[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II] SGBE:
Preface:

Although I have been "reading the mail" for a while, I am a new member so I cannot put this in the same thread as the existing wireless mod this is meant to update. Likewise, I cannot link to my pictures directly until I get at least 10 posts submitted so the smaller attached versions will have to do for now. With that said, I see many people are not happy about the lack of native wireless charging support in regards to the T-Mobile Note II (T889). With over 18 years of engineering experience and a T889 myself, I decided to investigate this issue. After 10+ hours of tearing down my own Note II and trying many of the options others have already attempted, I have a few findings.

A. The core design of the T889 is the same as the i317 and N7100. Samsung even uses a mixture of the various device parts to make the T889; including the main system board.

B. The only obvious difference looks to be the actual core processor, which has the hard coded framework (similar to a BIOS) that controls the fundamental parameters of the radio and device capabilities. This framework also takes presentence over any middleware ROM loaded on to the device so there is only so much that can be modified (liberated) without causing too many underlying issues. This method of development is common when creating customized versions of a device for multiple clients while also making sure the FCC part 15 type acceptance regulations here in the USA are adhered to without resubmitting each device multiple times for each client version.

C. In the case of the T889, I believe the ability to facilitate the 802.11 calling feature (either ON or OFF) cost the device its ability to also allow for wireless inductive charging. It may be the stray RFI created by both functions operating at the same time would either not pass FCC type acceptance or the device was never originally type accepted with both features enabled at the same time. Regardless, my overall conclusion is the wireless charging feature in the T889 is disabled on the hardware level and there is no cost effective nor reasonable way to change this.

Other notes:

The above may also explain why the N7100 USB charging board swap doesn't work and why the T889 crashes when loading the home screen; even if a N7100/i317 ROM is loaded on the device. It looks like the processor and/or power management chip is hard-coded to poll the little logic chip on the T889 and i317 charging boards regardless of the ROM. If it does not see that chip (the case with the N7100 USB charging board), it cries foul and triggers a reset (shut down) command. So, it is what it is and we must "skin the cat" a different way.[see image usb_cb_lg.png]

Updated Mod:

The current wireless mod to enable inductance charging on the T889 is a great option, but while ripping my T889 apart, one action item I wanted to do was see if I could make the modification easier and cleaner at the same time. I believe I have achieved this. With my version of the modification, the distance from point A to point B has been reduced to less than 45mm and there is no need to remove or navigate a conductive trace from the charging board/speaker housing assembly. With that said, let's begin. - :cool:

* Please proceed at your own risk knowing that you will most likely void your warranty performing this mod. I nor anyone else will be held responsible if you fail to perform this modification correctly and physically damage your device. You have been warned.

- This procedure requires the use of the following tools:

1. A non-conductive and clean work space such as a wood table or natural stone counter top.

2. A soft micro-fiber cloth or pad to lay the device on while working on it.

3. A multi-meter capable of reading resistance in Ohms and DC voltage.

4. A small razor blade.

5. A #0 Phillips head precision screw driver.

6. A small plate to keep the fasteners secure while working.

7. Common case separating pick

8. A professional temperature controlled soldering iron with a pencil tip no larger than 2mm in width – set to no more than 725̊ F.

9. A small roll of rosin core 60/40 solder.

10. 45mm of AWG-30 [0.01" / 0.255mm] or similar sold core vinyl sleeved wire.

11. Fine tip tweezers.

12. Experience and patience.

Now, the good stuff! :cool:

- The new location to tap into the +5VDC is on the (+) side of the zener diode located just north

of where the charging board header connector feeds the main system board. Form there, it is only 40mm to the positive voltage side of the wireless charging contacts. [see images t889wcmsp.png and t889_wmod_a.jpg]

- This is how is should look like once done... [see image t889_wmod_b.jpg]

- Note the small compression mark caused on the wire when I first tested the casing reassembly. This can be rectified by carefully cutting a small "V" shaped groove in the casing fastener hole cross member. This will also facilitate a 1-2mm gap guide on the inside of the casing wall once reassembly is complete. [see image t889_wmod_c.jpg]

Once done, install your compliant (5vDC @ 1000mAh) inductance receiver plate and you are good to go with a clean voltage line that will be reliable and allow you to charge the T889 via any QI compliant charging pad such as the one made for the Samsung S4.

Have fun and be safe,

Scott

Bye the way, I have also attached a pic (see image t889pcb_sm.png) showing both sides of the T889 main system board with a message on where to get the higher definition version. It is very enlightening regarding what makes up the T889 and what I have been talking about.​