How to Activate USB Host Mode?

[Guest]

I have a Toshiba AT7C/8GB tablet running Android 4.4.2 with kernel version 3.10.20-g8ccb947. I cannot figured out how to get the device into USB host mode. When I connect a flash drive via an OTG cable, nothing happens. The drive's activity LED does not come on. The OS does not ask me to mount the drive and I don't see it in the file manager. Even when adding a 1000ma power source to the cable, nothing happens.

FYI, I know absolutely nothing about Android. I have heard you need a custom kernel/ROM to enable USB host mode, but most of the guides I have come across are for Samsung and HTC phones. Can someone point me in the right direction? I have no clue where to start.

 

[WyomingKnott]

Some phones and tablets have OTG capability baked in and just need an OTG cable. Some do not have OTG, and you would need a custom kernel / ROM to get that device to run OTG. Assuming that someone wrote one for that particular device.

This is the most discussion I've found on it, and it doesn't tell me much. I consider the answers to be inconsistent. But, for your viewing pleasure, http://forums.toshiba.com/t5/Excite-Tablets/Micro-USB-Port-Host-Mode/td-p/279317 .

 

[Titan91]

I have come across that thread. I am assuming the driver is device specific then? It seems to be very difficult to find any Toshiba-related information.

 

[WyomingKnott]

Err, are you two the same person?

It's not as simple as a driver, the whole ROM is device specific. And I'm not good with this, or my lovely HTC One would be working on my ATT account by now.

If I were in your position I'd test the OTG cable and USB device with a phone known to support OTG - mine does. If they work, I'd go on the assumption that the Toshiba tablet doesn't support OTG. Given my lack of traction customizing phones, I'd let it go at that. But that's just me, being discouraged by past failure.