I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless,
now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best
I can tell, this would require two items:
* Has anyone done this before?
* Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can
I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into
the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before they were sent out over BT. I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an arduino microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the power supply /USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to a receiver on your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing it inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all --
> I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, > now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best > I can tell, this would require two items:
> * Has anyone done this before? > * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can > I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into > the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
> Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
> Cheers,
> -- Erik Anderson
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
Unfortunately, the wireless USB transmitter had to plugged into a docking station, which connected via USB to the AlphaGrip, but also had to be plugged into an electrical outlet. So my AlphaGrip was wireless from the transmitter to my computer, but it was wired to the base station, which in turn was wired to the wall. Now, if you could combine the wireless USB transmitter and its docking station with a battery, you could have a wireless AlphaGrip.
________________________________ From: Doug Sims <wdsim...@gmail.com> To: alphagrip@googlegroups.com Sent: Thu, June 23, 2011 10:36:39 PM Subject: Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using included USB ports
I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before they were sent out over BT.
I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an arduino microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the power supply /USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to a receiver on your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing it inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all --
> I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, > now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best > I can tell, this would require two items:
> * Has anyone done this before? > * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can > I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into > the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
> Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
> Cheers,
> -- Erik Anderson
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >"alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at >http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "alphagrip" group. To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
Is that base in that cables unlimited thing just for power? Because if that's all it does couldn't you take the dongle out, attach it to the alphagrip with this http://www.amazon.com/USB-Adapter-Type-Female-Male/dp/B000AA2SMS and then wire up a 5V power source to the power wires?
> Unfortunately, the wireless USB transmitter had to plugged into a docking > station, which connected via USB to the AlphaGrip, but also had to be > plugged into an electrical outlet. So my AlphaGrip was wireless from the > transmitter to my computer, but it was wired to the base station, which in > turn was wired to the wall. Now, if you could combine the wireless USB > transmitter and its docking station with a battery, you could have a > wireless AlphaGrip.
> ------------------------------ > *From:* Doug Sims <wdsim...@gmail.com> > *To:* alphagrip@googlegroups.com > *Sent:* Thu, June 23, 2011 10:36:39 PM > *Subject:* Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using > included USB ports
> I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the > biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between > USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act > as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a > microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before > they were sent out over BT. > I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an > arduino microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the > power supply /USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to > a receiver on your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. > Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing > it inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. > On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote: > > Hello all --
> > I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, > > now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best > > I can tell, this would require two items:
> > * Has anyone done this before? > > * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can > > I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into > > the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
> > Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
> > Cheers,
> > -- Erik Anderson
> > -- > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
> Is that base in that cables unlimited thing just for power? Because if > that's all it does couldn't you take the dongle out, attach it to the > alphagrip with this > http://www.amazon.com/USB-Adapter-Type-Female-Male/dp/B000AA2SMS and then > wire up a 5V power source to the power wires?
> On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 11:27 AM, Mike Willner <m...@alphagrip.com> wrote:
>> Unfortunately, the wireless USB transmitter had to plugged into a docking >> station, which connected via USB to the AlphaGrip, but also had to be >> plugged into an electrical outlet. So my AlphaGrip was wireless from the >> transmitter to my computer, but it was wired to the base station, which in >> turn was wired to the wall. Now, if you could combine the wireless USB >> transmitter and its docking station with a battery, you could have a >> wireless AlphaGrip.
>> ------------------------------ >> *From:* Doug Sims <wdsim...@gmail.com> >> *To:* alphagrip@googlegroups.com >> *Sent:* Thu, June 23, 2011 10:36:39 PM >> *Subject:* Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using >> included USB ports
>> I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the >> biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between >> USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act >> as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a >> microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before >> they were sent out over BT. >> I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an >> arduino microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the >> power supply /USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to >> a receiver on your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. >> Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing >> it inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. >> On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote: >> > Hello all --
>> > I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, >> > now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best >> > I can tell, this would require two items:
>> > 1. Power supply >> > 2. Bluetooth adapter
>> > For 1, I've found things like this at Amazon:
>> > * Has anyone done this before? >> > * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can >> > I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into >> > the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
>> > Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
>> > Cheers,
>> > -- Erik Anderson
>> > -- >> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups "alphagrip" group. >> > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> > For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "alphagrip" group. >> To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "alphagrip" group. >> To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
I tried connecting the transmitter to a Duracell instant charger similar to the one suggested by Erik, but it didn't work, so I assumed the base did more than just provide power. On the other hand, I didn't connect the transmitter to the AlphaGrip with the adapter you suggested... I connected it directly into the USB port on the AlphaGrip that connects to the AlphaGrip's internal USB hub.
________________________________ From: Matthew Jordan <boneman1...@gmail.com> To: alphagrip@googlegroups.com Sent: Fri, June 24, 2011 10:51:24 AM Subject: Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using included USB ports
Is that base in that cables unlimited thing just for power? Because if that's all it does couldn't you take the dongle out, attach it to the alphagrip with this http://www.amazon.com/USB-Adapter-Type-Female-Male/dp/B000AA2SMS and then wire up a 5V power source to the power wires?
On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 11:27 AM, Mike Willner <m...@alphagrip.com> wrote:
>Unfortunately, the wireless USB transmitter had to plugged into a docking >station, which connected via USB to the AlphaGrip, but also had to be plugged >into an electrical outlet. So my AlphaGrip was wireless from the transmitter to >my computer, but it was wired to the base station, which in turn was wired to >the wall. Now, if you could combine the wireless USB transmitter and its docking >station with a battery, you could have a wireless AlphaGrip.
>To: alphagrip@googlegroups.com >Sent: Thu, June 23, 2011 10:36:39 PM >Subject: Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using included USB >ports
>I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the >biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between USB >host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act as a host >(which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a microprocessor on >board to translate the key presses into USB signals before they were sent out >over BT.
>I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an arduino >microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the power supply >/USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to a receiver on >your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. >Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing it >inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. >On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote: >> Hello all --
>> I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, >> now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best >> I can tell, this would require two items:
>> * Has anyone done this before? >> * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can >> I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into >> the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
>> Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
>> Cheers,
>> -- Erik Anderson
>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>"alphagrip" group. >> To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >>http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>-- >You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >"alphagrip" group. >To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >For more options, visit this group at >http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>-- >You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >"alphagrip" group. >To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >For more options, visit this group at >http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "alphagrip" group. To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
Ok, so, to sum up, will the alphagrip accept power from that extra usb port? If so, it would be pretty simple actually to use the cables unlimited wireless usb transmitter receiver plus a USB A Female to USB B Male adapter (provided the base simply provides power) and the AA Usb power supply to make it wireless. If you were willing to gut the device and get some of those energizer induction batteries they have for the wii remotes http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Energizer-Panel-Induction-Charger-Nintendo/... could even get some batteries in there that would recharge via induction. So you could put them inside and charge via the energizer induction mat.
If it you could not power it via the extra port, could you maybe wire the power into the USB A Female to USB B Male adapter on the correct pinouts somehow so that it would provide power to the transmitter and the alphagrip?
On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 12:06 PM, Mike Willner <m...@alphagrip.com> wrote: > I tried connecting the transmitter to a Duracell instant charger similar to > the one suggested by Erik, but it didn't work, so I assumed the base did > more than just provide power. On the other hand, I didn't connect the > transmitter to the AlphaGrip with the adapter you suggested... I connected > it directly into the USB port on the AlphaGrip that connects to the > AlphaGrip's internal USB hub.
> ------------------------------ > *From:* Matthew Jordan <boneman1...@gmail.com> > *To:* alphagrip@googlegroups.com > *Sent:* Fri, June 24, 2011 10:51:24 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using > included USB ports
> Is that base in that cables unlimited thing just for power? Because if > that's all it does couldn't you take the dongle out, attach it to the > alphagrip with this > http://www.amazon.com/USB-Adapter-Type-Female-Male/dp/B000AA2SMS and then > wire up a 5V power source to the power wires?
> On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 11:27 AM, Mike Willner <m...@alphagrip.com> wrote:
>> Unfortunately, the wireless USB transmitter had to plugged into a docking >> station, which connected via USB to the AlphaGrip, but also had to be >> plugged into an electrical outlet. So my AlphaGrip was wireless from the >> transmitter to my computer, but it was wired to the base station, which in >> turn was wired to the wall. Now, if you could combine the wireless USB >> transmitter and its docking station with a battery, you could have a >> wireless AlphaGrip.
>> ------------------------------ >> *From:* Doug Sims <wdsim...@gmail.com> >> *To:* alphagrip@googlegroups.com >> *Sent:* Thu, June 23, 2011 10:36:39 PM >> *Subject:* Re: [alphagrip] Wireless (Bluetooth) possibilities using >> included USB ports
>> I was very interested in this when I first got my alphagrip. However, the >> biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between >> USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act >> as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a >> microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before >> they were sent out over BT. >> I think the best solution to this problem right now would be to get an >> arduino microprocessor with a BT shield (i.e. adapter) and use it as the >> power supply /USB host, that would also transmit the wireless BT signals to >> a receiver on your computer. The arduino has USB built in to it. >> Fyi, I have even tried this by disassembling a wireless mouse and stuffing >> it inside of the AG. It didn't work :(. >> On Jun 23, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote: >> > Hello all --
>> > I'm looking into the ways in which I might make my Alphagrip wireless, >> > now that batteries and other components are so much smaller. As best >> > I can tell, this would require two items:
>> > 1. Power supply >> > 2. Bluetooth adapter
>> > For 1, I've found things like this at Amazon:
>> > * Has anyone done this before? >> > * Can anyone tell me how the two USB ports on the Alphagrip work? Can >> > I plug the power pack into one USB port and the Bluetooth adapter into >> > the other? Does it matter which device is plugged into which port?
>> > Any advice or even anecdotes would be much appreciated.
>> > Cheers,
>> > -- Erik Anderson
>> > -- >> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >> Groups "alphagrip" group. >> > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> > For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "alphagrip" group. >> To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
>> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "alphagrip" group. >> To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
As the designer/creator of the Alphagrip :), can you confirm Doug's
analysis here?
> However, the
> biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between
> USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act
> as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a
> microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before
> they were sent out over BT.
I'm interested enough in this issue to start seriously looking into
it, but I don't know a lot about USB, USB hosts/devices, how power via
USB works, etc, and that'll take some time to read up on. Any head
start that folks here on the list could give me would be most
welcome. :D
The device that Mike linked is a commercial product that does what I was suggesting. The disadvantage as Mike mentioned is that you need to be plugged into the wall. USB power is simple, so this would be easy to solve. Pins 1 and 4 provide 5 volts (with one of them being ground) for devices requiring power. Pins 2 & 3 are the data pins. On Jun 24, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote:
Right, I just didn't know if you supplied the power via the Type A female connector if it would power the alphagrip and a device plugged into the Type B connector. If it does then no big deal (and it would let you avoid that base that plugged into the wall).
On Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 2:45 PM, Doug Sims <wdsim...@gmail.com> wrote: > The device that Mike linked is a commercial product that does what I was > suggesting. The disadvantage as Mike mentioned is that you need to be > plugged into the wall. > USB power is simple, so this would be easy to solve. Pins 1 and 4 provide 5 > volts (with one of them being ground) for devices requiring power. Pins 2 & > 3 are the data pins. > On Jun 24, 2011 1:25 PM, "Eiríkr" <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote:
> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "alphagrip" group. > To post to this group, send email to alphagrip@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > alphagrip+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/alphagrip?hl=en.
Given that you have expressed an interest in "seriously looking into"
making your AlphaGrip wireless, and given that I am not nearly as
technologically astute as you (or anyone else participating in this
discussion, for that matter), how about I send you the wireless USB
adapter set, the Duracell rechargeable battery with USB ports, and a
used AlphaGrip with which to experiment.
Mike
On Jun 24, 12:25 pm, Eiríkr <erikanders...@gmail.com> wrote:
> As the designer/creator of the Alphagrip :), can you confirm Doug's
> analysis here?
> > However, the
> > biggest problem with a simple solution like that is the difference between
> > USB host and USB device. The alphagrip only acts as a device, it can't act
> > as a host (which is require for a BT adapter to work). It would need a
> > microprocessor on board to translate the key presses into USB signals before
> > they were sent out over BT.
> I'm interested enough in this issue to start seriously looking into
> it, but I don't know a lot about USB, USB hosts/devices, how power via
> USB works, etc, and that'll take some time to read up on. Any head
> start that folks here on the list could give me would be most
> welcome. :D
The keyboard will only use a very small fraction of the WUSB bandwidth. So it is not necessary to use WUSB for this kind of devices. Moreover, the high power consumption of WUSB chipset renders WUSB the worst choice in all options for wireless version of the AlphaGrip: IR, bluetooth, etc.
However, I still can not find any USB to bluetooth adapters. The usual USB-bluetooth dongles only act as host. The market is also very small for USB-bluetooth adapters, because not many devices deserve an additional USB-bluetooth adapter. There are plenty of cheap bluetooth enabled keyboards, microphones, headsets out there. For other USB devices (storage, display, modem, router, etc.) the bandwidths of bluetooth are often too small.
Unfortunately, the Cable Unlimited also went bankrupt during 2011... So even WUSB is not an option now.
More puzzling is why AlphaGrip did not embed bluetooth function into its products at the first place. It is not a big technical challenge, is it?
This is the disadvantage of WUSB. The WUSB is never popular and already steps one of his leg into his cemetery because of its power consumption. They can NOT provide a reasonable on-chip solution with decent energy efficiency*.
So most of batteries with proper size and weight might never provide enough battery life for the WUSB adapter. ***
