yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Spirit FM] vispinet:
That's a bummer... however I hear some people who are using the ics rom I'd like to flash are not having any issues (not even with previous versions of the app). I know I am way overcautious about this kind of stuff. Anyway... I guess I'll wait a few more days and see if you get any more damage reports.
[Spirit FM] m.ksy:
When I set Settings->Debug->FM API to "Low Level" and restart the app, the signal become a bad, as it was in old versions until 16 March.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
Mike I think I may have had a small break through. I tried the LOW LEVEL mode and for the first time got static via the rear speaker. Nothing came over, even local and RSSI is still at 0. But it may be a start. I'll email the logs. Using March 18th full version.

I was also able to get static via the speaker when Spirit was in FULL auto for all settings. I reinstalled the FM apps in the apps, lib and other directories. Prior to this never got ANYTHING. Audio or otherwise.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
OK, I presume this happens after you run my app OK and switch to low level and restart the app.

I presume it stays this way even if you select Menu->Test->Motorola Antenna ?

Thanks !
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
Hey, having major issues... when I first open the app, I have to force close fmradio service and also whenever I try your Menu, test, Motorola Antenna, I get a root permissions inquire loop that eventually freezes the app. Can you tell me what I need to do?
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Re: The MOTOLUXE:

- FM seems to be getting pulled or disabled more in the higher end phones. First, purchasers of higher end phones are more likely to be able to afford data plans and live in metro areas with lots of wireless Internet (WiFi or cell data).

Second, lower end phones are more popular outside of the US and Canada, where carriers do not subsidize.

Re: The static.

- I think you can likely analyze static better than I. Does it sound like RF static or more like audio static ? I'm not sure if anyone can say very well though.

I'm not sure why March 18 is giving you static and other releases weren't. You're using Motorola2 just like you were before ?

Re: the WiFi issues and Strange frequencies:

- Yes I saw in your previous logs that something was messing badly with the Bluetooth. I'd like to fix whatever the problem is there.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Have you rebooted the phone ?

Was the March 18 release working better ?

Menu->Test->Motorola Antenna is a potential trouble maker because it just turns on the first 5 "rfkills" blindly. But any problems it might cause should go away after a reboot.

It runs 10 commands as root. Generally, when "Remember" is enabled on an SU request, those things just happen automatically.
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
Ok, after rebooting, I can start the Motorola Antenna, but not before the fmradio service stops working. That happens as soon as I open the app unfortunately. I am about to download the March 18th version and see if that changes anything.

RE: After installing March 18th version, the fmradio service closes still. It appears as though the fmradio service instructions that I followed off of androidforums does not like MIUI's service.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I can confirm 100% it's RF radio static NOT audio static. Audio static would be consistent. RF Static is well like RF Static. It varies. I didn't have any luck with the Motorola Antenna option. Yep I'm using Motorola2. I tried changing it while the app was running and it stopped giving ANY audio. Started back to Motorola2 and static returned. The audio switch also works. However the audio signal is SO low I may not be hearing it. But when switching from speaker to headphones the static in the speaker starts and stops respectively. Mike I'll help with this ANY way I can! Whatever you need from me let me know. I'm rooted (of course). I can be your Razr Guenna pig. LOL

---------- Post added at 04:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------

Do you have the MIUI FM Radio for me to test on my Razr? Can you link or send it to me.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
MIUI's service ?

MIUI changes things. In the Motorola OEM API mode, my app first tries to start the standard Motorola FM Service. If that fails it then tries the MIUI version, which has a different name.

For whatever reason, it appears the MIUI folk have taken the Motorola service, and renamed internal references to "com.motorola.android.fmradio" to "com.miui.fmradio". They've even implemented this Motorola-like API on the Galaxy S, a very different phone.

If they have FM stuff on a MIUI Droid 2 Global ROM, I'd think it doesn't work, but might be there as a leftover from Motorola device MIUI ROMs that do support FM.
[Spirit FM] m.ksy:
Do you write to me? If so, I can't help you. My phone is Droid X with CM7 GB, and I hate MIUI.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I didn't know if the MIUI would work. Guess not. Moving on
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
So, do you want me to go back to stock gingerbread and try it from there? Cause its no trouble at backing up my apk's and doing it. :)
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Random bits of random signals.

I wonder if this implies that the FM Rx antenna ping CAN'T be grounded ? IE, at worse it's left unconnected.

If it was my phone I'd consider tuning the strongest channel, opening it up and poking an insulated wire around under the RF shield housing the chip. Or even doing so with the wire connected to an FM transmitter, or even just a source of square waves with high harmonics.

But I presume you know there is risk of damage doing this.

So, no "vacation" time for me ? ;)

I think the MIUI apps require MIUI frameworks.Why are you asking about MIUI ? Perhaps I forgot ?

Looking through your logs I see again that the audio libraries have FM code. So you have the audio path I think, should we figure out RF.

And I'm reminded that on some phones, including the Bionic, the FM Service was included, which seems very strange on a device shipped without the app. As if Motorola wanted to allow it, but Verizon insisted no app at least.

So I'm wondering if carriers like Verizon are now demanding even more lockdown of the FM... No service, and fm gpios for antenna or whatever hidden.

EDIT: I found a suitable log with kernel messages you sent Feb 11. I see this:

<6>[ 2.605987] asoc: cpcap fm <-> FMDummy mapping ok

And a Google search leads me here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1417433

See post 5:

I presume it doesn't work, or has the same low RSSI problem.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Yes, stock would be good, or possibly CM7. I guess you still have to install the Radio Service etc...
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
Ok, I don't know if I can do it tonight, but I will defiantly get it done and get back to you.
[Spirit FM] Roundtableprez:
Tested on sidekick 4g not working. Possibly never going to work.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Yes. probably never. There is no stock app, and there has not yet been a single exception to the rule of US high end phone variants, manufactured by Samsung, having usable FM.

And by high end I mean that if there is an FM supporting variant, that it has the discrete Silicon Labs si4709 FM chip. It's easier to completely disable FM just by not installing that one chip. (But likely unique PCBs anyway.)

But thanks for your report as I can now remove it from the list of devices on the Market/Play, and it won't be visible on those phones.

There's been a HUGE drop in app installs since I removed the most popular devices with no FM, and that's a good thing as it means fewer frustrated people and fewer 1 star reviews. The obvious irony is that demand for FM is always highest on devices on which it is impossible, and on which there is thus never a stock app.
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I know about the FM Player. I have AnyCut and found that. Funny because the stock icon in a included image. WHY would that be in the phone and even more why Verizon CARES. I know that debate could go on. BUT I will say I think the FM audio IS there. I don't think it's stray signals from the Bluetooth or WiFi as the sound doesn't change in pitch indicating that I'm not connected to the FM chip. I HOPE the chip isn't grounded or disconnected from the antenna jack. Not sure what phone I had on the 11th of Feb it MAY have still been the Bionic. But as you said the FM was all there. (BTW I'm still looking in to using my next upgrade with Verizon to buy ANOTHER Bionic JUST for Spirit).

I just wish there was a way on my end to find out IF the antenna isn't connected or grounded. Because if the Bionic had it I'd almost think the Razr does too. But it may take more digging and work to find out.
[Spirit FM] Davidban64:
March 19 update

Hi Mike,

Just updated through market/play store, and the app no longer works. All settings are the same as the previous version. Note that when I do change the "audio" method to "qsd8250", it freezes and I have to restart the phone.

Unfortunately I can't say, with any certainty, if it's the app or the "ROM" or whatever!!!:confused:

Is there any way I can revert to the previous version?
[Spirit FM] Roundtableprez:
Yea I figured id try it though I haven't had a single android phone that supported fm radio. motorola cliq, motorola milestone, and now the sidekick. And yes I know what you mean because I used to be one of those people constantly asking for fm on a device that just didn't have it lol. Anyways still a great app for phones that support it :-)
[Spirit FM] Davidban64:
Working now

Just checked all other phone related settings, and found that Spirit FM is working fine :) but there is an issue with the "superuser v3.0.7" app, was denying root access, even though it showed a "pop up" saying access was granted. There were several entries to your app in the superusers app log. Not sure then if I (accidently) denied access to your app, or if that's a problem with superuser, or even the ICS ROM I'm using:confused::confused::confused: Wasn't noticed until I did 3 reboots. I'll let things run for a few days to see what happens.:cool:
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
When the US considered legislation to mandate working FM chips in mobile phones, the manufacturers said that consumers should choose, and assembled statistics that showed it didn't matter to most US phone consumers at purchase time; I think around 85% at least.

But later some of those people want OTA FM and then can't get it. There are at least a hundred, perhaps a few hundred such instances on this thread I think. People want the phone first, THEN they hope against hope that someone can figure out a way to do the impossible.

And then most want it for free, and as some reviews show, blame me and my app for being incapable of the impossible.

:D
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
Getting back to you...

I am running cm7 with the fmradio service installed. There is no error whatsoever when I start the app or use the Motorola Antenna. :) I hear static, but I am unable to change stations though.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
OK, good. :)

My app uses a "trick" to make all SU accesses look like the same command, otherwise the user might be pestered with 20 different SU popups. I changed that trick a month or two ago, so there could be more than 1 entry, and generally only 1 is needed.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
You can send me logs with Menu->Help->eml.

OEM API or low level mode ? Low level mode should show "FM: TI" at startup. OEM may show "MO Prop..." or may show nothing.

You can force one or the other with Settings->Debug->FM API and restart the app. If no startup error, you are in the selected mode.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "unable to change stations". You can change but nothing noticable happens ?

I'm about ready to give up, again, for the D2G and Razr/Max. I/we could spend forever getting nowhere, while there are lots of other phones that work that I need to develop for...

Perhaps I should just say that I DO give up, unless and until there is evidence of any progress or promising leads.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I looked at your logs, thanks. One annoying line:

03-19 00:23:15.617 W/PackageManager( 234): Not granting permission com.sonyericsson.permission.FMRADIO to package com.mikersmicros.fm (protectionLevel=2 flags=0x8be44)

It appears this means that an FM app using the TI OEM API needs to be signed with the system key. So that becomes impossible on stock devices, pretty much. That's too bad because I was hoping we could attack from that side.

I only have one other idea at preset for enabling FM audio. once Spirit is running with the SonyEricsson or SonyEricsson2 audio methods in headset mode. Run these 3 commands from adb shell or some other shell access method with root:

su

chmod 666 /dev/snd/controlC0

/data/data/com.mikersmicros.fm_unlock/files/ssd 4 2 fmradio_headset_rx 20

This will hopefully set a sufficient volume level for "fmradio_headset_rx".

If this doesn't work, I have no other easy ideas at present. Maybe, hopefully in future...
[Spirit FM] ruvort:
There is supposed potential for the chip in the Rezound to have working FM but I can't seem to get it working. Do you have any advice or know of any information I can provide to see if it can be made to work? Thank you and thank you for your work on such a great app :-)
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I know you have thousands of Spirit users. But I hope you don't give up. Chances are this will be the Motorola norm. So me and this other user seem to have similar issues. To the guy here that can hear static but can't tune. Is the audio very low via speaker? What phone do you have "locomotive 96"?
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Post 2 of this thread shows the Rezound in my "likely impossible list".

From here on in I am no longer doing any research on the "impossibles".

If someone else figures it out, I'll reconsider.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
This response has turned into a bit of a rant, but as one of^H^H^H^H^H^H my most fervent supporters^H, I hope you'll understand it's not directed at you. Except insofar as I hope you understand I can't continue to do the same level of research and reverse engineering that I did in the last year.

I have to give up. That is economic reality.

And "sanity reality" because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to spend more time with my family and get back out hiking and biking etc. I REALLY mean it this time too. :)

From here on in I am no longer doing any research on the "impossibles". If someone else figures it out, I'll reconsider.

And I have to focus on the most popular devices and APIs. Rare and cheap phone support isn't going to help.

And although my tech side would LOVE to see Transmit, it's off the table for the forseeable future. Record is still a possibility but a very low priority when so few phones can support it, especially without kernel mods that Joe average will never see.

I've been working on Spirit for over a year now and I've literally made a "few thousand bucks". I usually make in the neighbourhood of high 5 to low 6 figures and still can. Luckily my family's house is mostly ours. But that's the only retirement fund so far, and people my age are starting to retire...

So the only way for Spirit to survive is for me to turn more "business tough". And I have a strategy for that, that I've mostly laid out here for all to see. And some of the people who "loved" me when so much functionality was free will be whining that I somehow ripped them off and abandoned or betrayed them or something, probably over a mere 99 cents or so to start.

There will likely always need to be a free version, but stripping it down to volume and tuning should hopefully suffice to keep it better in the public eye.

The Light version will likely start around $1 and you may see it within the next few days. I just built the first version a few minutes ago.

And then,... Joe and Jill "6 pack" don't have time to read and figure out how to configure audio methods etc. I have to make it easier for them. And they want an easy, nice looking UI too, especially when they have an OEM app that is free and looks and works good enough. And Jacques wants a French translation etc.

And yeah, I need some time to do my own demo videos too. And websites and Paypal automatic updates. And my workspace here has over a year of accumulated "grunge", disarray and such. Have I mentioned how many years of tax returns I haven't filed yet, despite thousands in refunds owed me ?

End rant, thanks for listening and hopefully understanding.

Now, as APU says:

"Thank you, come again." :D
[Spirit FM] deady2k:
I have a question about the galaxy s alsa danger problem.

Does this speaker damage also appear when i only use headphones? Or is it always a problem?

Thanks

Gesendet von meinem GT-I9000 mit Tapatalk
[Spirit FM] xmguy:
I really hate to hear that. I understand family and life have to come first. I guess this is the end of the road. Wish it wasn't the end.

Nevertheless, I do wish you the best.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
From post 3: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=13380066&postcount=3

If you are worried about GalaxyS speaker damage, then DO NOT use "GalaxyS alsa/DANGER" mode. It's as simple as that. NONE of these things help: Keeping volume low, Using headset mode only or Praying that it will not happen to you.
[Spirit FM] locomotive96:
What I mean by not being able to change stations is that the button nor the slider will change the station. But I will send you the logs for both modes after school. Thank you for your help anyway. :)
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Not the end, a new beginning. :) I'm trading small chances to get "impossible phones" working for the bigger chance to keep Spirit going.

If/when you have a supportable phone, and in future years, I'd like to think you'll be thankful I made that "tough business decision". Ever heard of Philo Farnsworth, the teen inventor of television ? Most haven't, and I don't want Spirit to be a footnote in the history of Android, as he was for TV.

I walked "almost all the way" up "Mont Tremblant" one night. Every few hundred feet up there was another turn. I kept thinking the top was just one more turn away, LOL. That's the problem with "impossible phones". It can seem as if there's always just one more obstacle to over-come and then it's OK. But my experience with various phones shows that usually, the more troubles you have now, the more troubles later. Like the Huawei Tavarua phones I gave up on.

Please feel free to stick around for FM chat, and ponderings about what phone you should get. :D
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
That's an interesting project. :)

As you've seen, there IS V4L support in Spirit. I ended up "hacking" it and disabling some functions to try and make Tavarua based devices work stable, but I didn't have one of those rare-ish devices, and it was a major pain, so I've stopped that development.

For now I have to concentrate on stock, un-rooted popular devices, the user interface and some additional features. So I don't think I'll be able to help you by modifying the V4L code for your device, and I might even remove or disable the V4L support.

If you can code I recommend you look into the open source Code Aurora FM app for V4L Tavarua devices.
[Spirit FM] tsynik:
Thanks for reply. Yes, that's what i'm doing ;-) There is too much code to understand. And many edits in android source itself for native JNI interface. I can compile it, even can run it on device, but V4L part doesn't work too (it uses Tavarua private V4L controls, which my device doesn't support) :(
[Spirit FM] alonsosjumper:
I can help to translate the application to Spanish.
[Spirit FM] Nitemare_real:
Me too ;) :D
[Spirit FM] Kess78:
I'm here for the french translation:-)
[Spirit FM] m.ksy:
I can help to translate the application to Russian or Ukrainian :)
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
I use freetranslation.com to try and understand and to respond when I get a non-English email. So far, even for non customers.

For Spanish, I've tried the Latin American, Mexican and European variants, but I've never seen a difference either from or to English.

So I'm curious, is there that much of a difference ? Or at least, are they close enough for one Spanish translation in an FM app ?
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Thanks for all the translation offers. :)

I hope to call on you all when the time comes, perhaps around May, and I'll just search this thread for the word "translation" and send you PMs or whatever then.

Maybe in April we can start on the app descriptions etc. on Market/Play. I have a French one there but it's outdated now, and will be again next week no matter what, and for one of the 2 apps I disabled it because Google was giving me some weird error otherwise.
[Spirit FM] Davidban64:
Hi Mike,

All good on my HTC HD2 now, when running Spirit FM by itself. :)

(I have learnt how to tame the "Superusers" app so its's not giving multiple "request permission" notifications. Interesting to note that "Spirit FM" is the only app on my phone that "Superuser" was doing this with, user fixable though!)

Another issue though: :eek:

I use the "Endomondo" sports app, for tracking walks/bike rides.

With your app running, and Endomondo running at the same time, Endomondo gives a voice prompt as to how well I'm doing/ times etc. Spirit FM stays on & volume stays as is, Endomondo voice volume is so low that you can't hear it. Run Endomondo by itself and the volume is normal.

When I was running "Gingerbread" on this phone, Endomondo would "silence radio" while it said its thing then let radio go again.

So I guess the question is, is this something that can be fixed with "Spirit FM", or perhaps its an "Endomondo", or even an "ICS" issue.

Your thoughts on this would be appreciated :)

(ps I'm using your "Spirit FM Unlocked" paid version now, but assume they're the same)

Regards David.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Thanks for your purchase. :)

Yes the free app is the same.

At present, the only way to automatically silence FM is when the phone rings for a call, is answered or a call is initiated.

But Spirit should at least offer an option to register for "loss or regain of audio focus" and to mute/unmute when that happens. This is what Android audio apps are supposed to do, and I will try to add this enhancement soon.
[Spirit FM] Davidban64:
Well Mike, I've just completed an 8km walk, and did some fiddling on the way. I found that if I start & set the volume high on "Endomondo" app, before starting "Spirit FM", both apps share the volume nicely & I can adjust "Spirit FM" volume without effecting volume level on "Endomondo".:cool:

Just thought it was worth mentioning:D

I'll leave you alone now:D , so you can spend more time with your Family. I think we all need to get away from all this computer stuff more often and reconnect "with real life":D
[Spirit FM] JohnstonF:
Sadly I'm one of them unfortunate one's whose speaker got busted using the galaxys alsa/danger mode, other than that no other modes produced audio.

Is there a fix to this other then a hardware change?

Used the free app from the play store

Using slim ICS v2.9 & semaphore kernel v0.95b on galaxyS i9000
[Spirit FM] vispinet:
Hey mate,

don't worry about people wining about the Galaxy S speaker problem. You made the point perfectly clear. At the moment I will NOT be using the app (although I have it installed). It goes without saying that I'm faithfully hoping you'll find a workaround and I'm periodically coming back here to check for any updates. Bottom line is: please don't give up if you can :)

Cheers from Italy
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Thanks for sharing your solution.

Sometimes there is more than one volume control for FM: the chip volume and one or more external volume settings, sometimes accessible with CM DSP Manager or Voodoo Sound Control or:

Automatically when the ROM supports a specific "volume control stream" (Spirit uses 3/Music by default but can be set for others.) You can tell if you have this automatic setting by setting Debug->HW Vol Off and restarting the app. If volume still changes, then this automatic setting works and the curve may be less exponential.
[Spirit FM] mikereidis:
Thanks for your report. :(

No, the speaker is damaged. Replacement is the only viable option, although hypothetically a "speaker surgeon" with tiny tools might be able to save her.