This was just on the maemo mailing list:

Is there anywhere I can buy a ready-to-go USB adapter for this? I don't feel comfortable making my own. Although, I did see a USB adapter set at Big Lots for $9.99 with two different kinds of Mini-AB connectors. I just don't know if they are wired correctly.

refer this for more info on USB: http://www.accesscomms.com.au/Reference/USB.htm
http://www.commsdesign.com/printable...cleID=16500233

I do not have an N800 myself. just interested:
I think it is necessary to inject power to the usb cable besides modifying connector, because the current is 100ma, too weak to power a peripheral. i think the +5V line in N800 end should be cut to prevent the power being injected into N800.

if the peripheral does not have ID line, a powered usb HUB with "A" type ports can be used to power peripheral.

just one question: what will happen if the n800 is set to HOST mode when connecting it to a computer, which require n800 as slave? i do not think the mode is changed automatically.

do not believe me if you do not understand what i mean or you think i am wrong.

Direct link here
http://lists.maemo.org/pipermail/mae...er/011962.html
for those who want to read followup.

OK. I applied last series of patches to the then current osso52 kernel. Used modified cable with power injection (from the USB port on the Desktop PC). musb_hdrc/cable always says disconnected, musb_hdrc/mode always says b_idle. whatever I connect doesn't put out even a word in dmesg.

Then flashed with the precompiled kernel image with the crypto and host patches. Again modified AB cable, power injection. Again nothing. Then tried with ordinary cable (somebody mentioned that B cable is only needed for automatic switching to host mode). Nothing.

Most people get at least something about missing modules or some errors. Why can't I get anything?

In case something is not working it might be useful to read the followup thread in the mailing list. That's why I linked it here. You need to insert some usb gadget modules (like g_file_storage).