USB Woes
Beagleblog
[edit: this blog post is about the Beagleboard Rev B. As Jason Kridner points out in the comments, Rev C features two USB ports, so you can use one for host mode and the other as a USB slave]
I have been using the Beagleboard with a terminal connection over the serial line for quite a while. But now I want to attach keyboard and mouse to use it as a standalone computer. For this I need a USB hub because the board only features a mini USB port. If you are going to just connect the hub to it you won't have much fun because the Beagleboard doesn't find the peripherals.
The reason for this is that the USB controller chip on the board can operate as a master as well as a slave. Usually, when you connect it to a PC, it's running as slave. To have mouse and keyboard working you need to make the Beaglboard run in host (master) mode, however. As far as I know there is no way to do this with software (you need to have the voltage level of individual pins). To make this work you need a special cable that has a mini A and a mini B plug. I went to several local dealers with no success and finally ordered one online.
Additionally I had to get two power supplies, one for the Beagleboard (in this setup you can no longer power it over USB) and one for the USB hub. So my collection of additional hardware is constantly getting bigger.
When I boot the Beagleboard everything works great, it finds mouse and keyboard, and I am able to use it like a real computer. Now the only problem is that I can't use networking over USB because that requires the Beagleboard operating in slave mode. Looks like there's only one way out: going to the shop again and getting a USB ethernet device that I can plug into the hub, too ..
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
Yeah, right
I guess it's much less hassle with Rev C
Best
Oliver
Rev C has full-size A USB port