yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
This plan is currently in the works and by no means confirmed working. Once confirmed I'll outline detailed methods, and possibly sell working units to the masses if nobody beats me to it. More on the concept further down.

Currently Bell is charging $15/month for 2MB of data! That's right megabytes not gigabytes.

Anyways, I'm not here to sell anything really. I just want cheap free data usage. I live and breath around open access WIFI hotspots, and I know this phone supports it. Not to mention the Touch is a great buy ($0 upfront).

So while my 2MB plan is crap, I can use it when I'm not around WIFI.

This post goes out to customers of BELL Mobility (Canada) and SPRINT(USA).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon proceeding with this "mod", I make two assumptions:

1. The WIFI circuit and antenna are non-existent within CDMA chipsets, which leaves room for more memory than the GSM version of Touch.

2. The WIFI chip and antenna ARE existent but the issued ROMs ignore it's function for annoyance purposes.

Now that's out of the way, here's the concept.

1. Log onto fleebay and Purchase a normal size SD WIFI card with some internal memory of course :cool:

2. Mod an obsolete microSD card to carry the pin configuration over to the standard sized WIFI SD card, using thin ribbon cable as the raceway.

With this type of mod, you could close the battery door, and side panel. Of course there will be external circuitry hanging out. I'm planning on adhering it to the back of the door somehow to keep the phone looking cool!

There you have it, a modded Touch which can carry over WIFI capabilities externally.
[Touch CDMA General] xDarKnighTx:
Was thinking the same thing yesterday. But instead of building a SD-to-microSD adapter, I believe there is already one out there:

http://www.ameri-rack.com/APA-TFC1m.html

Not sure how to purchase from them though...

Also, would you think this mod would work with this? because basically this is what I want, as I have unlimited data (but I don't like WM's browser):

http://www.youtubetoipod.biz/guide/turn-your-ipod-toucn-into-a-3g-iphone.html
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
I think you are referring to the Ipod Touch which is a great device. But I am referring to the HTC touch CDMA version which is a device already sold as a phone without any mods of course. Big difference, Microsoft and Mac difference.

Although everything I described relates to the first link you posted. That is exactly what I have in mind. I had no idea someone beat me to a full out production version.

I would buy that for $100 even though it would be worth $5 or less in mass produced parts. If they want more than $100 for that extender, I'll build my own and flaunt it at the Bell shop.

But as far as I'm concerned, thanks xDarKnighTx for the link!

Aside from that, there already is a microSD wifi card prototype out there which sticks out like a sore thumb. Good luck closing the battery door and side panel.
[Touch CDMA General] imdarkside:
wifi

wifi has been one of my peeves about the touch. from what i have read the hardware in the phone does not exist so i think its safe to say the rom is not the problem releasing wifi. a hardware adaption does not seem that far off. i know the microsd card wifi has been rumored but either does not exist or it is crap. supposed the mini sd wifi card was crap. your theory is to go microsd to sd and then sd wifi?

my thinking was a usb plug in for wifi. a plug in antenae that way would be easy to put in and take out. i thought for sure some mfg would already have created one. maybe the usb circuitry prevents this?
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
To sum up - microSD ---> to SD ---> to Wifi.

USB Wifi would be a great option and has been done before with earlier PDA's. Not sure about any success with the HTC Touch though.

UPDATE:

I Just purchased a Spectec 802.11b Wifi SD Card for a good price. There is no internal memory on this chip. If I get it working then I'll spend more money and upgrade to a WIFI chip with memory.

Now for the microSD mod...
[Touch CDMA General] Antboy:
Just an FYI re: Bell's data plans.

Not that I'm against WiFi, but unlimited internet through Bell is only $15/m.

Quoting Bell.ca:

"The Fun 15 bundle includes Call Display, Message Centre Express, 200 sent text, picture and video messages, unlimited received messages and Unlimited Mobile Browser."

They've been offering this package for quite some time, and it's applicable to Bell's Touch.

What Bell DOESN'T make 100% clear (though if you go to their stores they will), is that internally Bell doesn't count the Touch as a smartphone because it doesn't have a full qwerty keyboard.

A few people asked me how I could afford data on Bell, as they were looking at the "Internet for Windows/Palm" type plans. Two of those friends went out and signed up with Bell. :D

The most I've moved through my Bell Touch in one month is 6.5 gigs (first month playing around), and never saw any overages, though most months I'm just shy of the 1gig mark. This works with Opera for full-html rendering, Newsbreak for RSS and podcast download as well as email.

Just one thing: don't tether your phone to a laptop through the standard WM tethering app or you'll probably get hit with a hefty bill (as it's mobile browsing only).

NOTE: I don't work for Bell, and don't particularly like them, but I'm definitely a happy customer with the data plan, because it's nationwide no roaming charges for data, and it's worked for me in Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec with no problems.
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
UPDATE:

I sent an email to AMERI-RACK expecting them only to ship the APA-TFC1 in bulk.

Good news, we have a microSD to SD adapter for only 26.75 plus shipping. You just have to email their support team with your address and request this device like I did.

To sum up this thread

The Wifi equation for the CDMA Touch:

AMERI-RACK's APA-TFC1 to link an SD-WIFI card - Thanks xDarKnighTx for the link

A SD WIFI card with memory which supports WM6 at least

Possible home brew ROM with WIFI drivers found in the connection manager

*I'm hoping there's a quick way around enabling WIFI on the software side. Anyone's input is appreciated.

That's not what I was told in the store, they put me on a $15 2MB DATA plan which covers your browsing, email and downloads. Can someone else confirm this true who signed up recently like I did (few days ago).
[Touch CDMA General] guardianfox:
I asked for the $15 Fun Bundle when I was phone shopping a few weeks ago. The store manager said it was only available with certain packages, with certain phones, and all of the packages she mentioned were available ONLY if you get a contract.

I bought a cheapie phone somewhere else after that... Their best offer was nearly double my old phone bill with Telus.
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
My apologies,

I'm not on the $15 2MB Data Plan. They set me up with Bell's "Fun 15" which includes unlimited browser, message center, callerID, and a few text messages. And apparently the Touch falls in this category.

I heard in a message board that certain programs (like possibly google maps / live mail) call in data as if it were a browser session. Meaning the application's DATA transfer counts towards your unlimited browser. At the same time, other programs call it in as if it were configured as a tethered modem connection where you get charged by the megabyte.

Confusing!

Anyway, I'm going ahead with my WIFI plan and will keep everyone updated with any progress.
[Touch CDMA General] Bacchus416:
I've been using a full modded HTC Touch with absolutely no issues with my data plans.

I was confused at first, and was told different things by different bell reps. Some told me that I required a special data plan to use a smart phone - and that the HTC Touch didn't use that phone as it wasn't a true "smart phone".

Then, I was told that the only data that I wouldn't be charged for is data loaded through the regular browser - This was quickly debunked.

I've used all types of services for over 1.5 months now. From streaming vide to Google Maps, to downloading music - Nothing has been charged as bandwidth. Mind you, i have an old data plan where I got unlimited 1X browsing and data (it used to be $5 - but I now get it for free ;)) - so that's the main reason i got the touch in the first place - the potential for modification and it's use of the 1X network.
[Touch CDMA General] xDarKnighTx:
I think you've misunderstood my intention. I want to set up the HTC Vogue to transmit its internet through wifi, so that my ipod touch (or laptop) can connect to it.

Would you think that's possible with the SD wifi card?
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
That makes sense, so you have both the HTC Touch and IPOD Touch. :cool:

In order for a program like WMWifiRouter to turn your phone into a WIFI hotspot, there needs to be a few things in place.

My only challenge right now is enabling WIFI options in the COMM MANAGER. I'll experiment with different homebrew ROMS cautiously, and hope the SD WIFI drivers do all of the work for me.

UPDATE:

All of the hardware required is being shipped right now including the APA-TFC1 microSD adapter as well as a standard size WIFI card. Total cost right now $55-$60.
[Touch CDMA General] c--b:
I thought I'd just confirm that Bell handles the Vouge as a regular cellphone (No extra PDA charges), also the unlimited data plan (Mine was $7 a month) is great. I've been using opera 9.2 (Whatever the newest one is) which loads pages just like a desktop pc, as well was downloading music, AVGN videos, whole SCUMM games (700MBs), using google maps and GPS and have not been charged an extra cent. It really is a great plan, and an awesome phone; definitely why I bought it.

Now all I have to do is work out how to hack tethering, not that I have much of a use for it right now.
[Touch CDMA General] Shadowmite:
Just in case you might want to persue a different route, the cdma htc touch actually has a pinout for the full size SD card on the mainboard, it's unknown if it's wired parallel to the microsd slot or not, but being SPI devices, it might very well be... :)
[Touch CDMA General] mbg19:
ya people have the great data plan with bell ya should work out something for sprint our cheapest data plan is $15:mad:
[Touch CDMA General] csbert:
Ok, the SD wifi card is a very old idea. Just not gonna work. Yes, you will get internet but each time you want you have to search for access point, chose the right one, ... It just won't work in most case. Another problem is if you do have access to wifi, you normally will have access to a laptop.

Anyway, I am using Bell $7 unlimited Internet for a year now. I don't know why you need to pay $15 for 2MB. The $7 unlimited plan is really open. I am a software developer so I know how much data I used.
[Touch CDMA General] Antboy:
I've tried tethering to my EEE PC (running Win XP) using PDA Net from http://www.junefabrics.com/pdanet/index.php with no billing overages. It's a $35 program, but does have a trial available for testing. It worked for me when I tested it up at the cottage, and worked from out of province as well.
[Touch CDMA General] xDarKnighTx:
thirteenthcell, any updates on this?
[Touch CDMA General] superx10:
So, maybe to keep this from showing outside of the case. Can you get the extended battery cover and hide all of those guts(microsd adapter and sdwifi card) underneath it, if it works.
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
UPDATE:

I would like to make myself clear on a few things, and apologize in advance for any confusion.

When I bought my Vogue three weeks ago, I didn't realize it had "Unlimited data" as a bundle. This confusion was mainly due to their confusing rate plans and classification of the Vogue.

Therefore, I was initially ticked that I would have to pay $15 for 2 megabytes. This case is not true because Bell classifies the Vogue as a regular "dumbphone".

There you have my reasoning for wanting Wifi on this phone, not realizing I could freely use DATA on the phone under a small unlimited data bundle.

There is another reason for wanting Wifi:

Tethering

There are posts out there claiming to get "stealth" tethering where your phone carrier doesn't realize your laptop is connected and sees it as a normal internal cellular data connection. This seems to be a whole new thread as far as I'm concerned, so I'll stick with the plain old getting the WIFI working on the Vogue.

Right now the micro SD --> SD adapter is confirmed working.

Proof: I took pictures of this mod with a digital camera and immediately swapped the SD card into the adapter's slot. I was then able to use my phone to access the standard SD card.

The Wifi card isn't working. This has to do with the stock ROM and or Registry entries. I need to go over the registry perhaps.

Any help with registry settings is greatly appreciated.
[Touch CDMA General] Gochris:
hmm, data for this phone on Bell is $7, and you can tether for free using any custom rom.
[Touch CDMA General] Spyderekz:
I like where this is headed. Sadly im still learning the registry settings for HTC Touch, but perhaps googling some generic guides will work?
[Touch CDMA General] smopoim86:
You may be able to do some modding and fit it internal. If you look to the left of the micro sd slot(screen facing up) there is a ton of space in the phone. (looks like where a full size sd would go. You would have to cut a bit of plastic, but i'm willing to bet there's enough space.
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
Thanks for the positive feedback.

The problem with the CDMA rom releases has to do with the absence of wifi within the comm manager. I can't bring this Spectec wifi card to life. Therefore if Spectec released its microsd wifi card, a lot of Vogue owners would be furious with the lack of plug and play. Spectic's wifi drivers also stopped supporting newer WM OS with their built in utility which helps your device connect to a network.

I'm doubting the possibility of wifi on this phone altogether. Sorry folks.
[Touch CDMA General] jscadet:
Thanks for trying!

I've been watching your progress with interest. I don't have a Vogue, but have been thinking of experimenting on my Blackjack II (AT&T) with the very same setup which you attempted. Do you think that WM 6.1 would support this card? I'm suprised that this has not been attempted (or at least discussed) more online. I was "waiting in the wings" hoping that someone would trailblaze this so that I could reap the benefits. I thank you for your attempt - perhaps I should give it a shot as well on my Blackjack II?!
[Touch CDMA General] thirteenthcell:
Thanks jscadet, I've come to realize that the hardware alone isn't the problem.

If I were more development savvy I could cook a specific rom and look deeper into solving this problem. The GSM ELF (vogue's sister phone running sim cards) has WIFI. I could possibly merge the elf's comm manager into a Vogue rom possibly?!? I wouldn't know where to start.

If you would like to pioneer this mod, good luck. It only cost me $50 approx in hardware which isn't so bad as the phone was $0 upfront after promotions. You could even hide this mod using an oversized battery cover.

At best, I now have a microSD to SD card adapter which I can use as an "external hard drive" for large capacity SD cards lol.

I found a great deal of interest in bringing WIFI to these phones, and along with posters who think I'm nuts as there is already unlimited data through the cell phone's radio.

To fuel my argument, I'm under the impression that WIFI consumes less power, not by a large amount. But any additional life I can get out of a charge is handy while streaming a radio feed.

I'm finished with experimenting with ROMS for a while, and will look forward to any registry / rom ideas in future posts.
[Touch CDMA General] imdarkside:
wifi

its interesting how mostly juniors have posted on this thread. i guess the tech savy seniors have already seen a deadend with wifi on this phone. most of these threads on wifi have lead to discussions on data packages... duh if i wanted to pay for data i would and not think about wifi. sorry to see you give up on wifi. it may be hardware limited. software would come if the hardware was a possibility. the technology is leaving the touch anyways and moving onward to the diamond and beyond. my next phone will have wifi...
[Touch CDMA General] csbert:
I know that making the Spectec card won't be easy because I used to use one on a WM5 device and it wasn't practical at all.

In the spirit of hacking and making things better, I am wondering what bus is the card reader is on? Is there possibility of having two cards at the same time and house the external one using the extra thick housing for battery?
[Touch CDMA General] gbueh:
no the vogue does not have wifi.... yes you can sd wifi it. yes you can use a adapter and the right drivers.... I HAVE WIFI IN MY COMM MANAGER SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR GUYS PROBLEM IS. it works and it works well thanks... but a external wifi is impractical but totally functional. i getting the touch pro next week... but with unlimited internet when will i use wifi other then to sync with my laptop,,,, the touch originally was offered with the unlimited internet for $7,,,, no tethering.,,,, or with a fun bundle. it is bells only pda type of phone to offer this price or functionality. it was a bells way of getting people to not buy a crappy iphone. next time you want to knock down a iphone user... ask him to play music or surf the internet. what you can't do both at the same time|???? aww.. the iphone can't do anything at the same time. just like crackberry and palm version os's.....
[Touch CDMA General] xDarKnighTx:
Mind if you give us a little more info on how you got WIFI on your comm manager? which driver did you use, and which sd adapter did you use?

And also, are you able to tether your phone's internet via wifi?
[Touch CDMA General] dude4:
sorry for resurrecting the dead

but i wondered

with android taking off on a the vogue would the Spectec or another microSD wifi adapter work?

if so that makes this potentially worthwhile
[Touch CDMA General] hexto:
I've been barking up this tree for two years not. Spectec card is too big and the drivers were not included so it never worked. If you guys get this working I'll be impressed as hell :)
[Touch CDMA General] egzthunder1:
I guess if you add the drivers into the OEM prior to cooking, it might just work. The comm mgr will only display options that it has drivers for (I don't believe that there are multiple versions of this for CDMA or GSM.... I think)...
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] coilbio:
Hey guys, so I used googles flash tool to update December patch and it keeps failing at writing to phone 1 of 11.

It's now in a bootloop but can access fastboot.

Ive tried to completely reset the phone manually using adb but it fails. It just doesn't work and aborts basically the phone rejects all data transmission.

What am I doing wrong or can I get a more detailed way to reset the phone completely.

-Edit-

I was also rooted and was following the guide for rooted December 12.

The main error is

(Error reading sparse file)
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] fonix232:
Why did you use the flash tool? General recommendation is, as long as you're running stock, just use the full OTA packages.

For the flash tool to be usable you need to OEM unlock your phone (while it's in a working state!).

If you can access fastboot you should be able to access recovery as well, where you can flash the full OTA, which should fix your issue.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] coilbio:
Because I'm rooted and recovery doesn't work.

I should have just done it manually instead of the flash tool method published here.

I just don't get why the system image isn't flashing now, the bootloader and radio flash work, but not the actual update. It's the correct version and all.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] mclarence:
If the online flash tool isn't working for you, download the factory image from google's website and use the flash-all.bat to flash the device. Ensure that you modify the flash-all.bat file to not wipe data before running. This can be done by modifying one line in the file. Which is the following:

fastboot -w update image-raven-....zip

to

fastboot update --disable-verity --disable-verification image-raven-....zip

When flashing ensure that phone is in bootloader first.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] coilbio:
So I got it to work after several hours. Literally just worked after trying another Google USB cable that was USB c to USB c, or maybe it worked cause of something else. Not sure, I don't like how finicky pixels have become. I discovered it's sometimes a luck thing when it wants to flash or not according to many people when searching the internet for solutions.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] holla420:
So i got a lil problem. i updated the pixel 6 pro to december update but upon booting up it says your phone is corrupted and sits at the google bootup screen. i can still use fastboot and whatnot but every img i tried i get the same message and it sits again?
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] Alekos:
edit---

first try this method that was posted - sometimes you can save your phone this way. if that doesn't work: you can download the factory image and remove the "-w" command in the flash-all.bat file (save it properly) - this will prevent wiping your phone. you'll need adb/fastboot tool and drivers. if you need help with this just reply.

if that doesn't work, you can go this route (but it will wipe your phone) you can use the "flash" link on the factory image page here. if you press the "flash" link in blue, it will take you to the correct build at flash.android.com (click on the build version 12.0.0 (SD1A.210817.037, Nov 2021) - that's the one that worked for me.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] holla420:
ok the problem im havin is it sstill sayinbg courrpt. it cant be trusted and may not work
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] V0latyle:
What method did you use to update? Are you rooted? If so, what version of Magisk did you use?
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] holla420:
no root, just unlocked bootloader i manually installed using adb
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] V0latyle:
Use the Android Flash Tool to flash the latest December update. Don't check any of the boxes.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] holla420:
ayye thanks this method worked
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] Az Biker:
You'll always get this message upon reboot once the bootloader is unlock.

It's normal, and you can disregard it entirely (unless you want the absolutely most secure device possible, then you should lock the bootloader, and this message will go away)
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] holla420:
oh i know but this was a different message. it was in red and wouldnt boot pass the bootup screen,
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] A.Priori:
sounds like a user error; if it's fixed you might want to update your first post with solutions in case others have similar issues.
[Google Pixel 6 Pro] roirraW "edor" ehT:
There are definitely better and worse USB-C cables. I've successfully fully flashed my P6P connected to a powered USB-A (3.2 Gen 2) Hub in one room through a USB extension cable 10-15 feet from my computer in another room. The hub and the extension cable are reasonably "robust", and I've found them reliable, but they're not particularly reputable name brands by any means. The USB-A -> USB-C cable I have connected to that hub is from my old HTC 10, too. :D
[General Questions and Answers] fritz42_male:
Hi, I have one of these tablets that came out of a kitchen showroom (legally - I work for that company) and was supplied pre-loaded etc. The company that supplied it have disbanded that department and I am unable to get access to the Google account that set it up (the company don't even know the account name). Is there any way to reload the OS to bypass the accont check? This is all legal and I have permission to do anything I want to the tablet. I'd hate to bin it just because it is locked to a specific account with no way to retrieve that account.

I managed to reset the tablet but as soon as it gets a network connection, it wants me to sign in which I am obviously unable to do.