Using MIDI keyboard with Samsung Galaxy Note 3

[69morpho]

Heya!

I'd like to use a MIDI keyboard with my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The keyboard is an iRigKey Pro. The keyboard is supposed to get powered from the USB port connecting it to the phone. I got the required micro-USB to micro-USB cable but when I plug in the keyboard it doesn't get powered by the phone.

I am afraid that the micro-USB to micro-USB can only by used to charge the phone but not to power an external device, e.g. the keyboard, from the phone.

Any advice?

Erwin

PS: The MIDI keyboard works fine from the computer so the issue somehow is phone specific...

 

[The_Chief]

Hi 69morpho and welcome to Android Forums!

The USB ports on a computer also use the power conductors (inside the USB port and cable) to push 500mA out so that users can charge other devices. Most mobile devices, however, would not use those conductors in the port to do the same: if they did, there would be a bit of a fight inside the cable as both devices push current at each other. That's why a laptop needs a plug-in-the-wall power cord for energy and you can't connect it to another computer USB-to-USB and power it.

While I don't have access to any schematic diagrams of the Note 3, I highly doubt if the power connectors in the micro-USB port are connected to any POWER OUT circuitry... IF there even is one. Rather, it would would be configured to accept POWER IN so the battery can charge from an external source.

That would explain why your keyboard can draw power from the computer, but not the phone. I strongly doubt any mobile device would be able to do that.

Sorry, I know that's not the answer you came for, but it's the one I have for you

It's great to have you here!

 

[techn0peasant]

Hi Erwin,
I am not an expert, but what chief says is I think true, a phone not only doesn't have the wiring for powering external devices but not the pOwer neither. This would require a power in jack as well as a power out jack. Or else a bigger battery. The phone battery, unlike a computer, wouldn't last very long powering an external device.