As the title says I am very interested in using this tablet as a head unit replacement. I still have plenty of researching to do, but before I get too deep into it, I think there is one problem that should be addressed.
I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, but I do like my music. So using the 3.5mm jack for audio simply will not do. I have seen a video of someone using a Turtle Beach audio adapter to get usb audio out of the N7, and then into the stereo/processing unit. This would be perfect for me, however I also need to be able to hook up an external drive for additional storage.
So my question is if it is possible to hook up the usb audio cable, and an external drive simultaneously to the N7. My idea right now is to hook up an OTG cable to the N7, then plug in a small non powered usb hub which would have both the external drive and usb audio cable hooked up to it. I am just not sure if this setup is possible, and before I purchase all the components I would like to have some confirmation that it will work like i think it will.( I will be using a rooted N7 with stickmount installed, I believe that is all I need to allow Host capabilities)
On a side note, I also plan to use the pogo pins to charge the device. I saw a video of someone using a hacked usb cable to charge the galaxy nexus with it, so i think that should work. (I just read a thread saying that the galaxy nexus can't charge through a pogo pin dock while having a OTG cable plugged...My dreams are being crushed.)
If you would like any more info about the specifics of the setup, I would be happy to share my ideas.
Sorry for the length of the post, I just want it to be clear what I am trying to do here.
Any information, or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I think my dreams are also crushed, I believe the pogo pins are a pin-out extension of the usb port, not a separate port, therefore using OTG would ****-block charging, which is disappointing.
You could however use one of these in your car http://www.slashgear.com/seagate-goflex-satellite-wi-fi-hard-drive-gets-android-app-01168797/ which would provide 500GB of storage accessible whilst your nexus 7 is charging, combine that and a pocketwifi device to act as a router and provide internet access it would be perfect
if you had an AC power inverter or appropriate power supply for DC to the unit (saves inverting then converting again), you could use this one http://www.ccpu.com.au/show_prod.php?class_id=disk-ext&prod_id=STAM1000200
would be very awesome, looking forward to updates.
Thanks for the info.
That is deeply saddening that you can not use both at the same time, although I guess it does make sense for the purposes of a dock. So it looks like now the only way I can still use a plugged in external hdd, usb audio, and be able to charge the device at the same time is if I can do all of that through the mini usb port in conjunction with a usb hub...but i think that is unlikely. does anyone know for sure?
And thank you for bringing up those wifi hard drives. I didn't want to use them, something about having it plugged into the device directly just makes me feel better...although now I will have to seriously consider them.
Also, if anyone has any info regarding tablet install you think may be useful, feel free to post the link. Even if it is not directly related to the N7, it could still be useful info, and maybe get some gears turning in our heads.
I just became a member so I am not allowed to post links yet :silly:
I will still keep my hopes up about using this device, though! It is my favorite 7 inch tablet by far.
What about usb powered hubs?
Wololo7 said:
What about usb powered hubs?
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Click to collapse
Can the Nexus output digital audio, charge, and read an external HDD, via powered usb hub from its one micro usb port? If it could then all my problems would be solved! Until I encounter my next problem, of course. :silly:
Sounds very interesting indeed. I look forward to seeing what can be done.
Wololo7 said:
What about usb powered hubs?
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Click to collapse
Nope. Did not work for me.
I thought about using the Nexus 7 as my car nav system as well. I stumbled across an issue where I want to mount external USB drive AND charge the tablet at the same time. I could not get the tablet to charge with a powered USB drive. I believe the tablet is going into host mode to read the USB drive, and thus disallowing any kind of power to charge itself.
Please someone prove me wrong.. I really like this tablet. It is the perfect size for the car.
Another issue I found... Using polarized sunglasses + nexus 7 (landscape mode) = completely black screen. This may or may not convince you to continue with this project. I am certainly looking at different options..
Im thinkin about this too. But not to completly replace my headunit but only to slap it on for long drives
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
voidshado said:
Another issue I found... Using polarized sunglasses + nexus 7 (landscape mode) = completely black screen. This may or may not convince you to continue with this project. I am certainly looking at different options..
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Click to collapse
I noticed this, too. Disappointing. My HTC EVO View works fine, though.
Very interested in this. I've actually been working on this very project. I'm near completion (sort of) actually, but I'm having a separate electrical issue currently so its been on hold for the last week or so. At this point I've run sound via the 3.5 mm jack, but if a USB solution is found, I'd be all over that. I guess I settled for the 3.5 mm jack as previously, I tended to stream Pandora and various music through the aux jack on my phone anyways. Probably more than 90% of the time actually. I may look into the Seagate GoFlex Satellite WiFi HDD for external storage since charging and USB OTG at the sime time at this point seems impossible/difficult. I have a pair of polarized oakleys that i usually wear, and havent noticed the screen blacking out yet, but I'll have to see when I get home tonight.
On charging & usb host mode at the same time..
Has anybody tried this:
1. Setup a powered USB hub plugged into the Micro OTG cable
2. hack the cable from right after the OTG cable to where it plugs into the hub, so that the voltage pins are exposed
3. solder in the voltage pins to a usb connector so you can plug in a normal charger [5V 2A]
4. check to see if you can use the USB hub and charge at the same time
I currently have a Asus transformer TF101 and the primary use is watching clips off a 500GB usb HDD. I really, really want to get a N7 and sell my TF101, but if charging & simultaneous host mode is not possible, I would be slightly hesitant to buy it, even though it is really a awesome tablet from what I hear.
so if anyone has any info on that, I would greatly appreciate it!
ahavens17 said:
At this point I've run sound via the 3.5 mm jack, but if a USB solution is found, I'd be all over that. I guess I settled for the 3.5 mm jack as previously, I tended to stream Pandora and various music through the aux jack on my phone anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know a lot of people that the 3.5 mm jack for audio. And It really does sound just fine. It is just that I am planing on investing a lot in amps/speakers, so I don't want my weakest link to be my inputs right out of the gate. Although, this tablet is making it pretty difficult to not use that jack.
I would be interested to see your project whenever you finish, or if you have information up of of the process now, that would be interesting to look at.
Thanks again everyone for all the info! I still have a shred of hope for using this tablet in my car!
pikachu2000 said:
I know a lot of people that the 3.5 mm jack for audio. And It really does sound just fine. It is just that I am planing on investing a lot in amps/speakers, so I don't want my weakest link to be my inputs right out of the gate. Although, this tablet is making it pretty difficult to not use that jack.
I would be interested to see your project whenever you finish, or if you have information up of of the process now, that would be interesting to look at.
Thanks again everyone for all the info! I still have a shred of hope for using this tablet in my car!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 4 Polk 6" speakers that replaced the stock ones in my car (just replaced them all last year when I blew one of the stock ones), and a cadence 4 channel amp to power the speakers. Nothing top of the line, and no subwoofer or anything as of yet. Picked up the cabling from monoprice, with all of it being their "premium" selection. It all seems pretty heavy duty and solid. Only ran me around 30 bucks. I just have an 02 Mitsubishi Lancer that I'm putting this in. The dash is originally a single din so it's taken quite a bit of modification to get it to fit. More than I originally anticipated. Just a hobby project I've wanted to do for sometime and when the nexus 7 came along I jumped on it. I'll post some pics when I have a chance but at this point it looks far from professional. lol.
Also, I pulled out the Nexus 7 last night and had my polarized glasses on, no screen blackening that was mentioned previously for me. Maybe a little distortion/filter over the screen at certain angles, but still viewable.
I think this thread is great. I'd love to see/hear what other people are doing or what ideas come about from this.
Thank you, I am really glad this thread has spiked some interest, and that other people have similar ideas. I will start up my research again and come back to post any new info when I can. Gotta keep this thread going strong!
pikachu2000 said:
I would be interested to see your project whenever you finish, or if you have information up of of the process now, that would be interesting to look at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I created a thread with the few pictures I took along the way, as well as the semi-finished project. The only thing I believe I still need to do at this point is get a screen protector. (Tablet still has the plastic cover on it from when it was in the box!) Other things may come up in the future, (such as adding an OTG cable if someone figures out a way to charge simultaneously) but this is it finished for the time being.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=29824916#post29824916
Thanks for making a thread! That is very cool, I like your setup a lot. Is the tablet meant to stay in the car permanently, or do you plan on taking it out often?
Alright, I haven't had much time to find much new information. But I was just thinking if I can't have it charge from the usb port and run usb audio out at the same time, then maybe I could take off the rear cover of the N7 and cut a hole in it, where the camera was supposed to go, and route positive an negative wires directly to the battery...then I could use a hacked usb cable to charge it...? Just the thought of that is scary, but I don't plan on taking out the N7 ever, it will always stay in the car.
Just a thought, let me know what you think.
Additional info: I am going to be putting this in an 02 e46 BMW 325xi. And I will use a modified double din face plate. In my head the final setup looks beautiful, but we'll see how it turns out. As for the time frame, I have a list of parts I want to get for the car, and I want to do most everything at the same time. It will take a good 3 or 4 months before I can get everything and then installing it might take another month(assuming everything goes smoothly) I just want to get all of my preliminary research out of the way. Sorry if you guys were expecting pictures soon.
Thanks
pikachu2000 said:
Alright, I haven't had much time to find much new information. But I was just thinking if I can't have it charge from the usb port and run usb audio out at the same time, then maybe I could take off the rear cover of the N7 and cut a hole in it, where the camera was supposed to go, and route positive an negative wires directly to the battery...then I could use a hacked usb cable to charge it...? Just the thought of that is scary, but I don't plan on taking out the N7 ever, it will always stay in the car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about the pogo pins? Aren't they for a [future] dock? I wonder if you can charge the tablet via the pogo pins and use USB OTG simultaneously? This would indeed be good news, because I will primarily use my N7 [when it arrives] for videos on a USB HDD, so it would wear out the battery to be constantly charging and discharging the battery every day.
mvmacd said:
What about the pogo pins?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Earlier in the thread we had thought of that, turns out you can only use one at a time, and it's a hardware limitation so no way around it.
Hi folks,
after some years of extensive usage my Milestone needs a companion
I'm new to the xperia 2011 platform and bought myself a Xperia Pro some days ago.
Right now i'm in the process of fixing the backlight, but in a few days i'm ready to rock...
I really like devices with a hardware keyboard and it's a shame that these devices leave the scene (even more in the EU).
Anyway enough talking...
I'm not the guy who ignores the search function, but i got some specific questions and hopefully someone will put some light on that.
I know as well that we are nearly in the year 2013 and these devices are not up to date, but it's O.K. for me.
In fact there are enough features on this phone and i don't need a heater in my pocket
SoC:
As i looked everywhere there's still no datasheet or register manual floating around...
Apart from the architecture is the MSM8255 comparable to the old MSM7200 if you look at the basic function?
In short:
- memory map ?
- booting scenario: arm9 boots first then armV7 comes up?
EDIT:
It seems these questions are little bit to deep... just asked for curiosity though.
I guess i'll step through kernel code and compare some of the offsets with MSM7200 (we got register manual here).
The background is that i'd like to check some register contents for debugging at a later point...
CWM:
If i got it right there's no true CWM recovery.img for the Pro, if i got it right the CWM is part of the system and loaded to RAM by helpers.
Right or wrong?
How does the partition scheme look like?
Kernel 3.x:
I realized there'd been some attempts to get a 3.x kernels running on these devices, as far as i could conclude from what i read, the situation is as follows...
- SE left the path of standard kernel API, that's why some proprietary libs will always be required (and won't fit 3.x kernel). Right or wrong?
- HDMI part seems to be a problem... but what exactely... kernel driver is missing parts or system lib?
EDIT:
O.K. no answer here from the experts right now...
BTW, just saw the FreeXperia team has opened up a new project for porting 3.4 kernel to 2011 devices
See:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2044262
Guess i'll ask some techie stuff over there :angel:
USB host function:
AFAIK there's no 5V power at the the OTG, but there are drivers for mouse and keyboard etc.
Just in short how does it work?
External Hub?
EDIT:
O.k. i missed some thing... datasheet of BQ24185 (connected to MicroUSB VBUS signal) gave the answer:
Code:
VBUS A1, A2 I/O Charger Input Voltage. Connect to an input supply up to 16V. Bypass VBUS to PGND with a 1μF ceramic
capacitor. [I][B]During boost mode, VBUS is regulated to 5V at up to 300mA to power USB OTG peripherals[/B][/I].
In other words, while in OTG host mode the charger is run in boost mode (could be found in the kernel board file as well).
For the peripheral drivers...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1224676
Debug UART3:
Does anyone know anything about UART3 testpoints on the mainboard?
Code:
static struct msm_gpio uart3_config_data[] = {
{GPIO_CFG(53, 1, GPIO_CFG_INPUT, GPIO_CFG_PULL_UP, GPIO_CFG_2MA),
"UART3_Rx"},
{GPIO_CFG(54, 1, GPIO_CFG_OUTPUT, GPIO_CFG_NO_PULL, GPIO_CFG_4MA),
"UART3_Tx"},
};
EDIT:
Mmmmh still unsolved... though that these signals were routed to the testpoint area as well.
After doing some measurements this could not be confirmed right now.
Background here:
Would be nice to get serial console with a nice little adaptor for low level kernel debugging.
If someone knows...
ROMs:
Same as usual... but maybe you could give some advice...
I'd like to try a stripped down stock ICS first... don't need all these visual effects but a stable system and using the HDMI would be nice as well.
Any suggestions here?
EDIT:
O.k. i'm little impatient... so i need to look for a light ROM myself
O.k. that might be it at the first sight. I guess i'll need to play around with the device a little bit, when it's functional again.
Thank's a lot for your patience and have fun!
scholbert
Hey XDA!
[This is my first thread, so please excuse any abnormalities you may find here. Corrections/ help would be appreciated. Thanks!]
As tech has progressed in the last couple of years, I have come to replace my beloved nexus 10 with my ever-more-powerful LG G2.
This transition is soley because of spec enhancements in recent devices, but very recently I realised what a horrible waste of an amazing (and still somewhat powerful) device that is, and I'd decided to do something about it. So, I shelled out a few of my Great British pounds (less than £5) and bought myself a microHDMI cable, and a USB OTG cable. I found an old USB keyboard, USB mouse and powered USB hub (not sure if it's necessary to have a powered one, but its all I have to hand), and got going on my small project.
[TL;DR: Ive got an unused nexus 10 laying around and a few other PC peripherals, as well as a microHDMI cable and decided to start a little project]
I realized the nexus 10's potential because of all of the useful (and more importantly- seperate) ports it has:
- MicroHDMI out for a monitor/TV (not necessary)
- MicroUSB port w/ support for USB otg
- Pogo pin port for charging, so battery is not an issue.
All of these things together can be used for a portable android- powered PC! So I plugged in all of my cables, and thought I'd be ready to go, but of course, that would be too easy.
Things that worked:
- USB otg cable and respective devices (keyboard, mouse, 16gb USB stick)
- MicroHDMI video out (sorta)
- Pogo pin charger
Things that did NOT work:
-MicroHDMI video out (screen size/ratio/density)
-MicroHDMI audio out
-Easy usability (phablet-style stock ROM does not like mice.)
Fixes/ work arounds:
1. MicroHDMI audio out:
This was probably the easiest (and therefore first) fix. I remember reading on another forum about the same issue, and it is easily resolved by turning the nexus 10's volume all the way down before plugging the MicroHDMI cable in. Worked first time, like a charm. However, in some cases this does not work and may require flashing another ROM, I personally reccomend cm10.2's most recent stable rom, as it is exactly what I am using. (if you are looking for the same outcome as me, this rom maybe a requirement anyway)
2. Ease of use:
This part did require flashing a new ROM. I used CM10.2's stable build, and banks GApps. Other supported ROMs are listed in the thread linked in this "2. Ease of Use" section. I used the flashable zip file listed in this thread: ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2451956 ), to change from the mouse-unfriendly phablet ui, to the mouse-friendly tablet UI. This made the nexus a lot more useable as an android desktop/portable PC.
3. MicroHDMI video out:
This is a little more awkward, but it is still relatively easy and do-able. I did a little searchng and found this post ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2294786&page=3/#25 ) which links to an apk specifically made for fixing this purpose. I downloaded and installed the app (Named something like ScreenRes I think - the exact name escapes me) and checked the box which said "Resize the screen when HDMI state changes" and used these settings for a 39" 1080p screen:
- Screen height: 1080
- Screen width: 1920
- Screen density: 280
Unplugged and re-plugged the cable, and voila!
PLEASE NOTE: This apk does require root access, and I have ONLY tested it on the CM10.2 stable build. This is the ROM I reccomend for this project/purpose. Also, dont forget to thank sbradymobile for his easy-to-use app!
The end result? A very useful android PC attatched to a beautiful 39" display bringing new life into my once-dying nexus 10. It's a shame to replace the beautiful screen on this thing, however with a cheap tablet/phone stand you can take tablet away with you and a keyboard and mouse without loosing any settings, files or convenience for a more portable android PC. Granted, It's not the most beautiful looking thing, but with a little cable management tou can make a neat and tidy android PC set up.
This is particularly good for productivity (e.g with apps such as kingston office, or- creating threads like this on XDA ) as well as media consumption, for things such as movies and with apps such as cheapcast or droidmote you could make a nice mid-point between a chromecast and a fully fledged laptop/PC.
Sorry for such a long post, I just wanted to share this idea as even though I'm sure there are others similar to this, I think there are other people like me finding their tablet being used less and less.
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and questions below! Thanks!
Sorry for the long post
Just a minor suggestion. When an OTG cable and the pogo plug are both connected the pogo plug does not charge the N10. Do not believe the charging notification as it shows charging which is false. There is no ROM for the Nexus 10 which can correct this issue.
As you mentioned a powered USB hub in your configuration then purchase a OTG Y cable so that one end goes to an OTG device as usual a normal M/F USB cable goes from your Y OTG cable to a powered port on the USB hub. It will only trickle charge but that is better than using battery only.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
Thanks! Ive realised this and will ammend the post soon. This is a little annoyance however as the nexus 10 has a rather good battery life I can use it till I'm done and then put it on charge with the OTG removed
(long time lurker and flasher of Nook HD+ roms, first time poster...)
Like a few others scattered around the subforum, I'm looking to do an in-car tablet install. Like others I hit the "Can't charge and use OTG at the same time, you need an ancient nexus and Timur's" just as old but revered ROM." wall.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=site:https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-a+otg
Then a hole in the matrix appeared and I saw this post on a different device thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2/help/usb-otg-charge-t3588019
The second post there, refers to a vendor LAVA whom "LAVA is the only manufacturer of adapters for Samsung tablets that allows that since Samsung doesn't sell anymore their hubs" (from that post).
Confirmed that the Compatability list shows SM-T580 (the device amazon has factory refurbs for 200$):
http://lavalink.com/samsung-tablet-adapters-support/compatibility-list/
Would it be possible this is the device to make the magic happen? http://lavalink.com/samsung-tablet-adapters/
EditToAdd: Tech Spec sheet here for the meaty innards: http://lavalink.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/sts_product_family_manual.pdf Main takeaway for me was don't extend the cable to the tablet.
Also found the "cheap" lol single port on amazon with a wide swing of reviews: Encouraged by the long one that says it is working with external DAC: https://www.amazon.com/SimulCharge-1-port-Adapter-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B00MOQFUQM
Also this mini-writeup shows one in use in 2015 with DAC, am I missing something on why this was a wall for many?: http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...-usb-hub-samsung-galaxy-tablets-charging.html
Thanks for any help,
AoB
On the (i hope) tail end of the first version of my dash tablet install, and after my research and work over the past few days, I will try to answer my own question -- just for others. no pity for me. OTG-Host was not a "must-have" (yet).
My big mistake (i think) was not being aware of the distinction between OTG-Accessory and OTG-Host. The Lava-link hub/cable in my OP allows OTG-A and charging the device. OTG-H seems to be a different animal,.. something that the kernel and maybe the hardware has to support? I have flashed Extremely ROM on my T580 and a USB keyboard plugs in to OTG cable and is detected, but a USB RLT-SDR device is not detected (nor powered).
So I guess back to the beginning, still need Kernel support for OTG-Host? Correct?
AfraidOfBears said:
(long time lurker and flasher of Nook HD+ roms, first time poster...)
Like a few others scattered around the subforum, I'm looking to do an in-car tablet install. Like others I hit the "Can't charge and use OTG at the same time, you need an ancient nexus and Timur's" just as old but revered ROM." wall.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=site:https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-a+otg
Then a hole in the matrix appeared and I saw this post on a different device thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2/help/usb-otg-charge-t3588019
The second post there, refers to a vendor LAVA whom "LAVA is the only manufacturer of adapters for Samsung tablets that allows that since Samsung doesn't sell anymore their hubs" (from that post).
Confirmed that the Compatability list shows SM-T580 (the device amazon has factory refurbs for 200$):
http://lavalink.com/samsung-tablet-adapters-support/compatibility-list/
Would it be possible this is the device to make the magic happen? http://lavalink.com/samsung-tablet-adapters/
EditToAdd: Tech Spec sheet here for the meaty innards: http://lavalink.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/sts_product_family_manual.pdf Main takeaway for me was don't extend the cable to the tablet.
Also found the "cheap" lol single port on amazon with a wide swing of reviews: Encouraged by the long one that says it is working with external DAC: https://www.amazon.com/SimulCharge-1-port-Adapter-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B00MOQFUQM
Also this mini-writeup shows one in use in 2015 with DAC, am I missing something on why this was a wall for many?: http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum...-usb-hub-samsung-galaxy-tablets-charging.html
Thanks for any help,
AoB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did a car install on my eclipse usb charged headphone jack to amp and bluetooth to obd2 interface for gauges i used an app called auto power off or something like that. and it mimicked a cars gps system prety good it would wake up screen and keep awake til key shuts off counts down 30 seconds click here to keep awake or shut down but it only put tablet in low power state i drove that car every day it was long enought to keep it charged all the time
N
AfraidOfBears said:
On the (i hope) tail end of the first version of my dash tablet install, and after my research and work over the past few days, I will try to answer my own question -- just for others. no pity for me. OTG-Host was not a "must-have" (yet).
My big mistake (i think) was not being aware of the distinction between OTG-Accessory and OTG-Host. The Lava-link hub/cable in my OP allows OTG-A and charging the device. OTG-H seems to be a different animal,.. something that the kernel and maybe the hardware has to support? I have flashed Extremely ROM on my T580 and a USB keyboard plugs in to OTG cable and is detected, but a USB RLT-SDR device is not detected (nor powered).
So I guess back to the beginning, still need Kernel support for OTG-Host? Correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See post above
I had to rig in the mount since a eclipse console is so small. I didnt want a 5 inch or 7 inch screen i wired a switch to the factory amp for remote turn on and a headphone jack to the fro and rear left rite of the factory amp as the eclipses some have a fac amp under the seat to the factory stereo used the fac stereo power wires for a 12 volt usb charger in the dash to turn tablet on with the key and my fancy little led toggle for the amp power