After ordering a slough of parts, including one of the obscurely-named On-the-Go Host-Charger cables which we finally found, we’ve been able to test and verify the two cables needed to turn any Computer Card into a standalone computer, without the need of either of the Micro Desktop or Laptop housings. We’ve added it as a pledge level to the campaign (look right and scroll down) and created a small demonstration of the Libre Tea Computer Card running standalone using these cables with Wi-Fi and XFCE4, powered by a USB charger.

These three-way cables basically allow you to pass power through to a device while at the same time providing USB host services and power to devices connected to the USB host socket. This allows you to charge your tablet or phone at the same time as connecting a keyboard or other USB device.

Here’s a video showing how it works. What we’ve done is plugged in a powered USB 4-port hub into the 3-way cable, plugged that into the Libre Tea Computer Card, put an HDMI monitor in as well, unplugged the Computer Card from its Micro Desktop Housing, put the keyboard and Wi-Fi dongle into the USB 4-port hub and hit the power button.

Still confused? Watch the video, follow the wires…

Thanks for your support!

Cheers,
Luke