Database Users

USB Host Capabilites

I read that engadget was able to get USB hosting working on the universal, however it appears that this is not possible (reading the threads here). I just wanted to confirm that using a 'usb dongle' to connect other devices to the universal does not work - as I thought that wm5 did support this. Is it just a question of drivers or is the hardward not capable?

Just to remind that topic...
I'm really interested is it possible to connect a portable harddrive to my MDA Pro?

i dun think so its true. If anybody proves this to be true, then please let us know.

noname_nick: have you found the engadget article?
V

@Vijay555,
It was a Q&A article they posted when they had just received the Universal. Should be there in their archives i guess.
Cheers.

I just checked with an sd card reader and a 40gig usb hdd....it didn't detect either :-(
don't think the universal supports usb hosting :-(
hope its just a software handicap and not a hardware one!
San

universaldoc said:
@Vijay555,
It was a Q&A article they posted when they had just received the Universal. Should be there in their archives i guess.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I even posted in that engadget article asking to reconfirm their findings and thry did reply saying it could be used as a usb host as they had it dine themseves (it was one of the factors that made me get the universal) alas the dumbfuc*ers removed the ABILITY for usb host or maybe engadget was Forced to say yes(as in LIED) under pressure from htc etc??
just my 2 cents !

If I'm not mistaken, the hardware in the Universal supports USB Host. But it is not implemented in the software running on the Universal... It's like having a sound-card in your computer, but with no drivers to use it. Maybe there will be a patch or update for WM5 which supports USB Host.

Suspect that you need a USB host cable to have any chance of testing USB host functionality, this cable tells the PDA that it now needs to work in host mode.
The Sharp Zaurus has a similar arrangement where a single USB port can work in host or slave mode, which is switched using the relevant cable, link to such a cable http://www.streamlinecpus.com/store/product.php?productid=100&cat=0&page=1&featured
Suggest you search Zaurus forum (www.oesf.org) for more information.
Mike

does anyone has this cable and test it already?
It seems it will fit the mini USB port for the Universal?

Don't think it's native on the Universal - if it was, it ain't now. In the meantime, Softick Card Export II PC version 2.10 works great as USB Host services to the Storage Card!

Yes, I use the same thing on my Uni. I like it very much as i do not need a SD card reader anymore. But I still dream to be able to hook up my external slim HDD to my Uni.

Yes, I use the same thing on my Uni. I like it very much as i do not need a SD card reader anymore. But I still dream to be able to hook up my external slim HDD to my Uni.

vijay555 said:
noname_nick: have you found the engadget article?
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the article http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/02/...l-questions-weve-got-htc-universal/1#comments

I found driver for Toshiba E740 USB mass storage driver ( for PPC 2002) but maybe is a best way to find solution for Universal - it's look that only soft for this funcionality is missing :?: Deje PocketPC Page

usb host.....
USB standard provide 5 volt DC.
All HTC device have got 3,7v DC battery!! so it is not possible to power any kind of USB device!!.
The only way consist in voltage duplicator that should provide 5v using 3,7 v source, i think that HTC device has not this voltage regulator.
wishes
Antonio

fraant said:
USB standard provide 5 volt DC.
All HTC device have got 3,7v DC battery!! so it is not possible to power any kind of USB device!!.
The only way consist in voltage duplicator that should provide 5v using 3,7 v source, i think that HTC device has not this voltage regulator.
wishes
Antonio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the universal have the hw to have usb host functions but htc don't have put it to the out side world.
The mini-usb can't be used as initiator.
in thoery you could open the universal and hook another miniusb connector on the usb bus.... and then the drivers nightmare
Deje have drivers for mass-storage on ppc2003/ppc2 and they work fine.
I use both on casio-e200 and on the toshibare800.
btw:neither casio nor toshiba have 5v bateries and they work with external usb devices like keyboards mices etc, for disks i have to use external power...
bye

External USB hard drive

Does anybody know if it is possible to connect the phone to a USB hard drive?

only with flame and Athena as they are the only ones which support usb host
other devices cant use usb devices only be used by usb hosts normaly a pc

There was actually someone who developed a working hard disk storage driver for windows mobile but last I checked the site no longer offered it. Searched for days trying to find the file elsewhere. No luck. Cant think of the company that made the driver.

I'm bumping this as I am also after the same sort of program / utility.
I want to be able to access my External HD and view / play files off it... anyone able to help me out?

Maybe with a external powersupplied disk
Rudegar said:
only with flame and Athena as they are the only ones which support usb host...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct
Our Hermes has no usb host support. I found a topic at forum.brighthand.com which suggested the host functionality could be added with a usb host driver. I found the software (attached zip) but alas... Though I did exactly as the 'manual' (readme.txt) explained, the usb-stick did not appear in my explorer.
Possibly an external drive with external power supply might work because the hermes usb port is simply not powerful enough to supply the power to the usb-stick. However I did not "explore that possibility" (don't have one ) and chances are 'just a driver' is not enough and hermes lacks "usb host hardware".

dident read the post because you dident give a link to the post just the forum
but i doubt that it's a general thing
many pda's have usbhost in the cpu itself but htc never connected those connectors
so it's not wired to the connector they have their own usb chip
so if the post you read said it about any other pda then htc based one it could be that that manufactor did connect the usb but dident supply the driver which would then be fixed with what you found

Rudegar said:
many pda's have usbhost in the cpu itself but htc never connected those connectors
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like there could be the potential for a hardware hack...

heh, nice try. but it will end like GPS HW hack on the TyTN (aka Hermes). it is not worth it, I mean there is easy way, just buy device with GPS integrated, or buy external. I have electronic skills and proper tools, I can do such things but it is too complicated. in that hermes was problem, that antena was not properly connected and you can never get a GPS lock. I guess that with usb host is the same. missing circuitry.
Deuce Nitro said:
Sounds like there could be the potential for a hardware hack...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yepp!
Hi,
this is correct
sinmae said:
heh, nice try. but it will end like GPS HW hack on the TyTN (aka Hermes). it is not worth it, I mean there is easy way, just buy device with GPS integrated, or buy external. I have electronic skills and proper tools, I can do such things but it is too complicated. in that hermes was problem, that antena was not properly connected and you can never get a GPS lock. I guess that with usb host is the same. missing circuitry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USB host port of the Samsung CPU is used to connect to the internal GSM/GPRS chipset. So no chance to break it up!
If someone would ever hack this hardware part, the result would be a hermes without radio.
The engineers at HTC used the USB host port to achieve the necessary bandwith for high speed data connection to the GSM/GPRS chips from Qualcomm.
Best regards,
scholbert

thats an interesting information, thanx
scholbert said:
The engineers at HTC used the USB host port to achieve the necessary bandwith for high speed data connection to the GSM/GPRS chips from Qualcomm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

USB Host

Does anyone know of a usb host driver that enables usb host on the X1? Another user reported that the Zeno usb host drivers did not work. Any one tried others with success?

it has been discussed here somewere, and the last thing was all agreed it doesn't have a USB Host!
i hope it's not true, only time will let us know!

Uh... Well... I understand what you are asking for, but I don't know what you want to do with it... What would be the need for a USB host function on a mobile phone

Trudi said:
Uh... Well... I understand what you are asking for, but I don't know what you want to do with it... What would be the need for a USB host function on a mobile phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's say you have some files on a thumb drive and wanna work on them (.doc , .xls...etc) but you don't have a laptop with you.
Or..Some images on an external HDD you wanna send via email, but no laptop with you...
Or..Show off to your iSheep friends that you can connect usb mouse and keyboard to use on your x1..
Get images off of your digi cam....etc etc
How about pluging in a usb joypad for gaming??
Endless possibilities.

I've recently seen some universal WinMo USB host drivers but the problem with X1 supposedly is that it doesn't power the USB port itself so you might need to power it externally. Dunno if it would really work though.

But you still need a pen drive or ext. hd with mini USB right?

Carty said:
But you still need a pen drive or ext. hd with mini USB right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This http://www.amazon.com/Female-Mini-Male-Adapter-Shipping/dp/B000Y6UL5E
http://tero.mononen.eu/index.cgi/Blog/N800_and_photograhy-2008-07-27-19-01.cgi

Does the amazon actually work on the X1?

Peeps, i have been thinking about this problem for awhile now. Check this thread, there is a link to a site with drivers that should work,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=480279
BUT
BUT
BUT
Xperia doesn't have a powered usb. So, the only two ways to get something working are to either connect something with its own power supply, or to use a usb injector. Sadly the first option defeats the whole point of connecting a flash or a mouse and the latter one, well, i haven't had any luck with a suitable injector for the x1.
Good luck.

Concentrate said:
Does the amazon actually work on the X1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO, not unless we have a driver for USB host for X1
And as above posts stats, power to the USB.

Usb host on Acer s200

It s a little strange but seems like no one in this forum tried to connect usb devices to our phone since zeno usb host driver has been released.I tried to search in google but no one tried in acer s200...Are there anyone that know if it work before i try it by myself?

I've tried it
HI, i have tried it with a 1gb, 2gb, 4gb, usb flash storage. But it seems not to work. It don't shows me another device in the explorer (win explorer or resco explorer)
Maybe someone have tried it succesfully?

external power is required, see usb-host scheme by dcordes... keep in mind, however, that hd2's got a micro-usb connector

tsamolotoff said:
external power is required, see usb-host scheme by dcordes... keep in mind, however, that hd2's got a micro-usb connector
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi tsamolotoff,
the usb host work properly:

Yes i built a usb cable with external power supply.I ve made a cable that supply 5v to the device i want to attach to the s200,but only the two data lines go to the phone.But this afternoon i ve read a german forum and someone said that in some cases (nokia) the usb host cable must supply 5v even to the pocket pc,and i want to try by this way.Stefano wich cable have you made to get the s200 found the usb mouse and the pen drive in linux kernel?Do you think that with zeno drivers we can use the usb host even in windows?

Stefano_1986_
Interesting, however, it'd more exciting if it worked under wince (did you check?)

Axel85 said:
Stefano wich cable have you made to get the s200 found the usb mouse and the pen drive in linux kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my cable:
Axel85 said:
Do you think that with zeno drivers we can use the usb host even in windows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tsamolotoff said:
Stefano_1986_
Interesting, however, it'd more exciting if it worked under wince (did you check?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have checked but not working

ok almost like mine.This morning with this cable and zeno drivers i ve noticed that if you connect a device like a pen drive,the screen turn on backlight,and it s not for the fact that i attached the cable with 5v,the tension is always present in the usb cable.So maybe the hardware feel the new device but have not the correct drivers to control

What is the solution I have the same problem

so all, what's the solution then? if I want to conect my F1 to a CF card reader? how to use external power...

It doesn t work under windows mobile...This is the solution.
It only work via linux kernel (tested a mouse a keyboard and a usb drive),but since no android build is avaible for s200 you can t use it.
So usb host is supported by s200 hardware,but it s locked in windows mobile kernel and can t be changed.this is a really great stupid thing i know...but sadly it s the true
Guru correct me if i writed something wrong

maybe it can work now, coz Android can be loaded in S200...
I just think if my S200 can read the photos from CF card reader...

yes sure we can make it work under linud distros or android as proved by stefano some month ago

Summary of limitations with Stock Firmware

Putting these out there so that dev's could address and all others should be aware of:
- No "USB Mass Storage" support. ICS out-of-the-box doesn't support this, however it can and has been added into ICS-based roms for other devices. Definitely possible to be addressed via software.
- Cannot move/install apps to the external microSD card. With ~4-5GB of available space on internal flash memory, this can become an issue for some.
- supports only microSD formatted in FAT32. Which effectively means if you have a video or other media file that is over 4gb in size, you cannot copy it onto the card. This is certainly a problem when you have HD quality movies you wish to play back on the device.
- wifi "can be" flaky. Many have experienced "low" wifi strength while only a few feet from their routers. Possibly could be improved through kernel driver updates, etc.
Please add on to this list as you come across limitations!
[EDIT]
- Per Macadamia Daze: Lack of Ad-hoc Wi-Fi support
- Per doraemon14: No face-unlock enabled in ICS
- [ CONFIRMED WORKING ]: Support for USB OTG (Host Mode).

I'm not sure who all cares, but it lacks ad hoc Wi-Fi support.

this is my first android device so not sure if this is only for ICS or all other previous versions.
- hope charging via USB is working even though it is not power-off.

nohctis said:
this is my first android device so not sure if this is only for ICS or all other previous versions.
- hope charging via USB is working even though it is not power-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most tablets now need 2A to charge, USB only provides 500ma. I don't think it works, it's not an ICS limitation.

slopokdave said:
Most tablets now need 2A to charge, USB only provides 500ma. I don't think it works, it's not an ICS limitation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info. just assuming (more on hoping) it might also work while on power-on since charging via USB is working if the device is turned-off.

as far as the - supports only microSD formatted in FAT32. Which effectively means if you have a video or other media file that is over 4gb in size, you cannot copy it onto the card. This is certainly a problem when you have HD quality movies you wish to play back on the device.
I found that if you use a rar. format you can break the file up into small file. which let you put it on the sd card and then extract the file and put it back together in the card. it may take longer doing that but it works.

Bluetooth issues... device tends to pair and connect, then randomly disconnect, say it's still paired, then constantly pop-up the "Pairing" dialog asking for the PIN number. Once this happens the device will not stay paired.
This is happening with my PLX Kiwi OBD 2 adapter in my car... happens to my friend on the stock original firmware (I'm on the updated version) we're both rooted.. this happened before rooting as well though.
Two more cases can be seen here:
http://torque-bhp.com/forums/?wpforumaction=viewtopic&t=2076.00
http://code.google.com/p/android-bluez-ime/issues/detail?id=162

after i read this thread. I found a work around for usb host in the htc one s forum. Found by nerd65536
[Guide] USB Host
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USB host lets you hook up external USB devices to your phone, like a keyboard, mouse, USB drive, etc..
Unlike devices which are designed to support USB host, the One S doesn't provide power to the peripheral. That means we need a few more adapters/cables to get it to work (and we need an external power source).
Purchase links are listed for all the required cables/adapters.
You will need:
•USB Host adapter (The otherwise unused 5th pin on a micro-usb connector is grounded) dx.com/m-129671
•Mini USB power Y cable (this kind of cable is often packaged with portable hard drives) dx.com/u-65630
•Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter This package comes with two, but you only need one. dx.com/u-55613
•Your charger
Assemble the cable:•The micro USB of the "USB Host adapter" connects to your phone.
•Your peripheral plugs into the female end of the "Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter"
•The "Mini USB power Y cable" has three connectors:1.Mini USB connector - connects to the "Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter"
2.Male USB A Power (the thinner wire) - connects to your charger
3.Male USB A - connects to the "USB Host adapter"
That's all. As long as your ROM supports the peripheral, it will work.
Some fun peripherals to try:•Powered USB hub (You can also power the adapter from one of the hub's ports)
•Keyboard
•Mouse (a cursor will appear on your device)
•USB flash drives and USB hard drives must be FAT32. You have to run a few commands to use a USB drive. Mount manually from the shell (use Connectbot or Terminal Emulator):
Code:
su
mkdir /media/sdcard/usb
mount -o uid=1000,gid=1015,fmask=0702,dmask=0702 /dev/block/sda1 /mnt/sdcard/usb
To unmount:
Code:
su
umount /mnt/sdcard/usb
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1629134

Diablo2424 said:
Bluetooth issues... device tends to pair and connect, then randomly disconnect, say it's still paired, then constantly pop-up the "Pairing" dialog asking for the PIN number. Once this happens the device will not stay paired.
This is happening with my PLX Kiwi OBD 2 adapter in my car... happens to my friend on the stock original firmware (I'm on the updated version) we're both rooted.. this happened before rooting as well though.
Two more cases can be seen here:
http://torque-bhp.com/forums/?wpforumaction=viewtopic&t=2076.00
http://code.google.com/p/android-bluez-ime/issues/detail?id=162
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE on BT!
I just called Samsung Mobile Support and let them know about my issue. I mentioned that the original and current firmware's both have this problem, the agent put me on hold for a few minutes and came back saying that they are aware of this issue and the next firmware update (OTA) should be resolving it!
Thank you Samsung for having great customer service (I was only on the phone with Samsung 12 minutes total, including the non-existent wait time!)

yeah, recap:
you:Im having a BT issue
sammy: please hold, *call developers on other line* *yelling at developers* Bluetooth is broken! fix it!
sammy: *back on call with you*, we're aware of the issue and will be fixed in an OTA update.
just kidding although I love pounding Sammy every chance I get.

cbetso said:
after i read this thread. I found a work around for usb host in the htc one s forum. Found by nerd65536
[Guide] USB Host
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USB host lets you hook up external USB devices to your phone, like a keyboard, mouse, USB drive, etc..
Unlike devices which are designed to support USB host, the One S doesn't provide power to the peripheral. That means we need a few more adapters/cables to get it to work (and we need an external power source).
Purchase links are listed for all the required cables/adapters.
You will need:
•USB Host adapter (The otherwise unused 5th pin on a micro-usb connector is grounded) dx.com/m-129671
•Mini USB power Y cable (this kind of cable is often packaged with portable hard drives) dx.com/u-65630
•Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter This package comes with two, but you only need one. dx.com/u-55613
•Your charger
Assemble the cable:•The micro USB of the "USB Host adapter" connects to your phone.
•Your peripheral plugs into the female end of the "Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter"
•The "Mini USB power Y cable" has three connectors:1.Mini USB connector - connects to the "Mini USB Female to USB A Female adapter"
2.Male USB A Power (the thinner wire) - connects to your charger
3.Male USB A - connects to the "USB Host adapter"
That's all. As long as your ROM supports the peripheral, it will work.
Some fun peripherals to try:•Powered USB hub (You can also power the adapter from one of the hub's ports)
•Keyboard
•Mouse (a cursor will appear on your device)
•USB flash drives and USB hard drives must be FAT32. You have to run a few commands to use a USB drive. Mount manually from the shell (use Connectbot or Terminal Emulator):
Code:
su
mkdir /media/sdcard/usb
mount -o uid=1000,gid=1015,fmask=0702,dmask=0702 /dev/block/sda1 /mnt/sdcard/usb
To unmount:
Code:
su
umount /mnt/sdcard/usb
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1629134
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you test any of this for this tablet? Does it even apply to this tablet (you are referencing a different device)? USB OTG (aka Host Mode) is a combination of having the right hardware + the right modules compiled into the kernel.

Diablo2424 said:
UPDATE on BT!
I just called Samsung Mobile Support and let them know about my issue. I mentioned that the original and current firmware's both have this problem, the agent put me on hold for a few minutes and came back saying that they are aware of this issue and the next firmware update (OTA) should be resolving it!
Thank you Samsung for having great customer service (I was only on the phone with Samsung 12 minutes total, including the non-existent wait time!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem along many others(on original firmware it wasn't even usable it rebooted constantly). I was trying to connect to one of this:
http://tunerstudio.com/index.php/cablesandbluetooth
I ended up returning the device as I mainly needed it for that a the moment and as it crashed using the browser etc, but thinking of buying again.
Did they give you an ETA for the update? Or have you tried another ROM?
Post up if you get it fixed

cbetso said:
as far as the - supports only microSD formatted in FAT32. Which effectively means if you have a video or other media file that is over 4gb in size, you cannot copy it onto the card. This is certainly a problem when you have HD quality movies you wish to play back on the device.
I found that if you use a rar. format you can break the file up into small file. which let you put it on the sd card and then extract the file and put it back together in the card. it may take longer doing that but it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FAT32 has a single-file size limit of 4GB. Yes, you could use rar or any other archive format to break the original file into pieces, however for example, an HD .mkv video file can be well over 5GB (single file). You could possible copy 1 of those large files into the 'internal' memory if you had the space -- but defeats the whole purpose of having expandable storage.

i dunno whether the one i write here is considered as flaws or not...
i don't like the way this tab arrange its homescreen and apps cabinet...there are some spaces left and can't be filled...i hate this...

lastiko said:
i dunno whether the one i write here is considered as flaws or not...
i don't like the way this tab arrange its homescreen and apps cabinet...there are some spaces left and can't be filled...i hate this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A new launcher will fix that problem for you. I use apex launcher.. but there's other alternatives out there as well.. like go launcher
---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------
Slowb00st said:
I had the same problem along many others(on original firmware it wasn't even usable it rebooted constantly). I was trying to connect to one of this:
http://tunerstudio.com/index.php/cablesandbluetooth
I ended up returning the device as I mainly needed it for that a the moment and as it crashed using the browser etc, but thinking of buying again.
Did they give you an ETA for the update? Or have you tried another ROM?
Post up if you get it fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable if you needed it working right at that moment. I did ask for an ETA but unfortunately he said he didn't have one... he did say that it will be soon and to make sure my device is on wifi and ready for an update soon.. but I'm on a rooted stock firmware and froze the software updater lmao so that won't work... but I'll keep an eye out for am update and let everyone know. No I haven't tried any other ROMs yet as they all have some flaws that bother me... not too mention for my specific use I don't really need anything too fancy... just need BT for my PLX Kiwi OBD adapter for my cars diagnostics

is there anyone has stock room for p3100?

Diablo2424 said:
Understandable if you needed it working right at that moment. I did ask for an ETA but unfortunately he said he didn't have one... he did say that it will be soon and to make sure my device is on wifi and ready for an update soon.. but I'm on a rooted stock firmware and froze the software updater lmao so that won't work... but I'll keep an eye out for am update and let everyone know. No I haven't tried any other ROMs yet as they all have some flaws that bother me... not too mention for my specific use I don't really need anything too fancy... just need BT for my PLX Kiwi OBD adapter for my cars diagnostics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still too early, but there are some ROMs actively being worked on (and I'm hoping we see official support for this tablet from CM soon). With the recent MacMall $219 flash sale on this (they must have sold thousands in one day), and attractive MSRP, there could be a lot of interest from major developers.

Balthazar B said:
It's still too early, but there are some ROMs actively being worked on (and I'm hoping we see official support for this tablet from CM soon). With the recent MacMall $219 flash sale on this (they must have sold thousands in one day), and attractive MSRP, there could be a lot of interest from major developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ebay tells you how much have been sold. It wasn't 500ish last I saw shortly before it ended.

I purchased the Samsung OTG cable and plugged it in the port. The cable has a female connector on the other end. I plugged in a 32GB thumb drive and it read it right away. I plugged in a small harddrive and the tablet reported that a high power device was plugged in and would not work without additional power. I paid $8.00 for the cable on amazon.com.

rapcon said:
I purchased the Samsung OTG cable and plugged it in the port. The cable has a female connector on the other end. I plugged in a 32GB thumb drive and it read it right away. I plugged in a small harddrive and the tablet reported that a high power device was plugged in and would not work without additional power. I paid $8.00 for the cable on amazon.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to provide a link to that cable?
Thanks for the info! Does a mouse/keyboard work with no issue? The USB stick -- did it auto-mount and what filesystem is it formatted with (ie FAT32)? -- I'm curious if for example a USB stick that is formatted in NTFS can be used..
On another note, this confirms that the device itself can handle USB OTG to some degree -- meaning the modules are in place in the stock kernel and the hardware itself is capable of putting out enough power to handle certain devices.