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[Q] USB Hosting on ICS, possible for the G2x?

Hi. I've just recently tried out an app from the market that would let me control emulators and some games with a Wii remote, but it wasn't compatible with my G2x. However, I stumbled upon what is most commonly known as "OTG" cable, but discovered they were worthless for the G2x as of now because 2.3 doesn't have USB hosting.
What I wanted to know is, number one, will the G2x have USB hosting when the official 4.0 update comes out, or is it missing some special hardware needed for that? And number two, is there any risks in just getting a cheap MicroUSB to Female USB cable from a trusted seller? Like, can it damage any internal parts because of different voltages between devices or something like that? Or is the worst thing that can happen is the cable simply not working?
I'd really appreciate an answer on this one, because USB hosting seems to open up a lot of possibilities with our devices.

The short answer as of right now is NO there aren't any common ways to enable USB Host. With that said, can the Tegra2 chip in the G2x support host mode?...yes. Will it require a custom kernel?...yes. So basically your phone needs to be rooted to say the least and a kernel framework to enable and support it. I'm actually looking into this as we speak but it's looking like it'll be a while.
As for the cable... no most generic micro-USB cable won't work as is. The OTG cables have either a 'grounded' 4th pin or a disconnected 4th in some usb host modes. But either way you either need an OTG cable or if you search online you can find several ways to splice and solder back generic USB.

I have been looking for a while, but there doesn't seem to a custom kernel that supports USB Host mode. I already have USB OTG adapter (mini Male to 4 pin USB female) + arduino board etc.. So are there any custom kernels out there?

oOo B0XeR oOo said:
The short answer as of right now is NO there aren't any common ways to enable USB Host. With that said, can the Tegra2 chip in the G2x support host mode?...yes. Will it require a custom kernel?...yes. So basically your phone needs to be rooted to say the least and a kernel framework to enable and support it. I'm actually looking into this as we speak but it's looking like it'll be a while.
As for the cable... no most generic micro-USB cable won't work as is. The OTG cables have either a 'grounded' 4th pin or a disconnected 4th in some usb host modes. But either way you either need an OTG cable or if you search online you can find several ways to splice and solder back generic USB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this^^^
Nothing had really changed on this front, if you want to use Android as an ardi interface, I'd suggest you grab a cheapo phone that supports it out of the box.
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk

I bring you back to life!!!
Any update on this? Seems ICS/JB roms are out now... any strides in getting OTG to work? I'm looking to make a G2x into a dedicated TV gamer unit to replace my MK808 and forgot about OTG for my air mouse. I have a Bluetooth mouse to get me by but the airmouse was awesome.
I guess I can look for a Bluetooth airmouse as a last resort.

player911 said:
I bring you back to life!!!
Any update on this? Seems ICS/JB roms are out now... any strides in getting OTG to work? I'm looking to make a G2x into a dedicated TV gamer unit to replace my MK808 and forgot about OTG for my air mouse. I have a Bluetooth mouse to get me by but the airmouse was awesome.
I guess I can look for a Bluetooth airmouse as a last resort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No OTG happiness for the G2X with any ROM and/or Kernel. There is a board from Sparkfun which provides an interface that enables a non-OTG phone to work like one for interfacing to Arduino, etc.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10748?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19967110&postcount=8

Add external usb webcam to phone?

Can you add a webcam to the charge?
Sounds kind of dumb, right? Well here is what I am thinking.
I need a inspection camera on occasion, aka snake camera. Well, they are ~300 for a decent one. So I found that they sell just a little usb camera on a flexible cable for cheap.
If I could get this to display on the Charge, that would make for a nice budget inspection camera.
So is that possible? Does the micro-usb port work like that on these phones? Or just for charging? What about the micro-hdmi?

I'm pretty sure the HDMI is output only. The USB provides a mass storage interface and a debugging interface. It *may* be possible to do something like that through the debugging interface, but it wouldn't just work...it would require some software to be written for the device, if it's possible at all. I really don't know how much info you can put through the debugging interface, so it may be a total wash.

Tiny Camera Monitor Pro
Just my take on it, If you had another Android Device (Hero, Droid orginal, etc) you could just set it up as a webcam, and see that on video stream on your Charge. You'd have to have a custom setup to get that snake cam to work. You'll have to keep digging the internet to see if anybody else has done it.

Why couldn't we be the first? The HDMI is output only, but the USB port has been used as a port for some flash drives on other devices. Google USB Host Control and USB Mass Storage for Android. Obviously, at least *some* (sarcasm) code would have to be written, and it would likely only work with that one model of camera (drivers, would be a PITA to write multiple). Also, there would be an issue of an external power source to power the camera as I don't think you could just power it from the port.
Tl;dr seems possible to me but it would take quite a bit of work, maybe more than its worth
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

This really depends if the charge has usb host capabilities.
I actually kind doubt it but could be wrong, although most tablets do though.
And as far as powering the webcam you could use a self powered usb hub.
This is a issue the touchpad has and perhaps could be relevant, the touchpad had host capabilities . but can't supply enough power so some folks jimmyrigged it up.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/3724-functional-usb-host-on-touchpad/

One could possibly get USB host support to work, but I think that it'd be difficult to get the camera to be usable on the Charge. Drivers wouldn't be the biggest issue, I would think getting the device powered and having a way to view what the camera is seeing would be a bigger problem.

imnuts said:
One could possibly get USB host support to work, but I think that it'd be difficult to get the camera to be usable on the Charge. Drivers wouldn't be the biggest issue, I would think getting the device powered and having a way to view what the camera is seeing would be a bigger problem.
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Click to collapse
Seem like it could be possible. Seen this with cyanogenmod 9.
Type "External USB cam on Android 4.0.4 with Toshiba folio 100" into youtube

ncunning said:
Seem like it could be possible. Seen this with cyanogenmod 9.
Type "External USB cam on Android 4.0.4 with Toshiba folio 100" into youtube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that the folio is a tablet and has USB host built in, meaning it can run/use devices by itself instead of just being a device. Also, the tablet has much more power to spare, while powering something like a camera on USB would kill this phone quickly.

[Q] USB Hub/Controller

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has had any success using a USB hub with the Asus Transformerpad TF300T? Powered/unpowered? Found some information mostly saying they will work in theory. Hoping someone can prove that in practice.
Also was curious has anyone found a reliable USB and/or BT controller for use with emulators that does not require root (I read some good things about Wii Classic controllers). Worst case scenario, I will use the PS3 pairing tool and root.
Thanks for any help you can provide me!

wilkie1020 said:
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone has had any success using a USB hub with the Asus Transformerpad TF300T? Powered/unpowered? Found some information mostly saying they will work in theory. Hoping someone can prove that in practice.
Also was curious has anyone found a reliable USB and/or BT controller for use with emulators that does not require root (I read some good things about Wii Classic controllers). Worst case scenario, I will use the PS3 pairing tool and root.
Thanks for any help you can provide me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Gear Head USB hub(4 port - $4.99) which works with the Asus USB adapter and with the dock. The only thing I have used it for is to access 2.5" usb drives (fat32 and ntfs). It always works without any changes.
Be mindful that the drives always pull power when plugged in even with the tablet powered off.
There is no part number or other identification on the unit.
I forgot! I have also used the hub with a wifi mouse and a 2.5" drive at the same time (prior to getting a dock).

tobdaryl said:
I have a Gear Head USB hub(4 port - $4.99) which works with the Asus USB adapter and with the dock. The only thing I have used it for is to access 2.5" usb drives (fat32 and ntfs). It always works without any changes.
Be mindful that the drives always pull power when plugged in even with the tablet powered off.
There is no part number or other identification on the unit.
I forgot! I have also used the hub with a wifi mouse and a 2.5" drive at the same time (prior to getting a dock).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good price too. I did not know that drives pull power, even when the power is off. That actually explains some things haha.
Thank you, sir.

wilkie1020 said:
Good price too. I did not know that drives pull power, even when the power is off. That actually explains some things haha.
Thank you, sir.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! Good Luck.
As a note the 2.5 drives work without external power but 3.5 drives require external power.

[Completed] Remotely Control GS5

Hi everyone. This is my first post but I've been using this website as a resource for years. I'm struggling to find something and I hope you can point me in the right direction.
I just bought a Galaxy S5 right after it came out. Within a matter of days I managed to shatter the screen. I was working on my car and must have left the phone on the trunk/spoiler. I ended up driving away. I came home later figuring I just left it in the house... but I found it in the street with a broken screen. The phone amazingly works just fine, except the screen is completely unusable. I'm figuring out insurance right now...
In the mean time I would like to be able to check my phone and at least reply to anyone that has text messaged or called me and let them know that I will be waiting on a new device to come in. The phone is rooted, but USB debugging was not enabled when this accident occurred.
I read a couple of threads on connecting and controlling your phone over usb. The main requirement I can't get past is that most of them mention that USB debugging must be enabled for this to work. So I'm at a loss there. Another route I have been looking into is installing a VNC client from the google play store. Then connecting to that via my laptop. The issue with this route is that I cannot turn the remote server on.
I have seen a few threads but I have not been able to find one that allowed me to remotely control my phone without USB debugging enabled. That is my biggest problem.
If there is any possible way control it without the screen, please point me in that direction.
Thanks
Thanks.

Hey there. Sorry about your screen. Normally we'd point you to a thread to help but this is quick.
Most remote control solutions need some kind of verification or configuration, so my best suggestion would be to get a MHL adapter to get HDMI output from your phone. Galaxy S3 and newer require the newer 11-pin MHL so ensure compatibility if you're ordering online.
The HDMI will show what the screen would and as long as your touchscreen is still working you can operate your phone that way.
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-

bhiga said:
Hey there. Sorry about your screen. Normally we'd point you to a thread to help but this is quick.
Most remote control solutions need some kind of verification or configuration, so my best suggestion would be to get a MHL adapter to get HDMI output from your phone. Galaxy S3 and newer require the newer 11-pin MHL so ensure compatibility if you're ordering online.
The HDMI will show what the screen would and as long as your touchscreen is still working you can operate your phone that way.
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dang. That was my last option. The touch screen does not work at all. So I can't control it. I don't know what to do..

mahomeless said:
dang. That was my last option. The touch screen does not work at all. So I can't control it. I don't know what to do..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate...
If you have a spare phone, I would put your SIM in there - you won't get any of the already-received messages/etc, but at least you can get and respond to new stuff.
I recommend replying to the [SUPPORT THREAD] The Galaxy ~S5~ All in one support thread!**NOOB FRIENDLY** or create a new thread in the Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting section.
I'm sure there's someone smarter than me in there that will hopefully have an idea. Maybe there's an S5 dock that will let you use a USB keyboard/mouse or something? (Bluetooth would require pairing, which requires touchscreen interaction)
Good luck!!
---------- Post added at 09:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 AM ----------
UPDATE: I happen to have some accessories on-hand, so I just connected a USB keyboard to the (Samsung) USB OTG cable, and connected that to my S3 and it responds to input - at least if Samsung Keyboard is your default input method (it prompted me, as I usually use Flex T9). Can't swipe to unlock with the keyboard, but if you can at least get your phone unlocked it might get you somewhere.
Since I assume you can't see your screen in a usable fashion, you'll still need to combine the OTG keyboard/mouse with HDMI output to get both input and a viewable interface. It may be different on your S5, but at least on my S3, this requires a MHL adapter that has a micro USB port that accepts the OTG adapter and a powered USB OTG cable so you can plug the power into the USB OTG, and plug the USB OTG into the MHL adapter, and plug the MHL adapter into the phone.
I tried the Samsung OTG cable (P/N ET-R205UBEGSTA / UPC 635753495546) - it is not a powered USB OTG cable - with the Samsung MHL 2 adapter (P/N ET-H10FAUWESTA / UPC 887276848013) - and it did not work.
Just the USB OTG alone worked, but in your case that wouldn't give you an interface to see.
So definitely look into either a dock with USB and HDMI output or a powered OTG cable combined with MHL adapter with USB input.
Make sure the MHL adapter has a 5-pin USB, otherwise the OTG will definitely not work (the Samsung one I used does, but I can't verify since I don't have a powered OTG cable on-hand).
According to this thread, Samsung Smart Dock Multimedia Hub, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Dock, P/N EDD-S20JWEGSTA may do the trick! At least people reported it worked for the S4, so I would hope it works for the S5 as well.
I should note here that the additional testing I did above is not normal for XDA Assist... XDA Assist is not a troubleshooting forum. But I just happened to have the stuff handy so it was quick test.

bhiga said:
That's unfortunate...
If you have a spare phone, I would put your SIM in there - you won't get any of the already-received messages/etc, but at least you can get and respond to new stuff.
I recommend replying to the [SUPPORT THREAD] The Galaxy ~S5~ All in one support thread!**NOOB FRIENDLY** or create a new thread in the Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting section.
I'm sure there's someone smarter than me in there that will hopefully have an idea. Maybe there's an S5 dock that will let you use a USB keyboard/mouse or something? (Bluetooth would require pairing, which requires touchscreen interaction)
Good luck!!
---------- Post added at 09:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 AM ----------
UPDATE: I happen to have some accessories on-hand, so I just connected a USB keyboard to the (Samsung) USB OTG cable, and connected that to my S3 and it responds to input - at least if Samsung Keyboard is your default input method (it prompted me, as I usually use Flex T9). Can't swipe to unlock with the keyboard, but if you can at least get your phone unlocked it might get you somewhere.
Since I assume you can't see your screen in a usable fashion, you'll still need to combine the OTG keyboard/mouse with HDMI output to get both input and a viewable interface. It may be different on your S5, but at least on my S3, this requires a MHL adapter that has a micro USB port that accepts the OTG adapter and a powered USB OTG cable so you can plug the power into the USB OTG, and plug the USB OTG into the MHL adapter, and plug the MHL adapter into the phone.
I tried the Samsung OTG cable (P/N ET-R205UBEGSTA / UPC 635753495546) - it is not a powered USB OTG cable - with the Samsung MHL 2 adapter (P/N ET-H10FAUWESTA / UPC 887276848013) - and it did not work.
Just the USB OTG alone worked, but in your case that wouldn't give you an interface to see.
So definitely look into either a dock with USB and HDMI output or a powered OTG cable combined with MHL adapter with USB input.
Make sure the MHL adapter has a 5-pin USB, otherwise the OTG will definitely not work (the Samsung one I used does, but I can't verify since I don't have a powered OTG cable on-hand).
According to this thread, Samsung Smart Dock Multimedia Hub, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Dock, P/N EDD-S20JWEGSTA may do the trick! At least people reported it worked for the S4, so I would hope it works for the S5 as well.
I should note here that the additional testing I did above is not normal for XDA Assist... XDA Assist is not a troubleshooting forum. But I just happened to have the stuff handy so it was quick test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok sweet thank you. I will take a quick trip to best buy and see if they have any docks on hand. I do have another phone that I could use. It's not mine but I'm sure I can borrow it for now. I can't get the sim out the s5 though. It feels like it's glued in place. I also have a macbook with bluetooth. So if I could some how enable and access the phone without configuring it... I would be able to pair through bluetooth.

If your local Best Buy has a Samsung Experience (most non Mobile BBYs have them) hunt down the Samsung rep and see if they have additional advice and ideas.
-= this post enhanced with bonus mobile typos =-

Also, for SIM removal I have found it convenient to get a piece of removable tape (Scotch Magic - the not-so-clear one) to stick on the SIM, then pull the tape gently sideways. Otherwise when you try to push it with your finger you usually just bind it in the depression it sits in.
Good luck, and if you have further questions or need additional assistance, please follow up on the appropriate links above.

[Completed] [Q] Car Audio (Hello TF201)

So I'm looking too redo my car audio system. Obviously this may not be the best suited forum for this topic as a whole, but I'm primarily concerned about the tablet (Asus Transformer TF201).
Looking at wiring an OTG cable with power to that tablet as to get both the media out & charging capability. The cable I'm ordering has many people backing it by saying it does allow for charging AND media playback over the cable without any issues, however I can't quite locate information on the TF201 to being able to do that / anyone has tried it.
I've got the 3rd plug on the OTG, being a Female USB plug that runs to a DAC for RCA Output which leads to my sound processor, then amplifiers.
I guess what I'm asking is, does the TF201 support playing audio over a capable OTG cable AND charging at the same time?
Also, is there an easy way of connecting an external hard drive to the tablet? I'm sure I can construct by DIY or some $ a powered hub to feed some juice to everything but I don't personally believe the TF201 would be able to manage both audio playback, charging, and read access from a hard drive. But I'm down to give it a shot if nobody has. Biggest doubts would be the factory TF201 firmware may not support it but some root/unlock and flashing (of, say, the proper kernel and OS) could fix that.
EDIT:
Just realized the docking keyboard for the tablet has a USB port, haha. So I'm going to assume that it could power the external hard drive I have (if not I have another plug to power the HDD from my battery when ignition is ON).

TKTAB911 said:
So I'm looking too redo my car audio system. Obviously this may not be the best suited forum for this topic as a whole, but I'm primarily concerned about the tablet (Asus Transformer TF201).
Looking at wiring an OTG cable with power to that tablet as to get both the media out & charging capability. The cable I'm ordering has many people backing it by saying it does allow for charging AND media playback over the cable without any issues, however I can't quite locate information on the TF201 to being able to do that / anyone has tried it.
I've got the 3rd plug on the OTG, being a Female USB plug that runs to a DAC for RCA Output which leads to my sound processor, then amplifiers.
I guess what I'm asking is, does the TF201 support playing audio over a capable OTG cable AND charging at the same time?
Also, is there an easy way of connecting an external hard drive to the tablet? I'm sure I can construct by DIY or some $ a powered hub to feed some juice to everything but I don't personally believe the TF201 would be able to manage both audio playback, charging, and read access from a hard drive. But I'm down to give it a shot if nobody has. Biggest doubts would be the factory TF201 firmware may not support it but some root/unlock and flashing (of, say, the proper kernel and OS) could fix that.
EDIT:
Just realized the docking keyboard for the tablet has a USB port, haha. So I'm going to assume that it could power the external hard drive I have (if not I have another plug to power the HDD from my battery when ignition is ON).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, USB port can be used for powering an external hd. Although some hard drives need a separate power line.
If you have questions about your tablet, best to ask in the Eee Pad Transformer Prime Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting forum.
Good luck !

Thread closed. Thank you!