Serial port or USB programming

[Mr.X]

I searched quite a bit about this topic, but there seems to be very little if anything written about this (at least that I can find).

Can applications made for the iPod Touch or iPhone access the serial lines or USB lines on the dock connector? I get the impression it's not possible but I can't find a definitive answer.

To be clear - can an application be made that reads/writes data to the serial or USB lines in the dock connector?

-Andy.

[robbieduncan]

It's forbidden using the official SDK.

[Mr.X]

It's forbidden using the official SDK.
Balls.

[firewood]

You need to negotiate your own hardware development contract with Apple in order to do this. The regular developer SDK API doesn't have any support for the ports.

[Mr.X]

I see. I figured there had to be a way, since many docks have remote controls that control the iPod somehow, presumably via the serial port or something. I also saw an FM transmitter once that you could set the frequency on the iPod screen so it had someway to send/receive digital data...

Thanks for the info! I'll try contacting Apple to see what's involved.

-Andy.

[Nonnus3G]

check the madeforipod program

[Mr.X]

I wonder how much it costs to allow a person to control an external product if they don't need the "made for ipod" logo... Or is it impossible to get the info without the logo...

Guess I'll find out once I contact them.

Thanks!

-Andy.

[Nonnus3G]

i think you are required to join that program if you intend to commerce any accessory that uses the dock connector

but maybe you are just checking for a way to use the bundled usb cable to interface with something ?

[Mr.X]

I don't care about the connector, I just want to be able to write software for the iPod that reads/writes via the serial pins or the USB.