Re: 2012 Optimus V Reference Guide
Root
Here is the newest and recommended method. - By Whyzor
Recoveries
Installing
Don't use any fancy apps or you risk making your phone a brick. This is the safest, easiest method there is.
Guide to flashing recoveries through Terminal Emulator (very easy)- By LeslieAnn
VZ9 Radio
May improve call quality and reception. We are still learning about it.
Thread is
here.
Recoveries
There are several available, but I'm not going to document all of them as there is no point in documenting things you won't use or need. Some recoveries only work with older OV's such as CWMA, the one Rom Manager, uses, and it is NOT compatible with newer phones. Xionia works with all phones, and even supports the older scripting. However, it has always had a bit of trouble with formatting, leading to issues when you install roms.
Today, the only recovery you should be installing is
Bobzhome. It works on all screens and newer roms. It will not let you install the older roms, which is handy for keeping newer phones from having issues, why am I saying this, read in the rom section to find out. Please remember, the camera button selects items,
not the front keys like other recoveries use.
Kernels
While we used to have quite a few kernels to pick from, and they are still a few floating around, the best kernel is the one that came with the rom you are using. Today, that pretty much means the modded Picasticks in Harmonia 1x or the IHO kernel found in IHO roms, most or all of which use the Bobzhome kernel. The other kernels either don't work with all phones, or are old and/or bloated for use on the Optimus V.
Installing roms
Wiping is extremely important, especially newer phones, which have trouble installing roms.
For a completely fresh install, you should do a factory reset/wipe (IN RECOVERY), as well as go into mounts and wipe system and boot, and then in advanced wipe Dalvik.
If you are installing over another rom, unless specified, skip the factory reset to retain your data, but wipe the rest listed above.
A good article on wiping is found
here. - By LeslieAnn
MD5
Md5 is a system meant to verify that yoru download is a perfect digital copy.
Usb (and Bluetooth) does not actually contain error correction, it has to be programmed in, and many do not do it. You would be amazed at how many errors happen while passing through a usb cable, hub, or usb to flash adapter.
Doing an MD5 check is a very simple process, but some people skip this step, including myself, but if you have anything odd happen, you should start here. Be sure you check the md5 of the file on your sdcard, NOT on your computer. A complete tutorial on this is located
here. - By LeslieAnn.
Installing your rom
Simply copy the rom sip file to your sdcard, do NOT unzip the file, do your wipe, and select install zip file. It should be self explanatory from there.
Roms
Froyo is what your phone came with. It's still the most common Android operating system. It's relatively lightweight, fast, and typically has the best battery life on the Optimus V. It doesn't handle games as well as Gingerbread though. This used to be the dominant rom on the Optimus V, but it has since been replaced by Gingerbread for those who root and rom their phone. It's still preferred by many who value battery life so don't knock it too much.
Currently, the main Froyo rom is Harmonia 1 by LeslieAnn, which is a 2.2.1/2.2.2 hybrid (combines parts of each). Harmonia is pretty much the default Froyo rom, but Redbaron2005 has recently started experimenting with Froyo as well. Other than these two roms, there hasn't been any roms developed or supported in months, and for newer phones you have to go back almost a year.
Complete details of each can be found here:
Harmonia 1 - By LeslieAnn
StockOV Overdrive 2.2.1-2.2.2 - By Redbaron2005
Gingerbread, the only form of it we have these days is IHO (Inferior Human Organs), which is Cyanogenmod based. This is the most common current rom we have. It's fast, and runs very well in a wide range of conditions. Other versions of Gingerbread exist, but they all have serious issues. While Gingerbread is quickly replacing Froyo as the most common form of Android, odds of seeing an Optimus V from Virgin with it included are becoming lesser and lesser each day and even if released, odds are you will have to purchase a new phone to get it and it will not run as well.
As mentioned, there are several IHO Gingerbread Cyanogenmod roms, each catering to different niche. Some are like a factory stock rom, others built for customization, and still others are built for speed.
Details of each rom and download locations can be found
here.
Support for IHO roms can be found
here, except for Harmonia 2, which is
here.
Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is the latest Android system and is still in
very early testing. It's not meant for regular use. Only a few phones come with it, and you will never buy a new Optimus V with it. The only ICS rom is
Quattrimus by TDM, who finally made it work. All others are derivatives of it, but expect more in the future as it becomes more stable.
About older OV roms
Many of the download links are broken, the developers are gone, they don't usually work with newer phones, they lead to trouble and by the time you install and update all of the included apps, you lose half your storage space. There is no support, less compatibility, less security, and we will spend more time helping you get it, than you will spend actually running it.
LET THEM DIE. There is really no reason for you to run a 1 year old rom when the roms we have now are better in every way.
Mods/projects/tweaks/info
Changing PRL files
Build IHO
Building ICS
Making RLE files
Community build server
Signing zips
Changing SD cards
Safe Mode
Return to stock
VOIP
APK's, their purpose and safe or not to remove
Original reference guide
Old reference guide - By Mmarz
Contains older info and quite a lot of tips and tweaks not used as often anymore.
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