[Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

USB hostmode status: beta.

Thanks to everyone part of the h-e-n team, and most importantly, thanks to Joerg Reisenweber for starting the project and leading it, and thanks to Paul Fertser for the new kernel patches, written from scratch.

This release has been tested by a few of us, but it has worked perfectly on all devices.

You will need to a female to female USB adapter, and the stock USB cable.
(You can also use a Nokia CA-101D, a shorter version of the stock cable, a classmate gave it to me, and I found it perfect for hostmode, pic below)

I highly recommend you DO NOT! use direct adapters (microUSB to full size in one adapter || directly plugged into port), using those adapter will put a lot of stress on the USB port and may cause to be torn out! I suggest using at least a small cable like the Nokia CA-101D below with a female to female adapter, or a cable that is microUSB to full, but it should not be a direct adapter!

http://i52.tinypic.com/jr41lj.jpg

Paul has found out that it is impossible (at least at the time of writing) to detect speed changes while VBUS is running, so for now, you have to select speeds manually.
Use common sense in doing so, high speed is for devices that require a lot of writing and are fairly new (flash drives/HDDs/CD-drives, new hubs).
Full speed devices are devices that do not require a lot of USB activity, such as BT/2.4GHz mouse transceivers.
Low speed devices are normal mice and keyboards.

A help window is available and will guide you through the steps needed.
The mount button is currently hardcoded to mount /dev/sd*, default for most USB flash drives and HDDs.
For NTFS support, do modprobe ntfs as root
For ISO (CDs/DVDs - most of them), do modprobe isofs (also as root).
CDs will have the dev node /dev/sr0, so you'll need to do mount /dev/sr0 /mnt etc...
Disabling tracker by adding /media/flash to tracker-cfg's non watch configuration is recomended, use tracker-cfg UI.

http://i51.tinypic.com/b4xl4z.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ze9zet.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/359lu87.jpg
(note, full speed devices are 1.1, the screenshot is old, fixed in release)

Demo of DVD player on N900:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDzUG-bno6Q

To install:
Install hostmode-gui from -devel, the package depends on kernel-feature-usbhost, so it should be compatible with any kernel that provides this (in debian/control), kernel-power provides this, and therefore, if no other kernel that does provide it is supported, it will be installed.

The GUI now checks for API version instead of kernel version, with the latest API being 20101110, also in kernel-power.

http://i52.tinypic.com/33e3hv9.jpg

Known problems/bugs:
lsusb sometimes needs to be executed to return statemachine to original state.
Battery meter is not updated, thanks for the closed bme Nokia :)
Bugs not related to host mode, but kernel-power (see relevant threads, we don't have to do with these issues):
fcam-drivers doesn't work on certain devices for some reason, please see kernel-power's thread, quick fix: uninstall fcam-drivers.

Support thread: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=65570

https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif
Please note that donations go to the team, and not one specific person. Details here

Hostmode development team:
Project Admins:
Joerg Reisenweber
Paul Fertser

Developers:
Chitrang Srivastava
Dave na
Hagen Meyer
Ian Stirling
Jacek Milewicz
Klaus Kurzmann
Mohammad Abu-Garbeyyeh
Mugur Enache
Sarah Newman
Sonny Jim
Tom Tanner

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Awesome work. I'm sure a LOT of people have desired this since the beginning.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Wow good work, wiill the phone auto detect devices like USB storage devices or other things?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

thank u guys for all your hard work

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

One question: is h-e-n kernel based on power-kernel? I would love to have it installed but cannot live without overclocking :)

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Sorry for anther post, after reading, the kernel will be replaced, does this mean no overclocking?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Looks to me like we need a version of kernel_power+pr1.3 patches+usb-hostmode, but I'm not entirely sure how to make my own kernel version.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Unfortunately yes :(

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

HS=USB2.0, FS=USB1.1, LS=USB1.0
USB2.0/HS-peripherals will also work in USB1.1/FS mode, though much slower.

Switching speeds "on the fly" is not possible for now (to elaborate on Mohammad's introduction: We need VBUS to detect the speed of device attached, but we can't switch speed accordingly as long as VBUS applied - musb-core doesn't allow that). You have to stop hostmode and start over from beginning. Also the much requested hostmode while charging (N900 works as USB host but does not supply VBUS 5V - this will be done by a modified hub or a Y-cable: http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Specia...aka_Y-Cable.29) is not yet supported (however see http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...203#post921203 ). Well folks, this is a BETA :-), though Mohammad once again managed to pack a shiny package that looks better than some products tagged "final gold", thanks for that Mohammad :-)

Special thanks to Paul who did a brilliant job, like always. Also a special thanks to Sarah Newman without her patches we probably wouldn't be anywhere today. And a special thanks to all the people who shared their knowledge with me in endless private chats but preferred to stay in the background for different reasons.

Enjoy hostmode Beta, cheers
jOERG


ps.: As it seems it always somehow vanishes: N900 can deliver 200mA VBUS power (actually current, that's a hardware limitation of bq24150 chip), as compared to a standard 500mA of a PC host, this means power greedy peripherals like e.g HDD, UMTS sticks, mug warmers, etc, will cause hostmode to fail. An easy tested way to deal with this problem is to use a powered hub.
If you want to try with externally powered things, then you should plug in the peripheral same moment you push the VBUS button in hostmode GUI

ps2: Until Mohammad updates the info in #1: We are not shipping a dedicated hostmode kernel anymore with h-e-n GUI. You are supposed to install kernel-power v45 (or newer), which has hostmode patches integrated. Installing h-e-n won't do that for you. Please refer to kernel-power howto and readme and FAQ, for details on how to install and how to remove this non-stock kernel. There are known issues in multiboot with kernel-power, as well as in fcam drivers, which don't work for v45 kernel-power at date of this writing (unrelated to h-e-n!). Kernel-power v45 comes with uBoot, which should replace multiboot. It also should come with a fix (actually a revert of a patch) for the locked@500 bug Mohammad mentions in next post.
The 'mount' button and function of h-e-n is a beta-test convenience thing, and is known to not work under all arbitrary circumstances. It will vanish in final version of h-e-n anyway, and any problems are WONTFIX

As a rule of thumb, this thread is about problems (and unexpected success) to provide 5V VBUS and to enable hostmode. As soon as your device is showing up in dmesg as "usb 1-1: New USB device found, idVendor=xxxx, idProduct=yyyy...", h-e-n considers this as mission accomplished.
Everything beyond are derived issues not directly related to h-e-n, so please report them either in the problems-thread, or on the forum of the involved subsystems which actually throw the error. Esp mounting, though still supported by a button in h-e-n, is NO topic for this thread


recommended links: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...esg#post875006
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...032#post895032
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkCDyUO0sKQ&NR=1

LATEST NEWS:
there are missing modules in powerkernel46. See http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...219#post971219 - we're aware now and working on it. Shall be fixed in recent PK48 (which is said to work http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=861 ). For PK47 see http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...91#post1116491 - thanks blue_led :-)

see http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=857 for latest devel-version of parts of h-e-n, with augmented error-reporting (notifies on overload [huge HDD], runs a notification LED pattern to let you know your battery is draining) [edit 2012-02-27: fixed link]

cheers
jOERG

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Well, most of you don't know this, but, PR1.3 introduced two things:
Backports of new kernel patches to musb, which really helped with hostmode.
And.. a new bug, if you connect the wall charger to the device, 100% of the time it will stay on 500 (sometimes 550?) MHz, we do not know the behavior of an overclocked device when this bug is triggered on it, if it stays clocked @ 900 (for example), then we're going to see some dead devices pretty soon.
Anyways, hostmode's patches require 1.3's patches to musb, so until titan updates his kernel, it's a no go, feel free to contact his email address (see http://maemo.org/packages/view/kernel-power-flasher and click his name) and request an update.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Yes Hostmode implemented in Power-Kernel that would nice.
Best of both worlds so to say.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Will this bug be present before installing the new kernel, as currently using Titans advanced power, I'm on charge and cpu freq is fluctuating normally according to conky.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Wow, this is amazing, thanks for the great work, unfortunately, I don't have USB adapter so I can't test it for now.

But the current version of power-kernel (40) don't have this bug since it is based on PR1.2 kernel, right ?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

It's not in kernel-power (the current one), no, but we need 1.3's patches for hostmode, so again, no kernel-power based kernel till titan updates it Ask him directly, any posts here about it are pointless (I'm not sure if he even checks tmo anymore).

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Power kernel + PR1.3 behaves in exactly the same as stock PR1.3: minimum freq is set to 500MHz, and ondemand governor changes between this frequency and maximum frequency as appropriate.

Even if it was locking the minimum frequency to 900 MHz, we were not going to see some dead devices pretty soon, so I will thank you if you stop spreading FUD, especially as the modifications you work on a, and announce proudly in this thread, are a lot more dangerous to people's devices.

Stupid Moderator EDIT: I was requested to state some facts on this topic. I did no further investigation as I trust my sources. PR1.2 Titan Kernel does not behave as the PR1.3 Kernel and does not make the CPU sticking at 500MHz while on wall-charger. PR1.3 hostmode Kernel has the same problem like stock Kernel as the patches have been applied to it as well. Hostmode modifications are not recognized to harm hardware yet (and I doubt there will be proof of the statement above).

(Side-note: some 1.2 stock hickup had the device stuck at 500MHz while connected to usb, but there you get a msg that your device wont charge at this port)

Dear stupid moderator: Why did you choose to edit my post in order to state this fact that "PR1.2 Titan Kernel does not behave as the PR1.3 Kernel ", what is the relevance of this?

What I wrote is that Power kernel + PR1.3 patches behaves exactly as PR1.3 kernel in this regard: When connected to USB (whether charger or host) - the minimum frequency is set to 500MHz. I write this in response to MohammadAG's (unbased) comment that it is possible that power kernel might set the minimum frequency to 900 MHz. I really don't see how you can misunderstand my statement.

As I like to edit your signature but should not do so...
Dear honest, super intelligent and delightful Member
Power kernel + PR1.3 patches != Power kernel + PR1.3 behaves
And I did not misunderstand it, but for average Joe this is misleading!
You write like you want to attack someone and you just did! Instead you could have edited your post and behave like a grown up, you want this in public... go ahead, you want this in private... don't call me edit insane!

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

please don't hijack this thread with OT pr1.3-bug and OC topics.
No, this kernel doesn't support any of the kernel-power features. And we need this patched kernel for working hostmode. This is a BETA!

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

first of all thank you for your great job
ive just installed your app . I run it in high speed host mode but it doesnt recognize my flash memory -there is nothing in file manager - what should i do

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

i confirm this bug and thank you for changing my own discovery into a true fact

about 500 MHz overclock . remember old 500 MHz issue http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=936
in PR1.3 maybe some smart a.. delete one IF

Later edit
sorry joerg . i will delete this post if there is any request

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Can you also use the USB OTG cable used by the Nokia N8?
NOKIA USB OTG CA-157 cable
Or is this slightly different from a female to female adapter and USB to micro USB cable?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/62a87ee8ef.jpg

man im a big noob. but i might be able to help.. iv read that all the problem lies in power right ? i have this cable. on one end it connets to the harddisk or any other mini usb device, one end it connets to the computer (in this case aur n900) and the other to a wall charger ! check the picture. if u cant see it, let me know give me ur emale. i will send u.
hope this helps man.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Hmmm might give this a shot tommorow. But is it possible revert back to default kernel if I run into problems, without needing a reflash. Or would a simple uninstall return things to normal?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Any ideas? Probably a result of all the garbage I've installed...

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

could you tell me how to connect aflash memory to the device ( step by step)
thanks

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

It's pretty straightforward:
-Install hostmode-gui
-Reboot
-Connect your device
-Open h-e-n
-Click High Speed hostmode
-Set VBUS boost on
-Click enumerate
-Click mount

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Does someone have a USB DVB-T stick laying around to test?
I bet they would require more power than 200mA.
It would require a kernel with the complete v4l stack and varioud dvb drivers.
But wouldnt it be awesome to install CCcam and share your local payTV card with your phone over 3G and watch tv anywhere:D

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

I already stream it over ORB, but that would be pretty awesome :P

Alright solved my problem, was under the impression linux-kernel-headers was a needed package, but must be remnants of my SDK install.

Now to try out a USB or something...

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

we are not worthy

any way to donate to this project ?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Well no luck so far, tried two seperate USB sticks. /dev/sda1 is present for both, but nothing gets mounted and trying to mount from term just freezes the terminal...

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

yes I would like that also.
The first step would be to get a DVB-T stick working.
One of the smallest is also supposed to have "Very low power consumption" according to the site: the PCTV Picostick
Picostick
Don't know if it is low enough to work with 200mA limitation.

I have one and it is working perfectly fine on Ubuntu using the driver and firmware found in this location:
Kernellabs Picostick V4L driver and firmware

I use the picostick with my netbook running linux Mint to watch Digitenne channels (a conax encrypted paid tv service in the Netherlands over DVB-T). I use my digitenne smartcard in a smargo smartreader+ using OScam as a key server, TVheadend as the decryption software and xbmc as the player.
It works pretty well, but the reception of the picostick isn't great when inside buildings using the small antenna connected directly to the USB adapter. (the officially supported Anysee E30 plus dvbt receiver only support the cardreader in windows, this is my linux supported alternative )

I would love to get the picostick working on the N900! But getting the other software to run on the n900 in order to watch encrypted DVBT broadcasts would seem a long way off.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

I kinda dreamed of a thread like this one, and now its there :)

I will get the adapter as soon as possible and give it a try with several different devices, looks promising so far. Though ARM compatible drivers will be an issue...

The idea with the DVB-T stick is nice, but I could imagine also a lot of other possible combinations. Are USB Hubs supported by the way (With active power)?

@MohammadAG: I noticied that my N900 doesn't goes below 500MHz anymore, though when I OC it to 900MHz it still goes down to 500MHz. So they basically avoid only the 250MHz frequency while it is charging.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Alright still no luck with USB sticks, but managed to connect a keyboard. Unfortunately it stops working after about 30 seconds... any ideas for this?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

32s. Timeout of bq24150 VBUS boost. Somehow the vboost script (or whatever Mohammad is using for starting VBUS boost) doesn't work correctly.
As I don't see any "OFF" button in this GUI, I suspect closing it also stops vboost.
Ask Mohammad.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Happened to mine as well. Mine is stock kernal and it stay at 500Mhz when charging or cable plugged in. I have no idea how to return it back to normal.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Sounds about right, and it consistently happens. So we wait for an update then?

Ps. There should be plenty of power to mount a basic USB stick, yes? So chances are its just a problem with the script.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

According to the log files it sees my Wi-Spy DBX device ok, not sure if it will ever be able to do anything with it though, would be v cool if I could get it working though :)

It tried to read my USB pen drive but then said it failed to read dead device

Ill try again tomorrow night with a couple more usb sticks and post the logs up here if I can screen shot them or if they are written anywhere

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

USB host mode was nice on the N800 for attaching a hard drive and keyboard. The N900 does not need that so much, with 32GB flash, but it could really use a proper SD-card reader.

Yes, but I'd look really silly with a 1m VHF/UHF antenna hanging off my phone. (Do those ting antenna that come with the dongle really work anywhere?) So much easier to put the DVB dongle on a home server and stream the video over wifi or 3G (transcoded to mpeg4). A mythtv frontend for the n900 would be nice. Who wants live TV anyway? I hear it has adverts.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Well it would be for example in the car quite useful ;) In cities also the 7-8cm long antennas work quite fine.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

I have latest multiboot installed with 3 choices:
1. omap (PR1.3 kernel)
2. power (titan's power kernel v40)
3. NITDroid

If I boot to #1 and install this USB host kernel, I'm assuming I can still boot to #2 power kernel when needed right? (and boot to #1 for USB host)

Also, what can we hook up? Is there a general compatibility list of some sort?

btw, AWESOME WORK GUYS (&GALS?).
This community just ROCKS. Thank you all.

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

That is the exact question I have!If I boot to the 1st kernel and install the USB host kernel, would that overwrite the power kernel in multiboot?

Re: [Announce] USB hostmode beta release
 

Microsoft mouse is working(a bit too sensitive, but working). Also disconnects after some time. Ooh and I can't make multi-devices(mouse + keyboard or card reader with multiple slots) works