No touchscreen. Would like to run only in dock mode. - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
My Atrix 4G has has no touchscreen. I don't feel like buying a new digitizer and replacing it. I would like to use my Atrix as a media center only connected to my TV. Is it possible for me to set it up to run without a digitizer/touchscreen and only use with my TV and a wireless mouse/keyboard?
Thanks
Jon

jonmueller said:
Hello,
My Atrix 4G has has no touchscreen. I don't feel like buying a new digitizer and replacing it. I would like to use my Atrix as a media center only connected to my TV. Is it possible for me to set it up to run without a digitizer/touchscreen and only use with my TV and a wireless mouse/keyboard?
Thanks
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's possible. Just plug the cellphone and the keyboard / mouse to the dock (in case they work via USB dongle / not bluetooth) and it's set to work the way you want.

MaxK47 said:
Yes, it's possible. Just plug the cellphone and the keyboard / mouse to the dock (in case they work via USB dongle / not bluetooth) and it's set to work the way you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to know. Is it possible to plug a usb mouse/keyboard directly into the body of the Atrix with a micro usb adapter and get around Android without a touchscreen?
Thanks for your help,
Jon

jonmueller said:
That's great to know. Is it possible to plug a usb mouse/keyboard directly into the body of the Atrix with a micro usb adapter and get around Android without a touchscreen?
Thanks for your help,
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that's not possible. The usual microUSB / female USB cables, as used with a lot of other smartphones, doesn't work with the atrix, our phone needs an external power outlet to be able to work with USB devices. You can either use the multimedia Dock or a 'custom' cable, I saw some time ago in youtube a tutorial teaching how to make a custom one, or maybe you can find it in ebay (not sure, never looked for it, to be sincere).

MaxK47 said:
Unfortunately, that's not possible. The usual microUSB / female USB cables, as used with a lot of other smartphones, doesn't work with the atrix, our phone needs an external power outlet to be able to work with USB devices. You can either use the multimedia Dock or a 'custom' cable, I saw some time ago in youtube a tutorial teaching how to make a custom one, or maybe you can find it in ebay (not sure, never looked for it, to be sincere).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the cable you are talking about is called udb otg ( on the go), switch the phone's usb port into host mode.. only drawback is that atrix can't supply power to the usb, you must use an external power source for the devicr attached
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2

I managed to use my atrix with the lapdock for around a month while I sourced a new digitizer and it worked great. I would recommend that you find a work and play kit second hand as I often use the webtop for watching on-demand tv and someone is working on a full resolution xbmc port that would work great with the remote. You might also be able to use the usb host ports to mount a fat32 hd as a media drive. The atrix can work really well without its digitizer.
Sent from my Atrix

I too am interested in this as I have an Atrix 4G with a broken screen. I was thinking about buying a device like the Roku or the MK802. I guess I could just get the Motorola Entertainment Center from Amazon.
Is there a ROM that would be best for the purpose of using the Atrix as a TV only device.

I posted a tutorial in general for using hdmi and tablet mode with the backlight for the digitizer off. This might give you ideas for using the hdmi port with or without your favorite hdmi enabled Moto dock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1876790
Sent from my Atrix using Tapatalk 2

Related

HDMI ?

I'm considering buying an Atrix soon.
So my idea is, can I use the HDMI connection with a flat screen to use the Atrix as a mini-puter? I don't want to tether, so if I could use the HDMI connector with a flat screen, in theory the Atrix could work like a mini PC or laptop correct? This would allow me to avoid paying AT$T for tethering.
Scotsman828 said:
I'm considering buying an Atrix soon.
So my idea is, can I use the HDMI connection with a flat screen to use the Atrix as a mini-puter? I don't want to tether, so if I could use the HDMI connector with a flat screen, in theory the Atrix could work like a mini PC or laptop correct? This would allow me to avoid paying AT$T for tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this can be done when you root and apply the hack.
You could use the multimedia dock and plug a keyboard and mouse in as well.
Just a suggestion, noticed it had usb ports for doing just that.
cfhuk said:
You could use the multimedia dock and plug a keyboard and mouse in as well.
Just a suggestion, noticed it had usb ports for doing just that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a webtop mod after a simple root process. Don't buy the dock imho
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I had no intention of buying the dock. Way over priced. Actually all the accessories are way too expensive.

HDMI Mirroring

I ordered the MHL adaptor from T-Mobile's website yesterday, so I should get it today (yeah, I paid the extra $6 for overnight shipping).
Does this phone support FULL mirroring (i.e., when plugged in to TV, TV screen mirrors whatever is on the phone's screen)? I used the full HDMI app on my Evo 4G, and it was great for watching shows from HBO GO on my TV.
Has anyone tried it yet? If not, is there a review out there somewhere that specifically demonstrates this feature?
I guess I'll know tonight when I get home from work!
Thanks,
Rob
I haven't seen it specifically on this phone, but I've seen the Qualcomm MSM8660 demos showing full mirroring. We should be capable of it, but I haven't tried it out yet.
I'm surprised nobody's tried it yet!
Can you use the normal micro HDMI or do you have to buy the adapter to use HDMI? Lol kinda confused how this works with the new port? Could anyone explain? Thanks
You need to buy an adaptor. Basically, it's a dongle that plugs into the USB (charger) on the E3D. The dongle/adaptor has a HDMI port on it, along with a USB port. You plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port, and into the TV. You plug a charger into the USB port and into the wall.
So no, the HDMI cable from the EVO 4G (I have one too) won't work.
Does that help?
rtmeikle said:
You need to buy an adaptor. Basically, it's a dongle that plugs into the USB (charger) on the E3D. The dongle/adaptor has a HDMI port on it, along with a USB port. You plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port, and into the TV. You plug a charger into the USB port and into the wall.
So no, the HDMI cable from the EVO 4G (I have one too) won't work.
Does that help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that was what he said in the first line..
rtmeikle said:
You need to buy an adaptor. Basically, it's a dongle that plugs into the USB (charger) on the E3D. The dongle/adaptor has a HDMI port on it, along with a USB port. You plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI port, and into the TV. You plug a charger into the USB port and into the wall.
So no, the HDMI cable from the EVO 4G (I have one too) won't work.
Does that help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up!!
Back to the issue at hand... does it do HDMI mirroring or not? I have this bad ass HDMI integration in my Prius that is preventing me from upgrading from the 4G until at least HDMI mirroring is confirmed.
rictorg said:
Back to the issue at hand... does it do HDMI mirroring or not? I have this bad ass HDMI integration in my Prius that is preventing me from upgrading from the 4G until at least HDMI mirroring is confirmed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this demo from CTIA it appears it can, but this is unfinished testing hardware/firmware so it's still not a confirmation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ynmqtopi9g
This doesn't exactly give you an answer with the level of certainty you are looking for but it's a good sign. We should see some end users with feedback on HDMI features on the production phone streaming in any time now that hopefully confirms that it can do this across any application without problems or limitations.
rtmeikle said:
I ordered the MHL adaptor from T-Mobile's website yesterday, so I should get it today (yeah, I paid the extra $6 for overnight shipping).
Does this phone support FULL mirroring (i.e., when plugged in to TV, TV screen mirrors whatever is on the phone's screen)? I used the full HDMI app on my Evo 4G, and it was great for watching shows from HBO GO on my TV.
Has anyone tried it yet? If not, is there a review out there somewhere that specifically demonstrates this feature?
I guess I'll know tonight when I get home from work!
Thanks,
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey rtmeikle . I also got the mhl from tmobile. I hooked it up last night to sadly find out that hdmi mirroring is not supported at all. It was all a big hype it appears. Were you able to get it working? I'm hoping that you were so maybe its just my device....if not, then this phone is going back.
Yep, I got mine yesterday and tested it. It works fine.
You have to have the adaptor plugged in to the phone, a charger plugged to the adaptor, and the HDMI cable running from the phone to the TV.
I got full HDMI mirroring which automatically switched to landscape when I tested Netflix and HBO Go.
Rob
interesting. thanks for the quick respond. When i connect it to my hd tv all i get on the phone is a message that says *HDMI play a video or slideshow to display via hdmi* on the notifications bar. When I click that, nothing happens...
Eltahur said:
interesting. thanks for the quick respond. When i connect it to my hd tv all i get on the phone is a message that says *HDMI play a video or slideshow to display via hdmi* on the notifications bar. When I click that, nothing happens...
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Click to collapse
Strange. The image of my home screen just popped up on my TV; I didn't have to do anything.
I tested it on the TV in my bedroom, a 3-yr-old Samsung 42" Plasma, nothing fancy.
Maybe tonight I'll test it on my other two TVs and see if it works on all of them.
did you allow the latest OTA upgrade or did you cancel it? I allowed it as soon as I turned the phone on. I also tried it on my 58 samsung plasma hdtv. Its not that old but also not that new.
I'm going to try it tonight on my smaller 32 inch lcd hd tv to see if that makes a difference. It shouldn't though.
Not like it matters since all MHL cables are the same but here is the MHL adapter I'm using: http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns...4ec1-a08e-e133fa772d53&inCart=True&catCode=23
Eltahur said:
did you allow the latest OTA upgrade or did you cancel it? I allowed it as soon as I turned the phone on. I also tried it on my 58 samsung plasma hdtv. Its not that old but also not that new.
I'm going to try it tonight on my smaller 32 inch lcd hd tv to see if that makes a difference. It shouldn't though.
Not like it matters since all MHL cables are the same but here is the MHL adapter I'm using: http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns...4ec1-a08e-e133fa772d53&inCart=True&catCode=23
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I've accepted the OTAs. And I'm using the exact same adaptor. Did you plug power into the adaptor too? I didnt' try without plugging it in, but I've heard that it needs to be plugged in to work.
Ok, i finaly got it to work. It wasn't a problem with the phone but a problem with the tv. I had to change some resolution settings on the tv and presto! Hdmi mirroring on its full glory
Now, do you know if I can pair up a bluetooth keyboard and mouse? Thats next for me.
Thanks for all the help.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
Eltahur said:
Now, do you know if I can pair up a bluetooth keyboard and mouse? Thats next for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I am currently doing. I have hooked up the following.
Mouse: Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
Keyboard: Logitech MX5500 Keyboard
The keyboard works great. I can type in the applications and setup my keys in the emulators just fine (snesoid etc)
Mouse functionality though is different then you may expect. You don't get a mouse cursor, it just "highlights" selections then you "left click" to go forward. According to my research the right mouse button is supposed to "go back" but is not working for me.
I put up a thread asking others for help with it, so if I find an answer I will let you know.
Updating you on what I found out about the mouse.
"Well it looks like the fancy mouse support with a cursor and button functionality was something that was included in CyanogenMod 6.X then removed on CyanogenMod 7.
They then added a patch for version 7. But now apparently it is being included in his latest CyanogenMod.
Regardless, it appears you need root access "
wait so how do you charge your phone if you use that hdmi adapter? anyone have a link?
A.Priori said:
wait so how do you charge your phone if you use that hdmi adapter? anyone have a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the adapter has a USB plug that you use to hook up to a charger, and will charge your phone. Newer TVs are coming that will support charging over HDMI via the MHL adapter, there may be some out but I think will be a standard in 2012 TVs.
http://www.expansys-usa.com/expansys-mhl-to-hdmi-adapter-black-218572/
http://www.expansys-usa.com/htc-sensation-mhl-cable-ac-m490-extmicro-usb-12-pin-to-hdmi-218634/
the HTC one looks lke it includes a HDMI cable, too, but you can see the usb port on each adapter for charging.

[Q] Can I use WebTop functionality without adapter?

Greetings,
Just've got my RAZR. Its awesome! Just wondering if I can use web top functionality with only miniHDMI <-> HDMI cable and bluetooth keyboard+mouse? What is the purpose of special web top adapter?
It will be possible with a custom APK for WebTop.
The purpose of special webtop adapter is "Money For Motorola". Nothing else.
Or, if you're talking of the lapdock, I've got it (atrix lapdock) and I can tell you it's nice to take with you and use it because it's thin and lightweight.
You've proven my point. I'm not going to buy motorola's webtop adapter
Could you give more details on special webtop apk I need to install?
Also on clove blog its said:
Why do I need this adapter? If you connected a HDMI cable to the device without this, you would get only a mirror image of your device screen on the HD display. With the webtop adapter you get more advanced features like you would when connected to a HD dock, without the need for the HD dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I've understood HDMI mirror image is not mandatory. And I should get image on HD panel, just the phone display will be turned off...
I just ordered the smart controller, I'm also very interested in whether I could just plug the phone into the usb&hdmi cables w/o the adapter or dock.
rEVOLVE said:
I just ordered the smart controller, I'm also very interested in whether I could just plug the phone into the usb&hdmi cables w/o the adapter or dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uHDMI and uUSB on their own will only work with mirror, gallery etc mode, no WebTop afair.
I have a minihdmi and can confirm that there is no webtop

[Q] See phone on tv + external mouse/keyboard

I was wondering how do you go around to surf the internet on your big screen tv and also use an external usb mouse/keyboard?
I would need a "Micro USB Host Mode Cable" to hook the mouse/keyboard to the phone AND I also have to use a "MHL Adapter Micro USB To HDMI Converter" to see the phone in the tv and both use the one and only usb micro from the phone... Is anyone using a usb hub with usb micro to usb micro connections? Has anyone tried to use a regular usb hub to connect more than one usb device? Do you need to be rooted to do this?
I guess one option is to find a bluetooth keyboard/mouse but that seems to be expensive...
Thanks!
I know that most people us the MHL adapter for hdmi and bluetooth for keyboard and mouse.
Is there a list anywhere as far as which bluetooth mouse/keyboard works fine? I hate to go that route since I will be using the phone this way at both home and work. I dont really want to be hauling the keyboard/mouse back and forth. At least if I could connect using the usb I could use bluetooth on one place and usb in the other....
Anyway, if you can point me out to where there is a list I will appreciate it...
I still like to hear if anyone is doing this just using usb...
Anyone knows a list of proven bluetooth keyboards/mouse?
Guess not.
Check out this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1488557
I bought this keyboard and mouse and it works great. You can buy it for $44 shipped (they will accept your offer).
Multi-touch is a no go, but it is still pretty slick.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk

Laptop dock?

Are there any kind of laptop docks available that would work with it, such as the Motorola's extinct Atrix lapdock, the fabled clambook or something similar on the market?
Cheers
Not that I know of, but if you were looking for a home solution (as opposed to travel), I've really enjoyed a Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse, with an MHL cable into a 23" screen.
Still working on what's the best software to make the most of this (the new Open Office for Android will come in use). And sorry I know I'm not really answering your question.
I'm confident that with the right set of connectors and adapters you could make an atrix lapdock work. It would be kludgy but it would work.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I was just asking a friend about the Atrix Lapdock. I have one sitting here and a friend suggested something that may work.
Im not saying this WILL work since i dont know if the keyboard and trackpad are powered via the usb connecter or are powered by the internal battery, but if its the latter, you might be able to get a female micro usb to usb female adapter and connect a Bluetooth dongle to it and then use an MHL thing to connect to the micro hdmi connector.
I don't currently have any easy means to try this myself and i don't have the patience to find the adapter(s?) to give it a shot. Running on fairly limited funds right now.

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