Touchpad USB OTG Compatibility List

Search This thread

spunker88

Senior Member
Sep 8, 2006
1,318
334
Upstate NY
Thanks to a recent video by reverendkjr on Youtube, we now have a confirmed USB OTG method for CM9.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc7tlPwFQpg

This has lots of potential and since I did not see much talk about it here, I decided to create a thread with what you need to buy listed in reverendkjr's video and what works. I would recommend only buying from Amazon Fulfilled sellers as they are backed by Amazon's return policy. All 3 items only cost a little over $10.

OTG Cable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QX7KYU

USB Y Cable:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041CFFBM

2AA Battery Powered Portable USB Power Supply:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M9Z5F6

(Added September 7th)
OTG Cable With Female MicroUSB (Allows you to use any microUSB charger as the power supply)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130740524313?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

OTG Cable With Male Full Size USB (Allows you to use any power supply with regular USB port)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-USB-H...i9100-S3-i9300-i9220-i9250-XOOM-/140825132367

You can use whatever source of USB power you want including a wall charger, but I bought the 2AA battery powered supply above and can confirm it works.

Compatibility List:
-Multiple USB devices will work if you use a USB hub. A non-powered one works fine for me since you will already have a separate power source.
-USB keyboards and mice work fine including all basic functions like scroll wheel on the mouse, num and caps lock on the keyboard.
-FAT32 formatted flash drives will mount by default under "/mnt/usbdisk".
(Added September 7th)
-If you want to mount NTFS drives or multiple flash drives, download Drive Mount. This software will mount drives under "/mnt/sda1", "/mnt/sdb1", etc. I can confirm it works for multiple drives and NTFS/FAT32. It was removed from Google Play so the apk has been posted. If anybody has had success with other NTFS mounting software please post your results.
(Added April 6th)
-I tried a Rosewill USB SATA/IDE externally powered hard drive reader and was able to mount a 400GB SATA 3.5" HDD using Drive Mount. Just to see what would happen I tried a SATA DVD drive but Android doesn't recognize it and probably doesn't even support the CD/DVD file system.
(Added April 7th)
-USB card readers will work, but I've had mixed results.

USB Device Info:
If you want to diagnose items and see some info about what the Touchpad is detecting, download USB Device Info free from Google Play. Everything shows up under the Linux tab. This shows some useful info about devices including current draw, device identification, etc. I tested it with a USB hub and a few flash drives and it successfully showed entries for the hub and the flash drives. It wont tell you if Android has drivers for the device, but merely IDs the device(s) confirming the connection if working.
(Added Dec 9th)
A plugged in USB OTG adapter will show up as "Qualcomm On-Chip EHCI Host Controller" under the Linux tab regardless of whether or not power is present. This is a good way to see if you have a working OTG adapter.

Flash Drive Unmounting Issues:
Flash drives are called an SD Card when mounted. There is no option to unmount a flash drive unless you use Drive Mount, so if you notice SD card removal error messages they are referring to your flash drive and not the Touchpad's internal memory partition that is mounted as /sdcard.
When a flash drive is removed or powered off without being unmounted, its common to get a "android.process.media" force close, just tap OK.

Charging:
You will not be able to charge via micro USB while using OTG even if your power source has enough current. You can charge via the Touchstone just fine. Knowing this, you can set up a really nice docking station by using the Touchstone as a stand/charger and then using the microUSB slot for peripherals like a USB keyboard and mouse connected to a hub with spare ports for flash drives, etc.

(Added September 7th)
Insufficient Available Bus Power Fix:
If you get this error, I haven't yet, some users have had success using this app posted on Rootzwiki.
 

Attachments

  • au.dach.drivemount.apk
    1.7 MB · Views: 1,468
Last edited:

chris-h

New member
Nov 14, 2009
4
0
I didn't feel like buying anything and already had some things laying around so I modified an Adafruit MintyBoost to accept a device via usb, add power, and continue on down the line...

Really all I did was solder a usb cable onto the female USB port on the MintyBoost, drill a hole on the other side of the tin and feed it out. The card reader conveniently fits inside of the mint tin so it's a pretty compact package.

The only down side I've noticed is that it also charges the TouchPad (the batteries will die quicker) and continues to send power to the card reader after the OTG cable has been unplugged from the TouchPad.

Excuse the crappy pic. I really don't feel like taking a better one.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20120424_135821.jpeg
    IMG_20120424_135821.jpeg
    75.8 KB · Views: 3,328

spunker88

Senior Member
Sep 8, 2006
1,318
334
Upstate NY
I could never get the OTG cable to charge the Touchpad, I always thought when the Touchpad sensed OTG (grounding on pin 4) it refused to take power. You can disconnect the +5v Vcc to the Touchpad (red wire) on your OTG cable and OTG devices will still work.
 

wolfgr

Senior Member
Jan 26, 2008
192
18
ATHENS
I could never get the OTG cable to charge the Touchpad, I always thought when the Touchpad sensed OTG (grounding on pin 4) it refused to take power. You can disconnect the +5v Vcc to the Touchpad (red wire) on your OTG cable and OTG devices will still work.

I came to the same conclusion some days ago ,touch pad can't be charged using org cable,needs a regular micro USB cable and the barrel AC charger.I did many tests but having otg devices working and really charge at the same time its not possible,it seems like charging but its not.
 

spunker88

Senior Member
Sep 8, 2006
1,318
334
Upstate NY
Today I accidentally found this http://direct.sanwa.co.jp/ItemPage/400-GADR002W that by first look it could be awesome...

Edit:a mini review in english http://www.gadget.pdamu.com/2012/03...r-dock-station-for-android-smartphone-tablet/

says that it can be also powered be micro usb charger....

If its provides its own 5v power it would likely work, but I don't really see anywhere for an external power connection and it looks too small to house a battery.
 

chris-h

New member
Nov 14, 2009
4
0
You can disconnect the +5v Vcc to the Touchpad (red wire) on your OTG cable and OTG devices will still work.

For whatever reason, when I tried that the card reader wouldn't initialize. Once I connected the +5v from the OTG it'd light right up... :confused:

After it lit up I could disconnect the +5v and it'd stop the "charging" notification on the touchpad and keep working.
 

eyeb

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2011
337
53
quick question that i didn't see answered above :S can i use the otg cable adapter without another power source (like can touchpad power it?)? Saw it asked above but didn't see anyone saying that the power source is required :S

kind of want to plug a usb flash drive into touchpad so I can type documents when I'm on the go and switch to computer. don't want to carry another power source either :S
 

spunker88

Senior Member
Sep 8, 2006
1,318
334
Upstate NY
quick question that i didn't see answered above :S can i use the otg cable adapter without another power source (like can touchpad power it?)? Saw it asked above but didn't see anyone saying that the power source is required :S

kind of want to plug a usb flash drive into touchpad so I can type documents when I'm on the go and switch to computer. don't want to carry another power source either :S

No, the Touchpad doesn't provide any power for OTG devices which is why you need to supply it power. The cheap USB charger I linked to in the original post will work fine for a portable power supply if you don't want to build something yourself.
 

mrtomaso

Senior Member
May 9, 2008
164
38
And it also appears you can't just plug the other USB into the wall?

Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
 

GigiAUT

Senior Member
Sep 16, 2010
214
12
USB Hub works...sort of.

I tried this with a cheap USB hub I bought. I had bought it for my laptop and made sure it had it's own power supply to keep the load off my laptop, so I thought it would be perfect for this. Nice try though.

Turns out it needs 5V from the host to activate as well as the additional external power supply. Just fired it up with my TouchPad connected via a Y-Cable and my Laptop providing the 5V to fire it up. Works like a charm.

As yet to find out if it works with my travel charger providing the 5V and no external power supply plugged in, and how many devices I can hook up. It's got 7 ports so I suppose the supply might be useful then, but do I really need to hook up that many devices? Otherwise...pointless. Back to the drawing board I go.
 

FC1032

Senior Member
Aug 30, 2010
568
61
Sydney
Today I accidentally found this http://direct.sanwa.co.jp/ItemPage/400-GADR002W that by first look it could be awesome...

Edit:a mini review in english http://www.gadget.pdamu.com/2012/03...r-dock-station-for-android-smartphone-tablet/

says that it can be also powered be micro usb charger....

This would be really handy and it's a much more elegant solution than a y cable and external power source.

Too bad it seems like we won't be able to get one easily.
 

mafu6

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2010
127
14
Oxford
Am i missing something here or can i use my 3.5" external HDD (with a power supply) to provide power to my External so i dont have to plug the cable into a USB hub?
 

Nomedias

Senior Member
Jun 3, 2010
168
38
Am i missing something here or can i use my 3.5" external HDD (with a power supply) to provide power to my External so i dont have to plug the cable into a USB hub?

You should, I did this on my Touchpad running CM7. Haven't tried since going to CM9.

Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
 

Top Liked Posts

  • There are no posts matching your filters.
  • 11
    Thanks to a recent video by reverendkjr on Youtube, we now have a confirmed USB OTG method for CM9.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc7tlPwFQpg

    This has lots of potential and since I did not see much talk about it here, I decided to create a thread with what you need to buy listed in reverendkjr's video and what works. I would recommend only buying from Amazon Fulfilled sellers as they are backed by Amazon's return policy. All 3 items only cost a little over $10.

    OTG Cable:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QX7KYU

    USB Y Cable:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041CFFBM

    2AA Battery Powered Portable USB Power Supply:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003M9Z5F6

    (Added September 7th)
    OTG Cable With Female MicroUSB (Allows you to use any microUSB charger as the power supply)
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/130740524313?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

    OTG Cable With Male Full Size USB (Allows you to use any power supply with regular USB port)
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-USB-H...i9100-S3-i9300-i9220-i9250-XOOM-/140825132367

    You can use whatever source of USB power you want including a wall charger, but I bought the 2AA battery powered supply above and can confirm it works.

    Compatibility List:
    -Multiple USB devices will work if you use a USB hub. A non-powered one works fine for me since you will already have a separate power source.
    -USB keyboards and mice work fine including all basic functions like scroll wheel on the mouse, num and caps lock on the keyboard.
    -FAT32 formatted flash drives will mount by default under "/mnt/usbdisk".
    (Added September 7th)
    -If you want to mount NTFS drives or multiple flash drives, download Drive Mount. This software will mount drives under "/mnt/sda1", "/mnt/sdb1", etc. I can confirm it works for multiple drives and NTFS/FAT32. It was removed from Google Play so the apk has been posted. If anybody has had success with other NTFS mounting software please post your results.
    (Added April 6th)
    -I tried a Rosewill USB SATA/IDE externally powered hard drive reader and was able to mount a 400GB SATA 3.5" HDD using Drive Mount. Just to see what would happen I tried a SATA DVD drive but Android doesn't recognize it and probably doesn't even support the CD/DVD file system.
    (Added April 7th)
    -USB card readers will work, but I've had mixed results.

    USB Device Info:
    If you want to diagnose items and see some info about what the Touchpad is detecting, download USB Device Info free from Google Play. Everything shows up under the Linux tab. This shows some useful info about devices including current draw, device identification, etc. I tested it with a USB hub and a few flash drives and it successfully showed entries for the hub and the flash drives. It wont tell you if Android has drivers for the device, but merely IDs the device(s) confirming the connection if working.
    (Added Dec 9th)
    A plugged in USB OTG adapter will show up as "Qualcomm On-Chip EHCI Host Controller" under the Linux tab regardless of whether or not power is present. This is a good way to see if you have a working OTG adapter.

    Flash Drive Unmounting Issues:
    Flash drives are called an SD Card when mounted. There is no option to unmount a flash drive unless you use Drive Mount, so if you notice SD card removal error messages they are referring to your flash drive and not the Touchpad's internal memory partition that is mounted as /sdcard.
    When a flash drive is removed or powered off without being unmounted, its common to get a "android.process.media" force close, just tap OK.

    Charging:
    You will not be able to charge via micro USB while using OTG even if your power source has enough current. You can charge via the Touchstone just fine. Knowing this, you can set up a really nice docking station by using the Touchstone as a stand/charger and then using the microUSB slot for peripherals like a USB keyboard and mouse connected to a hub with spare ports for flash drives, etc.

    (Added September 7th)
    Insufficient Available Bus Power Fix:
    If you get this error, I haven't yet, some users have had success using this app posted on Rootzwiki.
    1
    [INITIAL REVIEW] Juiced Systems 4-in-1


    I'll be the guinea pig. I've ordered this one for a test.

    Or for those that also have a phone with MHL:

    http://www.amazon.com/Juiced-Systems-MHL-Adapter-MicroSDHC/dp/B008CQKM2U/

    Has anyone tried these? They look similar to the Japanese device shown earlier on this thread.

    I got mine and here are my initial impressions:

    === Initial Review of Juiced Systems ACA adapter ===
    I got this: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Multi-.../dp/B006MJZOMW

    It is not a simple cable adapter but a USB OTG ACA (Accessory Charger Adapter) compliant device. Sadly it's designed for Galaxy Nexus Products and the full ACA compatibility doesn't appear to be implemented in hardware and/or software on the Touchpad with CM9.

    1- It does function as OTG host port with the Micro usb, from a charger, powering the downstream devices. :good:
    2- OTG to devices on USB/microSD/SD interfaces works well :good: Only one at a time for memory volumes (FAT32). Not sure if that's a software shortcoming.
    3- Success with USB mice & keyboard devices including a USB wireless adapter for Logitec mouse/keyboard. :good:
    4- Haven't found an NTFS mount solution for Touchpad w/ CM9 nightly 0903. :confused: This may be due to my USB HDD (3TB-NTFS). NTFS Mounter was a no-go.
    5- It does connect to the Touchpad, but not with the HP folio case, or most cases, as it's a close fit. :( The MHL 5-in-1 has a short wired tail and would do better.
    6- The ACA charging of the touchpad while hosting, or otherwise, sadly doesn't work as it was reported to function on SG2. :crying:
    7- ACA indicator never lights up to signal either charging or host mode. :(


    Initial Result:
    - At $20USD there are fewer cables, but full ACA charging doesn't work, which was my motivation to spend more. :p
    - OTG to devices on USB/microSD/SD interfaces works well, but only one at a time for memory volumes FAT32. :good:
    - The physical connection seems a little weak to me. I almost feel like it could break off damaging the adapter, or worst, the micro USB interface. :crying:

    Further tests:
    - I want to check if the Wirless mouse/keyboard on USB can be used with a SD card in either slot.
    - I'd also like to test of external HUB with devices further downstream such as self powered HDD and seperate USB Mice, Keyboards (for deskside use).
    - Can anyone recommend a ICS compliant USB GPS & app?

    Although this setup with: Touchpad, USB battery, Juice adapter, is simple and elegant, its pricy for features I'm not able to use (charging while host).
    I'm not impressed it will be rugged enough for field use.

    On these two counts, it's a not recommended device for HP touchpad. :( If you have another phone that can utilize these ACA features, then I'd say get one for use with both.

    Here is my recommended portable solution for the HP (agrees with OP) as it would appear HP Touchpad is not OTG-ACA compliant:
    - HP Touchpad
    - Battery soulution of choice (OP) <<< $4.25USD
    - OTG host cable & power Y combo (OP) <<< $6USD
    - USB memory / flash drive of choice
    (or other USB device that is ICS compatible with HP Touchpad)
    __________________
    __________________


    My quest for charging the HP touchpad & downstream devices in host mode continues... :(

    This YouTube indicates charging of HP & downstream devices during Host mode is posible with this homebrew cable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p10LgZFIawo
    Can anyone confirm this? :confused:
    1
    4- Haven't found an NTFS mount solution for Touchpad w/ CM9 nightly 0903. :confused: This may be due to my USB HDD (3TB-NTFS). NTFS Mounter was a no-go.

    I just uploaded the Drive Mount apk in the original post. This is what I have been using personally to mount computer HDDs with using a Rosewill IDE/SATA USB adapter.

    My quest for charging the HP touchpad & downstream devices in host mode continues... :(

    This YouTube indicates charging of HP & downstream devices during Host mode is posible with this homebrew cable: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p10LgZFIawo
    Can anyone confirm this? :confused:

    From my experience when OTG is activated that the Touchpad refuses to accept power via microUSB. I have tried setups where there was plenty of current available if the Touchpad wanted to charge by using the 2A Touchpad charger along with a USB mouse that only consumes 0.1A. If you use a Touchstone charger the Touchpad will charge from that while still allowing OTG to work via microUSB. If somebody can figure out a way around this please let us know how, but I am under the assumption that the +5v wire on the microUSB port is being internally switched when OTG is activated.