[Resources] Flashing your First GSM Rhodium Rom (For Noobs)

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mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
PLEASE READ THE *FAQ* BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS!!

IF YOU HAVE A CDMA DEVICE THEN GO *HERE* FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO HARDSPL

IF YOU NEED TO HARD RESET OR ENTER BOOTLOADER YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS *HERE*

Before starting, backup anything you might want to keep after the new Rom has been flashed as all contacts, emails, texts, notes, Internet BookMarks WILL be lost!!

PimBackup is good and free (copy any mms attachments to your storage card or computer seperately)

*ONCE YOU HAVE FLASHED A HARDSPL ITS PERMANENT. YOU DONT NEED TO DO IT AGAIN WHEN FLASHING NEW ROMS OR RADIOS*

*DO NOT start another process while the flashing process is taking place*
*DO NOT click off of the status bar... Let it stay in the foreground*
*DO NOT let the Screensaver activate*

Any of these can lead to a bad flash and possibly brick your phone

*FLASH HARDSPL BEFORE FLASHING ANY CUSTOM ROMS*

1. YOUR DEVICE MUST HAVE AT LEAST 50% BATTERY POWER FIRST BEFORE ATTEMPTING EACH STAGE

2. FLASH HARDSPL

The Original HardSPL Thread is *HERE*


IMPORTANT:
Each user gets 1 license, or perhaps 2-3 on request if needed (valid forever and works as transparently as possible, so it won't be a problem at all)
you can send a request for 1-2 more devices for private user (free) at http://support.htc-unlocks.com (ONLY at this link, not in PM).

NOTE1:
This package is for Rhodium (Touch Pro 2, not the original Touch Pro) devices. CDMA-GSM worldphone version is not accepted (RHOD400, RHOD500 modelids), that will have its own HardSPL later. This HardSPL supports WM6.5

NOTE2: If you have Vista or Windows 7, update WMDC to v6.1 *HERE* first


Flashing via ActiveSync with USB Lead
(thanks to
OliNex)
1. Download HardSPL package from *HERE* and extract to an empty folder
2. Synch Phone with PC in Windows Mobile!!! It has to be connected to activesync or WMDC via USB cable and it must not be in Flight/Airplane mode (i.e. radio should be on)
3. NEW: Internet access is required as the program checks online for updates and license
4. Run
Rhodium-HardSPL_V2_00R3.exe on PC, make sure it's launched from a local drive (not through network drive, etc.). XP requires Admin logon and Vista/Windows 7 will automatically prompt to allow it to run in Admin mode, allow it. If you get an AntiVirus warning please ignore it, it contains no harmful code (just used a packer to compress it).
5. Follow steps as prompted in the HardSPL program. If this is the first run of HardSPL on a device after Hard Reset, you must select Automatic Flash Mode (first button in Welcome Screen)
NOTE: You should usually go for Automatic Flash Mode. The Manual Flash option is only to be used as noted below and you must only attempt the Manual Mode option if Automatic Flash Mode or SSPL-Manual.exe already put device in black screen. Any other errors triggered while running in Autoflash Mode will have to be fixed as instructed in the error message.
6. It will ask you to wait while it prepares for the flashing, press OK
7. Now it should go through without any error messages, if one does pop up then follow the instructions included in the error text. If no specific instruction is shown then ask for help in the thread, but this should not ever occur (as this means a really fatal error occurred)
8. At this point the phone hopefully went to a black screen (reporting version as 1.01.C-SSPL only using "info 7" in mtty), this is the SSPL version, which is temporary. Then RUU will instantly launch
9. NOTE: When RUU says it will Hard Reset do not worry, it is not going to do that. Also when it says the flash will take 10 minutes ignore that, it will only take a minute or so
10. SPL flashes, device automatically reboots, job done

*Go into BootLoader Mode
(do a Soft Reset while holding the "volume down" key on the left side of the device. Keep holding the "volume down" key until you see tricolour screen which is the bootloader mode, then release it) and verify the screen shows 0.85.OliNex, which is the HardSPL version*

NOTE1: This is unsigned HardSPL. No limitations on flashing ROMs (except of course some Radio roms). Also this has overwrite protection against HTC RUU's overwriting HSPL with a stock one.
See steps in the Original thread about how to reflash stock SPL.

NOTE2: Anyone having USB problems with the device after it enters SSPL mode, download SSPL-Manual-Rhodium.exe, copy it to the phone and run it. Once the screen has gone black, run the HardSPL package on the PC and select Manual Flash option.
*IMPORTANT* Make sure that the USB cable is plugged in and device is synched to Windows Mobile even if doing manual method.

NOTE3: Do not use this RUU for anything other than SPL flashing (i.e. hardspl or stock spl restore)!!! Nothing other than SPL's made by Olinex team (using OliNex custom cert, which is not public) will flash to make SSPL more secure. If you want to flash another rom then use shipped RUU or Rhodium customRUU if you want to flash cooked ROM.


3. DOWNLOAD AND FLASH YOUR PREFERED ROM

NOTE: Check the Roms Thread for any specific Flashing instructions. If there arent any then you can use the following guide.

Flashing Via ActiveSync
1. Download your prefered Rom from the Rhodium Rom Develpoment Page and unzip/unrar it to your computer
2. REMOVE SIM and microSD CARDS!!
3. Turn phone back on and wait until it syncs with your PC
4. Run the CustomRUU.exe
from the Roms Folder (if one isnt included then download it *HERE*)
5
. Follow onscreen instructions to set up your New Rom
6. Once phone has gone through the customisation procedure then replace Sim and microSD Cards
7. Turn phone back on and set up as required

Flashing Via MicroSD Card
1. Make sure your microSD is Formatted to fat32 (you dont have to delete all files but it is safer if you do)
2. Download your prefered Rom from the Rhodium Rom Develpoment Page and unzip/unrar it to your PC
3. Goto the Roms Folder and rename the .nbh file to RHODIMG.nbh
4. Copy the RHODIMG.nbh file to the root of your MicroSD Card
5. Plug the MicroSD Card into the phone
6. Enter the BootLoader screen, you will first see a tri-color screen with the phone and SPL Information at the top
7. Follow the On Screen instructions to start the update
8. After flash has completed, press the reset button with the stylus to reset the device.


4. FLASH PREFERED RADIO (OPTIONAL)

For more information about compatible Radios go *HERE*

Flashing Via ActiveSync
1. Sync your phone with the PC
2. Run CustomRUU.exe from the Radio's Folder and follow the instructions
(if one isnt included then download it *HERE*)

Flashing via MicroSD Card
Use same method as Flashing a Rom via MicroSD Card

5. JOB DONE. Well Done YOU DID IT!!

*DISCLAIMER*
I take no responsibility for any fault or damage caused by any procedures within this guide. No warranties of any kind are given.
 
Last edited:

mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
FAQ for Flashing your First Rhodium Rom

FAQ

1. What Operating systems are supported for Flashing HardSPL?

Supported OS versions: 32bit and 64bit XP, Vista, Windows 7RC and later. win2000 was untested, and pre-RC win7 (lower than build 7100) is explicitly not supported. Also the program may be unstable or not work on Virtual systems, so it's recommended to try outside Virtual OS software. Also version verify: if HardSPL package says V120R in first Welcome dialog title (and version 1.20 in About box) it is the latest version, not some crappy beta/old version.
---------------------------

2. Why is it recommended to remove the Sim Card and microSD Card before Flashing?


microSD Card removal is recommended just in case any self booting programs or UC setup files are on there that might interupt or conflict with the setup procedure after flashing.

Sim Card removal is recommended because as soon as your phone reboots after flashing your phone will be live and if you get a call or text message during the initial setup it might interfere and ruin the setup.

If you flashed with both the cards in it should be fine as long as none of the above situations happened. Just be aware for future flashes :)

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

3. What are the different types of Unlock? (answer by DaveShaw)
The three stages of unlock are:
SIM: Allows you to use SIM's from another carrier. Can be done using codes or unlocker programs on xda-devs.
Security: Allows you to flash radios from another device (radios intended for your device only need Hard SPL) - It does other stuff, but this is all the casual user will use it for :)
CID: CID unlocking is an old concept, nowadays you flash Hard SPL instead. Hard SPL lets you flash any ROM, Splash or Radio (depending on sec unlock) to your device. The stock SPL's only let you flash signed ROM images that match the CID & Model of your device. N.B. the CID is the carrier ID (e.g. HTC__001, or VODAP100).

Also, SuperCID is setting your CID to a value that allows you to flash other signed (shipped) ROMs, even if the CIDs are different after removing Hard SPL. - SuperCID is performed by the Olipro unlocker.

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

4. What is the difference between ROM and RADIO?
The Rom is the operating system and included patches, tweaks and programs. The Radio is a seperate part of the firmware on the phone that handles all communation related matters such as signal, gps, bluetooth, camera, wifi and sound. Newer Radios to include improvements or fixes in older version, or even just to compliment an existing Rom or network so a newer Radio isnt neccessarily better. Radios also need to be matched to the correct Rom so you cant just put any Radio and Rom together.

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

5. How do Stock ROMS differ from Cooked ROMS?
Stock Roms usually have extra 'bloatware' added which take up extra space on the phone. Custom Roms are stripped down to provide more space and most are tweaked to provide a faster more stable Operating System. Every chef is different so you have to look around the forums to see which Rom is best for your needs.

---------------------------
 
Last edited:

slimsuse

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2008
143
2
palm coast, fl
i have to say, that no matter what color font, special &$^#%@ that you use, someone will NOT follow the directions. This is a VERY in-depth guide!
 

matmaneyre

Senior Member
Nov 8, 2006
413
30
Birmingham
i have to say, that no matter what color font, special &$^#%@ that you use, someone will NOT follow the directions. This is a VERY in-depth guide!

Too true....I remember how scared I was when doing my first flash on my Wizard though. Somethin like this at the time would have put my mind at ease (would have probably scared me to death even more at the same time! :D ).

It's funny how, with experience, that fear fades away and you just flash as if you've been doing it all your life. Some people will learn the hard way...others will read, read, read like I did many years ago! (as they most definitely should)

Nice post mskip.
 

robbertvw

Member
Jan 19, 2009
46
1
Breda
When flashing a new ROM via Active Sync, is it really necessary to remove the SIM-card and SD-card? I didn't and the flashing did go well. No problems at all!
 

mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
i have to say, that no matter what color font, special &$^#%@ that you use, someone will NOT follow the directions. This is a VERY in-depth guide!
Unfortunately flashing HardSPL on a Rhodium is a very in depth process and no shortcuts can be taken for the safety of the phone.The purpose of this guide is to give someone the whole process from flashing HardSPL to changing the Rom or Radio and save them having to keep 4 or 5 screens open with all the different information.

I remember when I first flashed my OLD Hermes many many years ago (god that makes me sound old haha) I was trying to pull all the information I needed together and ended up with over 15 pages all with different information and different methods on how to do the same thing and it took months off my flashing life.

I only made this up last night and the HardSPL information is taken directly from the creators thread. I will go through the HardSPL section and try to "dumb" it down so its easier to understand but if people want to customise their device then they HAVE to be prepared to follow all the steps to the letter and not complain that its too hard or too in depth.

This is the third one stop flashing guide I have written and the other ones have helped thousands of people flash their phones, the fancy fonts and colours are just their to help point things out ;)

Any improvemants or additions are welcome (although my 10000 character limit has already been reached so if I add something then something else has to be taken off) :D
 
Last edited:

admix

Member
Sep 3, 2007
10
0
no problem to flash an official rom later?

you talk about : "CDMA-GSM worldphone version is not accepted (RHOD400, RHOD500 modelids)"

i'm the owner of the european htc touch pro 2, is it supported or not? thx
 

mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
no problem to flash an official rom later?

you talk about : "CDMA-GSM worldphone version is not accepted (RHOD400, RHOD500 modelids)"

i'm the owner of the european htc touch pro 2, is it supported or not? thx
Once you have HardPSL on your phone then you are free to flash Official or custom Roms as you desire.

Im sure the Touch Pro 2 is supported but if you are unsure in any way then ask in the developers thread.
 

quarintus

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2007
622
40
Ok I've got a question. In the starting post is sais that the HARD-SPL is permanent. Is it really permanent, or can you change the HARD-SPL later on when updates are brought out?

I guess it is permanent in a way that it won't be removed after you reflash you device. But it can be altered right? (Because there are updates brought out for HARD-SPL also :)
 

DaveShaw

Senior Moderator Emeritus
Dec 4, 2007
8,772
522
Huddersfield
www.taeguk.co.uk
Ok I've got a question. In the starting post is sais that the HARD-SPL is permanent. Is it really permanent, or can you change the HARD-SPL later on when updates are brought out?

I guess it is permanent in a way that it won't be removed after you reflash you device. But it can be altered right? (Because there are updates brought out for HARD-SPL also :)

It means it cannot be replaced by a stock SPL. There is a flag in the Hard SPL to prevent it from being overwritten. You must use SSPL to change the SPL version - PS the relocker in the Hard SPL thread will revert you to Stock SPL if need be.

Dave
 

mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
Mark, you forgot SD card Flashing :eek::eek: - RHODIMG.ngh ;)

Would you be able to add it when you get chance?

Dave
Sorry Master :(

When I was writing the guide I didnt see anything about microSD Card flashing so I thought it best to leave it out. Plus I knew that you would pick up anything I left out :p

I will add it to the Rom and Radio flashing steps but I totally maxed out my post already. Any chance you can bung me another 5000 characters I promise I will pay you back next week :rolleyes: Failing that I will have to do some drastic rewording or spread the guide over the first 2 posts :D
 

mskip

Retired Senior Moderator
Mar 20, 2008
12,328
16,072
Norfolk
i flashed my first rom yesterday but didnt remove my sim or SD card

everything seems ok , can it cause problems?
microSD Card removal is recommended just in case any self booting programs or UC setup files are on there that might interupt or conflict with the setup procedure after flashing.

Sim Card removal is recommended because as soon as your phone reboots after flashing your phone will be live and if you get a call or text message during the initial setup it might interfere and ruin the setup.

If you flashed with both the cards in it should be fine as long as none of the above situations happened so I wouldnt worry about it too much. Just be aware for future flashes :)
 

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  • 4
    PLEASE READ THE *FAQ* BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS!!

    IF YOU HAVE A CDMA DEVICE THEN GO *HERE* FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO HARDSPL

    IF YOU NEED TO HARD RESET OR ENTER BOOTLOADER YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS *HERE*

    Before starting, backup anything you might want to keep after the new Rom has been flashed as all contacts, emails, texts, notes, Internet BookMarks WILL be lost!!

    PimBackup is good and free (copy any mms attachments to your storage card or computer seperately)

    *ONCE YOU HAVE FLASHED A HARDSPL ITS PERMANENT. YOU DONT NEED TO DO IT AGAIN WHEN FLASHING NEW ROMS OR RADIOS*

    *DO NOT start another process while the flashing process is taking place*
    *DO NOT click off of the status bar... Let it stay in the foreground*
    *DO NOT let the Screensaver activate*

    Any of these can lead to a bad flash and possibly brick your phone

    *FLASH HARDSPL BEFORE FLASHING ANY CUSTOM ROMS*

    1. YOUR DEVICE MUST HAVE AT LEAST 50% BATTERY POWER FIRST BEFORE ATTEMPTING EACH STAGE

    2. FLASH HARDSPL

    The Original HardSPL Thread is *HERE*


    IMPORTANT:
    Each user gets 1 license, or perhaps 2-3 on request if needed (valid forever and works as transparently as possible, so it won't be a problem at all)
    you can send a request for 1-2 more devices for private user (free) at http://support.htc-unlocks.com (ONLY at this link, not in PM).

    NOTE1:
    This package is for Rhodium (Touch Pro 2, not the original Touch Pro) devices. CDMA-GSM worldphone version is not accepted (RHOD400, RHOD500 modelids), that will have its own HardSPL later. This HardSPL supports WM6.5

    NOTE2: If you have Vista or Windows 7, update WMDC to v6.1 *HERE* first


    Flashing via ActiveSync with USB Lead
    (thanks to
    OliNex)
    1. Download HardSPL package from *HERE* and extract to an empty folder
    2. Synch Phone with PC in Windows Mobile!!! It has to be connected to activesync or WMDC via USB cable and it must not be in Flight/Airplane mode (i.e. radio should be on)
    3. NEW: Internet access is required as the program checks online for updates and license
    4. Run
    Rhodium-HardSPL_V2_00R3.exe on PC, make sure it's launched from a local drive (not through network drive, etc.). XP requires Admin logon and Vista/Windows 7 will automatically prompt to allow it to run in Admin mode, allow it. If you get an AntiVirus warning please ignore it, it contains no harmful code (just used a packer to compress it).
    5. Follow steps as prompted in the HardSPL program. If this is the first run of HardSPL on a device after Hard Reset, you must select Automatic Flash Mode (first button in Welcome Screen)
    NOTE: You should usually go for Automatic Flash Mode. The Manual Flash option is only to be used as noted below and you must only attempt the Manual Mode option if Automatic Flash Mode or SSPL-Manual.exe already put device in black screen. Any other errors triggered while running in Autoflash Mode will have to be fixed as instructed in the error message.
    6. It will ask you to wait while it prepares for the flashing, press OK
    7. Now it should go through without any error messages, if one does pop up then follow the instructions included in the error text. If no specific instruction is shown then ask for help in the thread, but this should not ever occur (as this means a really fatal error occurred)
    8. At this point the phone hopefully went to a black screen (reporting version as 1.01.C-SSPL only using "info 7" in mtty), this is the SSPL version, which is temporary. Then RUU will instantly launch
    9. NOTE: When RUU says it will Hard Reset do not worry, it is not going to do that. Also when it says the flash will take 10 minutes ignore that, it will only take a minute or so
    10. SPL flashes, device automatically reboots, job done

    *Go into BootLoader Mode
    (do a Soft Reset while holding the "volume down" key on the left side of the device. Keep holding the "volume down" key until you see tricolour screen which is the bootloader mode, then release it) and verify the screen shows 0.85.OliNex, which is the HardSPL version*

    NOTE1: This is unsigned HardSPL. No limitations on flashing ROMs (except of course some Radio roms). Also this has overwrite protection against HTC RUU's overwriting HSPL with a stock one.
    See steps in the Original thread about how to reflash stock SPL.

    NOTE2: Anyone having USB problems with the device after it enters SSPL mode, download SSPL-Manual-Rhodium.exe, copy it to the phone and run it. Once the screen has gone black, run the HardSPL package on the PC and select Manual Flash option.
    *IMPORTANT* Make sure that the USB cable is plugged in and device is synched to Windows Mobile even if doing manual method.

    NOTE3: Do not use this RUU for anything other than SPL flashing (i.e. hardspl or stock spl restore)!!! Nothing other than SPL's made by Olinex team (using OliNex custom cert, which is not public) will flash to make SSPL more secure. If you want to flash another rom then use shipped RUU or Rhodium customRUU if you want to flash cooked ROM.


    3. DOWNLOAD AND FLASH YOUR PREFERED ROM

    NOTE: Check the Roms Thread for any specific Flashing instructions. If there arent any then you can use the following guide.

    Flashing Via ActiveSync
    1. Download your prefered Rom from the Rhodium Rom Develpoment Page and unzip/unrar it to your computer
    2. REMOVE SIM and microSD CARDS!!
    3. Turn phone back on and wait until it syncs with your PC
    4. Run the CustomRUU.exe
    from the Roms Folder (if one isnt included then download it *HERE*)
    5
    . Follow onscreen instructions to set up your New Rom
    6. Once phone has gone through the customisation procedure then replace Sim and microSD Cards
    7. Turn phone back on and set up as required

    Flashing Via MicroSD Card
    1. Make sure your microSD is Formatted to fat32 (you dont have to delete all files but it is safer if you do)
    2. Download your prefered Rom from the Rhodium Rom Develpoment Page and unzip/unrar it to your PC
    3. Goto the Roms Folder and rename the .nbh file to RHODIMG.nbh
    4. Copy the RHODIMG.nbh file to the root of your MicroSD Card
    5. Plug the MicroSD Card into the phone
    6. Enter the BootLoader screen, you will first see a tri-color screen with the phone and SPL Information at the top
    7. Follow the On Screen instructions to start the update
    8. After flash has completed, press the reset button with the stylus to reset the device.


    4. FLASH PREFERED RADIO (OPTIONAL)

    For more information about compatible Radios go *HERE*

    Flashing Via ActiveSync
    1. Sync your phone with the PC
    2. Run CustomRUU.exe from the Radio's Folder and follow the instructions
    (if one isnt included then download it *HERE*)

    Flashing via MicroSD Card
    Use same method as Flashing a Rom via MicroSD Card

    5. JOB DONE. Well Done YOU DID IT!!

    *DISCLAIMER*
    I take no responsibility for any fault or damage caused by any procedures within this guide. No warranties of any kind are given.
    1
    I just tried to do a TASK29, like here
    http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=649191

    but, it asked my if i want to upgrade to the rom 2.0.0 (?? something)..and now the phone remains in the splash screen.

    how can i connect it to upgrade to a ENERGY ROM?

    i have done a couple of ROMs updates, and all of them worked fine...now...how to pass the spash screen and connect it to the PC?
    thank you...


    tried the HARD RESET..and it still remains in the HTC white screen...for a couple of minutes...

    Were you aware that task29 is a format utility? It erases everything on your device and prepares it for a flash. All you have to do to get to the bootloader to flash is press the reset button with your stylus while holding down the volume down button. This will bring you to a tri-colored screen known as the bootloader. Plug in your USB cord and the bottom of the screen should go from "Serial" to "USB." Once that happens, run the RUU for the ROM you wish to flash.

    On a side note, a hard reset restores the last ROM you flashed. Meaning, since you flashed the fake OS from the task29 tool, you aren't really able to hard reset back to the last ROM you flashed. The task29 tool runs after the flash and wipes out everything. There basically isn't anything for the device to restore, which is why it doesn't work for you.
    1
    ***Each user gets 1 license, or perhaps 2-3 on request if needed (valid forever and works as transparently as possible, so it won't be a problem at all)

    1) Do we need this in order to install HardSPL?
    2) what is meant by it runs transparently?

    I usually buy them unlocked already and decided to give it a go myself this time, so i am reading as much as possible before the big "brick" (^_^)

    Thanks (^_^)

    This means everyone can put Hard SPL on their device at least once. You don't need to apply for a license or anything, you get it with the download. Transparently means that your information is stored for later use if you need to Hard SPL a replacement device or anything.

    This has nothing to do with unlocking your device for use on a different network. This only allows you to flash a custom or non-stock ROM to your device.
    1
    Hi all,

    I have a RHOD100 UK Touch Pro 2 that is just back from HTC due to an RS232 USB port failure.

    I am trying to flash up the latest Energy ROM but when I tried to install it it sits at "Loading..." and does nothing. Do I need to re-HardSPL the handset? I have tried this and the Auto Flash doesn't work and gives an error message. I tried the manual flash and the phone sits at 0% and times out and then I got an Error 262 message?

    Has HTC done something so I can't flash a Custom ROM on to the handset!!?

    Thanks.

    It's likely that they have relocked the device. The easiest way to check that is to get into the bootloader and see if it still says Olinex after the SPL version number. If it doesn't then you'll need to put it on there again. Contact cmonex for help on reflashing Hard SPL.
    1
    it says spl-0.05.axebox

    FULL TEXT :
    Rohod100 32m ss-dc
    spl-0.05.axebox
    microp(led) 0x0A
    microp(key) 0x04
    turbo hw/turbo sw
    TP MFG DATA
    449,522. 798,849
    790,202, 201,204
    189854 cALIBRATED


    so do i still need to flash again?

    That doesn't look like HardSPL on there - it's some custom "axebox" SPL by the looks of it. Probably worth flashing with HardSPL just to give you a safety net even if you don't want to change ROMs.

    Incidentally, if you *do* want to change ROMs, there are some particularly good ones. I've been using Jackos S3 ManilaRUSH for the past couple of weeks and it's really quite speedy.