Database Users

[GUIDE] USB Gaming on Nexus S

Greetings,
The purpose of this post/thread is to describe how to use a USB gaming controller on the Nexus S, which is now possible thanks to the work of fellow XDA member sztupy. Before proceeding, I highly recommend that you read his Galaxy S thread, especially the first few posts (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1450298).
First, some demonstrations:
Using USB Host Controller app and Super Mario 64
Batman: Arkham City
Metro 2033
Dirt 3
DISCLAIMER: I take no responsibility for any damage you do to your phone.
1.) FLASH KERNEL AND DOWNLOAD APP
First things first, you will need ICS and to flash a kernel that has USB OTG support in it. At the time of this posting, some kernels with USB OTG are:
-steve.garon’s kernel (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427352)
-mathkid95’s Matr1x kernel (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1361477)
-Ezekeel's GLaDoS kernel (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1336529)
If you do not know how to flash a kernel, please Google it. You will also need to download sztupy’s app “USB Host Controller” (https://market.android.com/details?id=hu.sztupy.android.usbhostcontroller).
2.) ACQUIRE USB CONTROLLER
Next, you will need a supported USB controller. The following should work:
-wired Xbox 360 controller
-Logitech DualAction controller
-Logitech WingMan RumblePad
-wireless Xbox 360 controller WITH wireless receiver
-wired Sony Playstation 3 controller (not yet tested)
...probably many others
3.) OTG SET UP
Thirdly, you’ll need a working USB OTG set up. Sztupy’s thread shows you a few ways of accomplishing this. Below is a (crappy) diagram of MY current working set up.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15806590/diagram2.png
I think this is the best set up because you don't have to buy any fancy OTG cables or USB hubs. But that's just my opinion.
In terms of the order for connecting things, I find it works best if you connect the phone LAST.
4.) FINAL STEPS
Once everything is connected, open up the “USB Host Controller” app, select the “Settings” pane, and set the Operation Mode to “Auto-host” (if you are using a set up that involves an OTG connector/cable, then you'll likely need to select OTG mode instead). If everything went right, the app will close automatically and you should be able to navigate your phone with the controller. You are now ready to game!
Just a note with the 360 controller. The middle button will always flash on and off, and will not stay lit on one quarter of the circle as on an actual Xbox. AFAIK there's no way to fix this (unless you use tape heh).

Games/Apps TESTED & WORKING: (This list is not meant to be comprehensive, and will be occasionally updated)
Note: Pretty much any app/game that supports button remapping (such as emulators) should work
Emulators
-nes.emu
-SNES 9X EX
-N64oid (the right analog stick is not functional)
-Mame4droid
-FrodoC64USB
-Mupen64Plus AE
-FPse
Native/Regular Android Games
-Shadowgun
-Grand Theft Auto 3
-Samurai II: Vengeance
-Riptide GP
-Meganoid
-Reckless Getaway
-Cordy
-EVAC HD
-Radiant HD
-Muffin Knight
Some (not all) of the Xperia Play compatible games will work too. See here for a comprehensive list of Xperia Play titles: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1217060
Other
-OnLive (!!! This means you can play the majority of onlive games that are game pad compatible)

thanks man i was thinking of a way to do this.

This is amazing !

I tested the Logitech Dual Action controller yesterday, it works also fine.

Hi! May I use your first diagram in my post too?

Sure! Be my guest.

Cool! 10 chars

3 new gameplay videos added.

nice. any idea if this works with the controllers for the original Xbox? I have a modded Duke I use on the computer, just replaced the Xbox!usb male with a regular usb male, and would love to be able to use it on my Cappy. I know it works perfectly on the mainline Linux kernel, but I'm having no luck finding how the drivers were implemented in ICS. I can't test myself just yet, still waiting for the otg cable and download mode jig to come in.

neoman4426 said:
nice. any idea if this works with the controllers for the original Xbox? I have a modded Duke I use on the computer, just replaced the Xbox!usb male with a regular usb male, and would love to be able to use it on my Cappy. I know it works perfectly on the mainline Linux kernel, but I'm having no luck finding how the drivers were implemented in ICS. I can't test myself just yet, still waiting for the otg cable and download mode jig to come in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say for certain, but I think it should work. I found another thread here: http://www.acertabletforum.com/forum/acer-iconia-tab-accessories/1014-what-game-controllers-work.html for the Acer Iconia tablet, and one user claims their original xbox controller works.
I suppose the only way to know for sure is to try it out yourself. Once you get your OTG set up and running, let us know how that works out for you.

Nice thread, very useful for me, I sold my wired 360 controller, and i thought i will buy a new one when i asked at sztupy's thread if the 360 controller would work with this method, he mentioned me about this thread, and i saw on the 1st page that a wireless controller would work with the receiver...luckily i have one of those but on the op says only it was not tested...so could anyone give me some info about that?

Szighy said:
Nice thread, very useful for me, I sold my wired 360 controller, and i thought i will buy a new one when i asked at sztupy's thread if the 360 controller would work with this method, he mentioned me about this thread, and i saw on the 1st page that a wireless controller would work with the receiver...luckily i have one of those but on the op says only it was not tested...so could anyone give me some info about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the reason I suspect that it will work is because I saw this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrTmsZIb0a8&feature=related. Since we now have OTG it is reasonable to assume this would work for us as well.
I tried looking around for a wireless receiver to test but unfortunately all stores near my area only seem to sell it with the controller.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

developersdevelopers said:
Well the reason I suspect that it will work is because I saw this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrTmsZIb0a8&feature=related. Since we now have OTG it is reasonable to assume this would work for us as well.
I tried looking around for a wireless receiver to test but unfortunately all stores near my area only seem to sell it with the controller.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hm...i'm gonna try it, so, i didn't understand the diagram show in the OP (from the dropbox link, i'm not too good in this), but would it work, if i use a USB Hub, connect the hub to the phone, a usb charger to the hub, and also the receiver?

Szighy said:
hm...i'm gonna try it, so, i didn't understand the diagram show in the OP (from the dropbox link, i'm not too good in this), but would it work, if i use a USB Hub, connect the hub to the phone, a usb charger to the hub, and also the receiver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read sztupy's post here for some ways you can connect a hub: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21503413&postcount=2. As you can see, it is indeed possible to power the controller/receiver from the hub if you have things connected properly.
When you're setting up USB OTG/host for the first time, use a simple device like a USB flash/thumb drive to verify that your connections and everything else are working properly. Then you can try hooking up other peripherals like the 360 wireless receiver.
To be honest, I haven't had much luck getting USB OTG/host to work with a hub, which is why I went and created my own 'Y' cable. It really isn't that difficult to make, and it's cheaper than using a hub, provided that you have soldering equipment already.

developersdevelopers said:
To be honest, I haven't had much luck getting USB OTG/host to work with a hub, which is why I went and created my own 'Y' cable. It really isn't that difficult to make, and it's cheaper than using a hub, provided that you have soldering equipment already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't even need soldering equipment. I twisted and taped the wires and it worked fine.

Epic_VS said:
you don't even need soldering equipment. I twisted and taped the wires and it worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice lol.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Word of caution, the 360 controller wireless adapter draws a lot of power, i recall there being high incidences of it dropping out when plugged into PCs, so be sure to power it adequately.

tiuk said:
Word of caution, the 360 controller wireless adapter draws a lot of power, i recall there being high incidences of it dropping out when plugged into PCs, so be sure to power it adequately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
woah...i really don't know anything about this electronic thing how should i do?

Just look at your charger and check the output rating. It should say something like: 5.0 V, 0.75 A. Ideally you'll want the second number to be higher (like 1 A for example).
As a point of reference, my wired 360 controller works fine on 0.7 A. But as tiuk pointed out, the wireless receiver may be more demanding.
But really I think you should be okay if you stick with the standard Samsung Nexus S charger. If you need more current for your peripheral, you can simply disable the current draw of your phone with the USB Host Controller app. This way, all of the current from the charger will be directed to the device instead of being split between the device and your phone.

[OTG] Logitech Keyboard & Mouse Drivers Missing

Before I start, I don't believe this belongs in the Accessories category because it is a software/development question.
I have a standard OTG cable, bought it for my Evo 3d and it works fine. Plugging it into my new Nexus 10 (Unlocked and rooted of course) I got the pleasant surprise that it provides enough power from the tablet alone to power most USB devices (even my 2.5" hard drive!). Now, when I used the OTG cable on my Evo 3d, I was able to plug in my Logitech unifying receiver and connect my mouse and keyboard with no setup required (keyboard just works, mouse shows a cursor). With the Nexus 10, no such luck.
I was able to download the USB Host Diagnostics app from the Play Store, and I can see that it is recognizing the adapter no problem, but it is not loading input drivers or setting them to be input devices.
Dmesg from Evo 3d when plugging in OTG + Logitech receiver with mouse and keyboard: http://pastebin.com/kBbZEwXD
Dmesg from Nexus 10: http://pastebin.com/0yyFZK7u
Now, I know my cable works fine with the Nexus 10 because I can mount mass storage no problem.
I would love for someone with some more knowledge of USB host mode to maybe provide some feedback or support.
I'm more than happy to provide any more information needed.
Thank you ahead of time.
EDIT: Solution
craigacgomez said:
Kernel with Logitech Unifying device support available... Download manta-kernel-cgomez.xxxxxxxx.zip from here (xxxxxxxx would be the date of the kernel)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998585
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm trying to get this working... I think I have the changes needed... I will let you know soon...

ahorner said:
Before I start, I don't believe this belongs in the Accessories category because it is a software/development question.
I have a standard OTG cable, bought it for my Evo 3d and it works fine. Plugging it into my new Nexus 10 (Unlocked and rooted of course) I got the pleasant surprise that it provides enough power from the tablet alone to power most USB devices (even my 2.5" hard drive!). Now, when I used the OTG cable on my Evo 3d, I was able to plug in my Logitech unifying receiver and connect my mouse and keyboard with no setup required (keyboard just works, mouse shows a cursor). With the Nexus 10, no such luck.
I was able to download the USB Host Diagnostics app from the Play Store, and I can see that it is recognizing the adapter no problem, but it is not loading input drivers or setting them to be input devices.
Dmesg from Evo 3d when plugging in OTG + Logitech receiver with mouse and keyboard: http://pastebin.com/kBbZEwXD
Dmesg from Nexus 10: http://pastebin.com/0yyFZK7u
Now, I know my cable works fine with the Nexus 10 because I can mount mass storage no problem.
I would love for someone with some more knowledge of USB host mode to maybe provide some feedback or support.
I'm more than happy to provide any more information needed.
Thank you ahead of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here. I originally bought the combo for my Iconia, which had a full size USB port, but I couldn't get them working on the N10. My wired USB mouse and my DSLR camera both connect and work fine though...
craigacgomez said:
I'm trying to get this working... I think I have the changes needed... I will let you know soon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope it ends up being something small and flash-able as a fix, instead of having to flash a completely new ROM. Either way thanks!

OK, I've got the Logitech Unifying support working... tested it with my keyboard and mouse... all good... it's a new kernel... I will upload it soon...

ahorner said:
Before I start, I don't believe this belongs in the Accessories category because it is a software/development question.
I have a standard OTG cable, bought it for my Evo 3d and it works fine. Plugging it into my new Nexus 10 (Unlocked and rooted of course) I got the pleasant surprise that it provides enough power from the tablet alone to power most USB devices (even my 2.5" hard drive!). Now, when I used the OTG cable on my Evo 3d, I was able to plug in my Logitech unifying receiver and connect my mouse and keyboard with no setup required (keyboard just works, mouse shows a cursor). With the Nexus 10, no such luck.
I was able to download the USB Host Diagnostics app from the Play Store, and I can see that it is recognizing the adapter no problem, but it is not loading input drivers or setting them to be input devices.
Dmesg from Evo 3d when plugging in OTG + Logitech receiver with mouse and keyboard: http://pastebin.com/kBbZEwXD
Dmesg from Nexus 10: http://pastebin.com/0yyFZK7u
Now, I know my cable works fine with the Nexus 10 because I can mount mass storage no problem.
I would love for someone with some more knowledge of USB host mode to maybe provide some feedback or support.
I'm more than happy to provide any more information needed.
Thank you ahead of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For future reference, this belongs in Q & A.

Kernel with Logitech Unifying device support available... Download manta-kernel-cgomez.xxxxxxxx.zip from here (xxxxxxxx would be the date of the kernel)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998585

Flashed your kernel on my stock rooted firmware and it is working great with my full size logitech keyboard and mouse as well as my mini keyboard/trackpad combo.
Thank you!!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

craigacgomez said:
Kernel with Logitech Unifying device support available... Download manta-kernel-cgomez.xxxxxxxx.zip from here (xxxxxxxx would be the date of the kernel)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998585
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works great! Thank you so much!

Logitech Unifying Adapter & Sony Xperia S
Hey guys,
I know I'm in the wrong section but I don't know if I ever can solve this problem:
I have a Sony Xperia S with the newest Jelly Bean .211 and this FW cannot identify my Logitech keyboard with a unifying 2.4GHz adapter. All keyboards and mouses with this adapter don't work. I see with USB Host Controller APP that the adapter is recognized with the right vendor and device id but the Xperia S does nothing. With ICS and GB we hadn't this problem. I think only the drivers are missing. I called the Sony support and they told me to do the same studip thing: factory reset, reflash the FW bla bla... :silly: But it's a FW related problem and so on I'm googling this since 2 months and i cannot find anything to solve this. And today I saw this thread. I hope anyone can tell me which files are needed to recognize my Logitech keyboard on USB OTG as a keyboard and to use it. I saw that this problem was solved for the Nexus 10 but only as a kernel and I need only the files or drivers.
Please help
Regards

Just curious , would this kernel help to make a Logitech steering wheel usable as well ?

[Q] How can I control my N4 with a broken digitizer?

Is there a best/easy solution to control an N4 without the use of the screen? My digitizer is cracked and I want to either control it using a mouse, pc, mac, other android phone. I know there are apps out there that will do this, but the setup is a bit difficult since right now I don't know how I can really control the phone without the screen. The end goal would be to hook up the n4 to a tv or speakers and use it as a dedicated streaming device.
Also, I'm rooted and willing to dive into adb if that's the answer. Thanks for the help.

JohnnyTA said:
Is there a best/easy solution to control an N4 without the use of the screen? My digitizer is cracked and I want to either control it using a mouse, pc, mac, other android phone. I know there are apps out there that will do this, but the setup is a bit difficult since right now I don't know how I can really control the phone without the screen. The end goal would be to hook up the n4 to a tv or speakers and use it as a dedicated streaming device.
Also, I'm rooted and willing to dive into adb if that's the answer. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you get RMA? I think it maybe impossible unless you sideload an app.

Flash ziddey's otg patch. Connect powered usb hub and enjoy.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Use adb
Sent via Telnet client

OTG Simultaneous Charging

Hey everyone I'm doing a car install of a galaxy tab a 7.0 and I have a joycon usb controller and flash drive I need plugged in to a powered otg hub I have. Everything works great but my hub only has a switch that goes between charge OR otg not both. Is there a kernel or custom otg cable someone can guide me to to make this possible?
Thanks!
-Dave

Hi there,
Ditto for me. Have it working on Nexus 7 2013 and hoping to do the same on the Tab A (SM-T285). How far have you got? I'm about to setup a breadboard with a pot on pins 4 + 5 as a standard 100k doesn't seem to do it.

OTG simultaneous charging
Hi
I have the same requirement, apparently one needs a custom kernel where this is enabled. Have anyone made progress on this ?

Dang, saw this thread and hoped for more information. I am testing out an SM-P580 to replace my Nexus 7 (2012) and need to see if OTG and charging work together. I am hoping to find some time later this week to connect it up to the car and see what works and what does not. The biggest headache is the charger port is reversed compared to the port on the Nexus 7, so currently, I cannot see the screen to test anything. Hoping that OTG + Charging will work, because at that point then things (hopefully) get easier and I just need to fabricate mounting the tablet in the dash.
Fitting a 10" tablet while making it look at least semi stock is not going to be the easiest thing in the world, so I am hopeful of getting everything working before starting to tear my car apart.

naiku said:
Dang, saw this thread and hoped for more information. I am testing out an SM-P580 to replace my Nexus 7 (2012) and need to see if OTG and charging work together. I am hoping to find some time later this week to connect it up to the car and see what works and what does not. The biggest headache is the charger port is reversed compared to the port on the Nexus 7, so currently, I cannot see the screen to test anything. Hoping that OTG + Charging will work, because at that point then things (hopefully) get easier and I just need to fabricate mounting the tablet in the dash.
Fitting a 10" tablet while making it look at least semi stock is not going to be the easiest thing in the world, so I am hopeful of getting everything working before starting to tear my car apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you find a solution? Which device did you use instead of Nexus 7?

User848 said:
Did you find a solution? Which device did you use instead of Nexus 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing yet, the Samsung I have did not work with OTG + charging and I did not want to pay $50 for an adapter that has so so reviews at best. At the moment I am getting set to try an LG G-Pad 8.0, which I am fairly confident will work as it has 2 USB ports, a full sized and a micro. The only problems I can see with this are that the USB ports are on opposite ends of the device, which might make it difficult to actually integrate into my dash, I am debating removing the rear cover and seeing if I can relocate the full size USB port or both to plug into the back instead of the top/bottom. The other problem is, for this particular model at least, finding any updated ROM's / root is proving difficult. It's an LG UK-495, would be cool to find some ROM's and possible SIM unlock it as well, I could the put a Google Fi chip in there and use it for calls right from the dash.

ZTE Z982 blade z max OTG VR HELP

Hi I recently got a VR headset DLODLO H1 Glass it requires OTG To use the 9 axis head tracking and touchpad and volume buttons. My blade z obviously doesn't have OTG or root which all make this phone really suck. I noticed there is a system app that says input devices.
Is there anyway whatsoever to make this phone OTG or make it work with my $70 VR headset????
Thanks

All you need to do is go get an otg cable, I'm saying this Outta experience cuz I have this phone

adambomb_13 said:
Hi I recently got a VR headset DLODLO H1 Glass it requires OTG To use the 9 axis head tracking and touchpad and volume buttons. My blade z obviously doesn't have OTG or root which all make this phone really suck. I noticed there is a system app that says input devices.
Is there anyway whatsoever to make this phone OTG or make it work with my $70 VR headset????
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find a solution? I'm trying to load files from my phone to a USB drive so I can file share with my PC which at the moment has no web browser.....

rayjae32 said:
All you need to do is go get an otg cable, I'm saying this Outta experience cuz I have this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an OTG CABLE and it does not seem to recognize it. I just want to transfer files to use them on my PC running windows xp , as well as transfer photos back and forth between my z982 and PC. Any help is much appreciated, thank you in advance.

weird because the cable that comes with the cell phone when plugged into my windows 10 desktop works fine. I am able to transfer my files to and from each other all day.

you dont need "on the go" to transfer data between pc and phone

rayjae32 said:
All you need to do is go get an otg cable, I'm saying this Outta experience cuz I have this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true because I'm literally doing it this second and it doesn't work