Database Develop

HTC Hero CDMA Backlight

Has anyone ever had any issues with the backlight on the Hero?
Lately, sometimes, when I turn my phone on or something, it's as if there is no screen at all. It stays black, eventhough I know that the OS is running. I've even tried rebooting, taking out the battery, etc... I can tell it's booting normally because it does the little vibrate, and then vibrates once the OS is fully loaded, etc... cept, when this is occuring, I cannot see anyting on the screen. If I tilt it just right, I can JUST BARELY see the outline of a window or something (whatever is up on the screen at that time). Then after dealing with this issue for a couple of minutes, and rebooting a few times, it works itself out.
I'm thinking I'm starting to have some type of hardware failure, but really don't want that, because I'm due to upgrade to the EVO here in about a month and don't want a stupid replacement just so I can go buy a new phone a month later, ya know? Anyway, wondered if anyone has had the issue before and what, if anything, they may know to do to fix it.
Thanks guys!

Yes I get the same issue off and on. I think it has to do with CM6 and the brightness settings. Not sure though.

For some reason when I flash CM6 it sets the Automatically Adjust Backlight setting to be off. I figured it was just the nature of the rom, so everytime I flash a new one, I go and turn it on in Display settings.

Kcarpenter said:
For some reason when I flash CM6 it sets the Automatically Adjust Backlight setting to be off. I figured it was just the nature of the rom, so everytime I flash a new one, I go and turn it on in Display settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No man, I'm saying, even when I first turn on my phone, I dont even see the white HTC screen. It's completely black, but vibrates like normal when I press the power button to initially turn it on. It's fukd I'm pretty sure. I can't see a thing on it, not even in recovery. It's completely black, but vibrates at the correct times it should vibrate (when I first press power button to turn on, when the rom initially boots up, etc...)
I'm thinking my hero is dead....
I only had a little less than a month to go before I could get an EVO too.... damn phone.

Have you done any damage to it? Sprint might replace it for free.

derekwilkinson said:
Have you done any damage to it? Sprint might replace it for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I didn't do anything to it... unfortunately, I'm stuck with CM6 installed on it, because I can't see it to be able to switch back to the stock ruu... LoL
so I hope they don't notice and then say, well, too bad, u'r screwed because u rooted u'r phone. But no, my phone is still immaculate except the 'End' key is chipping off (the paint). That's about it
I'm hoping maybe they'll let me just upgrade to the EVO since I'm due in about a month anyway. I doubt it, but even if they give me a replacement (a new one) then I'd be okay with that.

Welp, they ended up replacing my phone with a replacement (refurbed) Hero... I pretty sure this one is 99% new though, not a single problem aesthetically and it seems to be running froyo quite smoothly. It basically feels like a brand new phone (which according to Sprint Reps, there's an 80% chance of getting a new replacement and 20% chance of getting a used replacement). I'm thinking I'm in the 80% range
Very happy thus far... just my touch screen is a little quirky right now b/c I installed a clear screen protector and believe some of the moisture is interfering with touches... which has been getting better as the hours go on. So that's' good!
Thanks guys on the info.... It's just fine for getting me through until Sept. 15th so I can upgrade meself on the EVO!!!!
We shall see if it holds up until then
Take ya'lls and thanks for all the replies

You should get the epic instead. Lol
(IMHO)
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App

[Q] Anybody have experience with ATT Warranty Center?

Today I went to the AT&T store to complain about the GPS issues on the Captivate. The associate (after looking the device over), gave me a flier/form and told me to take the phone to the local AT&T warranty center. The flier seems to indicate that the warranty center folks would either fix the issue or replace the device if they agree that my phone has an issue and is not (water) damaged etc.
Anybody have any experience with this?

I don't have any experience while owning a Captivate and going to the Warranty Center...
But when I had my Samsung Impression, and the phone display (it was a touchscreen with a slideout keyboard) completely stopped working, it wouldn't register any touch at all, I took it to them, they turned it on, tested that it truly didn't work, and they gave me a new phone (might have been refurbished) on the spot. Walked out with a smile on my face and went on with my day.

Same experience with two LG Xenons with bubbles under the screen. On the spot replacement within 10 minutes after they verified that the moisture sensor was clear.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Refurbished phones are the replacement. Very easy to deal with.

I had the same thing with my wife's Bold - warranty center didn't really try to fix it, just did the replacement. You have to make sure to do the data wipe before the exchange, and they can't do much in terms of data transfer. Process itself is very quick and straight-forward.
For my captivate GPS I just did a mail replacement. Gives me the time to swap everything at home with no pressure.

Funny you should ask. I'm currently dealing with a warranty exchange via phone and mail. I called customer support and told them about the random shutdown issue. They transferred me to the "Android" department. The Android department has heard about this so-called random shutdown issue so they sent me a replacement (refurb) phone after asking me questions like "Has your phone ever been dropped?" "Are there any damages to the screen?" "There is a square sticker right next to the 3 golden battery connector prongs. What color is it?" (FYI. If your phone gets wet, that white square will turn to a different color! Mine is still white. Never been in water. Anyway...)
They sent me the phone yesterday and today I turned it on. There was a new problem. It randomly takes me back to the Home screen when I'm just casually browsing the web, flipping through my apps, etc. It doesn't force close the app or system that I'm on. I just boots me out of whatever I'm doing and shows me the Home screen. So, I called to tell them about this problem. It is now in a box that it originally came in and it's waiting to be shipped out. They will give me another Captivate in the mail by Friday.

jaykishora said:
Today I went to the AT&T store to complain about the GPS issues on the Captivate. The associate (after looking the device over), gave me a flier/form and told me to take the phone to the local AT&T warranty center. The flier seems to indicate that the warranty center folks would either fix the issue or replace the device if they agree that my phone has an issue and is not (water) damaged etc.
Anybody have any experience with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Warranty Repair Center in my town doesn't stock Captivates. They'll take a look at the phone to see if it was damaged or submerged, then tell you to call the 800 number. Or, you can skip driving in to a warranty center and just call the 800 number. The people there will talk you through some basic troubleshooting, then ship you a replacement (ground is standard, you can pay for an upgrade to overnight). You have 10 days after that to return your phone.
As for your GPS problems.... if you've upgraded to JH7 and can get a solid lock out in the open under a clear sky, well... Sorry to disappoint, but your replacement phone is probably going to have just as many problems with the GPS. I do (and I'm on my 4th Captivate), so do 7 of my friends and coworkers who have Captivates, and so do about 90% or more of the people reporting on the forums.
According to AT&T and Samsung, the JH7 update 'addressed the GPS issues'. And it did make it better... Before, it would just about never lock on. Now I can usually get a lock within 10~20 seconds and it'll show me where I should be.... until I go for a drive.
The test is this: install My Tracks and go for a drive around town. Once you're done, take a look at your track.
If you've got a softtop convertable or a fiberglass roof, you're good.
If you've got the phone far forward on the dash and have a large, steeply raked windshield, you're good.
If you've got a large sunroof, you might be good.
Otherwise, you're stuck with a measured 50m~100m accuracy (it reports 15m~30m, but don't believe it) if you can even maintain lock.
Good luck!

RexEscape said:
Funny you should ask. I'm currently dealing with a warranty exchange via phone and mail. I called customer support and told them about the random shutdown issue. They transferred me to the "Android" department. The Android department has heard about this so-called random shutdown issue so they sent me a replacement (refurb) phone after asking me questions like "Has your phone ever been dropped?" "Are there any damages to the screen?" "There is a square sticker right next to the 3 golden battery connector prongs. What color is it?" (FYI. If your phone gets wet, that white square will turn to a different color! Mine is still white. Never been in water. Anyway...)
They sent me the phone yesterday and today I turned it on. There was a new problem. It randomly takes me back to the Home screen when I'm just casually browsing the web, flipping through my apps, etc. It doesn't force close the app or system that I'm on. I just boots me out of whatever I'm doing and shows me the Home screen. So, I called to tell them about this problem. It is now in a box that it originally came in and it's waiting to be shipped out. They will give me another Captivate in the mail by Friday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was doing this too. I disabled plugins and a problematic page would render. Might be something to try just for the heck of it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Very easy to deal with IMO. I am on my 3rd captivate.
1st one experienced random shutdowns, 2 days later received second one in mail and wouldn't get any network signal, 2 days later my 3rd and hopefully last captivate was on my doorstep.
All you have to do is send in your old unit. I was satisfied with the android people over at ATT.

Dealing with AT&T is MUCH more pleasant then dealing with Samsung for your warranty support. They're quick, they're nice, and they get you in and out in about 30 minutes.

z28james said:
Mine was doing this too. I disabled plugins and a problematic page would render. Might be something to try just for the heck of it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I don't think it's that. It wasn't just on the Browser. It was also doing it while I was just flipping through the apps or reading an email using the stock email, or SMS, or looking at Settings. Anything I was on, it booted me out and took me to the Home screen. I returned it. I'm getting my 5th Cap today.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll post my experience if it turns out to be any special or interesting.
One other question. My phone is currently rooted. Should I spend effort unrooting it or it should be fine?

Unroot it and/or flash it back to original JF6 using ODIN One-click. If you've installed Froyo, do a Master Reset so it'll delete traces of 2.2 folders and whatnot. Backup first!

Pleasant experience
I went to the AT&T warranty center last weekend and was in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes with a new Captivate in hand. It was an extremely pleasant experience.
Just want to say that this replacement device (new and not refurbished) locks the GPS in about 10 sec inside the car and even faster under the sky and remains spot on. This leads me to believe that it may be some batches of device with buggy hardware with GPS issues.
Thanks

100% of the phones you get at the device support centers are refurbished sport. I'm a manager at one. If they told you it was new you have been whamboozled
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

RexEscape said:
Unroot it and/or flash it back to original JF6 using ODIN One-click. If you've installed Froyo, do a Master Reset so it'll delete traces of 2.2 folders and whatnot. Backup first!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a manager at one of the at&t device support centers. Odin one click flash to original software is the only way to pass our inspections. We're not dumb. We can see if you've monkeyed with it in exactly 3 clicks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Walked in, gave them a Captivate that refused to charge, boot, or respond in any way, walked out with one that works.
Took maybe 30 minutes tops.

danalo1979 said:
100% of the phones you get at the device support centers are refurbished sport. I'm a manager at one. If they told you it was new you have been whamboozled
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I asked specifically whether the device was refurbished, I was told that it was new unit, as the refurb units have some red sticker on the device (when you take the battery out). Either way it does not matter to me as this unit works perfectly including the GPS.

jaykishora said:
When I asked specifically whether the device was refurbished, I was told that it was new unit, as the refurb units have some red sticker on the device (when you take the battery out). Either way it does not matter to me as this unit works perfectly including the GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you were lied to.
Unless if you were still under your 30 days, which would put you under the buyer's remorse program [completely apart from Warranty], then you'd be receiving a new model.
+ most Warranty Captivates are affected by the random shutdown issue, as they aren't scrapped if they're under the affected IMEI range.
You're using a refurbished Captivate, all in all.

My first phone was rooted and then the random crashes started. It got so bad I couldnt turn the phone on unless I did a battery pull then with the charger plugged in and finger banging and milking a cow at the same time.
I finally got it into download mode and went back to stock. I went to the tech center explained what happened and she replaced it right on the spot and gave me a NEW phone, battery and charger. BUT she gave me my old battery cover. :-(
Sent from my Captivate.

[Q] Strange Ringtone And General Phone Issue

Ok, first off I just want to say I have searched around the forums for a similar problem in hopes for a solution and to avoid reposting a question.
For information about my phone, see below the problem description.
Here is the problem:
This just started today, the phone will not play any ringtone or notification sound. I can confirm the speaker itself still works by playing music or choosing ringtones. Alarms do still work, just not call tones or notification tones(even using default ones).
Now that is only part of the problem, along with that, is the fact that when a text message is received, I can view it and dismiss it (Using Handcent as Default). But 30 seconds to a minute after getting the message, or usually while replying to it, the screen will go black and the capacitive buttons stay lit up. No button presses are registered and the only way to gain access into the phone is by removing the battery and putting it back in.
I am also not getting every message sent to me, some will come through while others don't.
Another unrelated issue:
If I wait an extended time between listening to music, usually 20+ hours, for the first minute or so I hear a little bit of static and then it clears up and doesn't happen until the next day.
Info about the phone:
I bought the phone new on eBay at the end of September, the 28th.
The only modification done to it is doing the latest VooDoo lagfix from the link below(I did this within two weeks of having the phone, and it worked fine):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=784170
Aside from that, the phone is completely stock running the latest OTA update.
I am using a GoPhone SIM card that has never given me any issues before.
Kernel Version: 2.6.29 voodoo_lagfix_3.0_v1.10
Firmware: 2.1-update1
Build: ECLAIR.UCJH7
Baseband: I897UCJH7
My Background
This is only my second Android phone, coming from the myTouch 3g. I have had the same SIM card for years. Now I have the Captivate, and this is the first time it has given me this kind of problem. I have experience flashing ROM's and all that, I just wanted to wait for an official update for the Captivate to see if GPS gets improved.
I hope I have provided enough information to diagnose the problem, let me know if there is anything else you need to know and thanks for your time.
Side note if this can't be resolved with you guys:
Would I be able to call up Samsung and get a replacement from them?

codyrt said:
[*]I bought the phone new on eBay at the end of September, the 28th.
Side note if this can't be resolved with you guys:
Would I be able to call up Samsung and get a replacement from them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably why it was sold on Ebay in the first place. Just a shot in the dark, maybe the speaker connection is loose? There are a few threads about taking the phone apart if you are so inclined.
Can't see how it would be a warranty, you bought it through a third party. Could always try.
Swyping...please read slowly!

cappysw10 said:
Just a shot in the dark, maybe the speaker connection is loose?
Can't see how it would be a warranty, you bought it through a third party. Could always try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did think something like that at first, but every other sound works fine and when it is supposed to(startup sounds, games, etc.). And I would think if it's a loose connection that shaking the phone or moving it around would make sound cut out, but it doesn't.
I figured the manufacturer warranty wouldn't apply, but I have gotten warranty replacements in the past on other electronics from eBay. So maybe a little fibbing will be in order to receive another unit.
I'm thinking it is something software, I have no clue what, I haven't made any major software additions or changes since yesterday. But if all else fails I will try changing to a different ROM and if that fails, get a replacement from Samsung.

I would try flashing again.....and running that kernel....kinda makes your phone far from stock...

For some reason the issue has stopped. I only did a few things, I powered off the phone, turned it on with the 3-button combo, and then restarted the phone from that menu. After the restart, I reassigned the notification tones and ringtones to what they were(my personal choices, not system sounds) and it seems to work.
I will probably wait a few days to see if it occurs again, and if it does, I will move on to a ROM from the Dev section because I am convinced its just some apps conflicting with each other.
newter55 said:
and running that kernel....kinda makes your phone far from stock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured that was a minor modification, so i just counted it as stock, but I see what you're saying.

Screen issues with rom

I have a very weird issue with my phone. I flashed quite a few different roms and at one point I started to notice this flickering screen. It flickered no matter what screen I was on. The problem would come and go and just sort itself out somehow. Then I noticed a more serious problem. The screen would go super washed out. No display settings would fix it. This happened while using various roms. In the past it fixed itself and again, I don't know why. Today it happened again. I'm currently running an ICS rom, the Midnote 2.0 which is I think the very best ICS rom and it was running wonderfully. I was very happy with it. Suddenly the screen went crazy bright, washed out with extreme banding. It basically looked like a low resolution jpeg. Everywhere. I tried a lot of things to sort it out. I was at the point of calling tech support and I realized, there is no tech support!!! The guy from support for the US version of the Note told me that my phone was made in Japan (which sounds like nonsense) and that it would have to go back to Japan for repair. He gave me a phone number.
Eventually, after hours, I flash my Note back to it's original factory rom. The problem persisted. Then, having nothing to lose, I rooted it again and flash DarkyNote rom which also is a nice rom. After a few minutes, the screen flickered and went back to normal.
I have no idea if it will stay that way though. My fear is that this is going to happen again and who knows if it will stay that way next time. And I had no idea that there was essentially, NO SUPPORT!
I had wonderful tech support for my international HD2. I called them up with an 800 number and told them that I bricked it up by flashing roms and they replied, it's under warranty so the repair costed me like 16 dollars. LOL No problem. Samsung seems like a different ballgame. This has been an eye opener for me. This might be my last international phone.
Crap, during the space of this post, the screen has gone back to super bright.

Sounds like a hardware issue to me.

USB?
kuttyjoe said:
I have a very weird issue with my phone. I flashed quite a few different roms and at one point I started to notice this flickering screen. It flickered no matter what screen I was on. The problem would come and go and just sort itself out somehow. Then I noticed a more serious problem. The screen would go super washed out. No display settings would fix it. This happened while using various roms. In the past it fixed itself and again, I don't know why. Today it happened again. I'm currently running an ICS rom, the Midnote 2.0 which is I think the very best ICS rom and it was running wonderfully. I was very happy with it. Suddenly the screen went crazy bright, washed out with extreme banding. It basically looked like a low resolution jpeg. Everywhere. I tried a lot of things to sort it out. I was at the point of calling tech support and I realized, there is no tech support!!! The guy from support for the US version of the Note told me that my phone was made in Japan (which sounds like nonsense) and that it would have to go back to Japan for repair. He gave me a phone number.
Eventually, after hours, I flash my Note back to it's original factory rom. The problem persisted. Then, having nothing to lose, I rooted it again and flash DarkyNote rom which also is a nice rom. After a few minutes, the screen flickered and went back to normal.
I have no idea if it will stay that way though. My fear is that this is going to happen again and who knows if it will stay that way next time. And I had no idea that there was essentially, NO SUPPORT!
I had wonderful tech support for my international HD2. I called them up with an 800 number and told them that I bricked it up by flashing roms and they replied, it's under warranty so the repair costed me like 16 dollars. LOL No problem. Samsung seems like a different ballgame. This has been an eye opener for me. This might be my last international phone.
Crap, during the space of this post, the screen has gone back to super bright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear about your trials! I read on another thread somewhere about similar issues (can't remember where sorry!) The offender seemed to be the USB charging port was a bit damp and caused charging issues and weird things happening. Pushing the USB cable into the charging port and pushing it at the right angle seemed to fix it. Someone else had to use a flat blade screwdriver to get the internal USB port at the right angle.
May be totally barking up the wrong tree, but who knows - it may help? Otherwise push your local support. I'm in Australia and the Note has still not been released here officially so hope I never have to get support as there is no-one locally!
Good luck and let me know how you go!

[Q] Xda is deafeningly silent over a fix for the Pink screen issue!!!

I have looked up all the threads relating to an issue with some galaxy notes going pink all of a sudden. The thing is I can't find a viable fix for the problem.
I had never disassembled my phone and the screen slowly turned purple and started blackening out. It was fully functional. This I knew because I connected it to my Windows 7 computer and used Android Commander. I ordered a new screen complete with bezel etc. I have two batteries, the first didn't even charge after I put it in the phone (it had drained totally during the wait for the new screen and went dead), the second was partially charged and allowed the screen to boot. It is however behaving like the first screen did before it went black, that is purple. I am sure I have not done anything wrong with the connections when I dismantled it. Could it be the batteries? or the adapter flex? I just hope it is not the mainboard. It is not on warranty and we don't have that many honest phone specialists around where I live. I am almost sure others have experienced the same problem and someone on xda knows what the problem is. If you do I would be indebted.
Whites show up ok on startup but turn immediately pink. Blues are a big problem. I think that it must be software because from bright white it turns pink, and at the moment it screen brightness is at full intensity it is ok for a time. However don't want to leave it at full intensity. I have tried changing screen intensity and unchecking screen power usage in Settings/display.
I was on Ultimate JB rom, but have just gone to stock JB Rom (Germany LT4) same problem.
Please help.
Thanks

Instead of wasting money and time, go to a Samsung Service Center and get it fixed. Someone in this forum (i guess he was from Brazil or Portugal) has the same problem when he updated to ICS or Jelly Bean but worked fine with gingerbread. Flash a GB rom from Dr.ketan post and look if it works. If still has the same problem, go to a Samsung Official Service. Good luck and sorry my bad english

Thanks for the advice
I'll try it out.