Here are the detailed instructions to have KX3 Companion work on the Nook HD+
This has been possible thanks to my friend John KBoNE that is working hard on his Nook HD+ to make it the ultimate KX3 Companion tablet 🙂
He are a few pictures of his setup:
And here are the instructions:
Hello all: (Updated HD+ info)
1) I installed the “KitKat Rooted” android OS and backup from Androidfornook.com.
Cost is $12. You must have this particular companies Jelly Bean or KitKat OS since these 2 versions contain a built in “USB-to-host-switch” app that makes the Nook “HOST” USB peripherals. Using the rooted OS replaces the B&N OS and may void your warranty (if you are worried about that). Using a rooted OS makes the Nook respond very fast.
Androidfornook.com also sells a dual boot version that resides on the external flash card and doesn’t disturb the B&N OS, but it is slower performance.
In any case you MUST FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY by using the correct flash card and so on.
2) Download the free version KX3 Companion appto see if the software will work.
Mine Worked fine first time!
3) (Nook OTG cable… there are none). I use the regular Nook USB input / charging cable and connected it to a USB-A-FeMale to USB-A-FeMale connector adapter. While
the adapter is available on Fee-bay and Amazon, I made mine from a dual USB port connector removed from a dead Motherboard. Very simple and easy.
4) I use an external powered 7 port USB expander pod attached to the KX3 USB cable and a USB keyboard. Note that once the USB keyboard is connected the pop-up on
screen keyboard will not pop-up. No need for an expensive Bluetooth keyboard (both of those are a bonus!)
5) After some fiddling around and rebooting the Nook I was able to connect to the KX3 and the USB keyboard and send some practice CW Xmissions using the external
keyboard.
The USB HOST SWITCH app in the Androidfornook OS is located on the home screen at the upper right corner in a pull down “quick settings” menu. Do not load the USB
HOST SWITCH app as a separate issue since the built-in app will conflict with the on screen app.
Note, the USB must be in passive, not hosting mode to be able to charge the Nook. Also the Nook does power the USB port in hosting mode but the external powered USB
expander pod is highly recommended to keep from discharging the Nook battery too fast.
For portable use I scavenged a couple scrapped 12 volt to 5 volt switch mode cell phone chargers to be able to power the USB pod and recharge the Nook and other USB
based devices from my 12V battery / solar panel.
Now all I have to do is to get on top of a mountain with an extra 12V battery!
If you would like to discuss this and save some KX3 bandwidth please contact me directly at
KB0NE dot ARS at GMAIL dot COM
Thanks again to John KBoNE!
KX3 Companion 