General Modding your Joying/FYT SC9853i unit without root

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dbmgreen

Member
Oct 28, 2008
31
1
Question:

I know how to turn auto update apps on and off, but it doesn't seem to stop the "Play Store" updating.
I have the issue where the updated playstore doesn't work, so I need to uninstall updates, but as soon as I do that, the new version of playstore auto downloads?
 

skrae86

New member
Aug 15, 2010
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0
Been trawling through the Pages of information here and I thank all of the people that have contributed to this pursuit.

I recently purchased a Mekede M700 and have changed to the NavRadio+ app that was suggested here which is much better than the standard radio app. I have found the tool to remove the stock app but I cant find any information on modifying the "Sources" list for when I press the mode button via the SWC.

So my questioin for you would be is there a way for me to modify which apps get called when changing the source? I would like to just have NavRadio, BT Music, Maps and then Carplay.

I also enquired to the Mekede team about the dual microphone issue that I have with my unit where even using an external microphone the internal one is still active. I was sent a video in response for opening and removing the internal mic XD

Overall unit is quick and responsive, could remove some of the bloat apps but otherwise does the thing it advertises on the box.
 

mastrv

Senior Member
Jul 1, 2010
297
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Been trawling through the Pages of information here and I thank all of the people that have contributed to this pursuit.

I recently purchased a Mekede M700 and have changed to the NavRadio+ app that was suggested here which is much better than the standard radio app. I have found the tool to remove the stock app but I cant find any information on modifying the "Sources" list for when I press the mode button via the SWC.

So my questioin for you would be is there a way for me to modify which apps get called when changing the source? I would like to just have NavRadio, BT Music, Maps and then Carplay.

I also enquired to the Mekede team about the dual microphone issue that I have with my unit where even using an external microphone the internal one is still active. I was sent a video in response for opening and removing the internal mic XD

Overall unit is quick and responsive, could remove some of the bloat apps but otherwise does the thing it advertises on the box.
Please open a new thread for your issues. not relevant to the purpose of this thread.
 
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mastrv

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Jul 1, 2010
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This is a note for those that used the CustomPhoneDialer, and other files in this thread, to enable voice calling using Google Assistant.

After a while, if you haven't made a voice call, Android will revoke the permission to make calls. Don't remember the exact permission name. In any case, what will happen after the revocation is that there will be error message popups that the app has stopped, or something similar.

If that happens, check permissions and re-enable them, as needed. In Android 8.1, I don't believe there's an option to disable the permission revocation, as there in later Android versions. If someone knows how to prevent this, please comment.
 

Battoussai

Member
Aug 4, 2022
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@mastrv
Reviving this very old post.
I tried to do this with all Dutch, Belgian and German FM-stations (3675 entries, 600 logos), but can't get it to work.
I did it like this as I don't want to do it only for myself but for the community. Not just add my 5-7 own favorites (and to that point: I removed a number of German favorites, which were really send in by some egoist where he did not even specify the correct city but the city where he lived (I assume)).
I did exactly what was in the Russian 4pda posts and what you describe here, but I can't make it work.
I ran my radio_freqs.json through jsonlint and two online json validators and it is a perfectly fine json.
The "original" radio_freqs.json contains 26163 lines. My version contains 48216 lines.
It simply doesn't work.
Then I realized that all resources need to get an id in "older" android versions (in /res/values/public.xml), so I used "apktool d" and updated that one as well. And recompiled with "apktool -c b" and "apktool b", but that doesn't work either.
And indeed: not one city works afterwards.
(Using unzip/7zip or apktool doesn't make a big deal if you know what you do)

You write


What did you do?
  1. Add your CA1234.png files?
  2. Replace the necessary number of ru123.png (or one of the other countries) with your CA123.png files?
  3. reneamed your CA123.png files to ru123.png files (or one of the other by*.png de*.png gr*.png kz*.png md*.png my*.png ru*.png ua*.png files?
This all as preparation for my soon to receive FYT 7862 ;), but if I can't make progress, I will switch back to DAB or to the Navradio+, if it has proper RDS.
Hello there. I am not sure if this will help but I've bought a FYT radio from D-Noble (advertised it has a SC9853i) for a European VW Golf (PQ to MBQ platform).
The radio interface is very similar with the well knowned VAG group's MIB II (which shows radio logo by uploading a database through the car's media center).
On this android radio it is advertised that radio logos can also be showned. So I asked D-Noble how (they develop their own interface, no sellers in the middle).
Then they send me a PDF with quite simple instructions:

1) Grab a 152 X 100 pixels PNG image of your radio logo;
2) Rename it with the FM frequency (example 92.40MHZ should be renamed like 9240.png ) on PNG file format;
3) Paste the PNG photos inside a folder named "RadioPC" on a USB Stick (or microSD card I suppose);
4) Then insert the USB on the Radio, go to APPS » File Manager and paste that folder on root;
5) Open Radio App, tune to 92.40Mhz (or any other that you have a logo for) and the logo should appear.

I will attach files so you can see by yourself. Maybe it can help you.

Regards.
 

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surfer63

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1) Grab a 152 X 100 pixels PNG image of your radio logo;
2) Rename it with the FM frequency (example 92.40MHZ should be renamed like 9240.png ) on PNG file format;
3) Paste the PNG photos inside a folder named "RadioPC" on a USB Stick (or microSD card I suppose);
4) Then insert the USB on the Radio, go to APPS » File Manager and paste that folder on root;
5) Open Radio App, tune to 92.40Mhz (or any other that you have a logo for) and the logo should appear.
Thanks for sharing.
This is however a Chinese solution where they don't have RDS-AF. A radio station has a fixed frequency. If you are in a country where radio stations do indeed have a fixed frequency in the entire country, this might work very well.
 
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Battoussai

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Thanks for sharing.
This is however a Chinese solution where they don't have RDS-AF. A radio station has a fixed frequency. If you are in a country where radio stations do indeed have a fixed frequency in the entire country, this might work very well.
Yes, for those who are looking for RDS-AF this will not help as Chinese radio lack on this subject. For me is just a fancy thing to have a picture of the radio station on the radio layout because it's easier (eye catching) to select the station you want. And for diferent frequencies I just had to rename the same radio station's PNG with all its diferent frequencies - but this will not allow AF to work, I just have to tune it manually.

Regards.
 

Hammerhand.17

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May 29, 2010
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Winterfell
I'm having a weird issue, somehow it seems like documents picker have dissapeared from my unit:

1662130088359.png


I'm triying to reinstall firmware but when I enter the drive it detects that an update is inserted, it reboots, and then returns to boot without installing anything.

There are two issues then; anyone can help me with some of them?

Thanks.
 

surfer63

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I'm having a weird issue, somehow it seems like documents picker have dissapeared from my unit:

View attachment 5702775

I'm triying to reinstall firmware but when I enter the drive it detects that an update is inserted, it reboots, and then returns to boot without installing anything.

There are two issues then; anyone can help me with some of them?

Thanks.
Please check your USB-stick with a checkdisk (for your OS). It could be that the files are corrupt due to an error on your usb-stick.
If you simply reformat it, don't do a quick reformat but a full reformat to fat32
 
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Hammerhand.17

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Winterfell
Please check your USB-stick with a checkdisk (for your OS). It could be that the files are corrupt due to an error on your usb-stick.
If you simply reformat it, don't do a quick reformat but a full reformat to fat32
Yes, this was the issue, sorry but it happened a lot of time since I updated list time I forgot.

Any idea about the big issue? Updating didn't solve the problem
 

surfer63

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Yes, this was the issue, sorry but it happened a lot of time since I updated list time I forgot.

Any idea about the big issue? Updating didn't solve the problem
Ah, now I understand. I already wondered why you did the upgrade.
The document picker is not part of the firmware. You need to install it separately. I put it somewhere in one of my threads, but you can download it directly from my github.
 
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surfer63

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It fcs. Any time it's invoked it says "files keeps stopping"
I am sorry. It is the Android 8.0 documentsui necessary for the PX5 (had the same issue). You need the 8.1 intel version for the sc9853i.
Please find attached the 8.1 version (com.android.documentsui_8.0.0-26_minAPI26(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk). As far as I can remember it's the one I used on my sc9853i.

If that one doesn't work, please try the Android version 10 one (DocumentsUI-10.apk) which should be "generic android" and also work on lower versions.
 

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Hammerhand.17

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Winterfell
I am sorry. It is the Android 8.0 documentsui necessary for the PX5 (had the same issue). You need the 8.1 intel version for the sc9853i.
Please find attached the 8.1 version (com.android.documentsui_8.0.0-26_minAPI26(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk). As far as I can remember it's the one I used on my sc9853i.

If that one doesn't work, please try the Android version 10 one (DocumentsUI-10.apk) which should be "generic android" and also work on lower versions.
Thanks, I will take a look tomorrow and try.
 

Hammerhand.17

Senior Member
May 29, 2010
664
131
Winterfell
I am sorry. It is the Android 8.0 documentsui necessary for the PX5 (had the same issue). You need the 8.1 intel version for the sc9853i.
Please find attached the 8.1 version (com.android.documentsui_8.0.0-26_minAPI26(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk). As far as I can remember it's the one I used on my sc9853i.

If that one doesn't work, please try the Android version 10 one (DocumentsUI-10.apk) which should be "generic android" and also work on lower versions.
Feeling like total newbie, but none of them works. 8.1 version force closes again, and 10 version can't be installed.

Edit: have it to be installed as system app or something?
 

surfer63

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Feeling like total newbie, but none of them works. 8.1 version force closes again, and 10 version can't be installed.

Edit: have it to be installed as system app or something?
I can't remember anymore. I'm currently a week on holiday. I will check coming weekend my sc9853i (on the bench). If I still have a working version of the documentsui.apk, I will copy it off the unit and share it.
 
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  • 11
    See title: Only for SC9853i Joying/FYT 8.1 units.
    Due to some changes in the flashing process since the previous PX5 and Sofia 3GR models it is now partly possible to mod your unit without root.

    Some info to start with:
    (partly from 4pda, partly from a "hint" from @julien_blanche, mostly from own knowledge)

    Contents of a firmware zip:
    Code:
    6521_1.zip           # The zip that contains the boot.img; the system/vendor/oem partitions and a few other things.
    Allapp.pkg           # Special file that contains all FYT apps (actually a special XAR archive.)
    config.txt           # file comparible to the build.prop which can contain additional properties
    lsec6521update       # The binary that really does the update
    oem                  # Folder containing some additional apps
    Stm32ud.bin          # The MCU binary. It is not always in every firmware
    updatecfg.txt        # Contains instructions for the flashing process
    crruptoff            # Special file for "WiFi only". Not in the normal firmwares. Be careful!


    Some commands that can be put inside updatecfg.txt
    Code:
    twipe_all     # Wipe entire system
    twipe_data    # Will wipe data partition (but not /sdcard, internal memory). Wiping the /data partition will wipe all config, all 3rd party apps and updates of system apps. This is the same as a "reset to factory defaults"
    twipe_sd      # Will wipe internal memory /sdcard (but not the data partition)
    dellapp       # Remove all 3rd party apps
    make_updates  # Make an upgrade U-disk boot file
    test             # test unit and firmware before flash

    Some properties that can be put inside config.txt. Say you live in Brazil and you want your locale settings immediately on Brazil, you can add that, for example:
    Code:
    ro.product.locale = pt_BR

    The file crruptoff:
    If you have a unit with a 4G module, but you don't have 4G (or don't want to use it), you can use this file. Put one line in this crruptoff being "fixwifi" and save it to the sdcard/usb-stick you use for flashing.
    You can use it to get rid of the "No SIM" notification in your notification bar.
    Does not work anymore on the later firmwares. Chances are minimal but maybe it might work again "some day".

    The Allapp.pkg
    The Allapp.pkg file is a special XAR archive with a directory structure. You can use ApkPack.exe to create or extract it.
    Folder path: This is where your files are being extracted to, or packed from
    File path: This is the file that is being created (packed), or where the files are extracted from.
    All apks (*.apk) and all libraries (*.so) will be installed as system apks and libraries, which means you can't uninstall them, but on the SC9853i units they are installed under /oem and not under /system.
    Inside this Allapp.pkg you will also find two other files: fyt.prop and skipkillapp.prop.
    The fyt.prop is identical to the build.prop but gives the option to add extra properties or replace/modify properties in the build.prop.
    The skipkillapp.prop contains apps (package names) with values from -15 to 15.
    When going into "deep sleep" the packages not mentioned in this list will be killed. Applications in this list with positive values will absolutely be killed (unstable otherwise??). The ones with higher values first. The ones with values 1 and 0 as last, where the app with value 0 will be the last killed before going into deep sleep.
    The apps with negative values are considered system apps and will not be killed. In this case the most negative number (-15) has the highest priority. My assumption (not tested, not verified) is that negative numbers approaching 0 might be killed if the system needs the memory?
    So in other words: If you do not want that some of your apps are killed, you can add them to this "skipkillapp.prop" by their package name. Say you use @realzoulou's DAB-Z app, you would add a line for DAB-Z (com.zoulou.dab). Or for example if you are a Tasker user, which is normally killed as well:
    Code:
    com.zoulou.dab = -10
    net.dinglisch.android.taskerm = -10
    (I would suggest not using values like -15, -14, -13 to make sure you do not really interfere with the real system apps).
    And then you need to add this file to your own allapp.pkg

    The lsec_updatesh folder and lsec.sh script
    Practical applications:
    • Making patches, an alternative to creating the Allapp.pkg package.
    • Work on all folders in the unit (which Allapp.pkg cannot do).
    • Delete unnecessary files or applications (who uses the calculator app?), or overwite files like the fyt.prop or others.
    • Modify/overwrite config files that are otherwise not modifiable (like bluetooth config?)
    • Setting properties that normally require root/admin rights.
    • Creating backups of your partitions using the dd command. This can be handy on a device for which you do not have a firmware yet as backup.
    • Rooting your unit, also if you do not have a firmware from your supplier.
    • Make a Custom ROM by simply doing all kind of modifications after the "normal" firmware flash.

    See for more info about the "The lsec_updatesh folder and lsec.sh script" in post #228.

    Creating an Allapp.pkg and flash it to your device (post #2)
    Some pre-build flashable images (post #3)
    And if everything goes wrong and your unit ends up in a boot loop or doesn't get past the boot logo. (post #4)
    8
    Creating an Allapp.pkg and flash it to your device

    Use the (English) version of ApkPack.exe (english version attached) to unpack/repack an Allapp.pkg. (It also works with wine on Linux/MacOS)

    (See this youtube link for a really quick & dirty (and unsharp, sorry) video about what scrolls on your screen when flashing such a mini Allapp.pkg)

    (1) Quick example:
    • Create a folder Allapp
    • Copy some wanted apks or mods into the folder.
    • Use the ApkPack.exe to create the Allapp.pkg
    • Simply copy the "Allapp.pkg" and "lsec6521update" onto a clean FAT32 formatted SD-card or USB-stick.
    • Put the USB-stick into your unit and it will recognise the update and flash it to your unit.
    • Other options:
      • Copy the "Allapp.pkg", (optional) "updatecfg.txt", (optional) "config.txt" and "lsec6521update" onto a clean FAT32 formatted SD-card or USB-stick.
      • In my case having a 4G unit without using 4G and wanting to use Google Assistant for calls: Copy the Allapp.pkg, config.txt (see above), crruptoff (see above) and lsec6521update onto a clean FAT32 formatted USB-stick.
      • Note that when NOT using an updatecfg.txt, nothing will be wiped on your unit. Only added/replaced.

    (2) Another example:
    • Create folder Allapp on your pc/laptop
      • add (2019-08-14) main server mod with extended navi_app.txt and "BT to background" hacks. (see my github repo. Be careful to choose the one for your specific firmware date)
      • add BW-RDS radio mod (see my github repo. Only choose version for Android 8.1 if you want full functionality)
      • add oandbackup (dk.jens.backup_305.apk) (Free and open source backup restore apk)
      • add latest MagiskManager-v7.3.2.apk
    • Use apkpack.exe (attached) to create a new Allapp.pkg by selecting the folder to be packaged, the name of the file being Allapp.pkg, and select button "Packed" (sloppy translation from Chinese)
    • Copy created "Allapp.pkg" and "lsec6521update" onto a clean FAT32 formatted USB-stick.
    • Insert in your unit and the flashing process will start (Note: It will mention "Setting to factory defaults" before flash reboot, but it is really not doing that)
    • After the (very quick) flash and normal reboot, you will have 2 new apps and 2 modded apps.

    (3) Example for a FYT compatible SC9853i, like a Sinosmart or Zhan or "unnamed":
    You can also create your own Allapp.pkg, also with a modded Joying apk as the apks are actually identical, but there is one big naming issue to take into account!
    Even though the apks are identical having the same package name, they have different apk names. A normal install will check for the package name and replace the apk with that same package name, whatever its apk name (think of versions or build time stamps behind the the "normal" name). The flashing method simply looks at the apk name and will create an /oem/app/<apk_name>/<apk_name>.apk. In this case versions numbers of build timestamps will create again and again a new folder with the exact same apk and none will work.
    As an example for the radio app:
    • Joying: 190043001_com.syu.radio.apk
    • Sinosmart: 190042001_com.syu.radio.apk
    • "Some" unbranded: 190101001_com.syu.radio.apk
    Again: The apks are exactly the same but have a different name. If you simply flash one next to the other, both will not work anymore as both have the same internal package name being "com.syu.radio". So you have no radio at all.
    So, how to create an Allapp.pkg with a modded Joying apk for your FYT compatible SC9853i unit?
    • Check the name of your unit's radio app (or BT, Video, Music app). (If you don't know how you can use my HWGet_info.apk and open the resulting HWget_info.zip and look inside the "oem_listing.txt")
    • Find the name of the modded Joying app.
    • Rename the modded Joying app to the name of your app. So for example for Joying-> Sinosmart radio app: rename 190043001_com.syu.radio.apk to 190042001_com.syu.radio.apk (Joying to Sinosmart)
    • Create a folder Allapp
    • Copy the modded and now renamed Joying radio apk into the folder (repeat if relevant for other mods).
    • Use the ApkPack.exe to create the Allapp.pkg
    • Simply copy the "Allapp.pkg" and "lsec6521update" onto a clean FAT32 formatted SD-card or USB-stick.
    • Put the USB-stick into your unit and it will recognise the update and flash it to your unit.
    • Also create an Allap.pkg for your original app so you can always flash back the original app if you want (or need) to.
    7
    Some pre-build flashable images

    Only for real Joying SC9853i units. Other FYT compatibles are not supported.
    All SC9853i FYT models are actually the same, but boot images are mostly different and apks have different names. In the latter case you would have 2 identical apks with the same package name, but with a different apk name residing in different folders. Neither of them will work anymore as Android doesn't know which one is the correct one.

    The zips that can be found in this post can be directly unzipped to a clean, empty Fat32 formatted USB-stick or SD-card. You do not need to be rooted and you don't need my JET apk.
    When this USB-stick or SD-card is inserted into your unit, the unit will recognize it as a flashable firmware and start flashing the files to your unit.

    Notes:
    • These flashable firmware files will leave all your installed apps and settings as they are. Only the files in these Allapp.pkg files will be overwritten.
    • The zips containing boot images will only overwrite the boot image. All apps and settings remain as they are.
    • The "combi" zips are just combinations of possible mods and/or boot images. They behave the same as the previous two.
    • The zips that can be downloaded from this post are all on one of my github repositories. You can find it here: SC98531BinRepo.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Boot images
    2019-11-28 | 20191128-rooted-boot-image (thanks to @rigattoni) | 20191128-normal-boot-image
    2019-09-17 | 20190917-rooted-boot-image | 20190917-normal-boot-image
    2019-08-14 | 20190814-rooted-boot-image (thanks to @julien_blanche)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Main server apk mods (the 190000000_com.syu.ms.apk)
    The ORG version is the apk as delivered by Joying in their firmwares.
    The ORG_extended is the Joying one including an extended navi_app.txt, extended player_app.txt, extended navi_audio_from_playstatus.txt.
    The NoKill is the extended version where the normal functionality to kill all apps when going into "deep sleep" (turn of ignition), has been disabled.

    2020-04-07 | 2020-04-07-com_syu_ms-ORG | 2020-04-07-com_syu_ms-ORG_extended | 2020-04-07-com_syu_ms-nokill | ( Zips, modified smali files, modified assets text files, some info)
    2019-11-28 | 2019-11-28-com_syu_ms-ORG | 2019-11-28-com_syu_ms-ORG_extended | 2019-11-28-com_syu_ms-NoKill | ( Zips, modified smali files, modified assets text files, some info)
    2019-09-17 | 2019-09-17-com_syu_ms-ORG | 2019-09-17-com_syu_ms-ORG_extended | 2019-09-17-com_syu_ms-NoKill | ( Zips, modified smali files, modified assets text files, some info)
    2019-08-14 | 2019-08-14-com_syu_ms-ORG | 2019-08-14-com_syu_ms-ORG_extended | 2019-08-14-com_syu_ms-NoKill

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Other mods
    There are currently two mods for the radio: One very nice one from user @Soiski71 and one which I made.
    The ORG version in this case is the one delivered with the Joying firmwares.

    Radio | SC98531-Radio-ORG | SC98531-Radio-Mod (preview) | SC98531-Radio-Mod-Soiski71 (preview)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Combinations
    These are combinations of above files which I found useful. Undoing them can be done by using one of the above ORG zips.
    2019-09-17 | 2019-09-17-radio_mainserver | 2019-09-17-rootedboot_radio_mainserver
    4
    If everything goes wrong and your unit gets in a boot loop or stops on boot logo

    - Download a fresh firmware from the Joying blog.
    - Unzip it to an SD-card/USB-stick (as normal)
    - Put the USB-stick/SD-card in your unit and "push" the Reset (RST) with a paperclip or something like that. When the boot logo appears, reset the unit again. Now the flashing process should start.
    4
    L
    Less praying more reading?