Root [UPDATED, WORKS] CA-201L bootloader for recovery key combo

[Doctoror]

So I finally managed to figure out what partition of CA-201L is responsible for recovery combo.
When I flashed aboot partition it finally worked.

aboot_CA-201L.zip

 

[xmguy1]

Can one not just use Flashify and its Boot To Recovery option? That's what I use to get to CWM.

 

[rjglenn]

I updated to 4.1.2 when my replacement came and after a bit I rooted, then flashed the CWM using flashify. I can use the button combo to boot into CWM recovery without issue. It goes to recovery after the white VZW logo screen and jingle. This is from a powered off state.

 

[Doctoror]

Can one not just use Flashify and its Boot To Recovery option? That's what I use to get to CWM.

The problem is not getting onto recovery in working ROM.
Most guys that stuck at bootloop can't get into recovery event with adb.
So the key combo is a primary thing that should be working for emergency issues.

I updated to 4.1.2 when my replacement came and after a bit I rooted, then flashed the CWM using flashify. I can use the button combo to boot into CWM recovery without issue. It goes to recovery after the white VZW logo screen and jingle. This is from a powered off state.

That's some good news.
Edit:
Tried it.
Reflashed cwm_ca201l-signed.zip via CWM.
Powered off.
Key combo volume up + tacticle + power, boots to normal mode.

Flahsed cwm_ca201l-signed.zip as zip via Flashify's "CWM" method.
It rebooted to CWM. I rebooted to system. Powered off.

Key combo still boots to normal mode.

 

[Doctoror]

Tried flashing this bootloader and got into recovery.
Then I flashed the updated C811 bootlaoder back and couldn't get into recovery.
Then I flashed CA-201L again but no luck.
So I flashed back to C811 M040 bootloader.
Maybe it's not bootlaoder responsible for key combo.

 

[Doctoror]

Huh, I didn't flash the whole bootlaoder, I missed the aboot part.
Actually it is the only part that needs flashing in order to make the key combination work.

 

[mu4yth4i]

I don't know which method made my recovery key combo work again, if it was Doctoror's or Rjglenn's. I flashed the bootloader first with flashify, tactile+volume+power, did not work. Then I flashed cwm with flashify, no go. Then I went to recovery using quick boot and installed zip the bootloader with cwm and tried my previous combo keys before updating to 4.1.2. volume+power, Ha! It worked! I don't know which one made it work but good job, Guys! You've been doin' a lot of hard work for us! You made me a fan!

Just a question. Can I flash to baseband 470 with CWM or flashify? For some reason M8960A-1.5.8_C811 has a hard time picking up 3g signals in where I'm at. Thanks in advance!

 

[rjglenn]

I don't believe that would be a good idea because 470 is an ICS baseband and would probably cause a brick if used with a JB firmware.

Are you using this on Verizon CDMA or a GSM carrier? I have been very happy with the radio performance on CDMA but I can't speak to how well it works on GSM, all my experiments with GSM have been within a 1/4 mile of an AT&T tower.

 

[mu4yth4i]

I don't believe that would be a good idea because 470 is an ICS baseband and would probably cause a brick if used with a JB firmware.

Are you using this on Verizon CDMA or a GSM carrier? I have been very happy with the radio performance on CDMA but I can't speak to how well it works on GSM, all my experiments with GSM have been within a 1/4 mile of an AT&T tower.

I have a 3g sim. Prior to 4.1.2, I'm on baseband 470 and WCDMA worked perfectly.

At least you're getting data, me, I'm stuck with call and sms, well, in my home that is, but when I go to a different city the jellybean baseband can capture 3g and hsdpa. I don't really know for sure what's goin' on.

 

[rjglenn]

Do you have the APN setup for your carrier? Usually when a phone gets an updated firmware the radios work better, not worse. I know there have been some discussions on here about folks having to use an application to change the APN settings because the setup is locked down.

 

[mu4yth4i]

The APN is already set. For now, I'll settle with GSM & rely on wifi if I need to connect to the internet when I'm home. Thanks for the help! Happy new year!

 

[Doctoror]

I don't believe that would be a good idea because 470 is an ICS baseband and would probably cause a brick if used with a JB firmware.

I've tried it on JB. No bricks but it doesn't work. Causes Voicemail FC, no signal and reboots during ~3 mins after boot.
It worked only on ICS.

P.S. They released the JB sources at NEC and there is another guy on Russian forums trying to compile the kernel.
So far I've tested phew builds but after the display goes down it doesn't turn on anymore.
His device is already shipped so after he gets it we will see more progress on that.

 

[motumbo]

So I finally managed to figure out what partition of CA-201L is responsible for recovery combo.
When I flashed aboot partition it finally worked.

aboot_CA-201L.zip

Yep, It worked like a champ! Tested on my C811.

Thanks a lot my friend.

 

[mu4yth4i]

I was able to make baseband 470 work on jelly bean. I have a good, working jelly bean backup. First, I installed the 410 initialization tool then I updated to baseband 470. Then I restored my jelly bean backup. This resolved the signal issue. My G'zone can pickup gsm, 3g & 4g again when switching to and from those signals.

 

[aus4000]

After I got CWM installed I got it flashed and go into recovery with almost no issue. The only issue is that I can't get it into recovery if the phone is plugged in or if I chose to reboot instead of turning it off.

Other than that I don't think I'm going to have any issues playing with this phone anymore

SIDENOTE: If you're stupid like me and manage to flash aboot to boot the phone will go into fastboot. From there you can just flash the boot.img from whichever ROM version you're on.