newbie hardware question

[DPaul]

Hi,

I have just purchased a Pi3 + some gadgets to go with it.
My 40+ years expierence in ICT have to do with software programming , so i am venturing partially into new (hardware) territories.
I am reading the manual, downloading/unzipping NOOBS etc.... so far so good.
I need a monitor with HDMI, no prob, i got an Eizo.
I need a usb keyboard, simple of course, but here is my hardware question:

Some years ago i purchased a docking station/keyboard for my samsung tablet:
Specs : Samsung ECR-K14AWEGXAR
It has some (old school) connector possibilities.
The cable, that i use to charge the tablet ends in a USB connector.
It fits into the side of the docking/keyboard.

Can i risk this combination to serve as my keyboard, or am i going to blow things up?

OK, i am only saving 10 euros, but this thing has been lying around idle for some time.
Maybe i can give it a new life.

thx,
Paul

[pcmanbob]

Hi.

Having had a look at what info I can find on your docking station I doubt it will act as a keyboard.
The USB charging cable which connects to the round connector on the dock is just that a charging port it is not a USB port.
from pictures I can find it seems the actual connection to the tablet dock port was made were the table slotted in to the dock, this may not be a standard USB connection.

I would recommend you just go buy a USB keyboard and mouse you don't require any thing fancy cheap and cheerful will do.

[thagrol]

Looks like that has the same samsung proprietary 30 pin connector as on my Tab 2 10.1 and dock (ekd-12awegcha)

The pinout (https://forum.xda-developers.com/showth ... ?t=1118986 or http://pinoutguide.com/PortableDevices/ ... nout.shtml) doesn't help much though it shows only one pair of USB D+/D- pins.

As there is USB passthough (otg) between the tablet connector and the side mounted connector, and as the keyboard does not show up in windows when connected via the female connector I'm guessing it isn't USB. At least on my keyboard dock.

Thinking about it, it can't be USB, if it were, with only a single USB pair on the connector you wouldn't be able to use the keyboard (needs tablet to be USB host) and connect the tab to a PC as a slave at the same time (again, mine can do this).

You might be able to do something with the male tablet connector but you'd need a matching female one and some fine soldering skills. And a driver.

@pcmanbob: the round connector on the back is an audio line out. the usb connector is on the side.

[DPaul]

Hi,

Thanks for these very learned replies.
I'll stick to the safe side and buy a small keyboard, it won't ruin me

Paul