Quick VPAD7 user's partial guide to custom roms & ITE compatibility

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Here's a quick info-guide to currently available custom rooted ROMS for the VPAD7 in the U.S. market, including one's that are compatible with newer ITE hardware - if you have the N700, A800, etc. this might not be apply (as there are posts & questions here from newer members on a relatively new sub-forum) *** (also, the Viewsonic 10" pads/tabs/etc. are NOT the same = SEARCH first, please ....)

Hopefully, this will help some of you plan your projects while backing up your original ROM - I actually tested them all quickly over 2 days using ClockWorkMod 3.0.2.8 (updated from CWM 2.5.1.2 that most are using here, I believe) by Googlehome.

Froyo Enhanced (non OC version only) OS 2.2.1 - Baseband 3.7_125, Kernel 2.6.32.9 and Build 1008_3_240 (and it can boot up & rotate in portrait mode) ITE hardware is supported & once installed, boot up to Android setup screen to be activated, skip setup, etc. - ready to go.) Remember to wipe clean system/data/cache, etc. before flashing - save your CWM backup to your computer and/or alternative mSD/usb drives first.

TJ_Style's FM6 ROM - OS 2.2.2 - Baseband 3.7_125, Kernel 2.6.32.9 and Build 5029_3_310 (OC verison does NOT work with ITE) - need a little bit of work, to flash the stock kernel (boot.img) provided in the download links. Or, you can also use the one saved in your Recovery (CWM under Advanced Recovery - restore this immediately after flashing this ROM & before rebooting & starting up the 1st. time) It is very important to do a Backup of your entire ROM first in case something isn't done right - better yet, do a test run to make sure that you can restore properly before experimenting .... it will save time, etc. (updated footnote - it's best to use the "updated.zip with wifi fix in TJ's link http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B2DB3VAO and the 2.2.2 boot.img http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DGHF1HY3 linked in the original thread also worked for me, for those of you without your saved original boot.img)

EU V1.7 and 1.7b w. ITE boot.img (and init.D support) by Amalgation - this will work with newer ITE hardware. Please check your device & developer's log w. instructions to download the correct zip file. WiFi connectivity issues fixed (with MAC address n/a & unable to scan/turning off) - flash it first and, if necessary, then reflash EUv1.7/b version as applicable, and WiFi should work (as least for me) - as always, wipe/clear dalvik, cache & system clean first, reboot & then flash the zip file ---- please, BACKUP as precaution & S.O.P.

The following custom ROMS, based on my actual tests & flashing, including efforts to patch/update boot.img, etc. could NOT get my VPAD7 with ITE to boot past the Android screen & continue to initial setup, etc.

CVPAD7 V1.0 (Cleanviewpad)
Flint V1.0 (did restore from own boot.img & get some screen response, but it's not a functioning ROM, so ....)

Wellcom A800 "stock" firmware (didn't work as flashed - could try the patch boot.img ?? once rooted, I commented on original linked post ....)

As for restoring your device to stock/factory state (if case you've "accidentally bricked it) the Viewsonic site has several *.nbo file to restore (flash by using SUTL provided via your PC) - then you need to root it again using the SuperOneClick or GingerBreak apk methods, etc. But, only one file will work with ITE devices, as far as I know - FM6 3350_0_1008_A01.nb0 & just released recently, all others are for non-ITE VPAD7's.

Comments, sugestions & questions, additions to this working "guide" in progress are welcomed & appreciated - since we got a XDA users from around the world, let's share our wisdom & knowledge. This VPAD7 is one of the few, if any, 7" tablet with both wifi & GSM/3G features, the CPU is slow by today's standard & the "X" model with faster processor is being released, so the user bases will continue to grow - waiting for our expert resident developers to cook up Gingerbread since Honeycomb is most likely out of the question for obvious reasons .... Thanks & have a nice day !


For Reference: my VPAD7 was using Froyo 2.2.2 (stock, rooted & striped of certain non-critical apps via Titanium Backup) 2.6.32.9 and Build 1008_3_350, SW Ver 3.41, FM6-001 and HWVer 107. Code M & Production Date 3/24/2011. Using ADW Launcher 1.3.6 Standalone, App2SD Free (V2.32) from AZSoft Technology . (all downloaded via Google Market (updated to 3.1.3 with apk) plus "WidgetSoid" to easily shutdown, reboot & get into Recovery.

For Car Home, the linked files can be installed to work with Vpad7 - it will allow for screen to stay on, important when using Navigation (Maps) and other Car Applications - as in most Android smartphones - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=796439 - use Astro or ES File Explorer to install the apps. Enjoy!

Thanks for the info, I have tried the custom roms as well, but could not get any to boot past the initial "tap android to start" thing, there was no screen response at all. Thing is I have hwver 106 which I was under the assumption was non ITE. I think we need to create a post that can be stickied containing all relevent info, ie the roms available (which you have covered), the differecnces in hwvers etc,

Originally Posted by ghosty_uk

Thanks for the info, I have tried the custom roms as well, but could not get any to boot past the initial "tap android to start" thing, there was no screen response at all. Thing is I have hwver 106 which I was under the assumption was non ITE. I think we need to create a post that can be stickied containing all relevent info, ie the roms available (which you have covered), the differecnces in hwvers etc,

Hmmm, so yours being v106 has ITE too, okay - try flashing TJ_Style's ROM & "patched" it with one's original saved boot.img as suggested. It works for me running v107 ITE. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...093440&page=10 or use this posted in original thread - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DGHF1HY3 (which I tested to work on mine with ITE hardware)

Thank you Letitride.

Originally Posted by indyend

Thank you Letitride.

thankks

Originally Posted by indyend

Thank you Letitride.

Originally Posted by politure

thankks

Folks - please be sure to credit & thank these ROM's developers that made it possible for us to enjoy, I'm just trying to compile or put info together in one spot, so that we do not have to start new threads all over, again & again.

When possible, try NOT to use PM so that what we all learn can be shared in the open by everyone else, but if necessary & appropriate, contacts via PM are okay.

Chances are most of you know it already - but, for a few tablet newcomers posting newbie questions for help - I'm using the following Apps from Market and find these to be useful to get more "fun" out of the Vpad7 series - as always, do a CWM and Titanium Backup before hand (and, on a regular basis) just in case something go wrong - you can easily recover & NOT lose your important data, settings & files. Tips - use a spare 4GB mSD card to experiment & flash, do a full setup once you got it "right" when flashing new ROMs.

1. App2SD (by Sam Lu or AZSoft Technology) free up device's internal storage space/memory - 50 Apps installed & 30 MB available.

2. VTL.Launcher - easy to use in portrait (vertical) mode as the V prefer landscape, but some Apps look better otherwise & enough screen displayed w. keyboard popped up.

3. WidgetSoid - up to 10 customized wideget, easy accessible from one of the (Main) screen, i.e. WiFi on/off, Mobile data on/off, Brightness, Screen ON, Airplane Mode, Reboot (option for Recovery, Hot Reboot, etc. instead of just Power Off only)

4. Fancy Widgets v3.4.1 (Android Does) for Clock & Weather

5. MultiLing keyboard (plugins for many languages/fonts & numerous customization - including Asian languages)

6. Using Maps 5.2 which I find to be stable (latest is 5.10) and Google Market rolled back to 2.x (latest 3.15 is too big in file size) - otherwise, device will run low in space ....

Have fun with it - 2 newer screenshots to share with what I've done to mine, just imagine the possibilities

Hi Letitride,

I am using TJ_Style's FM6 ROM with the original boot.img as i have a newer VPad, the problem i have is i cant move any apps to the sd card, from what i read it has something to do with init.d in the boot image?

Is there a way i can change this to get app2sd to work?

Thanks for all the info.

Originally Posted by fozzieb

using TJ_Style's FM6 ROM with the original boot.img as i have a newer VPad, the problem i have is i cant move any apps to the sd card, from what i read it has something to do with init.d in the boot image?

Is there a way i can change this to get app2sd to work?

My suggestions, it's easiest to "experiment" with a 2nd. mSD card, 4GB will do to try & setup App2SD with a 1MB partition - once it's working, you can use your regular mSD card, 8GB would be my minimum, and I'm beginning to run below 50% with a faster 16GB mSD card (keep in mind the Vpad7 support 32GB)

Okay, are you using DT's App2SD which I believe only work with overclocked kernel and init.d - devices with ITE multi-touch capacitative screen (newer OS 2.2.2 / possibly some with 2.2 - HWVer 107 or 106) - DT's Apps will NOT work (I'm not sure if you flash that FM6 ROM as is, or did you use your own saved IMG or also flash the 2.2.2 boot image ??)

Another option is to use a different App2SD from Google Market, I'm personally using App2SD ver 2.33 (1214) from AZSoft Technology - and, I have over 35 Apps on the mSD card including my Angry Birds for fun, Moon+ Reader, TB, Astro & Translate, etc. That still leave about 20 non-movable Apps with the internal ROM/storage - just 30MB free out of 171.5 MB - but lot better than initial setup, since mine is loaded with Google Voice, FaceBook, Gmail, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) *** Same App2SD running with GingerBread is much more efficient, leaving my HTC smartphone with over 90MB free space - Froyo just isn't as "cooperative" or getting along with efforts to move things over to free up extra space. Not endorsing the above Apps, please check & try out different ones from GM and decide for yourself ....

Others might have suggestions, please feel free to comment & share what's working - hope this is helpful to you.

Cheers & let's have FUN !

Footnote - postscript, a new EU V1.6 ROM has been posted with ITE support, you might want to try it since it has init.D support - and should work (Caution: except possible WiFi issues,) or, use the newest V1.6 (regular customized) ROM - you will need to prepare & reformat the SD card first, so please BACKUP your data, etc. etc. Good Luck !

Hi,
how can i found which HWVersion i have?

Model: ViewPad7
Android: 2.2
Baseband: PR3.7_128
Kernel: Apps_2.632.9
Build: 4027_3_16R

Model: VS13761

Originally Posted by F!rsT S0uL

Hi,
how can i found which HWVersion i have?
Model: ViewPad7
Android: 2.2
Baseband: PR3.7_128
Kernel: Apps_2.632.9
Build: 4027_3_16R
Model: VS13761

It's simple, turn off your device. Hold down the left Volume button key on top while pressing the Power button on the left, it should boot up in FTM Mode and display your Hardware & Software Verisons and Build info. To exit, use a small pin to gently push in the Reset button on the lower edge, the smallest & closet to the side.

Most likely, yours did NOT came with ITE - you will know once you flash one of the custom ROM & you cannot go past the Android activation screen & the screen does not respond.