Related
I wanted to break this off since the other topic was looking to be mostly about the LCD's
floatpoo said:
I wanted to see if the blank sockets on the system board were active. So I grabbed my multimeter and tested each pin to see if any delivered power. I don't know if these sockets are controlled by software, but it looks like these sockets are inactive.
(cant post link ref other thread....)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm an electronics tech (avionics really) just so you know my background, and I am by no way a programmer i just hack my way throught when i need... poorly at that. I'm a long time reader but don't post much.
I havent taken mine apart yet, I bought it for the wife to use as an ereader she was using her evo before and already has bad eyesight I just dont think reading on that small screen is good for her. However we planned on returning it today because she couldn't get anything to work... But i loaded VAGAn-Tab rom on it and she likes it ALOT more now, but we still might be returning it (she thinks it to big and heavy to hold). So all I have to work with is the internal pics posted by other members and I thank you for them!
I was thinking about using a mini pci card with 3g/4g and GPS to solve my problem like this one for Sprint Customers looks very nice and they claim android support. Could someone please verify the length available for the card from the socket to the mounting holes? It should be around 50mm but i cant tell from the pic.
I cant post a link so google
franklinwireless
M600_datasheet_v1.pdf
Then after more research I figured out that think I can get the GPS to work on the board. I found that the RXM-GPS-SG-T looks to be the exact chip they are using, the pin look to match exactly VCC, GND, RX, TX, RF, VOUT. So they are using an active GPS antenna (but could be modded for passive). They use NMEA-0183 or SiRF Binary output selected by a serial command. So we need to figure out if the TX is going to U39 making U39 the interface to the unit, or directly to somewhere else (idk need to see board) I hope i can attach my pic i made or maybe an admin can post it for me.
However the PCI slot might be just as hard to use, the pin 20 that has 3.3v isnt what we want, but it could be a software control to disable/enable the card. However we still need A+ on pins 2,52 (3.3V), 6,28,48(1.5V) and maybe 24(3.3V Aux) dependeding on the card. We could be dealing with a "Non Standard" connector, they are out there but most OEM's dont bother with them. More likely to find them on a Asus product ect. It's common for the SIM card to be powered by the PCI card itself and the board looks wired that way. I have 2 Digi International Mini PCI express Wifi/Cell Development boards and thats how they both power the SIM card. Pin 16 should goto Pin 1 on the sim card, 14->2, 12->3, 10->6 but maybe 7 or 8.
Getting the Power to it could be software or hardware. Looks like around U8 on the frontside could a Vreg setup, Or it could be as simple as putting in some 0 ohm resistors around R15 and R14. We also see that U7 is unpopulated on backside. So that leave us with U7,U8, R15, and R16 which could mean they are all part of the same circuit if they laid it out with any logic. TP1,2,and 3 also make me believe this is true, however they match up to LED_WPAN#, LED, WLAN#,and LED_WWAN#. I sure wish they match the power input pins, but that means all those missing resistors could just be for unpopulated status LED's. Like I've said over and over i cant tell ya unless i can probe around the board.
As far as the memory, yes its possible, I do BGA replacement at work. What I am afraid of is that the other memory chips look to be exactly on the other side and I'd be afraid of messing them up. I'd have to look at my jig at work and see if I could set it up without any problems.
I'm no electronics expert but I dabble. I'd be interested in internal GPS and a memory boost. I'm pretty confident in my soldering skills and would try something if directed by someone smarter than me.
This is something I am very interested in. Any new info on this?
ihaveathumb said:
This is something I am very interested in. Any new info on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sadly no longer own a G tablet, wife thought it was to heavy to read books, and hated the screen. I cant argue with her on either of those points, so we returned it. However I got the ok to buy a referb on if i can find one, but when I did at my local store i showed them the paper and they told me they dont sell that stuff there and send me away. I talked to 3 different people too basically all told me to go f off. I even tried another time with the 7" they sell same results. I dont know why it gets listed on the website if they wont sell it.
Not to get sidetracked, but i even did by the proper bga fittings to solder the ram chips too lol..
So no its probably not going to go any farther from my stand point, if anyone wants my help I still read the forums everyday.
I'm just gonna wait and see what comes out in the future that XDA gets behind, because I'de never buy anything that didnt have an active community here.
IF you were looking for a reader fo rher mainly, you should've really gone with the Nook Color... eInk devices are good too IF you don't really need good PDF support and/or need it to read more complexly formatted documents, e.g. technical manual, mathematics texts, etc. i.e. eInk is best suited for ficiton and other simply formatted documents, but it VERY readable except in poorly lit conditions where you'd need external lighting of some sort.
Very true I should have bought her a nook, but now she doesnt want it because its not powerful enough for her needs imo. She also wants to login to her school (blackboard) and be able to use overdrive. Plus she likes dungeon defenders and I dont think that can handle it. We are just gonna wait it out and see what comes along, mostly cause we have our first due next month, so trying to be frugal.
mystkrh said:
Very true I should have bought her a nook, but now she doesnt want it because its not powerful enough for her needs imo. She also wants to login to her school (blackboard) and be able to use overdrive. Plus she likes dungeon defenders and I dont think that can handle it. We are just gonna wait it out and see what comes along, mostly cause we have our first due next month, so trying to be frugal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you'll want a full blown tablet then and I suspect that the NC would be too much of a bother to get setup for her for what she wants it for...
All the 10" tablets are fairly heavy too, so you'll probably have to stick to looking for 7/8" tablets and I suspect Tegra 2 or multi-core cortex-a9 SoCs from other mfgs... not much in the way of 7" ATM other than the elocity a7 (was c. $300 around xmas), but it's not very hacker friendly and I don't know if they ever got the USB port to run in non-host mode... probably best to not even look at it...
The g Tablet would, as many have already said, be a great tablet if it had gps mainly and increased memory. Adding pci-e would be even better. I would be extremely happy with the addition of gps. I would be very tempted to allow somebody with expertise and high level of confidence of success to experiment on my tablet.
GPS+
Just bought my Gtab yesterday. As you know the stock Roman/UI sucks big time. I installed Clockwork followed by CyanogenMod 7 and what a difference. Anyway I looked on the web for a dock and it seems there is a Chinese version of the Gtab that has higher spec's including GPS. It would seem logical to assume the U.S. motherboard has the same circuits built in. Who knows what's possible....
It's too bad that more people don't feel like tearing up their electronics to start soldering things to them.
Hi, I'm back ... I start this new thread to expose my concepts about phones, I'm not a professional but I try to imagine some original devices with some originals spcecifications ...
All your comments (good or bad) are welcome ...
I'm usually inspired by HTC and my latest concept is one of them ...
The entire concept and the others are here --> NAK PHONE DESIGN
[NEW] 3 March 2011 --> Second part of the concept, the TUBE TABLET (2nd post) ...
[NEW] 21 April 2011 --> Third part of the concept, the STICK PHONE and the TUBE LAPTOP (3rd post) ...
Hi, here is the second part of my HTC TUBE Concept ...
Hi, here is the third part of my HTC TUBE Concept (and the last) ...
The entire concept and the others are here --> NAK PHONE DESIGN
Here's the HTC STICK PHONE for the TUBE Tablet ...
and the HTC TUBE Laptop ...
Interesting concept but why make the whole cartridge thing? I don't think many people will be swapping out the internals of their phone often enough to justify it.
Nice concepts!
Interesting...like the size & curves!
I had already seen pictures of the concept and find it gorgeous
I wouldn't be interested by the multiple cartridges (I had already the dual boot on my former HD2 and for my daily use I don't see the point in sticking with more than 1 OS. It's cool for testing but otherwise ...Just my opinion ).
iDroidFan said:
Interesting concept but why make the whole cartridge thing? I don't think many people will be swapping out the internals of their phone often enough to justify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with this point.
I just don't see the concept clicking with what customers want.
The only possible advantage IMO would be that if you dropped your phone and damaged the casing or screen, you could quickly and easily replace it yourself but beyond that, it doesn't seem like practical concept.
I would love a cartridge based phone that would let me have multiple ROMs loaded onto the cartridges, and switch OS by rebooting with another one.
Not for everyday use, but rather for developing
cool, al like this
For the interest of the cartridge, more than the choice of the hardware level (and of the price !!!...), you will see soon the part 2 of this concept ... In next few days ...
good
i like this design.
What if the concept was beyond just the cartridge though? After all, a smaller cartridge footprint could enable you to have the internals in different housings. For example, a much smaller housing for a more discrete phone, say for going out in the evening, when you don't want the bulk but still want all your 'stuff'?
Or a rugged housing for sports/camping/mountain biking/etc?
Or perhaps an in-vehicle version where you just slot the thing into a console in the vehicle, rather than the phone into a cradle?
Finally, you could have an at home/office version where you slot it into a small footprint dock that has higher spec hardware but still uses the data and applications on the device.
I personally can see far more uses for the internals in other housings idea rather than the single housing, multiple internals. That said, both would work together as you can use any internal module in any housing..
From a manufacturer's point of view this *could* work. One standard screen/housing/connections with multiple options of different phones "internals".
Interesting idea.
rTiGd2 said:
What if the concept was beyond just the cartridge though? After all, a smaller cartridge footprint could enable you to have the internals in different housings. For example, a much smaller housing for a more discrete phone, say for going out in the evening, when you don't want the bulk but still want all your 'stuff'?
Or a rugged housing for sports/camping/mountain biking/etc?
Or perhaps an in-vehicle version where you just slot the thing into a console in the vehicle, rather than the phone into a cradle?
Finally, you could have an at home/office version where you slot it into a small footprint dock that has higher spec hardware but still uses the data and applications on the device.
I personally can see far more uses for the internals in other housings idea rather than the single housing, multiple internals. That said, both would work together as you can use any internal module in any housing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this point completely. I'm actually already sorta doing this type of thing by swapping my SIM card to and from my Galaxy Tab and my Galaxy S. I'll usually bring my Tab with me to work, but use my Galaxy S for when I'm traveling light and hanging out with friends etc.
It would be even cooler though if my semi-internal hardware cartridge could remain powered on while I hot-swap it from my phone to my tablet to my desktop dock or car dock etc etc. THAT would be super cool, and practical. Kinda like what Motorola is trying to do with the Atrix, but maybe in a more elegant manner.
Step666 said:
I have to agree with this point.
I just don't see the concept clicking with what customers want.
The only possible advantage IMO would be that if you dropped your phone and damaged the casing or screen, you could quickly and easily replace it yourself but beyond that, it doesn't seem like practical concept.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more practical and cost efficient if you think about it. This is a really slick and just awesome design, but what if you hardly use your phone? You aren't going to need a 1.5 Dual Core processor with a 12 MP camera, you may just want the starter pack.
Then people don't have to pay for a high end phone with features they aren't going to use. It's actually really smart and practical....I like it.
You need to send this to HTC, go to the manufacturing plant, and start building this phone!
EDIT: I just went on your site, and you really need to send these ideas to HTC or something. You have some really nice ideas, designs, and talent..I'd seriously buy all of these phones.
missparker76 said:
I had already seen pictures of the concept and find it gorgeous
I wouldn't be interested by the multiple cartridges (I had already the dual boot on my former HD2 and for my daily use I don't see the point in sticking with more than 1 OS. It's cool for testing but otherwise ...Just my opinion ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Valid Point, I dont why you would want all the confusion, Not to kill your concept NAK but at least a 32GB also 4G should be available on all model. that just me!!!
Amazing concept! I would sell a kidney to get one Just kidding, but its a really awesome design
oh~man! This is great! I would like to buy one
Do you accept preorders for this beauty?
Love it.
Probably a stupid question, but I figure this is the place to ask it. I've been thinking about a project lately that would involve a lot of cameras. Since the actual camera from an S4 (or similar phones) costs about 10 bucks if you could us those separate from the phone (hooked up a raspberry pi running android or something if necessary) that would be awesome.
I realize just from looking at the connector on the camera it'd be no easy task, but my question is just is something like that feasible?
hobberwickey said:
Probably a stupid question, but I figure this is the place to ask it. I've been thinking about a project lately that would involve a lot of cameras. Since the actual camera from an S4 (or similar phones) costs about 10 bucks if you could us those separate from the phone (hooked up a raspberry pi running android or something if necessary) that would be awesome.
I realize just from looking at the connector on the camera it'd be no easy task, but my question is just is something like that feasible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could program a driver for the camera and wire up the connectors via an adapter I suppose it would be possibe (But not easy)
The drivers (Or whatever you choose to call them by) must be able to be ported to other linux based OS since it is running a Linux based OS and the camera must be able to be adapted as it has the essentials.
It would take time but I suppose it is possible if you have the soldering skills and coding skills.
I'm trying to decide on a better phone for my father. He is technically savy but starting to have some vision issues.
He is currently using an LG G3 which I've long ago rooted and stripped out most every useless app and program to simplify the app drawer and minimize issues he may have trying to find something. It is on TMobile and the new device will need to be compatible with TMO also. The G3 works fine but would like a bigger screen and the earpiece speaker is crackling again. Have replaced it twice and don't feel like doing it again.
For the most part he only uses email, phone, maps, calculator and web browser. Doesn't need the latest device or the fanciest features. Just a reliable, affordable and sturdy device since he tends to break them also.
Basically....
Would like to find something with a large, bright screen. 6" or more.
Something that is sturdy, reliable and big battery.
Easy to root so I can strip out useless apps.
Loud earpiece.
Cheap or easy to fix when he breaks it.
Anyone have a parent in a similar position and what did you find worked best for them?
cahiatt said:
I'm trying to decide on a better phone for my father. He is technically savy but starting to have some vision issues.
He is currently using an LG G3 which I've long ago rooted and stripped out most every useless app and program to simplify the app drawer and minimize issues he may have trying to find something. It is on TMobile and the new device will need to be compatible with TMO also. The G3 works fine but would like a bigger screen and the earpiece speaker is crackling again. Have replaced it twice and don't feel like doing it again.
For the most part he only uses email, phone, maps, calculator and web browser. Doesn't need the latest device or the fanciest features. Just a reliable, affordable and sturdy device since he tends to break them also.
Basically....
Would like to find something with a large, bright screen. 6" or more.
Something that is sturdy, reliable and big battery.
Easy to root so I can strip out useless apps.
Loud earpiece.
Cheap or easy to fix when he breaks it.
Anyone have a parent in a similar position and what did you find worked best for them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try doing some Google searches for:
"Smartphones for seniors"
Or
"Smartphones for the visually impaired"
Find the most recent links to lists and reviews of devices then find one that meets all of your requirements, have them participate in reading the lists and choosing the device.
DO NOT CONTACT ME VIA PM TO RECEIVE HELP, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Also could ask in
What's your next smartphone / What should I buy by poseidon5213
and
**DEVICE SUGGESTION THREAD** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here! by KidCarter93
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
I'm sorry that the responses weren't really helpful at all to the OP.
I'm also looking for a phone replacement for my 95 year old mother.
Any better info or recommendations ???
tt c6 said:
I'm sorry that the responses weren't really helpful at all to the OP.
I'm also looking for a phone replacement for my 95 year old mother.
Any better info or recommendations ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to recommending devices, it comes down to what purposes the user will use it for and what other things may evolve into doing with their device. It is virtually impossible for a 3rd party to project/expect what the user needs or what they would be comfortable with.
It's kinda like choosing a spouse, it isn't the kind of thing that someone else's opinion can help you with. What works for us might not work for you/them, its all about the individual.
Factors like: screen size, operating system, the interface and how easy it is to see, understand and use, amount if RAM and storage that is best for their needs, if they take photos and videos frequently then they'll need plenty of storage and expendable storage that is easy for them to use and remove/replace.
Factors like these are why suggestions can't really be made, especially suggestions from users here because users here are more familiar with devices that wouldn't be considered usable by non tech savvy seniors, virtually all of us here have no experience with devices that aren't the more mainstream devices used by millions. This website is completely centered around the modification and use if android software, our interests and knowledge are not in what is the latest greatest device or what features this device has compared to that device and what this or that device is best for. You need to go to some tech review websites for ideas and suggestions, that is what they focus on, coming to a website where the focus is software coding to ask for suggestions doesn't really serve your purposes very well when there are much better sources of infirnation that what anyone here could provide you with.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
I disagree.
Most 95 year olds want the same thing, if not all of them.
The simplest phone to operate that will allow them to make phone calls.
I got my grandmother the only basic phone that is currently offered by T-mobile corporate: the Alcatel Go Flip.
She does NOT like it.
The "ring" around the "Go" button that is the only way to move up and down the selections is not physically large, or easy to see, let alone use.
In order to get to the contacts, you must press "Go" once, wait for the contacts to become "highlighted", then press "Go" again.
There should be ONE TOUCH entry into the contacts, and the up and down buttons should be clearly marked and easy to operate.
VERY disappointed in T-mobile for only offering one basic phone, and in Alcatel for making what should be a simple phone to operate, more difficult then it should be.
Can ANYONE offer a solution for a 95 year old that I can activate on T-mobile?
Thanks.
Positives for the Alcatel Go Flip:
- It utilizes all the current T-mobile bands
- It runs basically a scaled down Android OS.
You can log on to your gmail account from the Go Flip, and all of your Google contacts will be automatically imported into the Go Flip.
tt c6 said:
I disagree.
Most 95 year olds want the same thing, if not all of them.
The simplest phone to operate that will allow them to make phone calls.
I got my grandmother the only basic phone that is currently offered by T-mobile corporate: the Alcatel Go Flip.
She does NOT like it.
The "ring" around the "Go" button that is the only way to move up and down the selections is not physically large, or easy to see, let alone use.
In order to get to the contacts, you must press "Go" once, wait for the contacts to become "highlighted", then press "Go" again.
There should be ONE TOUCH entry into the contacts, and the up and down buttons should be clearly marked and easy to operate.
VERY disappointed in T-mobile for only offering one basic phone, and in Alcatel for making what should be a simple phone to operate, more difficult then it should be.
Can ANYONE offer a solution for a 95 year old that I can activate on T-mobile?
Thanks.
Positives for the Alcatel Go Flip:
- It utilizes all the current T-mobile bands
- It runs basically a scaled down Android OS.
You can log on to your gmail account from the Go Flip, and all of your Google contacts will be automatically imported into the Go Flip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I mean, I doubt you'll find anyone here familiar with devices that aren't specifically touchscreen only, and with that comes all of the factors I listed, how the OS is designed, screen size, visibility of the items on the screen, too many variables to give reasonable suggestions.
All I can say is find reviews for devices and see which of them have reviews from users mentioning how good the device is for seniors.
There is a thread here specifically for device suggestions and it is where all questions about suggestions are intended to be posted.
It will ultimately come down to them having the device in their hands before they buy it, that is the only way to see if it fits their needs/wants. Find reviews, make a list of 5-10 devices that you think are viable then go physically check demo models of each of them out to see what they think.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Im guessing this forum is meant for software primarily, but im gonna ask this anyways.
If there is a seperate forum for this, i apoloize, but this is primarily a software question.
In theory, shouldn't it be possible to take out the electronics of a phone and hook up a bigger screen and larger battery to convert it into a tablet? I have a LG G6 lying around with a busted screen and a battery that lasts a total of 3 hours, so selling isnt worth it, disposing even less since id pay money to for that. The idea then is to take the completely functional motherboard, get a screen and a battery and 3D print a body that can accommodate it all.
Now the question: is there some sort of hardware ID or driver thing going on for either of the two things? Is it even locked? This is more out of curiosity, but if it is possible, i would try it out if i have the time.
Are batteries that large even available for purchase?
MICHAEL(SMHOS.ORG) said:
You can't really o that to a phone because the screen will not match
The flex won't match
And the body.
Leave thànks If this helps and donate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats not really the point of the question. It would be put into a custom printed body, maybe i can even manage to mold it somehow. Since the diagonal of the screen is somewhat irrelevant to the software, that shouldn't be a problem either, and finding an 11 inch 2880x1440 screen shouldn't be that hard. The question is if the rest of the phones hardware would recognize there is a screen there, even if its a bigger one. Im not quite sure what "flex" is supposed to mean, but fitting the parts together won't be a problem.
I would imagine it would be harder to get the phone into permanent portrait mode, but Nova Launcher for example doesnt even require root for that. The resolution, if 1440p 18:9 is required for some reason, this would be fixable with root. But the hardware itself is an issue.
So the real question is has anyone ever modified his phones actual hardware?
*edit*
By flex you mean the ribbon cables, right?
This, too, should be possible. Unless LG went to extreme lengths to design a custom exotic connector, im fairly sure you can get it to work as long as the hardware will still recognize it.
You would have to have a phone, like a Samsung, who has the video section separate from the main CPU body. I found the Voyo computer use the Samsung video driver for tablets on their tiny CPU boards. While nice CPU's (Deca-Core) the video out would be an issue.
You would also run into video driver issues with the ROM.
Then there would be the touch screen modules you would have to convert as well (along with software in the ROM).
What you might want is an OTG to HDMI adapter. Run a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and drive the HDMI on a big screen. Problem solved. If you want it portable, then the best advice is one that was already given....
....get yourself a tablet....
PyxelDE said:
Im guessing this forum is meant for software primarily, but im gonna ask this anyways.
If there is a seperate forum for this, i apoloize, but this is primarily a software question.
In theory, shouldn't it be possible to take out the electronics of a phone and hook up a bigger screen and larger battery to convert it into a tablet? I have a LG G6 lying around with a busted screen and a battery that lasts a total of 3 hours, so selling isnt worth it, disposing even less since id pay money to for that. The idea then is to take the completely functional motherboard, get a screen and a battery and 3D print a body that can accommodate it all.
Now the question: is there some sort of hardware ID or driver thing going on for either of the two things? Is it even locked? This is more out of curiosity, but if it is possible, i would try it out if i have the time.
Are batteries that large even available for purchase?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were to physically make it work, it would still require compiling a custom kernel with support for the screen added to the kernel. The kernel is what allows your software to use your hardware, kinda like drivers on PC except the drivers are built into the kernel instead of installed separately. You can't just install what the screen needs, it has to be built into a whole new kernel compiled from source and then you've got to get the kernel working with the whole device, not just the new screen.
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Droidriven said:
If you were to physically make it work, it would still require compiling a custom kernel with support for the screen added to the kernel. The kernel is what allows your software to use your hardware, kinda like drivers on PC except the drivers are built into the kernel instead of installed separately. You can't just install what the screen needs, it has to be built into a whole new kernel compiled from source and then you've got to get the kernel working with the whole device, not just the new screen.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which would explain why there arent any results online for people doing this. Its way beyond the scope of what could be considered worth it.
Anyways, thanks
skeltonh said:
You would have to have a phone, like a Samsung, who has the video section separate from the main CPU body. I found the Voyo computer use the Samsung video driver for tablets on their tiny CPU boards. While nice CPU's (Deca-Core) the video out would be an issue.
You would also run into video driver issues with the ROM.
Then there would be the touch screen modules you would have to convert as well (along with software in the ROM).
What you might want is an OTG to HDMI adapter. Run a bluetooth mouse and keyboard and drive the HDMI on a big screen. Problem solved. If you want it portable, then the best advice is one that was already given....
....get yourself a tablet....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting a decent tablet would cost me a couple hundred quid, especially one with that hardware. Also it wasn't solely necessity, if i would just need a tablet, i would indeed buy one, but it was also to see if it could be done. Might very well have been a first. Also it would have allowed for some decent creativity. Sadly, were just not there yet, if we ever get to that point where smartphones will have the level of customizability of even a half decent laptop. Things like Project Ara would have been perfect for this, but sadly, money won over innovation