Can you use the Mini-USB as an input?

Official Hardware Nano Family Classic Nano
1

Hi there, new to Arduinos and trying to adapt a project targeted at a similar board to the Nano. The original project is available here- it's a USB to serial adapter for an old computer that uses a proprietary plug.

I wanted to avoid the original project's configuration that used an out of spec 3.3V hat/shield for USB input. I was hoping the Nano's mini-USB port with a simple mini to USB-A female dongle.

I wired it up and used the original code but don't get anything on the TX/RX lights. Thinking about it in hindsight the USB lines probably aren't connected directly to either of those...

So can I use the USB port as a general input of some kind, or is it intended only for flashing the board or otherwise unconnected?

Thanks!

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Maybe ironic that you can't use the usb port as input because a USB to TTL serial adapter is in the way.

from the Nano product page:
Serial: 0 (RX) and 1 (TX). Used to receive (RX) and transmit (TX) TTL serial data. These pins are connected to the corresponding pins of the FTDI USB-to-TTL Serial chip.

1 Like
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Can I jumper past it or something?

Is there another Arduino I could purchase with this type of functionality, or a USB host shield for the Nano or another Arduino that uses proper 5V? In the Nano's footprint this is the only one I find when searching which seems to use 3.3V logic: https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Development-Compatible-Interface-Arduino/dp/B01EWW9R1E/

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