[FLASHER] [v1.3 - 2014-07-07] FlashCast: Quickly and easily mod your Chromecast

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ddggttff3

ddggttff3

Inactive Recognized Developer
Dec 13, 2009
815
1,543
Minnesota
eyetek said:
If I am using the USB to install Flashcast I get the Flashcast screen then it goes to a dark screen with "Starting Chromecast...." at the bottom of the screen and it stays there. The USB which was flashing up to that point goes dark and acts like it is no longer powered.

If I attempt to plug in the Chromecast into the TV and boot it with its power cord and no USB device it goes directly to the "Starting Chromecast..." and stays there.

Booting the device either way ends with the same dark screen with the "Starting Chromecast..." at the bottom and stays there until I unplug it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Strange, sounds like it may be a hardware issue, or it came from the factory with a improper flash. I'd wait tho to hear @tchebb has to say.
 
tchebb

tchebb

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jul 28, 2010
189
242
tchebb.me
eyetek said:
I bought two Chromecast units factory sealed with consecutive serial numbers, I have installed Flashcast and flashed the Eureka image to the first device without problems. I went to go through the same process with the second device and I got the Flashcast screen but when it went to reboot from that screen it got stuck on the black screen with "Starting Chromecast..." and the USB stopped flashing and went dark.

I have tried to boot up the Chromecast on it's own and it gets stuck in the same spot.

I have tried to do a factory reset by holding down the button for over 30 seconds with no success, of course the Chromecast app does not recognize the device.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

If you can still boot FlashCast from USB, try re-running it with the rooted image. There could have been some error flashing the first time. I'd also be interested to see the contents of the FlashCast log files on the drive. Would you mind posting the one from the flash which failed? (Probably the one with the highest number, unless you've used FlashCast again since.)
 
E

eyetek

Senior Member
Mar 21, 2009
84
13
tchebb said:
If you can still boot FlashCast from USB, try re-running it with the rooted image. There could have been some error flashing the first time. I'd also be interested to see the contents of the FlashCast log files on the drive. Would you mind posting the one from the flash which failed? (Probably the one with the highest number, unless you've used FlashCast again since.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I want to thank you first off, I was able to flash the rooted image to the chromecast! Not sure why the device always got stuck on the "Starting Chromecast..." but at this point all that matters is that it is rooted.

I saved the log file from the failed boot and will attach it for you to look at, would be interested to hear if you are able to see what the problem was.

Clearing OTAs
Changing directory to /usr/share/flasher/remove-ota
Mounting cache (mtd4) at /tmp/tmp.q2HxhL
Removing temp-ota.zip and ota.zip from cache partition (/tmp/tmp.q2HxhL)
Unmounting /tmp/tmp.q2HxhL
Mounting /dev/sda1 to /tmp/tmp.YawSCS
Opened log file /tmp/tmp.YawSCS/flashcast-1.log
SETUP FAILED: No images found on /dev/sda1
Unmounting and removing /tmp/tmp.YawSCS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
 
M

mcpdigital

Senior Member
Aug 13, 2012
420
122
tchebb said:
I have just released FlashCast version 1.1. A changelog and downloads are available on GitHub here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Installed it already. Everything seems fine. I had a doubt about installing flashcast 1.1 and then installing eureka_image.zip again, but I'm not sure it was needed. I did both installs.
Thank you.

MCP
 
V

verby25

New member
Nov 7, 2013
1
0
need to flash a mod

Can someone tell me the steps ... what to do after I do flashcast?
It says: To root, you need to flash a mod
Do I need a second memory stick and put mod there?
Do I unplug first everything and put mod on flashcast usb and repeat as with flashcast?
Reading here I figure it out that I still have to 'do something' after I install flashcast.
sorry... I'm totally new into this and would appreciate any help.
 
Bajanman

Bajanman

Retired Forum Moderator
Jun 17, 2009
8,897
9,577
Los Angeles Ca.
verby25 said:
Can someone tell me the steps ... what to do after I do flashcast?
It says: To root, you need to flash a mod
Do I need a second memory stick and put mod there?
Do I unplug first everything and put mod on flashcast usb and repeat as with flashcast?
Reading here I figure it out that I still have to 'do something' after I install flashcast.
sorry... I'm totally new into this and would appreciate any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

After you get pass the flash cast. Then you need to put the drive back into the PC then. Load the rooted ROM on there.
Find it here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=47203241
And go thru the steps again. But read the OP..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
 
ahecht

ahecht

Senior Member
Oct 23, 2010
526
315
How do we use the multiple mods feature? Do they not all have to be named eureka_image.zip if they're in the flashcast-mods directory?
 
tchebb

tchebb

Inactive Recognized Developer
Jul 28, 2010
189
242
tchebb.me
ahecht said:
How do we use the multiple mods feature? Do they not all have to be named eureka_image.zip if they're in the flashcast-mods directory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

They do not. FlashCast will flash every mod in flashcast-mods in alphabetical order. Just make sure that a eureka_image.zip file isn't also present in the root directory, or else only it will be flashed.
 
M

mcpdigital

Senior Member
Aug 13, 2012
420
122
This is the cable I used
sumuqe3y.jpg


Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
 
Z

Zuckstone

Member
Jul 30, 2007
33
2
ralphkaz said:
can anyone confirm if this cable would work:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-USB-H..._USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item3cd7de661c

thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think that will work without additional adapters.
It has USB A MALE

You need cable with:
micro USB female
micro USB male
USB A FEMALE You have to plug the Jump drive into it.

Look at photo Bajanman posted. That's what I have too.

This should work
http://www.ebay.com/itm/K1BO-USB-Type-A-Female-to-Micro-USB-Male-Host-OTG-with-Micro-USB-Female-Y-Cable-/251334351959?pt=US_Cell_Phone_PDA_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3a84b1dc57
 
Last edited:
A

alvin90

New member
Nov 10, 2013
2
0
Hi guys..

IT newb here.. well I just flashed my chromecast, but when I plug in my chrome cast, it shows pawned.. then black screen.. I haven set up my chromecast yet.. something wrong happened? I cant do anything with my chromecast now..

---------- Post added at 02:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------
alvin90 said:
Hi guys..

IT newb here.. well I just flashed my chromecast, but when I plug in my chrome cast, it shows pawned.. then black screen.. I haven set up my chromecast yet.. something wrong happened? I cant do anything with my chromecast now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Plus the led white light keeps flashing, even when I plucked in the normal usb cable provided in the chromecast box.
 
J

jamesking420

Senior Member
Aug 4, 2009
385
39
Hi,

I have flashcast v1.0 on my jump drive. Is there a simple way to upgrade to v1.1, or is it a case of going through the whole process again?

Thanks!

James
 
A

alvin90

New member
Nov 10, 2013
2
0
Found the problem, the mod works just nice, its my TV that is causing the problem. Black screen on my wide inch LG TV but works on my small little 3 yo Akira TV.
 
Bajanman

Bajanman

Retired Forum Moderator
Jun 17, 2009
8,897
9,577
Los Angeles Ca.
jamesking420 said:
Hi,

I have flashcast v1.0 on my jump drive. Is there a simple way to upgrade to v1.1, or is it a case of going through the whole process again?

Thanks!

James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I was in the same boat as you. Just download the new 1.1 version. 1st. Delete the old Rom on there!

Then copy the new version on there. Then rename it to "eureka.zip" just as the same name as the previous version you had on there;):cool:. Then go thru the same steps too load the new Rom ver 1.1
Hope that helps you out...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
 
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    tchebb
    tchebb
    VaHvwVY.png


    What is it?

    FlashCast is a USB image that provides a standardized way to mod your Chromecast. Think of it like a recovery which runs off of a USB drive. No more struggling with the limitations of the GTVHacker image, which is hard to modify and can only flash the /system partition. FlashCast is based on shell scripts, so it you can use it to do anything you can do with a root shell. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of helper functions, so many tasks actually become much easier than they would be using a regular shell.

    How do I use it?

    If you prefer to follow a video tutorial, @ddggttff3 has made one here. Otherwise, read on for written instructions.

    Preparation

    Before you begin, you'll need some materials:
    • A Chromecast with a vulnerable bootloader. (For the bootloader to be vulnerable, the Chromecast must have never been connected to the internet and have a rootable serial number.)
    • The latest version of FlashCast (the download link is at the bottom of this post).
    • A USB drive (minimum size 256MB) which you are willing to have erased.
    • A powered Micro-USB OTG cable such as this one. (Alternatively, an unpowered USB hub and unpowered OTG cable can be used as shown here. I have not tested this method and cannot help you if your USB drive is not detected.)

    Installation

    Once you've gathered everything required, you can install FlashCast to your USB drive. To do so, you need to write the .bin file contained in the FlashCast .zip file you've downloaded to your drive. Simply using a file explorer to drag the .bin file to your USB drive is not correct and will not work. The specifics of doing a low-level write differ depending on OS, but, in general, Linux and OS X users should use dd and Windows users should use Win32DiskImager. This operation will erase your flash drive.

    After you've written the .bin file to your USB drive, your computer will no longer recognize a filesystem on it. This is normal. In order for FlashCast to set up the drive's filesystem, you need to boot your Chromecast from the drive. To do this, perform the following steps:
    1. Connect the male end of your Micro-USB OTG cable to your Chromecast.
    2. Plug your USB drive into the USB-A female connector of the OTG cable.
    3. Simultaneously hold the button on your Chromecast and connect the Micro-USB power connector to the female Micro-USB port of the OTG cable.
    The power must be connected last. If it is not, your Chromecast may fail to detect the USB drive and boot up normally. If this happens, simply repeat the process, making sure to perform the steps in the correct order.

    If FlashCast was copied correctly, you will see a red light on your Chromecast for approximately 9 seconds. It will then turn white and your TV will display a screen containing the FlashCast logo (shown at the top of this post) and various instructions. Once you see this screen, you may release the button. The screen will appear for another 9 seconds or so, after which your Chromecast will reboot on its own to the stock image. After it has rebooted (you may disconnect the power when it starts to boot into the stock image if you're worried about it updating), FlashCast is installed on your USB drive and ready for use. Your device is NOT rooted at this point and can still be updated by Google. To root, you need to flash a mod such as Team Eureka's Eureka-ROM. When you plug the drive into your computer, it should appear as an empty drive which you can copy files to.

    Usage

    FlashCast-compatible mods are distributed as .zip files. To flash a mod, simply copy it to the USB drive with the name eureka_image.zip. Do NOT use dd as you did in the previous section. If you do, you will have to repeat the whole process. Instead, just copy it onto the drive's filesystem as you would any other file. FlashCast is also capable of flashing a GTVHacker-style raw system image; if there are no native FlashCast mods present and the system image is in a file called Chromecast-Rooted-System-GTVHacker-cj_000-July27-635PM.bin, it will be flashed. This method of flashing is very inflexible and is not recommended.

    How do I develop for it?

    If you are interested in creating mods for FlashCast, please see the developer thread.

    Who made it?

    FlashCast is based on a generic Buildroot Linux image. Its mod framework was written entirely by me, but I couldn't have done it without the help of various individuals. Thanks, @cj_000, for helping me and putting up with my stupid questions in IRC. And thank you, @tvall, for releasing your update-free images so promptly up until now. Without those, FlashCast would have a much smaller potential user base.

    Where do I get it?

    Downloads and source code are available at FlashCast's GitHub repository. The latest version is currently v1.3.
    View
    10
    tchebb
    tchebb
    stewwmann said:
    How do I know if I have A Chromecast with a vulnerable bootloader ?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    The initial software which the Chromecast shipped with, build 12072, had a vulnerable bootloader. In all following software versions (12840, 12940, and 13300), the vulnerability is patched and FlashCast can't be used. If your Chromecast has been allowed to access the internet, it will have updated itself and will not be vulnerable. If you have not set up your Chromecast and it still has the software from the factory, it may or may not be vulnerable, depending on when you bought it. To check, you can plug it in (but not set it up), and check its "Build" in the Chromecast app. Alternatively, you can simply try to boot FlashCast on it. If it's patched, nothing bad will happen; the USB drive will simply fail to boot.
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    5
    ddggttff3
    ddggttff3
    tchebb said:
    The problem is Windows' poor handling of flash drive partitions. @ddggttff3 figured out how to force Windows to reformat a FlashCast drive from the command line the other day. When he wakes up tomorrow, I'll see if I can get him to post instructions. Sorry for the inconvenience.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    Have a Tutorial Video:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRsUuiuWQMM

    Not my best work, but was somewhat rushed. Hope that's OK.

    Commands Used in CMD:
    Code: 
    diskpart
list disk
select disk * (where * is your jump drive disk number)
clean
convert mbr
create partition primary

    Like I said in the video, make sure you select the drive letter of your jump drive! If you select the wrong disk you can accidentally wipe all of the data from your computer. Me, XDA, and team eureka are NOT responsible for any data loss.
    View
    5
    tchebb
    tchebb
    I have just released FlashCast version 1.1. A changelog and downloads are available on GitHub here.
    View
    5
    ddggttff3
    ddggttff3
    Tyrewt said:
    So by using this, OTA updates would no longer be pushed to the device and you wouldn't get new features/fixes, correct?

    If so, how does one keep root and still get the latest updates?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    This is just a flashing tool, so all of your questions depend on the ROM you flash. If you flash the 13300 package I made, it will disable updates and enable telnet/adb. If you want updates in the future, just wait for me,or someone else to release a new image once a new update rolls out.

    AlderCass said:
    So does this mean it will be possible to get at the hard-coded Google DNS server in the Chromecast for those of us wanting better Netflix outside of the US?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    Yes, it means you can change the DNS server chromecast uses. I actually plan on making a flashable zip to do just that in the next few days.

    EDIT: Posted the flashable zip in its own thread. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2455888
    View

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