Need to change USB bus mode from "device" to "host"

[PacificaBren]

I bought this USB keyboard/case for my mom's Zenithink C71 Upgrade.

It has a full-sized USB plug, so I need to get a USB-to-mini USB adapter for it tomorrow. The thing is, I'm also anticipating possibly having to change the USB bus mode to get it to work, as that is mentioned in several of the Amazon reviews of this product.

Here's what one reviewer wrote:

Finally, when I first connected my adapter that came with my tablet to the keyboard adapter I was very disappointed that nothing happened. I tried several different browser pages, mashed all the buttons on the keyboard, clicked on the Function key and snooze button twice in case it was in sleep mode, etc. but nothing happened. I finally kept reading reviews on here and noticed on about page 3 or 4 that someone mentioned they changed their USB settings and their keyboard finally started working. So, I immediately went to my Settings, Advanced Settings, and then USB BUS MODE and changed it from DEVICE mode to HOST mode and VOILA - the keyboard immediately started functioning.

Now here's my problem:

When I call up the menu on that tablet and get into the system settings, I can't find Advanced Settings or anything else that would let me alter the USB host mode.

This is a Chinese tablet we're talking about that came from the factory with a presumably ordinary install of ICS.

Is there something I'm missing here? Is USB host mode located somewhere else when you're in ICS?

Thank you in advance for whatever light you can shed on my dilemma!

 

[Harry2]

Your tab has to be able to switch in the USB host mode.
So have a look at its manual for this or USB OTG or USB On The Go.

If the tab has USB OTG ability then the jumped pins 4&5 of the micro/miniUSB connector would force the tab in USB host mode.
Such jumped pins have USB OTG cables (micro/miniUSB to full-sized USB A female).

Maybe your tab has enclosed such a USB OTG cable, if not, look at Amazon ... mine came for 7 Euro

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

Thank you Harry. I don't quite understand the concept of USB OTG, but I'll check the manual. The manual's English isn't so good. Maybe I'll get lucky and the keyboard will just work when I plug it in? I sure hope so...

 

[PacificaBren]

But isn't it still kind of weird that I can't access an Advanced Settings when I press the Menu button?

 

[Harry2]

First you might try the USB OTG ability of your tablet with an USB storage stick.

The reason is that your USB keybord might not be supported of the Android firmware of your tab.
But USB storage sticks are supported in most cases.

Harry

 

[Harry2]

But isn't it still kind of weird that I can't access an Advanced Settings when I press the Menu button?

My HTC One X phone has USB OTG ability and has not a switch in its Settings ... the USB OTG cable does this.

I correct it, the phone has a switch in its settings, but only for to dismount the USB device (like you have to do it on the PC).

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

If you're suggesting plugging a USB thumb drive into this thing to test it, that won't be possible until I pick up a USB-to-mini USB adapter tomorrow.

This thing came with a USB cable that plugs into an AC adapter, but I doubt that's the USB OTG cable you're referring to.

 

[Harry2]

I had a look at Zinithink's webpage, the C71 Upgade has OTG ability

So your host cable should have a full-sized USB A female connector ... on this you could plug a USB thumb drive for a test.

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

Thank you for looking into that for me! The cable the tablet came with is mini USB on one end, and then the other end that plugs into the AC adapter is your basic male USB plug, so that thing won't accept a thumb drive.

Which site did you look at? I know there's apparently a fake Zenithink site out there being run by scammers, and even when you're looking at the real Zenithink site, the info is kinda sparse.

 

[Harry2]

Thanks for this tip.

I looked at this site ...
http://www.zenithink.com/Eproducts_C71.php

Could you give me the web page where you bought the tab ?

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

Thanks for this tip.

I looked at this site ...
Zenithink

Could you give me the web page where you bought the tab ?

Harry

That's the legit, real Zenithink site. If you find a site claiming to be Zenithink, but accepting orders from US customers, that one is fake.

I bought my mom's Zenithink on eBay.

 

[Harry2]

So the C71 Upgrade spec's says 'USB host' and 'USB OTG', two miniUSB sockets I'd guess.

I think, 'USB host' with that cable, which you had mentioned, connected to the PC, let the tab acts like an USB client, means on PC you'll see your tab's storage and SD card.

So you'd need for the 'USB OTG' (for the tab been acting like a host) this USB OTG cable which I had mentioned.

Good luck

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

Thanks again. So...

If I'm understanding you, are you thinking maybe I would need an OTG cable in order for that USB keyboard/case to work?

I sure hope not, since the dang thing didn't come with such a cable.

Anyway, yes, the Zenithink C71 has two mini USB ports.

 

[Harry2]

Yes, I think you'll need to buy an USB OTG cable for to force the tab in USB host mode.

But it's not a sure thing that the keyboard will work.

Maybe you might think about a Bluetooth keyboard. As I heard, such keyboard are more easy to handle with tabs.

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

No Bluetooth on this particular tablet.

 

[Harry2]

Then you might try a cable like this ...
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=2751

... or your USB to miniUSB adapter might work
(some are also OTG).

Good luck, Bren and let us know about

Harry

 

[PacificaBren]

Success! I stopped by Central Computers in San Francisco and they had a USB OTG cable that went from USB female to Micro USB. Since the tablet in question has Mini USB, as opposed to Micro USB, they also sold me a Micro-to-Mini adapter.

The employee warned me that sometimes adapters mess with things and stop them from working, but I took the setup home, and it works perfectly.

I'm glad I went to a real computer store, as opposed to Radio Shack, because Radio Shack may or may not have had the necessary adapter, and may or may not have had an employee on hand who knew what I needed.

I'm also glad I had you to advise me, Harry. It's thanks to your input that I was able to know what to ask for when I went into that store!

 

[Harry2]

You're welcome, Bren and I'm glad you had success with the USB keyboard
Thanks for the feedback.

Harry