Simple spooting scope system

[dromia]

"The only problem with it is that it runs an old version of Android which can't be updated and is not compatible with the latest version of Google Play Services. You have to turn off automatic updates then install an older version then it's all OK."

That sounds like too much of a faff on for me, I have wasted enough time fecking about with computers on this already. I want one that I can plug into my computer and side load the camera software, plug in the camera and go. I will not go near googleplay that obscene android monopoly.

[Dahonis]

The Android device would have to be OTG compliant as well, not all devices are.
It will say on device manufacturers website.

[dromia]

The cheap tablets don't seem to have manufacturers.

[Dahonis]

The cheap tablets don't seem to have manufacturers.

Did it have a box? Or was it 2nd hand?

In the setting menu it should have an 'about' tab that shows the make or model number.

I can pop up this Thursday if you're about and have a look?

[dromia]

Thanks Chris.

New.

Just a plain white box, no instructions. As advertised.

It works fine and connects to the PC via the OTG cable OK, just won't run the camera.

[Dahonis]

Can you get into the settings, it should say something like this

[dromia]

It has a model No: Q88

Also a build number that goes on for ever.

[Triffid]

I don't think it's about whether the tablet supports OTG or not. Dromia has confirmed that a mouse will work with it, so the tablet's OTG works fine.

But USB ports aren't all created equal . . . in particular some can provide more power/current/amps than others. And some USB devices need more power than others - an external HDD requires more power to spin the hard disk than a thumb drive does, which is why external drives often have their own power supply. The USB camera need more power than Dromia's tablet's USB port provides, so they don't work with his setup.

Google "usb otg current spec" for a better explanation that I can give.

However what I think Dromia wants is a list of the tablets known to work (or not) with the webcam.

As a starter for 10, my Motorola Moto E5 phone does work. But my Doogee M5 phone and Fusion5 Tablet don't. Going on this, I suspect that you'll have more luck if you stick to a known brand rather than a Chinese cheapie.

Triffid

[1066]

I think the problem is that the tablet Dromia is trying to use does not have the Google play app pre-loaded. (And a reluctance to use it if it was)) Most of the very cheap android tablets come form China and the manufacturers, for either political or economic reasons, don't load the full "western" android suite.

I'm sure a computer savvy type could add Google play then install one of the free usb camera apps but beyond my limited powers.

With an android tablet or phone with Google play already installed then it's a simple job to download a free app, plug in the camera and away you go.

[dromia]

I have loaded the following .apk applications onto the tablet and none have picked up the external camera.

usbcamera (the one Allan has been using)
lumiocamera
simple camera
camerafi
VLC