DVB-T dongle running on Nexus 7

martintzvetomirov · Aug 19, 2012

Note: The information below is quite dated. If you are interested in watching TV on Android without root with the RTL-SDR dongles check out Aerial TV on XDA.

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Ok guys, I am proud to announce that I was able to run a DVB-T tuner on my Nexus 7

If your kernel is 3.1.10-g52027f9 and your dongle is RTL2832U based

If you have a rooted Nexus 7 with kernel 3.1.10-g52027f9 and a RTL2832U based DVB-T dongle, then you can also have your dongle up and running in a matter of minutes. Here are the steps:

Download http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24106229/NexusDvb.rar
Install droidtv.apk from the rar (you can also find it at https://github.com/chrulri/droidtv)
Get a Terminal emulator and cd to the folder where you have extracted the rar. Type in:
- su
- sh startdvb
Make sure that all of the files and folders inside /dev/dvb have highest permissions.
Start DroidTV and enjoy!!!

Different dongle, kernel 3.1.10-g52027f9

If you have the same kernel and a dongle that has its drivers built in the kernel according to http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/DVB-T_USB_Devices , then you can download this rar file - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24106229/all-modules.rar (Last updated 20 Aug 22:22 GMT). Those are all of the kernel modules I compiled. You may be able to find your usb driver there.

Compiling kernel modules

If you don't have the same kernel or a dongle is not supported, you will need to get the kernel source and compile the modules yourself. Here's how you do that.

Make sure you are running Linux and have make and git already installed
Download dvbn7comp and put it into a new directory. Make sure dvbn7comp is executable by running chmod +x dvbn7comp inside the folder
Invoke the script like this ./dvbn7comp <kernel_version>. For example if you want to have the modules compiled for 3.1.10-g05b777c, you would run ./dvbn7comp 3.1.10-g05b777c
Wait - it may take a while. Usually about 15 minutes depending on your network and CPU speed.
After the script finishes running, the .ko files would be put in a directory called output_3.1.10-g05b777c

That's it!

Note: The script will download the kernel source and the toolchain and it will attempt to find the commit that contains the required kernel version. Then it will configure the kernel for DVB-T support and will compile the modules and copy them to the output folder. If you run the script again and the sources are already present, it will not download them again, so any subsequent runs of the script would be faster!

Patching the precompiled binaries [NEW]

phamthanhnam said:
For those who have another kernel version, you don't need to recompile dvb modules. If your kernel version is not in git revisions, you will just fail with 'fatal: ambiguous argument '3.1.10-xxxxxxxx': unknown revision or path not in the working tree'. Fortunately, there's a much faster and much simpler way to get dvb modules for your kernel version. You don't need git, make, toolchain, kernel source...
Nearly every Android kernel for Nexus 7 is based on 3.1.10 linux kernel (because of nvidia's closed source driver for graphics card), so kernel version for your Nexus 7 will be always 3.1.10-xxxxxxxx.
You can get directly precompiled binary modules (aka *.ko files) at post #1 and patch them for your kernel version:

Code:

perl -pi -e 's/3.1.10-g52027f9/3.1.10-xxxxxxxx/g' *.ko

Alternaties: Get precompiled binary modules at post #80 (more complete than modules from post #1) and patch them:

Code:

perl -pi -e 's/3.1.10-g22b4fcd/3.1.10-xxxxxxxx/g' *.ko

Alternaties 2: Post #129, the same way:

Code:

perl -pi -e 's/3.1.10-g05b777c/3.1.10-xxxxxxxx/g' *.ko

Basically this command replaces 'magic version' in *.ko files. Version mismatch will prevent insmod with an 'exec format error'.
Replace xxxxxxxx by your kernel-version, for example if your kernel version is 3.1.10-g30c5396, use:

Code:

perl -pi -e 's/3.1.10-g52027f9/3.1.10-g30c5396/g' *.ko

That's it!
More info: This way works with Cyanogen Mod kernels/ROMs!!!

How to modify the startdvb script

Code:

echo "Starting DVB support"
insmod dvb-core.ko # core support for DVB
insmod dvb-pll.ko # I am not sure if this is even needed
insmod rc-core.ko # Support for remote control, some drivers won't load otherwise
insmod dvb-usb.ko # Support for usb tuners
insmod dvb-usb-***** # Add here your driver. If more than one needed, add another line
# if firmware is needed, make sure the firmware is in the right folder, it should be /lib/firmware, but I'm not 100% sure
# Also some devices won't need the steps below
echo "Waiting for device"
sleep 5
cd /
mkdir /dev/dvb
mkdir /dev/dvb/adapter0
cd /dev/dvb/adapter0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.frontend0 frontend0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.demux0 demux0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0.ts
chmod -R 777 /dev/dvb* # The original script doesn't have it, but try adding a -R before 777 might ease things a bit
echo "DONE!"

Troubleshooting

If any error message occurs, type in dmesg in the terminal. This will give more information why something failed.

How do I know if I'm successful

To check whether you have insmoded the kernels right and after connecting the device whether it has been discovered, use dmesg and look for message similar to "Found DVB device xxx in warm state".

I got it running!!!

If you got it running, please do share with us! It seems like there's a lot of fiddling for some devices to be done so any information will prove invaluable for somebody!!!

NOTE: I don't have the time to support this thread any more, sorry if I am not responding to it! All of the directions above are still valid and working! Browse the comments, you might find that someone has compiled the correct modules for your device/kernel or you might ask someone to do it for you! If you want any of the information above to be edited, please PM me!

lionsh · Aug 19, 2012

Where to get the DVB tuner

Hi,
Thanks for posting. it is very interesting.
can you post where did you buy the tuner from and the price?
the only one i could find with RTL2832U is priced at 27$ from ebay.

How can i compile the kernel modules for a different device?

thanks.

VonLaserface · Aug 19, 2012

Very cool!

Could a similar technique could be used for ATSC here in the U.S.?

martintzvetomirov · Aug 19, 2012

I actually have compiled all of the drivers that come with the Linux kernel as well

You can get them from here - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24106229/all-modules.rar

If your device is listed as compatible somewhere here - http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/DVB-T_USB_Devices then you may be lucky

You just need to know which kernel module to load with insmod (see the startdvb script to see how to do it).

If it's not there or you have a different kernel version, you will need to follow https://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html . Except for you only need to build the modules, and you need to fiddle around with the Makefiles in order to force some of the components (like the dvb-usb.ko) to be compiled as modules. Good luck!

As far as the tuner I am using, it's http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120958257586 this one. I actually got it for another purpose (http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr), which if I have the time I can try to build an app to bring it to the Android as well

lionsh · Aug 20, 2012

another question

Thanks for the quick reply!

I couldn't find the right *.ko file in the modules you attached (it is supposed to be af9005 and af9015, and for my other dvb-t - IT9135)
Could i bother you to upload these, since i have no idea how to compile them.

I tried using af9013.ko that you attached but with no success, most likely because i had to use af9005 instead.

I added insmod af9013.ko to your script, attached is a screenshot from my emulator:

Thanks again. Your help is much appreciated!

lionsh · Aug 20, 2012

another question

double post by mistake

micks_address · Aug 20, 2012

Hi, I was wondering about this a few weeks ago.. great to see it working.. do you know if the Sony Play TV tuner would work? I have one of those...

Cheers,
Mick

martintzvetomirov said:
I actually have compiled all of the drivers that come with the Linux kernel as well

You can get them from here - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24106229/all-modules.rar

If your device is listed as compatible somewhere here - http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/DVB-T_USB_Devices then you may be lucky You just need to know which kernel module to load with insmod (see the startdvb script to see how to do it).

If it's not there or you have a different kernel version, you will need to follow https://source.android.com/source/building-kernels.html . Except for you only need to build the modules, and you need to fiddle around with the Makefiles in order to force some of the components (like the dvb-usb.ko) to be compiled as modules. Good luck!

As far as the tuner I am using, it's http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120958257586 this one. I actually got it for another purpose (http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr), which if I have the time I can try to build an app to bring it to the Android as well

---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 AM ----------

Here is the driver i need... i assume i need to be able to produce a .ko file some way for it?

http://linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Sony_PlayTV_dual_tuner_DVB-T#Drivers

lionsh · Aug 20, 2012

aspletec this

Hi.

In the file Martin attached with all the modules there is a module for you DVB-T, it's called dib0070.ko
Try this one.

micks_address said:
Hi, I was wondering about this a few weeks ago.. great to see it working.. do you know if the Sony Play TV tuner would work? I have one of those...

Cheers,
Mick

---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 AM ----------

Here is the driver i need... i assume i need to be able to produce a .ko file some way for it?

micks_address · Aug 20, 2012

Thanks, once i copy it to the folder with the startdvb file.. what other steps do i need?

lionsh said:
Hi.

In the file Martin attached with all the modules there is a module for you DVB-T, it's called dib0070.ko
Try this one.

lionsh · Aug 20, 2012

you need to update the startdvb script to inclue ismode yourdriver.ko

micks_address said:
Thanks, once i copy it to the folder with the startdvb file.. what other steps do i need?

micks_address · Aug 20, 2012

I edited the startdvb file to reference the dib0070.ko but i get init failed.. i wonder doesn the nexus have enough power to power the tuner via USB?

Cheers,
Mick

lionsh said:
Hi.

In the file Martin attached with all the modules there is a module for you DVB-T, it's called dib0070.ko
Try this one.

Psych0Chimp · Aug 20, 2012

micks_address said:
Thanks, once i copy it to the folder with the startdvb file.. what other steps do i need?

You need to add the line 'insmod dib0070.ko' to startdvb.
You will probably also need to copy the 'dvb-usb-dib0700-1.20.fw' firmware file from that link you posted earlier into /etc/firmware.

martintzvetomirov · Aug 20, 2012

OK guys, my bad! I didn't originally submit all of the files. Please, redownload again - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24106229/all-modules.rar

I didn't compile the usb drivers, the ones that you would actually need

Now everything should be there.

lionsh said:
Thanks for the quick reply!

I couldn't find the right *.ko file in the modules you attached (it is supposed to be af9005 and af9015, and for my other dvb-t - IT9135)
Could i bother you to upload these, since i have no idea how to compile them.

You will need dvb-usb-af9005.ko and possibly dvb-usb-af9005-remote.ko

micks_address said:
Hi, I was wondering about this a few weeks ago.. great to see it working.. do you know if the Sony Play TV tuner would work? I have one of those...

You will need dvb-usb-dib0700.ko and the firmware from the web page you pointed me at.

micks_address said:
I edited the startdvb file to reference the dib0070.ko but i get init failed.. i wonder doesn the nexus have enough power to power the tuner via USB?

It was able to properly power my tuner without external power but surely this won't be the case with all of them. That can't cause the init to fail though! Use dmesg to get more info on why this has happened.

lionsh said:
you need to update the startdvb script to inclue ismode yourdriver.ko

Yes, that's right. So here's how to do it

Code:

echo "Starting DVB support"
insmod dvb-core.ko # core support for DVB
insmod dvb-pll.ko # I am not sure if this is even needed
insmod rc-core.ko # Support for remote control, some drivers won't load otherwise
insmod dvb-usb.ko # Support for usb tuners
insmod ***** # Add here your driver. If more than one needed, add another line
# if firmware is needed, make sure the firmware is in the right folder, it should be /lib/firmware, but I'm not 100% sure
# Also some devices won't need the steps below
echo "Waiting for device"
sleep 5
cd /
mkdir /dev/dvb
mkdir /dev/dvb/adapter0
cd /dev/dvb/adapter0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.frontend0 frontend0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.demux0 demux0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0.ts
chmod -R 777 /dev/dvb* # The original script doesn't have it, but try adding a -R before 777 might ease things a bit
echo "DONE!"

Hope this helps!

If any error message occur, type in dmesg in the terminal. This will give more information why something failed. Also to check whether you have insmoded the kernels right and after connecting the device it has been discovered, use dmesg again and look for message similar to "Found DVB device xxx in warm state"

lionsh · Aug 21, 2012

Hi Martin,

first of all many thanks!

i used 9005,9005-remote and 9015 ko files and updated the script as follow:

Code:

echo "Starting DVB support"
insmod dvb-core.ko
insmod dvb-pll.ko
insmod rc-core.ko
insmod dvb-usb.ko
insmod dvb-usb-af9005.ko
insmod dvb-usb-af9005-remote.ko
insmod dvb-usb-af9015.ko
echo "Waiting for device"
sleep 5
cd /
mkdir /dev/dvb
mkdir /dev/dvb/adapter0
cd /dev/dvb/adapter0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.frontend0 frontend0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.demux0 demux0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0
ln -s /dev/dvb0.dvr0 dvr0.ts
chmod -R 777 /dev/dvb*
echo "DONE!"

I receive several errors.
first i get 9015.ko file not found, i'm attaching screen shot with ls that clearly lists the file (WTF?!)
and *dvr0.ts file is also written as no such file/dir.

I even copied the .fw files for 9005 and 9015 to etc/firmware

can you take a look ,i must be missing something stupid.
also, is there a dvb-usb-IT9135.ko file?

many thanks for your contribution.

lionsh · Aug 21, 2012

I created the files :
frontend0
demux0
dvr0
dvr0.ts

in /dev/dvb/adapter0 and now i don't get an error on running sh startdvb (except on *9015.ko being not found)
when i open droid tv and select DVB-T and some country using dvb-t i get an error of unable to determine frontend
so something still missing/wrong.

UPDATE

using dmesg i saw an error for init 9015.ko - Unknown symbol af9013_attach (err 0)
maybe the compilation of this driver was not right, since it is 9015 and not 9013?

I do hope that it's the lack og 9015.ko which is keeping me from watching DVB-T. If I had the dvb-usb-IT9135.ko file i could try a different DVB-T tuner.

birdster · Aug 21, 2012

Loving the progress on this, for me dtv isn't what I'm looking for I would love to see a working live video input displayed on my nexus for a project I'm working on using a usb composite video in Interface the type you use to rip vhs to the computer, I'm guessing and hoping the solution is pretty much the same? Any advise and help on this please?
Thanks

Psych0Chimp · Aug 21, 2012

Great work on this, so far I've managed to get my DVB tuner properly configured and connected!

The only issue is Droid TV seems very unstable... Are there any alternatives?

I get reboots when scanning for channels. Might try recompiling a newer version of w_scan when I get a minute.

The channels I manually added only have a signal of 20% with no picture. The signal is fine when the tuner is connected to my PC though.
Maybe the Nexus doesn't give it enough power?

lionsh · Aug 21, 2012

Hi,

Can you state which module do you use for your DVB-T tuner?

Psych0Chimp said:
Great work on this, so far I've managed to get my DVB tuner properly configured and connected!

The only issue is Droid TV seems very unstable... Are there any alternatives?

I get reboots when scanning for channels. Might try recompiling a newer version of w_scan when I get a minute.

The channels I manually added only have a signal of 20% with no picture. The signal is fine when the tuner is connected to my PC though.
Maybe the Nexus doesn't give it enough power?

Sikki · Aug 21, 2012

lionsh said:
I created the files :
frontend0
demux0
dvr0
dvr0.ts

in /dev/dvb/adapter0 and now i don't get an error on running sh startdvb (except on *9015.ko being not found)
when i open droid tv and select DVB-T and some country using dvb-t i get an error of unable to determine frontend
so something still missing/wrong.

UPDATE

using dmesg i saw an error for init 9015.ko - Unknown symbol af9013_attach (err 0)
maybe the compilation of this driver was not right, since it is 9015 and not 9013?

I do hope that it's the lack og 9015.ko which is keeping me from watching DVB-T. If I had the dvb-usb-IT9135.ko file i could try a different DVB-T tuner.

I have an A-Link dongle that seems to be running Afatech inside. Among the things you have done, I also attached and insmodded af9013.ko and got my receiver mounted in warm state and its actually scanning the channels in DroidTV as we speak. (No luck on the first try).

I have dvb-usb-af9015, 9005, 9005-remote, af9013 and the af9015 firmware (in the etc/firmware folder).

These seemed to do the trick.

lionsh · Aug 21, 2012

that is so strange, i tried all these combinations, including af9013.ko with no luck.
did you get an error on af9015 like i did?

i have copied the firmware also. did you d\l it from http://linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/DVB-T_USB_Devices#DVB-T_USB_Devices?
when you ran startddvb script did you receive any errors? I get an error that the files in /dev/dvb/adapter0 are missing.
only when i create the files manually it passes, but then i can't initialize droid tv.
which kernel version do you use? i have 3.1.10 g52027f9
can you upload the files+script that you used?

Sikki said:
I have an A-Link dongle that seems to be running Afatech inside. Among the things you have done, I also attached and insmodded af9013.ko and got my receiver mounted in warm state and its actually scanning the channels in DroidTV as we speak. (No luck on the first try).

I have dvb-usb-af9015, 9005, 9005-remote, af9013 and the af9015 firmware (in the etc/firmware folder).

These seemed to do the trick.

DVB-T dongle running on Nexus 7

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