302 replies to this topic

[Azurren]

The Ultimate Pulse Owners Guide

Contents

i. Installing the Official 2.1 Update
ii. Installing a 2.1 / 2.2 Custom Rom
iii. Returning to the Official 1.5 Update
iv. Installing a 1.5 Custom Rom
v. Installing A2SD And SWAP
vi. Changing the Look and Feel
vii. Removing all Traces of Custom Roms
viii. Tips and Tricks
ix. Frequent Questions And Answers

Introduction
Welcome to The Ultimate Pulse Owners Guide!
The purpose of this guide is to bring all knowledge, tips and tricks onto one easy to find thread. Providing good, solid, instructions every step of the way to give you the confidence to try out some of these options for yourself!
I believe easy to follow text instructions are less confusing than text and pictures, therefore this guide will not include any.

This guide will cover everything to allow you to go from a stock T-Mobile experience to a speedy, all singing all dancing, vanilla 2.1 experience,


A Word of Caution
Please note there is always a certain risk when flashing hardware. Although the pulse is very resilient and I have yet to see anyone who has "Bricked" their device beyond repair.
I am not responsible or liable for any damage or loss of any hardware or software that may have been caused while following the advise written in any part of this guide. Nor am I responsible for any claim for Death or Injury while following this guide. Please use caution and only read / follow this guide when and where it is safe to do so..
Otherwise known as: "Don't sue me"

This guide is under construction and I welcome your feedback!

This guide is 100% free to use. However if this has helped you out in any way then please feel free to donate



This entire guide is subject to copyright © under UK IP rights.. etc.etc. (Please gain express permission before copying any information from this topic.)

Edited by Azurren, 08 December 2010 - 08:39 PM.

[Azurren]

Installing the Official 2.1 Update

Please note that this portion of the Guide is only for those using a T-Mobile Pulse (U8220). This will NOT work for those using a U8320 or a U8220-6. Please check the label located under the battery to determine your version


Difficulty Level
1/5 (very easy)


Known Bugs
The phone is prone to freezes when using apps that use both Data and CPU in bursts. Fixed
Such as: Facebook, Market, Browser
Text messages aren't sending / receiving properly Not Fixed
The phone may have a ringing delay when receiving an incoming call


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
Please note that installing this update will wipe everything off your phone. (Contacts, messages, apps etc.) Please ensure that you back them up if required. Your SD card will not be wiped before, during or after the update process.
Also please refer to the previous warning:

The Available internal phone memory will be reduced to 50mb (Down from 80+mb)
You will be able to install less apps


The Guide

Step 1: Prepare your phone, backup anything you need to the SD card or computer. Note that everything will be wiped off your phones internal memory.

Step 2: Download the Official 2.1 update file from here:
http://support.t-mob...20Android21.zip

Step 3: Extract the contents of the ZIP file to any location on your computer. Place the entire "dload" folder onto the Root of your SD card
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 4: Power off your Device. When the phone has fully powered off press and hold the following buttons: POWER + RED (End Call) + VOLUME UP
You may release these buttons when the message "Preparing Update" appears on your screen

Step 5: Confirm that you wish to update and allow the device to run it's course. The phone may get stuck on "Restarting" if so wait a few minutes then remove and re-insert the battery
If your phone "Fails to Update" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 6: Allow your phone 5+ minutes to boot up for the first time. You may experience some lag / force closes and some other errors. This is normal at this stage.
If your phone Fails to boot or gets stuck in a "Boot Loop" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Edited by Azurren, 17 August 2010 - 10:37 AM.

[Azurren]

Installing A 2.1 / 2.2 Custom Rom

Please note that this portion of the Guide is only for those using a T-Mobile Pulse (U8220). This will NOT work for those using a U8320 or a U8220-6. Please check the label located under the battery to determine your version

You must have the Official 2.1 update installed BEFORE attempting to install a 2.1 custom rom. Please follow the guide [here]

Difficulty Level
2/5 (easy)


Known Bugs
The phone is prone to freezes when using apps that use both Data and CPU in bursts. Fixed on FLB mod / official
Such as: Facebook, Market, Browser
Bluetooth may not work correctly with some custom roms
Text messages aren't sending / receving properly Fixed with SWAP


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
Please note that installing this update will wipe everything off your phone. (Contacts, messages, apps etc.) Please ensure that you back them up if required. Your SD card will not be wiped before, during or after the update process.
Also please refer to the previous warning:


Custom Rom Choices

Flibblesan's FLB MOD 1:
Espresso Style, Eclair 2.1
http://android.modac...on-android-2-1/

Direct Link: http://www.flibblesa...flbmod_v1.7.zip
Direct Link With Overclock: http://www.flibblesa...bmod_v1.7oc.zip


Flibblesan's FLB MOD 2: [ALPHA]Credits to Tom G and the 2.2 DEV team!
True Vanilla, Froyo 2.2
http://android.modac...-froyo-testing/

Direct Link: http://flibblesan.co..._v2.0alpha3.zip
Google Apps: http://mirror.kanged.net/gapps/ (Download Gapps Mdpi Original / tiny)


JohnPorter's J-Mod:
Espresso Style
http://android.modac...lse-custom-rom/

Direct Link: http://dl.dropbox.co.../j-mod-v1.4.zip


Tom G's CyanogenMod:
Cyanogen 2.2. If you can live with what's lacking this is the rom for you!
http://android.modac...port-for-pulse/

Direct Link: Please follow the guide on Tom G's thread
Note: This rom has to be flashed via "Clockwork Recovery, Not AMONRAR (Custom recovery Image)



The Guide

Step 1: Download the "Custom Recover Image"
http://loadbalancing...gl5iiciea41vu4t

Step 2: Extract the ZIP anywhere on your computer and navigate into the "1.5.2-pulse-amonrarecovery" folder

Step 3: Power Off your device. Hold down the POWER + RED (End call) + VOLUME DOWN keys until a blue screen appears

Step 4: Plug your device into your computer and wait for the drivers to be installed (Windows Only)
If your computer does not find the necessary drivers your can't proceed. Please Manually locate the new drivers from the "PC Suite" that was included within the HU 2.1 update ZIP
http://www.t-mobile....lse_21_B815.zip

Step 5: Open the "install-recovery-windows.bat" (Windows) or the "install-recovery-mac.sh" (Mac) or the "install-recovery-linux.sh" (Linux)
This will open and close very quickly. There is no visible indication that anything has happened on either the computer or the phone. If you get a "waiting for device" or an error refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 6: Unplug your device, remove and re-insert the battery. Press and Hold down: "POWER + MENU + RED (End call) Keys until the "Custom recover image" screen appears
It may appear after the origonal Tmobile boot or between the android screen. If not remove the battery and try again.

Note: When using the Custom Recovery image use the Trackball to move up / down and press to select. Use the back button to go back.

Step 7: Select the Option "USB MS Toggle" and plug your phone into your computer. Download a Custom ROM of your choice and place the ENTIRE ZIP (Do not extract it) onto the root of your SD card.
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 8: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu and select the "Backup/Restore" option. Choose a standard nandroid backup and let it run it's course

Step 9: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu and select the "Wipe" option. Choose the First option (Factory reset) and confirm.

Step 10: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu abd select the "Flash ZIP from SDCard". Select the custom rom you wish to flash, confirm and wait.


Optional Steps For A2SD / SWAP
It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE SWAP! Please follow these additional steps [here]
If you follow the above steps you have now finished this guide


Step 11: Select the first option in the Custom Recover Menu to Reboot your device. The first boot may take a while.

Edited by Paul, 07 June 2011 - 07:26 PM.

[Azurren]

Returning to the Official 1.5 Update

Please note that this portion of the Guide is only for those using a T-Mobile Pulse (U8220). This will NOT work for those using a U8320 or a U8220-6. Please check the label located under the battery to determine your version

You are able to downgrade to 1.5 from any rom (Custom or official)
Return to 1.5 if you are sick and tired of the bugs with the official 2.1 update.

Difficulty Level
1/5 (very easy)


Known Bugs
None at this time


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
Please note that installing this update will wipe everything off your phone. (Contacts, messages, apps etc.) Please ensure that you back them up if required. Your SD card will not be wiped before, during or after the update process.
Also please refer to the previous warning:



The Guide

Step 1: Prepare your phone, backup anything you need to the SD card or computer. Note that everything will be wiped off your phones internal memory.

Step 2: Download the Official 1.5 downgrade file from here:
http://www.huaweidev...25490/dload.zip

Step 3: Extract the contents of the ZIP file to any location on your computer. Place the entire "dload" folder onto the Root of your SD card
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 4: Power off your Device. When the phone has fully powered off press and hold the following buttons: POWER + RED (End Call) + VOLUME UP
You may release these buttons when the message "Preparing Update" appears on your screen

Step 5: Confirm that you wish to update and allow the device to run it's course. The phone may get stuck on "Restarting" if so wait a few minutes then remove and re-insert the battery
If your phone "Fails to Update" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 6: Download the "December Update" from here:
http://support.t-mob...th_Userdata.zip

Step 7: Extract the contents of the ZIP file to any location on your computer. Place the entire "dload" folder onto the Root of your SD card (Delete the Previous dLoad directory)
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 8: Power off your Device. When the phone has fully powered off press and hold the following buttons: POWER + RED (End Call) + VOLUME UP
You may release these buttons when the message "Preparing Update" appears on your screen

Step 9: Confirm that you wish to update and allow the device to run it's course. The phone may get stuck on "Restarting" if so wait a few minutes then remove and re-insert the battery
If your phone "Fails to Update" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

It is entirely normal for your phone to experience a partial Boot-Loop. So don't be alarmed if it loops once.

Step 10: Allow your phone 5+ minutes to boot up for the first time.

Edited by Azurren, 09 July 2010 - 08:01 AM.

[Azurren]

Installing A 1.5 Custom Rom

Please note that this portion of the Guide can be used for any Pulse based Version. (U8220, U8220-6, U8230)

You must have the Official 1.5 update installed BEFORE attempting to install a 1.5 custom rom. If you need to Downgrade please follow the guide [here]
You also need the "December Update" to install any of these 1.5 roms. This is included in this guide


Difficulty Level
2/5 (easy)


Known Bugs
None at this time


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
Please note that installing this update will wipe everything off your phone. (Contacts, messages, apps etc.) Please ensure that you back them up if required. Your SD card will not be wiped before, during or after the update process.
Also please refer to the previous warning:


Custom Rom Choices

Paul's r1.7 Rom:
T-Mobile Style
http://android.modac...online-kitchen/

Paul's r1.7 Rom:
Vanilla Style
http://android.modac...online-kitchen/

Paul's r1.8 Rom:
T-Mobile and Vanilla Styles
http://android.modac...n-limited-beta/




The Guide

Step 0: Check that you have the December update installed. (This part of the guide is still under construction. Sorry)

Step 1: Download the "Custom Recover Image"
http://loadbalancing...gl5iiciea41vu4t

Step 2: Extract the ZIP anywhere on your computer and navigate into the "1.5.2-pulse-amonrarecovery" folder

Step 3: Power Off your device. Hold down the POWER + RED (End call) + VOLUME DOWN keys until a blue screen appears

Step 4: Plug your device into your computer and wait for the drivers to be installed (Windows Only)
If your computer does not find the necessary drivers your can't proceed. Please Manually locate the drivers from the "PC Suite" that came on a disk with your phone

Step 5: Open the "install-recovery-windows.bat" (Windows) or the "install-recovery-mac.sh" (Mac) or the "install-recovery-linux.sh" (Linux)
This will open and close very quickly. Look at your phone, if successful it will display a line of text stating that xyz data has been written. If you get a "waiting for device" or an error refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 6: Unplug your device, remove and re-insert the battery. Press and Hold down: "POWER + MENU + RED (End call) Keys until the "Custom recover image" screen appears
It may appear after the origonal Tmobile boot or between the android screen. If not remove the battery and try again.

Note: When using the Custom Recovery image use the Trackball to move up / down and press to select. Use the back button to go back.

Step 7: Select the Option "USB MS Toggle" and plug your phone into your computer. Download a Custom ROM of your choice and place the ENTIRE ZIP (Do not extract it) onto the root of your SD card.
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 8: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu and select the "Backup/Restore" option. Choose a standard nandroid backup and let it run it's course

Step 9: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu and select the "Wipe" option. Choose the First option (Factory reset) and confirm.

Step 10: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu abd select the "Flash ZIP from SDCard". Select the custom rom you wish to flash, confirm and wait.


Optional Step For A2SD (No SWAP with 1.5)
If you are planning on installing using A2SD please follow the addition steps [here]
If you follow the above steps you have now finished this guide


Step 11: Select the first option in the Custom Recover Menu to Reboot your device. The first boot may take a while.

Edited by Paul, 07 June 2011 - 07:27 PM.

[Azurren]

Installing A2SD / SWAP

Please note that this portion of the Guide can be used for any Pulse based Version. (U8220, U8220-6, U8230)

You must be in the process of installing a Custom rom for either 1.5, 2.1 or 2.2 to make full use of this guide


Difficulty Level
3/5 (moderate)


Known Bugs
A2SD:
You must repair "Davlik Cache" every time you reboot your phone Only present on 1.5 roms


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
A2SD will allow you to install apps directly onto your SD card giving you near unlimited app capacity. However it is NOT recommended for the average user.
SWAP, in layman's terms, uses a small portion of your SD card as RAM. This is highly recommend for everyone using the latest FLB Mods!

Installing A2SD / SWAP WILL WIPE YOUR SD CARD

Also please refer to the previous warning:


You can install A2SD without SWAP and SWAP without A2SD. If your SD card is below a "Class 4" then it is highly recommended that you install SWAP without A2SD.


The Guide

Step 1: Return to the Main menu in the Custom recovery Image and select "Toggle USB MS Storage". Plug in your Phone

Step 2: Back up everything you wish to keep

Step 3: Format your SD card via your computer (FAT/32)

Step 4: Return to the Main menu in the Custom recovery Image and select "Partition SD Card"

- set "Swap size" to "xyz" (Use the trackball / Vol up, down)
32mb will return your phone to it's former glory, allowing some multitasking and removing the SmS bug. (Recommended for class 2 cards)
64mb is plenty! You will experience slow-downs if you choose more. (Recommended for Class 2 cards without A2SD and Class 4 / 6 cards with A2SD)
128mb you will be able to multitask and every app will stay in RAM (Recommended for Class 6 cards without A2SD)

- set "ext2" size to xyz mb (Use the trackball / Vol up, down)
512mb is a decent amount. However that is more than half your cards space if you only have a 1gb card

You will need and EXT2 partition even if you do not want to use A2SD!

Step 5: Return to the Main menu in the Custom recovery Image. Select "Reboot" and wait about 5mins for first boot.

Optional, Step 6: After fully booted, Launch the "Terminal Emulator" app.
If you wish to disable A2SD

Optional, Step 7: Type:
If you wish to disable A2SD

su (Press the return key)
Grant Superuser Permissions
a2sd remove (press the return key)

Wait for it to complete then reboot

Optional, Step 8:
To speed-up SWAP
Launch the "Terminal Emulator" app again and type:
su (Press the return key)
a2sd lowmem-moderate (Press the return key)
This is no longer required when using A2SD Swap with FLB mod 1.6b. However it will still provide a small speed increase at the cost of 1/2 less apps being kept in-ram

Wait for it to complete

SWAP can lag your phone. This is very noticeable on the first ever boot with SWAP enabled. Don't rush to disable it, give it a chance

Edited by Azurren, 22 September 2010 - 08:31 PM.

[Azurren]

Look And Feel

Custom Themes (Frameworks)


Difficulty Level
5/5 (very hard)

You can install these themes on any 2.1 custom rom.


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader
The Custom Recovery Image Installed
"Root Explorer" (A paid app from the Market) Or EStrongs File Explorer (A Free App from the Market)

A Word of Caution
Although installing a Custom Framework will NOT wipe anything there is always a chance that you could get stuck in a boot loop. Installing a custom framework will NOT touch your SD card.
You must NOT Wipe your device before applying a Custom Framework. They are not complete roms.
Also please refer to the previous warning:



Ogiogi's Espresso MOD:



http://android.modac...1-2-19-07-2010/
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire...ctc3fnw1512w3q5


Ogiogi's Elegance MOD:



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1319063
Direct Link: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4T24LNTN


Ogiogi's Orange MOD:



http://android.modac...0/#entry1346562
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire...oth4a51pbyej133


Ogiogi's Cyan MOD:



http://android.modac...lse-21-07-2010/
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire...syjl2iuit22u36t


Ogiogi's Biohazard  MOD:



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1322683
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?mjgjmi3nmgz


Ogiogi's Espresso MOD (White Status Bar):



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1317889
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire...cxfbaci4l41fsjj


Igor_anta's Blue S

http://android.modac...e=post&id=60738
http://android.modac...e=post&id=60737

http://android.modac...1-6-10-08-2010/
Direct Link: http://www.mediafire...kx58yxu2i61jla4


Igor_anta's DarkV3



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1335164
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=58801


The Guide


Step 1: Unplug your device, remove and re-insert the battery. Press and Hold down: "POWER + MENU + RED (End call) Keys until the "Custom recover image" screen appears
It may appear after the origonal T-Mobile boot or between the android screen. If not remove the battery and try again.

Note: When using the Custom Recovery image use the Trackball to move up / down and press to select. Use the back button to go back.

Step 2: Select the Option "USB MS Toggle" and plug your phone into your computer. Download a Theme of your choice and place the ENTIRE ZIP (Do not extract it) onto the root of your SD card.
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 3: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu and select the "Backup/Restore" option. Choose a standard nandroid backup and let it run it's course

Do NOT wipe your phone. These frame works are NOT roms!

Step 4: Return to the Custom Recover Main menu abd select the "Flash ZIP from SDCard". Select the Custom Framework you wish to flash, confirm and wait.

Step 5: Select the first option in the Custom Recover Menu to Reboot your device. The first boot may take a while.


Follow the Below to change the text colour of the notification bar, and to fix the pop-ups on vanilla roms
If you are running a T-Mobile Style rom YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING


Step 6: Once the phone has booted open the "Root Explorer" or "EStrongs File Explorer" app.

Step 7: Navigate to "build.prop" in the /system directory

Step 8: Edit "build.prop". Find "ro.config.PopupTwink=true" and change it to "ro.config.PopupTwink=false"

Step 9: Edit "build.prop". Find "ro.config.hw_customizeType=01" and change it to "ro.config.hw_customizeType=02"
This will change the notification bar text from Black to White. You can also do the reverse



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Custom Boot Animations

Difficulty Level
5/5 (very hard)

You should be able to install any of these Boot Animations on any 2.1 rom.



What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader
The Custom recovery Image installed

A Word of Caution
Although installing a Custom Boot Animation will NOT wipe anything there is always a chance that you could get stuck in a boot loop. Installing a Custom Boot Animation will NOT touch your SD card.

Also please refer to the previous warning:


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.1:



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1295631
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56661

Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.2 Blue or Green(Heat Beat Monitor):



Blue: http://android.modac...p...t&p=1296064
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56663

Green: http://android.modac...p...t&p=1296771
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56701

Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.2 MOD (Heat Beat Monitor Striped Down):



http://android.modac...oot-animation/#
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56715


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.3 Blue or Pink(Heat Beat Monitor, Landscape):



Blue: http://android.modac...p...t&p=1296104
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56666

Pink: http://android.modac...p...t&p=1296344
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56670


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.4 (Giant Android With Green Heart Beat):



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1296696
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56695


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.5 (Simple T-Mobile Style But Android and Green):



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1297549
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56743


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.6 (Droid Style):



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1297553
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56744


Fusion0306's Boot Animation no.7 (Awesome Pulse):



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1299007
Direct Link: http://android.modac...t...st&id=56794

Huawei U8100 Boot Animation (IceXcube84)



http://android.modac...p...t&p=1336681
Direct Link: http://db.tt/6gYomP



The Guide


Under Construction

Edited by Azurren, 11 August 2010 - 12:13 PM.

[Azurren]

Removing all Traces of Custom Roms

Please note that this portion of the Guide can be used for any Pulse based Version. (U8220, U8220-6, U8230)

This is basicly installing the "Official" 2.1 update. Only do this if your phone has broken and needs to be returned under warranty. If you have messed around with the hardware / software and broken the phone yourself then do not follow this guide. This is not a "How to Defraud the system" guide.
Think of it this way. You buy a new car and install a new stereo (Thus voiding the warranty) You car had flawed wheel nuts causing said wheel to fall off. It had nothing to do with the stereo however they would use that as an excuse to avid fixing your car. So you replace the origonal stereo and they fix it for you.

My point is if your USB port breaks it is no way the fault of a custom rom. However they may see that you have one installed and decide they aren't going to touch it.


Difficulty Level
1/5 (very easy)


Known Bugs
None at this time


What you will need:

A Pulse
A Micro SD Card (Recommended to have at least 1gb free space)
A Micro USB Cable or An Micro SD Card Reader

A Word of Caution
Please note that installing this update will wipe everything off your phone. (Contacts, messages, apps etc.) Please ensure that you back them up if required. Your SD card will not be wiped before, during or after the update process.
Also please refer to the previous warning:

The Available internal phone memory will be reduced to 40mb (Down from 80+mb)
You will be able to install less apps


The Guide

Step 1: Prepare your phone, backup anything you need to the SD card or computer. Note that everything will be wiped off your phones internal memory.

Step 2: Download the Official 2.1 update file from here:
http://support.t-mob...20Android21.zip

Step 3: Extract the contents of the ZIP file to any location on your computer. Place the entire "dload" folder onto the Root of your SD card
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 4: Power off your Device. When the phone has fully powered off press and hold the following buttons: POWER + RED (End Call) + VOLUME UP
You may release these buttons when the message "Preparing Update" appears on your screen

Step 5: Confirm that you wish to update and allow the device to run it's course. The phone may get stuck on "Restarting" if so wait a few minutes then remove and re-insert the battery
If your phone "Fails to Update" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 6: Allow your phone 5+ minutes to boot up for the first time. You may experience some lag / force closes and some other errors. This is normal at this stage.
If your phone Fails to boot or gets stuck in a "Boot Loop" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Edited by Azurren, 11 August 2010 - 12:15 PM.

[Azurren]

Tips and Tricks

A reboot a-day keeps the lag away!

Useful A2SD commands:
Type these in the "Terminal Emulator" app. Best to type "su" then the return key before using these commands

a2sd remove
Moves apps back to the internal storage and disables A2SD

a2sd reinstall
Moves apps back to the SD Card and re-enables A2SD

a2sd noswap
A2SD will no longer manage the SWAP partition (Disables SWAP)

a2sd reswap
A2SD will manage the SWAP partition (Re-Enables SWAP)

a2sd cachesd
Moves the Davlik cache to the SD card (Davik Cache contains all the apps Cache and User Data)

a2sd cachepart
Moves the Davlik cache back to internal memory (Davik Cache contains all the apps Cache and User Data)

a2sd nocache
Disables cache (Not recommended)

a2sd resetcache
Wipes the cache (Not recommended unless restarting phone)

a2sd check
Reports what is/isn't working

a2sd jit
Enables JIT (Speeds up phone but it can clash with certain apps causing crashes / reboots)

a2sd nojit
Disables JIT

The following performs the same tasks as the "Auto killer" app. There are more settings but anything higher will make the phone unusable

a2sd lowmem-moderate
Closes apps when memory is getting low (Recommended with SWAP)

a2sd lowmem-optimum
Closes apps before the memory gets low (Before the above) (Recommended if you want a speedy phone without multitasking with SWAP)

a2sd lowmem-default
Restores android default

Edited by Azurren, 16 September 2010 - 02:02 PM.

[Azurren]

FAQ

Question: I have installed the official 2.1 Rom but the icons for Apps Menu and Contacts have been reversed
Answer: This is a known bug when using a Sim Card other than T-Mobile while using the Stock T-Mobile home screen. The only solution is to install a different launcher from the market "ADW, Launcher pro etc. Or to install a Vanilla Custom rom.

Question: Why can't I install many apps?
Answer: The app space on the 2.1 official rom was reduced to enable the device to run 2.1. Installing a Custom rom will give you a little boost however AppsToSD may be your only option

Question: When I try updating to 2.1 It keeps displaying "Update Failed"
Answer: Are you sure you have a U8220 Pulse? Check under the battery cover.

Question: Why can't I install 2.1 on my U8320 / U8220-6?
Answer: There is a Rom compatible with your device however I have not included it due to issues with 3g. My advise would be to wait until your carrier releases an update.

Question: My Phone keeps freezing and crashing!
Answer: This is a known problem with 2.1, both official and custom roms suffer the same symptoms. If it really is bothering follow this guide to downgrade to 1.5 [here]

Question: My Phone always displays "Roaming"
Answer: This is a known problem when using a "3" sim on a 2.1 pulse. Check your APN settings.

Question: My Phone won't get 3g
Answer: If you are using a Sim other than T-Mobile check your APN settings.

Question: Help! I bricked my Phone!
Answer: Not to worry, follow the guide to install the 2.1 official rom. You may need a card reader.

Question: Help! I'm stuck in a boot loop!
Answer: How did this happen? If it was when trying to install a custom rom return to the custom recovery image menu and restore the nandroid backup. If all else fails re-install the official 2.1 update.

Question: What is SWAP?
Answer: SWAP uses a portion of the SD card as RAM, removing the "Bottle-neck" from the CPU speeding up the device and allowing multi-tasking (And it fixes the SmS bug).

Question: Why Can't I use SWAP and A2SD if I don't have a Class 6 card?
Answer: SWAP puts a lot of load on the SD card. A2SD puts a fair amount of load on the SD card. Using them both together will make your phone LAGGGGG

Question: What is Swapper2 and why is it so recommended?
Answer: Swapper2 is an app that manages SWAP (It is managed by A2SD in this guide) however Swapper2 has to be running 24/7 to manage SWAP and takes up a fair amount of RAM itself.

Question: When using SWAP I can't Toggle USB!?
Answer: Well of course not! Toggle USB un-mounts the SD card from the phone. How would your computer react if you pulled out one of it's RAM sticks while you were gaming? (Really don't try this).
To toggle USB restart the phone in Recovery mode and select "Toggle USB".

Question: Do I need the official 2.2 update to install FLB mod 2 (Froyo) / Why is Froyo installed over official 2.1?
Answer: Froyo runs off the same kernel as 2.1 did. Plus the fact there will probably never be an "Official" 2.2 update. It is safe!

Question: Will using SWAP kill my SD card?
Answer: Well.. Most of the articles on the Web that back this are written by people who (for some reason) hate SWAP. Technically it will reduce the life of the SD card but you won't notice it.  

Question: What is Overclock and what does it do?
Answer: Overclock "Overclocks" the processor increasing it's speed but sacrifices battery life. The Pulses RAM bottle necks the processor so the overclock is only really noticeable while running cpu intensive apps or games (Angry birds, fruit ninja etc.)

Question: Overclock! Doesn't that fry your processor!??
Answer: The level of overclock included in the FLB mod is reasonably safe. The chip itself is capable of running at that speed just it was clocked lower to improve battery life. (But yes, just as custom roms come with a relatively low-risk warning so does overclock)

Question: My Question is not answered / solved in this FAQ
Answer: Please start a new thread detailing your problem.

Edited by Azurren, 30 September 2010 - 08:52 AM.

[h3dshot]

very nice, very useful to people who arent complete android noobs also (y)

[h3dshot]

Azurren, on Jun 23 2010, 11:11, said:

The Ultimate Pulse Owners Guide

Contents

i. Installing the Official 2.1 Update
ii. Installing a 2.1 Custom Rom
iii. Returning to the Official 1.5 Update
iv. Installing a 1.5 Custom Rom
v. Installing AppsToSd
vi. Changing the Look and Feel
vii. Removing all Traces of Custom Roms
viii. Tips and Tricks
ix. Frequent Questions And Answers

Introduction
Welcome to The Ultimate Pulse Owners Guide!
The purpose of this guide is to bring all knowledge, tips and tricks onto one easy to find thread. Providing good, solid, instructions every step of the way to give you the confidence to try out some of these options for yourself!
I believe easy to follow text instructions are less confusing than text and pictures, therefore this guide will not include any.

This guide will cover everything to allow you to go from a stock T-Mobile experience to a speedy, all singing all dancing, vanilla 2.1 experience,
A Word of Caution
Please note there is always a certain risk when flashing hardware. Although the pulse is very resilient and I have yet to see anyone who has "Bricked" their device beyond repair.
I am not responsible or liable for any damage or loss of any hardware or software that may have been caused while following the advise written in any part of this guide. Nor am I responsible for any claim for Death or Injury while following this guide. Please use caution and only read / follow this guide when and where it is safe to do so..
Otherwise known as: "Don't sue me"

This guide is under construction and I welcome your feedback!

i lold at the bold bit:D ud have to be an absolute tool to manage to injure yourself/cause death by flashing a phone:P

[HyvelTjuven]

Oh man, this is great!
Great work!

[meinnit]

Wow looks great! Thanks for taking the time to put this all together.

[h3dshot]

Azurren, on Jun 23 2010, 11:11, said:

If you are planning on installing a Custom Rom DO NOT FOLLOW THESE OPTIONAL STEPS. Please proceed to the following guide [here]
If you are NOT Planning on installing a Custom rom on your device and wish to keep it official please follow these steps

Step 7: Open your phones SD card via your computer, delete the "dload" folder

Step 8: Go back to where you extract the 2.1 update. Open the CUSTOMIZED_HU folder and copy the "dload" folder to the root of your SD card
By "Root" I mean do not place the file in any subfolders

Step 9: Power off your Device. When the phone has fully powered off press and hold the following buttons: POWER + RED (End Call) + VOLUME UP
You may release these buttons when the message "Preparing Update" appears on your screen

Step 10: Confirm that you wish to update and allow the device to run it's course. The phone may get stuck on "Restarting" if so wait a few minutes then remove and re-insert the battery
If your phone "Fails to Update" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

Step 11: Allow your phone 5+ minutes to boot up for the first time. Your phone is now ready to use. Enjoy your new official 2.1 Pulse!
If your phone Fails to boot or gets stuck in a "Boot Loop" Please refer to the FAQ [here]

uh oh i installed this along the with official 2.1 when it came out, does that mean i have to reflash the 2.1 hungariain thingy and not do the HU customisation pack. also could this be the reason my pc refuses to install the drivers for the pulse 2.1?

also the bit about resetting it to stock if you need to take it to tmob for fixing under the warranty, wouldnt you have to downgrade back to 1.5? since tmob uk havnt released a 2.1 and thats technically void if youve got it installed? or do they allow 2.1 if its hungarian and no custom rom?

Edited by h3dshot, 23 June 2010 - 11:00 AM.

[Azurren]

h3dshot, on Jun 23 2010, 11:51, said:

uh oh i installed this along the with official 2.1 when it came out, does that mean i have to reflash the 2.1 hungariain thingy and not do the HU customisation pack. also could this be the reason my pc refuses to install the drivers for the pulse 2.1?

It can cause some issues when using a custom rom. For example Wifi is very temperamental and just won't work on some roms if you have installed the patch..
It shouldn't have stopped your PC finding the drivers though..  

h3dshot, on Jun 23 2010, 11:46, said:

i lold at the bold bit:D ud have to be an absolute tool to manage to injure yourself/cause death by flashing a phone:P

You never know
Well, I can remember that some terms and conditions include that you are not allowed to use their software to control nuclear arms

Edited by Azurren, 23 June 2010 - 11:00 AM.

[mlang]

Thanks for this.

Could you expand on the ussb drivers installation, please. (Installing a Custom ROM, Step 4).

You have got...

Quote

Please Manually locate the new drivers from the "PC Suite" that was included within the Official 2.1 update ZIP

I can easily locate the drivers, but I can't seem to get them to install (at least, I can't get ADB to identify the phone or do anything).  When I plug the phone in, the drivers that Windows think's best install automatically without prompting me.  Once those drivers are installed, I don't know which devices need their drivers updating.  I've tried forcing the issue, but it simply is not working for me.

Ta

[h3dshot]

Azurren, on Jun 23 2010, 11:59, said:

It can cause some issues when using a custom rom. For example Wifi is very temperamental and just won't work on some roms if you have installed the patch..
It shouldn't have stopped your PC finding the drivers though..  
You never know
Well, I can remember that some terms and conditions include that you are not allowed to use their software to control nuclear arms

hahahah nuclear arms:D

btw i edited my post above to say sumthing about the returning to stock for warranty, u might wanna check it out, or i might just be a little bit of a retard and not know much:)

[Azurren]

h3dshot, on Jun 23 2010, 12:02, said:

hahahah nuclear arms:D

btw i edited my post above to say sumthing about the returning to stock for warranty, u might wanna check it out, or i might just be a little bit of a retard and not know much:)

http://assets.gearli...s-tos-funny.jpg

True it maybe better to downgrade to 1.5 however it is an "official" tmobile branded update.. I will change that. Thanks  

Edit: actually I put it as 2.1 so that users on a 1.5 rom could update to remove it. I am not sure if you can use the downgrader on a 1.5 rom you see :S

Edited by Azurren, 23 June 2010 - 11:06 AM.

[h3dshot]

mlang, on Jun 23 2010, 12:01, said:

Thanks for this.

Could you expand on the ussb drivers installation, please. (Installing a Custom ROM, Step 4).

You have got...
I can easily locate the drivers, but I can't seem to get them to install (at least, I can't get ADB to identify the phone or do anything).  When I plug the phone in, the drivers that Windows think's best install automatically without prompting me.  Once those drivers are installed, I don't know which devices need their drivers updating.  I've tried forcing the issue, but it simply is not working for me.

Ta

same for me, ive found all the drivers that need updating, and tried updating them via that 'olgy' guys driveer thread and it  wont accept any of them telling me it doesnt contain any info on my hardware, and ive tried the drivers that came with the 2.1 hungarian thing which doesnt have anything for xp :'(

the only solution for me is to borrow my friends mac laptop and patch amon ra from it, then i can install whatever back on my piece o crap dell laptop running lowly xp