vB Easy Archive - Successfully flashed A39 onto Vodafone branded GD87!

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Successfully flashed A39 onto Vodafone branded GD87!
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Posted by: dempster

Well, this is just to let all of you know that I was able to use WinModo 0.11 and my bog-standard USB Cable (from a company called Mobile Action) to get firmware A39 onto my GD87!

The first flash I did (last week) was from A16 to A22. Didn't really notice any difference. So I tried again last night with A39 (the 'No Camera Sound' version).

Had some initial difficulties getting the GD87 to talk to WinMoDo. The USB cable and 'Mobile Action' driver was emulating COM4. Eventually got it working.

It had just finished writing the BOOT code when - disaster - it stopped! The MAIN section showed 2% and the data counter wasn't moving. Waited for a while, nothing happened. So I did the following:

- Disconnected cable
- Closed WinMoDo 0.11
- Tried to switch phone on. Nothing!
- *No Panicking*
- Reconnected USB cable
- Run up WinMoDo
- Tried to reflash. Amazingly it worked and the data transfer process started again.

I guess I was lucky - the BOOT block had been written just before it crashed, so even although I had no main firmware, there was enough code completed to allow the phone to boot and pick up the 'Signalling...' request from the PC.

Posted by: dempster

Interestingly, the outer display on the phone displayed something to the effect of 'GD87 Firmware Loader V1.4'

So now I have A39 firmware. I really like the fact that it has de-branded all the Vodafone crap. I like Panasonic, so I'm much happier to have the Panasonic logo at start-up, rather than the red 'How Are You' rubbish.

Other benefits: 200 SMS Storage. Tetris game. Clearer display for dialled telephone numbers. Interface looks nicer.

The downside: This was positively risky. I came within a whisker of burying a 150 quid phone. My advice: If you can't afford to lose it, don't do it!

One other thing: Channel Box 2000 allows you to mess around with some seriously involved stuff. Don't make any changes - so far, I've managed to **** up the white balance on the camera!

Looking forward to flashing with the original version of A39...or later! Anyone who has the original A39, with the camera sound - I'd love a copy. I'm not bothered about having a modified version, and to be honest, I'd rather have firmware that hadn't been put through an unknown person's hex editor.

Regards

Alan

Posted by: ducvader

I don't have tetris on mine and my gd87 was originally the vodafone version. Mine still has infusion wallbreaker on it. Wonder how I can change this. Do you know? What are you talking about when you said you increased the white on the camera...I like to know!

Posted by: dempster

Well, Channel Box 2000 allows you to alter all sorts of parameters. Like the camera white balance. Also lets you calibrate the different frequency bands; adjust the level of sound in the earpiece, the gain of the microphone etc.

Steer clear unless you know what you're doing!

A39 has Tetris, not Wallbreaker (AFAIK).

Regards

Alan

Posted by: Vincka

Quote:

Originally posted by dempster
Well, Channel Box 2000 allows you to alter all sorts of parameters. Like the camera white balance. Also lets you calibrate the different frequency bands; adjust the level of sound in the earpiece, the gain of the microphone etc.

Steer clear unless you know what you're doing!

A39 has Tetris, not Wallbreaker (AFAIK).

Regards

Alan

A39 has Tetris only when Infusion is disabled. Else it has Wallbeacker. I think there is now way using CB2K to disable Infusio.

Posted by: GD87 Master

Did you put the bits of duct tape on pins 4 and 10?

Posted by: OvertheHill

Did you lose Vodafone Live settings after the upgrade (and did the Voda button still work?)

Posted by: DoubleVision19

I would like to know too...How did you guys get TETRIS on your phone...I'm getting kinda tired of WALLBREAKER...

Mahalos in advance!!!

DoubleVision19 @ 09:01 Hawaiian time

Posted by: bluesxtreme

The Vodaphone button still works, just make sure you backed up your settings like "server list" and everything.

Posted by: dempster

Yes, I used electrical insulation tape on pins 4 and 10.

The Vodafone button no longer works. All Vodafone Live! settings have to be restored manually, but frankly... who cares? The service was crap anyway.

I'd much rather have my phone as an OEM GD87, rather than the branded version. Now if there was a way of getting rid of those damn logos on the casing....!

Regards

Alan

PS Anyone got A39 ORIGINAL (ie with sound)... please email me!

Regards

Alan

Posted by: Liam_J

Quote:

Originally posted by dempster
The Vodafone button no longer works. All Vodafone Live! settings have to be restored manually, but frankly... who cares? The service was crap anyway.

Alan, are you sure your vodafone button no longer works? Mine here still works just as before when I've configured the browser settings again??

Posted by: ducvader

Quote:

Originally posted by Liam_J
Alan, are you sure your vodafone button no longer works? Mine here still works just as before when I've configured the browser settings again??

All the settings in the phone have been erased that's why your GPRS won't work. It doesn't mean its broken. Just enter the settings again in the phone. If you want you can restore vodafone's or orange's GPRS setting with Cb2000. I've messed with Cb2000 trying to increase the sound and everything else but nothing seems to work. Anyone here know how to unlock the eeprom? Mine is locked!!

Posted by: OvertheHill

I presume there was no need to mess about with network settings and that it recognised Vodafone again as the SP? Right?

Posted by: pkipper

Where can I download CB2000? I got myself a copy but the DistFile.cab file is corrupted...or can someone send me a copy of DistFile.cab? becoolboy@iprimus.com.au

Posted by: OvertheHill

The location is the first post in a previous thread entitled Pansonic CB2000, A39 No Sound etc...

Posted by: pkipper

That was the file I downloaded and the files in CB2000 seems to be corrupted

Posted by: OvertheHill

Quote:

Originally posted by lost_rebel
That may allow you to boot the mobile, but it will still crash regularly. The security files in the mobile need to be upgraded. Also, Panasonic support is getting many calls from people that flashed their mobile and are upset becuase it is now broken and they will need to pay to have it fixed.
I suspect this is why the logger tool does not work with A38 and above and why I have heard that A38+ has not yet been unlocked!

lost_rebel posted this some time ago in an A22 thread. Has anyone who has upgraded to A39 themsleves noticed any crashing? lost_rebel - have I quoted you in the right context? Is this still your view? Thx

Posted by: vegas

no errors so far

Just input your gprs, mms, email settings and you'll be alright

Posted by: pkipper

Phew, finally got myself a copy of CB2000, the flash went perfectly

Gotta love Tetris

Posted by: mavericke

I know it sounds silly but can I just upgrade my GD87 from A16 to A39 on cb2000 while it is locked to Vodafone?thanks!

Posted by: GD87 Master

Yes, you can still upgrade.

Posted by: mavericke

thank you very much GD87 Master!

Posted by: lost_rebel

I also mentioned that files needed upgrading in the mobile apart from winmodo. Channel box does that, does it not?

Posted by: mavericke

yupe...the files need upgrading but I just successfully flashed my GD87 to A39 firmware but too bad as I did not have language pack for Chinese

anybody can help? Anyway thank for all of you!