Custom ROM for A7HTV2: Android 2.2 froyo.21

[birdiebnl]

I want to connect external flash USB on my A7 with the USB cable but it does not work.

Indeed, that doesn't work well on the froyo roms. When you're lucky it works, but most of the times it simply won't mount your flash USB.

[Habl66]

I want to connect external flash USB on my A7 with the USB cable but it does not work.

Indeed, that doesn't work well on the froyo roms. When you're lucky it works, but most of the times it simply won't mount your flash USB.

I'll try again. If it does not work. I'm going back to 2.1. Thank you

[hvdwolf]

I want to connect external flash USB on my A7 with the USB cable but it does not work.

Indeed, that doesn't work well on the froyo roms. When you're lucky it works, but most of the times it simply won't mount your flash USB.

I'll try again. If it does not work. I'm going back to 2.1. Thank you

I assume you set the USB mode to host mode (in Settings) when connecting a USB device? You should do that in advance.

[Habl66]

I assume you set the USB mode to host mode (in Settings) when connecting a USB device? You should do that in advance.

I tried the both cases (enable/disable) but it does not work.

[moojin]

In regards to HVDWolf's response to my post about my "/data/data" partition.

Using 'su' prior to 'ls' gave me access to the /data/data partition. The '#' prompt threw me off. I thought was already logged in as root.

I'm not certain how many others will run into this issue. One of my applications is a Chinese Language tutorial and the size of the application (11.21MB) and data (17.84MB) are quite large.

However, just as a thought, perhaps some of the video issues that some have reported may be caused by caching to this partition. I don't have any videos on my A7HTV2 so I can't test.

Also, I previously mentioned a concern about constant re-writing to this partition. If I remember correctly flash drives automatically ensure that specific memory locations are not constantly being re-written. So the partition isn't "physical" like a HDD, more like a logical one controlled on the hardware layer. That are my thoughts, anyways.

One final question, I'd like to get more information on how the Android (Froyo) operating system runs, the location of configuration files and logs, etc. Have you come across any resources on the web or book format that might shed some light on this? Many moons ago, I used to do some light Unix / Linux sysadmin-ing. I'm interested in seeing how Android works.

[hvdwolf]

In regards to HVDWolf's response to my post about my "/data/data" partition.

Using 'su' prior to 'ls' gave me access to the /data/data partition. The '#' prompt threw me off. I thought was already logged in as root.

That fact that your tablet is rooted doesn't make you automatically root. some applications try if they can become root and therefore as for root access. Most applications don't (ereaders, browsers, games ,etc).

Also, I previously mentioned a concern about constant re-writing to this partition. If I remember correctly flash drives automatically ensure that specific memory locations are not constantly being re-written. So the partition isn't "physical" like a HDD, more like a logical one controlled on the hardware layer. That are my thoughts, anyways.

Your remembrance is corect.
The /data/data is currently out of my reach (w.r.t. changing it's size). It's there on every android system be it a phone, a Samsung galaxy, or donut, eclair, froyo.

One final question, I'd like to get more information on how the Android (Froyo) operating system runs, the location of configuration files and logs, etc. Have you come across any resources on the web or book format that might shed some light on this? Many moons ago, I used to do some light Unix / Linux sysadmin-ing. I'm interested in seeing how Android works.

There is of course the Android 2.2.1 guide, but that's not really a system guide.
There is a really short introduction here. Then there is 1 hour video Learn about Android Internals and NDK belonging to this meeting which I nevere cared to watch, but maybe it's very good.
And check this slideshow

Just google a bit on "android system" or "android system internals" . You will find all kind of small info on it.

[moojin]

HVDWolf,

Thanks for the resources on the Android OS.

After reviewing the links that you sent to me, I found a few additional resources:

1) "The init process and init.rc" - http://www.androidenea.com/2009/08/init ... nitrc.html
2) Explanation of init "language" - https://android.git.kernel.org/?p=platf ... 53;hb=HEAD

Although BlueTooth is defined as a service, it is disabled until activated on the application layer. After searching some more, I found a person who removed the BlueTooth lines (and some other services) from his init.<device>.rc script. However, this requires a recompile of init, which is a bit beyond me at this point.

1) "Tweaking Froyo for Nitrogen Part 3: housekeeping and custom WLAN" - http://boundarydevices.com/blogs/tweaki ... ustom-wlan

The author of the above article has a series of articles that might hold some information. You may have already done a lot of this already! I'm going to read them later, since it is a little late:

1) http://boundarydevices.com/blogs/froyo-on-nitrogen-e
2) http://boundarydevices.com/blogs/tweaki ... ch-support
3) http://boundarydevices.com/blogs/tweaki ... -and-media
4) http://boundarydevices.com/blogs/tweaki ... ustom-wlan

Best Regards,

Andrew

[Habl66]

hvdwolf,
Please fix the rom so that it can be used to connect external USB flash

[steiner666]

so far im really liking the .09 tiny ver. but im wondering if theres a way to increase the number of icons and widgets that can be placed on the home screen? in birdie's froyo rom you could adjust this, but i havent found the option on this one.

also, i see that the Videos folder on the internal memory got deleted during setup of this rom, unlike birdies, so i lost my videos and i'm not sure where to copy them back over to? i use my SD card for music so i cant fit them on there...

the stock video player has always been my favorite, but it doesnt seem it can detect movies that are anywhere but the SD card? I tried Mvideoplayer and Meridian, but neither of them hide the taskbar when watching a movie which is pretty annoying.

I also just ran into a bug of some sort where my icons and widgets all disappeared and any windows that popped up were invisible (like i used power slider to try shutting it off and nothing came up so i had to guess as to where on the screen the "turn off" button would be to get it to power off)

*edit* n/m i copied videos over to the DCIM folder on internal storage and the default player detected them right away

Also want to say that this rom runs a LOT better than other 2.2 roms i've tried. Videos play totally smooth, the screen orientation switches quicker, it hasnt crashed yet, it boots in ~30secods (tiny version anyway) and games play a lot smoother (especially Construction X, when its rendering the physics while the trains moving) than in the other roms. This roms damn near perfect! Just need to find a way to increase number of icons that can fit on the homescreens and remove the airplane mode option and maybe even the silent mode/cell network icon to get rid of useless clutter.

[steiner666]

Word of warning, to anyone running .09 at least, whatever you do, do NOT accidentally hit the airplane mode option in the shutdown menu. i did and i absolutely could not get wifi to work afterwards

I was able to fix the problem by pluggin in to my PC and transferring an apk for beautiful widgets, then used the Plane mode widget included with it. I strongly recommend everyone install an plane mode widget NOW before you run into this problem and cant get on market to grab one.

[cajl]

Installation OK
market ok

have you an apk for Flash Player

[cheeez]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0pcPDIr ... A490EA787A
Why we don't have Menu>Settings>Wireless and networks settings>Mobile networks
badly need anything to make ZTE MF626 3g dongle to work

[hvdwolf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0pcPDIr ... A490EA787A
Why we don't have Menu>Settings>Wireless and networks settings>Mobile networks
badly need anything to make ZTE MF626 3g dongle to work

The reason is that we have a tablet, not a phone. Some tablets do come with this support though.

I've seen this pendo pad before, and look-a-likes as it is just as our Archos, a mass product from some chinese/vietnamese/korean manaufacturer built for a couple of suppliers. I still haven't found a (dumped) firmware though for these tablets. Otherwise I would have taken a look at it. This one is eclair by the way.

[cajl]

and for the flash ?

[hvdwolf]

and for the flash ?

No flash. The pendo pad is a Rockchip 2818 as well. There is no flash for RK2818/RK2808. It's chip dependent, not android version dependent.

[steiner666]

Just wanted to report that not only does this rom run smooth as butter, but it allows me to finally get online at my most frequently use public hotspot at the hospital. with 2.1 roms my browsers would never display the portal redirect terms of use agreement page, but now it comes up just fine.

i had given up on trying to fix this, was really surprised when it worked today. cant thank you enough hvdwolf! id send you cookies if i could!

im curious as to whats diff about this rom that makes it work where others havent tho? hopefully someone can enlighten me.

[hvdwolf]

im curious as to whats diff about this rom that makes it work where others havent tho? hopefully someone can enlighten me.

So am I
I did look into this issue some time ago when you mentioned it and I needed it myself for my holidays when I was in the hotel. For me it simply worked with this rom. Maybe just new enhancements in the internet/browser structure in froyo compared to eclair.

I'm still looking into 2 issues (well, 3 actually) for this froyo rom (I let it rest for a few weeks, but just started to look into it again this week):
- wifi is not as stable and as fast as it is on eclair (well, my froyo rom compared to my eclair rom that is).
- I still can't connect keyboards, mice or usb disks/sticks to the froyo rom whereas this works fine with (my) eclair roms.
- (low prio) If I can optimize usb I will also look into being able to attach a 2g/3g/4g modem even if I don't have one myself. (Off course it still possible to ad-hoc wifi to a phone with 2/3/4G connection.)

I already added an airplane widget to the rom to be able to "escape" from the dreaded airplane mode. For the time being it's such a small change that I didn't want to release a new rom.

[Diablo67]

im curious as to whats diff about this rom that makes it work where others havent tho? hopefully someone can enlighten me.

So am I
I did look into this issue some time ago when you mentioned it and I needed it myself for my holidays when I was in the hotel. For me it simply worked with this rom. Maybe just new enhancements in the internet/browser structure in froyo compared to eclair.

I'm still looking into 2 issues (well, 3 actually) for this froyo rom (I let it rest for a few weeks, but just started to look into it again this week):
- wifi is not as stable and as fast as it is on eclair (well, my froyo rom compared to my eclair rom that is).
- I still can't connect keyboards, mice or usb disks/sticks to the froyo rom whereas this works fine with (my) eclair roms.
- (low prio) If I can optimize usb I will also look into being able to attach a 2g/3g/4g modem even if I don't have one myself. (Off course it still possible to ad-hoc wifi to a phone with 2/3/4G connection.)

I already added an airplane widget to the rom to be able to "escape" from the dreaded airplane mode. For the time being it's such a small change that I didn't want to release a new rom.

What is the difference between froyo and eclaire?I have noticed alot of developers are having trouble with froyo,even though it is faster,i think the eclaire is more stable,just wondering the differences and complications.Im not having any issues with your Froyo V9 rom full,at least not yet,i'm definitely not liking the "Security Guard"big process hog.I guess its probably not integrated in the lite rom.I'll give them all a try until i find the right one,great job on the roms Hvdwolf.Hopefully you will keep updating and creating roms for the Archos tablet.Is there any chance of updating to 2.3 Honeycomb?looks like a great Android os.

[steiner666]

im curious as to whats diff about this rom that makes it work where others havent tho? hopefully someone can enlighten me.

So am I
I did look into this issue some time ago when you mentioned it and I needed it myself for my holidays when I was in the hotel. For me it simply worked with this rom. Maybe just new enhancements in the internet/browser structure in froyo compared to eclair.

I'm still looking into 2 issues (well, 3 actually) for this froyo rom (I let it rest for a few weeks, but just started to look into it again this week):
- wifi is not as stable and as fast as it is on eclair (well, my froyo rom compared to my eclair rom that is).
- I still can't connect keyboards, mice or usb disks/sticks to the froyo rom whereas this works fine with (my) eclair roms.
- (low prio) If I can optimize usb I will also look into being able to attach a 2g/3g/4g modem even if I don't have one myself. (Off course it still possible to ad-hoc wifi to a phone with 2/3/4G connection.)

I already added an airplane widget to the rom to be able to "escape" from the dreaded airplane mode. For the time being it's such a small change that I didn't want to release a new rom.

lol well at least im not the only baffled by it. i definitely know im stickin with froyo now tho

and i have noticed wifi strength has been pretty week, but i assumed it was my access points maybe. but it has been worse than in 2.1 because im getting disconnects now and then in browser, and constantly in youtube app so ive been using yt downloqder app instead

and the usb keyboards ive tried have worked in host mode so far, although i think i had to start host mode a couple times and before i plugged in kb for it to work.

[hvdwolf]

and the usb keyboards ive tried have worked in host mode so far, although i think i had to start host mode a couple times and before i plugged in kb for it to work.

I didn't try it a couple of times after another, only perhaps twice or 3 times. Then I decided that it "obviously" didn't work. I will try a couple of more times and see what the logs mention after a succesful connect.