Database Users

[Q] Homemade USB hub? (no soldering!)

I posted this on Plopper's thread here(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=923864) but thought it might be better here as I might get a quicker reply
"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?"
I am dying to try it but thought I'd check with tech savvy types first.
Edit; I am thinking now that the green and white data cables in the input leads may have to be cut and the ends taped, but it may not matter(?)

Have attached photo of the hub and the charger
The charger is an old Nokia one and has a lump of plastic near the end which I assume houses a fuse of sorts.
Reading through Plopper's thread again I am sure this is OK, but am unwilling to brick my HD2!
You could get a 7 way usb hub and add things like external HDD or (my favourite) a usb fan to cool down your HD2!

Working
OK over 300 views of this thread and no reply!
this usually means the idea is a dud or its been done before!
I have searched around but can only find y-cables, which supply extra 500mA from another USB socket but only allow 1 device connection.
If this has been done before, I apologise.
However, I got bored of waiting and went ahead with cutting up leads and splicing wires. I flashed WM6.5 and loaded Ubuntu 0.3 (only one with USB host that I can find!)
AND IT WORKS!!!!!
I had to buy a micro USB cable because I didn't want to cut my stock one (get a data cable because a charging cable only has 2 wires in it).
Note on cable colours, apparently there may be variation on some manufacturer's cable core colours, take care to identify by tracing circuits on the hub and checking continuity from the pins to each core.
Also, being an electrician, I am wondering what the current carrying capacity of the tiny core cables are, I will have to look it up at some point (adiabatic equation) meanwhile check for overheating.
Enjoy! (something to do on wet weekend!)

Homemade USB
i made this, unfortunately i can't use it with 0.3 bucouse i installed magldr and i use Android, and linit tutorial doesn't work for me
http://i54.tinypic.com/2dquiwo.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/2zsxz6b.jpg

Impressive!
It sure beats the above from me.
What do you use it with?
What else might support USB hosting?
I prefer to use WP7 and Android too (see sig)

i made it for HD2 for use it with Ubuntu, i hope that the v0.4 come out soon and with usb host support...

Doh!
467 views after first posting this and after re-reading plopper's thread again I have realised 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 over-complicated everything.
It is only necessary to change the hub lead plug to a microUSB one and then connect the charger to the usb plug which you have just cut off, then plug it into one of the spare ports.
Oh well never mind!

i take a photo with HD2 on it http://i53.tinypic.com/34dr96v.jpg

很好很强大！

nice... ...but, don't smoke so much....

Guys,
For those using Android, you can try Dorimanx's latest 2.9.9 ROM which claims to have USB Host enabled. I don't have a USB OTG cable to try it on, but let us know if having a self-powered USB hub works on it. Thanks

nikola360 said:
i take a photo with HD2 on it i53.tinypic.com/34dr96v.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG this thing is amazing! I really want to make something like this, got any pointers on how to do it?

wow thats the crazyest mod ever you should move to hardware moding scection! maby you will get more help!

bever86 said:
OMG this thing is amazing! I really want to make something like this, got any pointers on how to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!....unfortunately i haven't a tutorial, i made it only with my fantasy, i saw 2 DVD cases and i made it.
Guys,
For those using Android, you can try Dorimanx's latest 2.9.9 ROM which claims to have USB Host enabled. I don't have a USB OTG cable to try it on, but let us know if having a self-powered USB hub works on it. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried it (XB V.19 that is based on it, with the same kernel USBH enabled) but unfortunately it doesn't work, i saw in the system partition of this rom and i saw that there aren't any driver for USB hardwares support (USB Keyboard, mouse, USB Flash memory...)...so i think that the problem is this (no drivers support)

nikola360 said:
i take a photo with HD2 on it http://i53.tinypic.com/34dr96v.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks really cool, you should produce it and offer it, I guess I would buy it

Pimping Out Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 - USB host & cam questions

Hello everyone.
I am currently modding Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 for car instalation and everything seems to be great except I have problems with two things:
1) As the tab will be also my main music player I would need an USB host from time to time (check: http://www.expansys.si/samsung-usb-adapter-for-galaxy-tab-series-no-30-pin-to-sd-slot-229630/ ). It would be hard to switch that adapter with power supply just for the time I need to stick USB in it so I am asking if anyone knows if it is possible to have both active at the same time: power supply and USB host? Or if anyone has some other interesting idea how to transfer data to tablet asap from time to time? Please note that it will be really hard to reach it when installed.
2) Since the tab has back camera (which is useless to me in cars interior) i was thinking if there is any possible way to get that camera out of the tab with some extender or something? I've been looking at the interior of a tablet and the camera doesnt look to be attach in any other way than just a flat cable. Any ideas?
Thank you guys for your help in advance!
Make love, not war <3
miHah

It sound like this will be a permanent installation.
Instead of €22 for an adapter, I'd rather use a breakout and hardwire:
http://www.kineteka.com/galaxy-tab-connector.aspx
This will also allow you to wire the earphone output also.
Yes, with many devices you can charge and do host mode at the same time.
It's mostly a question of convincing your device to play nicely with a non-standard operation.
You can just bring out the USB leads or hardwire in a hub for more options, like a keyboard.
I'd use a DC converter circuit board hardwired instead of a cigarette lighter adaptor.
Something like this, maybe: http://www.lightobject.com/LM2576-High-Input-7V40V-Switching-5V-Power-Module-Regulator-P549.aspx

I think somewhere in the Tab 10.1 forums, someone figured out the proper wiring for a powered USB host adapter. 90% certain that would also work on Tab 2 7.0

Using Camera on Nook HD+ ?

Is there anyway we can use camera on Nook Hd+. As Nook HD or HD+ doesnt have an inbuilt camera. SO is there any app through which we can possibly use our laptop camera or any other, connecting it to the Nook via Bluetooth or USB or Wifi, thus, able to access camera on Nook.
In short, if we can use PC webcam as a camera on Nook by connecting it over USB or any. This will leave a huge room open for accessing great applications demanding the camera.

goldenlark said:
Is there anyway we can use camera on Nook Hd+. As Nook HD or HD+ doesnt have an inbuilt camera. SO is there any app through which we can possibly use our laptop camera or any other, connecting it to the Nook via Bluetooth or USB or Wifi, thus, able to access camera on Nook.
In short, if we can use PC webcam as a camera on Nook by connecting it over USB or any. This will leave a huge room open for accessing great applications demanding the camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First possible thing is Air Cam Live Video. But this maybe have many disadvantages for you.
Second i recommend look to this external link
For third i can say that Toshiba Folio 100 can use external USB webcam, but Folio have USB port too. I'm not familiar Nook 30 pin connector pinouts, but i hope there can be used for USB host too.

Yeah and hardware possibility is using some WiFi cam / spycam. Like this one on ebay (made just quick search for item, not for best price/deal). Disadvantage is that same time you can not connect your HD+ to another wifi network.
Edit: My mistake. This cam have two modes, infrastructure mode connecting it over local WiFi network or straight mode connecting HD/HD+ directly to camera.

Ip can will turn your phone into a wifi c connected comets which you can look at on some apps from play store,
Sent from my Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ using xda app-developers app

goldenlark said:
Is there anyway we can use camera on Nook Hd+. As Nook HD or HD+ doesnt have an inbuilt camera. SO is there any app through which we can possibly use our laptop camera or any other, connecting it to the Nook via Bluetooth or USB or Wifi, thus, able to access camera on Nook.
In short, if we can use PC webcam as a camera on Nook by connecting it over USB or any. This will leave a huge room open for accessing great applications demanding the camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been working on this issue for about 2 weeks. One important question: Do you want a cam for security/surveillance/monitoring or for video conferencing/calls/Skype? The options for the former are much broader, but remember most security cams do not have voice capability. I'm in the video call camp.
If money is no object, I would think an IP cam with mic could do the trick, or possibly B/T, but since I'm looking for a cheaper solution and to have fun with this challenge, I'm going the USB route. For this purpose you need to make the HD plus become a USB Host just like your PC or Laptop. Not a problem, theoretically, since that capability is built into the Android OS on your device, but getting it to talk with a USB device, such as a camera, is another matter. Connecting it is the second challenge; there is no USB OTG cable (the "special" cable for USB Hosts) for the Nook. It would have a female USB connector on one end and Nook's (f**k**g) proprietary 30 pin male connector on the other, through which you'd connect your USB device. I've come up with a hardware workaround, but I'm waiting for a special connector coming on a slow boat from China. A side hardware problem is the lack of power coming into the USB Host (the Nook) and the USB Slave (the Cam), but utilizing a powered USB hub could solve it.
So, if the hardware problem is overcome, will it work? Video cam APKs are aplenty on Google Play, but I don't yet know if they will play (pun intended) well with the Nook's USB host adaptor set-up. I'll let you know. Total costs with a new cam will be less than $20; if you already have a USB cam (with built in mic), it'll be about $5. Nice.
Flamers put away your blow torches. If I really wanted or needed a cam I wouldn't have bought the Nook HD+. I know that. This is for cheap thrills.

RustedRoot said:
but I'm waiting for a special connector coming on a slow boat from China
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share which one? I'm interested about it.

datas0ft said:
Can you share which one? I'm interested about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone know something like this awesome app https://play.google.com/store/apps/...51bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5waWNhZGVsaWMuZnhndXJ1Il0.
Maybe if I can use my laptop camera to be used as on Nook , I can get some nice effects and definitely skype

RustedRoot said:
I've been working on this issue for about 2 weeks. One important question: Do you want a cam for security/surveillance/monitoring or for video conferencing/calls/Skype? The options for the former are much broader, but remember most security cams do not have voice capability. I'm in the video call camp.
If money is no object, I would think an IP cam with mic could do the trick, or possibly B/T, but since I'm looking for a cheaper solution and to have fun with this challenge, I'm going the USB route. For this purpose you need to make the HD plus become a USB Host just like your PC or Laptop. Not a problem, theoretically, since that capability is built into the Android OS on your device, but getting it to talk with a USB device, such as a camera, is another matter. Connecting it is the second challenge; there is no USB OTG cable (the "special" cable for USB Hosts) for the Nook. It would have a female USB connector on one end and Nook's (f**k**g) proprietary 30 pin male connector on the other, through which you'd connect your USB device. I've come up with a hardware workaround, but I'm waiting for a special connector coming on a slow boat from China. A side hardware problem is the lack of power coming into the USB Host (the Nook) and the USB Slave (the Cam), but utilizing a powered USB hub could solve it.
So, if the hardware problem is overcome, will it work? Video cam APKs are aplenty on Google Play, but I don't yet know if they will play (pun intended) well with the Nook's USB host adaptor set-up. I'll let you know. Total costs with a new cam will be less than $20; if you already have a USB cam (with built in mic), it'll be about $5. Nice.
Flamers put away your blow torches. If I really wanted or needed a cam I wouldn't have bought the Nook HD+. I know that. This is for cheap thrills.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anyone know something like this awesome app https://play.google.com/store/apps/...51bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5waWNhZGVsaWMuZnhndXJ1Il0.
Maybe if I can use my laptop camera to be used as on Nook , I can get some nice effects and definitely skype

datas0ft said:
Can you share which one? I'm interested about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you must use a USB OTG cable with a special female USB connector (it'll look conventional) on one end which will identify the device as a USB Host. Unfortunately, most connectors on the other end are male micro usbs, or 30 pin Apple connectors, not the Nook 30-pin. I bought one with the male micro USB plug. Now I'll need a female micro USB to female USB adaptor to connect it to the Nook.. That's the special adaptor coming from China (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271094375029?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649).
The configuration of the set-up is this:
Plug in to a/c outlet a powered USB hub (2.0)
Connect the primary cable of the hub (i.e., the one that would go into a PC/laptop) to the hub and to the USB female end of OTG cable
Plug the OTG micro male to the like-female end of the special adaptor
Plug USB cable from the Nook into the other end of the special adaptor then into the Nook
Plug USB device you want to use with the Nook into one of the ports of the USB hub.
If all goes well the Nook should identify the device, but you'll need drivers and maybe an apk to use it. Whether the drivers load automatically or not remains to be seen.
If I get to that point I'll let you know what happens from there...

RustedRoot said:
The configuration of the set-up is this:
Plug in to a/c outlet a powered USB hub (2.0)
Connect the primary cable of the hub (i.e., the one that would go into a PC/laptop) to the hub and to the USB female end of OTG cable
Plug the OTG micro male to the like-female end of the special adaptor
Plug USB cable from the Nook into the other end of the special adaptor then into the Nook
Plug USB device you want to use with the Nook into one of the ports of the USB hub.
If all goes well the Nook should identify the device, but you'll need drivers and maybe an apk to use it. Whether the drivers load automatically or not remains to be seen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be surprising if this works. USB OTG cables have 5 pins; they distinguish the host side from the peripheral side by shorting the fifth pin to either ground or +5V. But the Nook's USB cable ends in a 4-pin connector. There's no way to tell it to act as a host.
On the bright side, the Nook's kernel definitely contains support for host-side USB. It has drivers for mass-storage, HID (mouse, keryboard, etc.), serial, and video devices. To use these facilities, though, it would be necessary to wire up your own 30-pin connector. As far as I know, B&N has not made the pin-outs public.

Delta^1_1 said:
It would be surprising if this works. USB OTG cables have 5 pins; they distinguish the host side from the peripheral side by shorting the fifth pin to either ground or +5V. But the Nook's USB cable ends in a 4-pin connector. There's no way to tell it to act as a host.
On the bright side, the Nook's kernel definitely contains support for host-side USB. It has drivers for mass-storage, HID (mouse, keryboard, etc.), serial, and video devices. To use these facilities, though, it would be necessary to wire up your own 30-pin connector. As far as I know, B&N has not made the pin-outs public.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was operating on the premise that only the female end of the OTG cable required the 4-to-5 jumper. Alas, the male end also requires the same configuration. I could tackle modding the female USB end, but the 30-pin connector is another story. Thanks again to B&N for making a proprietary cable. Another smart move on its part -- limiting the inherent functionality of this device. It hasn't made an OTG cable and probably never will since it is cutting back on its Nook investment. They blew it, but that's another story...
Appreciate your comments above.

I attach us electronic mechanic to investigate my opened HD+. Maybe we can find some interesting pins.
Only one i dont want to do, this is cutting off this 30 pin plug at cable side. Its hard and over prized to buy new cable to my destination.

RustedRoot said:
I bought one with the male micro USB plug. Now I'll need a female micro USB to female USB adaptor to connect it to the Nook.. That's the special adaptor coming from China (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271094375029?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649).
The configuration of the set-up is this:
Plug in to a/c outlet a powered USB hub (2.0)
Connect the primary cable of the hub (i.e., the one that would go into a PC/laptop) to the hub and to the USB female end of OTG cable
Plug the OTG micro male to the like-female end of the special adaptor
Plug USB cable from the Nook into the other end of the special adaptor then into the Nook
Plug USB device you want to use with the Nook into one of the ports of the USB hub.
If all goes well the Nook should identify the device, but you'll need drivers and maybe an apk to use it. Whether the drivers load automatically or not remains to be seen.
If I get to that point I'll let you know what happens from there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did this ultimately work out?

RoundSparrow said:
How did this ultimately work out?
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Click to collapse
No hardware fix, but follow this link to use a software hack which requires CM10.1 for your HD+: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307585 That should work.

Doesn't work because we need a camera app. Any ideas for that?

Any way to fix the micro usb port on my thinkpad tablet?

Does anyone know how to fix my micro USB charger port on my tablet? I have to slightly press up on the cord to make it charge, it's kinda annoying and I am afraid I might break it down the road.
I tried cleaning it and it doesnt seem to have any dust/dirt.
model number: 1839 22U

Its a standard failure on the TPT. Most just get the TPT1 dock of amazon for $20. It charges great and acts as a usb port as well.

da_reeseboy said:
Its a standard failure on the TPT. Most just get the TPT1 dock of amazon for $20. It charges great and acts as a usb port as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am always glad to have a USB port as a backup if my mico one breaks :victory:

Hi Destreza!
Where do you live? I know someone in Germany who is able to repair those broken ports.
If you're plucky here's a (German) guide how to fix it on your own: ht tp://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/149172-Fix-ThinkPad-Power-Switch-und-Micro-USB-Buchsen-Problem

What about Sync & Charger USB Data Cable for Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 10.1" 1838 1839 Wi-Fi by upbright ?
http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Cable-Lenovo-ThinkPad-Tablet/dp/B009PBC24C ( IT WAS REPORTED THIS CABLE TO BE HOAX- SORRY)
Looks like a good workaround if the micro USB is broken.

martiniturbide said:
What about Sync & Charger USB Data Cable for Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 10.1" 1838 1839 Wi-Fi by upbright ?
http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Cable-Lenovo-ThinkPad-Tablet/dp/B009PBC24C
Looks like a good workaround if the micro USB is broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought that cable and received a standard micro USB cable. Not necessarily your fault as the seller was a hurr durr.

Yes. Sorry, the cable was a hoax. It is reported by buyers to be a regular micro-usb cable and the picture and description is miss-leading.

Destreza said:
Does anyone know how to fix my micro USB charger port on my tablet? I have to slightly press up on the cord to make it charge, it's kinda annoying and I am afraid I might break it down the road.
I tried cleaning it and it doesnt seem to have any dust/dirt.
model number: 1839 22U
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixing USB charger port is bit difficult. Ask a good expert to do the job

I wasn't aware that this tablet could charge through the full-size USB slot, is that possible?

Anyone tried this?
You go first....

martiniturbide said:
Yes. Sorry, the cable was a hoax. It is reported by buyers to be a regular micro-usb cable and the picture and description is miss-leading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am working on this cable..
Need pinout info --
other photo is leftover from my earlier hack before receiving the TPT1 dock -- now i charge faster than ever!!! when i'm @ home or bring monstersaurus charging cable + inline brick...
Had originally removed broken usb micro, re-tinned pads and attached delicate cable to usb A male, then PLUG IN direct or extension... not ideal, but worked for the 5 days.
Anyway.. I'm building a viable solution, as it's not perfect, since i can't use the omni-micro usb until that port is replaced with upcoming replacement ports from (china)eBay! -- have the JAE DD2 40pin port assembly from Digikey. Offering 1st gen mod cable to accurate pinout plans to build usb data / high-speed charging via 5v >1500ma *and* 20v (possibly step down myself, or inline brick otherwise) for high-speed charging.
leads to pinout / pinout schema ONLY gets you offering of cable.
Please help, guys, i'm looking to do a lot of work here -- summer hack-a-day project in brooklyn time!

Hi c0psrul3
I'm documenting and linking all I can found about this tablet on the xda wiki:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet
Thanks to your post I found out I was missing to link the dock port pinout, I found a link to it:
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/8523-reverse-engineering-the-dock-charger/
Regards

OTG cable for Fire HD 8 that DOES support charging ?

I got a Fire HD 8 tablet with Carplaylink to get Apple CarPlay working in an old car I use. I need a USB OTG cable that DOES support charging an Android tablet.
I did a 20-30 minute search myself and all the USB OTG cables I’ve seen openly stated that charging for Android tablets and phones are not supported.
Any suggestions ?

ahmadka said:
I got a Fire HD 8 tablet with Carplaylink to get Apple CarPlay working in an old car I use. I need a USB OTG cable that DOES support charging an Android tablet.
I did a 20-30 minute search myself and all the USB OTG cables I’ve seen openly stated that charging for Android tablets and phones are not supported.
Any suggestions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use an USB-OTG while charging. Can you find a charging contact point with VCHG, open your Fire tablet, find VCHG contact point and measure the VCHG contact point using the voltmeter.
The USB-OTG with microUSB port input can be used for Fire TV Stick.

I had one cable that did exactly this a few years ago and I for the life of me don't know what happened to it. now when it comes to OTG you should just have a separate piece of the cable splitting off that you would plug into the wall yeah and the rest of the wiring would make its way where it needs to. now here's where the tricky part comes in terms of whether a device supports charging through USB OTG. I know the fire tablets support this because you may not be using adb or OTG for any particular reason, and your tablet will charge whatever it is plugged into with that cable. If the OTG cable is built properly then theoretically it should charge your tablet as well. But really good and decent cables are hard to come by, that aren't really expensive. however when it comes to something like this I would stay closer to a name brand because you can get ripped off pretty easily even if you read the fine print and find out that it doesn't do what it says. There are no real big laws or regulations behind the cheap charger and wire industry, so you pretty much get what you pay for. It's just a matter of finding the right one.