[HOWTO][M8Pro] Remap ESC and MENU hardkeys for volume control
I've always found it annoying that Pipo mapped the "volume rocker" for ESC/back and Menu. I wanted them to function as a volume rocker. So after a bit of research, followed by some trial and error; Here's how you do it! 
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[YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER I NOR FREAKTAB.COM WILL ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT]
You will need Root permissions to do this. If you don't have root, search the forum for instructions or flash a Pre-rooted ROM. You will also need a file explorer with root capabilities. Personally I prefer Root Explorer, so instructions are biased towards this - but it doesn't take much brainpower to apply them accordingly, using another file explorer and/or editing the file on your computer.
Additionally - I suggest you get an "extended text/code editor". Its not complicated to use unless you need it to be, but it makes this type of thing much easier, as it recognizes file structure and different code - and applies color-coding and good overview. I suggest Notepad++.
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The change is reversible by restoring your backup and setting permissions again, or perform the same steps, but changing the values of the keys back again to its original values.
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Notes: This could work on other tablets/phones - but it will probably need an adaptation to fit your tablet/phone. Download KeyTest (link), run it. Push your hardkey, look for scanCode=xxx in the output. This is the raw hardware id of that key.
Other phones/tablets might very well have this key mapping in another file. Copy your /system/usr/keylayout folder to your computer, and search the folder for files containing the text key ### - where ### is the number value from scanCode above. Adapt the instructions above for your change.
A module-specific file (like rk29-keypad.kl) will override the generic.kl file. If you find your key entry in multiple .kl files, read the top portion of the file so you know what the layout is for - before you make any changes.
NOTE: This should not affect the way the buttons work with boot and flashing procedures, navigating recovery etc. These Keymappings only takes effect once Android is loaded.
-
[YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. NEITHER I NOR FREAKTAB.COM WILL ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT]
You will need Root permissions to do this. If you don't have root, search the forum for instructions or flash a Pre-rooted ROM. You will also need a file explorer with root capabilities. Personally I prefer Root Explorer, so instructions are biased towards this - but it doesn't take much brainpower to apply them accordingly, using another file explorer and/or editing the file on your computer.
Additionally - I suggest you get an "extended text/code editor". Its not complicated to use unless you need it to be, but it makes this type of thing much easier, as it recognizes file structure and different code - and applies color-coding and good overview. I suggest Notepad++.
So,
- Open your explorer, got to /system/usr/keylayout
Make a backup copy of rk29-keypad.kl - I suggest storing the backup on your external sd and make a copy to your computer. - At this point, you can either edit the file directly or do so on your computer. To do it straight on the device :
- (In Root Explorer - browse to /system/usr/keylayout) - press "Mount R/W" near the top. Now long-press on the original rk29-keypad.kl - select "Open in Text Editor".
- Here you need to edit the button function. Key 59 is Menu (left side rocker), Key 158 is ESC/Back (right side rocker)
- Change value for key 59 from MENU to VOLUME_DOWN . Change value for key 158 from BACK to VOLUME_UP .
- Press menu button in upper right corner, Save and Exit.
- Long-press rk29-keypad.kl , select Permissions. Make sure they are rw-r--r-- / 644 / Read: All - Write: Owner.
- Click "Mount R/O" near the top.
- Exit the browser and reboot / power on & off your tablet.
The change is reversible by restoring your backup and setting permissions again, or perform the same steps, but changing the values of the keys back again to its original values.
-
Notes: This could work on other tablets/phones - but it will probably need an adaptation to fit your tablet/phone. Download KeyTest (link), run it. Push your hardkey, look for scanCode=xxx in the output. This is the raw hardware id of that key.
Other phones/tablets might very well have this key mapping in another file. Copy your /system/usr/keylayout folder to your computer, and search the folder for files containing the text key ### - where ### is the number value from scanCode above. Adapt the instructions above for your change.
A module-specific file (like rk29-keypad.kl) will override the generic.kl file. If you find your key entry in multiple .kl files, read the top portion of the file so you know what the layout is for - before you make any changes.
NOTE: This should not affect the way the buttons work with boot and flashing procedures, navigating recovery etc. These Keymappings only takes effect once Android is loaded.
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