yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[HTC Droid DNA] superchaos:
Dear Serinety

Please take your message elsewhere. I don't need S-off as I am already S-off. I do not appreciate or like your comments about this person's efforts to use their knowledge and skills to give phone owners what they want. $5, $20, $35, $100. Doesn't matter to me. If I want it, I will pay for it. Let them do the same.

If connexion2005 is violating the TOS of XDA, REPORT IT TO THE ADMINS AND LET THE ADMINS HANDLE IT.

Don't be "that guy" who wants to argue in a forum just to argue and chase good dev's and programmers away.
[HTC Droid DNA] ocman40:
Agreed, Josh and Co have been very responsive etc during my order and $45 bucks is not really much money now days!

Heck I have received 3 different notifications that have my tracking number for return shipment.

Great Communication = Great customer service. Is it worth it to you to try to figure out what he gets paid to do for just a few mere bucks??

Um nope!
[HTC Droid DNA] Bigandrewgold:
all that suggests is that jtagging is the only method to s off, it is saying that there is no software method to do it, and it is pretty obvious thats what it means. And you can go watch their video on them unbricking a dna, they use a regular riff box and regular software nothing special
[HTC Droid DNA] danjull:
MTV is not who started this thread or brought it up. Someone contacted him regarding a bulk discount. And MTV does apparently not hold any kind of monopoly on jtag s-off for the DNA, since people in other threads have either successfully done it themselves or found some shop locally able to fix them up.

Maybe this should've been handled on a pm basis, but I'm happy and thankful for this opportunity that wouldn't have come about if it wasn't for this thread.
[HTC Droid DNA] Serinety:
Im pretty confused with this response to be honest. I have said, in all my posts, that I appreciate the work he is doing. I am asking if his method can be released being as the service is being somewhat advertised on XDA. I don't know if you are reading what you want from my posts, or if you really don't understand what it is im saying. But to clarify, I don't have any problem what-so-ever with with mobiletechvideo, nor the service they perform. He offers many services on all sorts of devices, that's awesome, it comforts me to know that people are still taking their passion and turning it into a business.

Aside from that, yes.. I do think that if there are details available that would help others accomplish this on their own, then it should, on some level, be shared. the "guy" I want to be is the "guy" who believes in information sharing. Nothing we are doing here is patented.

I'm one of them, and quite frankly, comments like this diminish my motivation to put effort into making this happen for the masses. As a long time member of XDA, I stand by my conviction that we are an open source community and information should be shared in the spirit of such. This does NOT infer that I think Josh should stop doing s-off for people, or that in any way what he is doing is anything less than awesome. It DOES infer that I think if someone here knows how to do this, then , possibly, that person should help others do it too. Are they obligated? nope, they sure aren't. But I know, for example, If I were to contact Scott, from ScottsRoms, and say "Hey Scott, Im working on a new Rom, and Im not sure how to incorporate Aroma into my installer the way that you did, can you help?" He would happily tell me, or at the very least, respond with a link that would give me a jumping off point. I did not ask Josh how he does his s-off, but once I mentioned it in my original comment and based on the responses I got, it feel like doing a little soapboxing in regards to what XDA is all about.... and thats sharing with the community so that we can all benefit from each other. Again, not saying Josh does not , nor would not, do this.. but its obvious from some of the responses that this idea might be lost to some.

I'm sure they have awesome customer service, I didn't speak to that. Again, this is not about him doing it, I think thats great, its about other people being able to do it too. What he makes per phone, per hour, per year.. is of no concern to me. Thats his call, if he finds it profitable to perform this service, then its worth it, regardless of dollar amount assigned,

I don't want to derail this thread anymore than it seems to have been derailed. If you guys still want to discuss it, we can start a private chat, or I can start a new thread on this very topic (not about Josh or mobiletechvideo, but about XDA being open source, and what that means).
[HTC Droid DNA] badogg:
From what I understand, JTAG is a hardware level firmware re-flash is it not? Maybe I'm wrong. But If that is right I don't see what there is to share? Get the hardware component (Riff box), the firmware images to flash, figure out how to attach the phone to the riff box and get er done. I don't understand why the angst.

I'm not replying to get on your nerves, I just don't understand the issue. It isn't an exploit that could be bundled up and released to the masses, right?
[HTC Droid DNA] Serinety:
right, its not an exploit at all. but the "riff box" is an overpriced tool for the job we need to do. Its kind of like this.. say you wanted to read a code from your cars computer. You can take it to a shop and they can charge you 50 or 60 bucks.. whatever, to read it. You could also buy a Code scanner for a few hundred bucks to do it also. The problem is, the code scanner is going to be way over built for what you need to do, read a simple code. Its going to read codes from all sorts of cars, perform diagnostics.. etc. You just need to read a code.

The alternative is to make your own code reader. Still, once you make it, its not a simple as "plug it in and read codes" you still need to know how to interpret the information your reader is getting. I was not sure if mobiletechvids was using a riffbox or if they were using a home made rig (I think I mentioned this in my 1st or second post).

If they are using their own rig, id be interested in how they are changing the s-off flag. If they are using a riff box.. then they don't really know the system level workings, only the high level stuff the riff box provides.

I am trying to build my own rig using a microcontroller for the interface module and my own code, I just can't find information on the specific instructions that need to be interrupted, or the value of s-on vs s-off.

and, you're not getting on my nerves :)
[HTC Droid DNA] superchaos:
So you hijacked a thread of discounted rate S-Off service to see if there was a code to build your own rig???? WTF?

http://www.jtagbox.com/category/jtag-support/

Go pollute their forums, sheesh! They make the effin box!!!

Here is more! http://www.jtagbox.com/riff-jtag-box-owners-unbrick-your-phone/shops-unbrick-bricked-phone-riff-box-owners-list/#comments Shops where You can unbrick Your bricked phone! RIFF Box owners list.

by admin on Aug.04, 2010, under Unbrick Your phone here !

This is official list of RIFF Box JTAG interface owners.

If You are RIFF Box user, You can post here Your location – Country, City and address. You can also add Your contact info like e-mail, phone number or IM ID.

Format should be as follows :

Your name

Your country, city

Your address

Your Contact details

List of phones You can unbrick is optional.
[HTC Droid DNA] Serinety:
to build my own rig, and share the "how too" to the community. In theory, a purpose built rig like this could be used for any phone, HTC or otherwise, by anyone who has 20 or 30 bucks (for the microcontroller) and a few hours of time. In fact, I predict it to be less labor intensive than replacing a damaged screen.

Riff boxes are great, they are just expensive and over-kill for what we want to do.

As I said, my intent was not to hi-jack, and I apologize it has turned into that. But from what I have read, the discount has already been established, correct?

I'll move this discussion to another post.

You guys realize I'm here to help the community right? If you feel the need to flame me for trying to help, then so be it.. my motivation is not ill willed.
[HTC Droid DNA] Bigandrewgold:
Ok... But you completely hijacked a thread and essentially called a company that is providing a great service for our community "evil" because you couldnt figure out how to s off through jtag and assumed they were "hogging" the method to themselves.

Honestly, your plan about making schematics and a setup for a cheap microcontroller rig for the android community as an alternative to a riff box sounds like a great idea. But go about it the right way. Create yourself a thread for it and ask questions there, and just be respectful. I'm sure a lot of people will be willing to help you.
[HTC Droid DNA] Dri94:
He didn't call them evil or say anything bad. He simply wanted to know how they do it. Now everyone iscompletely over blowing it. I think they hold the right to not release a method but most of you are simply attacking him. Calm down. Have a beer and a seat ??
[HTC Droid DNA] Drakien:
So I am just curious, when a device is S-OFF'd and still has a locked bootloader, do you just use adb and send the unlock command? I haven't had the unique experience of a locked bootloader on a S-OFF device yet.
[HTC Droid DNA] munchy_cool:
When will xda be drama free ,if you don't like it ignore it or report it.

sent from a red beast on sense 5
[HTC Droid DNA] Serinety:
I will do that, I'm just doing a little more research before posting. It appears there is more information out there than I originally found. My initial research into this topic concluded with the DNA does not have jtag pads, and the specific machine code value for s-off (needed if you want to build your own interface) is not available. This led me to believe that MTV got insider info from HTC as to the location of each jtag pad. Finding them without having a data sheet or some kind of reference would not be a trivial process. I drew the conclusion that MTV had this info, but was holding on to it in the interest of revenue (Not necessarily a bad thing, I minored in Business management so I understand the importance of having that competitive edge). I felt that since XDA was becoming, somewhat, an advertising venue for this service (unintentionally), disclosing some specifics of the process would not be an unreasonable request. I certainly did not expect them to do s-offs for free as someone suggested.

Anyway, my intent was never to bash mtv themselves, but rather call them out on their actions which I admittedly misunderstood. I think interpreting that as "evil" is a little bit of a stretch, but Ill own that and apologize. I meant no disrespect to Josh or his service. Some of the responses I received embracing a pay-per-use model put me in defensive mode.. I am a firm believer in open-source information, collaboration, and development. I think some of the confusion comes from what I had in mind of what they were doing, and what other people thought/knew they were doing. As a EE, I tend to think of things at a much lower level, and that caused me to incorrectly derive the conclusion that MTV must know something about this process that is not commonly available. The fact is, they use a RIFF box, which anyone can purchase and use. Aside from some complicated wiring on the PCB itself to make the connection, its more or less straight forward.. this would explain why people were confused about what I was having a problem with. I was thinking of it from a ground up development point.

Anyway, As soon as I get a few responses from some emails I sent out, I'll make a collaboration thread and update my progress on a do-it-yourself jtag box that (mostly) anyone can use.

In the mean time, Add my name to the list of people interested in the group discount. I will need a phone already s-offed to work with. I'll send mine in and compare with my Wifes s-on device.
[HTC Droid DNA] badogg:
Your alright man. I like when someone is able to self reflect like that.
[HTC Droid DNA] djwishbone:
I look forward to it man. Thanks for taking that on. :good:
[HTC Droid DNA] Vinchenzop:
Despite me not needing my phone s-off'ed (one of my generous users actually traded me his s-off phone for my locked down phone so I could enhance the development community), I'd like to comment on your personal involvement in this thread, as I get both sides of the 'arguements'. I can understand your inital reserve about 'josh and co' (mobile tech) "witholding information for personal revenue", but I can also see the other side (josh's stance) about their service, overall.

My sentiments may go without needing said, but I'll speak them anyway. While MTV is (potentially) making a profit on their service...think about the time/effort they are providing. Not particularly their setup (riff-box), but the care/patience they're giving to a fellow users respective device. The precision in not damaging devices ,in itself, during the process is worth the (discounted) price alone. I've taken apart a few devices, and have done fairly well in reducing visable blemishes, but the few screenshots that have been posted in this thread alone, shows quite well, the 'expertise', taken in just dismantling the phone, itself.

While this community is based on sharing information/knowledge, there are also many unfortunate circumstances where someone that was given that knowledge, would exploit it for their own personal gain. If MTV had certain trade-secrets, and shared them publically, then I would guarantee you that someone would 'undercut their price' just to make a quick buck...while muffing a few phones with their greedy intentions.

I'd personally like to think that they might be withholding their personal techniques (if any), to even protect people interested in this s-off method from sending their device to an inexperienced person, that is just out to make a few bucks.

As nice as a 'free s-off service' might sound, it's impractical. Many developers share the things with the community that 'they are already going to do to their own device'. But, unlike using the free dsixda kitchen, apktool, and other scripts/software...MTV (and similar companies) have purchased hardware that does cost money. I've put countless hours into the ROMs/mods that I've released, but I have never paid a cent for the software/tools that I've used to make them...whereas they (MTV) has.

While I can appreciate your ultimate goal (to figure out and release a 'how-to'), it may also be reckless. Many people, who think they're qualified' will be opening their device, attempting to solder (even with solder-patches) pins, and at best, bricking their device, if not completely cross-circuiting things and damaging their device beyond repair.

This whole thread is an effort towards an alternate method that, while it may cost you $30-$40, is an 'out of hand' chance to get their device unlocked. Don't take offense, as I am not trying offend/attack your comments...I'm just speaking my peace on the matter.

~Vinchenzop
[HTC Droid DNA] badogg:
Post office tried to deliver to MTV this morning. said business closed left notice. They will try again monday right?
[HTC Droid DNA] mademan420:
Yeah they will. Same thing happened to mine last weekend:thumbup:
[HTC Droid DNA] v335690:
Wow I get busy with work and miss all the drama here LOL.
[HTC Droid DNA] djfaka:
I am also interested.
[HTC Droid DNA] karn101:
Serenity, I totally understand you man. You've just got to know when to leave it alone. Forums are like that. It just isn't the same as if you were in person.

Just leave it be. People will troll. It is what it is.
[HTC Droid DNA] v335690:
time is running out. had almost 60 show interest and less then 20 have taken advantage.
[HTC Droid DNA] Technogen:
Update your first post, not everyone is willing or knows to read through 15 pages of "I'm in" just to find out how much it is and who to contact. Update the title while you're at it.
[HTC Droid DNA] v335690:
I would but I'm out of town and only have iffy cell service.....maybe someone can copy and paste it for me....
[HTC Droid DNA] CharliesTheMan:
I agree with this. I've been following the thread fairly close and as I read the OP, what comes to mind is that since it hasn't been updated with different information, this is still something being considered or "in the works" but hasn't been confirmed or panned out. So I'm sure that especially since I spend a few more hours a day than the majority of people on the forums and see it that way people who spend less time on the forums may feel that way.

Also, I'm the kind of person that doesn't shop for something I can't have. I don't go to Best Buy to look at an item I know I can't afford, I don't go car shopping unless I'm ready to walk up and pay cash to buy it outright, etc.

So if I was stocked and locked, the last thing I'd personally want to do is spend time everyday reading about all the great things available to people other than myself lol.

So once the OP and title is updated, I'm thinking that people will glance every now and then and see it. Of course for different reasons, the number of people who said they would do it if it happened will be high and the number of people that actually do it will be less. It's kind of like soliciting donations for charity. You can send out a post card for people to return where they pledge how much they will donate that year. It's real cheap to check the little box and sign that you're pledging something. But if they had to check the little box and attach money with it, statistically there would be a lot less post cards returned.
[HTC Droid DNA] GTabJosh:
I for one am trying to figure out how to replace my phone while it's gone. If I'm given a deadline, though, I'll send it in by that date. I won't back out, but a deadline would be helpful.

Edit:

I'll pay now if I can send in my phone even a month from now. Is that possible? I'm committed.
[HTC Droid DNA] CapitalM3:
Very interested. I just dropped my phone so I'm wondering if I could get a better rate for JTAG and screen replacement at the same time.
[HTC Droid DNA] jkbarryatl:
Some of us need time to figure out how we can switch to a different phone for a few days. I too would pay now and just ship my devices later.
[HTC Droid DNA] djwishbone:
After you pay your account just goes into "waiting for shipment", so I'm sure that would be fine. However, checking with Josh first might be best.
[HTC Droid DNA] wakkadojo:
Sorry for not updating!

I sent my phone in, MTV received it yesterday.
[HTC Droid DNA] CharliesTheMan:
Contact Josh and ask about screen replacement. I busted mine around the first of March and they werent doing screen replacement.

However since then they have exploded in popularity on the DNA scene and may have some parts phones laying around.

If you don't mind send me a PM if you talk to them and they are replacing screens now.
[HTC Droid DNA] daytonahemi08:
Is today the last day?? Still haven't gotten my phone back from HTC! Ima call and see if I can buy today and ship later
[HTC Droid DNA] eakeller:
I'm sure they're OK if you pay now and never send in your device. When you go through the checkout, there is no statement of how long you have to ship.

Sent via Note2 with XDA Premium
[HTC Droid DNA] amstaffdoggy:
J-Tag Group Rate

Used the yesterday and gave me $10.00 off the unlock service. Paid for Express Return shipping so we will see how long it takes. I shipped yesterday overnight. I will keep you updated. Fingers crossed ;)
[HTC Droid DNA] badfishie:
Get mine today. Whats the cost running now for the discount plus shipping?

Well just put in my order...waiting for deatils....cant wait to get this rooted and load a custom rom and all the goodies.....
[HTC Droid DNA] orateam:
So from what i'm reading, 20 people are doing it, so $2.50 off?
[HTC Droid DNA] v335690:
sorry out of town. today is the last day bit we can extend it a few days I'm told. I still haven't done it yet and need to pay.
[HTC Droid DNA] GTabJosh:
Is the IMEI field just the last four digits or the whole shebang?
[HTC Droid DNA] ocman40:
I sent them the whole field.
[HTC Droid DNA] badogg:
Yep, same here. You need to enter the entire number
[HTC Droid DNA] Jokersplaymate:
To bad I didnt see this sooner- ugh and just like others they do it before pay day lol. I suppose this is closed now correct?
[HTC Droid DNA] lucky_strike33:
Try and do it now. Put the code in your order. See what happens
[HTC Droid DNA] badfishie:
So i shipped my DNA off today. Used the code yesterday and it worked just fine. I did the $45 ($35 with discount) option. When I get it back do i just go to htcdev.com to unlock boot loader and install customer recovery then rom?
[HTC Droid DNA] bakemcbride21:
Post #197 in this thread "Using JTAG S-OFF Service with 2.04 Firmware" it's currently on page 2 of the General.
[HTC Droid DNA] badogg:
FYI guys as I don't remember reading about this in the thread. I contacted MTV to get an eta on when to anticipate my device getting returned to me and being they only got 21 of the 60 for the group rate they were holding the phone until they got 60 for the free shipping to send it back. Understandable, and I had to pay 7.50 for shipping and they are sending it back today.

While understandable, I only wish they would have communicated that ahead of time instead of just holding it, but not a huge deal.
[HTC Droid DNA] badfishie:
I just sent this to them in an email no names just the text) asking if they are holding them all and if we need to pay more to get it shipped back sooner.. I will post what they reply to me here. i dont think either is right since thats not how it was advertised but its only $7.50