USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Through the efforts of many - this has been achieved - at least in basic form.
The n900 detected two USB devices - though did not have drivers for them.

Egoshins post of earlier today. http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=808

This is _not_ quite user-ready yet - but with the addition of http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=803 - USB internal power - first got working by joerg http://talk.maemo.org/member.php?u=35572 it's almost there!

In a week or two - we should be able to (with the appropriate cable) plug in (low powered) memory sticks or keyboards, and have it work. Or high powered stuff through USB hubs.

This includes stuff that vastly expands the possibilities for the n900 - imagine a USB display adaptor showing a 'normal' desktop on any LCD.

However - this requires a fair bit of software work.

Getting to a state where this is user friendly requires work on understanding BME.
BME is the battery managment entity.

This controls many aspects of the phones power subsystem, and it looks like that to get powered hostmode at the moment, this needs to be killed/suspended. This means the phone won't charge when plugged in, and requires all sorts of hackery to pause BME.

Workarounds for this would be great, but it's going to take some effort.

To collaborate on this if you have kernel or reverse engineering skills: (we do not at this time need user perspectives, we know that plugging stuff into USB is cool. If you want to participate - thank those involved in the effort)

http://wiki.maemo.org/N900_Software_BME Reverse engineering of BME, and ways to get it to cooperate.
http://wiki.maemo.org/N900_Hardware_USB_Host USB host mode - kernel and userspace details.
http://wiki.maemo.org/N900_Hardware_USB An overview.

IRC - #maemo-hostmode-discussion on irc.freenode.com

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

in my opinion, nokia in the next update (maybe pr 2.0 ;) ), will introduce the USB OTG with same nokia USB OTG adapter that will include in the n8 package.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Mmm. Why then Nokia did disable the function in the first place?

Because it did'nt met the USB Foundation requirements, it had to be disabled.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

maybe is marketing. If nokia activate the usb OTG, how many people acquire the cable?

I'm the first ;)

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Second here! How many units "are" available?

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

exactly.
Read here http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...577#post643577 (last greenish colored §), and also the links posted by speedevil above
/jOERG

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

respect! you guys are ****ing geniuses!

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

if you like to catch up with what's been going on at the hostmode front during the last few weeks, I suggest you skip the whole bunch at start and read http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...950#post588950 and followups.
Quick summary:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...339#post649339
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...145#post650145

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

EXCELLENT WORK you guys just goes to prove what the N900 will be capable of EVENTUALLY !.
Problem left is the poor design of the usb port.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

I will reverse engineering of BME for food... ah my english, sorry ... for free :D
I want disassemble but i don't have assembler/disassembler for arm so point to one please.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

sorry, but I can't control myself

OMFG

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Hmm. Isn't that open source?!

http://mxr.maemo.org/fremantle/

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

cool. very cool!

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

i am joining the greetings!!! :D

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Hopefully this will solve two of my biggest criticisms of the n900:

(1) Cannot plug in USB devices (duh!)
(2) Cannot use a proper keyboard with n900.

Bearing in mind you will not be able to charge the n900 while using a USB peripheral.

Stupid USB consortium.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

No, BME is closed.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

even standard permit this,for shure n900 won't be able to charge in host mode when bq24150 is in boost mode, because functions ( boost , charge ) are performed on same chip, but who cares.
if boost mode is not activated nothing prevent bq to charge battery with help of an Accessory Charger Adapter ( pictures of mini usb variant; on second one miniusb AB type receptacles)

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Nothing is impossible with the N900:D

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

N900 is a flux capacitor!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Awesome, hopefully USB mouse will happen

All the things in my sig. are finally in sight!!

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Slightly off topic....

But if any of you happen to notice any way to trigger the charging process (when a dumb charger without the correct pins shorted is plugged in) it would be a useful by product of understanding the charger/usb circuitry.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Now someone needs to come up with a replacement battery pack that is actually an adapter with a cable that can plug into the wall outlet.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Why would you want that when you can have, as mentioned above, what amounts to a Y-cable for charging the N900 & powering the external device simultaneously?

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

this might be somewhat useful; http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/s...leID=223101436

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Does this mean it will be possible to be able have a Games Pad accessory?

Example the iControlPAD

Advantages:

• increase gameplay time by incorporating an internal battery
• can play games in hand ... (unlike BT controllers which need you to rest the phone/display on a desk for 2 handed controller use)

ed: here's an illustration
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/1...controlpad.png

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

I believe it is more of a continuum transfunctioner. :)

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

I know that all of you know it's awsome, but must say it:
It's awsome, this device will be perfect now.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

This is some great news, I can see my N900 making a REALLY great HTPC!! (or.. Home Theater Nokia Tablet phone) HTNTp!

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

It's commonly called a NIT; Nokia internet Tablet

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

An HTPC without HDMI? You obviously have no idea what an HTPC experience is all about... :)

...with that said and just for the sake of it, would love to see XBMC running on the N900. Just because we can! :D

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

I do agree with Jaco2k, I use my PS3 for movies (HDMI).
I would still use then N900 with it's basic composite for movies (on older TV's). Would be good, still.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Sorry but my question went unanswered:

Does this mean it will be possible to be able have a Games Pad accessory?

(eg iControlPAD)

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

iControlPad uses the iPhone serial port, not usb.
Someone will have to create a new version.
If the USB host becomes stable and works, then.. sure?

I plan on using my PS3 controller! WIRELESS!
I fear having a usd device plugged in due to the "faulty" usb port.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

if you want a connected pad I think the best thing to do will be to use a bluetooth pad and mod a holder onto it. For the PS3 pad you can base it on the keyboard which clips to the pad. If you have plastic molding kit you can gut a MSI BGP100 into one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP8JgqmVES8

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

If someone writes the appropriate drivers, yes.

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Thanks.

The advantages of having it connected through USB-HOST are big:
-you can play with the system in hand (unlike BconTrollers)
-you can charge your phone if internal battery is installed
-can make gaming more portable (Sixaxis makes my butt look big:)
-can set the gaming layout as you wish (some have big hands u know:)
-might be faster than BT controller (depends mostly on drivers)
-it can have other functions (eg an extra SD slot, WiMax antenna etc etc)
-cost (can be cheaper)

So what's necessary (afaiu) for this is:
-firstly get USB-HOST to work
-fix bugs so commands are quick (ie no lag)
-develop a driver/drivers for such an accessory
-then actually make the accessory

Just to illustrate again:
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/1...controlpad.png

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Exciting developments today!
See http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p...&postcount=852 - egoshin got it working!

Lots of development remains until it works for normal users.

See http://wiki.maemo.org/N900_Hardware_USB_Host for some of the issues.

Thanks egoshin!

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

I bow before thee o lords of awsomenessity, I bow!
please accept my soal as an offering to your quest

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

@Kangal: Or you could just get the Gamegripper. Sure, it may not be as flexible as a USB solution but it works without using the battery in any way :D

Re: USB HOST MODE! (Coming soon)
 

Would this allow for USB printing?
Great effort guys n' gals :)