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Hi everyone,
I'm a long time viewer, first time poster. I plan on buying the Cingular 3125 this weekend (the refurbished model for $29.99), however I'd like to consult the experts (that would be anyone other than myself) prior to my purchase.
I feel like it's a good fit for me, but my knowledge of PPC's and smartphones is limited. Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this phone? I was originally planning on the 8525 when it was down at $99.99 for a couple days, however that's no longer an option. That, and I think I'd prefer a flip phone and a dedicated keypad.
There were a couple things I didn't truly find in any reviews.
First off, how rugged is the phone?
Is the ringer loud enough/is vibration sufficient? My current phone is barely audible in slightly loud places, and I sometimes hear it vibrate before I feel it.
Upon opening for a phone call, does it pick up right away? I can't stand phones that lag through this process.
If there is a phone out there that is (unlikely) $100 or so that would suit me better , please let me know.
The only things I truly look for in a phone are call quality, customization (ringtones, themes, etc...), decent battery life, Wi-fi is a huge plus, but not mandatory. I don't use any extraneous services.
Any input or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
for 29.99 i would take my chances. I just bought a brand new one for 199 off ebay and it had problems. so i sent it back and they promptly replaced it with a new one. worse part is now i have to pay again to simunlock it but oh well atleast the phone functions right. it does have a weak speaker for the ring it is not very loud and it answers right away for me.
Thanks for the input.
Oh and one more thing. Is there a fast one/two button way to activate a silent and/or vibrate mode?
Offspring said:
Thanks for the input.
Oh and one more thing. Is there a fast one/two button way to activate a silent and/or vibrate mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep... more or less. clicking on the operator id opens the comm manager, #5 enables/disables the ringer (puts it into "meeting mode")...
mostly thats unnecessary. if you have an appointment, set your profile to "automatic" and set the appointment (in your calendar) so that your status is busy.
automatic sets you to "meeting" mode every time your calendar status is "busy"
beyond that... 29.99? you crazy? is that a contract? better have a backup phone then. contracts are never good... if you brick your phone on a 3 yr contract because you were modding it (or whatever)... you still have a 3 yr contract. with or without the phone.
look into it. weigh your options. don't go headlong into something that will financially rape you.
Mystik said:
yep... more or less. clicking on the operator id opens the comm manager, #5 enables/disables the ringer (puts it into "meeting mode")...
mostly thats unnecessary. if you have an appointment, set your profile to "automatic" and set the appointment (in your calendar) so that your status is busy.
automatic sets you to "meeting" mode every time your calendar status is "busy"
beyond that... 29.99? you crazy? is that a contract? better have a backup phone then. contracts are never good... if you brick your phone on a 3 yr contract because you were modding it (or whatever)... you still have a 3 yr contract. with or without the phone.
look into it. weigh your options. don't go headlong into something that will financially rape you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have my phone right now. I could easily keep it as a back up. I've never heard bad reports of refurb phones from Cingular/AT&T. It's $29.99 due to the 2 year extension contract on top of it being a refurbished model. That's how I've gotten my phones in the past.
edit:
I forgot to mention that I most likely wouldn't be hacking/modding it, unless there is something that really makes a big difference.
well then. it's a good phone. i have the 3100. i intended on buying the 3125, but somehow missed that it wasn't the 3125 in the auction (i bought mine on ebay)..
my real challenges were to rid myself of the cingular store (something which you might want to keep), re-do settings for MMS (as i'm not on cingular's network), and beyond that, my only beef is the BT Restrictions on the phone...
the only allowed incoming BT connection is for wireless modem.
i'd like to fix it... but meh. if you don't do much with BT, then you're okay. A2DP headsets seem to work though... but some registry mods are needed to do full stereo, and high quality A2DP... nothing serious, just some value modding.
if you're okay with the contract, go for it. nearly no mods are needed for this phone to kick some serious butt. i've honestly never had a phone that gave me as much detailed information about stuff as this one... it seems to satisfy my need for unnecessary information. haha.
I say DONT buy... FLip phones suck.
Thanks for the advice. I'll probably purchase it tomorrow if not sooner. I don't use any bluetooth at the moment, and can't see myself using it in the next 2 years.
edit:
Is that the only reason Madcap? In that case, I'll stick with the phone.
could also check out a sda which adds wifi and infared in a candy bar package. I own that phone too and really they all the same just different form factors.
nkognegr0 said:
could also check out a sda which adds wifi and infared in a candy bar package. I own that phone too and really they all the same just different form factors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad the SDA isn't made for Cingular/AT&T. It looks similar to the 2125, however that doesn't have wifi either.
Thanks for the suggestion though.
Alright, I have one more question.
I read somewhere that the newest Cingular ROM doesn't allow you to install 3rd party apps. I also read that there's a way to unlock it. Could someone lead me in the right direction?
Thanks!
yes, there is a way to make application unlock via registry editing and SDA Application Unlock utility
Erofich said:
yes, there is a way to make application unlock via registry editing and SDA Application Unlock utility
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would I just have to follow the first two steps according to this post?
So from what I understand, installing the latest 3125 ROM disallows any use of 3rd party software apps without doing this?
Offspring said:
Would I just have to follow the first two steps according to this post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, your device will be fully unlocked, and you will be able to flash any startrek cingular/qtek/imate/dopod roms
Offspring said:
So from what I understand, installing the latest 3125 ROM disallows any use of 3rd party software apps without doing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, some apps will work
And this lock is in any official rom
Alright, thanks for the tips. I understand what Application Unlock does, and I understand SIM unlock, but what exactly does CID Unlock do? Is that what allows custom ROM's to be installed?
CID unlock is allows you to flash with any vendor's rom (any of qtek 8500, cingular 3125, dopod s300 and i-mate Smartflip roms)
ha! Yes offspring, thats the only reason.. lol
Erofich said:
CID unlock is allows you to flash with any vendor's rom (any of qtek 8500, cingular 3125, dopod s300 and i-mate Smartflip roms)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all of the help. It's greatly appreciated. I doubt I'll need anything other than Application Unlock, but at least I know for future reference.
Hopefully I'll get around to purchasing tonight.
No further questions at this point in time. Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts/opinions/ideas.
1. Application unlock your phone using regeditstg and do the following :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\0000 1001 = 2 -->Change the value data from 2 to 1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\0000 1005 = 16 --> Change the value data from 16 to 40
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Security\Policies\Policies\0000 1017 = 128 --> Change the value data from 128 to 144
Reboot the phone
2. Run SDA_ApplicationUnlock tool. Reboot the phone after it finishes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2Offspring
Application unlock is only first 2 points of this post.
Madcap180 said:
ha! Yes offspring, thats the only reason.. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On our devices - yes...
Erofich said:
2Offspring
Application unlock is only first 2 points of this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I noticed that. Thanks for looking out for me.
Oh, and I may as well ask out of curiosity: What is superCID? I couldn't find a 'definition' per say. Just a place saying it allows the installation of ROM's.
I was wondering if there was anyway to unlock the gps on verizon's touch pro so that I can use it with googlemaps and other gps enabled apps. If there isn't a way to do it, is there any development on a way to unlock it?
mnasr87 said:
I was wondering if there was anyway to unlock the gps on verizon's touch pro so that I can use it with googlemaps and other gps enabled apps. If there isn't a way to do it, is there any development on a way to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure they need to figure out how to unlock the phone first. Thats still in development for our phones. Once that is done I am more than sure somone will have it unlocked shortly after. Just keep checking the threads and we will see an announcement by someone. I am even sure we will see more than one thread on it.
How about Skywing's
I don't have a TP to try this on yet. Been watching this forum in anticipation of moving up (?) from a xv6800.
Has anyone tried Skywing's hack to see if it works on a TP? In one of his posts, Skywing stated that he didn't see why his hack wouldn't work on any stock Verizon 6.1 install.
Just a thought . . .
The posted bits will not work on the xv6850 due to some timing differences with how the GPS driver initialization works. There is no value in using those bits on the xv6850.
The posted bits were stated to work with the xv6800 and not any Verizon device with WM6.1. Some people have claimed success with the xv6900, but I cannot speak to any possible success or failure with that device. They will not work on the xv6850.
I already tried to install Skywings fix and as soon as I click Use GPS in Google maps, it locks the phone beyond recovery.
isdnmatt said:
I already tried to install Skywings fix and as soon as I click Use GPS in Google maps, it locks the phone beyond recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed Skywings Vallhala cab. it opened up or unlocked the GPS so it was discoverable by OnCourse navigator 8 but wouldn't actually work or find satellites. It didn't lock up my device or do any harm whatsoever. I guess I'll stick to my bluetooth receiver for the time being....
yeah my phone froze up too when i tried using GPS in google maps after installing vallhala.cab. i think it's gonna need a little something more than just using the same hack for the xv6800. i really hope someone is in the process of development.
From what I understand its just figuring out how to unlock the unit then after that its easy to do whatever you want
Has anyone been able to do anything in QPST or does the phone need to unlocked to use QPST?
tmushy said:
From what I understand its just figuring out how to unlock the unit then after that its easy to do whatever you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, not quite. Hait to burst everyone's buble but its not quite that simple. The phone has been unlocked just not released to us. They have GPS up and running but only with VZNav. They are trying to work with GC for a GPS solution.
I can thoerize that this will only work with a fix from Valhalla.
It has alot to do with how the PRI's are preset. To make a long story short they have sort of proved this by flashing a new radio from sprint and it still wasnt "unlocked" Same thing wiht the titan would happen after MR1. The only thing that could revert the PRI back was a revert to a non GPS radio. Then back up to a GPS radio with a standard PRI instead of the VZ locked. From there you were good.
Well there is no pre-gps radio to revert back to for the Raph. Thats why I feel we will end up going an emulation route. The drivers are differnt than that titan which is why all of our phones crashed with his fix. Or most anyways. We need him to create a utility for us until someone figured out how to "cure" the PRi issue.
I may not have used the exact correct terminology in this post. Im more of a ROM guy than a GPS / Radio guy but this is how I understand it. Someone correct me please if I am wrong. And I deperately hope I am wrong on this one (Although I had no doubt in my mind when the phone was introduced this was to be the case. They were basically beta testing the GPS system with the Titan and Vogue. Sit back and think about).
Here is the thread I am reffering to:
NexVision's VzW TP ROM
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=47774
Cycomachead said:
Has anyone been able to do anything in QPST or does the phone need to unlocked to use QPST?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The version of QPST I have sees the phone but doesnt knwo what type it is. I selected the only profile that had GPS one and it "seemed" to work but I wasnt about to test it by writing to the phone.
lbjohnny said:
I installed Skywings Vallhala cab. it opened up or unlocked the GPS so it was discoverable by OnCourse navigator 8 but wouldn't actually work or find satellites. It didn't lock up my device or do any harm whatsoever. I guess I'll stick to my bluetooth receiver for the time being....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As posted in the thread on the Titan forum, those binaries won't work out of the box on the xv6850.
Skywing said:
As posted in the thread on the Titan forum, those binaries won't work out of the box on the xv6850.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Skywing... Long time wm user but totally unfamiliar with what you guys do here.
Will a gps fix for this phone be a reality inthe near future or should I just forget about it?
looks like verizon is actually going to unlock GPS on most new phones including the HTC Touch Pro in the first half of 2009
jchysk said:
looks like verizon is actually going to unlock GPS on most new phones including the HTC Touch Pro in the first half of 2009
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only hope so. That will be awesome
Those of you looking for the GPS to be unlocked might be interested in reading this post.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=48256
^^ I was about to post that too, looks like a GREAT start!! I'm holding out for a more definitive fix though.
Well the fix has been posted on the link two posts above.
Actually, it has been moved to this thread by Bored.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=49933
stanglifemike said:
^^ I was about to post that too, looks like a GREAT start!! I'm holding out for a more definitive fix though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you got what you asked for
lllboredlll said:
Well you got what you asked for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been running boreds fix for nearly 24 hours and I am GOLDEN!
Try his fix on my VZ NAv ROM 1.0 and you will not be disapointed ;c)
Sorry if this has been asked, I saw a video on youtube that said it did. So does have built in GPS?
p.s. search is temporarily down.
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Thanks for the heads up. Damn, kind of a let down(for me). It still is one of the best spec'd tablets out right now for the price. How do you like it????
marixsmith said:
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What variant has those specs?
vinscuzzy said:
Thanks for the heads up. Damn, kind of a let down(for me). It still is one of the best spec'd tablets out right now for the price. How do you like it????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only answer for myself. I am using the stock software. I have not modified it in any way. I have been able to find enough apps to do what I want with the device as it is supplied from Sears. Would I like more, sure. I would like to have flash working. While I really don't care about youtube, it would be handy to be able to pull some things up for my music lessons. The guys on this forum have done more in 10 days than any other group that I have ever seen. They have mod'd this device all over the place. One guy has reported that he even has a wince version almost ready to release as a beta. Honestly, the hardware on this thing is fantastic. I admit the software is not up to the same caliber as the hardware. I am just too busy to play with mod'ing mine right now. I am going out of town for two weeks and I don't want to screw it up just before I go and then I will be pissed off the whole time I am gone. I believe the experts on this forum have said the device is un-brickable. And from all of the discussions, I believe this to be true and not just hot air. My advice - If you can get a refurbished one buy it fast at 279. If not then buy it on sale this coming Thursday for 379. If all else fails then shell out the 400 for a brand new one. If it can't do it now I am sure these guys will make it do it before Christmas. IMO
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
marican said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wth? By that link it looks like flash is working. Hey, it even comes with a custom case with the cutouts for the buttons and stuff. They probably have a kickass market too! ;P
marican said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would definatly get that if it were a bit cheaper, like the 450 range with 3g and GPS
guitar geek said:
I can only answer for myself. I am using the stock software. I have not modified it in any way. I have been able to find enough apps to do what I want with the device as it is supplied from Sears. Would I like more, sure. I would like to have flash working. While I really don't care about youtube, it would be handy to be able to pull some things up for my music lessons. The guys on this forum have done more in 10 days than any other group that I have ever seen. They have mod'd this device all over the place. One guy has reported that he even has a wince version almost ready to release as a beta. Honestly, the hardware on this thing is fantastic. I admit the software is not up to the same caliber as the hardware. I am just too busy to play with mod'ing mine right now. I am going out of town for two weeks and I don't want to screw it up just before I go and then I will be pissed off the whole time I am gone. I believe the experts on this forum have said the device is un-brickable. And from all of the discussions, I believe this to be true and not just hot air. My advice - If you can get a refurbished one buy it fast at 279. If not then buy it on sale this coming Thursday for 379. If all else fails then shell out the 400 for a brand new one. If it can't do it now I am sure these guys will make it do it before Christmas. IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you, I am using the stock software, and have not modified it, other than to add the folio flash apk. Flash now works great. It is a great device and I am eagerly awaiting the update from VS
another option is to use a BT GPS puck and an app like Bluetooth GPS to simulate an internal gps.
In the Malata link that Marican posted, it talks about adding GPS like it is something they can "plug-in" upon request. If that were true, it sounds like for $40, we might be able to get the same thing and stick it in the unit. Anyone have any ideas about how they are adding GPS?
disregard post
Talk2Rider said:
In the Malata link that Marican posted, it talks about adding GPS like it is something they can "plug-in" upon request. If that were true, it sounds like for $40, we might be able to get the same thing and stick it in the unit. Anyone have any ideas about how they are adding GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a space on the board for a GPS on a chip, as well as a mini PCI-e socket and space for a SIM socket. Might be doable with a bit of soldering, which I might be attempting soon.
Let me know how it goes is like to put a gps card in there
switt said:
another option is to use a BT GPS puck and an app like Bluetooth GPS to simulate an internal gps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine to work using bluetooth gps on the g-tablet and share gps on my droid 1. Worked beautifully. Now i need to root my droid so I can tether internet. Anyone know of good in car mounts for this thing?
marixsmith said:
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, in Italy Olivetti is proposing Olipad100, which is a version of G-Tablet with 1 GB RAM (but no GPS, unfortunately), as reported here:
http://forum.android-dev.it/olipad100-viewsonic-g-tablet-rimarchiato-512mb-t2980.html
It is my understanding that you do not need to root your android phone when you use 'Easy Tether' program available on Market.
GPS Chip soldering
KorbenD said:
There's a space on the board for a GPS on a chip, as well as a mini PCI-e socket and space for a SIM socket. Might be doable with a bit of soldering, which I might be attempting soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did the soldering go? I wanted to try the same, but wanted to know, how did it go for you before actually trying it myself.
makbruno said:
How did the soldering go? I wanted to try the same, but wanted to know, how did it go for you before actually trying it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is tons more info in this post on the internal gps. Hope this helps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1062333
I'm a little fed up with the GPS in my THL W8S phone. It doesn't work at all!
I believe I've already tried EVERYTHING:
1. Go to "Settings" / "Location access" / Long press "GPS Satellites" / "EPO Settings" / "DOWNLOAD"
2. Root the phone with Eroot, then edit file "/system/build.prop" to add this line at the end: dalvik.vm.execution-mode=int:fast
3. Install MobileUncle Tools to enter Engineer Mode and follow the steps in [this page]
4. Use GPS Fix + GPS Test
5. Use GPS Status
6. Create the file "/etc/gps.conf" and put entries for European servers, as indicated in [this tutorial for the HTC Desire] which has been posted by THL itself (what?! WTF!!!). Ah, BTW, I've found out that the tutorial in THL's site was lifted from a [post in XDA]. Wow... So the original manufacturer (THL) doesn't even know how to fix its own phone, WHICH SHOULD HAVE WORKED FINE IN THE FIRST PLACE and has to roam around forums for tips intended for HTC phones that happen to work with their own phones?!
7. Use Leo GPS Injector, as suggested in the aforementioned THL site / XDA post
8. Enable "Network request" in "A-GPS Settings" and disable the option "Wi-Fi & mobile network location" in "Location access"
NADA. No dice. There's no way the damn thing wants to work.
Is there anything I still haven't tried? Any hope for this phone?
Since I've tried so many things, I'm starting to think that maybe it's an antenna issue. Could it be? Are there any instructions on how to fix this?
Anyone?
OMA2k said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried any 3rd party gps softwares??
sangalaxy said:
tried any 3rd party gps softwares??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, no software which uses the GPS works with my phone.
OMA2k said:
Hi, no software which uses the GPS works with my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't get that please explain
anyways try any 3rd party gps app
sangalaxy said:
I didn't get that please explain
anyways try any 3rd party gps app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean that all GPS apps (third party or not) fail to work with the GPS. And I've tried all the mentioned steps already.
OMA2k said:
I mean that all GPS apps (third party or not) fail to work with the GPS. And I've tried all the mentioned steps already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try any gps code
don't know for your device for my device *#197328640# will enter into test mode where I can check gps it is a gb code so it will not work on jb so search for codes like that
sangalaxy said:
try any gps code
don't know for your device for my device *#197328640# will enter into test mode where I can check gps it is a gb code so it will not work on jb so search for codes like that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean "Engineer Mode"? I can already enter that mode using MobileUncle or GravityBox. I mentioned it in point 3 of my original post.
But unfortunately, that didn't help.
Thanks for your suggestions, anyway.
My THL W8S mobile GPS also has a problem, but I am not often use GPS, so I don't really care, it's better if you can solve, haha
While there are many advice on how to tweak software side of GPS in THL W8, W8+, W8S, W8 Beyond, none of them won't help with GPS signal reception. Only HW mod can help with that, and finally, thank to befano71, there's one very simple that works...
For THL W8S GPS antenna mod [simple HW mod], check here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=46327334&postcount=20
Post your results, please...
cacan031 said:
Post your results, please...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried befano71 method. No measurable change in behaviour. Not confident exactly what material should be used, and exactly what dimensions to use.
How accurate do the dimensions of the antenna need to be? I don't really understand the science behind this.
On another tack: Has anyone experimented with the "Horizontal Accuracy" parameter in Location Engineer Mode.
The default value seems to be 22 units (K-Value).
What is the effect of changing this value? Is it just for initial lock, or does it affect ongoing performance?
_ossie_ said:
Tried befano71 method. No measurable change in behaviour. Not confident exactly what material should be used, and exactly what dimensions to use.
How accurate do the dimensions of the antenna need to be? I don't really understand the science behind this.
On another tack: Has anyone experimented with the "Horizontal Accuracy" parameter in Location Engineer Mode.
The default value seems to be 22 units (K-Value).
What is the effect of changing this value? Is it just for initial lock, or does it affect ongoing performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, the aluminum paper didn't do much, either
_ossie_ said:
Tried befano71 method. No measurable change in behaviour. Not confident exactly what material should be used, and exactly what dimensions to use.
How accurate do the dimensions of the antenna need to be? I don't really understand the science behind this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try with EXACTLY 2mm wide and 7cm long alu foil stripe (or copper), attached inside the cover like showed in the photos [exact positions, should not touch that black sticker on the inside of the back cover]. Any change in width/length will have significant impact on the reception level.
There is a better way to do this?
cacan031 said:
You should try with EXACTLY 2mm wide and 7cm long alu foil stripe (or copper), attached inside the cover like showed in the photos [exact positions, should not touch that black sticker on the inside of the back cover]. Any change in width/length will have significant impact on the reception level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the photo, the strip looks MUCH wider than 2mm. I made mine to look as close as possible to the one in the photo. I'll try a 2mm wide one. Does the thickness of the foil matter?
_ossie_ said:
In the photo, the strip looks MUCH wider than 2mm. I made mine to look as close as possible to the one in the photo. I'll try a 2mm wide one. Does the thickness of the foil matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that was ver 0.1, quick and dirty of alu stripe - which gave me ~ +6 SNR. After that I've done another one, with more precision, and got ~ +10SNR.
i understand from THL ISRAEL that there is a fix (hardware fix) for the antenna from 01/10/2013
can anyone that purchased the phone from that date ,post a picture of the board?
cacan031 said:
While there are many advice on how to tweak software side of GPS in THL W8, W8+, W8S, W8 Beyond, none of them won't help with GPS signal reception. Only HW mod can help with that, and finally, thank to befano71, there's one very simple that works...
For THL W8S GPS antenna mod [simple HW mod], check here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=46327334&postcount=20
Post your results, please...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it and it works like a charm :victory:
Got GPS fix in less than 30 seconds.
Big thanks.
Walky talky solution
Positioning the antenna inside as shown above did not fix the problem for me. Reception was still bad.
The only thing that seem to help is to position an antenna that comes in contact with the phone GPS antenna and is pointing out positioned upwards (like a walky talky). This improves the reception greatly.
Did the testing using the "GPS Test" app from google play.
Does anyone think that it is possible to wire a ceramic antenna to the phone?
Do you want FM radio on the G3?
This thread is dedicated to discussion and development of a kernel/rom that will enable the FM radio on the Verizon varient of the G3.
FWIW, if I want / need to listen to local FM radio on my phone, I use the Tunein Radio app. Works well in my area.
rfarrah said:
FWIW, if I want / need to listen to local FM radio on my phone, I use the Tunein Radio app. Works well in my area.
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Yeah but if we use FM we don't have to waste our mobile data plan.
It would be nice. I go to the drive in movie theater every now and then and listening on my phone through a Bluetooth speaker would be nice sometimes. That way I don't have to worry about my battery dying.
l33tlinuxh4x0r said:
Yeah but if we use FM we don't have to waste our mobile data plan.
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Good point!
It would be nice to have when on the treadmill at the gym. They transmit the tv sound using fm transmitters.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
How would this made possible? I am really interested in this.
I think it'd be nice to have. If other g3's are equipped with the option, why not the vs985? Anything to help thwart big red from forcing us to use data - I'm down.:good:
Is it software or hardware that has it disabled though, that's the question.
stillmatic917 said:
How would this made possible? I am really interested in this.
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startswithPendswithOOH said:
I think it'd be nice to have. If other g3's are equipped with the option, why not the vs985? Anything to help thwart big red from forcing us to use data - I'm down.:good:
Is it software or hardware that has it disabled though, that's the question.
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Some people say that it is hardware. They say that verizon soldered the FM pins on the board to short them out.
Personally I believe that they disabled it in software. I think that they did it to force us to use data instead of somthing that is free so that they can make more money. I think that it may be kernel or framework/lib related or both. I have already determined that FM is enabled in the Sprint kernel and that it is disabled in the Verizon kernel. There are also files that are in the Sprint rom (known to have working FM) that are not in the verizon rom. Here is a list of files that are missing from the Verizon rom among others but these ones look promising.
Code:
/bin/BCM4339_003.001.009.0061.0313_FM_I2S.hcd
/etc/permissions/com.broadcom.fm.xml
/etc/permissions/com.lge.hardware.fm_radio.xml
/framework/com.broadcom.fm.jar
/framework/com.broadcom.fm.odex
I have zipped up the files and will attach them here. I also included other files with FM or radio in their name from the sprint rom although I don't believe that they are different from the ones in the Verizon rom.
If I want to listen to the radio I'll pull out my old Walkman lol! No need for I here! That's my vote
l33tlinuxh4x0r said:
Some people say that it is hardware. They say that verizon soldered the FM pins on the board to short them out.
Personally I believe that they disabled it in software. I think that they did it to force us to use data instead of somthing that is free so that they can make more money. I think that it may be kernel or framework/lib related or both. I have already determined that FM is enabled in the Sprint kernel and that it is disabled in the Verizon kernel. There are also files that are in the Sprint rom (known to have working FM) that are not in the verizon rom. Here is a list of files that are missing from the Verizon rom among others but these ones look promising.
Code:
/bin/BCM4339_003.001.009.0061.0313_FM_I2S.hcd
/etc/permissions/com.broadcom.fm.xml
/etc/permissions/com.lge.hardware.fm_radio.xml
/framework/com.broadcom.fm.jar
/framework/com.broadcom.fm.odex
I have zipped up the files and will attach them here. I also included other files with FM or radio in their name from the sprint rom although I don't believe that they are different from the ones in the Verizon rom.
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On the hardware side, do you think it is just a matter of opening the g3 and putting a DMM on the FM circuit to verify it's shorted or not, and/or also look for missing components in the antenna path? A lot of times OEM's use the same boards and just disable features via software based on the carrier &/or model, but sometimes they do modify/disable the circuitry.
Schematics...hard to come by...anybody have a source?
startswithPendswithOOH said:
On the hardware side, do you think it is just a matter of opening the g3 and putting a DMM on the FM circuit to verify it's shorted or not, and/or also look for missing components in the antenna path? A lot of times OEM's use the same boards and just disable features via software based on the carrier &/or model, but sometimes they do modify/disable the circuitry.
Schematics...hard to come by...anybody have a source?
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I already checked the FCC for schematics and pictures but I did not see any. I did however see a memo form LG saying that they wanted a bunch of stuff kept confidential. Not really sure on the hardware front... I have never been to big into electronic engineering. I'm more of a software guy.
l33tlinuxh4x0r said:
I already checked the FCC for schematics and pictures but I did not see any. I did however see a memo form LG saying that they wanted a bunch of stuff kept confidential. Not really sure on the hardware front... I have never been to big into electronic engineering. I'm more of a software guy.
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I'm more of a hardware guy. I used to be an RF tech and worked in mobile phone repair for a couple years too. I have tons of respect for all the software guys out there. I'm too damn lazy(or dumb) to keep up with the software. Hardware evolves much slower
I'm sans DMM right now, but I don't have a problem cracking my g3 open(no insurance - it is a scam) just to check the soldering once I snag a DMM from work tomorrow. I haven't seen a g3 teardown yet, but I'll look into it. 13 screws on the back and then...a mystery...woo hoo!
Working with no schematic is always interesting, but I'll try and explore some and post back in a bit - with pics along the way. I hope it's something obvious like a short or a missing component in the antenna path. But as far as modifying circuitry and such...I'm not going there, ok? Unless we find something obvious on the hardware side we have to push more on the software side of things. I'm not killing my phone for this
d08speed3 said:
If I want to listen to the radio I'll pull out my old Walkman lol! No need for I here! That's my vote
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Go ahead and use a Nokia 3310 to make phone calls, carry your paper maps and hard cover books around while you at it. There's no need for a smart phone. Why are you even on the internet
startswithPendswithOOH said:
I think it'd be nice to have. If other g3's are equipped with the option, why not the vs985? Anything to help thwart big red from forcing us to use data - I'm down.:good:
Is it software or hardware that has it disabled though, that's the question.
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I love using the data they give me since I have unlimited I used over 600 GB one month and usually over 300 every month I bet they hate me so much
d08speed3 said:
If I want to listen to the radio I'll pull out my old Walkman lol! No need for I here! That's my vote
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Who listens to regular radio anymore anyway? :silly:
I'm interested, just because why not have the ability. What if the zombie apocalypse happens and the only thing working on your phone is FM radio.... :silly:
Let me know how I can help. Don't know much about coding though, I'm an econ major
cap1tal1sm said:
I'm interested, just because why not have the ability. What if the zombie apocalypse happens and the only thing working on your phone is FM radio.... :silly:
I suggest an add on feature for the camera app that functions as a Zombie Scanner.....
As for FM Radio, it would be nice, but I havent really had any good luck with it on other models... reception was always janky.. Of course I DO live in the trees of NEW HAMPSHIRE......
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startswithPendswithOOH said:
I'm more of a hardware guy. I used to be an RF tech and worked in mobile phone repair for a couple years too. I have tons of respect for all the software guys out there. I'm too damn lazy(or dumb) to keep up with the software. Hardware evolves much slower
I'm sans DMM right now, but I don't have a problem cracking my g3 open(no insurance - it is a scam) just to check the soldering once I snag a DMM from work tomorrow. I haven't seen a g3 teardown yet, but I'll look into it. 13 screws on the back and then...a mystery...woo hoo!
Working with no schematic is always interesting, but I'll try and explore some and post back in a bit - with pics along the way. I hope it's something obvious like a short or a missing component in the antenna path. But as far as modifying circuitry and such...I'm not going there, ok? Unless we find something obvious on the hardware side we have to push more on the software side of things. I'm not killing my phone for this
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Click to collapse
First off thanks for having the balls to open your phone and thanks for checking for us. When you do get a chance to take this baby apart take lots and lots and lots of pictures. Try to document everything. And as far as FM antenna goes it uses headphones plugged into the headphone jack as an antenna.
Here is a link to the FCC pictures of the sprint G3 https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...Frame=N&application_id=929848&fcc_id=ZNFLS990 From there click on "Internal Photos" It shows everything just not labled. I can only make out the simple stuff like the charging port, the camera/lightsensors, the sim holder etc. The CPU (Soc) is visable when the phone is appart but most everthing else is covered by a heatsink.
Found what appears to be the Verizon version on the fcc https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...Frame=N&application_id=252995&fcc_id=ZNFVS985 again look at "Internal Photos"
Looks like we have a wire in the photos that the Sprint version did not have. It may just have been removed for the photo on the Sprint version though. It runs along the sie of the PCB along the side of the battery. Most likely this is something important and not related to the radio but like I said before I'm not a hardware guy. If it is radio related how kind of them to use this easily removable wire instead of solder.
Also it appears that what is hidden by the heatsink is different on the two boards. Hopefully it is just unimportant changes like RAM chips or something. Upon further investigation it looks like most if not all of the same parts are there, they are just in differnet locations.
l33tlinuxh4x0r said:
First off thanks for having the balls to open your phone and thanks for checking for us. When you do get a chance to take this baby apart take lots and lots and lots of pictures. Try to document everything. And as far as FM antenna goes it uses headphones plugged into the headphone jack as an antenna.
Here is a link to the FCC pictures of the sprint G3 https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...Frame=N&application_id=929848&fcc_id=ZNFLS990 From there click on "Internal Photos" It shows everything just not labled. I can only make out the simple stuff like the charging port, the camera/lightsensors, the sim holder etc. The CPU (Soc) is visable when the phone is appart but most everthing else is covered by a heatsink.
Found what appears to be the Verizon version on the fcc https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...Frame=N&application_id=252995&fcc_id=ZNFVS985 again look at "Internal Photos"
Looks like we have a wire in the photos that the Sprint version did not have. It may just have been removed for the photo on the Sprint version though. It runs along the sie of the PCB along the side of the battery. Most likely this is something important and not related to the radio but like I said before I'm not a hardware guy. If it is radio related how kind of them to use this easily removable wire instead of solder.
Also it appears that what is hidden by the heatsink is different on the two boards. Hopefully it is just unimportant changes like RAM chips or something. Upon further investigation it looks like most if not all of the same parts are there, they are just in differnet locations.
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I just wanted to check in and apologize for not posting pics yet. The holidays got in the way - like they always do. That and my camera kinda sucks so I have to use one from work.
I've taken the phone apart a few times and just need a better camera to get the shots I need to post. Thank you for the links in your previous post - they helped out, along with a d855 breakdown I found as well.
The main thing I was looking for preliminarily is if we had an IC with FM capabilities and it appears that we do. When I get a better camera I can verify 100% the # on the chip and post it, but it looks like it is a qualcomm WCN3680 which is an WiFi/Bluetooth/FM chip. I don't know if this helps you out, but here is a linux support/driver page regarding the wcn36xx: http://wireless.kernel.org/en/users/Drivers/wcn36xx (If its no help to you - please disregard.)
Also, I saw your post #335 in the skykernel thread regarding using commands for a BCM4339 IC, but it appears we do not have that IC on our board. I found a labeled breakdown of another G3(model not listed, but had the TV antenna I believe - I'll post a pic later when I get home) which does have the BCM4339 IC on that board. The d855 euro g3 model, which has FM capabilities, has the qualcomm wcn3660 on that board, so maybe the commands we need to enable FM could come from the d855 model instead?
I have some links, datasheets, and I will post a somewhat labeled board layout when I get home in a few hours.
And hopefully I can get the most detailed pics as possible posted in the next day or two as well.
Time to put my phone back together and get back to work
oh yea, someone get this up and running (idk how im not smart enough) lol