LinuxQuestions.org - [SOLVED] Can I "dumb down" an USB port in software?

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Can I "dumb down" an USB port in software?

Hi all,

I have two different USB players (a Samsung P3 or so and an ipod nano 5g), and both stop to play when I connect them to my laptop. But when they are on a truly "dumb" USB port (just a battery, no data transfer happening), they don't stop to when connecting.

So my question is: can I switch off data transfer for one USB port, but still have it supply power to the MP3 player? I'd like to play music over the external MP3 player, but charge it through my laptop

I'm using Debian wheezy on a linux 3.2.0 kernel.

Cheers,
perlgeek

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

From Universal Serial Bus - Wikipedia

Quote:

To reliably enable a charge-only feature, modern USB accessory peripherals now include charging cables that provide power connections to the host port but no data connections.

Be sure to get the proper USB connector type on each end: (A) for USB hub, (B) mini or MiniMicro which would be the type for the MP3 device hub. You can get a charge only USB cable to make the connection. Look at venders like Tigerdirect.com Newegg.com BestBuy.com or other reputable store front venders. Manufactures sometimes provide a charge only cable, so check with the MP3 device specification for types.

Hope this helps!

Doing it in hardware

So the conclusion is to use a current-supply-only USB cable, so to do it in hardare instead of in software. Thanks.