After having a quick chat with cr2 about the process of linux i was surprised to see that external usb host support on the universal is still unknown (obv it uses usb host internally for phone)
basically i have a dongle which on one end has a mini-usb plug (i.e. goes in phone) and on the other end has a usb a receptacle.. i got it with a development kit for an AVR micro-controller that has onboard usb client/host... plugging in the cable switches its mode.
now from what i understand of the pxa270 dev manual
http://www.balloonboard.org/hardware/300/ds/PXA270-dev-manual.pdf
(section 20.4) is that the chip has 3 onboard host ports. the first is dedicated (which i assume is the one used for the phone) the other 2 are shared by usb client mode and must be configured to use host mode. there also is usb-otg supported on chip which may be how things are set up.
to me this suggests that physically the external usb port we have access to can be set to host mode via setting registers (or some software based setup) however i have not looked properly at the pin layout (and electronics is only a hobby) so if someone could try and decipher from this doc
http://pdf1.alldatasheet.net/datasheet-pdf/view/82521/INTEL/PXA270/datasheet.pdf
to progress we need to see whether this is the case or whether there is a physical aspect to setting host mode (if there is then seeing if it wired up)
then we need someone with a bit of low level coding skills (prob linux based coding route) to do any initialisation then on to testing.
as i said i have a dongle but i'm not willing to risk my exec (poor student y'see) until i know a few bits... i have no intention of frying my phone due to test usb device drawing to much power from phone and melting something (i am not sure how the usb spec handles it...i know pc's shut the port down if it draws too much power but a pda i'm not so sure... especially if it isn't expecting it!)
what are other peoples thoughts on all this can anyone investigate anything or verify any of my thoughts etc
i'd like to settle the mystery which ever way it turns out...usb host mode under linux would sure be shiny
it would also be interesting to see whether the 3rd port is connected up
also see section 12 of the first pdf it covers more in depth the details regarding usb
I wonder if the USB on the Nexus One allows me to connect an external hard drive. I'm only talking about data transmission with externally powered USB-devices. The N1 doesn't need to power USB-devices for me to be satisfied.
And if not: could the deficiency possibly be mended software-wise, or is it a limitation of the hardware itself?
Thanks beforehand!
no it cannot be the host. Read this on a google forum, someone posted the link as an answer to a similar question yesterday.
Thank you for your answer, britoso!
But oh, what a pitty!!!
Can't it possibly be fixed by booting with another software driver or something?
What's the point of removing this ability? It seems completely ridiculous. It gains nothing at all to "un-specify" USB host capability:
"Now, I have my files on this USB memory stick and here's the Nexus One. Oh, what's the use. Google didn't care at all about this kind of scenaria..."
Well, let's see what can be done with bulky wireless adapters and stuff like that then, to mend this unnecessary fail of the N1... I probably need to use a PC running Windows and a cable internet in order to have any use at all of the N1. Was this the purpose of this deliberate design "feature"?!?
this feature was not removed, but simply never implemented into the Android OS (afaik). if USB was host that means anything connected to it would have to draw power from the Nexus One's battery. Im sure HTC does not want this, because some things connected to USB can put incredible stress on a battery.
I thought the inability was due to a USB design that will allow charging, but doesn't allow hosting.
(at least that what I gathered about the n900 and why it couldn't act as a host.)
edit: nevermind nokia opted to skip on the go support to get the product out faster.
I don't know if there's a hardware limitation in place, but even if there isn't, the software does not support it.
There's an app for the n900 to add host support in the maemo repository. Don't know if it works though. I've always thought host support was due to the software.
Go here:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=738
Sign in with your google ID. Vote for the feature by clicking the star.
(While you are there, click on "Back to list" and browse for other issues/features you care about and "star" them too...)
Its been accomplished on the Droid... Host mode works, but as there are no drivers, anything that runs over usb will turn on / charge but not connect.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/droid-gets-a-usb-hack-allowing-it-to-control-printers-and-camera/
mikecyber said:
Its been accomplished on the Droid... Host mode works, but as there are no drivers, anything that runs over usb will turn on / charge but not connect.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/droid-gets-a-usb-hack-allowing-it-to-control-printers-and-camera/
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Thanks for posting this as I saw this on another site and came here to raise awareness. I've heard that someone got a USB keyboard working over USB host. Could someone try this out on their N1?
There are a few Chinese smart watches available that are running android 4.0 or higher and have built in mini usb ports. I am wondering if anyone knows if, or thinks that, the watch will support usb hosting. More specifically I would like to run an ANT+ usb stick through the watch in order to use it as a stand alone bike/exercise computer. My HR monitor and power measuring bike hub use the ANT+ signal.
Any other advice to get this little project rolling would be appreciated.
I'm looking at something like the CL-W211 smart watch.
Thanks
Is there any way to turn an old Android phone into an Android Wear device?
Is it possible to make any of my old phones think they're a watch for example? Then pair it via BT with my main phone and get all the benefits of Android Wear but on another device?
have you worked out anything on this? I have been searching high and low for this type of functionality to use on an old android device (would use in the car)
Android Wear itself is not currently open source. The kernel is, however many parts needed to build a working Wear system are not available.
How would this be useful. I thought the whole point of AW is not the have to take you phone out.
It might be useful on a bike computer.
Mount an old smaller phone on the handlebars.
Sorry mate, Android Wear is made for watches and small devices like accessories. I'm afraid you can't run it on a smartphone.
Also, as @ShadowEO said, some parts of the OS are not available.
i'd love this myself. I could have an old tablet in my car mounted and it would basically be android auto but not cost me a thousand dollars.
Hi,
I am having a hard time trying to get a couple of USB devices to work properly on my headunit. One is a USB CarPlay dongle, and the other is an OTA tv tuner. Both USB devices get recognized by the headunit, however in the case of the first, it never gets passed a connection state where the dongle starts talking to the application. In case of the second, the OTA never finds TV stations after doing a complete scan.
USB devices like keyboards, mice, USB flash drives, even a webcam work fine. I contacted the manufacturer and they said they only support USB synchronous which may be the reason these devices can't work properly.
The unit is an Eonon GA7157 with the Allwinner R16 1.6GHz Cortex A7 Quad-Core CPU.
Questions:
Is it possible this is a valid claim?
My unit is rooted, can USB asynchronous be enabled via software?
I was also thinking this could be an OTG wiring issue, what do you think? I say so because the only way I could get the CarPlay dongle to work on my Samsung Tablet A, was with an OTG cable. A straight connector presented the same symptoms.
I am not too experienced with Android, so please be gentle
He was feeding you a load of horse manure.
Either that, or he meant something entirely different by "USB synchronous".
Precisely what do you mean by "get recognized by the headunit"?
What exactly *are* these two devices you are trying to use?
What *drivers* do they use?
Have you confirmed that the kernel is enumerating the devices?
Have you confirmed that the kernel is binding the proper drivers to them?
Have you confirmed that Android knows how to deal with the interfaces that the drivers are providing for these devices?
Have you confirmed that the interface permissions are such that a user application will be able to access it?
An OTG cable does two things;
1) It reverses the gender of the connector,
2) It sends a signal to the phone/tablet/whatever that it should switch its USB port from slave mode to host mode.
Nothing else.
Thanks for the tips. By recognize I mean that Android prompts me to confirm opening the accompanying apps when I plug in these devices to the USB port. E.g. I plug in the CarPlay dongle, Android prompts: do you want use Zbox (App) every time you use this device (Cancel or OK); I press OK and then the App stays in trying to connect mode forever.
The manufacturer has locked down USB debugging. Do you know of any apps (rooted or not) that will give me the information you pointed out?
thanks
It is unlikely that USB debugging is "locked down". More likely, its just because your USB device port is stuck perpetually in "host" mode on the wrong side of a USB hub, and therefore you can't connect to it. Try connecting to adb over IP instead.
I've never heard of any USB device on Android causing any kind of popup. That is very strange. Is it possible that the popup is being created by the program, i.e. "zbox"? Its possible that the system is sending a broadcast upon device enumeration, but the device access permissions are either wrong, or the kernel doesn't have the proper driver available.
luciusfox said:
It is unlikely that USB debugging is "locked down". More likely, its just because your USB device port is stuck perpetually in "host" mode on the wrong side of a USB hub, and therefore you can't connect to it. Try connecting to adb over IP instead.
I've never heard of any USB device on Android causing any kind of popup. That is very strange. Is it possible that the popup is being created by the program, i.e. "zbox"? Its possible that the system is sending a broadcast upon device enumeration, but the device access permissions are either wrong, or the kernel doesn't have the proper driver available.
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Click to collapse
Thanks again. I am including some pictures that may help explain the problem a little better. As far as the passcode, from what I can tell this unit has 3. One for the Advanced Car Settings, Developer Settings, and USB Debugging. The first 2 I found on another forum and are 123456 and the other 7890. The USB Debugging is an alphanumeric string which I haven't found anywhere, and the manufacturer refuses to release it. When I toggle the USB debugging on, I get prompted to input the passcode. I have tried a few codes but no go, the USB debugging switch goes back to the off position.
The other pictures show the USB port capabilities of the headunit. The unit has 3 USB ports: one is taken by the WiFi module, the other by a dashcam, and the remaining one is open and where I plugged in the CarPlay dongle. There is also another picture of the USB CarPlay dongle device plugged in and listed as Mass Storage Gadget. The dongle does have internal storage of a few MBs.
Finally, I include a picture of the application Zbox. This is the latest version and it starts automatically when I plug in the USB CarPlay dongle.
Well, I made some progress with the password for the USB debugging switch. To summarize:
Car Settings: 123456
Developer Options: 7890
USB Debugging: [email protected]
Now I just need to figure out how to make the USB port work properly. Any ideas? I have USB debugging access and the device is rooted.
Well according to your second-last picture, the device is being detected as UMS (Usb Mass Storage). I.e., like a usb flash disk.
VIDID of 0x0525:0xA4A5 looks to be an e-ink tablet called "Pocketbook Pro 903".
The problem may be that your "carplay dongle" is masquerading as something it isn't.
Well, the VIDID could be the problem; however, this same CarPlay dongle works fine on 2 other Android devices; moreover, a USB OTA tuner behaves the same way, meaning it does not work on the headunit but does on remix and a tablet.
Well guys, this unit is going back to the seller. After playing with it and not getting anywhere with customization and customer service, it’s out the door.
I am getting an xtron octacore px5 unit. It looks like these head units have better developer support.
Do you have the English version of 3.0 you can post?
bass_rock said:
Do you have the English version of 3.0 you can post?
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You mean the Zbox firmware and software? if so, pm me, and I'll forward it to you.
isisyodin said:
You mean the Zbox firmware and software? if so, pm me, and I'll forward it to you.
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Yea, and actually I was able to use the version on their site. It was al in English when I installed it and I’m now on version 3.0.2
bass_rock said:
Yea, and actually I was able to use the version on their site. It was al in English when I installed it and I’m now on version 3.0.2
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Whats new on 3.0.2 compared to 3.0.0? Do you know what was updated?
isisyodin said:
Whats new on 3.0.2 compared to 3.0.0? Do you know what was updated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Google Translate:
1. Optimize U disk upgrade USB recognition rate is higher
2. Optimize the phone connection, mobile phone recognition rate is better
3.carlife in the help page to add download guide
I was able to get it from here: https://translate.google.com/transl...=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://zjinnova.com&edit-text=
bass_rock said:
According to Google Translate:
1. Optimize U disk upgrade USB recognition rate is higher
2. Optimize the phone connection, mobile phone recognition rate is better
3.carlife in the help page to add download guide
I was able to get it from here: https://translate.google.com/transl...=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://zjinnova.com&edit-text=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My new Xtrons recognizes the Zbox dongle very quickly. I think it is now as quick as some of the dedicated Alpine and Pioneer units.
As far as software, crisper icons and bypassing the connection window would be nice option. It should only display when a problem occurs. One thing that is flimsy is the USB connector but no software upgrade will fix it. I am considering opening it up and soldering a better connector. Also, heat dissipation is an issue. It needs a heatsink. I may just add one when I crack it open.
I am looking forward to the next iteration with wireless CarPlay. Someday.
isisyodin said:
My new Xtrons recognizes the Zbox dongle very quickly. I think it is now as quick as some of the dedicated Alpine and Pioneer units.
As far as software, crisper icons and bypassing the connection window would be nice option. It should only display when a problem occurs. One thing that is flimsy is the USB connector but no software upgrade will fix it. I am considering opening it up and soldering a better connector. Also, heat dissipation is an issue. It needs a heatsink. I may just add one when I crack it open.
I am looking forward to the next iteration with wireless CarPlay. Someday.
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Click to collapse
Yea the update definitely enhanced it a lot. I used to have a pioneer and it feels close to the same now.
bass_rock said:
Yea the update definitely enhanced it a lot. I used to have a pioneer and it feels close to the same now.
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Prior to 3.0.2, what firmware/software where you running?