vB Easy Archive - R1B SW upgrade for SE T6161

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R1B SW upgrade for SE T6161
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Posted by: nsx1164

Looking for more info on this.

Am told (main SE Forum) that it will improve reception, and better enable the phone to "hang on" when the signal weakens.

Currently have a SE T616 under Cingular GSM @ Rev Level R1A054

I checked with my local dealer, and this was the first they had heard of an R1B upgrade.

Bongo Wireless carries a R1B027 rev level.

Posted by: Michael_514

I have a 616, and got the R1B Cingular firmware...

The Java is actually a lot faster.

As for the other features... tough to compare..

I think newer=better, though!

Posted by: Duo64

i heard that java is fixed (not slow as hell anymore), also the camera is a bit better, and the ring volume is better too...

Posted by: MADtv

When I got mine flashed to R1B, I noticed a lot better reception, a more steady & accurate signal bar, camera pics are about half the size so you waste less memory on the phone, the menus are slightly faster too... Overall, a very worthy upgrade. And I got mine done in about 20 minutes at Bongo Wireless a few weeks ago.

Posted by: Michael_514

Yeah, I agree.

The phone has got a lot better.

What I still find sucks, though, is the menu speed.

Opening up address book, reading E-mail, etc. etc.

..It's totally brutal.

I never really realized how bad it was until I used my grandmother's 5190 nokia this week!!

The phone is about 5 years old, but WHAT A PLEASURE!

I was breezing through the menus SO fast!

I think I'll start another thread about this right now!

Posted by: nsx1164

Where can I get my T616 flashed to the R1B firmware?

My local (Chicago-area) dealers know little about this -- if anything they need to "send it out" to SE for this kind of work.

Any independent SE shops that can do this on a "walk-in" basis ?? I'll need the Cingular customized version of R1B027.

Thanks

Posted by: MADtv

Quote:

Originally posted by nsx1164
I'll need the Cingular customized version of R1B027.

As far as I know, you don't need a specific customized firmware. I had a R1A when I originally bought my T616, customized with settings from my provider Rogers AT&T Wireless. When I got my flash to R1B, none of the provider customizations have been altered, the phone still remains locked, as I just opted to do a firmware upgrade only. There is another procedure they do for removing the customization, and another one for unlocking.

Posted by: nsx1164

Quote:

from WA forums
Features:
-Faster Java
-Better RF
-Louder Volume
-Accurate Picture size (Pictures Use Less Memory)
-Faster Menu Speeds
-Enhancements to bluetooth
-Separate volume control for bluetooth headsets
-Bugfixes and other enhancements

Firmware options
-Uncustomized (factory customized, works with all phones)
-Cingular Customized
-AT&T Customized

See more info at the WA forums R1B027 thread

Most folks that can do this (Global Mobility, Bongo Wireless, etc) require the phone to be sent away. Unfortunately not an option for me.

Still looking for a shop (SE / Cing / other) who can do this on a walk-up basis in either:
- Chicago Metro area
- South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade)

Appreciate any suggestions.

Posted by: goiku

Hi since my fido store only carries the r1a firmware for the t616, what's a good price range that i should be paying for a firmware upgrade?

thx
Raymond

Posted by: gq_fuzion

Quote:

Originally posted by goiku
Hi since my fido store only carries the r1a firmware for the t616, what's a good price range that i should be paying for a firmware upgrade?

thx
Raymond

$30cad
thats how much i do it for

Posted by: Dster

People have reported a serious problem with R1B. After flashing, their phone powers down when any button is pressed.

for example. Has anyone over here seen this, or found a solution? I don't want to take the chance with my only phone.

mod note: illegal site posted

Posted by: nsx1164

Quote:

Originally posted by nsx1164
Still looking for a shop (SE / Cing / other) who can do this on a walk-up basis in either:
- Chicago Metro area
- South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade)

Just got my phone flashed to R1B027 (Cingular version) at Bongo Wireless in Richmond Hill (GTA) in Toronto.

>*<<*<*
- service info
- SW information

R1B027 prgCXC11-22569.MARTHA
R1B027 prgCXC11-22579.TAE

LCD SW Versions
Test: 782074
Current: 200302240

Posted by: parrot5

The people who report there are problems are people who flashed the phone by HACKING it.. not done by authorized places.

Posted by: masaki

I flashed my unlocked T616 to R1B027 without any problem last night. I also flashed the firmware to my friends' T616 (2, 1 is locked) as well and the phones all work fine so far. Also unlocked one of the T616s successfully too.

Posted by: htd0mnsn

Is there no way to flash the firmware yourself? How hard can it be? I flash network and other hardware devices all the time.

I am in Orange County, CA. Any close walk-in places around here?

I've got a SE T616 w/ AT&T. R1A054 and want to go to R1B027.

TIA!

Posted by: TambourineMan

I went to www.globalmob.com and it appears there is a way to flash a T616 to the new firmware over the internet for a $15 charge.

It doesn't state whether this can be done over a BT connection, or whether you need a data cable although they offer one for a T28 (only) which implies that a cable is not needed.

Even though they sell this service they disclaim any responsibility.

How well does this work? I have flashed BIOSes, CDRW's DVD Roms, sound cards, video cards, etc.

I have seareched the SonyEricsson website and they have info on firmware upgrades for other phones. Why don't they have any info for the T616?

Is it better to send the phone and pay the $25?

Posted by: phatroyale

they dont info cuz the t616 is essentially a t610......

if you feel insecure, u can always send it in to a place or bring the phone to a shop in person

Posted by: rickpaul

Global Mobility is in Santa Ana. We are authorized to do firmware upgrades to Sony Ericsson phones.

Quote:

Originally posted by htd0mnsn
Is there no way to flash the firmware yourself? How hard can it be? I flash network and other hardware devices all the time.

I am in Orange County, CA. Any close walk-in places around here?

I've got a SE T616 w/ AT&T. R1A054 and want to go to R1B027.

TIA!

Posted by: Natasven

Quote:

Originally posted by nsx1164
Just got my phone flashed to R1B027 (Cingular version) at Bongo Wireless in Richmond Hill (GTA) in Toronto.

>*<<*<*
- service info
- SW information

R1B027 prgCXC11-22569.MARTHA
R1B027 prgCXC11-22579.TAE

LCD SW Versions
Test: 782074
Current: 200302240

Where is Bongo Wireless? How much did they charge you for this? Got a number for them or email addy?

Is there no where to get the latest firmware without going to a shop?

Any help appreciated!

Thanks

Posted by: KillerSpaz

i find it very difficult to believe that flashing the phone can be so difficult.. I've flashed firmware for BIOS', PocketPC's, NICs, CDR's, etc. tons of times before, none ever being more difficult than finding the software to do so...

MY question is, where can I find software (to flash) and firmware for the t616?? I've found some sites, but I don't know if they are the latest or what....

someone who KNOWs what they're talking about would be appreciated if they let us in on some REAL info rather than this mumbo jumbo crap..

TIA...

Posted by: ae86_16v

Anyone know where I could do this in the Bay Area, CA?

Posted by: rickpaul

A new version of R1B027 was released on 3/4/2004. The newer version is only available at authorized service points.

Posted by: TambourineMan

For all other electronic equipment I can think of, the hardware and software manufacturers want their customers to have the latest firmware and drivers, etc. and make the program and the up dates available on their website for customers to download and do themselves. this protects their reputation as makers of good products that work well.

Why are cell phone manufacturers different for others? Don't they care about their reputation or do they think everyone will place the blame on the carrier?

Why do they make their phones is such a way that special equipment (terminator dongles) are needed?

Why don't they make the firmware updates available for downloading?

Are they restricted from doing this by the cell phone carriers (because of the subsidy they provide for the phone purchase)?

Couldn't the freely available flashing program and software be limited to just firmware updates (and exclude unlocking capabilities)?

I would have been happy just to update my firmware, but since I could not find a quick, safe way to do just that by exchanging the phone or doing it myself, and had to resort to a cell phone dealer, I decided to get it unlocked at the same time.

Posted by: bhammerton

Quote:

Originally posted by rickpaul
A new version of R1B027 was released on 3/4/2004. The newer version is only available at authorized service points.

Rick, is this an unbranded version of R1B027 ?

Posted by: anlog

According to globalmob.com, R1B027 has been out since October of last year. I think SE just released the patch notes for this firmware (finally).

Posted by: rickpaul

There is a new build for all US versions of R1B027 that came out on the 3/4/2004. I do not know why the revision stayed the same, but the build is different.

Quote:

Originally posted by anlog
According to globalmob.com, R1B027 has been out since October of last year. I think SE just released the patch notes for this firmware (finally).

Yes, it was released for all US versions. Unbranded, AT&T, and Cingular. I dont know what differences if any are on this new build.

Rick, is this an unbranded version of R1B027 ?

Posted by: hawk1500

Know of any differences? Is it worth it us with the "old" R1B to upgarde?

Posted by: rickpaul

Havent noticed any. It could be very minor fixes.

Quote:

Originally posted by hawk1500
Know of any differences? Is it worth it us with the "old" R1B to upgarde?

Posted by: merwin

To settle all of this, I went on emma and checked my local copy of the firmware to the new firmware on EMMA. Both show the same. Here's the info:

Code:


Date		Rev		CXC		Type	 Description
2003.09.16	R1B027		1122569		infile	 AVR File
2003.09.16	R1B027		1122579		infile	 ARM File
2002.12.13	R3C		125447		loader	 ?
2002.12.17	R1A		125704		loader	 ?
2001.12.12	000		1323253		loader	 ?
2002.10.16	000		1321814		loader	 ?

As you can see, no changes to any of it since September 16, 2003.

Posted by: evilcore

http://www.bongowireless.com/

Sony Ericsson T610 $40.00
Sony Ericsson T616 $40.00

Sony Ericsson T610 R4C003 - Uncustomized
Sony Ericsson T610 - HK R4C003 - Uncustomized
Sony Ericsson T616 R1B027 - Uncustomized

Prices in Canadian Dollars

LOCATION

BONGO WIRELESS INC.
670 Highway 7 East, Unit # 44
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P2, Canada

We are located on the north west corner of East Beaver Creek and Highway 7.
We are located inside Shoppes of the Parkway Mall connected to the Sheraton Hotel.

Kevin Haffenden
Telephone: 905.709.1411
Email Address: info@bongowireless.com

Posted by: dragon208

hehe just got my T616 flashed to R1B027 for a cheap price... $35CDN with unlock too! hehe..

phone's been working great ever since I got it flashed.... Fewer drops calls i noticed now, and the signal is so much better in places where I get 0 or 1 bar.. now i get 4-5 bars instead with the new firmware.. that's all I noticed...

Posted by: evilcore

Quote:

Originally posted by dragon208
hehe just got my T616 flashed to R1B027 for a cheap price... $35CDN with unlock too! hehe..

phone's been working great ever since I got it flashed.... Fewer drops calls i noticed now, and the signal is so much better in places where I get 0 or 1 bar.. now i get 4-5 bars instead with the new firmware.. that's all I noticed...

where did you get that done?

Posted by: dragon208

Quote:

Originally posted by evilcore
where did you get that done?

hehe got it done by a guy on this forum! lol... PM meh if u want to know who it is.. I dunt want to name out his name!

Posted by: Marshall Dusty

NSX im in chicago and i talked to a local cingular store and they told me they didnt do firmware upgrades. ( I went to the one on Halsted and UIC) they told me the place that does firmware upgrades is at another cingular store the one on Lasalle and Ontario. Thats right in downtown. Its across the street of Rock and Roll Mcdonalds, and its the building where it said "Rolling Stones" magazine i think too. Now they changed it though.

Im going to call in tomorrow to make sure they do firmware upgrades and then im going to stop by either friday or saturday, not sure.

oh yeah the firmware upgrades are free too, and it only takes about 5 minutes.

PM if you want more details or email me or aim me.

my aim is thugzinwar
email me at: watch_me_key@lycos.com

i got the number for the cingular store on ontario if you wish to call yourself but im not sure if i can post numbers here, like i said Email me or AIM me.! or PM me

Posted by: M3_DeL

Quote:

Originally posted by TambourineMan
For all other electronic equipment I can think of, the hardware and software manufacturers want their customers to have the latest firmware and drivers, etc. and make the program and the up dates available on their website for customers to download and do themselves. this protects their reputation as makers of good products that work well.

Why are cell phone manufacturers different for others? Don't they care about their reputation or do they think everyone will place the blame on the carrier?

Why do they make their phones is such a way that special equipment (terminator dongles) are needed?

Why don't they make the firmware updates available for downloading?

Are they restricted from doing this by the cell phone carriers (because of the subsidy they provide for the phone purchase)?

Couldn't the freely available flashing program and software be limited to just firmware updates (and exclude unlocking capabilities)?

I would have been happy just to update my firmware, but since I could not find a quick, safe way to do just that by exchanging the phone or doing it myself, and had to resort to a cell phone dealer, I decided to get it unlocked at the same time.

I think, in part, they do this to protect their software from being widely molested. You know, like dvd burners are being hacked to burn faster than they are supposed to. I personally wish they would make it easier to do, but hey They keep the price at just the right price where they can do this and get away with it

Posted by: nsx1164

Quote:

Originally posted by Marshall Dusty
i got the number for the cingular store on ontario if you wish to call yourself but im not sure if i can post numbers here

I visited this CNG store (Ontario) awhile back and they had no idea that firmware updates were available, much less offer them.

As mentioned in the first page of this thread, I had mine done in January at Bongo Wireless in Richmond Hill, GTA (Canada).

Posted by: makmak0723

hi, i am a newbie for SE, just got a question for the firmware stuff.....
1)is the firmware "R1B" same as "R1B027"??
2)how do you check what firmware you are using?
3)btw, how is the rf for your t616

thank you

Posted by: Vincent9V

Quote:

Originally posted by makmak0723
hi, i am a newbie for SE, just got a question for the firmware stuff.....
1)is the firmware "R1B" same as "R1B027"??
2)how do you check what firmware you are using?
3)btw, how is the rf for your t616

thank you

1)R1B027 is the proper name, no such thing as "R1B"
2)In your standby screen(1st screen) enter >*<<*<*
(with joystick and *), then select Service info, then SW info.
3) My T616's RF with R1B027 is excellent.

Posted by: makmak0723

detail and clear

thank you very much, vincent

Posted by: Gewow

is there any way to flash this myself...no one has answered....and if anyone can tell me where i can get it flashed in montreal or laval, quebec i'll b very greatful!

Posted by: dav

Dang, any place in AZ? Specifically Phoenix...

Posted by: Beer Slayer

Quote:

Originally posted by Vincent9V
1)R1B027 is the proper name, no such thing as "R1B"
2)In your standby screen(1st screen) enter >*<<*<*
(with joystick and *), then select Service info, then SW info.
3) My T616's RF with R1B027 is excellent.

My T616 say's R1A054 however the sticker on the box say's R1B. does this mean I should get an upgrade?

Posted by: Beastly TA

I just had my T616 flashed today and all I can say is wow the RF improved greatly.

Posted by: Gewow

Quote:

Originally posted by Gewow
is there any way to flash this myself...no one has answered....and if anyone can tell me where i can get it flashed in montreal or laval, quebec i'll b very greatful!

Posted by: mobilet68i

Just flashed my T616 to R1B MYSELF! Took 5 mins total..didn't lose any data whatsoever...in fact the only way I was sure it was flashed is by going into the service menu.

To those who haven't flashed to R1B, YOU HAVE TO! This firmware fixes so many things it's not even funny. One of my pet peeves was when you use a BT headset you wouldn't always hear a "beep" and now that works great.

RF is definitely better, menus are faster, Java is fast..too fast!!..some of the games are unplayable because of speed.

Just overall, it's like getting a new phone...sort of..at least for me, I've had R1A for close to a year and now this upgrade will keep me loving this phone for months to come.

PM me for details on how to do it yourself.

P.S. I also upgraded my T68i and R520m to newer firmware as well.

Posted by: snlpa

I have a ???. I have firmware R1S001 from t-mobile. Is this the latest?

Posted by: rickpaul

That is the latest T-Mobile approved firmware for T610 phones. T-Mobile has not approved any higher revisions. R6C005 was released for the T-Mobile T610, but it has not been approved yet.

Dont get the T610 confused with the T616.

Posted by: snlpa

Thank you for the quick response.

Posted by: Raymon

Where Can i Flash my T610 in Sydney, Australia? I still have the old Firmware and the java on the fone is so terrible, sometimes it locks up.

Posted by: rickpaul

Contact Sony Ericsson, and they should be able to help you. Tell them about the phone locking up.

Posted by: SuddleD

I was wondering if anyone in the Bay Area could upgrade my SE T616 from AT&T? Or, at least, let me know where I can find the FW files and I will flash it myself. I don't have a lot of money to spend, and If I was gunna spend $20-30 to upgrade it, I would rather buy a cable.dongle for that price and do it myself.....please help me.

Posted by: Gaunt911

yes you can buy the dongle and do it yourself.

PM anybody in this thread and ask them to email the files to you. ask and you shall receive.

you can trust that the people on this thread are "above average" phone users who know what they are talking about!

====
endorsement: I bought a T637 antenna for my T616, at R1B027.. and the reception is much improved.. it is like going from zero to hero.... thanks globalmob =O)
====

Posted by: dckl

Is R1B027 the latest FW for the T616?

Posted by: Gaunt911

R1B027 was the latest for T616, according to merwin it has been since April 2004.

Posted by: nikepaq

Anyone interested in FW or SW upgrades, unbranding PM me if in the SF bay area.

Posted by: rabitootoo

is R1B STILL the newest firmware for t616?
thanks

Posted by: dirtysouth

hey, i was wondering if i flashed the phone to the r1b, does it cure the laggyness of the t616...

rite now, the t616 is quite laggy and crashes often...does the firmware fix it? and how much is it to flash it at bongo?

Posted by: crazylee27

Hi i have the t616 at&t. I just got it unlocked. I would like to upgrade the firmware, because they say its worth it. I get like 1-2 bars in the basement right now so this should help. So all i need to do is buy a dongle. And i search for the flash files to R1B027, but i couldn't find any. I would like all versions of it, unbranded, tmobile, cingular watever. Please respond, thank you.

Posted by: nikepaq

shoot me an email,
I'll email the files to you.
do you have the dongle already?