Hi All,
I'm new here. Hoping someone can give me some advice/direction on my issue.
Just received two Elephone P3000S phones (one for me, one for gift). I'm in Canada on Koodo network, but don't get 4G because we are pretty rural (west of Ottawa), so we are using WCDMA/HSPA+ 850/1900 MHz.
The P3000S supports the following:
GSM:850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA:850/900/1900/2100(HSDPA), FDD-LTE:800/1800/2100/2600
At home, on our old phones (Samsung Galaxy SIIX), we would get cell signals of -93 dBm or better (not great, but usable). With the P3000S phones in the same location (both of them), the signal is -110 dBm or worse (not usable - not able to make calls or send texts). There are no protective cases on the phones to interfere with signal.
I've tried the the following:
- choosing 3G only and WCDMA only networks and editng APN settings specifically for Koodo
- changing/adding build.prop entries for ro.ril
- posting in Elephone forums - no help
- contacting Elephone - no response
The P3000S is new - just came available mid-December. Elephone has issued one update since then. It did not help my signal problem.
I know this could be a hardware/antenna issue, but since the phone is new, opening it up to tweak/boost the antenna is not really an option - a last resort if I can't sell the phones to someone who is located where they will work.
So, my next step (I think), is to try flashing a new modem, but I have no idea where to start with that to find one that might be compatible with Koodo and the P3000S. I'm willing to try several, but it's very new to me.
Relevant info:
Octacore MTK6592 + MTK6290
Android version: 4.4.2
Baseband: MOLY.LR9.W1423.MD.LWTG.MP.V3.P3
I'd really appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance.
Anyone have any ideas where I might start?
heath3000 said:
Hi All,
I'm new here. Hoping someone can give me some advice/direction on my issue.
Just received two Elephone P3000S phones (one for me, one for gift). I'm in Canada on Koodo network, but don't get 4G because we are pretty rural (west of Ottawa), so we are using WCDMA/HSPA+ 850/1900 MHz.
The P3000S supports the following:
GSM:850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA:850/900/1900/2100(HSDPA), FDD-LTE:800/1800/2100/2600
At home, on our old phones (Samsung Galaxy SIIX), we would get cell signals of -93 dBm or better (not great, but usable). With the P3000S phones in the same location (both of them), the signal is -110 dBm or worse (not usable - not able to make calls or send texts). There are no protective cases on the phones to interfere with signal.
I've tried the the following:
- choosing 3G only and WCDMA only networks and editng APN settings specifically for Koodo
- changing/adding build.prop entries for ro.ril
- posting in Elephone forums - no help
- contacting Elephone - no response
The P3000S is new - just came available mid-December. Elephone has issued one update since then. It did not help my signal problem.
I know this could be a hardware/antenna issue, but since the phone is new, opening it up to tweak/boost the antenna is not really an option - a last resort if I can't sell the phones to someone who is located where they will work.
So, my next step (I think), is to try flashing a new modem, but I have no idea where to start with that to find one that might be compatible with Koodo and the P3000S. I'm willing to try several, but it's very new to me.
Relevant info:
Octacore MTK6592 + MTK6290
Android version: 4.4.2
Baseband: MOLY.LR9.W1423.MD.LWTG.MP.V3.P3
I'd really appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, i bought same phone and seems signal is ok. But i am probably not so far from BTS.
It seems your phones has worse antena then phone before, you can not solve this by software (ril mod, baseband etc.). You have to try to solve it by hardware mod, probably extend antena to get higher gain. Under and around NFC antena on back cover is enought space tu use copper foil strips, you can try make unclosed frame with connection on main antena.
Hi MioCZ,
Thanks for your thoughts. So you don't think a different region (i.e. North America) baseband/modem would help at all? The hardware tweak is my last resort - I'm not particularly fond of opening up a new device. And I don't exactly know what to look for as far as NFC antenna or main antenna. Any idea where these are located on this phone?
Again - thanks for your insight.
EDIT: Oh, I see you reference the antenna on the back cover as the NFC antenna. I can try to work with something there without opening up the phone? Or do I need to make a mod to connect the new copper to the main antenna from there? So I guess I need to know where the main antenna is. Is the 4G/LTE antenna the same one used for 3G/WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA? I'm not sure if there are separate ones. If so, the 4G/LTE antenna location is pretty clearly marked.
EDIT AGAIN: I answered my own question by reading up on cell phone antennas. Gotta love Google. So, I'm going to try to rig something up to the main antenna, which I assume is under the section marked "LTE 4G" in the upper right hand corner (when looking at the back of the phone). I'll post my results when I finish.
Engineering mode
You can call *#*#3646633#*# to enter to Engineering mode. It should have antenna test somewhere in menus.
Hi
heath3000 said:
Anyone have any ideas where I might start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, have you solved the issues on your phone?
I believe this is the same problem that I am facing with coloros. In fact he does not write the correct base band and when he writes, does not connect to the network 3G / 4G or make calls. is a mistake that just found this unit ... which makes the port of ROMs for this device and portability including future versions of android. It is not compatible with any other MTK6592 I know.
lena cui said:
Hi, have you solved the issues on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, nothing I have tried helped.
Related
Hello all, i have a Vibrant. but unfortunately in my area at&t only operates their 3g on the 850band, which the vibrant doesn't support. so ive been stuck on Edge for months now, and getting sick of it.
I was wondering if the internal cellular antenna could be swapped with lets say a samsung captivate. so that it could operate on my local 3g band? (without any horrible software issues).
thanks for replies.
I don't know if this is actually possible, but I wish it was. That way, I would my antenna with the one in the Galaxy S 4G. I guess you'd have to find someone with that type of experience.
As of now im guessing it isn't, been searching everywhere on the net and i dont think its even been attempted on any android phones, I have learned that the cellular antenna housing is in the hump on the bottom of the phone. may disassemble it and take a look.
EDIT::: this is completely possible, however, i cannot find a supplier or place to buy a compatible chip that works on all bands....
ANYONE lemme know where i can. please and thankyou
Hello Guys,
I am so desperate and frustrated, hope you can help me!
I dropped my phone from 2 stairways height.
It was working so i didnt care, but when I came home I noticed that I had no reception!
So as I have bought the phone from Germany Amazon.com and using it in Turkey, I had no warranty (even if it said I have!!) I decided to open my SGS2 (I9100) and see if anything was loose. I lifted the pins that touched the middle housing and now I have reception for phone calls all the time thanks God!
But I have no 3G at all, what happens is that is some times shows G in the status bar but never with a + sign near it. I saw + sign only once or twice in the last couple of months.
I called my operator which is Turkcell and they said that my contract is on 3G so no chance on that side. The wierd think is that my phone works with no other SIM card than mine which is 5 years old!
Can anybody help in order to solve my problem? Is there a diagnoses tool that will help me test my SGS2 in order to find the errors?
Thanks for reading guys, I'd really appreciate some help.
Hmm I'd check my APN settings first, make sure they didn't randomly change for some reason. If that failed, I'd factory reset. If that failed I'd flash a new firmware+kernel+modem, and check my APN settings again.
If that failed I'd open it up again, disconenct and clean the antenna wire, reattach and hope for the best.
If that failed I'd suss out what is the most appropriate looking part/area of parts to replace, then replace it with either that specific part, or a pre-assembled part with the surrounding parts attached.
If that didn't work I'd list it on ebay as clearly stating the phone is damaged, outlining the problem and sell it "for parts only". Lots of people pay good money for damaged smartphones. Just make sure any sensitive data/pictures etc have been securely removed before selling it.
The problem with reception was fixed with lifting the pins that touched the middle housing but, stand by :
I think I never had 3G since I bought that phone from Germany.
I feel so stupid!
I read through more and more and I found that article:
androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s/258859-how-enable-850mhz-3g-network-frequency-your-samsung-i9000-galaxy-s.html
It mentioned about the modem frequencies so gave it a try.
dialed the number * # * # 1 9 7 3 2 8 6 4 0 # * # * as stated and bingo!
My modem doesnt list GSM 2100 which is the deault frequency for 3G in Turkey!
But the article doesnt mention how I can ADD GSM 2100 from the menu that dialing that number took me.
Any help with this is appreciated!
First, that article is for am i9000, which is the S1. But that's largely irrelevant because the service menu code still works.
Second, this phone doesn't get GSM 2100. Never has. It gets WCDMA/UMTS 2100. GSM is for voice and 2g, WCDMA is for 3g/HSPA. Looks like you went to the wrong option. (GSM, instead of WCDMA, like the article said.)
Third, you CAN'T add frequencies, on that menu or otherwise.
Thanks.
So why is that my phone connects with only Edge?
Can this be a hardware problem where everything else works?
Maybe these setting are wrong? Or maybe it has a SIM lock? but it works with Turkcell
Is there any manual so that I can these settings_
berkcan1 said:
Thanks.
So why is that my phone connects with only Edge?
Can this be a hardware problem where everything else works?
Maybe these setting are wrong? Or maybe it has a SIM lock? but it works with Turkcell
Is there any manual so that I can these settings_
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said above you don't think you ever had 3g. Maybe your carrier uses 3g frequencies this phone simply doesn't receive.
For example, this phone well never get a 3g signal on T-mobile USA's network, because the phone doesn't receive 1700 UMTS/WCDMA. This is one of two required bands on AWS... Which is the band T-mobile USA uses for 3g and "4g". If your carrier uses AWS for 3g, it won't work on their network either.
ctomgee said:
You said above you don't think you ever had 3g. Maybe your carrier uses 3g frequencies this phone simply doesn't receive.
For example, this phone well never get a 3g signal on T-mobile USA's network, because the phone doesn't receive 1700 UMTS/WCDMA. This is one of two required bands on AWS... Which is the band T-mobile USA uses for 3g and "4g". If your carrier uses AWS for 3g, it won't work on their network either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No this is not possible. Turkcell is using 2100 Hz.
I have bought 3 phones from amazon.de site. The other 2 phones are working.
I have to get my settings set properly, to make sure its a faulty product, so that I can return it.
There are menu options like HSPA revision, GCF, bank selection, service domain, acquisiton order etc..
Where can I find what they have to be?
berkcan1 said:
No this is not possible. Turkcell is using 2100 Hz.
I have bought 3 phones from amazon.de site. The other 2 phones are working.
I have to get my settings set properly, to make sure its a faulty product, so that I can return it.
There are menu options like HSPA revision, GCF, bank selection, service domain, acquisiton order etc..
Where can I find what they have to be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, just go back to that service menu, debug screen - phone control - network control - band selection. Make sure this is selected to automatic. You can make sure all available bands for this phone are selected on in combi bands. If they're all selected on, then it sounds like it could be a hardware issue.
EDIT to add: OR it could be a modem issue. Maybe try flashing different modems?
Turn back time and don't drop it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Hey all, I apologize in advance if this is posted somewhere already, I did search for a couple hours and haven't found anything that come close to my situation.
I bought 2 Samsung Galaxy Notes (i717) a couple months ago. With the news of running them on our T-mobile network, I was sold. Both devices were brand new, in the box and cealed from the factory. I unlocked both through the same Cellunlocker.net site for $25.00 each. I rooted both phones and installed CWM. After insalling Saurom RC7 and the Vkl1 Tmo Radio, everything was fine for about a month. All of a sudden, on my phone, I start losing Network/Data, needing a restart to get it back. Over the past month, I am up to an average of 20-30 restarts a day and sometimes it only works 50% of the time, the other 50% I get nothing, at all.
My 2nd phone (wifes) has no issues at all. We both have the same OS/Radio's on them, nothing is different, except for the IMEI number. We both have them in the same area for use and mine will crap out all day long. Nothing I do fixes it. I have replaced the SIM 4 times, reinstalled the same or a new OS many times, Ive heard, oh its your radio, need to reflash it, corrupt file, the list goes on. If its something that you can suggest, I have probably already tried it, software wise. . T-mobile cc says its cause its unlocked, well my wifes is unlocked and doesnt have an issue....soooo.
The only thing I can come up with is there is a difference in Hardware, between our phones. Not intentional, but maybe my Network/Data, antenna is lose or broken and hers isn't. Thats the only thing I can come up with, other than the unlock code is bad, but if thats it, then why did it work solid for a month?
I am at my wits end, I went back to my sad pos Vibrant, that works. I took my note to a local repair place to run diag tomorrow. Hopefully its something they can find and fix and not bend me over in the process. If anyone has any info on this issue, or has had the same problem, please feel free to fill me in.
Thx all in advance
V
Vouda said:
Hey all, I apologize in advance if this is posted somewhere already, I did search for a couple hours and haven't found anything that come close to my situation.
I bought 2 Samsung Galaxy Notes (i717) a couple months ago. With the news of running them on our T-mobile network, I was sold. Both devices were brand new, in the box and cealed from the factory. I unlocked both through the same Cellunlocker.net site for $25.00 each. I rooted both phones and installed CWM. After insalling Saurom RC7 and the Vkl1 Tmo Radio, everything was fine for about a month. All of a sudden, on my phone, I start losing Network/Data, needing a restart to get it back. Over the past month, I am up to an average of 20-30 restarts a day and sometimes it only works 50% of the time, the other 50% I get nothing, at all.
My 2nd phone (wifes) has no issues at all. We both have the same OS/Radio's on them, nothing is different, except for the IMEI number. We both have them in the same area for use and mine will crap out all day long. Nothing I do fixes it. I have replaced the SIM 4 times, reinstalled the same or a new OS many times, Ive heard, oh its your radio, need to reflash it, corrupt file, the list goes on. If its something that you can suggest, I have probably already tried it, software wise. . T-mobile cc says its cause its unlocked, well my wifes is unlocked and doesnt have an issue....soooo.
The only thing I can come up with is there is a difference in Hardware, between our phones. Not intentional, but maybe my Network/Data, antenna is lose or broken and hers isn't. Thats the only thing I can come up with, other than the unlock code is bad, but if thats it, then why did it work solid for a month?
I am at my wits end, I went back to my sad pos Vibrant, that works. I took my note to a local repair place to run diag tomorrow. Hopefully its something they can find and fix and not bend me over in the process. If anyone has any info on this issue, or has had the same problem, please feel free to fill me in.
Thx all in advance
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the fact that you are running two identical devices ,with identical software etc.
And based on the timeline of trouble that yours is having ...I'm leaning toward a material defect in the device.
The evidence is simply too strong to ignore ...IMHO
A warranty return is my suggestion ....
And I'm very sorry to hear that news ....g
Just an update....I picked it up from the cell repair store. They told me, my antenna needed to be reseated. Once done, I havent lost signal yet in over 6 hours. Good news is, they didnt even charge me.
If it happens again, I will keep this thread updated, otherwise it looks like it was a hardware problem after all.
Yep...
As expected ....
And great news on the free repair ...g
How did they reset the antenna was it software or did they open IP the device
Sent from my SGH-T879 using xda premium
open the device and push the antenna connecter into its seat.
Easy to say, difficult to do. I don't have a link, but if you go to youtube and search "galaxy note disassembly" you can see it and decide if its something you can do.
rangercaptain said:
open the device and push the antenna connecter into its seat.
Easy to say, difficult to do. I don't have a link, but if you go to youtube and search "galaxy note disassembly" you can see it and decide if its something you can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not this guy ....
My shakey old fingers, and poor eyes don't wanna play.
So you might get a pm one day ranger ....with me begging for help on the other end ...LOL ....g
Ok so....my paper weight, still doesn't work. I guess I spoke too soon when I replied all was well. Im not sure what the cell repair store did other than reseating my antenna, but it worked great for a solid day, then started acting up again.
Today I switched my wifes SIM for mine, to try and determin if I just had gotten really unlucky with bad SIM cards. Nope. My SIM worked great in her phone, got signal right away. Her SIM in mine? Didn't get squat on mine, meaning its most deff my hardware (SGH i717).
Long story short, don't purchase online....so you have the ability to take it back to the dealer and throw it through his/her window. I love the Gnote...hands down, coolest phone I have ever had....just wish I didn't get a dud. After all this time, I still haven't heard of anyone having the same issues. I can't be the only 1.
Edit: Just spoke to Samsung and they said it's an issue that happens with the Reciever/Antenna and needs to be repaired. They looked up my IMEI number and said its still under warranty, even though, I took it to a cell repair store and its unlocked with mulitple flashes. As long as it has no water/physical damage, its covered. So I guess I will find out in a couple weeks.
Bad news /good news I guess ...
I'm glad it's getting fixed .....by samsung.
And no ....
You are not the only one ...
There have been 4 others I know of ....
But at this point it's looking like a software issue, with your device being the exception having a hardware failure....g
Same boat
Hi, I purchased a Rogers i717r used. It came with a custom ICS ROM installed based on AT&TI717UCLE2. It seems to have a similar issue most likely hardware related. Although it would show some signal level it didn't regularly connect to the network. It wouldn't let me make calls or use data. I wanted to make sure all the band were turned on so I followed the guide I've used for other Galaxy devices (see below). It was set correctly to automatic. To further troubleshoot the issue I tried turning on only the GSM frequencies 850/1900 (which is what Rogers uses). I connected immediately to the 2G network and got excellent signal strength. I could make calls and use 2G data. Trying to use only the 3G CDMA bands did not work nor did the COMBI BANDS.
I believe this phone has a antenna wire running from the USB charging/dock board to the mainboard. I wonder if this wire or connector has been compromised. I think the previous owner said the USB connector went bad and it was replaced at some point. I may have to open the phone at check the connectors.
Before I start investigating the hardware, I will try to get it back to stock.
There must at least 3 antennas in this phone maybe more. WiFi, GPS, GSM, 3G, 4G, (possibly multiple for different bands). I'd like to know which one is which.
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this is appreciated.
Open the Phone Screen and Type the following code:
* # * # 1 9 7 3 2 8 6 4 0 # * # *
The phone will automatically take you to a screen called:
SERVICE MODE
AND YOU WILL SEE THESE OPTIONS:
----------------------
[1] DEBUG SCREEN
[2] VERSION INFO
[3] UMTS RF NV
[4] GSM RF NV
[5] AUDIO
[6] COMMON
----------------------
all these options are written very very small so you will have to touch the screen very accurately to get the right one... so select them in the following order:
[1] Debug Screen
+
[8] Phone Control
+
[7] Network Control
+
[2] Band Selection
Once you Tap on "Band Selection" you will have a screen stating these 4 Options:
-------------------------
= BAND SELECTION =
[1] Automatic [*]
[2] WCDMA Band []
[3] GSM Band []
[4] Combi Bands []
-------------------------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 12:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 AM ----------
Someone was nice enough to make a Nandroid backup of the stock ROM. It didn't solve the issue though. It still isn't completely stock as the superuser app is still install along with recovery. I guess I need a copy of the unrooted kernel just to be sure it's not software. While in stock GB 2.3.6 I tried the software update feature to upgrade to stock ICS. It reported there was no update available. My guess is it can tell it's been rooted.
tweebs said:
Hi, I purchased a Rogers i717r used. It came with a custom ICS ROM installed based on AT&TI717UCLE2. It seems to have a similar issue most likely hardware related. Although it would show some signal level it didn't regularly connect to the network. It wouldn't let me make calls or use data. I wanted to make sure all the band were turned on so I followed the guide I've used for other Galaxy devices (see below). It was set correctly to automatic. To further troubleshoot the issue I tried turning on only the GSM frequencies 850/1900 (which is what Rogers uses). I connected immediately to the 2G network and got excellent signal strength. I could make calls and use 2G data. Trying to use only the 3G CDMA bands did not work nor did the COMBI BANDS.
I believe this phone has a antenna wire running from the USB charging/dock board to the mainboard. I wonder if this wire or connector has been compromised. I think the previous owner said the USB connector went bad and it was replaced at some point. I may have to open the phone at check the connectors.
Before I start investigating the hardware, I will try to get it back to stock.
There must at least 3 antennas in this phone maybe more. WiFi, GPS, GSM, 3G, 4G, (possibly multiple for different bands). I'd like to know which one is which.
Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2nd Update
Mail from Samsung is as follows
Ship Company: UPS
Tracking Number: N/A
Serial number: N/A
Please view additional information below for more details.
Original Problem:
TECHNICAL INQUIRY - CALL QUALITY (RX/TX) - POOR SIGNAL
Problem found:
NO PCS SERVICE - WILL NOT CHARGE
Solution:
REPLACED COMPONENT
If you have any additional questions, please call us at 1-888-987-4357 and reference Ticket Number: N/A
Thank you.
Samsung Electronics America
I have called and talked to atleast 10 people today, trying to find out what the problem was. What component was replaced, what exactly was the issue. I can't complain, I wasn't charged and the communication thus far, has been top notch.
Does anyone know what PCS Service is?
Here are the messages I recieved, I am assuming QC is Quality Control.
*09/17/2012//21:30:44////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:30 PM-Aldo Ortegon: The unit is shipped.
*09/17/2012//21:30:36////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:30 PM-Aldo Ortegon: No hold amount
*09/17/2012//21:15:14////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:15 PM-Irma: QC Pass.
*09/17/2012//21:14:59////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 8:15 PM-Irma: QC Pass.
*09/17/2012//13:43:48////Web Chat//ASC*
9/17/2012 12:43 PM-Edmond: The unit has left the technician. SOLUTION: Replaced Component
*09/13/2012//12:45:49////Web Chat//ASC*
9/13/2012 11:45 AM-Khatie Rodrigez: The unit has been received. Pack Condition: Fair Packaging (Box & Cushion)
See wikipedia:
At the most basic level*Personal Communications Service*or*PCS*describes a set of*wireless*communications capabilities that allows some combination of terminal mobility,*personal mobility, and service profile management.[1]*More specifically, PCS refers to any of several types of wireless voice and/or wireless data communications systems, typically incorporating digital technology, providing services similar to advanced*cellular*mobile or*paging*services. In addition, PCS can also be used to provide other wireless communications services, including services that allow people to place and receive communications while away from their home or office, as well as wireless communications to homes, office buildings and other*fixedlocations.[2]*Described in more commercial terms, PCS is a generation of wireless-phone technology that combines a range of features and services surpassing those available in analog- and digital-cellular phone systems, providing a user with an all-in-one wireless phone, paging, messaging, and data service.
I figured that's what that meant. I would still like to know what component was replaced. Part# or Sku would be nice, but they are very vague lol. Should have it by Thur/Fri so I will update then if it's still not working and what the overall outcome is, also info on what "component" was replaced, with any luck.
I had the exact same problem after unlocking my i717 through your same online unlock code shop. Signal would drop all the time. I flashed every radio version I could find and that didn't help. Only other thing I could do was flash different roms and see if it somehow fixes.
Haven't used it for a while, but was just re-flashing it so I could gift the device to family and found the Padawan JB v2 and the stock deoxide roms from jedi roms brought back the signal lost. I flashed the latest AoCP 5.8 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773229) and no signal lost in the last 12 hours. I'm also on radio version I717UCLF6. Hope this helps anyone else that stumbles on to this tread.
OP, did you figure out which part had to be replaced? I'm having the same problem. I wish Samsung would release this information, such a headache
dicecuber said:
OP, did you figure out which part had to be replaced? I'm having the same problem. I wish Samsung would release this information, such a headache
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has any one figuired out which part of this phone needs to be replaced to fix loss of signal.
I'm in Japan for this year and I've just purchased a B-Mobile Free Data Sim (with voice), and while I can use the phone service, I can't use Data. After looking at b-mobile's GUARANTEED to work devices (bmobile.ne.jp/english/devices.html) other versions of the Galaxy S2 are listed, but not the i9100. However, in the list of acceptable bands, the following is written:
"Your device must support one of the following frequency
LTE Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 19 (800MHz), Band 21 (1500MHz)
W-CDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 19 (800MHz)"
My Galaxy i9100T (From Vodaphone) should, as far as I know, support the W-CDMA Band 1 (2100MHz), but nonetheless, I can't use data.
I've made sure my APN settings are 100% correct, as according to the bmobile website.
Should I give up on trying to make this work, or is there some way I can get this going? Is there a particular radio or modem I can flash in order to get better connectivity? Otherwise I'm planning on buying a second hand Galaxy SC-02C or something which is on the list of devices guaranteed to work and relatively inexpensive. If you are knowledgeable on this subject, please lend a hand.
If there's any other information you require about my phone, please let me know.
Cheers
To the best of my knowledge, the phone wasn't sold there by carriers (neither the I9100 or the T), so there's no stock roms released by carriers in the country, and no modems bundled with those stock roms which would have been tested with the carrier's network as would normally be the case.
Sooo....You're probably stuck with trying a bunch of different modems unless a search throws up someone who's posted saying they had good connectivity with whatever modem on that network. If it was me, given the other relatively cheap option you mentioned (and my lack of patience with this sort of thing these days), I'd be buying the other phone if having a working phone without fuss was important to me (which it is).
Cheers,
I managed to get it working, on a stroke of luck. Flashing a few different modems didn't seem to get it connected, but after looking more extensively through the japanese version of the site, i found this page (bmobile.ne.jp/devices/setting_other_androidos.html) which suggested an alternative server to connect to for the APN (dm.jplat.net instead of mobile.ne.jp), even though this is the only page it seems to have this alternative server listed on. My reception isn't amazing, so maybe I'll continue as you suggested, flashing modems, until I can get better reception. Thanks for your help .
Anyway, for anyone who happens to have a similar problem, please try connecting to the above server and see if it works for you.
Unlocked AT&T-branded PadFoneX. I'm getting low reception on Band 4 and no HSPDA+ reception whatsoever.
I upgraded the unit to the PadFoneS firmware and did the four Asus upgrades to bring it up to date with no better result. Applied the 99.99.99 down-grade back to KitKat and still no love. I use the APN settings for Fast T-Mobile USA and have tried others as well. My Huawei MediaPad Pro T1 8.0 gets strong T-Mobile reception and then switches over to HSPDA+ coverage once I enter my office building. The PadFone gets weak 4G LTE and then switches over to EDGE once I enter the building.
I was really hoping to replace my 8-inch Huawei with the PadFone but the radio reception just doesn't compare and I can't stand being forced to use EDGE inside my office building when I know that T-Mobile HSPDA+ coverage is usable within my building using the Huawei Phablet.
Can someone please please please help me in "fine tuning" this thing for T-Mobile. By the way the PadFone is rooted and I've unlocked the bootloader as well. Maybe there is updated modem firmware to flash? I just don't know what else I can do..
If you get HSPDA+ coverage from T-Mobile on your PadFone can you please share your configuration and APN settings??
Thank you!!!!!!
Chris R.
I have a PFX flashed to PFS Kitkat running on T-Mobile. Connects to the LTE network fine using the fast.t-mobile.com APN. Yes, reception seems to be on the weak side, but it gets the job done for me. Suspect that Mediapad gets a better signal due to it being larger = larger antenna.
HSPA works fine for me as well, but as this is an AT&T/International device, you'll only connect to HSPA on Band 2 (1900MHz). It lacks HSPA Band 4 (1700MHz/2100MHz) for T-Mobile's more extensive 3G network. It looks like that Mediapad has HSPA Band 4 (http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=7233&c=huawei_mediapad_t1_8.0_pro_4g_td-lte_t1-821l), so that's probably why it's able to get HSPA signal while the PF does not.
Thank you!
xtermmin said:
I have a PFX flashed to PFS Kitkat running on T-Mobile. Connects to the LTE network fine using the fast.t-mobile.com APN. Yes, reception seems to be on the weak side, but it gets the job done for me. Suspect that Mediapad gets a better signal due to it being larger = larger antenna.
HSPA works fine for me as well, but as this is an AT&T/International device, you'll only connect to HSPA on Band 2 (1900MHz). It lacks HSPA Band 4 (1700MHz/2100MHz) for T-Mobile's more extensive 3G network. It looks like that Mediapad has HSPA Band 4 (http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=7233&c=huawei_mediapad_t1_8.0_pro_4g_td-lte_t1-821l), so that's probably why it's able to get HSPA signal while the PF does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your detailed answer! Finally, someone that understands this stuff! Hey, could I get the exact model number of your model?? I'm wondering if I could buy one like yours and then have it unlocked..curious...
Thanks!!!
Chris R.
crodgers79 said:
Thank you for your detailed answer! Finally, someone that understands this stuff! Hey, could I get the exact model number of your model?? I'm wondering if I could buy one like yours and then have it unlocked..curious...
Thanks!!!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My device is the AT&T Asus Padfone X (ASUS_T00D). On the white label under the back cover it lists the manufacturing date as 2014/05/31 and is H/W Revision 1.6 (PFX was launched in July 2014, so this is probably a launch model). Bought it from Ebay a year ago pre-unlocked. Used it on AT&T's firmware for a few months before flashing the latest Asus Padfone S (ASUS_T00N) Kitkat firmware, "WW_11.10.7.18". I think I had to manually set my APN, but was able to connect fine.
Looking at the signal levels, the PFX pulls in -108dBm at my desk, while my Moto E2 pulls in -100dBm, both on LTE Band 4. Moto devices tend to have better radios, but I didn't expect the smaller, budget Moto E2 to pull in a better signal than the PFX.
OK, now I'm confused....
xtermmin said:
My device is the AT&T Asus Padfone X (ASUS_T00D). On the white label under the back cover it lists the manufacturing date as 2014/05/31 and is H/W Revision 1.6 (PFX was launched in July 2014, so this is probably a launch model). Bought it from Ebay a year ago pre-unlocked. Used it on AT&T's firmware for a few months before flashing the latest Asus Padfone S (ASUS_T00N) Kitkat firmware, "WW_11.10.7.18". I think I had to manually set my APN, but was able to connect fine.
Looking at the signal levels, the PFX pulls in -108dBm at my desk, while my Moto E2 pulls in -100dBm, both on LTE Band 4. Moto devices tend to have better radios, but I didn't expect the smaller, budget Moto E2 to pull in a better signal than the PFX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pulled the back cover off of mine, it too is a T00D and, get this, manufacturing date was 2014/05/22 (!!!) FCC ID is MSQT00D, and H/W is 1.6 (!!).
I too did the X-to-S conversion and yesterday I applied each successive update until I got to the very latest 12.2.2.43 (16 Dec 2015).
So if we have nearly identical hardware, is there anything that I can do to improve reception? Could you send me the settings you used for APN?
Thanks!
Chris R.
By the way, your Moto is the better device, the lower the db number the better AFAIK..
crodgers79 said:
I pulled the back cover off of mine, it too is a T00D and, get this, manufacturing date was 2014/05/22 (!!!) FCC ID is MSQT00D, and H/W is 1.6 (!!).
I too did the X-to-S conversion and yesterday I applied each successive update until I got to the very latest 12.2.2.43 (16 Dec 2015).
So if we have nearly identical hardware, is there anything that I can do to improve reception? Could you send me the settings you used for APN?
Thanks!
Chris R.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know how to improve the reception, but here's my APN settings:
Name: T-Mobile LTE
APN: fast.t-mobile.com
MCC: 310
MNC: 260
APN Type: default
APN protocol: IPv4
APN roaming protocol: IPv4
Bearer: Unspecified
Everything else is set to Not Set/None.
I didn't set up the MMS proxy as I'm using a tablet data-only plan on the PFX. (I think data-only plans come with free SMS/MMS, but I don't use it.)
crodgers79 said:
By the way, your Moto is the better device, the lower the db number the better AFAIK..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, which is why I was surprised that the cheap budget Moto E2 got a better signal than the PFX
crodgers79 said:
By the way, your Moto is the better device, the lower the db number the better AFAIK..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably know why you are not receiving a a good signal on your device.
The thing is when you do the conversion, from padfone x to padfone s, the partiton gets overwritten and causes some of the bands to be lost.
That partition is called the efs partition, and probably you have lost some bands that probably would have worked better before you flashed.
The side effects can be seen through the software when additional call settings does not work. (SIM doesnt get recognized)
That is a known problem, and to avoid that you had to back up the efs partiton prior to the conversion so you could restore those kinds of connections after the conversion.
--- You had to use adam outlers repacked twrp version to do all that.
I know many of the guides there have replaced mine but they forgot that one thing that has been talked over, and thanks to tjsooley and the people during that time, they were able to figure it out.
Thanks..but consider this..
Justatechie said:
I probably know why you are not receiving a a good signal on your device.
The thing is when you do the conversion, from padfone x to padfone s, the partiton gets overwritten and causes some of the bands to be lost.
That partition is called the efs partition, and probably you have lost some bands that probably would have worked better before you flashed.
The side effects can be seen through the software when additional call settings does not work. (SIM doesnt get recognized)
That is a known problem, and to avoid that you had to back up the efs partiton prior to the conversion so you could restore those kinds of connections after the conversion.
--- You had to use adam outlers repacked twrp version to do all that.
I know many of the guides there have replaced mine but they forgot that one thing that has been talked over, and thanks to tjsooley and the people during that time, they were able to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I did read through all these threads searching for an answer before I posted my question. the first time I did the X-to-S conversion I thought exactly what you said (destroyed the efs partition containing the modem info). So I went back and loaded the 99.99.99.99 version posted on the Asus site which is supposed to restore it to factory settings and back to KitKat but that had no effect. Since 99.99.99 is for the PadFone S maybe that doesn't make use of the partition under KitKat, I don't know.
What I would dearly love to load is a flashable version of the original AT&T software (thereby restoring the partition and the modem info). I saw one guy had posted TWRP backups of stock but when I tried to restore them to my phone the script bombed and it aborted.
I agree with the other gentleman, I need UMTS Band 4 - (1900/2100) for this thing to work well in my area and it looks like this phone doesn't support it. If I could find someone familiar with QPST to tell me if that band is unlockable that wold be great!
Thanks!!!!
Chris R.
Unfortunately QPST couldn't work with this device, idk know why.
You could find out by searching through using the xda search engine, but the question is, did you back up your modem for this device prior, because it could be restored when the phone is on a stock fw, then you could create an efs backup afterwards.
To answer the question with the tarp backups, those were created from the repacked twrp version so flash that first and back up everything before you restore back to at&t fw. I don't think the quarx version could work with that since the repacked was based on the nexus 5. (Similar parts) (be aware that you need to wait a couple of mins for the black screen to go away, on that version of twrp.)
The thing is that I could use band 2 and 4 on at&t with this fw, (I did not restore my efs partition since the conversion since I lucky live in a good area) but it looks like band 4 doesn't work for t-mobile, hmmm maybe it is incompatible like the other guy said, but we'll see. After wards you gotta see if these bands would restore upon restoring back to the at&t fw.
Justatechie said:
I probably know why you are not receiving a a good signal on your device.
The thing is when you do the conversion, from padfone x to padfone s, the partiton gets overwritten and causes some of the bands to be lost.
That partition is called the efs partition, and probably you have lost some bands that probably would have worked better before you flashed.
The side effects can be seen through the software when additional call settings does not work. (SIM doesnt get recognized)
That is a known problem, and to avoid that you had to back up the efs partiton prior to the conversion so you could restore those kinds of connections after the conversion.
--- You had to use adam outlers repacked twrp version to do all that.
I know many of the guides there have replaced mine but they forgot that one thing that has been talked over, and thanks to tjsooley and the people during that time, they were able to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The EFS partition contains the modem, yes, but this isn't the issue here. When it comes to bands used in the USA, the Padfone S firmware has all the bands the Padfone X uses except for LTE Band 17, which is only used by AT&T, and would not affect T-Mobile in this case. I was able to use my PFX-converted-to-PFS on T-Mobile without restoring EFS fine.
Thanks!
xtermmin said:
The EFS partition contains the modem, yes, but this isn't the issue here. When it comes to bands used in the USA, the Padfone S firmware has all the bands the Padfone X uses except for LTE Band 17, which is only used by AT&T, and would not affect T-Mobile in this case. I was able to use my PFX-converted-to-PFS on T-Mobile without restoring EFS fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the PadFone's lack of UMTS Band 4 is what's keeping me from getting HSPDA+ inside my office building. Once I head into the building my 4G on Band 4 reverts to Edge (ugh!) and I have a 14Gb tethering plan so that I can run my tablet while inside the building..arrggh!
Thanks for your response!
Chris R.