[Q] Usable USB keyboard with ICS phone - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

According to my device's specifications, the "keyboard" input device is supported (Sharp SH-01D, ICS).
I want to be able to plug in a USB keyboard to use with the phone. Having read here and there, I have the following questions and I hope some of you more knowledgeable will help me figure out what my options are.
Can I use any USB keyboard (using a female-USB-to-male-micro-USB adapter) or do I need a special type of keyboard? I suppose the most important issue is powering the keyboard... How do I find out if the phone can supply power or not? Or is the answer always "no, it doesn't supply power"?
If the answer above is "no", I suppose I will need a USB keyboard with its own power source... In all my searches, the only own-power-source keyboards only support Bluetooth connectivity, and I don't want that. They come with a USB cable but the description usually says that the cable is only used for charging the keyboard.
So, in the end, is there a keyboard that meets my requirements - portable (20-30 cm length), lightweight (up to 300 grams I guess), USB connectivity?

Related

Micro usb audio connector

Is it possible to use the micro USB audio connector for audio? After rooting, the audio application of the android does not recognize the mp3 files to play. Why not let it do so?
I think that would require USB host mode like on the Samsung galaxy. I think that means needing extra hardware doesn't it? -otherwise I would expect every phone to be capable of it
edit: It is possible but you can fry stuff. Info on NookColor forum
USB host = great possible enhancement?
I wanted to post to proper thread, however I am new here I was not allowed to post on developers forum. So I hope that this post will still somehow find its way there. It also includes your original question.
Since some USB features are now claimed to be working, I wanted to ask directly poping out questions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=21669750
Is it possible to...
1.) disable on-screen keyboard while using USB one?
2.) connect USB soundcard like: http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-X2X&cats=121&catid=121%2C136%2C134
To allow listening mp3, Skype calls.... ?
3.) connect USB Ethernet card like: http://www.usbgear.com/205528.html
4.) to connect other cool usb stuff like: GSM, printers ... whatever
thanks you developer guys, I hope I'll once manage some time to learn more about the system and developement so that I could contribute too !
thanks to androind and nook simple touch creators!
mrWax said:
Is it possible to...
1.) disable on-screen keyboard while using USB one?
2.) connect USB soundcard like: http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=USBG-X2X&cats=121&catid=121%2C136%2C134
To allow listening mp3, Skype calls.... ?
3.) connect USB Ethernet card like: http://www.usbgear.com/205528.html
4.) to connect other cool usb stuff like: GSM, printers ... whatever
thanks you developer guys, I hope I'll once manage some time to learn more about the system and developement so that I could contribute too !
thanks to androind and nook simple touch creators!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the answer to all of the above is no
The USB host mode patch was done for a specific project (USB keyboard support) and while I have been spending some time playing around with Bluetooth I'm not aware of any other dev(s) working on expanding this atm.
Stuff like audio, networking and Bluetooth requires _a_lot_ more than just the kernel accepting to communicate with the device.
thats shame. allowed skype calls would be great
Skype calls are working on my nook with OTG + USB audio card on usb host mode. But it is a bit difficult ))).
To update these older posts:
Yes, it is possible to disable the soft keyboard when using a USB keyboard.
See NullKbd in the signature.
Yes, Skype works fine.
litvinov said:
But it is a bit difficult ))).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the difficulty?
Do a logcat and look for overruns and errors.
There were a few mods done to make Skype work.
so an external usb sound card is working?
Yes, an external USB audio adapter can work.
As a portable solution it's a bit cumbersome.
I don't know what current they usually draw, but my cheapy one draws 75 mA.
A desktop solution with powered hub (charging the Nook), a USB adapter and speakers works fine.
Would USB headphones work directly on that port? I have USB OTG cable and some USB sound card somewhere so I can check with regular 3.5mm jack headphones without trouble when I find some time to do it but I just wonder if anyone tried USB headphones on it and what they think of it. Is it worth of a hassle to buy one for NST?
Some USB devices use a multiplexor on the USB micro connector and can send actual analog audio down the connector.
Many Androids support USB host mode and can support an audio USB adapter, including the ones that go for < $10.
The NST (earlier Nooks with OMAP processors) don't have complete software support for USB host mode but can be coerced into working.
The Glows (later Nooks with IMX processor) don't have complete software or hardware support for USB host mode but can be coerced into working.
The Glow4 (7.8") has audio.

[Q] logitech unifying via OTG

I found this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1588388
and someone claims it works with only one receiver for both keyboard and mouse and that is awesome, but does anyone here with an S3 have a unifying setup on their pc and is able to try it with the S3? I don't own an otg cable yet, but if that works then I'm getting the allshare dongle cause it seems a lot more convenient. I can't understand why samsung cant have a separate micro hdmi output cause it would save us a lot of trouble.
Hi, I have a M510 mouse (5 buttons) with Unifying receiver and it's working very well, including the whell and his click, the right button is opening the menu and the thumb left-back button acts as Back button, the thumb left-upper button does nothing.
I don't have another Unifying device to test with the same receiver, but I assume that must work with it.
My phone is the unlocked German version, with last LE8 ROM.

PS3 Controller pairing

Hi there!
Very new to this but have a quick query.
I'm in NZ. Have updated to ICS. Want to pair PS3 controller WITHOUT Root. Have a theory. So did the following.
- Bought the PS3 Controller Pairing Tool and USB/BT Joystick Center 6 from App Developer POKE64738
- He says that these appas can work on ANY android phone
- Had no luck finding a cable to connect the controller to the phone until I saw a "New USB 2.0 Mini-A 5-Pin Female to Micro-B Male Adapter F/M Data Cable Converter" on ebay.
- By theory, the "Pairing tool" on the phone should pick this up.
Any feedback from you guys!?
Shot fullahs!
UPDATE
UPDATE!
Have purchased the cable (
Apparently trying to pair a PS3 controller to the Xperia S is a mish and that a 3rd party controller will be just as good! But the problem is I want to go Bluetooth and not play through USB (though I wouldn't mind it) So yeah bro's... will letchu know how it all shakes out!
At least I know that OTG works!
Kia ora!
There you go !
B3NZ0 said:
Hi there!
Very new to this but have a quick query.
I'm in NZ...
Any feedback from you guys!?
Shot fullahs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B3NZ0 said:
UPDATE!
Have purchased the cable (
...
At least I know that OTG works!
Kia ora!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys you don't need a cable. Check this out : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23749189#post23749189
And here's how to configure your PS3 sixaxiss controller : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBcO_Gt0fd4
If you feel I've helped you, use the thanks button :victory:
He said without root, so he needs the cable. I thought that if you connect the controller with cable it stays paired via bluetooth
Harsh7689 said:
Guys you don't need a cable. Check this out : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23749189#post23749189
And here's how to configure your PS3 sixaxiss controller :
If you feel I've helped you, use the thanks button :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that's only WITH root. B3NZ0 wanted to pair PS3 controller WITHOUT Root.
That's a big difference you know.
I'm also looking for a way to connect my PS3 controller to my phone even if it's with a cable, but it seems an app is required as it gives me a power error otherwise, if I connect the controller only with the USB OTG.
The only way it will work via usb is by using livedock
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
UPDATE!
Hey guys!
So the OTG works. That's fine.You just cant plug in the PS3 controller directly otherwise the phone come up with that "power consumption error" and more importantly THERE'S NO POWER CHARGE TO YOUR PHONE!
FIX 1:
You have to use a USB hub (4-port works fine/unbranded) for the error to go away. I've plugged in the PS3 controller with it's original cable and it works fine. You just need to remap the button config in the settings of your chosen emulator. You can also plug in your BT adaptors for your wireless mouse and keyboard. But then there's the power issue, so you'll also need a USB 2.0 at both ends to plug into hub and charger.
NOTE: *ID RATHER NOT DO THIS METHOD BUT IT WORKS.
FIX 2:
Cleverly enough, this V-TYPE OTG cable (USB 2.0 Female/Micro USB Male/Micro USB Female) is the way to go. Simultaneously gives charge and can connect hub, flash drives, BT adapters... You can find this on Ebay. Just enter Micro usb OTG with power.
BT ADAPTER:
I've purchased a Belkin BT Adapter (2.1+ EDR) to go wireless. So first, I tried it on MotionInJoy. Paired it and works fine! But it doesn't work when I plug into the USB hub. Apparently cos it's not CSR compatible... but it is. So will have to fiddle around with it more.
KIDIGI CRADLE:
Ive also purchased this cradle by Kidigi. It works fine and charges. Doesn't quite sit in there but you won't notice after a while and looks great! However, the rear only has the micro usb female port (for charging and data transfers) and lacks the support of an ac power input (for charging) and 2 usb 2.0 ports (for BT mouse/keyboard/ps3 controller?). You can google this or go driectly to kidigi dot com or facebook.
I've spoken with them and sent them a pic of the Xperia Ion cradle/dock (which has the mentioned features) hoping they can mimic the rear of the Ion's dock onto the NEW Kidigi Xperia S Dock 2.0!
If they actually DO MAKE THIS, then our problems would be solved! Why?
1) Nice and sleek
2) The ability to power cradle with AC adapter so no power issues
3) The addition of 2x USB 2.0 ports will allow access for our wireless peripherals (mouse/keyboard), flash drives and would no longer need an OTG as the profile would be built into it which would be good news for us users wanting to pair the PS3 controller
3RD PARTY APPS (for pairing):
To pair with an UNROOTED phone these apps would be the most suitable:
1) PS3 Controller Pairing Tool by Poke64738:
Pretty straight forward. You NEED a USB hub to do this cos of PCE (Power Consumption Error). It will ask you to turn on Bluetooth. Say yes. Then hit search. If the app can't locate it then reset the PS3 controller by pressing the rest button at the back of the controller. NOTE: This app ONLY pairs the controller to the phone!
2) USB/BT Joystick Center 6 by Poke64738:
This app is tricky so it takes time to find out how to use it. The help menu is useful so don't neglect it. After figuring it out, you must do the following:
FOR USB POWERED:
- Plug in PS3 controller with cable into HUB.
- Open USB/BT Joystick Center 6
- Window will pop-up asking to allow app to access USB device. Click OK. (note the device name in grey on the top-middle of the screen)
- Your device should show up as "PS3 USB Controller (1)"
- Touch to access the drivers.
- Test controller by pressing all the buttons. You'll notice the "buttons" in the driver slot will go red. These buttons are your default configs. You don't have to change anything just hit BACK button NOT HOME button! Hitting BACK will save the settings.
FOR WIRELESS:
I've yet to do this so will post up when I have something!
***APOLOGIES AS I CANT POST LINKS YET BUT YOU CAN GOOGLE SEARCH AND EBAY SEARCH ASWELL***
rkanwar said:
The only way it will work via usb is by using livedock
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also possibly use the Kidigi Cradle with a Micro USB OTG with power.
Its a V cable or Y cable allowing for power charge and USB hub and PS3 Controller connected via USB
Hermantje said:
But that's only WITH root. B3NZ0 wanted to pair PS3 controller WITHOUT Root.
That's a big difference you know.
I'm also looking for a way to connect my PS3 controller to my phone even if it's with a cable, but it seems an app is required as it gives me a power error otherwise, if I connect the controller only with the USB OTG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB hub will work for ya but then again some drain and some don't! and because there are so many out there, who knows... but I have a third-party one made for the PS3 console itself and it works fine. If you want to know what i'm getting up to, check out my UPDATE reply no.3 (it's not numbered though, lol)
B3NZ0 said:
Hey guys!
So the OTG works. That's fine.You just cant plug in the PS3 controller directly otherwise the phone come up with that "power consumption error" and more importantly THERE'S NO POWER CHARGE TO YOUR PHONE!
FIX 1:
You have to use a USB hub (4-port works fine/unbranded) for the error to go away. I've plugged in the PS3 controller with it's original cable and it works fine. You just need to remap the button config in the settings of your chosen emulator. You can also plug in your BT adaptors for your wireless mouse and keyboard. But then there's the power issue, so you'll also need a USB 2.0 at both ends to plug into hub and charger.
NOTE: *ID RATHER NOT DO THIS METHOD BUT IT WORKS.
FIX 2:
Cleverly enough, this V-TYPE OTG cable (USB 2.0 Female/Micro USB Male/Micro USB Female) is the way to go. Simultaneously gives charge and can connect hub, flash drives, BT adapters... You can find this on Ebay. Just enter Micro usb OTG with power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I need to know! thanks for this!
Cheers mate!
capthor said:
This is what I need to know! thanks for this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Algoodies bro! Nice to help out someone!!!
UPDATE #3
Hey guys!
So i've finally got the peripherals I need to do the following:
1) Pair my PS3 controller to my Xperia S successfully
2) Find an alternate power source
PAIRING:
After using the 3rd party app with a little bit of patience and persistence and a BT dongle, I have finally paired it! ABOUT TIME TOO! So now I can play my MAME games wirelessly! WOOHOO! :good: I will post up pics or vid tutorial for those who want it.
POWER SOURCE:
I have a V cable (mentioned in previous posts) that acts both as a OTG and charger (USB 2.0 female (flash drives etc) /micro USB male (OTG) /micro USB female (charge) Unfortunately, I think mine is a dud. There is no charge going through so will see what I can do.
UPDATE #4
Hey guys!
Just a reminder that this whole topic is for UNROOTED phones only. Since there is lack of support for UNROOTED phones on this very topic, I thought it would be nice if I stepped in to aid our fellow XPERIA S users out there in the world. I'm still unable to post links and pics so might put something on my facebook page if that helps.
Otherwise, i'll PUSH - post until something happens lol
LIVE wallpaper concept
Since we're on the topic of PS3, I thought to share this. My Desktop on my PC. The blue wave in the background is still but was animated to act like that of the PS3 wave. I was thinking to make some LIVE wallpaper based on the OS3 wave for Xperia phones and tablets. As you see, it has a more fluid-like texture to it rather than the flowy-movement type of the PS3 console.

USB GamePad / Controller or Keyboard

Hi, I'm wondering is there any way to force atrix games to work with some gamepads different than PS.
Today I installed Need For Speed Most Wanted and game is nice but it's hard to drive turning phone or on that little stering wheel.
So I have HD Dock and tried it with Xbox360 wirelles pad with original USB adapter but phone said that it's not compatibile USB device. I tried same thing with Ligitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 and there is no error message about USB Device and adapter blinking when i hit buttons but no reaction on the phone. I know i should use some emulator but none from market is working.
I don't wanna buy PS pad only to play few games so I figured that maybe somehow I can use USB keyboard to play.
So maybe someone have some emulator to remap keys on USB keyboard to work with NFS??
International Atrix, 2.3.4, non rooted, locked. Ofc I can root phone if it's needed.
I'm sure there's apps to remap keyboard.
Also try a wired Xbox controller not the wireless one and not the charge kit.
Sent from Moto Atrix 4g on Neutrino 2.91
I just have Xbox360 wireless pad and Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 and I'm trying to avoid buing 3rd pad only for Atrix cause it have no sense.
Thats why I'm trying to deal somehow with what I have.
There is a guide in another forum that was posted a while back on how to edit your rom to have it read the wireless controller as a wired one and apply the same profile to it, I suggest you search for it and try it.
I tried plugging my wired Xbox 360 controller on my lapdock using CM9 (Yes it was open) but it didn't stop blinking... I don't even know if the USB supports other things than USB storage on the Atrix.
USB keyboard and usb wireless mouse working fine so it supports more than memory sticks. As I said before adapter from Logitech pad is not shows as unsupported USB device like Xbox adapter but I have no idea how force it to work. I read that most working pad emulators isn't working on Gingerbread so maybe it's the problem.
If the USB pad in question supports the HID protocol, you could be in luck. Otherwise, you're probably screwed.
Thats right, completely forgot about HID. If I'm not wrong all HID devices should work. I'll check that Logitech pad but as I remember under windows it's discoverable without any Logitech drivers so maybe it gonna works. Otherwise any tweak to remap keyboard to work with games?? I know keys can be remap from /system/... but I don't need to remap keys permanently but only for few games so it can work even on some emulator.
I'm wondering that anyone work it out how play games on external keyboard yet cause it could be very easier than typing on screen or rotating phone and now smartphones are bigger and bigger and it would be very comfortable to play on full keyboard and big screen.
It's easy to add usb support for the joystick/gamepad generic and xbox controller but you need to recompile the kernel avec joystick and xpad module.
I'm working on a keys mapper for the 360 controller and I built a kernel for that but I shared it only at french users on a other forum ...
It's only the kernel build with this source : http://sourceforge.net/projects/atrix.motorola/files/Atrix EMEA/4.5.2A-74_OLE-20/
And 2 or 3 options to get ntfs, cifs, ext4, it is not unified and I have build a little software with java 7 in french to add the command line in it with tegra part and serial as a original.
It works fine on the retail fr 2.3.4 rom.
If you want to try it : http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11889182/kernel/Kernel_2.6.32.9_djeman_v1.0.rar
And the original thread : http://forum.frandroid.com/topic/12...adjoystickxpadcifsutf-8ext4ntfs/#entry2078963
I don't found any good mappers for the 360 controller on the market so I'm working on mine.
If others peoples are interessed by it, I will make a translated version and a subject here.
I can confirm that my regular (not wireless) Logitech controller works fine, although not with all games.
Connected to a Lapdock.
heres what i discovered from experience.
Chamelleon said:
Hi, I'm wondering is there any way to force atrix games to work with some gamepads different than PS.
Today I installed Need For Speed Most Wanted and game is nice but it's hard to drive turning phone or on that little stering wheel.
So I have HD Dock and tried it with Xbox360 wirelles pad with original USB adapter but phone said that it's not compatibile USB device. I tried same thing with Ligitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 and there is no error message about USB Device and adapter blinking when i hit buttons but no reaction on the phone. I know i should use some emulator but none from market is working.
I don't wanna buy PS pad only to play few games so I figured that maybe somehow I can use USB keyboard to play.
So maybe someone have some emulator to remap keys on USB keyboard to work with NFS??
International Atrix, 2.3.4, non rooted, locked. Ofc I can root phone if it's needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROM (cm9+) and stock roms ...with many kernel changes, I've always had same result.
1stly on the Atrix, unlike most tablets, the USB port doesn't give any power to the device.
I tried an otg cable with no luck so I modified it so power ran through the cable.
I also have a multimedia dock which produced the same result.
I can run and mount usb devices (storage) so I can transfer data or watch films; mounting is aided by a USB host app on the play store.
Any time something like a Xbox game pad is inserted dmesg shows it was noticed but not identified, so it doesn't look like it will work without manually adding the drivers/modules to support the device.
I have a friend with a nexus 7; Xbox control will work on that with a basic otg cable; only need to map the gamepad keys and in some cases such as emulation apps the keys are already mapped.

[Q] PS3 Controller over USB - (GameKlip Cable) - JellyBam 3.3.0

I hope someone with more knowledge on this setup can help me out. I would ask in the JellyBam thread but I don't have enough street cred yet.
I purchased a PS3 controller and the GameKlip with the male-to-male USB adapter. I have been able to successfully pair the controller over Bluetooth with the Sixaxis app from the Play store. I would also like to use the USB cable because when paired with the app, you can't pair any other device, like my Bluetooth headset. I would also assume the USB would conserve battery on both devices.
The USB connection works randomly... so i know it's not a complete waste of time trying to get it to work.
The issue to fix is why the connection is random. My thoughts are maybe something with the Kernel that comes with JellyBam, I could try a different one, or an app that will configure the USB state to more reliably keep the controller connected.
When the controller does work it is after a random number of times connecting and disconnecting the USB cable and pressing the "P" power button on the PS3 controller. When it does connect it will highlight an icon on my home screen and I can move the selection around with the joystick. It seems to disconnect as soon as I touch the screen or enter anther app. I have to go though the process of plugging and unplugging again to get it to work after the disconnect.
Another note, this same setup seems to work on my wifes i777 with an older (ICS) AOKP build. I have seen in some of my searching that JB doesn't have the same support for USB configurations as ICS. I would hate to go back to ICS just to get this working... but that may be my only option.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and please share any information you have!

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