Upgrading Glory Star Nebula 21.5" Tablet to basic Android Rom

[llukezz]

Hello Friend, I am wondering and amazed that you could uninstall the echelon default app. I never could. always greyed out and I can not install the android version.
I very much appreciate if you tell us how you uninstalled it.
thank you

You need to read more posts here, the ones about using adb. Other people put together step by step instructions since then.

 

[ramtheram]

I am having that issue while following those instructions. I first thought it is a 5s issue but then I have seen people uninstalling the stock app in 5s. so I thought I ask

 

[ramtheram]

hello everyone
so here is an interesting update. I contacted glorystar which we assumed is the producer of the tablet for echelon. they asked for the serial number of the tablet which I provided and then:

"I found your bike is purchased from Echelon. And this tablet is not produced by us.
You are better to contact their after-sale services for further help."

apparently glorystar is not the producer or they are lying
which is I do not know

 

[jimmyvl]

Has anyone figured out the new four digit unlock code since 1085 doesn't work any more? I know I can do a factory reset but would be interested in poking around a fully updated version.

Alternatively, does anyone have a filesystem dump or link to a firmware download? I have some experience in this area and may be able to figure out the code that way.

 

[slowpaleguy]

Has anyone figured out the new four digit unlock code since 1085 doesn't work any more? I know I can do a factory reset but would be interested in poking around a fully updated version.

Alternatively, does anyone have a filesystem dump or link to a firmware download? I have some experience in this area and may be able to figure out the code that way.

Did you get any DMs on this? 1085 not working for me either

 

[ramtheram]

hello everyone,
I have done the sideloading and my only issue is that the streaming quality on amazon prime is quite poor and not even hd
youtube is totally fine

 

[Cluelesshacker]

Hi - does anyone know the code for the admin
panel?

 

[mvchine]

Beautiful stuff!! Made an account just to thank everyone that has contributed - Took me a few hours but ended up getting Lawnchair/QZ working, now just need to figure out how to get Zwift working(Likely will have to stream it through Moonlight with my PC that has a nvidia GPU from what I can tell)

As it took me a good bit to read through all 26 pages, and the thread seems to be pretty calm these days, if you are just getting here and trying to figure out WTF to do, go to comment #355 by GeorgieBundles

NOTE: If your admin code is not working(bad code) you need to factory reset. While the tablet is on, hold the power button and select power off/shut down on the tablet.
Once the tablet is off, hold down the power button and either volume +, volume -, or both volume + and volume - (it seems that different combinations worked for different people, try holding power button and some combo of the volume buttons)
This should boot you into safe mode, you can navigate up and down with the volume buttons, and select by holding down the power button until the selector on screen turns green.
Once you are in safe mode, there will be an option to factory reset, simply follow the prompts to reset and reboot the tablet.
After the tablet reboots, do NOT update the tablet when it prompts you, and code 1085 or 0000 should work for you.

Otherwise, Georgie's comment lays the entire process out, and if you run into any issues there's a good chance you can find the answer within the next couple pages after Georgie's comment(Take careful note on the subtle difference between EX-4s/EX-4s+/Other models, and some people having to enter commands twice, if you're having issues, have fun deep diving and reading through ALL of this thread)

Seriously, thanks a ton to all yall! It seems people are still struggling with Zwift, if I figure out anything interesting while trying to get mine set up I will update yall. Otherwise, my bike is now perfect with QZ for more personalized training without having to pay Echelon monthly, I just can't mess around with the lads on Zwift

 

[mvchine]

Hi - does anyone know the code for the admin
panel?

Check out my comment for where to look to get started

 

[CzarPetar]

Following Post #355 for my EX4s+ I seem to be having trouble launching the Qdomyos-zwift any insights appreciated.

I purchased the app on my android phone and did the apk extractor from the phone and moved it to tablet using x-plor. I can install it on the tablet however, when I go to run it I get the error "your application encountered a fatal error and cannot continue". I did change the battery settings to be not optimized, so I'm not sure what is causing the crash. I will be trying to do it via another apk extractor app, then the Mac laptop route.

I will update the post as I attempt these but if anyone else experienced this or knows the issue/solution I'm all ears.

Thanks for all of the legwork everyone this was a tedious read but super helpful nonetheless.

 

[mvchine]

Following Post #355 for my EX4s+ I seem to be having trouble launching the Qdomyos-zwift any insights appreciated.

I purchased the app on my android phone and did the apk extractor from the phone and moved it to tablet using x-plor. I can install it on the tablet however, when I go to run it I get the error "your application encountered a fatal error and cannot continue". I did change the battery settings to be not optimized, so I'm not sure what is causing the crash. I will be trying to do it via another apk extractor app, then the Mac laptop route.

I will update the post as I attempt these but if anyone else experienced this or knows the issue/solution I'm all ears.

Thanks for all of the legwork everyone this was a tedious read but super helpful nonetheless.

I ran into this same issue, and was not able to figure out how to get the apk extractor working.
Here's two alternative methods:
1. Download QZ through the Amazon store(and take another $5 hit)
2. If you're familiar with Android & building apks, you can go down that rabbit hole on the QZ GitHub

Also, Roberto Viola, the dev of QZ, is very responsive through email - [email protected]
If you don't want to pay the 5 bucks, or lose your sanity by trying to build the apk, I'd suggest shooting them an email and explaining your situation(buying on google play store when instead you needed to purchase through Amazon) just to see if they could help out in anyway.

Best of luck!

 

[CzarPetar]

I am having that issue while following those instructions. I first thought it is a 5s issue but then I have seen people uninstalling the stock app in 5s. so I thought I ask

I'm on 4x+ but ran into a similar issue with uninstall always being greyed out.

Had to deselect "open by default" in the app settings

I ran into this same issue, and was not able to figure out how to get the apk extractor working.
Here's two alternative methods:
1. Download QZ through the Amazon store(and take another $5 hit)
2. If you're familiar with Android & building apks, you can go down that rabbit hole on the QZ GitHub

Also, Roberto Viola, the dev of QZ, is very responsive through email - [email protected]
If you don't want to pay the 5 bucks, or lose your sanity by trying to build the apk, I'd suggest shooting them an email and explaining your situation(buying on google play store when instead you needed to purchase through Amazon) just to see if they could help out in anyway.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the response. Definitely not savvy enough to be building the apk.

Just to clarify for the Amazon store purchase of QZ. Am I correct in that it's the Amazon appstore apk installed on the tablet? I only ask because it seems it won't install on mine so I must be missing something.

 

[mvchine]

Just to clarify for the Amazon store purchase of QZ. Am I correct in that it's the Amazon appstore apk installed on the tablet? I only ask because it seems it won't install on mine so I must be missing something.

If you downloaded Lawnchair through Aptoide, you should still have Aptoide on the tablet and can use that to download the Amazon app(I think this is what I did, not 100% sure)
From the Amazon app you can search for qdomyos-zwift, and it should download without any problems

 

[CzarPetar]

If you downloaded Lawnchair through Aptoide, you should still have Aptoide on the tablet and can use that to download the Amazon app(I think this is what I did, not 100% sure)
From the Amazon app you can search for qdomyos-zwift, and it should download without any problems

Yeah this is where I hit a wall. It wont install/download the latest version of amazon appstore from aptoid. Tried previous versions of the app and it either wont download, function properly, or wont let me sign in.

Tried to get it from other apk apps.
Apkmirror wont even let me on the website via lightning. APKpure wont download the app (unknown error).
Downloaded the amazon appstore apk from apkmirror onto my computer and got it onto the echelon tablet via x-plor file manager. Amazon Appstore will install but when I go to sign-in or create a new account it just reverts me back to the "Welcome to Amazon appstore" Screen. Endless loop after inputting correct credentials.

I realize you probably can't help me with this just trying to document the steps that wont work so once I figure it out it can be updated.

Thanks again for the responses.

 

[mvchine]

Apkmirror wont even let me on the website via lightning. APKpure wont download the app (unknown error).

Huh, strange issue. Have you tried downloading chrome/firefox and trying to use apkmirror/apkpure from that?
Also, give this link a try on the tablet - https://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get/android-download/

 

[CzarPetar]

Huh, strange issue. Have you tried downloading chrome/firefox and trying to use apkmirror/apkpure from that?
Also, give this link a try on the tablet - https://www.amazon.com/gp/mas/get/android-download/

Got it via your link thank you. Now I'm just waiting on amazon to fix the "Uh oh. Something went wrong. Please try again" message when I sign in. At least I made it one step further and it actually recognizes my account details. Appears to now be an amazon issue many are having with android and amazon app store. They have an open support ticket from Nov. 1 2022.

Edit

Tried another option - Downloaded amazon app store on android phone, downloaded QZdomyos zwift through amazon appstore on phone. APK extractor the zwift app and x-plor file manager to get it to tablet. Zwift and peleton apps now running on split screen. I am however back to an amazon app store issue. I have an overlay ontop of my zwift app stating my version needs to be updated which I do not get on my phone even though it's the same version.

Zwift will still run in behind the overlay although I cannot input peleton info to sync the account and get auto resistance going and some of the tiles are covered. So back to waiting on Amazon..

 

[kcgo]

Side-load Peloton / Qdomyos Zwift on Echelon EX-4S+ Bike from Costco

First of all a VERY BIG thank you to everyone in this thread that made possible what I am about to re-post. It took me two days to go through this data, time and again to gather all of the great bits of information I needed to modify my Echelon EX-4S+ from Costco. As of last night, complete success on all fronts. I am re-posting everything I read previously and thanks must go to the gurus in the post who actually researched and created most of the information.

This post is to consolidate the data in a concise format for those who come after me seeking to achieve the same goal. (If there are any corrections or modifications, please do not hesitate to comment).

These instructions do not have to be followed to the letter. There are optional methods, applications defaults, tools and hardware differences that can be used to achieve the same end-result. Read through this entire post if you would like to review the alternatives. This was just my way of doing things.

THANKS AGAIN!

Hardware:
EX-4S+ Echelon Bike (Costco Exclusive)
Glorystar Nebula Tablet 15.6” (1920x1080 res)
MacBook quad-core i7, 16G RAM, running Apple iOS

Software
Android OS Ver # 9
Kiosk Lock App: Startos XXX
MacOS Monterey v12.2.1

How to:
Over-ride kiosk lock app for Echelon and side-load Peloton App, Qdomyos Zwift, Netflix etc

Qdomyos Zwift App is able to communicate via bluetooth with the bike and with Peloton Account via wifi/software to provide integration to both Apps with feedback on cadence, resistance and Peloton adjusted resistance


Admin Control of the Tablet
1- On first boot, allow Echelon App to load, configure wifi (you will be prompted to do so)
2- Do NOT allow Echelon software upgrade to run (Choose “NO” once option is automatically presented during boot)
3- Once wifi is connected (via your configuration), within the Echelon App, Tap on the bottom, right corner of the screen fiver (5) times, you will be prompted to entire a password. Enter password “1085” and click “Okay”. This will take you into the Android Home Menu.

New Boot System
5- Next we'll want to replace the Home app that is currently in your Default app setup. This configuration previously launched the Echelon app at startup.
6- Go to “About Tablet” and click on the build number 5 times to enable your Dev options. (You will see a confirmation pop-up at the bottom of the screen indicating that you are in Dev mode). Using this menu, you'll need to allow installs from unknown sources, USB debugging, etc.
7- Go to About Tablet > Android Version . Click on "Android Security Patch Level". This will launch a browser window.

Installing new Home App
8- You will need to download a new Home App to boot the tablet. Using the browser go to the Aptoide website, search for Lawnchair 2 App and install the APK.
9- Once you have successfully installed Lawnchair 2, go to App Notifications > Default Apps > Home App and choose Lawnchair 2 as your default boot App. Once you click this icon, it will launch your new HOME screen. From here you can use the default browser (Lightning) continue installing additional apps.
10- Using your Lightening browser, head back to the Aptoide website to install the Aptoide App so that you can download future APKs using the installed APP interface. (An alternative website for APKs is APKMirror).

Booting directly to Lawnchair 2
11- In order for the tablet to boot directly into Lawnchair 2 on the next reboot, you will have to uninstall the Echelon App. Go into Settings > Apps, click on the Echelon Fit App and uninstall it. (The app cannot be open or running in the background prior to uninstall).
12- Using the Aptoide App, Download and Install Peloton App, Netflix App, Wifi ADB (as needed)
13- Reboot the Tablet

Installing Domydos Zwift for Peloton and Echelon Bike integration
14- To install QDomydos Zwift on Lawnchair 2 we will have to use a work-around as it will not run if downloaded from the Amazon App Store App or via APK download.

Installing Android EMU on Mac iOS (My personal choice. Android devices, Windows with EMU can be used as an alternative)
15- From a MacBook Laptop, use your browser to go to the Bluestack website and install Bluestack so that you have a suitable Android emulator on your laptop to work with. Alternatively you can use an Adroid device to perform the same functions below.
16- Using the Google PlayStore App found in Bluestack, Purchase, download and install QDomydos Zwift within the emulator. You will need to use a legitimate Google account with associated payment option (PayPal). (App cost ~ USD $6.00)
17- Next using the Google PlayStore App, download and install APK extractor app
18- Use the APK extractor app to create an APK file based on your previously installed QDomydos Zwift. Move/Copy this file from the emulator to your Download directory on your MacBook. Now you have a suitable APK that you can transfer to the Echelon tablet that will install properly on Lawnchair 2.
19- We will use X-Plore WiFi Server installed on the Echelon Tablet and accessed through web browser on the MacBook to transfer the QDomydos APK to the tablet.

Configuring Transfer App (X-Plore Wifi Server) on Tablet
20- Now on the Echelon Tablet, use the web browser to locate the Aurora Store App. Install the Aurora app and use this to locate and install the X-Plore Apk.
21- Run the X-Plore app and start a new wifi server. Copy the IP address and port of the server.

MacBook File Transfer
22- Going back to the MacBook and using a web browser, enter the Tablet’s X-plore IP address/port in the URL tab. Once connected, transfer the QDomydos APK file from your MacBook download folder to the tablet. Save in the downloads folder on the tablet. (You will be prompted at this point to pay for the X-Plore App you installed on the tablet. (Cost ~ USD $4.00 - $6.00 and paid through the Amazon account on the Tablet).
23- Going back to the tablet, Find QDomydos APK on the tablet and install it.
24 - In Settings>Apps and Notifications>QDomydos App, ensure Battery optimization is turned off, as the default setting will cause the App to behave unpredictably (crashes etc).
25- You can configure which “Tiles” you would like displayed on the QDomydos App screen also for Cadence, Resistance, Heart rate etc.
26- In the QDomydos settings menu, find the section on Peloton account information and enter your Peloton user name and password. Click the OK button on each menu item to confirm.
27- Restart the QDomydos app for changes to take effect.

Running Peloton App and QDomydos App in Split screen mode
28- You will need to activate resizable Apps mode in the Android Tablet in order to enable Split-screen for the Peloton and Qdomyos Zwift Apps. Using the “Settings” App in Lawnchair 2, go into > System > Developer Options section, scroll to the bottom of the list and enable "Force activities to be resizable”.

Removing Tablet Admin Control pre-configured by Echelon
29- Start by removing Admin control for the tablet. Echelon installed an Echelon 21 Updater App that has to be deleted. It has admin rights which limits functionality/management over the tablet. It cannot be uninstalled by default.
30- On the tablet, run WiFi ADB which you previously installed. Copy the IP address/Port. You will need this to remotely connect to the Tablet from your MacBook.
31- On your MacBook run the Bluestacks EMU.
32- Download and install the Remote ADB app using the Google store (Its free)
33- Run the App and enter the IP address/port for Wifi ADB on your tablet to execute Admin commands remotely
34- To allow for removal of the Echelon 21 Updater App, type the following commands in Remote ADB

dpm remove-active-admin --user current com.echelonfit.echelon_21_updater/.DevAdminReceiver <ENTER>

35- You should receive the response. “Success: Admin removed ComponentInfo{com.echelonfit.echelon_21_updater/com.echelonfit.echelon_21_updater.DevAdminReceiver}”

36- Next use the tablet to uninstall the Echelon 21 Updater App. using the Android Settings > Apps in the Settings menu. (You will see that the Uninstall option is no longer greyed out).
37- Reboot the Tablet for changes to take effect

Menu Button, Nav Bar Re-activation for Split Screen
38- With this version of the bike (EX-4S+ / Costco), Top dropdown menu and Menu button options (Home button, Back Button etc) have all been removed from the Tablet and must be re-activated in order for you to properly interface with the Tablet and to utilize split screen
39- On the Tablet, run WiFi ADB which you previously installed. Copy the IP address/port so that you can control the Tablet remotely from your MacBook.
40- On your MacBook run the Bluestacks EMU.
41- Run Remote ADB again, connect to the Tablet (Wifi ADB) and enter the following commands

su <ENTER>
settings put global policy_control null* <ENTER>
settings --user 0 put secure user_setup_complete 1 <ENTER>

42- Reboot the Tablet for the changes to take effect.
43- In the Settings menu of the Tablet, go to > display > statusbar/navbar switch to "open”. You should now have your dropdown menu and Nav bar buttons at the bottom of the screen enabled

Split Screen Mode - Peloton / QDomydos
To use Pelaton and QDomydos Swift Apps in split screen mode

44- Run QDomydos App first
45- Click Square button on bottom menu bar of the Tablet to QDomydos minimize App
46- Run Peloton App
47- Click Square button on bottom menu bar of the tablet to minimize Peloton App
48- Click the Peloton logo at the top, middle of the Peloton app to bring up split-screen menu dropdown option. Click to enable it
49- Re-size Peloton screen as you see fit (drag app screen from the right-middle of the App)
50- Click on running QDomydos App to bring it into active split screen mode
51- Ensure the Blue LED on the Bike is solid (not blinking), the Bluetooth icon on the App is solid (not greyed-out) and that you are seeing readings on the QDomydos App tile sections
52- Start your exercise video on the Peloton App
53- A popup screen will appear on the QDomydos App asking to activate Peloton sync. Wait until the video on Peloton App goes to 00:00 time to start, then click yes at the same time on the QDomydos App
54- click on Peloton app to control volume if required

Now Ride!

Thank you for putting everything together and creating such a detailed step by step instruction. But I stuck on the step 33, I ran the Remote ADB shell app in the Bluestacks EMU on my windows laptop and it showed "Connection failed", just wonder if I missed anything, do I need to turn on any settings on the Echelon tablet?

 

[aaciii]

When Istart ADB Wifi on the Echelon tablet, the ladybug is grayed out and it says "it must be run on a rooted tablet" (??)

any ideas why it won't start up?

 

[CzarPetar]

WHen start ADB Wifi on the Echelon tablet, the ladybug is grayed out and it says "it must be run on a rooted tablet" (??)

any ideas why it won't start up?

Your tablet isn't rooted. Can download a version that is for non-rooted. Should work.

 

[aaciii]

Your tablet isn't rooted. Can download a version that is for non-rooted. Should work.

I thought these Echelon tablets are all rooted?

(I also downloaded the exact version that was linked in post #405).