cant run it on phone, Air Dtv also returns me "device not found" when i try to connect it to lapdock by microusb female - usb male extension (included in package of Tv stick)
Also that device works on pc, i install windows software and check it. Mean stick works and shows tv channels. can be for sure that device works
Hope for your help and support!

That solves my problem sort of, I'm going to try to install NUMA and see what results I get. Ill update my post once I'm done

USB OTS + Charging issue

Good evening guys, I'm starting this post since this is the only issue preventing me to buy an Nvidia SHIELD Tablet at the moment. As the thread title suggests, it's about the charging the device while using the MicroUSB port as a Host in a USB OTG (for example, to be able to Gamestream at 1080p using a USB Ethernet card). I tried to find another thread in here about this, but maybe it just hid from me (in which case, I apologize, and please, refer me to that thread before closing this one). I can link you to some outside-XDA forum threads about this, but I'm not doing it by now since I don't know if outer links are allowed.
Anyway, back to the topic, I don't own a SHIELD (yet),only waiting for this issue to be solved. I'm so sorry but in my opinion, the SHIELD Controller is not even close to the 60 USD worth point as a controller, so I'm using another one, and one of the features that made me decide for the SHIELD Tablet is the Gamestream possibility, but with Keyboard + Mouse, not only with controller, feature that I want to use my PC peripherals with. Also, I'd be using a USB Ethernet card for 1080p Gamestream.
Considering the previous points, plus it's by all known that the battery life of the SHIELD is not specially awesome when it comes to gaming, I consider being able to charge the device while gaming (in any condition, including using some devices through the USB OTG HUB feature) a must.
Wondering around, I came to think about two hypothesis:
1) SHIELD's kernel has not the USB host + charging feature implemented, which, as someone around here said, it'd be a serious case of false advertising.
2) SHIELD's kernel actually has the USB host + charging feature implemented, but somehow, it's not activated on the build.prop, in which case, the solution would be as simple as modifying the root/system/build.prop file, adding the following line: # support USB Host rp.usb_host = 1 (you need root permissions to do so. Be sure you make a backup file!)
I'd greatly appreciate if anyone in the forums could test it, so I'll be able to purchase my brand new SHIELD Tablet without the fear of having it only as a regular tablet until Nvidia decides to offer the features they claimed they will (which honestly, is pretty sad...)

Noct27 said:
Good evening guys, I'm starting this post since this is the only issue preventing me to buy an Nvidia SHIELD Tablet at the moment. As the thread title suggests, it's about the charging the device while using the MicroUSB port as a Host in a USB OTG (for example, to be able to Gamestream at 1080p using a USB Ethernet card). I tried to find another thread in here about this, but maybe it just hid from me (in which case, I apologize, and please, refer me to that thread before closing this one). I can link you to some outside-XDA forum threads about this, but I'm not doing it by now since I don't know if outer links are allowed.
Anyway, back to the topic, I don't own a SHIELD (yet),only waiting for this issue to be solved. I'm so sorry but in my opinion, the SHIELD Controller is not even close to the 60 USD worth point as a controller, so I'm using another one, and one of the features that made me decide for the SHIELD Tablet is the Gamestream possibility, but with Keyboard + Mouse, not only with controller, feature that I want to use my PC peripherals with. Also, I'd be using a USB Ethernet card for 1080p Gamestream.
Considering the previous points, plus it's by all known that the battery life of the SHIELD is not specially awesome when it comes to gaming, I consider being able to charge the device while gaming (in any condition, including using some devices through the USB OTG HUB feature) a must.
Wondering around, I came to think about two hypothesis:
1) SHIELD's kernel has not the USB host + charging feature implemented, which, as someone around here said, it'd be a serious case of false advertising.
2) SHIELD's kernel actually has the USB host + charging feature implemented, but somehow, it's not activated on the build.prop, in which case, the solution would be as simple as modifying the root/system/build.prop file, adding the following line: # support USB Host rp.usb_host = 1 (you need root permissions to do so. Be sure you make a backup file!)
I'd greatly appreciate if anyone in the forums could test it, so I'll be able to purchase my brand new SHIELD Tablet without the fear of having it only as a regular tablet until Nvidia decides to offer the features they claimed they will (which honestly, is pretty sad...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI, if you are going to copy/paste the same info between forums make sure you typed out commands correctly.
should be:
ro.usb_host = 1
NOT rp
EDIT:
Seems saving the file errors out even rooted...Not sure what to do.
EDIT 2:
Doesn't work. Tried it with a Build.prop editor.
Side note: When it is "charging" the AndroidOS doesn't see it charging but the port lights up orange. Doesn't look like it puts out full amps.

LVNeptune8 said:
Just FYI, if you are going to copy/paste the same info between forums make sure you typed out commands correctly.
should be:
ro.usb_host = 1
NOT rp
EDIT:
Seems saving the file errors out even rooted...Not sure what to do.
EDIT 2:
Doesn't work. Tried it with a Build.prop editor.
Side note: When it is "charging" the AndroidOS doesn't see it charging but the port lights up orange. Doesn't look like it puts out full amps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TYVM for the attempt... then it's just that Nvidia totally made this feature out of nowhere... Well, let's have hope in the Android Development comunity...
Oh! And thanks for the correction! OMG I misstyped it... Gonna correct it on the GeForce forum ATM.

So, does a USB hub works with the Shield? Charging while using wired peripherals..