yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
To avoid jacking Verygreens thread on usb host support, I am creating this thread for development of the Nook Color Backpack.

What is the Backpack, you ask?

The Backpack will be an open hardware based addon similar in style to the sliders used on Compaq(HP) iPaqs. It will be self contained in that it will carry its own battery source for powering USB peripherals and also a few built in goodies such as a camera module, stereo speakers(possibly amplified), and possibly a GPS module.

This thread is to help others who may want to build a similar device and to accept input from the community on its design. PLEASE, refrain from any flame wars or other similar postings.

Feel free to post with suggestions, comments or even criticism(as long as it is constructive).:D
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Reserved for schematics and other technical details....
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
reserved for pics and misc. details......
[Nook Color Accessories] Link3737:
Neat idea! I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.
[Nook Color Accessories] ph00ny:
Subscribed
[Nook Color Accessories] GadgetFreak:
Interesting idea...
[Nook Color Accessories] pokey9000:
Sparkfun.com sells a bunch of stuff that would make for a good prototype:

5V 600mA boost converter and LiIon charger (w/ microusb charging port):

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10300

2Ah single LiPo cell:

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8483

microUSB plug - right angle breakout:

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10031

USB A socket:

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9011

If you were planning to use a hub you'd need a more capable boost converter or go with 2 LiPo cells in series and step-down. For a proof-of-concept I think you can get pretty far with these parts.
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Thanks pokey. I'll check into those. As far as the plug, I'm currently looking at buying and modifying a stock cable...to retain stock charging from a high amp source. Externally I think I will be going with a standard female USB A port for power in/stock USB connectivity.

The hub I've chosen so far is a cheapo Targus unpowered. Very easy to mod into what will be required.

Really need to get on a rough draft drawing of the general layout. I work 12 hours a day in construction. Ill try hard to squeeze spare time in for this and pics of the little I have done so far this week.
[Nook Color Accessories] anathema_forever:
solar panel, 1.8" hard drive, flash card reader, speakers and 3g card are some things I think might also be cool in something like this.
[Nook Color Accessories] Syco54645:
I am digging this idea. Can't wait to see some progress on this. If the speakers were bt then you could limit the wires some. Space for a 1/8 inch hdd would be nice because you could just use a cf card if you desired. Could really make the nook into a sort of laptop device if done right. Really can't wait to see this. Also check this out. Found it in another thread. May want to add a holder for it into the design somehow. http://www.amazon.com/ProMini-Wireless-Bluetooth-Keyboard-TouchPad/dp/B003ZJEUBI/ref=pd_sim_e_1
[Nook Color Accessories] siddhantfriends:
Good idea 3G will be appreciated.
[Nook Color Accessories] Taosaur:
It took some googling for me to figure out what you were trying to do, but I see now you want to make a hard case that slides over the back of the NC with some hardware integrated.

My main criticism is that the backpack form factor is really optimized for handheld devices, and the NC is already pushing the practical weight for a handheld device. We're looking at easily another 1lb or more with this hardware, rendering it more of a docking station, at which point an actual docking station with a keyboard makes more sense.

Still, if you do want to design a backpack, consider incorporating stands and grips to make it more ergonomic. For instance, you could have fold-out tripod legs, or a picture-frame style easel, and indentations or possibly even finger loops.

Personally, I would prefer a genuine dock to serve as the 'other half of the laptop,' without requiring that the NC be either permanently attached to all that hardware or removed from its primary case.
[Nook Color Accessories] Syco54645:
to make the hooks that go around the side you could use sugru to mold them. i would think that would work.
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
I have a few thoughts.

1. I might find time to make this into my obsession for a while, as much as this interests me. My degree is in electronic engineering and I'm a pretty crafty person so perhaps I can be of assistance. I will give it some thought and see if I can contribute. So busy this days with life...

2. One of the things I need to be able to switch from a full laptop is the ability to sit this thing on my lap and work from a keyboard. With all the current cases, they are not supported properly like a hinged laptop display so they have to be on something and propped up. To be able to use some type of hinged holder that is stiff enough to hold the Nook up would be awesome. I have some ideas on how to do this, it could be the finishing touch once it's all working.

3. With the functionality that most people seem to want, I personally don't think size is that big of an issue. Why don't we figure out how to mod one of the existing iPad cases or something of that nature? That would give a slightly larger keyboard and the extra space around where the Nook would attach and/or slide into could hold the additional hardware like speakers and such. IMO, if I can have the size of the Nook and pop it into something like this when I *really* need to work or type a long email, I'm cool with a slightly larger format.

I'm struggling to keep up with some of the latest info regarding USB host & BT support on the Nook and such, but I'll see if I can read up. I'm guessing that once the source for HC is released it all becomes easier and it appears that CM7 is already making a lot of progress.
[Nook Color Accessories] pokey9000:
More power to you, though it sounds like the Asus Transformer is exactly what you want.
[Nook Color Accessories] Blue6IX:
Take a look at this:http://www.energizerpowerpacks.com/us/

I have 2 of the XP4001 models, each one is the size of a small usb hard drive. It has two usb ports on it and charges my phone, digital camera, and mp3 player great.

Haven't tried it on the Nook yet...

If I get what you're trying to do, taking apart one of the XP8000 models and going from there might be a good part of the prototype puzzle?

You can find these at office supply stores, more then big box electronics stores.
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
Now where's the fun in just buying it already made if we can design and build it ourselves ;)
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
This looks like a great battery pack. Thanks for the link.

I've been thinking more and reading more on verygreens thread...I'm start to think KISS. Battery pack and USB hub, with one port facing each way(left,right,top,bottom). Then just make a modified camera with the cord eliminated and the plug molded right into its housing. Have opposite ports facing forward and backward at top and bottom to allow for video chat or (very large) camera usage.

Some benifits of this will be more flexibility in hardware, possible use as a simple battery pack for the nook, and MUCH easier designing of the charging/bypass circuits.
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
I see what you are saying...yeah, if I hold my nook one handed for any length of time...its heavy. As above, I have started thinking about keeping it simple. The hub I have only weighs an ounce or two, once stripped of the housing. The batteries will be the main source of weight/bulk. The charge controller is about dead simple using a picaxe 20x2 chip and very few components. Mostly it will just be a voltage source sensor and switch to transfer to the appropriate power source(battery or USB input).

I guess I haven't ever looked at this as a laptop converter, but rather as a way to complete the picture, by allowing the addition of things like a camera and microphone input that Android was made for.
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Not sure if sugru will be strong enough. Was thinking more along the lines of custom molded fiberglass. Easy enough, light, damn strong. Mayhaps ill spring for some carbon fiber :)

@ troyy0206....feel free to work on a seperate design as well. This isn't all about what I want...its about designing something that anyone else can duplicate or modify to their needs. As an EE, you have a leg up on most of us in terms of designing the circuitry. I'm just good at putting parts together.
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Thanks for the link. I don't see a point in adding in BT stuff...that ability is already present. I'm shying away from adding any actual hardware in, in an effort to save weight. My thinking now is more along the lines of a self contained(and powered) USB hub, that will kind of piggyback on the nook, making it easy to add whatever hardware you desire.
[Nook Color Accessories] dargocitfer:
You might want to look into InstaMorph (http://www.instamorph.com/) at least for the prototyping phase. I've built mounts to keep my cables on top of my desk and a holder for my cell phone with this stuff. It cools to a nice solid Nylon-like strength and texture.
[Nook Color Accessories] vulariter:
+1 for this idea
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
I bought this keyboard and it came today and works with the new USB Host stuff:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300571607720

This is the larger keyboard, almost as big as my regular laptop keyboard, made for a 10" tab. I couldn't see being any more productive with the smaller 7" case/kb than I am with the on-screen kb.

I'm using it with this adapter right now, though I'll probably end up slicing it up to cut down on the wires.

http://cgi.ebay.com/short-Usb-2-0-female-micro-B-male-cable-adapter-/390326886251

Right now I'm thinking of mounting the Nook in the bottom left corner and adding a top-right corner strap to hold it in. That leaves me almost 3 inches on the right side for the USB wires to not stick out of the case and for other things and also about 2 inches all the way across the top for speakers and what-not and for the magnetic latch strap to just hang without getting in the way of the display. The case has a fold-out kickstand built into the back for table-top use, not much of a lap-top use in this design but I'll figure something out. I keep going back and forth on wanting a larger tablet but I can't justify it. Plus, when I take the Nook out of the case, it's small, lightweight and not easy for someone to watch over your shoulder on a plane, etc. Overall, this thing is slightly smaller and thinner than my standard Levenger padfolio.

The worst part is that I'm off to vacation in two days so any mods will have to wait a couple weeks. I actually think at this point I will probably stop with adding speakers, cleaning up wires, and maybe a battery pack on my design. I need to either find some really thin powered speakers or come up with a nifty way to use the ones I have after I tear them down. I might be able to hack up a Dell speaker bar for the speaker cover if I can get my hands on one...
[Nook Color Accessories] karimsaud21:
Interesting, but why use a usb keyboard when you can just as easily use a bluetooth one?

Also, why not try to find a keyboard and case that are actually close to the nooks size, so you will still have a small and lightweight device?
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
Cost, especially since it's an experiment. If I wasn't trying to keep costs down, I'd just have something better than the NC ;)

Not being rude, but just rather lazy, I explained my reasons for choice in my post--mostly due to functionality when I need it vs. convenience when I don't :cool:
[Nook Color Accessories] siddhantfriends:
Looks like alot of work out there. I'd like you to include somethin' like this:

http://www.phone-guide-germany.com/3g-modem-routers-ipad-wifi/3506/

It will make NC even more portable. The fact is that the 3G modem routers which transmit wifi have less battery life. It would be nice if u remove the module and hook it up with the battery you will provide with backpack.

And the reason why I'd chose 3G is that all the users round the world can use this feature.

I hope u go for it. ^_^

"Sidd
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
One obstacle with the keyboard/case I'm using is the clip on the left covers the earphone jack. I think it's more than enough there to drill a hole for it, I'll find out next weekend after vacation. BTW, the clips are very stiff but also VERY pliable so I was able to straighten them out and bend them over to the correct thickness to hold the Nook in place. They now come out about 3/8" or so in front, so when I come up with a solution to hold the top right corner in, it should hold very well.

My design is probably going to be pretty simple, but I do want it to look nice and provide GOOD functionality with typing when I'm finished with it.
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Hello everyone..and apologies. Work has been crazy as well as home life. These 13 hour days are killing me. I truly am sorry that work on this is moving so slow. We are switching jobsites soon...that should result in more spare time...
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
I think I figured this out...I'm planning to use the headphone jack to be what holds in the top left corner of the Nook. I have ordered some super thin speakers and I have a couple ideas on an small amplifier for the audio. I have a portable Cyber Acoustics speaker I would like to disassemble and use the amp out of it but I can't find another one like it and I hate to destroy it since I like it and use it a lot.

My next obstacle is to figure out the top enclosure to attach the keyboard to. I've found a couple places that will make what I need, but they are very expensive to order just one or two (like emachineshop.com). If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. I might end up using Sugru, who knows.
[Nook Color Accessories] gompka:
What about just using velcro on the back of the nook? Use the soft part for the nook and the stiffer side for the case. It wouldn't add very much thickness to the back of the nook and would be removable.
[Nook Color Accessories] Temetka:
I like the idea of exanding the nook. I myself would love a fold out case with either a bluetooth keyboard or usb keyboard. It would be nice to have a regular usb port for flash drives or webcam. Speakers arent really on my list because I have an mp3 adapter in my truck and I have a splitter on my desktop speakers so I can have them accepting input from my pc and a second device simultaneously.
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
For some reason I just don't care for the idea of putting velcro on my device. I don't know why, I just don't. I think when I'm done it will not be needed. It certainly would be the easy way to do it. Maybe that's why--I want something original and made to fit. I ordered some Sugru today to check it out. Also have some other ideas on it. I've dissected a couple portable speakers to find an amplifier for the speakers. I have one that will work but it's a stereo input with mono output...Have to think about whether I can deal with that ;)
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
I've started to amass quite a collection of parts and have an additional keyboard on order that I plan to hack on a little and figure out the best way to do this. I think I'm going roll with the stereo-to-mono amp and probably just use two speakers. It's not like you really get any stereo separation at that spacing anyway so I figure the sound volume is more important. I picked up a couple tiny used laptop speakers from ebay for about $5 that I'm going to use the dremel on to thin the mounts. I have the USB hub and a battery pack with charger I have disassembled (plan to use it to just power the devices, not the Nook). It should be a pretty functional unit, I just hope to be able to make it look decent and that it all works ok.
[Nook Color Accessories] joezilla83:
Very interesting
[Nook Color Accessories] troyy0206:
Well, I have most of my parts and the Sugru arrived a few days ago. I'm waiting on my second keyboard & case to come in (the one I'm gonna hack on). I would have made some more progress but I somehow ended up with pneumonia in July and now work is going to slow me down again. I'll see if I can get things put together and at least functional next week. Not moving as fast as I wanted, but I'll have some pics posted soon.
[Nook Color Accessories] o0adam0o:
lookin fwd to this!
[Nook Color Accessories] craigbru:
Any updates? Thanks to this thread I've ordered a few parts of my own. I'll be using a modified RAM mount for docking in a vehicle. Although we have slightly different end goals, I'm very curious to see how your project comes together.
[Nook Color Accessories] :
Just thought I'd add some info...

For a cheap, flexible USB hub, I got this, and it works well with all the keyboards and mice I have. Could be a good solution to wrap around the back of a case maybe?

You can get one for $0.99 from China, or for $2.99 you can get some from the USA (exact same, just quicker shipping...I ordered both).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...271303&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1413

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...23783&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1756wt_1139
[Nook Color Accessories] flyn_hawaiian:
Lets see this baby work man...VERY intrested on the dev.
[Nook Color Accessories] therkr:
Great idea.

Do consider camera, mic, battery and storage apart from USB host ports. :)
[Nook Color Accessories] GuTsaV:
This is such a great project!
[Nook Color Accessories] Snoshrk:
Bump....

Anything new happening here? :o
[Nook Color Accessories] nsb32:
Great idea! Look forward to more information.
[Nook Color Accessories] MrColdbird:
Nice job grave digging but I'm kinda interested in this one myself.
[Nook Color Accessories] stinger608:
As others have stated, I am very interested to see where this goes! Heck, I may well be in for two of these puppies in the future:p

Great idea OP!!!
[Nook Color Accessories] deadbot1:
Sorry to disappoint, but due to time/money restrictions induced by having a larger family in the current economy...this project is officially dead. If you have the skills and time, feel free to grab the idea and run with it.
[Nook Color Accessories] nickcv:
Put it up on Kickstarter, maybe? If you can make it work with the Nook Tablet too, I don't think you'd have any problem getting the money.
[HD7 General] scorcci:
Hi Folks,

I have a HTC HD7 Tmo US and followed all steps on this tread:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1001019

The flashing went ok, but sometimes the HD7 restarts it self without knowing reasons.

I found out as well on the page 18 on the same tread about the Carrier changed from xxxx.yy.zzzzz.531 to xxxx.yy.zzzzz.841, this means went to TmoUS to Telstra, Am I right? Because nobody confim it for sure yet! But seens to be!

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1001019&page=18

Now, I want to know if, since the carrier now is Telstra, can I also follow the tread bellow to update the ROM for a newer one with newer Radio, which I hope fixes the HD7 from restarting.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1090845

On this tread, the radio is Radio_5.66.09 .21a_22.48.50.21U_NoDo_Signed_by_ansar

Mine is actually 5.65.09.11_22.44.50.15U

My question is: can I do it? Is there a risk to brick the HD7 TmoUS?

Have anyone done it yet?

Final questio: If I have a GoldCard for HD7, can I apply any ROM to my TmoUS?

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

Paulo Scorcci.
[HD7 General] scorcci:
Hi folks,

Is there any one which can help me with this question?

I would like to place this tread on the Development session, but I have less than 10 posts and can not do it.

Thanks again.

Paulo
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Reposting from here, thought us Nook users deserved some love: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=14659306&postcount=71

Ok so i decided to get off my lazy butt and put together an updated version of Tablet Tweaked HoneyBread, all I did was pull the new Honeybread from the market created by GFX Android, grab the png's, rename some and replace the old files from the Tablet Tweaked version our good MR. Mad-Murdock compiled for us.

few screenshots
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] totalimmortal363:
Says "there is a problem parsing the package"
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
I reuploaded it just in case there was a problem, also do make sure to uninstall any old or other versions of the honeybread theme...
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] luciferii:
+1 - dont werk fer me either.
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] seth.i.simmons:
Just downloaded and installed, works great for me. Awesome theme!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] J-ROCK:
Cant install either.

Sent from CM7 NOOK!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Please post what you tried if you are having issues so a resolution can be found, have you uninstalled any old versions of the honeybread theme?
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] J-ROCK:
Yes, I uninstalled honeybread already, And tried downloaded your version twice to make sure, and it says parsing problem

Sent from CM7 NOOK!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Try downloading it from here and let me know how it goes

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/25399574/HoneyBreadTTJN2.zip

if you continue to have issues, double check old versions are uninstalled and/or reboot your Nook, not sure why it's working for some and not for others...
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] J-ROCK:
Ok! That worked for some reason! I was able to install with no issues!

Sent from CM7 NOOK!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] J-ROCK:
Looks great thanks!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] TubeShaped:
thanks much! is this beautiful widgets on your screens?
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Yes sir, Beautiful Widgets and Minimalistic Text
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] totalimmortal363:
I can't find it in theme chooser
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Nope, unzip and install it like any other app and use the theme chooser(in the app drawer(CM7 only)) to apply it, then reboot your nook for all the elements to take effect.
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] dankpupdaddy:
No. Inside the zip there is a apk file that you extract and then put it in a folder on your sd card and then install it. It won't show a icon in theme chooser just text saying @string/theme_name

If I helped you click the Thanks Button :)
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] totalimmortal363:
Edited my post lol

I see a fourth option in theme chooser but it's called @string/theme_name
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] dankpupdaddy:
Thank you! Very well put together! :)
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] takethebox:
joenathane You are the man! This looks so good on my Nook! Thanks!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] harpo1:
Can this be used with the CM7 nightlies? Sorry for noob question but just picked up the nook and I'm getting ready to start flashing.
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] takethebox:
Yes it can be used with nightlies :) I'm using them and it works perfectly!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] I Am Marino:
Believe it or not, I tried it, I just don't like the soft buttons HC uses, I like the default CM ones 10x better.
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
Took me an hour but I figured out how to fix that :p, updated the OP with new version....
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] timobriggs:
Wow, this is fantastic!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] TJNooker:
Thanks for updating the Nook version and for fixing the Theme Chooser bug. Looks great!
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] JediMasterASD:
I have deleted the theme chooser and theme manager apps with root explorer, been doing that since they were included in CM ROMS as I have never had a need for them. Now on my NOOK I'd like to have this Honeybread theme, is there a way I can re-install them without flashing the ROM again?
[Nook Color Themes and Apps] joenathane:
You could manually grab the files from a zipped ROM and put them in the proper place and chmod them. Probably easier/faster to reflash, you wouldn't have to wipe anything, for all intents and purposes it would just replace the files you're missing...