Blackberry to Epic 4G and a Mac user - Did I make a mistake

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Hi Folks,

I want to vent some frustration that I'm having with my new Epic 4G. I got it free at BestBuy. I come from a Blackberry Tour.

Here is what I want my Epic 4G to do to compete with my Blackberry:

1. Customizable LED Notifications
2. Caleandar reminders that vibrate periodically until cleared

How can I get this to happen?

From what I've been seeing, Android is indeed highly fragmented. The LED software that I found on the Android markets works for this phone but not that phone.

What follows is my rant, and I'd love to see people's take on this:

You need to have this ROM installed. Make sure you root. Stick left root in right hole. Turn topwise, TOPWISE [\B] mind you, or else you will have bricked your phone and be stuck without a phone for the duration of your 2 year contract. Pressing the wrong button when booting your phone into House Of Cards mode will fire nuclear missiles at Norway.

Want Gingerbread? Ha. Too bad. Or else... try to install a custom ROM.

What custom ROMs are there? Well there's the popular cyanomod. It's not stable on the epic 4g.

Oh that's not true. Most of the bugs are worked out. Sometimes the GPS doesn't work. Oh and also the letter 'e' is ignored. Just a minor bug.

Now ok, fine. I'll take a stab at installing a custom ROM.

I'm told I need ODIN.

Oh great, ODIN is only for Windoze. Ok fine, I'll install Windoze via Parallels.

What's that? ODIN doesn't work for Parallels, pity.

Try the heimlich maneuver or heimdall or whatever the hell this is.

Oh, what's that? Heimdall can't find a compatible device?

<END RANT>

Ok. So what should I do?

How can I get the two items in my numbered list accomplished on this device?

How can I also get custom ROMs installed on my epic with my mac?


Am I crazy?

 

[Paul627g]

Hi Folks,

I want to vent some frustration that I'm having with my new Epic 4G. I got it free at BestBuy. I come from a Blackberry Tour.

Here is what I want my Epic 4G to do to compete with my Blackberry:

1. Customizable LED Notifications
2. Caleandar reminders that vibrate periodically until cleared

How can I get this to happen?

From what I've been seeing, Android is indeed highly fragmented. The LED software that I found on the Android markets works for this phone but not that phone.

What follows is my rant, and I'd love to see people's take on this:

You need to have this ROM installed. Make sure you root. Stick left root in right hole. Turn topwise, TOPWISE [\B] mind you, or else you will have bricked your phone and be stuck without a phone for the duration of your 2 year contract. Pressing the wrong button when booting your phone into House Of Cards mode will fire nuclear missiles at Norway.

Want Gingerbread? Ha. Too bad. Or else... try to install a custom ROM.

What custom ROMs are there? Well there's the popular cyanomod. It's not stable on the epic 4g.

Oh that's not true. Most of the bugs are worked out. Sometimes the GPS doesn't work. Oh and also the letter 'e' is ignored. Just a minor bug.

Now ok, fine. I'll take a stab at installing a custom ROM.

I'm told I need ODIN.

Oh great, ODIN is only for Windoze. Ok fine, I'll install Windoze via Parallels.

What's that? ODIN doesn't work for Parallels, pity.

Try the heimlich maneuver or heimdall or whatever the hell this is.

Oh, what's that? Heimdall can't find a compatible device?

<END RANT>

Ok. So what should I do?

How can I get the two items in my numbered list accomplished on this device?

How can I also get custom ROMs installed on my epic with my mac?


Am I crazy?

The LED question, I've seen apps out there just can't recall them off the top of my head.
The calendar reminder should have an option in there or there is a third party app that can help

For installation of ROMs using a MAC, I would recommend grabbing a friends PC to do the rooting process and then from there you can use your MAC to maintain things. Otherwise I think its called Bootcamp for MAC and you can run a copy of Windows then to accomplish what you need.

Last but most important, I have never heard of anyone giving up their Android to go back to a BB.

Edit: Before I forget there is a way to root and install clockworkmod which is needed to run custom ROMs without the use of a computer. Follow the link below.
[GUIDE]Full Root and CWM without computer w/ Gingerbreak.apk by Chainfire & 743C

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Thanks for the reply Paul. I appreciate the suggestion, but bootcamp is a very clunky solution as I don't ned Windows for anything other than this.

What I'm most interested in doing is being able to "reflash" the stock EC05 onto this phone before I take a plunge into one of these lovely roms that disable the letter 'e'.

Even though I am still running on the stock software that comes with the phone, I want an exit strategy.

Can this computer-free method permit me to reflash with stock? The sticky thread here at android central keeps refering to using odin to get things working.

 

[Paul627g]

Thanks for the reply Paul. I appreciate the suggestion, but bootcamp is a very clunky solution as I don't ned Windows for anything other than this.

What I'm most interested in doing is being able to "reflash" the stock EC05 onto this phone before I take a plunge into one of these lovely roms that disable the letter 'e'.

Even though I am still running on the stock software that comes with the phone, I want an exit strategy.

Can this computer-free method permit me to reflash with stock? The sticky thread here at android central keeps refering to using odin to get things working.

Yes there is a combo method of sorts using the computer free method I pointed you to and another option that will allow you to flash a stock EC05 and it would give you the option to completely remove root and clockworkmod so it would appear your device is untouched or you can just keep it rooted and running the stock EC05.

Once you do the computer free method then take a look here.
[ROM][STOCK]ReRFS Format Stock ROM EC05

Thing may seem a bit hard to follow but feel free to ask questions here and I can help as much as possible otherwise the dev that created the package is a good guy and will be more than happy to answer any question you may have.

 

[ragnarokx]

What a coincidence - I was a Blackberry Tour user before I got my Epic, and am a Mac user as well.

I strongly suggest installing Windows via Bootcamp. It will make life much easier while fiddling with your Epic. I only used it for Odin at first, but it did come in handy later when I needed to edit .pub Office files or had to test my website using Internet Explorer. Even an old Windows XP CD will do, although I found Windows 7 to run much better.

 

[big_bake]

1. LED notifications.

The Epic's LED is only capable of red, blue, and magenta. Not really a lot of options like other phones have, but at least the Epic has one. One thing to keep in mind is that the LED does not work when the screen is on, except in the case of charging.

There is an app called Light Flow in the market. You could try out the free version and see how it works for you.

I personally use GO SMS Pro which has options for setting LED notifications.

Over on XDA, we are trying to get something developed that makes the LED work while the phone is charging as well as just more options for using it.

LED Notifications - xda-developers



2. Calender

I don't really use my calender, but I'm sure there has to be an option in the stock calender or a third party one to do what you want.

I remember when I first got my phone I tried Astrid, and that app could be set up to nag you until you got something done. You may want to check that out.





Rooting/ROMS/etc

You can only ***** so much about not being able to do things to your android phone with a mac. Android is based off Linux, which surprise, is on PCs. I hope you have some friend or family who will let you use their PC for a few minutes should you ever really need Odin.

Paul posted the non computer method and everything is spelled out very nicely. If you don't believe me read some rooting methods for other phones and you will be lost.

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

What a coincidence - I was a Blackberry Tour user before I got my Epic, and am a Mac user as well.

I strongly suggest installing Windows via Bootcamp. It will make life much easier while fiddling with your Epic. I only used it for Odin at first, but it did come in handy later when I needed to edit .pub Office files or had to test my website using Internet Explorer. Even an old Windows XP CD will do, although I found Windows 7 to run much better.

Hah. Glad to know I'm not alone.

I suppose I can take the plunge and try the computer-free methods posted by Paul and then if that doesn't work, I'll switch to Boot Camp.

Question though, does anyone know, if I brick my phone can I still take it back to BestBuy within the 30 day return period and still retain my old upgrade date?

 

[IAmSixNine]

Welcome to the world of hardware competition.
With Blackberry, single manufacturer. With Android, you have multiple manufacturers and all sorts of handsets. This is why you find so many different apps that may or may not work with your phone.

Also, be happy its not RIM. Remember having to wait for another carrier to have an OS update, then having to remove the vendor.xml file and hope it flashes OK? Then deal with a memory leak. hahah

So think of it like this, OS 5 is Android 2.2, and OS 6 is Android 2.3. yeah not an exact comparison, but still relevant.

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Edit: Before I forget there is a way to root and install clockworkmod which is needed to run custom ROMs without the use of a computer. Follow the link below.
[GUIDE]Full Root and CWM without computer w/ Gingerbreak.apk by Chainfire & 743C

Paul, quick question regarding the helpful link you posted. It refers to DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.02.zip

The forum post describing this Kernel is at http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1053252

That post lists a version DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.04.zip and contains the following changes:

Changes and Features as of v1.04:

* ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5 Reboot Recovery, compatible with RFS and ext4


Now, if I'm reading this right, I need to use ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5.

Where can I get this version of ClockworkMod, or any other version for that matter?


That original link you sent me lists, what seems to me, three kinds of files:

1. Kernals - Namely: DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.02.zip
2. Roms - ReRFS Stock ROM
3. and apk's - gingerbreak.apk

What is the difference between each of these three?

I understood a kernal is the most basic software that interfaces the hardware with all higher level software.

But how does this relate to ROMs and APK's?

Also, the gingerbreak.apk, does that not refer to Android 2.3? Isn't this a conflict with DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05? Looking about the 'About phone' menu (? what is the proper word for these screens), I see under Build Number: Froyo.EC05.

So I am associating EC05 with Froyo, Android 2.2.

Where am I going wrong here?

Thanks.

 

[Paul627g]

Paul, quick question regarding the helpful link you posted. It refers to DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.02.zip

The forum post describing this Kernel is at http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1053252

That post lists a version DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.04.zip and contains the following changes:

Changes and Features as of v1.04:

* ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5 Reboot Recovery, compatible with RFS and ext4


Now, if I'm reading this right, I need to use ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5.

Where can I get this version of ClockworkMod, or any other version for that matter?


That original link you sent me lists, what seems to me, three kinds of files:

1. Kernals - Namely: DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.02.zip
2. Roms - ReRFS Stock ROM
3. and apk's - gingerbreak.apk

What is the difference between each of these three?

I understood a kernal is the most basic software that interfaces the hardware with all higher level software.

But how does this relate to ROMs and APK's?

Also, the gingerbreak.apk, does that not refer to Android 2.3? Isn't this a conflict with DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05? Looking about the 'About phone' menu (? what is the proper word for these screens), I see under Build Number: Froyo.EC05.

So I am associating EC05 with Froyo, Android 2.2.

Where am I going wrong here?

Thanks.

Gingerbreak is the application they use to root your device. I know its confusing naming it Gingerbreak (Gingerbread)..

I haven't done this method personally because I don't have a need to but it works and you just need to follow what they are telling you. It will provide root access, setup clockworkmod for you and give you other options from there. Otherwise you can always look for that friend with a PC and use that to root your device the easier way.

 

[big_bake]

Once you are rooted and have any ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM), you should be able to use that to update to newer versions.


Whenever you see .zip files, they aren't a .zip in the traditional sense, but they hold multiple files that CWM uses to do things (flash) to your system. You have a your ROM .zip which holds all the files and scripts necessary to change things over. Theme .zips which change the system files to modified theme ones and so on.

You *should be able to download these files right to your phones SD card, then navigate to them via CWM to flash them. It would be the "install zip from sd card" option in CWM.

That's pretty basic, read around the stickies here as well as some of the ROMs and such on xda. Reading the installation instructions will get you more acquainted with the terms and methods. Don't forget to always backup before flashing. It could save your ass if you have a bad file or try flashing something that is incompatible.

 

[Randy T]

Thanks for the reply Paul. I appreciate the suggestion, but bootcamp is a very clunky solution as I don't ned Windows for anything other than this.

What I'm most interested in doing is being able to "reflash" the stock EC05 onto this phone before I take a plunge into one of these lovely roms that disable the letter 'e'.

Even though I am still running on the stock software that comes with the phone, I want an exit strategy.

Can this computer-free method permit me to reflash with stock? The sticky thread here at android central keeps refering to using odin to get things working.

I'd recommend you take a look at the Bonsai MasterKey for OSX. Bonsai MasterKey Unlocker v1.1.0 - Mac OSX Binary | Bonsai for Android

That will take care of your rooting challenge.

Second, I can't stress enough to take the time to setup Heimdall. It will work on your Mac and is a far better way to deal with reflashing ROM firmware.

Lastly, the 'E' key works fine on Bonsai ROMs. ;-)

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. At the moment, I've decided to try and go with the computer-free method as it seems the simplest (little did I know).

I'm trying to follow the advice from the link Paul627g posted in the first reply to my original post.

That link is here: [GUIDE]Full Root and CWM without computer w/ Gingerbreak.apk by Chainfire & 743C - xda-developers

I got gingerbreak working and have the superuser app displayed in my list of applications. Using SGS Kernel Flasher I got DRockstar.Clean.Kernel.EC05.v1.04.zip installed.

Now I'm trying to get CWM installed.

I have ROMManger installed from the Market, I click on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery but nothing happens. There is a brief status bar at the top that appears for a second, but nothing else.

Attempting any other function in ROM Manager tells me that I need ClockworkMod to be installed, offers the option for me to do so, but with no change to the above results.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[ragnarokx]

If the kernel didn't get installed after all, that would cause ROM Manager to not function. I've never used that method you posted, but if you want a OSX friendly root/CWM install method take a look at this thread. Good luck.

 

[alexcu]

As far as I know, clockwork can't be installed though rom manager application due to the fact that the epic is unsupported. This is the point where you get frustrated because the only method i've gotten to work is through one-click-root scripts in windows. I'd recommend getting the latest release of clockwork, as it supports rfs much better than the old cwm3 releases.

 

[ragnarokx]

As far as I know, clockwork can't be installed though rom manager application due to the fact that the epic is unsupported. This is the point where you get frustrated because the only method i've gotten to work is through one-click-root scripts in windows. I'd recommend getting the latest release of clockwork, as it supports rfs much better than the old cwm3 releases.

That was true in the past, and still is true for Gingerbread, but the new Clean kernel gives functionality to ROM Manger on Froyo. Unfortunately, you can only install ClockworkMod v2.X.X.X using ROM Manager. For the newer v3.X.X.X, you must use one of the computer script methods.

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Well things just got a little stranger.

I decided to click Reboot into Recovery for ****s and giggles.

It does reboot into CWM 3.0.2.5 but it doesn't interface very well. For example, when I select "backup and restore", it displays only the CWM icon in the center of the screen with nothing on it until I once again press the home button.

After which it seems to advance onto the proper submenu.

I didn't actually execute any commands, fearing what I have installed might not be for the epic.

I was able to go back and select the "reboot system now" option and things have returned to my previous post - ROM Manger still thinks I don't have CWM installed.


I should say that in the link Paul posted: [GUIDE]Full Root and CWM without computer w/ Gingerbreak.apk by Chainfire & 743C - xda-developers

It has the following instructions for installing CWM 2.5.1.0:

* download cwm2.5.1.0.zip.
Original ReRFS Stock ROM and tools: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1027904
Note: It's a really good idea to download ReRFS Stock ROM, in case you need to stock the phone, in a jam.

* open ROM Manager app, and Tap "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery". Choose the Epic 4G.
The following message will appear:
"Epic4G does not have an officially supported ClockworkMod Recovery yet. Have you installed a ClockworkMod recovery manually?"
choose yes, and select ClockworkMod 2.x.
Next, tap "Install ROM from SD Card". Browse to, and choose the cwm2.5.1.0.zip on your sdcard.
Tap OK at "Reboot and Install", and be sure to give permission, when the superuser prompt appears.

Now, ragnarokx, you said I can install ClockworkMod v2.X.X.X using ROM Manager, are the above instructions the only way to do it?

 

[ragnarokx]

Did you select the correct option when prompted in ROM Manager? It should have installed CWM v2.5.1.0.

Now, ragnarokx, you said I can install ClockworkMod v2.X.X.X using ROM Manager, are the above instructions the only way to do it?

Without a computer? Yes. However you can use this thread to install it with a computer.

But, what is your reason for wanting v2.5.1.0? ClockworkMod v3.0.2.5 has the functionality of v2.5.1.0 along with the ability to use an EXT4 filesystem. And all new ROMs/mods will be using Edify install scripting, meaning you won't be able to flash them using v2.5.1.0 (only v3.X.X.X).

 

[CmdrGuard#AC]

Did you select the correct option when prompted in ROM Manager? It should have installed CWM v2.5.1.0.

Actually, I was never prompted for anything. I was expecting to be asked to confirm the device that I'm on but that never happened.

But I wonder now, maybe this is because I installed DRockstar's kernel v1.04, rather than v1.02 as the instructions suggested.

One of the items in the changelog at [KERNEL][GPL]Clean Kernel EC05 v1.04 CWM3.0.2.5 REBOOT RECOVERY & ROM MANAGER!!! - xda-developers states:

Changes and Features as of v1.04:

* ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5 Reboot Recovery, compatible with RFS and ext4

Can that mean this kernel already includes ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5 in it? Can flashing a kernel also change the recovery partition?

 

[ragnarokx]

Can that mean this kernel already includes ClockworkMod 3.0.2.5 in it? Can flashing a kernel also change the recovery partition?

Yes it can. Repeat the steps starting after getting root access, making sure not to substitute anything and it should work.