Im running Revolution 5.1.11 on my Inspire with radio 12.28b.60.140eP_26.03.03.26_m.
I cant tell if service is actually worse, or if the status symbol is just accurate now. First, it NEVER shows H+, mostly shows 3g, and sometimes shows an E. My concern stems from the fact that data speeds are very sporadic. Sometimes .06Mbps down, sometimes 2.5 Mpbs down on either 3G or H. I havent tested on E.
Fortunately, I have access to many Android devices including Inspires. I ran a speed test and mine performed either as well showing 3G versus the stock one showing H+. Unfortunatly, I cant take a stock one home and see how it compares in other places.
I tried to flash the radio to the one that Mike recommends and I got an error.
Should I go through the trouble of turning eng-s off? It seems like a lit of risky work for something that may or may not effect my signal and data speeds.
Advice from the pros please?
In my not so humble opinion, there's no real difference in the radio firmware. I've used 'em all and I don't really notice any difference that couldn't be explained as just normal random signal variation effects. There's probably little bugs in the actual code for say, spreading algorithms or rate calculations or something, that might crop up like 1 in a thousand times which none of us will ever notice, but when you've got millions of customers, it might add up. I just use the latest firmware assuming that it's going to be the most up-to-date and bug-free, but I really have no concrete evidence for this.
Gene Poole said:
In my not so humble opinion, there's no real difference in the radio firmware. I've used 'em all and I don't really notice any difference that couldn't be explained as just normal random signal variation effects. There's probably little bugs in the actual code for say, spreading algorithms or rate calculations or something, that might crop up like 1 in a thousand times which none of us will ever notice, but when you've got millions of customers, it might add up. I just use the latest firmware assuming that it's going to be the most up-to-date and bug-free, but I really have no concrete evidence for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, listen to this man.^^^^
And I will just finish off answering your post by saying no, there's no reason to do eng s-Off.
It's overkill for your stated goal. If you really want to flash other radios anyway, just for ****s and giggles, visit the inspire only radio thread in the dev section to familiarize yourself with the "no eng s-Off needed" method of flashing radios.
Scott_S said:
OP, listen to this man.^^^^
And I will just finish off answering your post by saying no, there's no reason to do eng s-Off.
It's overkill for your stated goal. If you really want to flash other radios anyway, just for ****s and giggles, visit the inspire only radio thread in the dev section to familiarize yourself with the "no eng s-Off needed" method of flashing radios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I read through that thread but the developer of the os specifically stated to have eng off. I didnt know if that radio was unique in some way that really required it.
If its overkill for data speeds, then why do people do it? Im not being confrontational, thats a real question. What is to gain by a user? I see how a carrier could benefit, but what about us?
Do all rooted Inspires show 3G service? Ive never seen a stock one show that and Ive seen a ton of stock ones.
somewhastock said:
Thanks, I read through that thread but the developer of the os specifically stated to have eng off. I didnt know if that radio was unique in some way that really required it.
If its overkill for data speeds, then why do people do it? Im not being confrontational, thats a real question. What is to gain by a user? I see how a carrier could benefit, but what about us?
Do all rooted Inspires show 3G service? Ive never seen a stock one show that and Ive seen a ton of stock ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please reread my post. I said nothing regarding being overkill for data speeds. I was referring to the use of one of two methods used for flashing a different radio on your phone. The eng s-Off method is "overkill" because a safer method that does the same thing... Flashes a radio... Has since come into existence and doesn't require the potentially dangerous modification of eng s-Off to be performed on your phone.
I think you're referring to the ROM thread. If it started as a desire hd based ROM, or one of the first ones for the inspire, chances are it says you need eng s-Off for the radio because that was the way it started out... The non eng s-Off is a slightly more recent development, and for some reason, the eng s-Off method seems to be continued to be promoted on the desire hd sections.
Everyone who's anyone here in inspireland, namely Attn1, will recommend the non eng s-Off method for basic radio changes over the eng s-Off method.
Any radio that a ROM recommends can be flashed this way, as long as you use the flashable file from the thread linked below, assuming its a radio that is referenced in that below linked thread.
This is the thread I was referring to last post.
Scott_S said:
Please reread my post. I said nothing regarding being overkill for data speeds. I was referring to the use of one of two methods used for flashing a different radio on your phone. The eng s-Off method is "overkill" because a safer method that does the same thing... Flashes a radio... Has since come into existence and doesn't require the potentially dangerous modification of eng s-Off to be performed on your phone.
I think you're referring to the ROM thread. If it started as a desire hd based ROM, or one of the first ones for the inspire, chances are it says you need eng s-Off for the radio because that was the way it started out... The non eng s-Off is a slightly more recent development, and for some reason, the eng s-Off method seems to be continued to be promoted on the desire hd sections.
Everyone who's anyone here in inspireland, namely Attn1, will recommend the non eng s-Off method for basic radio changes over the eng s-Off method.
Any radio that a ROM recommends can be flashed this way, as long as you use the flashable file from the thread linked below, assuming its a radio that is referenced in that below linked thread.
This is the thread I was referring to last post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely misread it...I thought that you were saying that flashing the radio was overkill for my stated goal of getting better service/data speeds.
To clarify my understanding, that thread says to download p98img and "Place this file on the root of your SD card." Should there be a folder called "root"? I looked using astro and es, and dont see one called that. Should I create one and just copy the file in there?
Ill use a file from that thread and cross my fingers. thanks!
somewhastock said:
I definitely misread it...I thought that you were saying that flashing the radio was overkill for my stated goal of getting better service/data speeds.
To clarify my understanding, that thread says to download p98img and "Place this file on the root of your SD card." Should there be a folder called "root"? I looked using astro and es, and dont see one called that. Should I create one and just copy the file in there?
Ill use a file from that thread and cross my fingers. thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You just have to transfer the PD98IMG zip file to your sd card. Do not place it in any folders. The root of your sd card is the main area where all of the folders and files reside. Then boot into H Boot and your phone will find it. You can flash the matching Ril files for the radio through CWM recovery. Read the directions for doing this, (mount system first).
Wolf_2 said:
No. You just have to transfer the PD98IMG zip file to your sd card. Do not place it in any folders. The root of your sd card is the main area where all of the folders and files reside. Then boot into H Boot and your phone will find it. You can flash the matching Ril files for the radio through CWM recovery. Read the directions for doing this, (mount system first).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate that, thanks!
somewhastock said:
I appreciate that, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll add to what Wolf_2 said by also reminding you to verify the MD5 checksum for your downloaded file and make sure it matches those given for the file in the radio thread.
I did it. It worked.
I just dont see a damn difference. LOL
Just to o verify, Im verifying that the md5sum for the actual downloaded file matches the one that the person posted in the thread that I got it in right?
Thanks again for making this easy for me.
somewhastock said:
I did it. It worked.
I just dont see a damn difference. LOL
Just to o verify, Im verifying that the md5sum for the actual downloaded file matches the one that the person posted in the thread that I got it in right?
Thanks again for making this easy for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. You can check your files MD5 using a variety of methods, one of which is astro file manager, mentioned in that thread.
As far as flashing new radios is concerned, the differences may not be apparent right away, if there are any at all, as gene was saying.
You have to run the radio at least a few days to even have a chance of getting a somewhat objective idea of its performance.
I've only flashed two in as many months. It's very difficult to see much difference between the more recent radios.
Gene Poole said:
In my not so humble opinion, there's no real difference in the radio firmware. I've used 'em all and I don't really notice any difference that couldn't be explained as just normal random signal variation effects. There's probably little bugs in the actual code for say, spreading algorithms or rate calculations or something, that might crop up like 1 in a thousand times which none of us will ever notice, but when you've got millions of customers, it might add up. I just use the latest firmware assuming that it's going to be the most up-to-date and bug-free, but I really have no concrete evidence for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, I tend to think the same thing. I've had the same experience.
I think I'm banging my head against the wall because the speedtest.net app is a joke. I used it on several unrooted phones, and they show about the same speeds .02-.10 Mbps. I used xtremelabs speedtest and its showing higher speeds 2.75Mbps. Its not even close.
I did some back to back testing.
I ran speedtest.net and xtremelabs on a stock Infuse, Stock Inspire, and a Rooted Inspire.
Stock Infuse Speedtest.net .01-.02 Mbps down, .05-.01 up.
Stock Infuse xtremelabs 4.51Mbps down, .4-.5 up.
Stock Inspire Speedtest.net .02 Mbps down, .06 up.
Stock Inspire Xtreme 1.14 Mbps down, .148 up.
Rooted Inspire Speedtest.net .02 Mbps down, .51 up.
Rooted Inspire Xtremelabs 2.74 Mbps down, 2.8 up.
The Speedtest app really depends on the server location and the time of day, and it also depends on your location and time of day. Depends on their load. I have had huge variances with results with Speedtest.
Wolf_2 said:
The Speedtest app really depends on the server location and the time of day, and it also depends on your location and time of day. Depends on their load. I have had huge variances with results with Speedtest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
You'd really have to have a "clinical" grade testing environment to even be able to see what impact any radio/other OS related changes would have on signal/data performance.
I stopped trying to use speedtest.net types of things. I use WiFi most of the time anyway.
Scott_S said:
+1
You'd really have to have a "clinical" grade testing environment to even be able to see what impact any radio/other OS related changes would have on signal/data performance.
I stopped trying to use speedtest.net types of things. I use WiFi most of the time anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using them to see if I created an issue when rooting. I dont need to know exact speeds, but wanted to see a general comparison. I was nervous when I saw the .0x speeds and thought I ruined the phone. Im talking panic mode. lol
Scott_S said:
+1
You'd really have to have a "clinical" grade testing environment to even be able to see what impact any radio/other OS related changes would have on signal/data performance.
I stopped trying to use speedtest.net types of things. I use WiFi most of the time anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will disagree somewhat. I use Open Signal, which indicates which tower (CID, with the location plotted on a Google Map in reference to the user's location) one is connected to, along with fun stats such as dBm of the signal, RSSI, ASU. After a while, one can characterize the environment. I live in an area with multiple towers. I am rarely more than 900 meters from a tower in my normal routine, and there are multiple towers within the radius. I can run Test 1, and be connected to tower X, for Test 2 within a minute later, be connected to tower Y, and for Test 3, be connected to tower Z. These 3 towers have totally different signal characteristics, and produce wildly different results. However, after "mapping" the results over time, I have a basic idea what sort of results to expect by which tower I am connected to for a given test, coupled with time of day and the ASU given at the time.
I have also identified one curious "dead zone", and a major intersection about 800 meters from my house (where I go frequently to buy smokes and whatnot). There are 3 towers within a 500 meter radius. One would think it would be "Speed Test Heaven" at this location. It is not. There seems to be some sort of interaction at this location that produces dismal test results time after time, day after day, week after week, regardless of indicated signal strength. Conversely, I know if I want to hit over 7 down and 1.5 or more up, all I have to do is at around 5am, go stand in a particular location, and connect to good ol' CID102. BAM!!!! It's like crack (not that I know anything about using crack but metaphorically speaking).
I will also take issue with the radio firmware not making a difference. I have only used the OTA radio. However, when my friendly and awesome dev updates my ROM, it provides me a different (unmatched) RIL. I can certainly tell the difference, based upon my characterizations over time. It''s like "Wow, WTF is wrong here? At this location at this tower at this time of day my speed should not suck like this". Sure enough, the RIL is for a Euro radio. Match up the RIL to good ol' 79HM again, let it warm a little, and all is well.
One thing you do not want to ask me about with all these tests and characterizations is my battery life. It sucks due to all the testing .
Just my 0.02.
somewhastock said:
I was using them to see if I created an issue when rooting. I dont need to know exact speeds, but wanted to see a general comparison. I was nervous when I saw the .0x speeds and thought I ruined the phone. Im talking panic mode. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I get crap speeds during the day, but if I go out into my backyard at 2:00am and test then you would think I was hard wired into a modem or something. A lot of variables to take into consideration.
Wolf_2 said:
No worries. I get crap speeds during the day, but if I go out into my backyard at 2:00am and test then you would think I was hard wired into a modem or something. A lot of variables to take into consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that there are so many variables so I would never question a 1 MB change, but to see that I was getting supposed .02Mbps most of the time was definitely concerning. I dont think anyone should have consistent .02 speeds with any variables other than a broken phone.
Im really happy that I narrowed it down to the app.
Out of curiosity, would you mind checking what radio and Ril you are using currently. Mike states with 5.1.x ROMs I strongly recommend flashing 12.54.60.25_26.09.04.11_M2 radio. The matching Ril would be HTC-RIL 2.2.0131HM. I am just curious to make sure what combination you have and to see if it actually flashed correctly.
Related
No, not a ROM flash: I want to completely erase every last piece of data in my Tilt and install the SPL, OS, and radio from scratch.
As far as I can tell, FrankenKaiser will do that, but it (in theory) only works with the radio from hell... which I have, albeit the "_patched" version...
I am trying to work from a clean slate, rather than flash another ROM... trying to clear up a problem that I think can only be fixed by such a drastic move... and of all the posts I've seen, (unless I'm retarded - quite possible) none has addressed such a move. Is FrankenKaiser the solution? If so, do I need to put the radio from hell on first? If it's not the solution, what is? Or is there one at all?
Thank you
drunkbastard said:
No, not a ROM flash: I want to completely erase every last piece of data in my Tilt and install the SPL, OS, and radio from scratch.
As far as I can tell, FrankenKaiser will do that, but it (in theory) only works with the radio from hell... which I have, albeit the "_patched" version...
I am trying to work from a clean slate, rather than flash another ROM... trying to clear up a problem that I think can only be fixed by such a drastic move... and of all the posts I've seen, (unless I'm retarded - quite possible) none has addressed such a move. Is FrankenKaiser the solution? If so, do I need to put the radio from hell on first? If it's not the solution, what is? Or is there one at all?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is possible, but why?
After you wipe your phone you will be re-flashing the ROM / Radio and SPL anyway.
If you do do this, make sure you read and understand the process (and what the pre-requisites are first).
Ta
Dave
Install Sleuth's V_3.0 WM6.1. I have moddified a version with Jocky to work with that OEMSBL version.
I will PM you with a link for the moddified FrankenKaiser, hey that sounds familiar, ohh yeah, Jocky let me name it!
HOWEVER, I think I'd try a few other things first. Like check the Radio Protocol. On boot does the red protocol version end in H or W? W is not for US & can create issues with 3G. Also, you can try using MTTY with my G3SPL MFG_SPL to fomat a few thing & to flush out Nand blocks. Many things to try before venturing to FK. I know you PM'd me, but I've been a wee bit busy, I'll make a little time if I can help though. Try me on MSN/Live Messenger [email protected] (Even if it says "Offline" give it a try, I may just be lurking)
Protocol ends in H, currently using the Neon 1.58.25.17 radio, I have tried virtually every other 6.1 radio in existence, and about a dozen different ROMs, including the stock AT&T and letting the bloatware install just for poops and giggles. But not the one that you suggested GS, what the hell, one more ROM flash ain't gonna hurt...
I am reticent to think it's a hardware issue because the G and H icons do appear, I just can't get a connection, and it all happened while using the GPS (LiveSearch and HTC GPS Tool specifically). If it was hardware related I would imagine that I wouldn't get the icons, it would just show no service.
Also, the reason I wanted to do a complete whitewash is because, even when installing a new ROM, I have noticed that certain traces and settings remain from days gone by (certain registry settings, POP3 accounts, etc), which I find odd.
I would be interested in the MTTY approach, a link would be appreciated... running out the door now to go play bar manager...
Sorry GS, didn't wanna seem impatient, just trying to get a wider input as to a solution, so I can (a) fix mine and (b) maybe suggest to others (a bunch from what I've seen, here and elsewhere) with the same problem, rather than everyone sending them to AT&T / HTC for replacements.
Personally, I think that the 3G issue is some corruption somewhere in the phone's firmware that a ROM/radio/SPL change doesn't affect, and - as much as I hate to invoke such people - the guys at AT&T that looked at it believed the same, didn't think it was an antenna issue (although the widespread belief is that it IS, and furthermore that anyone working at AT&T is a dolt - which IS usually the case). Far be it from me to be naive, but one would think that if this was as widespread a problem as it is and was hardware related that there would be a recall, which there hasn't been.
Again, thanks to everyone for their assistance.
So, I guess the next question is... how do I use MTTY to, as GSLEON suggested, flush out the bad blocks?
Again, thanks in advance to anyone who can help me.
go ahead and read up on this post. It will explain everything for you...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=371154&highlight=MTTY
drunkbastard said:
No, not a ROM flash: I want to completely erase every last piece of data in my Tilt and install the SPL, OS, and radio from scratch.
...
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_bomb
No seriously, which way do you flash a rom ?
Just flash and basta? Flash and HR after that ? Have tryed with a different computer /os ? From SD card ? I had some reminiscent traces of previous roms if I didn't hard resetted after the flash.
Dredd67 said:
You could try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_bomb
No seriously, which way do you flash a rom ?
Just flash and basta? Flash and HR after that ? Have tryed with a different computer /os ? From SD card ? I had some reminiscent traces of previous roms if I didn't hard resetted after the flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought about it, but motherf*%$# Al-Qaida has made getting my hands on one so difficult.
I flash from a WinXP PC, have not tried another one because this is the only one I can get my grubby little hands on, flash / HR. Have not tried from SD card. I have had traces of old ROMs as well - I tired using PDAUltimate v6 and still had the splash screen from Garmin 4.4c... odd... that and other incidents of remnants of ROMs gone by.
You may want to check here and see if there is anything that may apply. (This is coming from someone that had a 3G failure.)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=400610&highlight=JohnJonsten
drunkbastard said:
I am reticent to think it's a hardware issue because the G and H icons do appear, I just can't get a connection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that IS the usual behavior when the radio hardware goes poof, many people including myself experienced it. In the end GPS failed too on mine, as well as the GSM radio, and the phone was always running hot and draining batteries extremely quickly.
See the link posted by John.
The quick and dirty of it is....
1. The Icon lighting up means the radio and protocol is correct to talk on the correct 3G bands in your area
2. From what I have been able to gleen on how the 3G signaling works (not an expert here) it is basically GSM signaling for the UMTS/HSDPA Voice/data path buildup.
3. It is most interesting to go to an area that has non PCS band 3g, use field test to verify this if you want, you can lock your phone on edge and use voice and data 850, but will not be able to build up a UMTS/HSDPA connection on 3G. You need to go to a non PCS area as I have seen for the most part in Seattle they run the edge net on 850 and 3G on PCS frequencies.
kilrah said:
Well, that IS the usual behavior when the radio hardware goes poof, many people including myself experienced it. In the end GPS failed too on mine, as well as the GSM radio, and the phone was always running hot and draining batteries extremely quickly.
See the link posted by John.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im coming from a droid x and find to root this alittle challenging. While I cant get root I havent found one that I like. My whole purpose if to just get rid of bloat. After my last attempt I got crappy reception and wanted to unroot. I did and reception was back to normal. After all the problems and what with the gingerbread files I didnt want to go that route with that radio. So what are my options? With the last root attempt I used the 1 click method, was that my problem? Do I need to read up more on adb commands. Or should I say screw it and stay stock? There are multiple roms out there but havent found one for my particular needs. I know I bought this phone to learn more and be a challenge but this is trully a pain in the ass. So comments advise is greatly appreciated.
blueis300 said:
Im coming from a droid x and find to root this alittle challenging. While I cant get root I havent found one that I like. My whole purpose if to just get rid of bloat. After my last attempt I got crappy reception and wanted to unroot. I did and reception was back to normal. After all the problems and what with the gingerbread files I didnt want to go that route with that radio. So what are my options? With the last root attempt I used the 1 click method, was that my problem? Do I need to read up more on adb commands. Or should I say screw it and stay stock? There are multiple roms out there but havent found one for my particular needs. I know I bought this phone to learn more and be a challenge but this is trully a pain in the ass. So comments advise is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't give up if i were you, rooting is the way to go. And ya thunderbolt is "different" but it seems from here on out most lockdown phones will be this perplexing at times, but good news to use, some companies have given up and will open up there future phones boot loaders. And its not because it lock down it just because they weren't "meant to be rooted and optimized for the user".
It seems weird that your reception got worse due to rooting, i have not heard that problem before or seen it posted in these threads. Most of the complants from rooting is either having random reboots, or the unfortunate brick or root didn't actually work for them.
Just make sure your up to date with the froyo radio when you were rooted, I know you cant check now, but maybe you used an older one the auto root method was using? Its worth a check. The newest one has had some good reception Verizon sent in a OTA.
And i used an auto one click way and it worked for me so it may depend on what one you used. But its advised to use adb.
Also there are a lot of basic de-bloat roms out there, they are just buried at the end of this forum, and never get updated because once they are de-bloated there is not much left that needs to be updated.
And dont worry about the Gingerbread problems, I wish i never left Gingerbread, i have had more problems on froyo then i was on gingerbread. With froyo i still have problems, but Gingerbread seems to run so smoothly, and a new leak is hopefully around the corner, there was one up but it was taken down and senior moderators said its coming be patience.
hope this helps
All rooting does is give you access to system files. There's no way that it would mess up your radio.
I'm also curious where the "1 click method" is.
a simple search would lead you to
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009969
SomeGuyDude said:
All rooting does is give you access to system files. There's no way that it would mess up your radio.
I'm also curious where the "1 click method" is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well here is the file I was pointed to when I first started and I went from having no bars to 1x to 3g to 4g and all over the place.I guess I wont give up because I wanted an challenge but man this is different. More reading reading reading and find more on ADB.
http://depositfiles.com/files/wo74rmphi
Ill try for a couple more days after checking things out a bit.Thanks for the comments and help.
blueis300 said:
Well here is the file I was pointed to when I first started and I went from having no bars to 1x to 3g to 4g and all over the place.I guess I wont give up because I wanted an challenge but man this is different. More reading reading reading and find more on ADB.
http://depositfiles.com/files/wo74rmphi
Ill try for a couple more days after checking things out a bit.Thanks for the comments and help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never seen that file. Stick to the development section of this forum and you should be gtg. Most of what you need is stickied at the top.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
otakueric said:
a simple search would lead you to
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1009969
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, in my search I had a couple of other ways to do it but I did search.
Rooting is the only way to TRUELY enjoy this phone and all it has to offer IMO.
Ok well all of a sudden my phone cant receive call or make them but can make and receive texts? Any ideas on that. I got a phone call yesterday but it was a little wack. Called tech support and now no calls.
I want to return to stock on my tmobile branded HTC sensation 4G. I have flashed the radio, eng s off, and CSL recovery.
I am going to give them a shot at fixing my reception issues before I destroy the phone and buy something else.
Did you have reception problems before flashing your radio or after? I think you should be fine with having a rom since HTC released their bootloader if its a big deal and your really worried just flash a stock rom on that bad boy and call it a day. Just my 2 cents new to the site so hopefully a vet will chime in here for help
Though I've never returned to stock on my phone, you just need to download one of the TMOUS RUUs in this thread:
[ROM][11 May] Shipped Pyramid ROM Collection
There are two listed for TMOUS (there was only one when last I checked the thread), but it supposedly doesn't matter which one you pick according to one of the posts later on in the thread.
They're big old files, but just run the .EXE and it ought to walk you through every necessary step to proceed properly.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Thank you very much for the great responses.
Yes I had reception problems on all 3 sensation 4g's I've had my hands on. It's terrible. Side by side, on the same tower, it gets far lower reception than my old Motorola Cliq (piece of slow crap.)
It's ridiculously low and drops calls. It's so unreliable at my house that I have to use WiFi calling and take a drop if I get more than 30' from my extremely good wireless router. meh. crap.
To the other gentleman, than you very much. I figured it included the radio, but I was unsure about the bootloader/recovery. I will start there and then figure out if there is anything else I need to fix before I send it in. I don't want any more BS from them. I'm sure they are just going to send it back and say "nothing is wrong".
They have said that it is comparable to reception on their other models. If this is the case, this will be the VERY last HTC phone I ever own, and our company has just gotten to the point that I can invest in things such as this for business. If we only get 2 at a time, every 6 months or so, That is $10,000 in lost business in the next ten years, provided they are only $500 phones.
chisleu said:
Thank you very much for the great responses.
Yes I had reception problems on all 3 sensation 4g's I've had my hands on. It's terrible. Side by side, on the same tower, it gets far lower reception than my old Motorola Cliq (piece of slow crap.)
It's ridiculously low and drops calls. It's so unreliable at my house that I have to use WiFi calling and take a drop if I get more than 30' from my extremely good wireless router. meh. crap.
To the other gentleman, than you very much. I figured it included the radio, but I was unsure about the bootloader/recovery. I will start there and then figure out if there is anything else I need to fix before I send it in. I don't want any more BS from them. I'm sure they are just going to send it back and say "nothing is wrong".
They have said that it is comparable to reception on their other models. If this is the case, this will be the VERY last HTC phone I ever own, and our company has just gotten to the point that I can invest in things such as this for business. If we only get 2 at a time, every 6 months or so, That is $10,000 in lost business in the next ten years, provided they are only $500 phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion and ask a few questions....
1. Have you tried reverting to stock and see if you still have the same problems with reception?
2. Are you aware that the Sensation suffers from the grip of death?
3. Have you noticed performance with reception after flashing a new ROM in comparison to stock?
I think I may have some insight to the real problem but need this info first.
mystikal87 said:
If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion and ask a few questions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best 3 Stooges voice: "Sauwtainly"
mystikal87 said:
1. Have you tried reverting to stock and see if you still have the same problems with reception?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, They (3 different phones) had this problem from day 1. Purchased from different places, at different times.
mystikal87 said:
2. Are you aware that the Sensation suffers from the grip of death?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but this isn't to what I refer. Holding the phone in a weird way to make the radios D/C isn't my problem so much as the design that allows this to happen in the first place is my problem. If I set the phone down, I get more bars than if I hold it normally. If this is the difference between 2-3 and 1-2, I can get dropped calls. My wifi range (max performance on) is 1/10th of my tablet and 1/20th of my laptop.
Even without touching the phone, just setting it on a wood counter top, it has less reception than my Motorola Cliq or Mytouch 4g, even when on the same tower. The cliq's reception does not change if I pick it up.
It's a bad design. If it is what HTC considers acceptable, then their phones aren't acceptable to me. It's cool. I'm not really that pissed about it. I just won't buy another. There are options.
mystikal87 said:
3. Have you noticed performance with reception after flashing a new ROM in comparison to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I've found no increase in reception with any change I've made. I've flashed 5 different radios other than stock with no changes in this department.
I have heard people have speed changes, but I was not tracking that so I can't really respond to that.
mystikal87 said:
I think I may have some insight to the real problem but need this info first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you have some help.
I've already tried a new back. It did nothing. There simply aren't enough towers in my area (all edge towers anyway) to support a phone with such poor reception. My Cliq had no issues with dropped calls in many of the areas I drive through, but this sensation just can't make it down my parents road without dropping.
The reason I ask is that I think that the Radio-Interface-Layer (RIL) files must be screwing with your radio. The RILs are like drivers for your radio. Different radios work with different RILs depending on your location. Long-in-short-version, Since the Sensation is fairly new, we are still exploring what works best and therefore your mileage may vary.
You may want to check this thread
And check out your RIL version. To check to see what RIL you have run getprop "gsm.version.ril-impl" in Terminal Emulator or adb shell and it will print out the RIL version.
T-Mo users should utilize HTC-RIL 2.2.0159HMQ if not running 2.3.4 ROMS
2.3.4 ROMS require HTC-RIL 2.2.0169HMQ. The matching radio versions are included in the thread posted above.
Hope this helps.
If that fails, tonight, TMOUS released an OTA update. See if you can get it through Settings-> About Phone -> HTC Software updates.
The changes for the T-Mo update can be found here
Hope this helps!
EDIT : I am assuming that you have a T-Mobile Sensation 4G and not an unbranded HTC Sensation and that you current location is in fact Myrtle Beach, SC. But then again, I hate assumptions and I really should have asked >.< **having a simpson 'doh' moment here**
Change your cid to all ones and flash the stock ruu.exe and send it back to tmobile.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
charlieb620 said:
Change your cid to all ones and flash the stock ruu.exe and send it back to tmobile.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sending it to HTC, not tmobile.
I will play with the MILs right now (installing the tmo one)
I'm on stock RUU now, but it did not replace the PVT S-OFF and recovery crashes and requires a battery pull to reboot. It goes to a icon of a phone with a red triangle thingie on it.
EDIT: MIL's match.
EDIT: Texts from 10076200000 is tmobile related. WTF it does is WTF.
chisleu said:
I'm sending it to HTC, not tmobile.
I will play with the MILs right now (installing the tmo one)
I'm on stock RUU now, but it did not replace the PVT S-OFF and recovery crashes and requires a battery pull to reboot. It goes to a icon of a phone with a red triangle thingie on it.
EDIT: MIL's match.
EDIT: Texts from 10076200000 is tmobile related. WTF it does is WTF.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be trying to push the OTA update. Have you tried applying the OTA update?
iNFORMATION
I have personally reset my phone a couple of times using the tmo ruu and know that it sets your phone back to absolute stock, with no root and only being s-off. What this means is, if you wish to reroot then you are going to have to go back through the rooting process.
As far as the symbol that you are seeing when you try to do an ota update? The reason that you are seeing the phone with a red triangle is because your phone is being recognized as being rooted and once rooted htc will not allow an ota to your phone. You have to trick HTC into thinking that the phone is not rooted in order to get the ota, there is a thread in the forums for this. I do not remember which thread it is, however, I know that it works as I did it for all four of the HTC sensations that I own.
I apologize for starting a thread. There is a wealth of info on this site and last night I had almost 30 tabs open at once on Chrome trying to sort this out.
I'm stuck.
I am running CM7.1 on my Inspire in Utah (I mention specifics for radio only). I can't flash almost any radio onto this phone because I get the error message stating I am not eng s-off in fastboot. So I have been trying to use the hack kit and open the pd98img.zip and replace the radio.img for another, rezip, then flash. No dice. Each time, it fails.
I am using the radio 26.11.04.21 and want to try 10.04.03 (i think, at least. All the info is so cluttered about radios!!!). I also want to match the ril file, etc.
Also, I am on a mac running os x 10.7.1 and know this is not ideal for working with root, I am confident in terminal usage and got this far without any issues.
Basically, my questions are:
1. Which radios/rils should I narrow down to try out?
2. Is using the pd98img.zip method the best?
3. Should I just go eng s-off and risk it?
4. Am I doing something wrong?
Thank you to anyone who had enough mercy to read this whole jumbled mess and twice the thanks go to anyone who can shed some light.
I have flashed several radios without ENG S-off. I would suggest heading to the Radio thread sticky in the inspire Dev section. I am currently running 10.04.03 with the 160HM RIL which has given me my best speed here in northern Cali. I downloaded the Radio and RIL from that thread.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
biglittlegato said:
I have flashed several radios without ENG S-off. I would suggest heading to the Radio thread sticky in the inspire Dev section. I am currently running 10.04.03 with the 160HM RIL which has given me my best speed here in northern Cali. I downloaded the Radio and RIL from that thread.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
biglittlegato is right. You do not need ENG S-off. Head to the radio sticky in the dev section to find all of your answers. You will not get nice responses if you ask to be "talked off the ledge" as you say without searching first. Id probably tell you to just jump if you havent searched the threads first. :-D
I got your 10 char right here
Just stick with whatever radio you have. You'll spend countless hours on this only to find that they're all the same anyway and you might break your device trying.
I've tested most of them in side-by-side comparisons on my two inspires and in 3 locations (on the fringe, decent coverage area, and right in the shadow of a tower) and there's no discernible difference.
If you're getting what you think are radio specific differences, I'll bet money that it is just normal variation in the multitude of other factors that can affect any transceiver and/or normal networking factors on the telecom backbone downstream from the RF side of things.
I'll gladly stake my 15 year reputation as an Extra class amateur radio operator on this claim. If anyone thinks I'm wrong, show me the data--something at least marginally scientific.
Well, I'm in Utah as well, if that helps. I'm now using radio 11.04.21_M with accompanying RIL HTC-RIL 2.2.160 on CM7. It works the same as the stock radio did. However, I've gone in and done various tweaking with APN's and build.prop files to get a bit better download speed and response. I'd suggest you find a radio that is known to work well (likely the 06.06.30 radio that AT&T updated OTA), with accompanying RIL and stick with it, then do your tweaks as needed to find what works best for your phone and area.
Always happy to lend support to a local if you need it.
cwhitney24 said:
You will not get nice responses if you ask to be "talked off the ledge" as you say without searching first. Id probably tell you to just jump if you havent searched the threads first. :-D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize if I sounded uninformed. I have read and re-read those threads multiple times but my PD98IMG.zip's that I was creating using attn1's hack kit (on my MAC) as per this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1002226
...were not mounting correctly. My issue, I decided, was similar to jess086's on page 14 of the same thread:
jess086 said:
what is the best way to do it on mac? cant seem to get the file zipped right. which zip program is needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found my answer a few hours after I posted this by using terminal on the mac to allow me to manually compile the .zip files with 0 compression. Archive Utility's "compress" feature and even the premium "Stuffit Deluxe" (which touted that option) did not zip the file correctly and left me with an incorrect PD98IMG.zip that would not flash in hboot.
Here is the answer that helped me:
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/sw...-how-make-zip-folder-without-compression.html
DracoTorre said:
You may Zip without compression, control how much compression, or compress some files and not others. True since the old DOS days.
Create zip without compression on OS X from Terminal:
zip -r0 zipfilename.zip files-to-zip
If you want to add files with max compression:
zip -r9 zipfilename.zip files-to-zip
Use zip -h to see what all the switches do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After finally flashing the radio and ril of my choice (as per the horribly vague and outdated "official" Radio Thread), I fiddled with the build.prop and added the APN settings and hit above 4mbps download and 1.5mbps upload yesterday. I had hit 2.75mbps stock download and was sitting at about .9mbps download after upgrading to CM7.1.
I leave this long message to hopefully help out anyone in the future that has my same issue. The above poster to which I related with the mac issue received no answer. I cannot post in the dev forums because I have only one post.
I only have one post because I have always found the answer to my questions after searching.
I also leave this long post because I hope anyone who read my original post and burned me (verbally or otherwise) for not searching at least understands that I encountered what I still believe to have been an unsolved or undocumented solution to a fairly basic Android modding issue.
If you work in a mac environment and want to flash the radio without ENG S-Off, you do have to use the terminal commands to allow zero compression when compiling your custom PD98IMG.zip files for flashing. If you run into this problem in the future and don't understand this post, please PM me with concerns.
Thank you, xda, for another successful mod!
I'm glad to hear you got it worked out.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
biglittlegato said:
I'm glad to hear you got it worked out.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I went with your exact radio/ril combo as well. So far, it seems to be the best candidate. Thank you for your response last night while I was trying to get it sorted.
anudist said:
Well, I'm in Utah as well, if that helps. I'm now using radio 11.04.21_M with accompanying RIL HTC-RIL 2.2.160 on CM7. It works the same as the stock radio did. However, I've gone in and done various tweaking with APN's and build.prop files to get a bit better download speed and response. I'd suggest you find a radio that is known to work well (likely the 06.06.30 radio that AT&T updated OTA), with accompanying RIL and stick with it, then do your tweaks as needed to find what works best for your phone and area.
Always happy to lend support to a local if you need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So glad to hear something from a local. It sounds like you have your radio setup nicely, but if you get some crazy idea to change it up, I am having the best download/upload speeds I've ever had with 10.04.03 and 2.2.160HM along with the dual APN and build.prop settings floating around in the Inspire forum.
If you are higher than 4mbps down and 1.5 mbps up, tell me how you did it because that's the best I've been able to do so far!
Gone fishing...
GROGG88 said:
Guys, there was another one of these reports about sudden catostrophic failure today:
CLICK HERE FOR THREAD
I think it's high time to get to the bottom of this! To ALL users who have been affected by one of these events, PLEASE post the following information and nothing more:
1. ROM
2. Kernel
3. Firmware
4. Radio
5. OC/UV settings (if applicable)
I'd like to track these stats and tally them up here in the OP to see if we can find a common culprit. I don't really suspect it's a ROM issue since there have been reports on multiple ROMs, but I don't want to rule that out...
-Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Yes,I have noticed this worrying trend...
One of the things to keep in mind when looking at responses to this kind of poll is to realize that we're looking at an adversely selected population of respondants.
Everyone who posts here about a failure is on XDA.
Everyone on XDA meddles with their phone.
So it's easy to conclude that meddling with your phone causes the phone to fail. (Or that ARHD causes the phone to fail because 90% of custom ROM users are running ARHD)
But that doesn't actually prove anything about the relationship between meddling with the phone and the phone failing because we're not including the 98% of Sensation users who run the stock ROM, don't even know you can replace it, and still have hardware failures.
In order for this poll to be worth any statstical value, we'd need to know what the general failure rate is among all Sensations, including the 98% that aren't rooted, s-offed, or anything else of that nature. (And I'd be willing to bet that someone here is good enough with Google to search out those stats. I guarentee HTC and the Carriers keep that information. It's just a matter of how public they make it.)
If the failure rate among people who flash custom ROMs, kernels, radios, etc is significantly higher than among the general population, then we can conclude that we're doing something risky.
If the failure rate on rooted phones is similar to the failure rate of the total population, then flash whatever you like with joy in your heart. You phone might die on you, but it would have died anyway. You're not the problem.
I would expect the rate of reported failures to be slightly higher on XDA than among the general population even if it's a general hardware fault. That's just because we're more likely to talk about a failed device than the average consumer who has a higher chance of just buying a new one and never talking about it.
Just looking to see if there's common ground between them...
Yes it would help to just narrow it down and try and deal with it unless we want the problem to spread. And now saying that I'm going off arhd to virtuous inquisition after reading previous posts
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using XDA
Here is another thread from last week, I think he was running Virtuous before it died on him, but not 100% sure.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624293
I agree with the failure rate statement, just seems like the folks posting these having been flashing for a while and seems a bit different than the "HELP, I JUST BRICKED MY PHONE" type of thread
Yes..I am not sure if this issue is just a hardware problem and it just happens it died...or if it's related to what we're flashing and modding. And yes...I had flashed ROM a few times before...including insertcoin GB, and ICS...and everything was working....
After I installed ARHD..it seemed fine too...it was running....until I made a phone call.. then it died. So was it just coincidence that it happened after I installed that ROM (include 4ext recovery, radio recommended for t-mobile)...or it's something related to the files we're flashing. I don't think it was from flashing incorrectly since everythig was running for a bit.
If it's just a hardware pb with HTC...then surely there's nothing we can do....but if something is up with the files we're flashing that's killing the phone...as there seem to be much more of these occurences lately with the new ICS roms....then maybe something is up and hopefully someone smart can pinpoint the pb.
Do any of the Devs know this is happening?
Radio recommended for T-Mobile USA in ARHD... I know there was something posted that was supposed to help T-Mobile USA phones be a bit faster in ARHD, is that what you flashed?
Just found this in ARHD:
HTC Sensation 4G (U.S. T-Mobile PG5810000 | T-MOB010) users can flash this for better signal and data speeds!
Wondering if this could cause the problem?
gustav30 said:
Radio recommended for T-Mobile USA in ARHD... I know there was something posted that was supposed to help T-Mobile USA phones be a bit faster in ARHD, is that what you flashed?
Just found this in ARHD:
HTC Sensation 4G (U.S. T-Mobile PG5810000 | T-MOB010) users can flash this for better signal and data speeds!
Wondering if this could cause the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is what I flashed as part of the update. But it doesn't explain why others have same pb?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
newr said:
Yes, this is what I flashed as part of the update. But it doesn't explain why others have same pb?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - I'm just wondering if there is something up with that particular update that is sometimes wreaking havoc with ICS roms for T-mobile USA users.
The reason I pointed it out is because its not a necessary update to install an ICS rom on the Sensation. We just need the latest firmware package and the Rom.
AFAIK, that update is only supposed to enable faster data in the U.S. Probably everyone else in the world outside of the USA, installing ARHD, skips over that update.
I guess it would help to know if the same type of failures are happening to people outside the U.S and who never installed that update.
I know the failure is not limited to just ARHD. So its possible though at one point someone went to the ARHD thread and installed that radio update with ARHD Rom, then jumped ship to say Virtuous and then had a phone failure, because that update is not part of the Rom itself.
This is just speculation - but trying to rule out possibilities.
Hmm..possibly...but I did read mail from someone that's not in U.S. who had dead phone similar to mine....so unless they installed that radio file...it should be ok?
gustav30 said:
Radio recommended for T-Mobile USA in ARHD... I know there was something posted that was supposed to help T-Mobile USA phones be a bit faster in ARHD, is that what you flashed?
Just found this in ARHD:
HTC Sensation 4G (U.S. T-Mobile PG5810000 | T-MOB010) users can flash this for better signal and data speeds!
Wondering if this could cause the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not a radio. It is rcdata for the radio and the build.prop needs to edited to match. I don't know what the end result of a long term mismatch would be (I suspect nothing bad), but I have run both dish 2 and dish 3 settings with no long term issues on either...
newr said:
Yes, this is what I flashed as part of the update. But it doesn't explain why others have same pb?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you are one of the affected users. Please do me a favor and post the info specifically requested in the OP... I'm specifically interested in what kernels, and cpu settings the affected users were using!
i flashed that thing too when i was running a different rom then coindroid.. luckily im not one of the affected users...YET lol
This isn't looking so good... I hope the devs will figure this out before this thing catches on like wildfire... eek
I was about to get the Sensation...It seems i will have to think again!
I had installed AOKP and when I format data and sd card to factory reset my phone won't turn on anymore...I have warranty and service changed my motherboard...now I can not unlock bootloader anymore...
I should close this thread since it seems nobody can read the OP and follow directions...
I just think they're all dying now because it's been approx a year that the phone is out now? Maybe time is the killer! Afterall, I wouldn't think that the majority of users baby their phone... I've seen some people abuse the living crap out of their poor phone! Dents, scratches, marks everywhere. I'm not too surprised seeing this kind of issue after a year or so. Mine is slowly causing problems too (only prob at the moment is dust under screen and I don't like the microphone either...) and I baby this thing.
Man the same **** used to happen with the G2 and the myTouch4G, the emmc chip in the phone would just randomly give out after about 1 year. ****ing HTC phones, man.
i as using insert coin sense4 rom when mines stop turning on.........all i get is on and off vibrates