***How To ROOT 4.3 & NC4 OTA, Install Recovery & Roms - Verizon RETAIL Note 3***

[pizza_pablo]

It's been a while since I inventoried my dev-host account, but I believe EVERYTHING you need to root and get up to the latest KK, and some of the newest LP roms , is in my dev-host file (link in my sig)...

Several Note 3 guys are still running the last version of Alliznce build 2 (KK) because it is freakin awesome and there's not much that LP can offer us to make it worth the ONE WAY trip to LP with our Note 3s...

Thanks, az!
I was hoping not to have to Odin anything. I wasted an MDK S4, by being stupid.
I get the Note 3 tomorrow. I'll just have to wait and see what baseband it is actually on.
I really appreciate the help, here!
I really do try to search a while, before posting questions.
I absolutely hate lollipop! It looks cartoonish!
I can't imagine not having a rooted phone, since I've experienced having one.

 

[tw1n5nak35]

Where has this thread been? I just noticed this thread recently. Big thank you to AZBiker. There's some really helpful info in this thread.

 

[milski65]

I have some stuff saved I'll be more than happy to download to Dropbox or whatever if someone is needing anything.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Az Biker]

Where has this thread been? I just noticed this thread recently. Big thank you to AZBiker. There's some really helpful info in this thread.

It's been right here waiting for someone to send out an SOS

 

[straykat]

Sure could use some help...

It's been right here waiting for someone to send out an SOS

az_biker -

First off thanks so much for this thread... I've read about half the pages from the beginning and am still going through it all. - - I'm presently on 4.3 with my Verizon Note 3... Have only had this phone for about one month or so! btw, it's on JellyBeans b-6 at the moment. I've come to learn that this phone sucks with reception! - I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to get this phone to be bearable where I live/use it.

There are many areas that my Galaxy S3 and prior Android phone worked well in, that my present Note 3 has trouble handling a signal in, resulting in dropped calls, etc... Is there a "best practice" / "best set-up" that you (or anyone else) could recommend? I haven't come over to 4.4.2 yet as I thought 4.3 w/ JB's b_6 was going to be okay...NOT!!! - - - So, I've read tons of info here thanks to you and some of the others who pitch in to bail users out of their problems/challenges.

I am pretty desperate at the moment and would do anything recommended... is their a particular ROM (Alliance - build 2?, Jamine, anything?) that might produce the best reception. Do I need to flash radios or modems? - If I can't figure this thing out, I'll resell this phonbe and get something much better.... Had I known I would face such reception issues, I would not have bought this one. Thanks for any help!

 

[donc113]

az_biker -

First off thanks so much for this thread... I've read about half the pages from the beginning and am still going through it all. - - I'm presently on 4.3 with my Verizon Note 3... Have only had this phone for about one month or so! btw, it's on JellyBeans b-6 at the moment. I've come to learn that this phone sucks with reception! - I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to get this phone to be bearable where I live/use it.

There are many areas that my Galaxy S3 and prior Android phone worked well in, that my present Note 3 has trouble handling a signal in, resulting in dropped calls, etc... Is there a "best practice" / "best set-up" that you (or anyone else) could recommend? I haven't come over to 4.4.2 yet as I thought 4.3 w/ JB's b_6 was going to be okay...NOT!!! - - - So, I've read tons of info here thanks to you and some of the others who pitch in to bail users out of their problems/challenges.

I am pretty desperate at the moment and would do anything recommended... is their a particular ROM (Alliance - build 2?, Jamine, anything?) that might produce the best reception. Do I need to flash radios or modems? - If I can't figure this thing out, I'll resell this phonbe and get something much better.... Had I known I would face such reception issues, I would not have bought this one. Thanks for any help!

Take the back off the phone and make sure all the visible screws are tight. You'll need a jeweler's screwdriver.


Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk

 

[straykat]

Take the back off the phone and make sure all the visible screws are tight. You'll need a jeweler's screwdriver.


Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk

donc113-

Thanks for your reply. I'll check the screws for sure. After reading another post in one of the many "bad reception" threads, I stumbled onto another possibility. In the car where all this has been happening, the phone usually sits in a custom phone holder that came with the phone. It's a very nice holder, but it's made of light aluminum.... it seems the holder "might be" causing the problem. I hope it's just the holder and/or the screws. I'll report back for sure. Thanks again for your reply!

 

[jellyhead]

Had I known I would face such reception issues, I would not have bought this one.

I'm also having an issue with poor reception after moving to this phone from the Note 2. The Note 2 didn't have great signal but it was much better than this phone. I was prepared for the poor signal though because this was my wife's old phone and that's why she upgraded. This phone is locked and not able to be rooted so my options are limited. What I've tried is making sure the screws are tight which made no difference. The phone had a cracked screen when I got it so I bought a used housing from ebay. When installing the board into the replacement housing I pulled/bent the tiny contact terminals up to improve the contact with the antennas. I actually thought this may make a big improvement but there was no change. I've determined that there is no hardware change that is going to improve the reception. currently I'm trying to find a root method for 4.4.4+ but it obviously doesn't exist at this time. I haven't yet discovered a software fix for the issue but I wouldn't help anyway without root.

 

[straykat]

It's been right here waiting for someone to send out an SOS

Take the back off the phone and make sure all the visible screws are tight. You'll need a jeweler's screwdriver.


Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk

So, I haven't tightened the screws yet, but I did learn quite a bit about my phone holder in the car. The holder actually is pretty solid Aluminum that covers the entire back and the entire circumference of the phone up to the edge where the screen is. The aluminum is 1/4 " thick!!! - - So, when I take the phone out of that contraption when in marginal areas, I get enough signal to get by... aprox -110 dbm... - I believe slightly worse than that causes calls to drop (aprox -115 dbm)...

I've installed 3 "signal strength" apps to help me monitor what's happening with my phone...haven't fully figured them out yet, but for the most part they're self-explanatory: NetStrength (requires root); Network Signal Info & Real Signal, which don't require root. Eventually I'll try tightening the visible screws in the back of the phone... can't hurt, & might help! I've read that any apps that claim to improve signal strength are probably scams...not 100% sure about this...

The other thing I've read is that sometimes certain cases, even plastic types, might cause signal interference. I'm using a Sigen Neo Hybrid. I'll have to experiment if having it off makes any difference. - - Anyway, I'm thinking the Note 3 (on 4.3 w/ Beans b-6) may work out for me. As long as I can get reception in most places, I'll stick with it.

 

[jellyhead]

I did notice a slight improvement in signal strength by switching from global to LTE/CDMA. One bar in some areas.

 

[straykat]

I did notice a slight improvement in signal strength by switching from global to LTE/CDMA. One bar in since areas.

Hmmmm....I'll try that now and see what difference it makes. I know that it's currently on "Global". Thanks for the tip.

 

[milski65]

This is just a FYI to people dealing with reception issues. There are a lot of variables involved. Stray mentioned his car phone holder. In my experience phones play a part, carrier plays a part, time of year, weather, ect. The list can be quite long. Just take into consideration that if your phone doesn't work well no matter where you are, then it's probably fair to say it's related to specific phone. But if it's somewhat random or based on just specific locations, your phone is probably NOT the issue. Regardless of what you run. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, but probably moot. I'm just throwing that out there. It's also pretty moot comparing it to previous phones you've owned.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Az Biker]

Agreed! Way too many variables.

The best way I've found to compare signal is same place, same time of day, and same device settings. That's about as close to an apples to apples comparison you'll get..

I always check the most remote areas where I work, the outskirts of town, and known 'minimal signal' areas.

Once you've done all that, you can flash diff radios and start over

 

[milski65]

The Note 3 is a great phone. It IS outdated I realize, but that doesn't change the fact that you still can't enjoy it and have it do whatever you need. You all need to consider the bigger picture. There are not a lot of current phones that offer the flexibility, under right circumstances, of your what you have in your hands right now. Trust me. Even if you're willing to drop retail 700 per year on every new phone that comes out, something will plague you. Best bet is to accept limitations which all phones have and work around them.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Az Biker]

The Note 3 is a great phone. It IS outdated I realize, but that doesn't change the fact that you still can't enjoy it and have it do whatever you need. You all need to consider the bigger picture. There are not a lot of current phones that offer the flexibility, under right circumstances, of your what you have in your hands right now. Trust me. Even if you're willing to drop retail 700 per year on every new phone that comes out, something will plague you. Best bet is to accept limitations which all phones have and work around them.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

I've been running the Note 3 for almost a year with no real new devving. After Alliance Rom build 2, I figured it really couldn't get much better, and I was right. There were a few Roms out there but you had to give up the ability to go backwards if you wanted to run them, I didn't want to give that flexibility up.

Buying the Hauwei 6P was solely a boredom thing! I got tired of not being able to flash roms, learn new things and felt like the XDA world was passing me by.

Honestly though, running Alliance Build 2, the 2 yr old Note 3 doesn't feel that far behind the new 6P!

Plus, a LOT of the Alliance crew and users are on the 6P, so that's a double bonus to get back with those guys!

 

[milski65]

I've been running the Note 3 for almost a year with no real new devving. After Alliance Rom build 2, I figured it really couldn't get much better, and I was right. There were a few Roms out there but you had to give up the ability to go backwards if you wanted to run them, I didn't want to give that flexibility up.

Buying the Hauwei 6P was solely a boredom thing! I got tired of not being able to flash roms, learn new things and felt like the XDA world was passing me by.

Honestly though, running Alliance Build 2, the 2 yr old Note 3 doesn't feel that far behind the new 6P!

Plus, a LOT of the Alliance crew and users are on the 6P, so that's a double bonus to get back with those guys!

You're older school. I mean no offense by that. We all get the bug to get the latest phone that has best opportunities for flashing . Not many phones left that allow you to upgrade/downgrade at will. One of the major pluses of note 3 as a safeguard.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

 

[straykat]

You're older school. I mean no offense by that. We all get the bug to get the latest phone that has best opportunities for flashing . Not many phones left that allow you to upgrade/downgrade at will. One of the major pluses of note 3 as a safeguard.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk 2

Milski & az_biker-

Nice to see you guys on the thread. I've learned quite a bit from both of you.... more recently having read most of az's posts & prior to that having Milski help me get set-up my new "used n3" w/ Beans b_6, I feel pretty connected to you guys. Thanks for all the guidance thus far!

I researched the various Note phones 3, 4 & 5 prior to buying the n3 and determined for reasons Milski stated that the N3 was a good choice. And I know it is and will be for some time. - My issues with reception sort of caught me by surprise as I had not really read about people's challenges w/ reception with the n3. Well, now of course I've learned that "some" have experienced challenges. As for me, my main problem was using the aluminum phone holder (1/4 inch thick all around phone...lol) even in marginal areas . Although I'm 10 minutes from SF, I live in an area where there are about 2 blocks of very weak coverage.... which is why I use the Verizon network extender in the house; otherwise I'd get no calls & could not text at all.

I recall reading that some people that had gone to KK were sorry they did and wanted to revert back to 4.3; Per Milski, I know I can go to 4.4.2 and still get back which is pretty cool. - - The one variable I've never dealt with is the flashing of radios and/or modems which az mentioned a couple posts back. I realize there is no hard and fast rules/results with different phones/roms/radios, etc..., but I'm wondering what you two guys thinks is the very best combo...??? I'd install Alliance b_2 and whatever radios might provide the "winning hand" for me. Do you think doing so could improve my reception or should I stay put w/ Beans b-6? I could easily stay with Beans b_6 and be satisfied. At the same time, if there is a better course of action, I'd like to consider taking it. Thanks for any additional ideas/tips!

 

[Az Biker]

Milski & az_biker-

Nice to see you guys on the thread. I've learned quite a bit from both of you.... more recently having read most of az's posts & prior to that having Milski help me get set-up my new "used n3" w/ Beans b_6, I feel pretty connected to you guys. Thanks for all the guidance thus far!

I researched the various Note phones 3, 4 & 5 prior to buying the n3 and determined for reasons Milski stated that the N3 was a good choice. And I know it is and will be for some time. - My issues with reception sort of caught me by surprise as I had not really read about people's challenges w/ reception with the n3. Well, now of course I've learned that "some" have experienced challenges. As for me, my main problem was using the aluminum phone holder (1/4 inch thick all around phone...lol) even in marginal areas . Although I'm 10 minutes from SF, I live in an area where there are about 2 blocks of very weak coverage.... which is why I use the Verizon network extender in the house; otherwise I'd get no calls & could not text at all.

I recall reading that some people that had gone to KK were sorry they did and wanted to revert back to 4.3; Per Milski, I know I can go to 4.4.2 and still get back which is pretty cool. - - The one variable I've never dealt with is the flashing of radios and/or modems which az mentioned a couple posts back. I realize there is no hard and fast rules/results with different phones/roms/radios, etc..., but I'm wondering what you two guys thinks is the very best combo...??? I'd install Alliance b_2 and whatever radios might provide the "winning hand" for me. Do you think doing so could improve my reception or should I stay put w/ Beans b-6? I could easily stay with Beans b_6 and be satisfied. At the same time, if there is a better course of action, I'd like to consider taking it. Thanks for any additional ideas/tips!

Man... I am going WAY back in the memory bank, but I believe the majority of folks who had poor signal on the Note 3 went to the MJE (JB) radios... I'm sure a Google of MJE radios will pull up some thread comparing MJE, NC4 radios. Again, IIRC, these are to be flashed from Android recovery, not in SS... I'll do a little digging and see if I can come up with a more certain answer for you.

 

[straykat]

Man... I am going WAY back in the memory bank, but I believe the majority of folks who had poor signal on the Note 3 went to the MJE (JB) radios... I'm sure a Google of MJE radios will pull up some thread comparing MJE, NC4 radios. Again, IIRC, these are to be flashed from Android recovery, not in SS... I'll do a little digging and see if I can come up with a more certain answer for you.

Thanks a million for that info and for looking into it for me!!! I guess with Beans b_6, I'm on JB - mje radio... I wonder if that's one of the better one's to be on. ??? I'm of course willing to tweak this phone to make it the best I can! Thanks again!

 

[Az Biker]

Thanks a million for that info and for looking into it for me!!! I guess with Beans b_6, I'm on JB - mje radio... I wonder if that's one of the better one's to be on. ??? I'm of course willing to tweak this phone to make it the best I can! Thanks again!

Here's a good starting point for you!

http://www.droidforums.net/threads/...rade-your-verizon-note-3s-modem-radio.267875/

If you're not familiar with ODIN, there is an ODIN link in my sig