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External Battery charger for TG01??

As per the thread title, I am looking for a battery charger for the TG01. I need one that will simply charge the battery (will need also a spare battery) - and just swap out the batteries as I go. I can't work with an external charger that connects via micro-usb (as I'm having issues with the micro-usb port and can't charge the phone! Therefore need another means of charging ASAP - and will come back and look at how to tackle fixing the micro-usb port at a later stage).
Anyone know where I can get such a thing???
Struggling to do so - so far in my www search....

You mean like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...700?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a6e594a7c
"Universal mobile battery charger" is what I looked for.
You can get better one's with digital readouts, but that is EXACTLY what I bought a few days ago to try and save my TG01 from a bad wm6.5. Just waiting for it to turn up.

@Scougar: Yes - I managed to get one in the end - off ebay. Hopefully it will arrive before the week is out - as I'm currently phone less!

Not good! Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative.
btw.. mine says 850ma on it, so not the full 1000ma, but I can live with that.

I bought this on eBay - can´t paste the link here - look for - 1500mah Micro USB Back up Battery Charger + Cable for Toshiba TG01 TG 01
I am very satisfied when need to power battery out not having power adaptor. However I have totally 3 batteries and purchased also the solar power adaptor with internal battery.

Scougar said:
Mine arrived today btw... Annoyingly no instructions on what the LED colours mean on it, or which terminal is positive and which negative
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I had the same problem re. instructions - but have got the hang of it. However, it's not a sufficient solution for me. It seems to take an absolute age to power up a battery. I have a spare battery - and even this isn't going to be enough.
I guess it's because of the way I use the phone - with connection to usb keyboard - to write emails...even though I remove the cable the moment the email has been written, it absolutely drains battery resources - RAPID!
I will have to try and get the micro-usb port fixed somehow. I've contacted toshiba to see if - first of all there is any warranty cover on the phone (i bought it off ebay - so not sure if covered or not).
Even if not covered, I'm unsure where to send it - or who can really fix this. Does anyone have any ideas? I am based in Ireland. Do Toshiba have a list of approved service centres??

You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)

Scougar said:
You will just need to get a higher 'ma' rated charger then (so battery will charge faster).
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Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
Scougar said:
BTW.. sounds stupid.. but have you tried another micro usb cable (a proper charging cable, rather than just a regular data transfer micro usb one?)
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I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....

borderfox said:
Ok, thanks. IF i have no option but to keep using an external charger, may look at gettting another one.
I have tried a number of cables - that had been working at one stage but no longer work. However, they work when it comes to connecting to my usb keyboard.....just not working to charge the phone...
MICRO-USB Repair.
I'm a bit concerned about this - as someone has suggested to me that this can't be repaired - that it's 'terminal'. Can this really be the case????
Seems an awful waste of a phone if that's true....
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.

Scougar said:
I'm not sure what "burn's out", so I wouldn't like to speculate, but the repair of the actual 'port' surely wouldn't be that hard even for an amateur solderer? Maybe it's something in a charging chip that's burnt out? Given that you can pick tg01's up for £50+ (I really am guessing here.. I've been drinking).. it probaly isn't worth the cost of a repair unless you do it yourself.
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The ruddy thing cost me €200 back then....can't remember for sure when -I think 9 months ago. Just checked ebay and they range from €110-€180. Pretty poor form - if they can't do the job for a couple of years at the very least.
Not sure where I stand as regards warranty - still waiting to hear back from toshiba support.
I don't feel that buying another one is the way to go - if they are flawed in this way. Furthermore, it makes me wonder about investing in a good phone - if they all have a point of weakness in terms of the micro-usb slot. Had a quick look at the nokia lumia at one stage last week....but if I'm using that port heavily (which i am - constantly swapping out between cable (for keyboard) and usb power cable....will the same thing happen?

If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.

Scougar said:
If you are worried about over working the port, then just get an extension cable or try using a powered USB hub so you won't be swapping it out so often.
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How can I use the powered usb hub exactly? I can plug the usb keyboard into it -then run a usb cable between the hub and the usb to micro-usb adaptor that then connects to the phone...is that correct?
Scougar said:
The micro usb port design is probably 'weak' compared to the mini USB port design, but it's what we are pretty much every phone on the market is now using. You could also use a USB keyboard.
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This is what is also dampening down my enthusiasm for investing in another phone. It's a situational thing - and I don't really have any other option but to use a usb keyboard (I can't connect via bluetooth).
Scougar said:
I would only have considered about £75 for my phone (MODS: I can't sell it , I've bricked it... or as I like to say "I'm between operating systems at the moment" ;-) ) Point is, you can probably get one cheaper than you are seeing on ebay.
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That's a savage rate of depreciation!
Scougar said:
I think you are either better off with another phone, or getting a bigger battery, they question is whether you want to invest in the TG01 anymore, or get something else.
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Click to collapse
As regards moving on to a new unit, I don't really want to go down this road for two reasons;
1. I don't think I have got my money's worth out of the spend on the TG01 - and while the work arounds are far from ideal - I am otherwise happy with the phone in principal
2. I fear making another big investment - only for the same thing to happen again (given that I will continue to use micro-usb port heavily
A bigger battery - I don't think is a possibility?? I know there was one oversized battery on the market for that phone - but it came with a new back cover for the phone also - as it was thicker than normal. It was expensive - and it's not really the route I wish to take. What I might do - is buy another battery. Then - with 3 batteries on the go - just keep charging them up on rotation at home.
Mickey mouse approach - but I don't see any other feasible way of handling it.
IF I did get another phone, I don't think it would be the TG01. It served its purpose at the time (and It will continue to do so - although more awkward now). However, I don't think this sort of failure should happen - and support should be better. Very hard to get a hold of someone in support - NO support in ROI - and necessary to mail the phone in to their UK service centre. In addition, just discovered that it's out of warranty.

There are some internal pictures of the TG01 floating around, it might be worthwhile trying to dig those up, and see if you can get a look at the USB connection points, and see if an amateur repair is possible.
EDIT: If you go to the following thread you will find internal pictures It looks to me like the port could be repaired if you have a fine enough soldering iron, or taped it up well enough. (As long as the problem isn't a 'trace' being burnt out... and we assume that the port itself has broken/come loose or needs replacement).

Can someone recommend a good quality external charger
Only a couple of weeks - and the external charger I got off ebay seems to be flaking!
Can anyone recommend a GOOD QUALITY external charger that I could order up - that will work well with TG01 batteries??

Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.

Scougar said:
Have to say... that one I bought isn't the best quality. connection is 'iffy' now it seems.
Product review: 4/10. d'oh.
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I;ve been trawling the net - but they all seem the ruddy same! What would you buy if you had to go again?
Right now - at this moment - the charger is working again - but I spent half the day trying to get it to work up until now! I don't have great faith in it - and if it goes, I'm sans phone once again.
If I could get a reliable charger, I would be fairly happy. I've got into the routine of charging alternate batteries - so that system works (so I can squeeze the outlay on the phone back out of it - before I go and upgrade at a later stage).

The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!

borderfox said:
The only other type of external charger I could find was this.
So....i've ordered one up....will post back whether it actually does the job or is another piece of sh1t!
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I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.

tcampomanes said:
I bought this charger a few weeks ago, works perfectly.
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Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!

borderfox said:
Delighted to hear that. Hopefully this will provide the ultimate solution for my TG01 - and I can go on and use it for the next 12 months and get my $$ back out of it!
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when I bought the charger the seller sent me this message:
Dear friend:
Do you know how to use the charger?
I'm sorry I don't have technical info in English.
How to use?
1/ without power put the battery in the charger, you can 360 rotation
the charger to fit your battery (no matter your battery is big or
small.)------------------- if the battery put well in the charger, the
light will go on blue.
the charger can Automatic detection of positive "+" and negative "-", so
just connect the "two pin" with "+" "-" of the battery.
2/ with power,(connect it with power)
Charging--------the light is red
Full charge-----the light is blue
--
When you receive the charger, if have any problem about "how to use" or
other problem please contact me and I will reply within 24 hours.
Thank you.
the seller was very helpful and sent to Spain was fast, 10 to 14 days.

S4 DockMode works on iBOLT xProDock...

Hello everyone, with this post we can confirm that the Galaxy S4's vehicle "DockMode" works perfect with the xProDock. See image where it was checked today against AT&T's and Sprint's version. Friends from Europe have also confirmed it works fine with the International version.
Driving using the "DockMode" combined with a Bluetooth for hands-free is great as it turns your S4 into a virtual driving assistant and entertainment center, all while you stay away from texting while driving. Keeping the phone above the dashboard obviously also increases both cell phone and GPS reception. Stepping out of the car with a charged phone is another nice benefit with using a charging dock.
Connect the S4 into the xPro and go to "Settings-Accessory" and select "Dock Sound", "Audio out" and "Deskhome display" and then download your favorite "docking app". We've found our own "Dock'n Drive", "CarHome Ultra", "Ulysse Speedometer", "TuneIn" and "Slacker Radio" to be the S4 "Dock home" alternatives. We recommend using one of the first three and then have "shortcuts" to your favorite apps.
The aux-out sound to car-stereo through the microUSB cable also works great on the S4. This means the car-dock only needs ONE cable connected and yet at the other end it splits into a USB male connection and 3.5 mm aux-out that you connect into the vehicle's car-stereo (not needed if you have Bluetooth A2DP support). Keep in mind that Samsung's firmware only allows for "App sound" to be transmitted to the car-speakers through the microUSB, NOT phone calls so you must still use a Bluetooth solution for in-and outgoing calls.
Camera view is also free so you can use the S4 as an excellent "dash cam" with one of the many apps available for capturing video using a "loop". All cases are compatible, even Otterbox Defender or Ballistic Maxx type.
We have also started to ship our new "Stick Anywhere" mount with this which means you can attach it directly to the dashboard's hard surface without using the "disc" used for many years with car-docks. If you don't like the suction Mount concept there's an AMPS plate option which allows you to mount the xPro on a KUDA or ProClip mount for example.
You can order the xProDock for Galaxy S4 on Amazon in the US and Europe. Just type in "xProDock" on eBay and we should have it listed there too in most countries.
Feel free to ask questions or use this thread to discuss any product in the category... We'll comment if warranted. Thanks!

Definitely interested in this if we can't figure out what the hell is going on with the Infuse dock on the Samsung branded car dock thread!

KryptosXLayer2 said:
Definitely interested in this if we can't figure out what the hell is going on with the Infuse dock on the Samsung branded car dock thread!
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Click to collapse
The Infuse Dock can't be used with the Galaxy S4 no matter what. This has to do with the fact that Samsung has changed the pin-out configuration when moving to the "new platform" so there's no technical way (to the best of our knowledge) to get it to charge or to start the car-mode. Not sure if this helps?

MikaelPe said:
The Infuse Dock can't be used with the Galaxy S4 no matter what. This has to do with the fact that Samsung has changed the pin-out configuration when moving to the "new platform" so there's no technical way (to the best of our knowledge) to get it to charge or to start the car-mode. Not sure if this helps?
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Oh it helps alright, between this and your comment on the other thread, I'm going to have to give up on the Infuse dock.... it worked great for the Skyrocket and SIII for me, and I should be glad that I had it for those two phones, but now it's time to move on and go with yours - thanks again for your help with this!
I'll be the first to say that this universal dock has convinced someone who has never even considered a universal dock, this is definitely the one to buy if you need a mount for the S4 while driving.... and who doesn't? Samsung realy dropped the ball on this - all these great features to "make life better with your life companion," and they rip out the ability to dock the damn phone on their own dock? This and the TecTiles? Come on, makes me go crazy over here, but I digress - thanks Mikael, much appreciated, great work!
Placing my order right now!!! But wait til you see how I'm mounting it, going to make it mine if it kills me, haha
EDIT - Amazon order number ends in 0420217, can't wait to get this dock installed, thanks again

KryptosXLayer2 said:
Oh it helps alright, between this and your comment on the other thread, I'm going to have to give up on the Infuse dock.... it worked great for the Skyrocket and SIII for me, and I should be glad that I had it for those two phones, but now it's time to move on and go with yours - thanks again for your help with this!
I'll be the first to say that this universal dock has convinced someone who has never even considered a universal dock, this is definitely the one to buy if you need a mount for the S4 while driving.... and who doesn't? Samsung realy dropped the ball on this - all these great features to "make life better with your life companion," and they rip out the ability to dock the damn phone on their own dock? This and the TecTiles? Come on, makes me go crazy over here, but I digress - thanks Mikael, much appreciated, great work!
Placing my order right now!!! But wait til you see how I'm mounting it, going to make it mine if it kills me, haha
EDIT - Amazon order number ends in 0420217, can't wait to get this dock installed, thanks again
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Click to collapse
I'm looking forward to seeing your setup. I want lots of pictures.

Will this work with the s-view cover on and folded back?
Swype'd at pace from my Galaxy S2

Very interesting indeed...
I have a question.. There is a long cable that is attached to the dock and end with the car-charger right? So is that a standard USB port so I can use my own charger or does it come with a car charger itself?
Now the issue with many standard USB car chargers is that they don't charge the phone fast enough. With the GPS on, it actually drains the battery slowly. I am going to get an official Samsung car charger soon.. but will I be able to use with with the xProDock?

Lumsdoni said:
Will this work with the s-view cover on and folded back?
Swype'd at pace from my Galaxy S2
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Yes, the video they have shows a standard flip cover on the SIII working just fine with it, and other cases all the way up to an Otterbox on a damn Note II will work in this thing!
MasK said:
Very interesting indeed...
I have a question.. There is a long cable that is attached to the dock and end with the car-charger right? So is that a standard USB port so I can use my own charger or does it come with a car charger itself?
Now the issue with many standard USB car chargers is that they don't charge the phone fast enough. With the GPS on, it actually drains the battery slowly. I am going to get an official Samsung car charger soon.. but will I be able to use with with the xProDock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not come with a charging solution, they leave that part up to you, thankfully.... If it were attached to a cheap 1A cigarette lighter adapter, I wouldn't want anything to do with it, but since I can connect this to my 2.1A adapter I already bought and used for months on my SIII, I'm certainly happy with that!
My xProDock is out for delivery, pics coming soon......!
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 4 using the XDA app

Very disappointed about the Infuse dock issue but this dock may end up being even better. Purchased and will be sure to test.

It's great! I just received mine and coming off an infuse dock, I love it. I am using it in conjunction with their own app and it works flawlessly. Thanks for the super fast shipping guys.

randy20g said:
It's great! I just received mine and coming off an infuse dock, I love it. I am using it in conjunction with their own app and it works flawlessly. Thanks for the super fast shipping guys.
Click to expand...
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How is the USB connector? Can you get the S4 in and out of the dock and connect the USB with one hand easily?

The USB cord is very stable. It is flexible, but not loose. Similar to the feeling of a goose neck stand. It will stay in the bent shape and position you leave it in. The mount is extremely easy to use, and works with any case. The GS4 goes right into dock mode as soon as it sees the usb plug even if its not connected to power. The cord has a built in plug for the audio as well. The cord has the appearance of being permanently part of the mount, but there is a cover on the back that hides the removable plug. The windshield mount is first rate and did not budge until released.
On a related note....while plugged in, I saw NO battery drain as I had on the Infuse while using map apps, Escort Live radar app, or anything else. The unit continued to charge during all of the above. This in itself is a huge improvement over the previous phone/power combos. I would always have horrible drain even when plugged in when using power hungry apps with BT, GPS, etc...
:victory:

randy20g said:
On a related note....while plugged in, I saw NO battery drain as I had on the Infuse while using map apps, Escort Live radar app, or anything else. The unit continued to charge during all of the above. This in itself is a huge improvement over the previous phone/power combos. I would always have horrible drain even when plugged in when using power hungry apps with BT, GPS, etc...
:victory:
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Click to collapse
That has more to do with the charging adapter you're using than the cable itself - what adapter are you using, a 2A or a 1A?
FULL review coming tomorrow from me, lots of pics, lots of details, along with the good AND the to be desired, nothing bad to report! Tired as hell right now and don't have the energy to finish it and post it, so I'm calling it a night...... until tomorrow!

KryptosXLayer2 said:
That has more to do with the charging adapter you're using than the cable itself - what adapter are you using, a 2A or a 1A?
FULL review coming tomorrow from me, lots of pics, lots of details, along with the good AND the to be desired, nothing bad to report! Tired as hell right now and don't have the energy to finish it and post it, so I'm calling it a night...... until tomorrow!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason, with the Infuse and dock, it never seemed to matter what power adapter I used... It always discharged. This combo is charging fine.

And finally, my incredibly long review on the dock is up, lots of pics!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2262595

Kryptos you are a beast!
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S III using xda premium

open1your1eyes0 said:
Kryptos you are a beast!
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S III using xda premium
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Haha, very time consuming, but it's always worth it when recommending a good product and to give some insight that others may not know
Thanks!

Just wanted to post a helpful tip to anyone using this dock and wants to keep the screen on ONLY when docked, not all the time like the phone settings menu allows you to set "while charging." Always on while charging means that if my screen comes on for any reason while propped up on my desktop charger in the middle of the night, it's on the whole night! This just helps to utilize both Dock Mode that iBolt has figured out how to incorporate into their xProDock and the original Android Car Mode that we probably all know and love from the days of the Infuse 4G car dock!
Here's the link to the steps I used to get this working - it's a little hectic, but should only take about 2 to 5 minutes to set up, depending on what apps you may or may not have already installed
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41206483&postcount=11

I have the original iBolt with the cable and it does not work on the S4. The phone doesn't charge and audio doesn't come out. I have CarHome Ultra installed and using BeyondPod.
d

MikaelPe said:
Hello everyone, with this post we can confirm that the Galaxy S4's vehicle "DockMode" works perfect with the xProDock.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tdwilli1 said:
I have the original iBolt with the cable and it does not work on the S4. The phone doesn't charge and audio doesn't come out. I have CarHome Ultra installed and using BeyondPod.
d
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Is it the xProDock? They developed this new dock for Samsung specifically to address the issue that all the old ways wouldn't work on the S4. Their product page shows old docks and new docks with the old "In Vehicle Charging Dock" as separate products to identify this. It's an issue with Samsung changing things around and not something iBolt did in order to make you buy a new dock.... hell, Samsung even axed compatibility with their previous dock, making buying the xProDock the ONLY solution available to charge and send the vehicle into dock mode! I fought to get the Infuse 4G dock to work with the S4, but Samsung tinkered around with stuff so much, they caused me to have to buy the xProDock too....

[Q] MS Surface Cover Connector Pinout

I know this is probably more for Microsoft Surface Developer Section but seeing how I am still pretty new I don't have enough post to be able to post in that area.
I am mainly curious if anyone knows the pin outs for the Touch/Type Cover connector on the bottom of the tablet and if it uses standard USB or if it is some kind of special propitiatory type connection that would say connect the keyboard membrane to the keyboard controller that may be in the tablet? If it is just a standard USB connection I am thinking about cannibalizing a touch cover to see if I can create a home Grown Dock so to speak for the tablet that would have a USB hub for keyboard and mouse and a USB to Ethernet adapter that works with the tablet. The USB hub will draw power from a modified Power Cord for the tablet IF I can figure out that electrical later on to where it wont fry my tablet or other accessories but first I need to figure out the first part.
TLDR Does anyone know if the touch/type cover user a standard USB protocol and if so what is the pin layout for the connector on the tablet. If anyone can help that would be appreciated.

I just received a surface and they through in 2 type covers. said, "keep it" on a sticky note. I am now working on figuring out what the connectors are. I dont see the point of having 6 connectors, so I think that some may be ground or false. I will open up one of the keyboards to see what ships they are connecting to. i would think it has to be usb. I know that the 6th pin, that is 6th from the left pin, is 1.8v when grounded. I am guessing that the voltage goes up once the surface detects the attached keyboard. I will write back, let me know if you have figured anything else out. seems like we are hte only people on the internet who even care at this point. and microsoft is literally giving away surface computers.
Greg00135 said:
I know this is probably more for Microsoft Surface Developer Section but seeing how I am still pretty new I don't have enough post to be able to post in that area.
I am mainly curious if anyone knows the pin outs for the Touch/Type Cover connector on the bottom of the tablet and if it uses standard USB or if it is some kind of special propitiatory type connection that would say connect the keyboard membrane to the keyboard controller that may be in the tablet? If it is just a standard USB connection I am thinking about cannibalizing a touch cover to see if I can create a home Grown Dock so to speak for the tablet that would have a USB hub for keyboard and mouse and a USB to Ethernet adapter that works with the tablet. The USB hub will draw power from a modified Power Cord for the tablet IF I can figure out that electrical later on to where it wont fry my tablet or other accessories but first I need to figure out the first part.
TLDR Does anyone know if the touch/type cover user a standard USB protocol and if so what is the pin layout for the connector on the tablet. If anyone can help that would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

any progress?
i already build a power wire, with a 5,5mm plug to connect it to my Intocircuit PC26000 for more juice on the go, and for a second charger.
you can see the pinouts of the power plug in the attatched pic.
let me know if you got any results for the cover connector so far - if its USB, i will implement my UMTS stick into a cover
Cheers!

just got pictures of the cover connector, see attatchment.
in fact all the 6 pins are connected. USB 2.0 would take 4 of them.
my guess is that one of them could be a switch, to turn the device & keyboard on and off.

any progress
Curious if anyone has made any progress on decoding the pinout, figuring out if it's usb or not?

i didn't do any further research - but it guess it's usb, or at least kind of... as it shows up as USB device in the device manager...

tfBullet said:
just got pictures of the cover connector, see attatchment.
in fact all the 6 pins are connected. USB 2.0 would take 4 of them.
my guess is that one of them could be a switch, to turn the device & keyboard on and off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by the connector and the fact that the covers are USB-based and can be used reversed, the pinout makes perfect sense. The likely possibility for the pinout is as follows:
Power Cover connector (Using pin labels in picture)
1/10 = Power cover +ve
2/9 = Power cover Ground
Touch/Type connector (Using pin labels in picture)
3 = +ve
4 = Ground
5/6 = Data +ve or -ve (reversible internally)
7/8 = Attachment direction detect
Pins on Touch/Type cover itself (Pinout from left [1] to right [6])
1/6 = +ve
2/5 = Ground
3/4 = Data +ve or -ve (reversible internally)
As to if the USB data pairs are swapped on the SP or the Cover, we cannot know without more information. Depending on the voltage supplied or the presence of unauthorised hardware detection (e.g. the ID chip in Apple earphones, I doubt it), custom USB devices should be fairly trivial (electrically).

I know this is an old thread but has anyone made any further progress on this? If not, I'm considering experimenting myself with a spare touch cover and a raspberry pi

geronphillips said:
I know this is an old thread but has anyone made any further progress on this? If not, I'm considering experimenting myself with a spare touch cover and a raspberry pi
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Click to collapse
Nope, im sorry, i didn't make further progress on this, exept what i already posted.. it is a USB connection, you can easily verify that yourself by looking at the Touch/type-cover in the device-manager...
I guess you can easily connect other USB devices if you build yourself an adapter..
but there could also be some kind of verification, if so then its most likely software based, if you hit a barrier, try reverseing the type-cover driver, you might find something there...
One additional info: the big outer nipples can be used to charge the device.
Peace

If I were to leverage the bottom grooves for charging, can you tell me which pin is which? +/-
tfBullet said:
Nope, im sorry, i didn't make further progress on this, exept what i already posted.. it is a USB connection, you can easily verify that yourself by looking at the Touch/type-cover in the device-manager...
I guess you can easily connect other USB devices if you build yourself an adapter..
but there could also be some kind of verification, if so then its most likely software based, if you hit a barrier, try reverseing the type-cover driver, you might find something there...
One additional info: the big outer nipples can be used to charge the device.
Peace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi tfBullet,
When you say "the big outer nipples can be used to charge the devices" are you referring to these...
Power Cover connector (Using pin labels in picture)
1/10 = Power cover +ve
2/9 = Power cover Ground

Any new discovery?
Any new discovery?

will the power output still be live, if the data signals are not shorted? e.g: IOS devices

Can we just connect the keyboard via usb to a windows pc?

I don't think this is true USB, as there is no 5 volts anywhere on the connector, only 3.3 volts.. It may be USB, but needing to be level-shifted before you can use it. It may be potentially a way to get another USB port on the damn thing. Why did they think one USB port is enough? I have been trying to boot it from flash drive, but need keyboard as well, but the USB will not boot with a hub connected. Grrrrr.

slurpy1 said:
I don't think this is true USB, as there is no 5 volts anywhere on the connector, only 3.3 volts.. It may be USB, but needing to be level-shifted before you can use it. It may be potentially a way to get another USB port on the damn thing. Why did they think one USB port is enough? I have been trying to boot it from flash drive, but need keyboard as well, but the USB will not boot with a hub connected. Grrrrr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not booting on a flash drive and use the usb for keyboard???

There's someone here who's made some progress...
edwardsh.in/keyboard%20cover/2015/08/13/applying-logic-to-the-surface-touch-cover

i want to connect the keyboard itself to other devices
Hey guys
Good thread going on , i would like to see if any one of you ever thought about to use keyboard itself not the port , for some reasons I would like to use the keyboard on other devices (i mean kinda convert the pins to a USB port and use it on other pcs or what i really desire about is using it on Xbox) i want to see if any of you have any ideas or information about this , i mean is this even possible ? I've read the whole replies and most of them were about the port on surface and yeah its really cool , but i want to see if its possible to do , cause if its possible then it would be a lot easier than the port on the surface
Thanks

Ferrybigger said:
Hey guys
Good thread going on , i would like to see if any one of you ever thought about to use keyboard itself not the port , for some reasons I would like to use the keyboard on other devices (i mean kinda convert the pins to a USB port and use it on other pcs or what i really desire about is using it on Xbox) i want to see if any of you have any ideas or information about this , i mean is this even possible ? I've read the whole replies and most of them were about the port on surface and yeah its really cool , but i want to see if its possible to do , cause if its possible then it would be a lot easier than the port on the surface
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, take a look at the link Neakmenter posted, the guy there analyzed the communication, turns out it's no standard USB, it's proprietary.. Which means, there is no easy way of using this keyboard anywhere else than the surface... You would need some kind of microcontroller which connects to the keyboard, interprets it's signals, and relays them as Standart HID signals to a USB port..
The connector alone is a problem as well, you'd need to 3D print a connector or something like that, it's just not worth the effort i guess [emoji2371]
Gesendet von meinem MAR-LX1A mit Tapatalk

ebay smartdock clone

On my quest to make an adapter to use my Atrix Lapdock with my S4 I already destroyed an mhl adapter, and now I want to try this dock from ebay.
Has anyone had any experience with it?

Let me know, looks nice.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

Be careful. I bought one of these on Amazon a while back...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4CVT7A/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
...and I realize it might not be the same exact thing, but it looks similar in construction.
About 2 weeks after I started using it, it started shorting out and sparking! I was lucky that I was right beside it when it started happening and got my phone out of it before any damage was done. The problem was with the wiring / circuitry in the base of the unit. I threw it away immediately.
So, hopefully your will work a lot better, just be careful.

scott14719 said:
Be careful. I bought one of these on Amazon a while back...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4CVT7A/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
...and I realize it might not be the same exact thing, but it looks similar in construction.
About 2 weeks after I started using it, it started shorting out and sparking! I was lucky that I was right beside it when it started happening and got my phone out of it before any damage was done. The problem was with the wiring / circuitry in the base of the unit. I threw it away immediately.
So, hopefully your will work a lot better, just be careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I usually buy stuff from DX, so I'm quite used to opening and doing a good quality check for every item I buy before using it!

I got the item, it works good and the build quality is good.
BUT, when you connect an external power supply, the power to the usb host port gets disconnected and the usb lines get shorted. So you can use either the USB OR the HDMI. There are 3 relays inside the device; by disabling the top one you can do the 500ms short trick and get the HDMI + USB HOST + CHARGING features, but it takes some effort.

gip_mad said:
I got the item, it works good and the build quality is good.
BUT, when you connect an external power supply, the power to the usb host port gets disconnected and the usb lines get shorted. So you can use either the USB OR the HDMI. There are 3 relays inside the device; by disabling the top one you can do the 500ms short trick and get the HDMI + USB HOST + CHARGING features, but it takes some effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to use or make a charge only cable (only 5V and ground)? That way the USB data lines should not be affected if the charger shorts the data pins.
Or is the one of the relays shorting the data pins inside the adapter?

Sorry, maybe I didn't explain correctly. The adapter shorts the phone's usb data pins, everything else is untouched. A delay circuit is implemented too, so it looks like they tried to do the 500ms trick but failed miserably so they sold the dock as is.

has anyone got any further with this project? I have an original Samsung smart dock and have now got the hdmi converters but nothing is shown on the lapdock screen. The adaptors and lapdock work fine as I have had it connected to my sky hd box?

Hi, did you try the adapters with a TV? My adapters work well and send a (distorted) image to the lapdock..

Yes I tried them both ways as an output to a tv and also an input to a moniter

looks pretty interesting. huh

Round The World with Pixel C

Hi,
I prepare a world tour for 1 year with departure this summer.
I have a tower PC and a Pixel C (just the tablet actually). So I can't take the PC with me for a problem of size
So I tell myself let's go with Pixel C ! And I'm here for wise advises.
Which accessorize are necessary for a suitable equipment for my trip ?
I think to the Keyboard google and a bluetooth mouse.
Do you think it's ok with this ? Wich accessories in more for you ?
Or don't take the Pixel C, it's very laborious ?
Thanks in advance for your advices and maybe on the road

This USBC hub/ethernet adapter should cover you for a lot of stuff. Use any mouse via the usb port, and definitely get the Google Keyboard. I use this setup for my onsite toolkit and only take my pixel c on vacation, no more laptop for me!
http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Ethernet-Including-ChromeBook-Aluminum/dp/B00XU6PM68

A year is a long time. The main issue you'll have with long term travel around the world is damage to your tablet, unexpected bad weather, and sustained access to reliable electricity with good power sockets. You must also be able to cope with the Pixel C getting totally messed up if you tweaked it.
Personally I like the magnetic keyboard, but the most protective would be the folio keyboard as it protects the rear also. I use a regular 10" size foam case I got years ago for a netbook for packing protection. A waterproof bag to handle the worst nature can throw at you. A small 16L type size will be enough. There are waterproof foam protective cases.
You need to be able to survive a bad ROM and a need to restore, so some kind of USB storage external to make the odd TWRP Recovery backup. Either a Type-C connector or another type and an adapter. The adapter is a good idea as it lets you use other chargers/cables.
To survive a bricked Pixel C you'll need a PC with fastboot and ADB. One trick is to make a bootable USB stick with Ubuntu and install the fastboot and adb software. You can then borrow a laptop and boot it off the stick and then fix your Pixel C, without having to install anything on the borrowed laptop.
A moderately large USB battery. A compact one like 10000mah. Ones which charge faster like off 3A would be better.
A multiport USB charger, so you can make fast use of time near mains power. The Pixel C is my only full Type-C on USB3 device, and there aren't many type-C 3A output multiports. So imagine you're moving a lot and all your batteries going flat and you got like 30min-1hr near a mains socket, and its located at an awkward location.
Avoid chargers where the PSU is right off the plug, as they are a weight which simply falls out of an unreliable power socket, go for the type with a long cord and you put the local socket adaptor on so its light weight in the plug.
Below are not recommendations, they are illustrative examples.
Multiport power adapter https://www.anker.com/products/A2053111
USB battery https://www.anker.com/products/A1371011
Case, this one is too big so look around http://www.amazon.com/Lacdo-Waterpr...r_1_20?srs=10611327011&ie=UTF8&qid=1461473826

Thank you for your answers.
The bag is a good idea for Pixel's protection. I think before at a freezer bag for humidity but at 12 € the bag, it's better I go look if they have at the perfect size.
For the Kyeboard, the magnetic keyboard will be protect in the waterproof bag so he has my preference and the folio keyboard isn't available in France
Fot the hub, with information and search I have an hesitation about two Anker that proposed by "jptechnical" : (sorry not possible to put links because new user)
- Anker : Three USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C recharging port
- Anker : Two USB 3.0 ports, One Ethernet and one USB-C recharging port
I don't know if i have more interest for the third Usb 3 or the Ethernet Why not a hub with 3 usb + Ethernet who allow charge ?
I have three questions about these hub :
- Can I use it and charging the Pixel in the same time ?
- Can I charging Pixel + Smartphone with ?
- If I connect Pixel + smartphone + External Hard disk, can I transfer Photo from Smartphone to Hard disk ?
For The external battery I go take one, she seems very well but a few expensive so I continued my search.
For the wall Charger, I'm less seduce because for use it, you need a power outlet so I can directly connect the Pixel C and the external battery can help it seems to me.

I've been doing a fair bit of travel and I used to have a TF201. (Android Transformer Prime)
The main things I can tell you about my experience with that is.
1. Cover. Its always getting thrown around on desks and other surfaces.
2. Picture Uploads. Throughout all of my trips I made a point of regularly uploading all the pictures and videos I took on the trip to the cloud in case of loss or stolen camera/s.
That being said I would suggest like the previous person a good hub! Preferably one with the right ports for your camera cards. (Micro SD and SD?)
3. Power. Extra long power cables are great!! and battery pack for on the go charging for both your phone and tablet. If you have the right cords you can charge your phone off the tablet anyways which is always a bonus.
4. Connectivity. Both the pixel C and my last tablet were WiFi only. So I've found the best way to stay connected is buying a local sim-card and hot-spotting from the phone where WiFi isn't available. Which refers back to #3. Hot-Spotting chews power.
And the last thing I would suggest is a power board. Its come in handy for all my travels. I just buy 1x international adapter and have all my local power units plugged into the one board! Makes it much easier IMO.
Other than that Enjoy your trip!

Thank you for all your answers, just to equip now

empacher90 said:
Hi,
I prepare a world tour for 1 year with departure this summer.
I have a tower PC and a Pixel C (just the tablet actually). So I can't take the PC with me for a problem of size
So I tell myself let's go with Pixel C ! And I'm here for wise advises.
Which accessorize are necessary for a suitable equipment for my trip ?
I think to the Keyboard google and a bluetooth mouse.
Do you think it's ok with this ? Wich accessories in more for you ?
Or don't take the Pixel C, it's very laborious ?
Thanks in advance for your advices and maybe on the road
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend a Chromecast, that way you could even connect your Pixel C to a friend's TV Screen or use mirracast in a hotel room to watch some stuff on the TV in your hotel room. All the Best