T-R42 custom firmware by wasser

[Pietrucci]

Ok, again tried flashing a custom Rom, this time 1.2.1.
Again no luck, blank screen after flash, cwm not possible.
I'm beginning to doubt of I have the real one.
I bought it from Alibaba.
My device info:
Model number: rk31sdk
Android version: 4.2.2
Kernel version: 3.0.36+ root@localhost#161 Mon Aug 19 12:07:17 CST 2013
Build number: rk31sdk-eng 4.2.2 JDQ39 eng.linking.20130709.184313 test-keys
Vendor software version: RK3188_R-BOX_ANDROID4.2.2-SDK_V1.0.0_130514

How can I tell it's the real thing?
And what am I doing wrong flashing custom Rom?

Thnx

[michael2t]

NEW Pre-reslease 1.2.1 report T-R42

Hello Wasser,

Lots of Stuff with this release I see...

NOTE: This test is with T-R42 Firmware will test K-R42 in the morning ...

Issues :

1) I Flashed the following:
A) boot720p
kernel720p
misc
system
parameter
recovery
RK3188Loader(L)_V1.24

B) Question: What are Parameter8,10,14 for ??

2) On Player Screen CWM Generates the Following Errors:
CWM-based Recovery modified by androtab.info
E:Invalid command argument

3) I then Did the Following:
A)Wiped data/factory reset
Generated SDCARD error Mounting /sdcard/.android-secure!
B) Wipe cache
C) Advanced-Wipe Dalvik cache
D) reboot Player

4) Black Screen On Reboot
Rebooted to CWM and Went into Advance And Clicked Fix Permissions:
System Now Boots:

5) Went to Setup and Had to Mount NAND Flash and then Format
(NOTE:Format Hides on Notification bar)

6) System NOW boots but Res is set for 1080p Size Fonts and but I installed 720p.
I change to 720p but all that happens is text looks really bad ... and is still same size
characters.

7) I went on with testing:
This version has best sleep Mode so Far:
I tested with Wifi Sleep On/off and (NO Ethernet and NO Blue tooth

I turned on / off 15 times Before It stopped working : Orange Light and Will not
Turn back on with Remote or Button Had to unplug and plug back it to Restart.

I did same test again and at 14 times then player rebooted by its self.


9) I did The Same test again with Ethernet (no Wifi and NO Bluetooth) and It only Worked
10 Times Before Rebooting.
Then I did Sleep Test Again and this Time it Hung after 7 Sleep on/offs and Orange Light
On but unit would not restart with Remote or Power Button.

First Time this failed I could NOT connect via ADB Ethernet

So I tried again it Failed after 8 Sleep on/offs
Only This time I was able to connect via ADB Ethernet...
I download Dmesg.txt and Have attached ...

Michael T.

[Pietrucci]

Ok, again tried flashing a custom Rom, this time 1.2.1.
Again no luck, blank screen after flash, cwm not possible.
I'm beginning to doubt of I have the real one.
I bought it from Alibaba.
My device info:
Model number: rk31sdk
Android version: 4.2.2
Kernel version: 3.0.36+ root@localhost#161 Mon Aug 19 12:07:17 CST 2013
Build number: rk31sdk-eng 4.2.2 JDQ39 eng.linking.20130709.184313 test-keys
Vendor software version: RK3188_R-BOX_ANDROID4.2.2-SDK_V1.0.0_130514

How can I tell it's the real thing?
And what am I doing wrong flashing custom Rom?

Thnx

Ok, I found out I didn't include any of the parameter files. Could that cause my blank screen problem? If so, which parameter file should I use (there are four of them...)?

[wasser]

Ok, I found out I didn't include any of the parameter files. Could that cause my blank screen problem? If so, which parameter file should I use (there are four of them...)?

you have to flash the parameter file. just use the parameter

[gerry1980]

...
Next step I will try to extract all edid modes from the monitor.

http://askubuntu.com/questions/81370/how-to-create-extract-the-edid-for-from-a-monitor

Maybe the monitor sends a code for 1366 and we can add it to the availabale modes.
Here is a list of edid codes, but the 1366 is not listed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_display_identification_data

Otherwise i suppose there are only 2 solutions left:
1. overwrite the unuseful 720x480 as in my patch (edid code 2).
2. patch hdmi_edid_parse_base() in hdmi-core.c to show all modes.

Hello together,

that issue is a real time eater for me and I'm stuck.
I found out that the fbmon.c is responsible for parsing the EDID data and provide it
and I struggled to get more infos in DMESG. No success...
I achived an improvement from log level 6 to 7 by increasing it in kernel hacking options to max.
Also removed a line from fbmon.c to reenable debugging but without effect.

After all, I have not enough information to continue.
Sorry that I have no more results at the moment, but I'm not a kernel debug specialist.
Maybe someone has a hint for me.

Thanks!

[Pietrucci]

you have to flash the parameter file. just use the parameter

Yes, I did that, it works now!
Some problems with sdcards and usb, seem allright now. Smoother than stock!

[SANGER_A2]

Brilliant ROM wasser thanks. I had the NAND issue and had to play around in clockworkmod to fix it and I deleted some of the stock apps and it's now perfect for me.

Is there a way that next time you release an update we can flash just the ROM via ClockWorkMod instead of having to wipe the whole device every time via PC? Can it be done using just some of the img files you provide?

Thanks


Addition: The power supply is very important for such a powerful device. I had LOADS of issues with it powering off in the middle of something and I found that this was because I was powering it using a USB cable I made up and plugged into my TV for power. It is totally stable when using the power supply that came with the device. It obviously needs more than the half an amp of power USB normally supplies! Hope this will be useful to someone.

[michael2t]

T-R42 Testing

Hello Wasser,

When The T-r42 hangs after 12 Sleep On/offs with Wifi Enabled and (Ethernet Off and Bluetooth Off)
No Matter How many times I try it I can NOT connect to the Unit with the
ADB to Get The Dmesg ...

Please let me know if there is Any thing Else You would Like me to Test on T-R42 ...

Michael T.

[wasser]

Hello Wasser,

Lots of Stuff with this release I see...

NOTE: This test is with T-R42 Firmware will test K-R42 in the morning ...

Issues :

1) I Flashed the following:
A) boot720p
kernel720p
misc
system
parameter
recovery
RK3188Loader(L)_V1.24

B) Question: What are Parameter8,10,14 for ??

2) On Player Screen CWM Generates the Following Errors:
CWM-based Recovery modified by androtab.info
E:Invalid command argument

3) I then Did the Following:
A)Wiped data/factory reset
Generated SDCARD error Mounting /sdcard/.android-secure!
B) Wipe cache
C) Advanced-Wipe Dalvik cache
D) reboot Player

4) Black Screen On Reboot
Rebooted to CWM and Went into Advance And Clicked Fix Permissions:
System Now Boots:

5) Went to Setup and Had to Mount NAND Flash and then Format
(NOTE:Format Hides on Notification bar)

6) System NOW boots but Res is set for 1080p Size Fonts and but I installed 720p.
I change to 720p but all that happens is text looks really bad ... and is still same size
characters.

7) I went on with testing:
This version has best sleep Mode so Far:
I tested with Wifi Sleep On/off and (NO Ethernet and NO Blue tooth

I turned on / off 15 times Before It stopped working : Orange Light and Will not
Turn back on with Remote or Button Had to unplug and plug back it to Restart.

I did same test again and at 14 times then player rebooted by its self.


9) I did The Same test again with Ethernet (no Wifi and NO Bluetooth) and It only Worked
10 Times Before Rebooting.
Then I did Sleep Test Again and this Time it Hung after 7 Sleep on/offs and Orange Light
On but unit would not restart with Remote or Power Button.

First Time this failed I could NOT connect via ADB Ethernet

So I tried again it Failed after 8 Sleep on/offs
Only This time I was able to connect via ADB Ethernet...
I download Dmesg.txt and Have attached ...

Michael T.

b. the other parameter files are needed if you want the increase APP space and decrease internal sdcard space.

2. "E:Invalid command argument" is harmless, can be ignored

3/4/5. you don't need these steps if you flash the firmware with ROM_FLASH_TOOL, you have to erase NAND before flashing

6. are the text and icons too big? could you please add more details?

7/8/9(10 is there any device (webcam, usbhub, harddisc) connected to your t-r42? if yes please disconnect and try again

thanks michael for good feedbacks

[michael2t]

Hello Wasser...

Hello Wasser,

>3/4/5. you don't need these steps if you flash the firmware with ROM_FLASH_TOOL
I am Using the Flash Tool :

When I use the Rock Flash Tool With Lewys Stuff the System Just restarts and Installs Every thing ...
When I use the Flash Tool with Your images and Parameter files I Go to the Player and Select
the Reboot option ??
It does NOT reboot Like if I flash just the kernel ...(Which Does Reboot)
I thought that Might be because of the error the recovery flashing is causing
CWM not to Reboot ??

> you have to erase NAND before flashing
Do You Mean I Need to go in to CWM and use the Wipe options Before Flashing ??
If so Which ones ?? there are three or The Format Options ? then Which Ones ..?


> 6. are the text and icons too big? could you please add more details?
I loaded 720p kernel and Boot720p and all the Icons and Images are too small NOT 720p Size ...


>7/8/9(10 is there any device (webcam, usbhub, harddisc) connected to your t-r42? if yes please >disconnect and try again

Please Tell Me which items MUST be removed for testing :
Here is what I have hooked Up :
1-10 Port USB Powered Hub with wall mount power adapter.
1-USB Hard Drive with wall mount power adapter.
1-USB Pocket Pen Drive.
1 USB Air Mouse/Keyboard.

Once You let me Know I can Re-test and post results ...

Thanks

Michael T.

[wasser]

Hello Wasser,

>3/4/5. you don't need these steps if you flash the firmware with ROM_FLASH_TOOL
I am Using the Flash Tool :

When I use the Rock Flash Tool With Lewys Stuff the System Just restarts and Installs Every thing ...
When I use the Flash Tool with Your images and Parameter files I Go to the Player and Select
the Reboot option ??
It does NOT reboot Like if I flash just the kernel ...
I thought that Might be because of the error the recovery flashing is causing ??

> you have to erase NAND before flashing
Do You Mean I Need to go in to CWM and use the Wipe options Before Flashing ??
If so Which ones ?? there are three or The Format Options ? then Which Ones ..?


> 6. are the text and icons too big? could you please add more details?
I loaded 720p kernel and Boot720p and all the Icons and Images are too small NOT 720p Size ...


>7/8/9(10 is there any device (webcam, usbhub, harddisc) connected to your t-r42? if yes please >disconnect and try again

Please Tell Me which items MUST be removed for testing :
Here is what I have hooked Up :
1-10 Port USB Powered Hub
1-USB Hard Drive
1-USB Pocket Pen Drive
1 USB Air Mouse/Keyboard

Once You let me Know I can Re-test and post results ...

Thanks

Michael T.

3/4/5
launch ROM_FLASH_TOOL included in my firmware, first select all images from Images directory and parameter file, bootloader, then click "Erase Nand" before flashing

6
it should not small or big. it seems a bug, i will take a look at this

7/8/9/10
please disconnect 1-10 Port USB Powered Hub, 1-USB Hard Drive, 1-USB Pocket Pen Drive

thanks

[wasser]

Yes, I did that, it works now!
Some problems with sdcards and usb, seem allright now. Smoother than stock!

could you please add more infos about sdcards and usb problem?

thanks

[michael2t]

T-R42 Testing Phse 2

Hello Wasser,

I disconnect 1-10 Port USB Powered Hub, 1-USB Hard Drive, 1-USB Pocket Pen Drive
and Now only have USB Air Mouse/keyboard

Results are very Different :

I press the Sleep Button Once(on Remote) and Power Button LED changes to Orange
and then it will NOT turn back on. I wait maybe 15-30 seconds and the LED turns off ...

I can NOT connect via Ethernet with ADB before it turns Off ..

After LED turns off I can Press Button on Player and it cold boots ...

What Else can I test for You Wasser??

Michael T.

[wasser]

i will provide in next firmware update which can be installed in cwm recovery

Brilliant ROM wasser thanks. I had the NAND issue and had to play around in clockworkmod to fix it and I deleted some of the stock apps and it's now perfect for me.

Is there a way that next time you release an update we can flash just the ROM via ClockWorkMod instead of having to wipe the whole device every time via PC? Can it be done using just some of the img files you provide?

Thanks


Addition: The power supply is very important for such a powerful device. I had LOADS of issues with it powering off in the middle of something and I found that this was because I was powering it using a USB cable I made up and plugged into my TV for power. It is totally stable when using the power supply that came with the device. It obviously needs more than the half an amp of power USB normally supplies! Hope this will be useful to someone.

[wasser]

Hello Wasser,

I disconnect 1-10 Port USB Powered Hub, 1-USB Hard Drive, 1-USB Pocket Pen Drive
and Now only have USB Air Mouse/keyboard

Results are very Different :

I press the Sleep Button Once(on Remote) and Power Button LED changes to Orange
and then it will NOT turn back on. I wait maybe 15-30 seconds and the LED turns off ...

I can NOT connect via Ethernet with ADB before it turns Off ..

After LED turns off I can Press Button on Player and it cold boots ...

What Else can I test for You Wasser??

Michael T.

you need to wait some seconds and try to press the "power off" key again and repeat this