I tried to find more details about NCK, but could not so far. Can someone explain to me how network lock works in detail?
Here's what I understand so far:
- Network lock is a protection for providers, so they get their ROI by subsidizing the phone
- It is implemented differently in different phones, but mostly it's either a random or algorithm-generated code that you enter
- If algorithm-generated, it is possible to make a code generator
Funny is that best info I could find is on Wikipedia (cannot post links, but /wiki/SIM_lock).
Here's what I could not confirm so far:
- Since rooting is unrelated to this, it must be stored in a different place from where the actual Android OS is stored. Where then?
- Can the code or the lock status be read or written using adb / Android app / JTAG / other means?
- Does it really only depend on IMEI?
- If IMEI is changed, will the code be changed too?
Any links or pointers with tech info are greatly appreciated! Happy coding!
Originally posted on 4pda
rk3188 MTCB drivers source code could be fond here
https://github.com/amper128/mtc_drivers
Someone skilfull may modify them or extract knowledge of how MCU integration is done. Russians suggest it is possible to build completely new kernel.... But it is still to be seen if anyone steps forward and do anything with it.
pa.ko said:
Originally posted on 4pda
rk3188 MTCB drivers source code could be fond here
https://github.com/amper128/mtc_drivers
Someone skilfull may modify them or extract knowledge of how MCU integration is done. Russians suggest it is possible to build completely new kernel.... But it is still to be seen if anyone steps forward and do anything with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many source files on github appear to be empty. Still this looks very promising - thanks!
The missing pieces of the Kernel...Great!
Would you please link to the original thread on 4PDA?
DaAntipop said:
The missing pieces of the Kernel...Great!
Would you please link to the original thread on 4PDA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA is not allowing like links to 4pda but here is the thread name and post number so search on Google for direct link
Модификация софта и украшательства для ГУ MTCB/MTCC CPU RK3066/3188
Post #6049
There is just a post, to inform and announce to interested Devs. No full thread dedicated to that project.
If anyone is interested to step in and do something, I would recommend contacting directly the developer (on github). He may be interested in cooperation and help.
Thank you
Unfortunately it hasn't gained much attention in this monster-thread...let's see how far we can get with it
pa.ko said:
XDA is not allowing like links to 4pda but here is the thread name and post number so search on Google for direct link
Модификация софта и украшательства для ГУ MTCB/MTCC CPU RK3066/3188
Post #6049
There is just a post, to inform and announce to interested Devs. No full thread dedicated to that project.
If anyone is interested to step in and do something, I would recommend contacting directly the developer (on github). He may be interested in cooperation and help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks great!
The file mtc_car.c contains the ARM side of the MCU comm routines. I have studied the MCU side of this comm protocol by decompiling MCU (mostly) KLD2 v2.77. Later MCU versions that I have looked at are very similar.
It is a 3 wire bidirectional point-to-point protocol where either side can initiate a data transfer. In other words, either side can be the "master" and send to the "slave. "
Each transfer starts with the master requesting control of the bus, receiving an acknowledgment from the slave, then sending a 16 bit command word which specifies the rest of the transfer. Some commands have no additional data transfer. Others are either a request by the master to send a block of data to the slave, or a request to receive a block of data from the slave.
After the transfer is complete the master releases control of the bus so that either side can start another transfer. If the transfer ever times out then both sides give up and return the 3 wire bus to the idle state so that they can try the transfer again.
I've attached a PDF of a list of command words and what they do, based on what I've seen in the MCU code. Of course code addresses listed there only apply to the KLD2 v2.77 version of the MCU. In my comments I call the 3 wire bus "SPI" but it is not technically the SPI protocol.
dhmsjs said:
This looks great!
The file mtc_car.c contains the ARM side of the MCU comm routines. I have studied the MCU side of this comm protocol by decompiling MCU (mostly) KLD2 v2.77. Later MCU versions that I have looked at are very similar.
It is a 3 wire bidirectional point-to-point protocol where either side can initiate a data transfer. In other words, either side can be the "master" and send to the "slave. "
Each transfer starts with the master requesting control of the bus, receiving an acknowledgment from the slave, then sending a 16 bit command word which specifies the rest of the transfer. Some commands have no additional data transfer. Others are either a request by the master to send a block of data to the slave, or a request to receive a block of data from the slave.
After the transfer is complete the master releases control of the bus so that either side can start another transfer. If the transfer ever times out then both sides give up and return the 3 wire bus to the idle state so that they can try the transfer again.
I've attached a PDF of a list of command words and what they do, based on what I've seen in the MCU code. Of course code addresses listed there only apply to the KLD2 v2.77 version of the MCU. In my comments I call the 3 wire bus "SPI" but it is not technically the SPI protocol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very big thanks!
dhmsjs said:
This looks great!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You should also contact Dev on github and send this info to him. I'm not dev myself but trying to share and connect people who are doing and/or able to do something truly useful for our units. I believe that mastering MCU integration, drivers, and even fixing them in parts or providing new functions (like getting RDS data from radio, saving stations without xposed etc.) may open a way for building new kernel even building new ROM on M, N or O platform (which provide much better support for resource management, offering even much better performance on older hw like our outdated rk units than LP which is proven sluggish).
pa.ko said:
...You should also contact Dev on github and send this info to him...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dev now has it on Github.
pa.ko said:
...or providing new functions (like getting RDS data from radio, saving stations without xposed etc.)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RDS and AF functions will depend on the specific device. To understand these I need the programmer's data sheets for the devices.
I have this for the TDA6624 device, but not TEF66xx devices -- which seem to be much more common in these head units.
The data sheet must have detailed information on the device registers and how to use them. I have the TEF66xx Short Data Sheet ("SDS") but that does not have the details I need to understand the RDS and AF functions in those devices.
Perhaps you can ask on 4pda if anyone there might have a copy of the TEF66xx programmer's data sheet that they could share?
dhmsjs said:
Dev now has it on Github.
The RDS and AF functions will depend on the specific device. To understand these I need the programmer's data sheets for the devices.
I have this for the TDA6624 device, but not TEF66xx devices -- which seem to be much more common in these head units.
The data sheet must have detailed information on the device registers and how to use them. I have the TEF66xx Short Data Sheet ("SDS") but that does not have the details I need to understand the RDS and AF functions in those devices.
Perhaps you can ask on 4pda if anyone there might have a copy of the TEF66xx programmer's data sheet that they could share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asked... Lets hope they will pay attention. (I asked them to post here so we get notified)
dhmsjs said:
Dev now has it on Github.
The RDS and AF functions will depend on the specific device. To understand these I need the programmer's data sheets for the devices.
I have this for the TDA6624 device, but not TEF66xx devices -- which seem to be much more common in these head units.
The data sheet must have detailed information on the device registers and how to use them. I have the TEF66xx Short Data Sheet ("SDS") but that does not have the details I need to understand the RDS and AF functions in those devices.
Perhaps you can ask on 4pda if anyone there might have a copy of the TEF66xx programmer's data sheet that they could share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On 4pda is thread dedicated to our clients nits and in there is a section with lot of documents.
XDA policy permit posting 4pda links but you may find it using name "Аппаратное обеспечение ГУ CPU RK3066/3188. MCU - IAP15L2K61S2 - Обсуждение | Автомагнитола и устройство на Android". In thread header look for subsection "Документация".
I saw datasheets for FM tuners TDA7706, TDA7786 and TEF6624. There also many other DSs for other components.
To download you need to register on 4pda, which is bit hard for non-Russian speakers...
Anyhow I am attaching DSs for radios.
pa.ko said:
...XDA policy permit posting 4pda links but you may find it using name "Аппаратное обеспечение ГУ CPU RK3066/3188. MCU - IAP15L2K61S2 - Обсуждение | Автомагнитола и устройство на Android". In thread header look for subsection "Документация".
I saw datasheets for FM tuners TDA7706, TDA7786 and TEF6624. There also many other DSs for other components.
To download you need to register on 4pda, which is bit hard for non-Russian speakers...
Anyhow I am attaching DSs for radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reference & the zip file! I do appreciate the help.
Yes I have looked around on 4pda and yes it is a bit hard for non-Russian speakers (like me). I have not tried to register there for that reason.
I need to correct my device references above: the best data I have is for the TEF6624 (that pdf is also in your zip file) not "TDA6624." I believe the more recent and more popular device is the TEF6686. This is the one that I am missing programming data on. Since the MCU code does not implement the AF function I cannot look there to see how it is programmed (at least not on KLD2 v2.77).
Hi,
In this thread or post we will discuss the option that we have to deal with Sony Sketch App.
We all know that the app was terminated since it wasn't doing good profit wise, therefore it was shut down, we will not discuss how to export the data, since this option is not longer available anymore, since Sony had given their users six months to do so.
Now, the question is as the following: (If anyone can answer them that would be cool)
How to extract the downloaded STICKERS from the app?
&
How to download the list of the stickers online if they are available?
&
How to download any other stickers or icons online and use them within the app?
&
What is the format of the stickers used within the app?
In my Twitter account @MedoHamdani an image of the full list of the stickers. If anyone can recreate them, please do let me know. If anyone know where to find them in the phone, please do let me know so they can be extracted and shared with the community.
There is another app called Sketch United by one of the previous developer called Carl (This info not confirmed yet), but it is not similar to Sony Sketch app at all and doesn't have the stickers function.
Thanks
Medo Hamdani
Hi,
MedoHamdani said:
How to extract the downloaded STICKERS from the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stickers are located in (complete path from root folder)
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/files/content/stickers
However, you need root access to see the files and eventually add/import another stickers.
Also, the stickers won't show-up in the app until they are registered also within 'content-packs.db' SQLite database.
Database location
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/databases
By copying all the stickers files and replacing the content-packs.* database files, I was able to transfer all my stickers to another phone. Also, file permissions must be set properly (chmod 777, recursively), otherwise you'll actually see a scrollable list of stickers, but everything blank, just blank thumbnails, as the app prepares buttons for them based on the database of downloaded content, but then cannot access them due to bad permissions set on the individual files.
Sadly, I don't have complete pack of stickers, but I'll share them anyway: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13VPrjQeLhOiUi7BoOe-znNNT6bP_xq6-?usp=sharing
(compatible with 9.0.T.0.6 and 9.0.A.0.6)
For a non-root users is eventually possible to use built-in Backup & Restore feature found e.g. on LG or Asus phones, which can import/export complete apps INCLUDING data, not just APK file alone. This way I was able to actually extract the Stickers from my non-rooted LG G6 and import them to a rooted Asus ZenFone 2.
Unfortunately, the export files are not in standardized format across manufacturers, and so one rooted device from every smartphone brand with such Backup & Restore functionality would be needed to cover most non-rooted users. Plus, the exported package often contain various personal information, e.g. I found bits and pieces of photo (?) metadata with text geographical locations included, despite I unchecked all but the one single Sketch app for making the backup. And so while it might be a solution for a non-rooted phones, it might hardly be the preferred one.
MedoHamdani said:
What is the format of the stickers used within the app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PNG
nfsmaniac said:
Hi,
Stickers are located in (complete path from root folder)
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/files/content/stickers
However, you need root access to see the files and eventually add/import another stickers.
Also, the stickers won't show-up in the app until they are registered also within 'content-packs.db' SQLite database.
Database location
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/databases
By copying all the stickers files and replacing the content-packs.* database files, I was able to transfer all my stickers to another phone. Also, file permissions must be set properly (chmod 777, recursively), otherwise you'll actually see a scrollable list of stickers, but everything blank, just blank thumbnails, as the app prepares buttons for them based on the database of downloaded content, but then cannot access them due to bad permissions set on the individual files.
Sadly, I don't have complete pack of stickers, but I'll share them anyway: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13VPrjQeLhOiUi7BoOe-znNNT6bP_xq6-?usp=sharing
(compatible with 9.0.T.0.6 and 9.0.A.0.6)
For a non-root users is eventually possible to use built-in Backup & Restore feature found e.g. on LG or Asus phones, which can import/export complete apps INCLUDING data, not just APK file alone. This way I was able to actually extract the Stickers from my non-rooted LG G6 and import them to a rooted Asus ZenFone 2.
Unfortunately, the export files are not in standardized format across manufacturers, and so one rooted device from every smartphone brand with such Backup & Restore functionality would be needed to cover most non-rooted users. Plus, the exported package often contain various personal information, e.g. I found bits and pieces of photo (?) metadata with text geographical locations included, despite I unchecked all but the one single Sketch app for making the backup. And so while it might be a solution for a non-rooted phones, it might hardly be the preferred one.
PNG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your detailed answer, if you have done this process and recorded it in a video that would be helpful. Thanks much
By the way, do you know any other app that does the same thing?
MedoHamdani said:
By the way, do you know any other app that does the same thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some apps like Titanium Backup for making apps backup/restore, but you need root for all of them. Otherwise you need to rely on your phone manufacturer whether he included some proprietary app for this AND whether the format is not any encrypted and if there are tools available to extract the backup file.
E.g. me, on LG's backup I used this great tool to extract it: https://github.com/Mysak0CZ/LBFtool
Okay, first of all let me ask you few questions:
Do you have complete pack of stickers that have been ever available?
What phone do you have? Is it rooted or not?
In case you have root, extraction of Stickers will be a lot easier.
Just navigate inside some file manager like Root Explorer or Total Commander to
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/files/content/stickers
and make backup (create archive, ZIP), of all of its content.
Additionaly copy also these two or three files (first one is the most important and should be common, last two ones varies by device)
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/databases/content-packs.db
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/databases/content-packs.db-shm
/data/data/com.sonymobile.sketch/databases/content-packs.db-journal
Then you can share them and I'll eventually try to get our two collections together to create bigger collection, closer to be complete, in case you don't have complete pack of Stickers.
In case you DON'T have rooted phone, I would ask you for details about your phone first. I can do a guide of what I have, but procedure might be different on your device.
Here is video how it looks on LG, something very similar I've seen on older Asus phones (at Android 5) also.
I've made backup to microSD card, unticked all options and ticked only Sony Sketch app (within "Downloaded apps" section) to be included in the backup.
Hi,
The answer to these questions:
Do you have a complete pack of stickers that have been ever available?
Well, not all of them but most of them, that was one of the reasons that the phone was not sold or formatted.
What phone do you have? Is it rooted or not?
Samsung Galaxy Fan Edition, and it is not rooted, but willing to undergo the process of rooting.
Is there any app that is similar to Sony Sketch, or can we make another one using Adalo?
@MedoHamdani Personally I am lacking real alternative to Sony Sketch. It was lightweight and intuitive app, simple but powerful. And particualary the Stickers were good here. Lack of serious alternative that wouldn't be full of crappy bloat and ads is the reason why I am willing to spend time on this abandoned app.
I've looked into internals of the Sketch app and while I have zero experience with Android apps modding, it seems to be surprisingly clean and understandable code to me.
Chances are I could be able to just embedd the stickers into the base APK file, the same way how there already is the basic set of Stickers included in the app. I believe that even custom fonts might be possible to add.
Sadly, not always are things as simple as they might seem to be. But i will try it.
Anyway I do appreciate the fact you've kept them in archive and have the will to root your phone.
In case of any difficulties, feel free to reach me out or other members in appropriate forum section dedicated to your device.
Please, try to make a backup of the Sony Sketch app first just in case of any failure (or data loss) during the procedure of rooting your phone, so you'd be able to restore the app back to yours (or another) Samsung phone.
Thank you and good luck!
nfsmaniac said:
@MedoHamdani Personally I am lacking real alternative to Sony Sketch. It was lightweight and intuitive app, simple but powerful. And particualary the Stickers were good here. Lack of serious alternative that wouldn't be full of crappy bloat and ads is the reason why I am willing to spend time on this abandoned app.
I've looked into internals of the Sketch app and while I have zero experience with Android apps modding, it seems to be surprisingly clean and understandable code to me.
Chances are I could be able to just embedd the stickers into the base APK file, the same way how there already is the basic set of Stickers included in the app. I believe that even custom fonts might be possible to add.
Sadly, not always are things as simple as they might seem to be. But i will try it.
Anyway I do appreciate the fact you've kept them in archive and have the will to root your phone.
In case of any difficulties, feel free to reach me out or other members in appropriate forum section dedicated to your device.
Please, try to make a backup of the Sony Sketch app first just in case of any failure (or data loss) during the procedure of rooting your phone, so you'd be able to restore the app back to yours (or another) Samsung phone.
Thank you and good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your extensive detailed reply.
Guess we can form a team who are willing to voluntarily make the app possible. We can use Adalo which is a platform where we can create apps without coding.
If possible will schedule an online meeting using Google Meet so we can back up the phone and root it. Let me know if you are in.
Just imagine if we manage to launch the app after a year from now, since it already has its reputation we can get up to 100,000 downloads.
Please do let me know what software is needed for the backup and the roots.
Cheers,
Medo Hamdani
Dear @MedoHamdani,
I doubt that a sketching app with any practical value can be made using Adalo or any other platform claiming "no coding needed".
I heavily doubt we can just extract stickers we own no rights to and use them in any of our apps that will be publicly distributed somewhere or even sold, as it could be considered as illegal and we would break the rules of XDA forum and laws in your and my country too.
At most we can slightly modify the original application and distribute it with its no-longer available online content. Or create a whole new app with our own stickers and other content.
Perhaps we should move to a private messages if you'd like to discuss it any more in this manner.
You haven't provided exact model of your phone, so I can't point you to any forum thread.
Maybe you should let rooting of your phone on someone more experienced. Or if you have some older or cheaper Samsung phone, definitely try Samsung Smart Switch if it will work for transferring of Sony Sketch's data & stickers.
There is many video guides and it can be done even wirelessly.
Then you can play around with rooting while having a lower harm in case of failure during making a root.
While I can share your enthusiasm, I'd prefer other option to some video meeting currently, I see it as it's kind of early for doing such activity. I hope you understand.
nfsmaniac said:
Dear @MedoHamdani,
I doubt that a sketching app with any practical value can be made using Adalo or any other platform claiming "no coding needed".
I heavily doubt we can just extract stickers we own no rights to and use them in any of our apps that will be publicly distributed somewhere or even sold, as it could be considered as illegal and we would break the rules of XDA forum and laws in your and my country too.
At most we can slightly modify the original application and distribute it with its no-longer available online content. Or create a whole new app with our own stickers and other content.
Perhaps we should move to a private messages if you'd like to discuss it any more in this manner.
You haven't provided exact model of your phone, so I can't point you to any forum thread.
Maybe you should let rooting of your phone on someone more experienced. Or if you have some older or cheaper Samsung phone, definitely try Samsung Smart Switch if it will work for transferring of Sony Sketch's data & stickers.
There is many video guides and it can be done even wirelessly.
Then you can play around with rooting while having a lower harm in case of failure during making a root.
While I can share your enthusiasm, I'd prefer other option to some video meeting currently, I see it as it's kind of early for doing such activity. I hope you understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright let's do this, you are right we can't simply make the whole app with no code platform. point noted.
However, we can extract them then modify them then publish them. ( we might require some volunteers to assist us)
We can move to private messages as well for sure.
The exact model should be Samsung Galaxy Note Fan Edition.
Model Number: SM-N935F/DS
Android version: 9
Previously there was an APK file called King Root that does the job, it was used once on a Lenovo phone, however, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Regarding the video meeting, we can disregard it, that should be fine.
How about creating a backup on the PC instead of getting another phone?!
Thanks much for your help,
We will get these stickers out sooner or later.
What do you think of this article?