USB Host & Supported Devices
In host mode, the FrenschPress USB 2 port drives an attached USB accessory instead of presenting itself as a USB device to a computer. This is how you connect a Stream Deck or the LTC dongle directly to the FrenschPress.
| Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Elgato Stream Deck | Additional key surface with macro mappings, colour and text feedback, timecode display and its own tools menu on the deck |
| FrenschConnection LTC dongle | LTC input. The dongle converts LTC to MTC, which the FrenschPress treats like any other timecode source. |
Enabling USB host mode
The board supplies no USB VBUS voltage. Every USB accessory in host mode, Stream Deck and LTC dongle alike, must therefore be connected through a powered USB hub or a USB OTG Y adapter cable (recommended).
You switch the USB 2 role in Settings under USB Host Support.
- Turn on Enable USB Host support.
- Click Save & Restart USB 2. USB 2 restarts and takes on the host role.
- Check the status below. It first shows
Checking USB 2 status…, then the detected state. If the change fails, Retry now appears.
The USB 2 role is exclusive. In host mode, USB 2 no longer enumerates as a USB MIDI device on a computer. MIDI output then runs over USB 1, RTP-MIDI and the network protocols.
Supported Stream Decks
All devices use Elgato VID 0FD9.
| PID | Device | Keys | Encoders |
|---|---|---|---|
006D | Stream Deck 2019 | 15 | 0 |
0080 | Stream Deck Mk.2 | 15 | 0 |
00A5 | Stream Deck Mk.2 (scissor keys) | 15 | 0 |
00B9 | Stream Deck 15-key module | 15 | 0 |
0084 | Stream Deck + | 8 | 4 (+ touch strip) |
Not supported
| Device | Reason |
|---|---|
Stream Deck Classic (2017, PID 0060) | Legacy protocol |
| Stream Deck Mini | Legacy protocol |
| Stream Deck XL / XL 2022 / 32-key module | Earmarked for a coming hardware generation |
| Two devices at once | The host serves one USB accessory at a time |
How to map the deck is described under Configuring the Stream Deck.
LTC dongle
The FrenschPress detects the FrenschConnection LTC dongle automatically in the same host mode. The dongle delivers MTC derived from an LTC signal. The FrenschPress treats that timecode like any other source and can distribute it to USB 1, Art-Net and the Timeline.
Unplugging an accessory
When you unplug a recognised Stream Deck or the dongle, a 60-second fallback timer starts. After that, USB 2 returns to its MIDI device role. Settings then show device fallback active under USB Host Support. To run a Stream Deck again, plug it in and choose Retry now there. This restarts only the USB 2 part. Restarting the FrenschPress works too.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The accessory stays silent | No power, or an unsuitable hub | Use a powered hub. A simple powered Full-Speed / USB 1.1 hub or a USB OTG Y adapter cable is the most reliable option. If the device still stays silent, a different, simpler powered hub usually fixes it. |
| The role change fails | USB 2 could not start in host mode | Click Retry now in Settings |
| A Stream Deck plugged back in is not detected | USB 2 fell back to the MIDI role after 60 seconds | Choose Retry now in Settings or restart the FrenschPress, see Unplugging an accessory |