Some questions Re: activating new Droid X

[alster]

Please excuse me if this situation has been covered before (my 1st ever smart phone).

Got a Droid X from eBay with clean ESN (according to VZW), so I'm ready to go.

When I turn on the phone, I can press the "Droid" to begin (either that or "change language" or "emerg call"). Then, I can either press "Activate" or "go back". (Seems like initial state of a "new" phone).

I presume "Activate" would be specifically for VZW only, and not PP? And I should follow the manual droid activation in the wiki here?

Is it best to port-in/activate at the same time? Or to Activate first with a new #, then port-in an existing #?

As far as upgrading the f/w or the OS, are those things which are best done before activating on PP?
How about rooting the phone as well?

I thought I read here that somone suggested to do those things first using your own wireless connection (so data can be turned off?).

Any links re: the above (if allowed) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

*OK. I tapped the four corners of the phone (which I thought would bring up a keypad but didnt), the phone started to do some kind of "backup assitant", which it couldn't because there was no connection. So I programmed in my wifi netowrk and got to the home screen.

The phone is on Android 2.2, with a "System version" (firmware?) of 2.3.151.MB810.Verizon.en.US

Is this correct to disable 3G Data:
I went to Settings -> Wireless & network settings -> Mobile networks -> System select
and chose "Home only".

[alster]

So I have only wireless config'd. And generally, it seems to work.

But everytime I try o run a speedtest (speedtest.net, or speakeasy), it seems fine for a couple of seconds, then it just slowly "hangs", or "dies" on the d/l ..

And it takes my wireless connection with it. I have to manually stop the Wireless Connection and restart it- It's the only way to get it working again.

Also, an automatic firmware update has started to d/l (2.3.340) and that's also "stuck" at 25%, even if I restart wifi, it doesn't resume.

Can I somehow cancel that update?

I need some advice if anyone can spare some.

Thanks

*edit:
After power-cycling the phone, it automatically detected my wireless connection and finished d/l'ing the f/w update fairly quickly..
Updated itself to 2.3.340.

Also, wireless connection seems a little more stable after the power-cycle.

I completed a speakeasy speedtest (15/10), but a speedtest.net test still killed the wireless connection.

Anyone know why these things might be "hanging-up"/killing the wireless connection? Could it be Adboe Flash maybe?

[Cardiac69]

From what I have read, activating on PP with a new number and then after all is good, port your number over. This is what I did with my Droid, and it went flawlessly.

Try and go to the Android marketplace (Should be an icon to tap on your menu somewhere) and D/L the Flash 10 update. (Do this over your wireless). Then see how things go.....

Bob

[alster]

I simply thought to install it "over" the Flash that was on there. It d/l'd and installed fine, but I immediately decided it would've been better to uninstall first, then re-install. When I did that, this second d/l of flash stalled at 28%, and I couldn't get to anymore web pages- the d/l of flash had hung the wifi.

When I recycled the wifi connection, the d/l completed and installed.

The first to speakeasy test completed, the third hung the wifi again, this time on the d/l part.

So I don't know what to do next. It seems and "large" data connections break this DX's connection.

I'm going to try two other routers at another location all together (simpler wifi setups than what I have here which is FiOS 50/20 on an Actiontec Rev E.; wpa2-psk static on Ch 11; SSID NOT Broadcasted)

I did try Battery -> Performance coupled with Wifi -> Advanced -> Never sleep to no avail.

I hope this DX is OK.

[thedamon]

I picked up a Droid X yesterday ($150 from some kid who was tired of it). Activated to pageplus using the (Verizon) Activate button at start up. I have had no problems. I have used both 3G (20MB in a few hours[ouch]) and wi-fi. I turned all data off (thanks Android 2.2) by going menu >settings >data manager >data delivery >then turning off 'background data', 'data roaming', and 'data enabled'. No additional apps, no leakage in 24 hours now.

turn wi-fi on by going menu >settings > wireless $ networks >wi-fi settings > add wi-fi network (security code of router if needed).

My droid x is super fast on internet (I am near my router) and apps load in seconds, except Madden NFL 11. it took about 2 minutes. under 3G it seems to be just as fast. Lets hope for unlimited data from ppc.

I would suggest that anyone looking at Droids be sure to get one with Android 2.2

[jake14mw]

Hi,

Thanks for the report. What is so important about Android 2.2? I just got an Eris, and I think it only has 2.1.

[thedamon]

Hi,

Thanks for the report. What is so important about Android 2.2? I just got an Eris, and I think it only has 2.1.

/ Built-in tethering.
/ Wi-Fi hotspot powers.
/ Supports Flash 10.1.
/ A just in time compiler that is 2X to 5X faster.
/ Improved memory reclaim by up to 20x, which results in faster app switching and smoother performance on memory-constrained devices.
/ Performance of the browser has been enhanced using the V8 engine, which enables faster loading of JavaScript-heavy pages.
/ Bluetooth Voice Dialing for hands-free calling while driving.
/ Easy to disable data (the most important for pageplus users) without additional apps.
/ Will allow offensive words in voice recognition settings.
/ More Settings in Camera app (on screen); Focus Mode, Store location in photo metadata, White Balance options, toggle Flash, Zoom options.
/ For Video; Color effects (Mono, Sepia, Negative, Posterize, etc), White Balance, toggle Flash (for night recording), toggle Video Quality (even a custom setting for high quality for YouTube capped at 10 minutes).
/ Share contacts with other phones over Bluetooth.
/ Android developer APIs now allow apps to give users the choice of where to install them: phone memory or an SD card. (freeing up internal storage).
/ The Phone, applications Launcher, and Browser now have dedicated shortcuts on the Home screen, making it easy to access them from any of the home screen panels.



Mainly the new 2.2 is WAY faster (in apps and browser). and you can easily turn off data (or limit to background or roaming). camera/video features are good, too.

[alster]

Thx for the report thedamon.

I like your bolds, especially the last one .

Now, as for my wifi probs (noted above), I tried two (2) different (significantly) older routers at another house (diff net provider and all).

First, an ancient netgear mr814v2 which is only a b router. I was able to connect immediately via it's (max security) wep 128-bit key, with broadcast SSID on.

With broadcast SSID off (my preferred choice for all WAPs for security putposes), DX had a more difficult time grabbing a connection. It would connect->disconnect several times. Then it would fail sometimes to get an IP address from the DHCP server. But once it did get it, it stayed connected.

No problems running speed tests on any of the sites with the netgear. No wifi barfs or lockups on the DX.

I then switched routers to an old Linksys WRT54G v4.

Set it up with wireless wpa2-psk aes, broadcast SSID off right from the get-go. Once I programmed DX with the Linksys' wireless info, it found it and grabbed and held the IP quickly.

Again, no problems at all running multiple speed tests from either of the sites I mentioned in earlier posts.

I think DX may have some problems with some routers (maybe more than some?) when the admin chooses to TURN OFF Broadcast SSID.

I suspect this may be the issue at my home with my FiOS Actiontec router, but I'm not 100% sure. The only thing I haven't done to the Actiontec is power-cycle it (I should), although I have rebooted it to no avail.

So tomorrow, I will try the Linksys here with FiOS and see what happens. I expect it to work flawlessly with the DX which would lay the source of the problem with either the Actiontec, or the DX. I can't fathom a good solution because I'd hate to have to broadcast my SSID on the Actiontec, but who knows.. Then I'll activate the DX on PP.

It's probably a good idea for new subscribers to first do as I did, and turn off all the 3G stuff (denoted above by thedamon) before activating, to avoid accidental loss of $$ by unforseen data "leakage".

Incidentally, does anyone know of anyway to "order" the wireless networks that are "saved" in the DX?

For example, earlier tonite at one point, I had both the Netgear *and* the Linksys active simultaneously, and I would have liked the DX to connect (and stay) with the Netgear, but every time I connected to the Netgear, moments later the DX would 'jump' to the "better", G Linksys router.

Additionally, is there any way to tell the DX to "connect to this router even when it's not broadcasting"? Ala windows XP?

I found that at one point, even though the Netgear was programmed in the DX, and even after shutting down the Linksys, I could not get the DX to "see" and or connect to the Netgear. I ultimately had to "forget" the Netgear credentials, and re-enter them.

That could be a PITA.

Finally, anyone know how to "get back" that inital Droid X screen, where you can choose the "Activate" button? Now that I've bypassed it, every time I turn the phone on, it just goes to the normal homescreen..

Just curious.

[Cardiac69]

I picked up a Droid X yesterday ($150 from some kid who was tired of it). Activated to pageplus using the (Verizon) Activate button at start up. I have had no problems. I have used both 3G (20MB in a few hours[ouch]) and wi-fi. I turned all data off (thanks Android 2.2) by going menu >settings >data manager >data delivery >then turning off 'background data', 'data roaming', and 'data enabled'. No additional apps, no leakage in 24 hours now.

turn wi-fi on by going menu >settings > wireless $ networks >wi-fi settings > add wi-fi network (security code of router if needed).

My droid x is super fast on internet (I am near my router) and apps load in seconds, except Madden NFL 11. it took about 2 minutes. under 3G it seems to be just as fast. Lets hope for unlimited data from ppc.

I would suggest that anyone looking at Droids be sure to get one with Android 2.2

If you have any other friends tiring of their Droid X's for $150, I'll take one

[thedamon]

alster,

I am using a Linksys G with no security. Not even a p/w. I just consider it as neighborly.

I hope power cycling the ActionTec router does the trick. I don't know of anyway to order the routers on the droidX. I suppose there could be an app for that.

finally, you may be able to get back the "Activate" screen, you can try "factory data reset" (menu >settings >privacy > factory data reset >reset phone). Might work if you phone is not currently activated.

and Cardiac69

If I find another Droid X for $150, its going on ebay for $300.
But seriously, the best place to look for a droid is locally. People buy them for $150 or less with contract, then decide they don't need the powerful phone. I have seen many Eris for $100obo, Two htc incredibles for $125 each or 2/$200 (almost got this deal), and another incredible for $150 a few days later. The guy with the X said he got 50 responses, and I was the one he picked.

I have also picked up two dares (from different people) for $50 each. Countless other phones (razors, jukes (or as I call them, junks), vx8300s, chocolates) for $10-$20 each. Most are good to excellent phones. A couple have been junk.

So have patience, and use every resource. I search Craigslist and HoosierTopics (a local online classified). You can try Upillar or even the local newspaper (online or print). Most areas have more than one source of classifieds. Happy hunting.

[alster]

This is my conclusion after completing thorough testing.

I power-cycled the Actiontec (AT) for completeness sake.
No change.

On the AT, I then tried every combination for WPA and WPA2, with

• SSID Broadcast ON and OFF
• G only
• mixed B & G (no N on the AT)
• AES
• AES + TKIP
• Various Channels (6, 11, 3)
• different legth passwords (from min length to 13 chars)

In every combination, running a speedtest at speakeasy would hang the DX's wireless connection either on the first test, or the second or third.

Running a speedtest at speedtest.net would hang the DX's wifi on the first test every time, almost immediately.

Next, configuring the AT with WEP (64 or 128 bit), with *any* combo of the settings from the list above (where applicable), NEVER resulted in a hung wifi on the DX.

Next, using no security at all NEVER resulted in a hung wifi on the DX, as expected.

At this point, I connected in the aforementioned Linksys WRT54G which I brought back with me from the other location (which worked flawlessly if you recall).

*Note that the other location has Optimum Online cable service rated at 15/2, but has been awfully oversold for a few years now, and has awful node congestion for 2/3 of the entire day. Therefore, average speeds are 2-4 on the down side, and 1-3 on the up side. (I know, unbelievable, but true)

I disabled the AT's wireless completely, and connected the Linksys into my network here (FiOS 50/20, typical laptop wireless G speeds are 21/21), without changing its' wireless setup at all from what it was at the other, "working" location.

BAM. Same "DX wifi hanging" as described above on speedtests..

The only possibilites I can see are

• The Droid X uses some type of hardware to handle WPA/WPA2, and mine is faulty
• There is some other type of wireless interference at my location here causing "high-speed" transfers to hang the DX's wifi (although Ch11 is barely used in this area (checked with a wifi "sniffer" app on my laptop) )
• The WPA/WPA2 implementation on the DX barfs when large, high-speed transfers occur

I am inclined to discount the 1st two possibilities, and bet on the 3rd as the answer (unless someone can enlightenmen me further), which kind of sucks, as security is important to me. If I use my wireless as is, anytime my DX does a "significant sized" d/l (even from Android Market), it may possibly "hang up" the wifi on me, wherein I'd have to restart it.

A real PITA.

Just an addendum about my wifi setup- I have a WAP extender (via use of another AT) 2 floors down, configured using the same SSID of course, but a different and non-interfering channel, to provide wireless continuity throughout my house.

Never an issue with the several laptops in use here. AND, when I shut down the wireless on my main AT, the DX was still able to pick up and connect to the WAP "extender" 2 floors down on the same, original SSID.

Of course, speedtests still crashed the Droids wifi.
(Yes, I was constantly removing (via "forget") wireless networks from the Droid during each test, and I changed the SSID for each test just to be sure)

Not really sure what to do about this at this point. This may be the wrong forum for this post at this point. Perhaps I'll cross-post this in another..

*update
found others with similar (maybe same) issues:
https://supportforums.motorola.com/m.../240356#240356

[thedamon]

alster,
I believe you are right about this getting a little out of topic. You may try to post in the Droid area. but the one OP that asked the same question a year ago was (in typical HowardForums style) treated like a brain damaged noob.
In fact, a 3000 post "helper" repied, "Seriously, the information you offer is like saying, "My car doesn't run" and when someone says they'll need more information to help you, you tell them, "It's a blue Toyota." If you want meaningful assistance, try providing a meaningful description of what you're experiencing."
Of course after the op gave all the desired info, the 3000 post helper never replied again (was probably off "helping" another).

after a little googling, I found some things you might try.
1. disable the "N" band and just have B & G enabled.
2. change cipher from AES to TKIP.

If this doesn't cut it, another suggestion was if you have any other wireless devices connecting to the router there might be some conflicting IP issues. You can try to set "Enable Auto IP" and see if it improves.

or try using the WiFi Analyzer app from the Market.

or: Try doing a soft reset on the device by powering the device off, removing the battery about 30 seconds, and then powering the device back on.
Once the device is powered back on, review the new applications and delete applications or widgets that use the wifi feature, as such applications may conflict with the feature.

If the problem persists a factory reset maybe needed.
Factory Reset
1.Turn off the phone
2.Press Power + Home at the same time
2a.User may also press and hold Power + Home + Volume Down until display shows android triage screen
3.Display will show a triage android screen
4.Press the search hardkey - this will unhide the menu and show the following options
1.Reboot system Now
2.Apply sdcard:update.zip
3.Wipe Data/Factory Reset
4.Wipe Cache Partition
1.Use VOL Down key to scroll down to "Wipe Data/Factory Reset", press camera key to select option and wipe device.

And finally, try taking out battery, and try to start droid (to drain any residual power).

personally, I think there is a flaw in Android 2.x that causes advanced encrypted wi-fi to fail at high speeds, like speed tests or heavy downloads. But I know nothing about networks, so ignore me completely.
BTW, there is problems with Incredibles also.

[alster]

Thanks thedamn

I recall seeing the thread with the "car doesn't run comment". I saw it before I even started this topic, but that didn't dissuade me from posting what I believe is a worthy topic.

1. disable the "N" band and just have B & G enabled.

There is no N on the AT, so that's not in play.

2. change cipher from AES to TKIP.

The AT gives you the choice of AES, or AES+TKIP (no TKIP unfortunately) with WPA2.
On WPA "original", I can select only TKIP.
Same for the Linksys.
I'll try out WPA/TKIP on the AT ans see what occurs.

If this doesn't cut it, another suggestion was if you have any other wireless devices connecting to the router there might be some conflicting IP issues. You can try to set "Enable Auto IP" and see if it improves.

or try using the WiFi Analyzer app from the Market.

There are other devices connecting to the AP, but at the late hours I was testing the DX, they were all off.

I'll check out the WiFi Analyzer.

or: Try doing a soft reset on the device by powering the device off, removing the battery about 30 seconds, and then powering the device back on.
Once the device is powered back on, review the new applications and delete applications or widgets that use the wifi feature, as such applications may conflict with the feature.

I've done the battery removal thingy once because I had to- The DX locked up on the "M" inital screen one time.
That didn't help with the wifi issue.

If the problem persists a factory reset maybe needed.

This is the only thing I haven't explicitly done, and I may give that a go, especially since I got the phone "used" and it might be a prudent measure to take regardless.

personally, I think there is a flaw in Android 2.x that causes advanced encrypted wi-fi to fail at high speeds, like speed tests or heavy downloads. But I know nothing about networks, so ignore me completely.
BTW, there is problems with Incredibles also.

I pretty much agree with you 100%.

In fact, if you look at the link I provided at the end of my last post, this is but one thread @Moto web community discussing this.

A cursory search there showed me more threads on the same topic, and one Network Engineer (by profession) who also came to the same conclusion you and I have come to-

2.2 has an encryption bug w.r.t WPA/WPA2 which causes wifi conncetions to hang/drop (although he didn't indicate that he "drilled it down" to high speed x-fers which can immediately cause the effect.)

[alster]

OK tested WPA + only TKIP.

NO PROBLEMS.

So, where ever "precisely" the bug lies, I am able to "bring it out" every time, almost (if not 100%) immediately with

-WPA/WPA2-psk including AES encryption
-A high-speed ISP (A-la FiOS 25/25 or above)*
-Peforming several consecutive speedtests (as little as one) (especially quickly) at speedtest.net, or speakeasy's speedtes
*I cannot duplicate the problem on a "low-speed" ISP connection

Also, letting the DX sit idle for a period of time has resulted in a hung DX wifi as well..

The problem is with the tiwlan drivers, specifically regarding power managment "handling" on the Droids..

Here is *the* salient post, in a thread with 100 pages at Moto (these guys have it nailed but Moto doesn't give a **** (yet) to fix it):
https://supportforums.motorola.com/m.../173567#173567

I don't feel quite so bad anymore.

[tracnet]

OK tested WPA + only TKIP.

NO PROBLEMS.

So, where ever "precisely" the bug lies, I am able to "bring it out" every time, almost (if not 100%) immediately with

-WPA/WPA2-psk including AES encryption

Just happened to run across this comment from a website that discussed the FRG83D update: "It got pushed to me tonight. It seems to have also fixed the problem with WiFi WPA2 AES"

I realize it is one comment in a big big world.....but maybe there is some hope after all ?