KVR :: Mobile Apps and Hardware » newbie ipad question [View Original Topic]
There are 17 posts in this topic.

jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:39 am
Hi,

I'm just getting my head around what's available for the ipad. Is there a way to plugin the ipad charger *and* run a USB port? Without wanting to fry anything - could you use something like the camera adapter and a usb hub to plug power into the hub (with the right kind of cable etc) and then in to the camera adapter?

Or something similar?

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious Wink
Whoomph - Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:19 am
I've got an iphone so not quite able to answer you, but as far as I know you can use a camera kit for what you described.
Check out the hardware section here - http://www.idesignsound.com/ik-multimedia-irig-midi/.
THis site is good for anyone wanting to use their idevice for making music.
Also do a search here at kvr, I'm sure there were a few conversations about this.
jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:33 am
Thanks for your reply Whoomph. This looks like it can take power through the USB port - so it looks possible. I'd rather have more USB ports than the MIDI ports - but at least it looks possible.

I'm in the process of trawling KVR and the web - so thanks.
mbncp - Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:44 am
I tried that using a powered hub but no luck. AFAIK it's not possible with the standard camera kit.

If you need audio+midi+power there isn't a lot of choices:
1) alesis iodock for sure
2) maybe the new interface from tascam ( iu2 )
3) .. ?
Whoomph - Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:53 am
I had to search this subject myself, only to find you could only use a camera connection kit with ipad and not iphone 3gs.
Since then I've been happily using the ik midi rig and also wifi.
sonicstate.com do a very good podcast for idevices and one episode (can't remember which one) was all about midi/usb/power connections.
Hope you enjoy your pro audio music making device - (ipad) Wink .
Whoomph - Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:57 am
mbncp wrote:


If you need audio+midi+power there isn't a lot of choices:
1) alesis iodock for sure


Oh yeah, +1

I was thinking of the midi and forgeting the power part.
jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 6:04 am
Quote:
If you need audio+midi+power

Actually, I'm looking for USB+power Wink
mbncp - Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:00 am
jbraner wrote:
Quote:
If you need audio+midi+power

Actually, I'm looking for USB+power Wink


Sorry, don't get it.

The standard connector let's you charge your iThing from a USB port (computer).

The camera kit will let you use a usb device on a iPad and even providing power to that device (to a certain limit).
Then you can always use a powered hub if needed.

But with the camera kit plugged in your iPad you can't charge it. Power works only from the iPad to device, not the other way.
jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:04 am
Quote:
But with the camera kit plugged in your iPad you can't charge it. Power works only from the iPad to device, not the other way.
That's what I was looking for - to have USB ports for the ipad to use AND have the charger plugged in. (so the ipad isn't providing power to everything...
mbncp - Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:18 am
jbraner wrote:
Quote:
But with the camera kit plugged in your iPad you can't charge it. Power works only from the iPad to device, not the other way.
That's what I was looking for - to have USB ports for the ipad to use AND have the charger plugged in. (so the ipad isn't providing power to everything...


Unfortunately it's not possible. Using a powered hub will require (much) less power from the iPad, but once the battery is down your only choice is to unplug the camera kit and load the iPad normally.
jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:23 am
OK - well thanks Confused
sonicflux - Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:59 am
Did you look at the Alesis IOdock as someone previously suggsted? It has a usb port and it charges your iPad.
jbraner - Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:01 am
I'll have a look at that - I was just looking for some simple USB ports though...
DrApostropheX - Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:48 am
This is something that would be VERY useful, I agree.

Supposedly, such things do exist: that let you charge your iPad via USB while also offering a USB cable to a device. I don't know that I'd want to be the first one to try it, though... http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/03/29/ipad-5-in-1-connection-kit-available-with-ports-to-spare/

Or:

http://www.pandawill.com/connection-kit-usb-hub-sync-charge-for-ipad-2-keyboard-camera-computer-p54087.html

Again, for $15 not sure what you have to lose (other than $15). Still not convinced that this won't blow up your iPad or something, though.
jbraner - Wed Apr 04, 2012 7:53 am
hmmm....
DrApostropheX - Wed Apr 04, 2012 8:22 am
Based on other posts I've just read, it doesn't sound encouraging: http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&p=129470

But obviously, Alesis has found a way to provide power to the iPad through the 30-pin connector as well as MIDI and audio I/O, so it has to be possible.
mbncp - Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:36 am
sonicflux wrote:
Did you look at the Alesis IOdock as someone previously suggsted? It has a usb port and it charges your iPad.


Note that the usb port is just to send/receive the midi to/from a pc, it won't let you connect usb devices to the iPad.

There are 17 posts in this topic.