[Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Khizar:
AK Kernel FAQs

​

Q1) What are custom kernels? What are the benefits of using custom kernels?

A kernel is basically the bridge between the software and hardware. Whenever you command your phone to do something (launching an app), the software sends that request to the hardware which in turn, makes the launching of the app possible. Custom kernels for Android are unofficial creations of independent developers. Unlike the kernels that OEMs make, custom kernels offer more modifications that allow you to tweak your phone in every possible way.

Benefits Of Installing Custom Kernels

You can benefit from having better control of your device. These options are most helpful for users who want to maximize the full potential of their phone or perhaps want to extend their device's battery life. Below are some of the benefits of installing custom kernels.

-Adjust CPU frequencies and set profiles like OnDemand, Battery Saving, etc.

-Underclock and overclock CPU speeds

-Underclock and overclock GPU speeds

-Adjust voltage

-Adjust touch screen sensitivity

-Equip your phone with BLN (backlight notifications)

-Custom recovery that allows backups and restorations of entire ROMs as well as installation of .zip files

-Minimum screen brightness pushed past the limitations of stock kernel

-Conserve battery (with the right settings

Q2) Where can I get the AK kernel and which one should I flash?

The latest kernel is always linked in the OP.

Q3) How do I make changes to my kernel settings? (ex: voltages, fastcharge, etc.)

Download the Trickster Mod from the Google Play store.

Q4) Can I use AK on xxxxx rom?

AK is known to work on any rom based on AOSP, AOKP, CM10, ChameleonOS, and KickFlip.

Q5) How do I install it coming from another kernel?

TWRP is the prefered recovery, although CWM recovery may also work.

The ideal way to install AK, especially if you are coming from another kernel, is to do the following.

Wipe cache and dalvik cache

Wipe /system

Re-flash your ROM

Flash AK

Fix permissions in recovery (this may take up to a minute or two)

Reboot

Q6) Do I need to wipe cache/dalvik/battery stats/etc if I'm just installing the kernel onto a previous AK version?

No, download and flash away. Only wipe battery stats if your battery percentages are off. Do not believe the myth that doing so will increase your battery life.

Q7) Do I need to run any other apps like SetCPU or equivalent?

No, if you plan to install and run Trickster Mod, please uninstall any other apps that may interfere with your CPU settings. If you are still running into problems (ex: reboots, FCs, etc.) please check your /etc/init.d directory for any left over scripts from other rom or kernels. These may interfere with how AK operates.

Q8) What is Smart Reflex? What is FSync? What is Thermal Throttling?

Smart Reflex is used to scale your voltages. Voltage will be increased or decreased when required. If you are overclocking, disable SR to have access to higher clock speeds.

FSync is a system call that can be toggled on to write buffers to disk (slow) or toggled off (fast) for performance. FSync defaults to on in the linux kernels, the option to disable it exists but it is advised to use this with caution. COMPLETE data corruption could occur if the phone crashes with fsync disabled.

Thermal throttling protects your CPU from overheating. If you are benchmarking, turn this option off to prevent throttling of the CPU that can cause lower scores. Just remember to re-enable it afterwards. Bear in mind that at 110C, the CPU will shut down no matter what. It is not advised to disable thermal throttling, however the option exists for those enthusiasts who are aware of the risk of permanent hardware damage. Please take the necessary precautions!

Q9) What is the sleep of death (SoD)?

You turn the screen off, when you want to pick it up, you can not wake it up.

There is no blinking notification and when you call it, there is no ringing or vibration. When you press and hold power, it does not turn on, otherwise it was OFF.

If you play a game and it reboots, or freezes. That is NOT a SoD.

Q10) Can xxxxx option be implemented in AK?

Feel free to request features within this thread or the dev thread. Whether or not it gets implemented is up to Stefano.

Q11) I want to keep my Rom's bootanimation, why does AK kernel keep trolling me?

The boot animation by Ciprian is hardcoded so it cant be changed.

Q12) How is battery life?

No one can predict your usage. However, most folks are getting great screen on time and performance.

Q13) I just experienced a reboot, how can I help to pinpoint the problem?

Open up terminal emulator and issue the command:

Code:

cat /proc/last_kmsg > /sdcard/last_kmsg.txt

Take this last_kmsg.txt file and show it to Stefano in this thread. It's suggested to copy the contents and use something like pastebin instead of spamming the thread with your log.

Any other things that should stand in the FAQ? Did I make some horrible language mistakes? Write me a PM or post in this thread.

=============================

Credits

-

Stefano - for this great kernel :good:

GideonX - for letting me use this format and some of the question from his post :good: