USB Host Shield - Getting power to USB dongle

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hello,

I have a couple of knock off USB host shields and am having trouble getting power to a USB dongle that I'm inserting into the USB port on the shield.

I tested the dongles and they can get power when I plug them directly into my computer.

I'm using UNO boards and read that the USB host shield may need more power than is provided by the USB on the UNO, so I tried using both USB and a separate power supply to the UNO, but still no luck.

Am I doing something wrong or could there be a problem with the USB host shields? I bought two of the host shields and have several UNO boards and have the same problem when I try to use any in combination.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

2

I'm using UNO boards and read that the USB host shield may need more power than is provided by the USB on the UNO

Measure the 5V with a multimeter to see if the voltage is "holding up".

...to a USB dongle that I'm inserting into the USB port on the shield.

I tested the dongles and they can get power when I plug them directly into my computer.

What kind of dongle? it might need a driver... Most USB devices require a driver.

3

I'd say post the USB Host Shields you are using...

I know I had to do some mods on the Circuits@Home USB Host shield to get it to work with a Pro-Mico (not Pro-Mini.. because as much as they advertise the Pro-Micro is a drop-in replacement for the Pro-Mini's... they are NOT)

I have a few threads around here on it.. (most just askign questions about getting a 'pass-though' keyboard type project working..etc..)

but this thread shows where I have to jumper power for the VBUS and mod another pin (as well as remove one from being accessible on the pin headers)

  • I think the reset pin was also different and had to manually 're-mapped' (so to speak).
    this doesnt look like it will affect your project as you are using an UNO however..

USB Host Mini Shield not communicating with Pro Micro help.. (SPI) - Project Guidance - Arduino Forum;

4

Measure the 5V with a multimeter to see if the voltage is "holding up".

Thanks. I will do this when I get home.

What kind of dongle? it might need a driver... Most USB devices require a driver.

The device is a Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter. I'm just getting started with this stuff, but my current understanding is that I need to get power to the USB host shield in order to synch with my PC and set up drivers. Is this correct?

Thanks.

I'd say post the USB Host Shields you are using...

I bought some shields from China on ebay which could be my main issue. The boards don't even have a brand on them. I've been able to get things to work so far with various motors and I/O devices, but this is the first time I'm trying to use these USB host shields. I'm thinking I may need to go ahead and pay for name-branded boards to get around this problem.

Thanks.

5

It could be that they are 3.3 V and need an external 5 V supply.