[Q] Stock OTA 3.2 to Tiamat Katana, is this possible?

[HuckFinn]

My Xoom is completely stock and I just received and installed the 3.2 update. I am pretty disappointed in the SD card support and lack of other features. I held off on rooting and installing Tiamat before as I wanted to see what Google would give us, and well I think I have waited long enough to see that it pales in comparison to what you devs can do.

So now I would like to give the Tiamat kernel a try. So I read through several of the threads and on the Tiamat 2.0.0 Kernel thread it assumes you are on 3.1, where I am already on 3.2. As it took me several months to convince the wifey that I needed my Xoom I do not want to risk bricking it, so I am looking for some help.

-First, is it currently possible to go straight from complete stock 3.2 to Katana?

-Second, and much more difficult, can someone provide me step by step instructions? I've seen several of the threads out there, some of them are very helpfull, some get me part way, but none of them cover this exact upgrade scenario. This just makes me very concerned with doing something wrong or if something changed in 3.2.

I know this is a lot to ask, but I think there are a lot of people who would benefit from this information.

Thanks

 

[okantomi]

My Xoom is completely stock and I just received and installed the 3.2 update. I am pretty disappointed in the SD card support and lack of other features. I held off on rooting and installing Tiamat before as I wanted to see what Google would give us, and well I think I have waited long enough to see that it pales in comparison to what you devs can do.

So now I would like to give the Tiamat kernel a try. So I read through several of the threads and on the Tiamat 2.0.0 Kernel thread it assumes you are on 3.1, where I am already on 3.2. As it took me several months to convince the wifey that I needed my Xoom I do not want to risk bricking it, so I am looking for some help.

-First, is it currently possible to go straight from complete stock 3.2 to Katana?

-Second, and much more difficult, can someone provide me step by step instructions? I've seen several of the threads out there, some of them are very helpfull, some get me part way, but none of them cover this exact upgrade scenario. This just makes me very concerned with doing something wrong or if something changed in 3.2.

I know this is a lot to ask, but I think there are a lot of people who would benefit from this information.

Thanks

The quick answer to your question is Yes, you can go from stock 2.3 to Tiamat Katana 2.0 kernel, but you must be rooted.
Are you rooted? If so, and if you have already installed Clockwork Mod Recovery 3.2.0.0 (from solarnz' thread in Development) you can just flash the Katana kernel and you should be fine.
If you are not unlocked and rooted--you can follow the directions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760

There are actually some more user-friendly (for noobs) instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996 in this thread, but for STEP 5 (ROOTING) you have to substitute the method from jase's post (above) for the instructions for Step 5 in the "idiot's guide" I can't find any 3.2 root files yet. It's the same procedure but a bit more hands on. No matter what you do, you will have to use adb to unlock your bootloader and root, so gather all the necessary files, drivers and print out your instructions.

One thing to know is never try to install a .zip file through adb...that will cause massive headaches. However, it seems pretty hard to actually brick one of these Xooms through updating and flashing. (Don't drop it into water, though!)

 

[HuckFinn]

Thank you for the information. All the posts asking for help because something did not go right still have me pretty apprehensive. I am not at all interested in over clocking, so it is really the what I assume is proper SD card support and USB tethering that interest me the most.

 

[okantomi]

Thank you for the information. All the posts asking for help because something did not go right still have me pretty apprehensive. I am not at all interested in over clocking, so it is really the what I assume is proper SD card support and USB tethering that interest me the most.

It's only by rooting that you are able to get the full functionality of the Xoom. It's great as it is...HC 3.2 is very good and improved, but this device is made to driven like a sports car, not just sat in like a minivan.

 

[HuckFinn]

okantomi,

Well I have gone back and forth on wether to root or not and you have been very helpful with pointing me to good information. I am hoping you do not mind answering a couple more questions.

-In the "Idiot's guide to flashing" you pointed me to it installed CWM before rooting. Is this the proper order or would you root first? I know I should just follow the guide and give it a shot, but that just seems odd.

-Can you explain to be the difference between the Tiamat kernels and the ROMs? My assumption is that the ROM would include the kernel, but I have a strong feeling that is incorrect. I have read posts of installing the ROM first and then the kernel and I am just more confused.

Thanks, one day I will get there.

 

[okantomi]

okantomi,

Well I have gone back and forth on wether to root or not and you have been very helpful with pointing me to good information. I am hoping you do not mind answering a couple more questions.

-In the "Idiot's guide to flashing" you pointed me to it installed CWM before rooting. Is this the proper order or would you root first? I know I should just follow the guide and give it a shot, but that just seems odd.

-Can you explain to be the difference between the Tiamat kernels and the ROMs? My assumption is that the ROM would include the kernel, but I have a strong feeling that is incorrect. I have read posts of installing the ROM first and then the kernel and I am just more confused.

Thanks, one day I will get there.

I've got to be quick...I have to do some work today, lol, but here goes:

Actually, follow the Idiots Guide regarding the adb, moto drivers setup.
Then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760

It's got all the right files and steps, and though it's pretty much to the point, it's user friendly enough. It will get you rooted, I'm sure.

While the difference between ROMs and kernels is somewhat over my head, the ROM does contain the kernel (it's sort of an all inclusive package to tell the device how to behave, whereas the kernel manages particular functions, but not others. It's more limited.) Because the Honeycomb source code hasn't been released, the developers are somewhat limited in the ROM-development department, but they have been able to work wonders with kernels. However, the Tiamat 1.1 Rom for HC3.1 was great and the new ROM in development for HC3.2 will be great too, if the Katana kernal for HC3.2 is any indicator.

 

[HuckFinn]

Sorry to be a pest but just want to make sure I understand.

A) Follow the idiot's guide steps 1-2, which covers Xoom driver installation and ADB installation.

B) Then follow the other link (How to root your Xoom from stock 3.2) for unlocking and rooting.

C) Then go back to the idiot's guide, skip step 3 (unlocking-already done above) and do step 4 (CWM Installation), skip step 5 (rooting-already done above), then follow step 6 (installing the new kernel).

Again I really appreciate all the advice.

-HuckFinn

 

[okantomi]

Sorry to be a pest but just want to make sure I understand.

A) Follow the idiot's guide steps 1-2, which covers Xoom driver installation and ADB installation.

B) Then follow the other link (How to root your Xoom from stock 3.2) for unlocking and rooting.

C) Then go back to the idiot's guide, skip step 3 (unlocking-already done above) and do step 4 (CWM Installation), skip step 5 (rooting-already done above), then follow step 6 (installing the new kernel).

Again I really appreciate all the advice.

-HuckFinn

I guess that my original idea of using the idiot's guide for everything but step 5 still might work, as long as you substitute any older HC 3.1 specific files with the new ones from jase33's post.Meaning new boot image for old boot image, etc...At some point, someone willcreate a "rootboot"zip for HC3.2 but til then, jase33's way is it.
The Tiamat recovery listed in the Idiot's Guide is still valid and jase33 didn't include a custom recovery in his guide (at least I didn't see it). So I think you can install it earlier or later. I'm not sure it makes a difference, as long as you have it installed so you can flash the new kernel!

 

[kosenn]

I just upgraded from a rooted Viewsonic G tablet to the Xoom WiFi. I have not had a chance to work with it yet. A list of reasons to root would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
.

 

[davidsos]

I've got to be quick...I have to do some work today, lol, but here goes:

Actually, follow the Idiots Guide regarding the adb, moto drivers setup.
Then follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1170760

It's got all the right files and steps, and though it's pretty much to the point, it's user friendly enough. It will get you rooted, I'm sure.

While the difference between ROMs and kernels is somewhat over my head, the ROM does contain the kernel (it's sort of an all inclusive package to tell the device how to behave, whereas the kernel manages particular functions, but not others. It's more limited.) Because the Honeycomb source code hasn't been released, the developers are somewhat limited in the ROM-development department, but they have been able to work wonders with kernels. However, the Tiamat 1.1 Rom for HC3.1 was great and the new ROM in development for HC3.2 will be great too, if the Katana kernal for HC3.2 is any indicator.

I believe the kernel is the Linux derivative operating system that the Java based android layer runs on top of. Technically ROM means Read Only Memory which is not being used correctly. A ROM really is a factory produced Masked ROM (burned in, fixed) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) as in a chip or integrated circuit.

 

[okantomi]

I believe the kernel is the Linux derivative operating system that the Java based android layer runs on top of. Technically ROM means Read Only Memory which is not being used correctly. A ROM really is a factory produced Masked ROM (burned in, fixed) or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) as in a chip or integrated circuit.

Your answer is more technically correct. Thanks.

 

[redhairedscot]

Random reboots, coming from 3.2 stock OTA

Does anybody else get random reboots in Tiamat Katana coming from 3.2 stock OTA? So far it's been exclusively a sleep-related problem; I haven't seen it reboot during active use. I'm not (over|under)(clocking|volting).

I've tried clearing cache and Dalvik cache. If it matters, I've been using the Overclocked GPU version. I'll try the Standard GPU version of Katana, but that's not a likely fix, since all the problems seem to be sleep-related.

(PS: I've read all the FAQs I could find, but I couldn't find the answer to this one: I'm coming from a Viewsonic G, and I'm used to the ability to nvflash completely back to a working state no matter what. Is there an equivalent method of restoring a Xoom to absolute stock? Thanks!)

 

[redhairedscot]

Nevermind...I did one more "clear user data" and now it's stable. Tiamat devs, you are gods among men and heroes to all the little children. Thanks!

 

[okantomi]

Nevermind...I did one more "clear user data" and now it's stable. Tiamat devs, you are gods among men and heroes to all the little children. Thanks!

And if you set WiFi sleep to NEVER (hardly uses any additional battery) you will not have any more random sleep-related reboots.

 

[Gordon1M]

CWM after rooting?

I followed the instructions in Post #2 of this thread to root my Xoom (HC 3.2). All seemed to go well. However, I have noticed that when following pingvinen's instructions (linked from Post #2), in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996, to install Tiamat 2.0.0, the steps include installing CWM before rooting. I can't see that it matters that I install CWM after rooting and before Tiamat installation, but I thought that I had better check. Could somebody please confirm that it doesn't matter whether CWM is installed before or after rooting?

Thank you
Gordon

 

[hchxoom]

cwm before root, because you need to flash a new recovery to root and flash a new ROM. I'm a noob, too, and just figuring this out myself, but think I am explaining this right.

one of the many guides I reviewed was by steady Hawkins (now part of team tiamat) over on xoomforums... partly pasted below... I actually rooted using the older files and images he references, then upgraded cwm to 3.2 then flashed tiamat 2.0... probably more steps than necessary, but these were the clearest directions and by going through several rounds of flashing I learned a good bit about the process.

Prerequisites:

1) Copy whatever you want to retain, your device will wipe when it unlocks 2) You must have SDK/ADB set up, for instructions please see- Setting up ADB on Windows 7 64 bit (and other Windows platforms) 3) Open SDK and copy all of the files inside of tools folder and paste them inside of platform-tools folder. Vice versa will work as well. If it asks you if you want to replace files select no. The folder you paste these files into will be the folder you will run ADB commands from. 4) Download the files from the link below. Place recovery.img in the file you will run commands from in ADB. ***Wifi-Only Users***- manually put the System and bootloader zips files onto a sdcard card and insert card into xoom. ***3G/4G Users***- manually put the System, bootloader, and 3G fix zips onto a sdcard and insert card into xoom.

Downloads:

Recovery- http://db.tt/GXNxZkF System- 3.1 System - Downloads - Android Forum Bootloader- Bootloader Patch - Downloads - Android Forum 3G Fix- 3G Fix for 3.1 - Downloads - Android Forum

Notes:

In the following two sections you will see red text. This text represents the command that needs to be entered in ADB/Command Prompt. After each command press enter and wait for your computer to push the info to your Xoom. When you see the next command line come up you are ok to enter the next command. You can copy and paste the commands if you would like.

1) To start the process place your Xoom into USB debugging mode. This is done by going to settings, applications, development, and checking the box next to USB Debugging. 2) Plug your Xoom into your computer, open your command prompt (with the path set to the correct folder) and type adb devices 3) If you get a string of numbers your good to proceed, if not refer back to Setting up ADB on Windows 7 64 bit (and other Windows platforms) to see where you went wrong.

Unlocking:

adb reboot bootloader Xoom will reboot into a screen with text on the upper left corner. While you are on this screen enter the following fastboot oem unlock A bunch of text will appear and you will need to use the down volume rocker to select yes, followed by volume up to confirm Xoom will then wipe, reboot, and your back up and running. At this point you will need to go back and re-enable USB debugging

Flash Recovery Img:

Make sure Xoom is connected to computer. Test connection by running adb devices if you get the string of numbers proceed.

Rename the Recovery img you downloaded ~~~> recovery.img

adb reboot bootloader Xoom will reboot into a screen with text on the upper left corner. While you are on this screen enter the following fastboot flash recovery recovery.img Wait for it to finish, then read the below note before you enter the next command!!!!!!!!! fastboot reboot ***As soon as you enter the "fastboot reboot" command in the previous step, your device will reboot. You have to boot into recovery right away or your Xoom will reflash the stock recovery over the custom recovery you just flashed. Follow these next steps very carefully-

a. When you see the Motorola logo appear, wait approximately 3 seconds. b. Tap the Volume Down button. You should see the words "Android Recovery" appear at the top of the screen. Now tap the Volume Up button to boot into recovery. c. If when attempting to boot into recovery it says 'Starting Fastboot protocol support' then you hit Volume Down too soon. Hold Vol UP + Power to reboot and try again.

Root Time:

***For the following use the volume rocker to move the selector up and down, use the power button to select***

1)Select wipe data/factory reset and confirm 2)Select install zip from SD and confirm 3)Select the system file and confirm After it loads select install zip from SD again and confirm 4)Select the bootloader file and confirm

***3G USERS ONLY- Select 3G fix and confirm***

5)Select Reboot and confirm

At this point Xoom will reboot. Please note the first boot will take a while. After it boots up you will be rooted and you should have SDsupport!

Root info:

To ensure that you are rooted download Terminal Emulator from the market (its free). Open it and type su followed by pressing enter. On the next line you should see #. If you do your dialed in.

To view your SDcard use a file manager program such as Root Explorer. Your sdcard will be located in /sdcard/external.

Big thanks to Bigrushdog for the imgs!!!!!

 

[hchxoom]

I just upgraded from a rooted Viewsonic G tablet to the Xoom WiFi. I have not had a chance to work with it yet. A list of reasons to root would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
.

Had my 3g zoom for 4+ months before deciding to root. The advantages I've seen in a few short days rooted:
better performance, faster booting, smoother webpages
full SD card use (write access to go along with read in stock 3.2)
ability to fully and truly back up the device
a very resposive developer community
a very knowledgeable and helpful user community (though they'll help you even stock)
a growing understanding of how this great device works

what I'm not sure of is how much effort and attention it will take to keep up with updates from the dev community, and whether tinkering with this thing will become addictive and end up consuming as much time as my original reasons/uses for buying it in the first place

 

[Gordon1M]

Thank you for the reply. I thought the thread had died

You say:
cwm before root, because you need to flash a new recovery to root and flash a new ROM. I'm a noob, too, and just figuring this out myself, but think I am explaining this right.

I tried to install CWM (flash with fastboot) on a rooted stock US 3.2 WiFi Xoom. I am not clear why starting with a rooted device would make any difference for flashing a new recovery, before flashing a new ROM. Can you explain further? Nevertheless, I haven't managed to flash a fully functioning CWM. It works but with error messages, as indicated in my post at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996&page=4.

Maybe I need to go back and unroot.

Thank you
Gordon

 

[hchxoom]

1st, a disclaimer that I'm not much more experienced than you (if at all). Take what I offer knowing that.

I actually experienced an identical problem. Like you, I was working from several "guides" at once and I think the issue resultedbfrom mixing instructions for one cwm version with an earlier (or later) version. I THINK the version you have is the same as the one referenced in the guide I pasted. If you'll note his directions, he suggested renaming the recovery document to "recovery.img" before flashing it. When I went back and did that, it worked for me... then I was able to flash the updated cwm 3.2.0.0 with no errors.... then tiamat 2.0

I have no idea, though, whether there are ramifications to being rooted without a error-free recovery.

 

[Gordon1M]

Thanks again for this ... at least someone has been through the same problems as me!

The version of CWM that I am trying to flash is "recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img", which is what is shown in the fastboot line in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130996. However, I am not seeing any reference to renaming to recovery.img. Are we looking at different threads?

If necessary, I will go back to stock 3.0.1 and un-root, but I would like to avoid the stress, if possible

Thank you
Gordon