Related
Just got one of these smartcables from ebay for £4.99. Thought I would give you guys a quick review, because I think these are pretty cool. I saw a thread here where people claimed they did not work as sync cables, and only charged. I can confirm that my cable WORKS FOR DATA TRANSFER ON THE DESIRE.
This thing is great - the metal barrel unscrews to reveal an USB plug and a microUSB plug connected by about 7cm of cable. The tip of the USB plug itself is hollow and allows a microSD(HC) card to be inserted and read. The barrel is 16mm in diameter and about 3.5cm long, plus the loop of cable. Might be a bit too big a keychain for some of you - I don't mind as I carry a whole jumble of stuff anyways.
There is a tiny slide switch just above the USB plug which switches between connecting to the phone or the integrated microSD card reader - the computer can only see one at a time. While the switch is set to microSD, the phone can still charge. I think the people who couldn't get these to transmit data either didn't discover this switch or had defective cables. The switch really isn't obvious and requires something pointy to toggle (I find the end of a key just about works).
There are two LEDs - a red one which lights up whenever there is a USB connection and a blue one which indicates the SD card reader is active.
I would recommend these to anyone wanting a portable cable, either for sync of for topping up the battery. Coupled with a microSD card, this acts as a perfectly decent flash drive.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=669622&highlight=smartcable
mine does not work for data transfer PC<->Android
stingerpl said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=669622&highlight=smartcable
mine does not work for data transfer PC<->Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I bought one because of that thread. Mine definitely syncs, you should get yours replaced.
I got one also, after the original post. Syncs just fine if the tiny switch is in the correct position.
what does thing actually do?
it charges and synces same time? what about synching and using as disk at same time?
It has a switch which can toggle between two modes:
- Charge and sync phone like any USB cable
OR
- Charge mobile and act as a microSD card reader
The seller just said me that it doesn't work for HTC Desire...
Yeah, the seller insisted that these only work on Nokia phones with a "5 PIN" connector when I asked him. Google reveals that these phones just use a standard micro-USB port. The cable arrived with a "For Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson" sticker. Again, mine works fine - the seller probably can't test this and would rather lose sales than have people complaining when stuff doesn't work.
so using it as disk and syncing same time isnt possible?
Nope, you need to unplug the cable and toggle the tiny switch.
The switch is just a physical toggle on the data pin switching between the device connected to the cable and the data pin of the card reader in the head of the USB plug.
Switch it one way, one has data, switch it the other, the other does.
Keep it in the middle (astable) then either both or non do and you get a lovely mess
So it should work, right?
Julian1984 said:
So it should work, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one of these sitting in front of me.
Yes I can sync data with my desire, yes I can charge and (with a flick of the switch) I yes I can read a sd card however that last function is not important to me.
But for some reason, this is bigger than I expected it to be,
Mine works for data as well, as already mentioned its just a shame they couldn't have made it a bit smaller.
This looks like just what I have been after. I can only see them for £12.99 (not the £4.99 the link has and that seller has only SE and the wrong type of Nokia) on ebay. Before I place an order as it still seems worth it, does anyone know another place to buy from? Thanks.
Snowdan said:
This looks like just what I have been after. I can only see them for £12.99 (not the £4.99 the link has and that seller has only SE and the wrong type of Nokia) on ebay. Before I place an order as it still seems worth it, does anyone know another place to buy from? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't buy one for £13, wait until the seller updates their listings with more of the £5 ones.
The switch on this is insane it is almost completely hidden, it doesn't even poke out or anything.
Yes, but in general use you don't need the switch.
It's only there if you want to plug a micro-sd card directly into the USB connector.
If, like me, you just want it to charge/access your Desire, you can leave the switch in the other position.
Regards,
Dave
Well I never! I've had this cable for about 2months now and not even realised there was a switch there! J changed it over last night and it didn't really work, 'connection failed' type thing came up on the pc, but the phone recognises the pc is there, so maybe I was just unlucky. Would highly recommend this cable..
-------------------------------------
Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Stubzz said:
Mine works for data as well, as already mentioned its just a shame they couldn't have made it a bit smaller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can some one please post some pictures of it next to the desire?
User tinytom21 made some pictures in "Desire Accessories > Keychain-able USB-micorUSB Charging cable > 3'rd page"
But you cant really understand how big/small it is from those...
I want to buy a new USB Cable for my Desire, however, there are a couple of things I would like it to have:
1. I would like all pins to be connected, as per the HTC cable which came with the Phone.
2. I would like it to be approx 3 - 3.5 meters long.
Is there anywhere in the UK where I could get such a thing?
Stewart
Anyone?
Sent from my Amiga 500 using Workbench
Also watch out for shielding
Sorry I don't know anywhere that guarantees your requirements but one other thing you might want to consider is the shielding of the cable.
I had issues copying files to my phone for a while using two different no-name brand 'desire' usb transfer cables. It would start to copy the files then time out and give the error "Error: The path is too deep". I googled a bit but most of the errors seemed unrelated until I found one person mentioning when you get this error when working with an external hard-drive or device its most likely electrical interference with the cable. Sure enough I moved my phone cable and phone away from electrical devices near my computer and the files copied over without any hassles.
I have never had this issue using the HTC cable which is thicker and must have more shielding. Mind you the no name ones im using now i got on Ebay for $2.80 from China so the slight hassle is probably worth paying so little.
You might be better getting a HTC cable so you can be sure of its quality or just get some super cheap cables where your expectations can be low.
Good luck
I have been using this cable for 6 months now without any issues:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=106357
I know you wanted a longer cable, but this extension works fine for me too.:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=105550
Also shorter version here:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=105626
Hope this helps?
I've got numerous cables/chargers all Micro USB, I have a shorted right angle ended one I bought off eBay from Hong Kong, had no problems with that whatsoever, never dropped a file transfer or anything like that.
Two HTC Official ones which are great, and long enough for me.
And an old Samsung Micro USB based wall charger, which is LIGHTNING quick, gets me from 14 per cent to 100 per cent in 40 odd mins.
Just search eBay or buy from ebuyer, the links from lewy look good too
What I'm trying to say is that in my experience micro-USB is micro-USB
lewyharvey said:
I have been using this cable for 6 months now without any issues:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=106357
Hope this helps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm - I went and bought this (well, 2 actually) on the above recommendation, should have checked more closely as it's the wrong cable - I think this is the right one:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=106358
As per the thread title, I am looking for a battery charger for the TG01. I need one that will simply charge the battery (will need also a spare battery) - and just swap out the batteries as I go. I can't work with an external charger that connects via micro-usb (as I'm having issues with the micro-usb port and can't charge the phone! Therefore need another means of charging ASAP - and will come back and look at how to tackle fixing the micro-usb port at a later stage).
Anyone know where I can get such a thing???
Struggling to do so - so far in my www search....
You mean like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a6e594a7c
"Universal mobile battery charger" is what I looked for.
You can get better one's with digital readouts, but that is EXACTLY what I bought a few days ago to try and save my TG01 from a bad wm6.5. Just waiting for it to turn up.
@Scougar: Yes - I managed to get one in the end - off ebay. Hopefully it will arrive before the week is out - as I'm currently phone less!
Not good! Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative.
btw.. mine says 850ma on it, so not the full 1000ma, but I can live with that.
I bought this on eBay - can´t paste the link here - look for - 1500mah Micro USB Back up Battery Charger + Cable for Toshiba TG01 TG 01
I am very satisfied when need to power battery out not having power adaptor. However I have totally 3 batteries and purchased also the solar power adaptor with internal battery.
Scougar said:
Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem re. instructions - but have got the hang of it. However, it's not a sufficient solution for me. It seems to take an absolute age to power up a battery. I have a spare battery - and even this isn't going to be enough.
I guess it's because of the way I use the phone - with connection to usb keyboard - to write emails...even though I remove the cable the moment the email has been written, it absolutely drains battery resources - RAPID!
I will have to try and get the micro-usb port fixed somehow. I've contacted toshiba to see if - first of all there is any warranty cover on the phone (i bought it off ebay - so not sure if covered or not).
Even if not covered, I'm unsure where to send it - or who can really fix this. Does anyone have any ideas? I am based in Ireland. Do Toshiba have a list of approved service centres??
You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)
Scougar said:
You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
Scougar said:
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....
borderfox said:
Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.
Scougar said:
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ruddy thing cost me €200 back then....can't remember for sure when -I think 9 months ago. Just checked ebay and they range from €110-€180. Pretty poor form - if they can't do the job for a couple of years at the very least.
Not sure where I stand as regards warranty - still waiting to hear back from toshiba support.
I don't feel that buying another one is the way to go - if they are flawed in this way. Furthermore, it makes me wonder about investing in a good phone - if they all have a point of weakness in terms of the micro-usb slot. Had a quick look at the nokia lumia at one stage last week....but if I'm using that port heavily (which i am - constantly swapping out between cable (for keyboard) and usb power cable....will the same thing happen?
If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.
Scougar said:
If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I use the powered usb hub exactly? I can plug the usb keyboard into it -then run a usb cable between the hub and the usb to micro-usb adaptor that then connects to the phone...is that correct?
Scougar said:
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what is also dampening down my enthusiasm for investing in another phone. It's a situational thing - and I don't really have any other option but to use a usb keyboard (I can't connect via bluetooth).
Scougar said:
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a savage rate of depreciation!
Scougar said:
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As regards moving on to a new unit, I don't really want to go down this road for two reasons;
1. I don't think I have got my money's worth out of the spend on the TG01 - and while the work arounds are far from ideal - I am otherwise happy with the phone in principal
2. I fear making another big investment - only for the same thing to happen again (given that I will continue to use micro-usb port heavily
A bigger battery - I don't think is a possibility?? I know there was one oversized battery on the market for that phone - but it came with a new back cover for the phone also - as it was thicker than normal. It was expensive - and it's not really the route I wish to take. What I might do - is buy another battery. Then - with 3 batteries on the go - just keep charging them up on rotation at home.
Mickey mouse approach - but I don't see any other feasible way of handling it.
IF I did get another phone, I don't think it would be the TG01. It served its purpose at the time (and It will continue to do so - although more awkward now). However, I don't think this sort of failure should happen - and support should be better. Very hard to get a hold of someone in support - NO support in ROI - and necessary to mail the phone in to their UK service centre. In addition, just discovered that it's out of warranty.
There are some internal pictures of the TG01 floating around, it might be worthwhile trying to dig those up, and see if you can get a look at the USB connection points, and see if an amateur repair is possible.
EDIT: If you go to the following thread you will find internal pictures It looks to me like the port could be repaired if you have a fine enough soldering iron, or taped it up well enough. (As long as the problem isn't a 'trace' being burnt out... and we assume that the port itself has broken/come loose or needs replacement).
Can someone recommend a good quality external charger
Only a couple of weeks - and the external charger I got off ebay seems to be flaking!
Can anyone recommend a GOOD QUALITY external charger that I could order up - that will work well with TG01 batteries??
Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.
Scougar said:
Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I;ve been trawling the net - but they all seem the ruddy same! What would you buy if you had to go again?
Right now - at this moment - the charger is working again - but I spent half the day trying to get it to work up until now! I don't have great faith in it - and if it goes, I'm sans phone once again.
If I could get a reliable charger, I would be fairly happy. I've got into the routine of charging alternate batteries - so that system works (so I can squeeze the outlay on the phone back out of it - before I go and upgrade at a later stage).
The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!
borderfox said:
The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.
tcampomanes said:
I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!
borderfox said:
Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I bought the charger the seller sent me this message:
Dear friend:
Do you know how to use the charger?
I'm sorry I don't have technical info in English.
How to use?
1/ without power put the battery in the charger, you can 360 rotation
the charger to fit your battery (no matter your battery is big or
small.)------------------- if the battery put well in the charger, the
light will go on blue.
the charger can Automatic detection of positive "+" and negative "-", so
just connect the "two pin" with "+" "-" of the battery.
2/ with power,(connect it with power)
Charging--------the light is red
Full charge-----the light is blue
--
When you receive the charger, if have any problem about "how to use" or
other problem please contact me and I will reply within 24 hours.
Thank you.
the seller was very helpful and sent to Spain was fast, 10 to 14 days.
Hi,
I am thinking turning an cheap chinese Android tablet (probably 7 inch) into home "sound system" or jukebox (offline use, wall mount + wall charger powered) together with my PC active speakers. It is only for a small room, I know about common quality of the sound output of such devices and do not take it as problem.
However, I would like to make it easier to store and replace albums etc. and thus need to replace the tablet microSD slot with a slot for standard SD cards (expect 32GB or more 16GB pieces) which are cheaper and much easier to remove. Are there any expected issues related to removing current slot and soldering the new one? As I know from using passive SD adapters for microSD cards - both slots should have same wiring.
Did anybody here already tried something similar? Would appreciate advices or comments.
there shouldnt be any problem with soldering a full size one on as inside sd to micro sd convertors there is no circuitry it is just a pin to pin connection. and your project sound quite cool actually hope everything goes well :good:
Yes, it's possible but i would be scared about doing something similar except if the tablet is dead and this is need to revive it.
You need a good hand to solder it, take care about near circuits! Don't keep your solder near circuits too much, just a few seconds to get you soldering!
Let us know if you'll try this mod!
Hi,
I know the circuitry is very sensitive and I planned to ask my friend who has professional soldering station. However, we just found out that the tablet we have (noname chinese 7-inch tablet without battery, but works OK on usb power) should support USB host (it is switched on in kernel and my brother found some info related the motherboard), so I will order some cheap USB host cable on Ebay and check this alternative first. It would be better for me as I could use common flash disks as music storage.
So will see.... :laugh:
Hey guys, I'm fixing to refunction an original Pixel as a 3D printer server (Octoprint), and OTG works a treat, however I cannot keep the phone charged while using OTG.
Is there a working solution for this? I don't mind getting my hands dirty.
Thanks y'all.
It's a bit finicky, you just have to find the right usb-c hub that supports charging and OTG.
one thing I noticed was the usb-c hub I am using supports passthrough PD charging (your pixel stock charger is a PD charger). if your usb-c pd charger power output is too high, i think it might run into issues with the hub.
by chance, my usb-c hub that supports passthrough PD charging is paired with a generic charger.... both the charging and OTG function may sometimes take a few connection attempts to get it working.... trying different combination of plugging in the charger to the hub, OTG device (i use a microsdxc card reader) and plugging into the pixel.
all i can say is good luck!
WhereCoffeeFlowsLikeMud said:
Hey guys, I'm fixing to refunction an original Pixel as a 3D printer server (Octoprint), and OTG works a treat, however I cannot keep the phone charged while using OTG.
Is there a working solution for this? I don't mind getting my hands dirty.
Thanks y'all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey just wanted to say, funny I should find this thread because I'm trying to achieve the exact same thing (Octoprint server) with an old Galaxy Note 4, and can't for the life of me figure out why OTG charging/data would be disabled. Did you manage to figure out a fix?
peanutismint said:
peanutismint said:
hey just wanted to say, funny I should find this thread because I'm trying to achieve the exact same thing (Octoprint server) with an old Galaxy Note 4, and can't for the life of me figure out why OTG charging/data would be disabled. Did you manage to figure out a fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alas, nope - not without soldering directly to the main board. I just gave AliExpress $15 instead and they gave me a Rockchip-based MXQ Pro Android TV box in return (that sits under my printer). I parked Armbian Linux on it, then plugged in a webcam. Working like a dream. Thinking of switching to Klipper at some point, so going the TV box route was probably for the best (on account of the 4 CPU cores, loadsa RAM and internal storage, and the four or five USB ports).
Ps, sorry about the formatting - my phone flipped out cos of some annoying ad.
Thanks for the response; it's unfortunate that a solution like Octoprint 4 Android would be rendered almost pointless by something as assumedly simple as 'device can't charge via USB'.
I have a Raspberry Pi that I can probably get Octoprint running on with a cheap webcam, but I'm going to google that Android TV box you mentioned too because a few other people have mentioned that these are somehow even better/more future-proof than a RPi.