[Q] Need Help Understanding Modems - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot

So I barely ever really touch my Galaxy S4 except to play around with ROMs and whatnot. Never had any real reason to even consider updating my modem. Is modem the same thing as baseband version, or are they two separate things that need to be updated in unison?
My baseband version right now is OA3. If I update to the newest modem version, is that going to screw anything up? Currently running an AOSP 5.1.1 ROM and having some connectivity issues. Would like to try the newer modem to see if that fixes anything.
Anyone have a link to the newest modem and/or instructions on how to flash? I know it goes in the phone slot in Odin as opposed to the PDA slot, just looking for some pointers.
Thanks in advance.

Related

[Q] Questions about FW updates on my S4..

I'm used to my Skyrocket so I'm not too noobish, but the s4 is different so I want to do this right.
So I have been reading Haphim's thread listed below about getting his new phone and he said it came with the MDL fw.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432816
Mine came with MDB FW. I immediately turned off the OTA updates after I rooted the phone. I had some issues trying to rename the Data Management app, so I used TBU to freeze it. Thank goodness ~wolverine~ posted a link to the 3 updates I needed to freeze. I found 2 of the 3 updates, but FWUpgrade x.x.x was not listed on my device. Is this because of the age of my firmware? This was NEW in the box, so I must have gotten one that had been sitting on a shelf somewhere, that is if the MDB fw is older..
Now if the above holds true about the MDB FW, are there any advantages of this one over any others?
What about modems? Can I update to a newer modem without upgrading my FW?
I'd like to go to a newer TW based rom (I have a Samsung TV and would prefer to use Allshare, ect). Can I do this with just flashing the rom via TWRP? Do I need a newer modem to do so? I saw some mention that an international version of TW rom is better. Why would that be? I'd like to jump to 4.3, but I'm still on 4.2.2.
Just a side question, does the CM based roms have Bluetooth issues? the Skyrocket CM based roms had connectivity issues where you'd have to reboot to get BT functionality back.
Sorry for the list of questions, I just got this phone and do not want to brick it.
I'm assuming you already found this, but if not it's a good place to start. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391
Flashing roms is not as straight forward as the sr as the boot loader is locked and you need to use Loki to work around it. If it were mine I'd Odin to mdl, root it and freeze the update apps so you don't get mf3. Then do more research until you're comfortable flashing.
Thanks for the reply. The thread you linked was very informative.. but..
What about the other questions? Modems, CM issues, ect?

[Q] Canadian SGH-i337m - Confused about which modem I need...

Hello,
I was wondering if I had the latest + most recommended radio/modem installed to my device; and also, where I could "tune in" to keep an eye on newer and better releases.
I noticed a few threads about radios and modems, and none of them even mention this MK6 modem... Also, they all seem to be ATT specific.
Anways, I am currently using "Baseband Version: I337MVLUEMK6"; should I look into changing?
Thanks!
You are running 4.3 with that modem. I think you can unlock your phone using the dial pad with that version. If you upgrade to a newer version then it is fairly locked down for tinkering and Knox enabled. If it works for you keep it. So unlock your phone 1st if need be.
You are about 3 releases behind
sammobile.com
Fido link: sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I337M/FMC/
Youre obviously pretty new to this. Basically MK6 is just a rom firmare update from the one before it. Every time samsung releases an update like 4.4.3 it changes that number letter thing. So if you pick any rom on the forum and you notice a fewdsyd later yhat person has updated the rom from 4.4.3 to 4.4.4 that number will change. Anyways its not too important. I suggest Goldfinger in the android development (regular development not original). Its a good one to start off with. Make sure during install to chose the correct phone. For example im canadian so I pick l337m otherwise it wont work right. Make sure if you chose a different rom than one designed for l337m that you download and flash a l337m kernal after youve installed and booted up the rom. I mean install and let the new rom boot to the setup screen. Then reboot into twrp and flash the l337m kernel of your choice. If you read through the goldfinger posters thread theres a kernel tool link. Its cool because it has all the kernels in one file. Just make sure u download the l337m version of the kernel tool. I hope that helps....also some roms wont connect your data and youll have to set up your apn yourself. I find sometimes I have to set up my rogers apn manually. Amyways now im probably confusing you lol. The unified section has roms that work on all phones or you can download roms like goldfinger that let you choose the phone youre using. Ok so to answer uour question the modem type just refers to the firmware the rom is built on. Haha
Harry TestTickles said:
You are running 4.3 with that modem. I think you can unlock your phone using the dial pad with that version. If you upgrade to a newer version then it is fairly locked down for tinkering and Knox enabled. If it works for you keep it. So unlock your phone 1st if need be.
You are about 3 releases behind
sammobile.com
Fido link: sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I337M/FMC/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Canuckguy said:
Youre obviously pretty new to this. Basically MK6 is just a rom firmare update from the one before it. Every time samsung releases an update like 4.4.3 it changes that number letter thing. So if you pick any rom on the forum and you notice a fewdsyd later yhat person has updated the rom from 4.4.3 to 4.4.4 that number will change. Anyways its not too important. I suggest Goldfinger in the android development (regular development not original). Its a good one to start off with. Make sure during install to chose the correct phone. For example im canadian so I pick l337m otherwise it wont work right. Make sure if you chose a different rom than one designed for l337m that you download and flash a l337m kernal after youve installed and booted up the rom. I mean install and let the new rom boot to the setup screen. Then reboot into twrp and flash the l337m kernel of your choice. If you read through the goldfinger posters thread theres a kernel tool link. Its cool because it has all the kernels in one file. Just make sure u download the l337m version of the kernel tool. I hope that helps....also some roms wont connect your data and youll have to set up your apn yourself. I find sometimes I have to set up my rogers apn manually. Amyways now im probably confusing you lol. The unified section has roms that work on all phones or you can download roms like goldfinger that let you choose the phone youre using. Ok so to answer uour question the modem type just refers to the firmware the rom is built on. Haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm already unlocked + rooted... And running GoldenEye 41 VJUGNH2 @ Android 4.4.2
In fact, I was getting all kinds of data drops and other basic function fails until i switched from AMG1 (I THINK!) to MK6 via Odin desktop.
At this time, everything is working fine... I just wanted to make sure it was running optimally. And apparently it's not, if I'm using a 4.3 radio/modem with a 4.4.x rom...
And also, when installing a new ROM, I've only ever noticed changes in kernel, build number, android version, and ROM version; never Baseband version.
I guess I'll double check the ROM threads, maybe I just missed a part about them being bundled with new Basebands...
Thanks folks!
/update
I flashed NC1, seemed to be the latest one... Everything OK for now.

Samsung S4 Modem Help

Hi, i need help choosing a good modem. I am currently using my samsung s4 on the o2 uk network. I dont know much about the right modem.
But how can i find the latest modem that is designed to operate on a uk network?
any help is much appreciated.
What's wrong with the modem firmware that is currently on your S4?
Under ordinary circumstances the modem firmware is only changed when the ROM itself is changed. For example, an OTA update to go from Android 4.4.2 to Android 5.0.1 would include a new modem designed for Android 5.0.1. The only time the modem firmware may need to be changed outside of an OTA update is if the device is rooted and the user is installing a custom Android 5.x ROM. This is because custom ROMs do not include updated modem firmware or bootloaders. In that case the modem would be updated manually using the Odin software.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
What's wrong with the modem firmware that is currently on your S4?
Under ordinary circumstances the modem firmware is only changed when the ROM itself is changed. For example, an OTA update to go from Android 4.4.2 to Android 5.0.1 would include a new modem designed for Android 5.0.1. The only time the modem firmware may need to be changed outside of an OTA update is if the device is rooted and the user is installing a custom Android 5.x ROM. This is because custom ROMs do not include updated modem firmware or bootloaders. In that case the modem would be updated manually using the Odin software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for responding,
Before i flashed my phone to a custom rom the signal i received was very good. however, since i have flashed a few roms along with their matching baseband i have noticed that the signal is not as good as it was before the phone was flashed.
i can only assume that i have changed a baseband to one of which is not suited to the uk networks, if that is a possibilty. i was wondering which baseband would be best suited for a uk network?
that is if not using the correct baseband can cause signal issues?
The correct baseband for your device should be I9505XXUHOB7. If that isn't what you're running you can download it from the baseband thread in S4 General and flash it through Odin. If you're running something later than that though, I wouldn't bother changing it. For example, my I9505 was originally on O2 before being unlocked, and it's using a later baseband, I9505XXUHOF2, which happens to be from the unbranded German ROM. I'm having no issues using it on Straight Talk here in the United States.
While updating the baseband can help, you might also want to investigate whether the ROM itself might actually be the source of your signal woes.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The correct baseband for your device should be I9505XXUHOB7. If that isn't what you're running you can download it from the baseband thread in S4 General and flash it through Odin. If you're running something later than that though, I wouldn't bother changing it. For example, my I9505 was originally on O2 before being unlocked, and it's using a later baseband, I9505XXUHOF2, which happens to be from the unbranded German ROM. I'm having no issues using it on Straight Talk here in the United States.
While updating the baseband can help, you might also want to investigate whether the ROM itself might actually be the source of your signal woes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im currently running the 4.4.2 XXUGNK4 goldeneye rom. would it still be ok if i went ahead and flashed the I9505XXUHOB7 along with it considering that is a lollipop version of the baseband?
In that case you'd want to get the latest Android 4.4.2 baseband possible from the aforementioned thread and install that. You'd cause more problems if you tried using the HOB7 baseband while still using an Android 4.4.2 bootloader.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
In that case you'd want to get the latest Android 4.4.2 baseband possible from the aforementioned thread and install that. You'd cause more problems if you tried using the HOB7 baseband while still using an Android 4.4.2 bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks , ill try that now.
a little of topic is it possible to flash a lollipop bootloader and then revert back to a bootloader designed for the 4.4.2 kitkat roms?
You'd have to try it and find out. I do believe it's possible since Knox is in both bootloaders, but I haven't had a reason to test it.

Help on some doubts and advice

Hi Guys!
Need some help on this thing, hope someone can clear some doubts and give me some advice too... The thins is this, I used to have a Samsung Captivate Galaxy S (Yes, hard to believe I squeeze that thing to the last drop LOL, I flashed SlimRom, wich was a pretty light ROM I think, and keep it as clean as possible always), Im from Mexico, and also Im that type of guy marketing doesnt make hard effect on me... anyway, recently a co-worker offered me this new one, at a very good price, almost brand new, so I got it.
As you can figured it out, It is a long time now since I made my last flashes, upgrades, etc... And now I want to do it again, but if possible I would like to do it the right way.
Here are my S4 settings:
Soft Version: LV720VPUFNG2
Model: SPH-L720
Android: 4.4.2
Baseband Version: L720VPUFNG2
Already Rooted and I've already installed TWRP Ver: 2.8.4.0
I got it already SIm Unlocked.
My Career Network is GSM.
The main reason I want to flash a ROM is to get rid of all the crap Samsung installs, I would like to install a light-weight (Lollipop if possible) but a with all the functions that I aleady have, like Air gesture, Screen Mirroring, Bluetooth, Wifi, etc...
So I would really appreciate if someone can advice me with one good, light-weight-clean ROM, Lollipop if possible... ( I remember back when I was flashing Captivate, SlimROMS where something like Im looking now)
Also, If a make backup before flashing and if I got problems while flashing, By reverting to my backup, Would I have it again working like it was? I mean modem, bootloader, etc.?
My main concern is to be able to back if I have a not-working flash, as this is my new and only cellphone.
Many Thanks in advance. BTW, Hope my english is understandable
No one? :/ Well, I'll keep it more simple lol
If I flash some ROM, I would have the same baseband/modem I already have right?
So if I flash for example, Exodus ROM, I'll end up with Android 5.1.1(I think thats the last one of that ROM) but keeping my baseband as it is now, NG2.
It Should work?
Please I really appreciate if someone can just clear this doubts before I proceed.
Technically speaking, Yes. You should be able to keep your baseband and modem since you're not flashing anything like that over odin, or if the ROM file itself isn't programmed to do such things.
techyerik said:
Technically speaking, Yes. You should be able to keep your baseband and modem since you're not flashing anything like that over odin, or if the ROM file itself isn't programmed to do such things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer man, and just for the last question, Do you know where I can find Stock ROMS, baseband and modems? (In case I need them)
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2303917
But It looks like is not truly updated, for example I can't find my baseband version in it.
Btw, Do you know if my modem NG2? Its the last one or not? I've been searching for that info too, but can't find anything updated that I can trust.
Many thanks in advance.
FrankI897 said:
Thanks for your answer man, and just for the last question, Do you know where I can find Stock ROMS, baseband and modems? (In case I need them)
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2303917
But It looks like is not truly updated, for example I can't find my baseband version in it.
Btw, Do you know if my modem NG2? Its the last one or not? I've been searching for that info too, but can't find anything updated that I can trust.
Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for stock firmware's; this means it's an all-in-one stock rom that has the baseband, kernel and modem etc. all inside a single rom file.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SPH-L720/SPR/
For latest info on your system check this
http://support.sprint.com/support/a...ServiceAdvisory_542_GKB51952-dvc7300002prd#!/
As for individual files like just single modems, kernels and basebands just search here. You'll find them, search and google are your friend. And no NG2 is no't the latest, OH1 is.
techyerik said:
This is for stock firmware's; this means it's an all-in-one stock rom that has the baseband, kernel and modem etc. all inside a single rom file.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SPH-L720/SPR/
For latest info on your system check this
http://support.sprint.com/support/a...ServiceAdvisory_542_GKB51952-dvc7300002prd#!/
As for individual files like just single modems, kernels and basebands just search here. You'll find them, search and google are your friend. And no NG2 is no't the latest, OH1 is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks man, that's exactly what I was looking for, some backup information that could help me in case I need it, now I feel more secure about it.
Greetings from Mexico
PS. I'll reply later to tell how it went

Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE Modem Baseband flash with Odin

Hello guys,
I am verry sorry to bother you with this, but I am just to dumb for this part.
I am quite familiar with the whole custom rom business but I try to fix my mothers phone where I installed a Cyanogenmod custom rom (12.1) some time ago.
She experiences some mobile network issues which, I guess, are related to a old baseband / modem version causing troubles.
Can you tell me which version is the right one to flash via Odin or preferably via twrp?
I plan on updating it before installing the lastest 12.1 CM snapshot.
I believe she has the Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505 International with LTE and Snapdragon processor.
Under baseband version ("About the phone") it says I9505XXUEML6.
(I dont know if this is correct I can remember that I once installed a Google Play Edition Rom to get rid of the bloatware).
The phone was bought in Germany.
I know that you guys are probably busy with more important stuff but I'd really appreciate it if you could quickly help me with that.
Have a great day.
Thank you in advance.
Update: I got the files, changed the cable Odin passed but no version change!
Update 2:
Manually going into fastboot instead of using the reboot menu did it! Thank you so much. (Maybe add that info to the guide to avoid similar problems with othe people)
Thumbs up & good night!

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