External keyboard via USB port?

[Guest Vegetish]

So i have this i-mate SP5, and I`ve decided that I want to construct a

QWERTY keyboard that can be plugged into the phone`s USB port, the only real problem,

from my point of view, is programming.

Don`t know if I`ll have to include external power supply or circuitry (ICs).

Anyone have any experience or tips regarding the subject?

Thanks.

[Guest LSmith4285]

AFAIK the USB cannot be a host and therefore cannot host a USB device such as a keyboard, USB Flash drive etc.

[Guest Vegetish]

Well I suspect there still is a possibility.

For example if you've ever used Pocket Controller from SOTI, one can use the computer keyboard to type messages and navigate on the phone, this is of course through active sync, but shouldn't it still be possible to do the same with an external powered keyboard?

One just needs the correct programming, to have the keyboard and USB port generate the correct signal...

I guess it might be a bit fanatical and require much more work than my gullible mind first thought it would.

Also, my knowledge is very limited on the subject (programming, wiring, etc)

But I would still very much appreciate any further contributions.

Thanks.

[Guest mini_man]

Why dont you just buy a bluetooth or irda one?

Thinkoutside make them, search ebay or expansys there are quite a few!

Hope this is useful

Sam

[Guest awarner (MVP)]

Well I suspect there still is a possibility.

For example if you've ever used Pocket Controller from SOTI, one can use the computer keyboard to type messages and navigate on the phone, this is of course through active sync, but shouldn't it still be possible to do the same with an external powered keyboard?

Nope as you still need to have a master/slave setup.

[Guest Vegetish]

So what you're basically saying is that I would need a small computer in my pocket, to master my smartphone and receive commands from the keyboard.

Thanks for the help everyone, I think I'm gonna go for one of those bluetooth keyboards. ;)

[Guest conan_troutman]

damn and i was so looking forward to a USB flash for the SP5 guess that would be a no too ??

[Guest awarner (MVP)]

Unfortunately so, but times are changing so in the future who knows?

[Guest conan_troutman]

hopefully in the future it wont be an issue cos if I ever get the money to upgrade i would be looking for on with a flash for the cam on the actual phone but the most important feature for me as most smartphone are very similar in software etc is the ability to have a car cradle to fit my car kit like the SP5 currently has.