CX-919 4.2.2 - Finless ROM 1.4

[bloatman]

Upon google searching, I found this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1996284,
where the OP had a similar issue and reported solving it by flashing it to a custom ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...6&postcount=14

I am prepared to flashing/ROM it if that's the advice from the folks on this thread. My only concern is that if the device is bricked and I flash it (and it still does not work), will I be able to return it? In any event, the device was bought from a Chinese site (in4dealz) and I do not even know how good the return process would be and I am therefore keen to resolve it on my end if possible.

I would really appreciate some advice from the knowledgeable community here..

Thanks.
gs
p.s.: Also apologies for posting in this thread with not a directly-related post w.r.t. Finless ROM[/QUOTE]
warranty procedure for in4dealz:

[dnlnnhs]

Rolled back to Finless 4.1.1

I was having a few issues with Finless 4.2.2 - bluetooth keyboard would not automatically re-connect, vudu would not play, and I got the errors about the blank nand. So I rolled back to Finless 4.1.1. all of that works now. I don't think the 4.2.2 is ready for prime time yet. Maybe the new firmware will improve a few things.

[BigDave]

RKremote

Hi, Thanks for the ROM. Where will I find the RKRemoteControl App? Will this app let me control the CX-919 via my android phone? - in much the same way as I can control my PC using the Unified_Remote app?

Thanks

Found it - just the job - thanks!

So where is it? i can't find it either.

[justDave]

So where is it? i can't find it either.

This one works:

http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2013/05/21/some-useful-information-for-rockchip-base-android-tv-stick/#.UZuVIqIQayg

[smithmal]

Flashing Question

The following are the instructions packed in this ROM for flashing:


Putting the CX-919 into flash mode using the FN button:
1) Have the USB cable unplugged.
2) Od the side of the TV stick is a button.
Hold this button down and while holding it, plug the USB cable from the PC to the micro USB port on the CX-919.
4) YOu should here windows BONG it found a new device. The LED will not light!
5) You are now in ROM flash mode. Read below for installing drivers.


Can someone clarify as to whether or not the stick needs to be powered before starting the procedure above? In other words, do I need to have the side "DC" port plugged in with the USB charger before starting flash? I've read somewhere that you need to plug in the charger, wait a minute or so for the tablet to fully boot up, then hold down the "Fn" button and then plug in the PC USB cable to the back microUSB port.

Please clarify as I can't seem to get my PC to recognize the tablet.

Thanks,

smithmal

[clement]

The following are the instructions packed in this ROM for flashing:


Putting the CX-919 into flash mode using the FN button:
1) Have the USB cable unplugged.
2) Od the side of the TV stick is a button.
Hold this button down and while holding it, plug the USB cable from the PC to the micro USB port on the CX-919.
4) YOu should here windows BONG it found a new device. The LED will not light!
5) You are now in ROM flash mode. Read below for installing drivers.


Can someone clarify as to whether or not the stick needs to be powered before starting the procedure above? In other words, do I need to have the side "DC" port plugged in with the USB charger before starting flash? I've read somewhere that you need to plug in the charger, wait a minute or so for the tablet to fully boot up, then hold down the "Fn" button and then plug in the PC USB cable to the back microUSB port.

Please clarify as I can't seem to get my PC to recognize the tablet.

Thanks,

smithmal

No you do not need, whats more I think you must not connect .
My procedure:

1 disconnect every USB/otg/DC cable, only HDMI remain connected.
2 connect USB cable to the OTG port of stick. (not DC port, not USB port)
3 hold down side button
4 connect the USB cable to PC
5 here the BONG -> release button ....

It works for me all the time

[finrodize]

No you do not need, whats more I think you must not connect .
My procedure:

1 disconnect every USB/otg/DC cable, only HDMI remain connected.
2 connect USB cable to the OTG port of stick. (not DC port, not USB port)
3 hold down side button
4 connect the USB cable to PC
5 here the BONG -> release button ....

It works for me all the time

So you have the HDMI always connected to the TV during the flash process?

[clement]

So you have the HDMI always connected to the TV during the flash process?

Yes, but until it finishes the flash than reboots there is nothing on the screen ....

[bloatman]

So you have the HDMI always connected to the TV during the flash process?

no the hdmi port does not need to be connected to flash

[smithmal]

no the hdmi port does not need to be connected to flash

Figured out the issue. Turned out to be my microUSB cable. Very strange since the same cable works with communication between my PC and RK3188 tablet. When I used the cable that the stick was shipped with my PC recognized the stick instantly. I will install this ROM tonight and take it for a spin.

So far my big issues with the Geekbuying 4.2.2 build are:
1. System reboots randomly. Reducing clock speed minimizes this occurance, but does not eliminate it
2. USB port disconnects after a certain amount of time which requires a reboot to re-activate it. I'm using a IR keyboard/remote (Rii N7) as my peripheral.
3. Firmware is rooted (checked using RootCheck app) but b/c there's no SU installed, certain benefits of rooting are eliminated (like accessing/editing system files via Root Browser)
4. Not sure if Geekbuying spoofed another model with this build, but am noticing certain apps are not compatible with this stick

Hopefully these issues will be fixed with this ROM. Also hoping that a hybrid alpha 2/CX-919 build can be constructed sometime soon to allow for 1080P scaling.

smithmal

[Hunter]

So you have the HDMI always connected to the TV during the flash process?

no the hdmi port does not need to be connected to flash

Need not be connected to the flash, but after finishing the flash, wait a few minutes for the system to format the necessary folders and upload files first. The advantage of being connected to the hdmi during the flash process, is that you can see what is happening after flash ..

[smithmal]

Install and Performance Notes

I decided to go with the straight Finless v1.4 build without swapping out kernels as their benefit to video streaming performance is still somewhat dubious. The only issue I noted while doing the flash was following the first boot up, I had continual TV Mod Launcher errors which necessitate my doing a hard shutdown. After that, the stick booted up fine and the ROM ran without issue.

Well laid out flashing instructions by Bob and went with the 4G parameter option. Decided, as the previous poster mentioned, to leave the CX-919 attached to a side monitor's HDMI port during the flash so I could watch the flashing process. I'm glad I did as the initial reboot install was a little longer than I'm used to so having it attached to a monitor to know when the install was fully completed was helpful. I using the Nova Launcher as I like it's ability to customize widget sizes as well as other custom options.

As accessories, I'm using a 32GB Class 10 card and Rii N7 Wireless IR remote.

Pros:
- Better spoofing vs stock and was able to see more apps via Google Play
- Completely rooted with full SU installed
- No USB disconnects when using my IR keyboard remote
- No issues with streaming 720P videos via XBMC (using latest XAF build)

Cons:
- Some crashes noted (much less than stock, but still present). I reduced clock speed to 1.4Ghz but still need some additional testing to see how the stick reacts
- Low volume (suggest including ViPER4Android app with further builds as this really improves sound quality and volume boost) this is probably not a huge concern if you're plugging your stick into a receiver with HDMI ins, but when using TV's with crappy speakers, this does help tremendously
- "interesting" boot up animation (sorry, but I had to say something)

Had no issues restoring apps that were loaded on when using the stock build using Titanium Backup. Tablet was moderately warm when running 720P movies but not too bad. Can't wait to try the RKRemote app using my tablet as a remote. Great job Bob, this is much preferred over the stock.

smithmal

ps - anyone know know what driver should be installed for the PC to recognize the stick when not in flash mode? I'd like to be able to have access to the internal and external SDcard to copy over media files while connected to the PC.'
pps - can anyone reccomend a good IR gaming controller to use with this stick? I'd like to try out some gaming.

[Finless]

ps - anyone know know what driver should be installed for the PC to recognize the stick when not in flash mode? I'd like to be able to have access to the internal and external SDcard to copy over media files while connected to the PC.'

Your PC does not need any drivers to see the internal and external SDcards. In setting you turn on MASS STORAGE and your PC should automatically see the SDcards as removable drives. USB cable must be plugged in the OTG port.

Bob

[ndndr]

Does any one know why my device reboots when I run the AnTuTu benchmark ?..... I locked it in landscape mode and still it does the same.

[kc9]

First thing to do in 1.5 must be working cams + skype!