Ployer Momo8 IPS Custom Firmware

Martin Wimpress

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I bought a budget Android tablet a little while back that turned out to be really rather good. However, there were issues with the initial firmware.

  • Connecting to, or maintaining connection with, some wireless networks was unreliable.
  • When the internal NAND was under moderate load the tablet would become unresponsive.

Ployer released a firmware update in November 2012 and again in April 2013 which addressed these issues. Here’s the translated change log.

  1. Increase the volume buttons on the vertical screen.
  2. System, audio and video decoding, browser, Flash player, 3G module, boot animation module BUG repair.
  3. Update NandFlash, Mali, Wifi module drivers, while addressing some CTS tests BUG and the stability of the system as a whole has been further enhanced.
  4. Optimize Flash stability, improve the efficiency of the implementation of the DDR.
  5. Default input method Sogou input method.
  6. Update Google Pinyin input method.

However, the official Ployer firmwares come pre-loaded with a selection of Chinese applications and defaults to a Chinese language.

Objectives

I decided to have a go a making my own custom firmware for the Ployer Momo8 IPS with the following goals.

  • Pre-rooted.
  • Removal of pre-installed Chinese apps.
  • Removal of bloatware.
  • Extend `/data’ partition.
  • Make it a “Google Experience” device.
  • ClockWorkMod Recovery (available to donors)

I think I’ve been fairly successful. My firmware includes Android 4.1.2 features and even some Android 4.2 features. Until someone successfully ports cyanogenmod to the Ployer Momo8 IPS or Ployer release a 4.2.x update then my firmware is the most complete “Google Experience” you’ll find for the device.

Changes

Below are the changes I made to the official Ployer Momo8 IPS firmware.

13.164

This release is mainly a fix for Google+. The builds are running now and will be available for download later today.

  • Integrated SuperSU 1.32
  • Tweaked WiFi 2.4Ghz Transmit Power. maxp2ga0 is now 76 in:
    • This appears to be the default for other devices with the same chipset, feedback welcomed.
  • Reverted PlusOne.apk to the version in 13.137
    • This should fix the force closes.

13.149

The purpose of this release is to refresh some system apps, address some compatibility isues and to offer versions of my custom firmware based on both 20130325 and 20121120.

  • Based on the Official Ployer MOMO8(IPS)-4.1.1-Firmware-20130325 and the Official Ployer MOMO8(IPS)-4.1.1-Firmware-20121120.
    • Feedback suggests that WiFi works better for some when using firmware based on the 20121120 version.
    • Only donors will have access to the 20121120 versions.
  • Integrated SuperSU 1.30
  • Removed the framework.jar patch as it introduces incompatibilties of its own.
  • Removed the PicoTTS voice data files from the /system partition.
    • PicoTTS voices can be selectively installed via Settings -> Language and Input.
    • This is a space saving measure and essential for the 20121120 version.
  • Updated the following, as of May 25th 2013:
    • Magazines.apk (Google Play Magazines)
    • Music2.apk (Google Play Music)
    • PlusOne.apk (Google+)
    • Talk.apk (Hangouts)

13.137

This release is focused on stability, adding the new Google Play features announced at Google I/O 2013 and also includes everything from the previous releases.

  • Integrated Android 4.2 sounds, fonts and boot animation
    • Boot animation is now the correct size, higher quality and doesn’t flicker at the end of a boot.
    • All Android 4.2 sounds and fonts are now included.
      • Fixed default notification sound.
      • Lock screen font looks much nicer.
    • http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1991734
  • Integrated Android 4.2.2 keyboard
  • Integrated Nova Launcher 2.1
  • Integrated Feedly 15.0.1
  • Integrated Power Toggles 4.6.6
  • Tweaked WiFi 2.4Ghz Transmit Power. maxp2ga0 is now 100 in:
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK901.txt was previously 74.
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK903.cal was previously 76.
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK903.txt was previosuly 72.
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK903_26M.cal was previously 60.
  • Tweaked WiFi 5.0Ghz Transmit Power. maxp5ga0, maxp5gla0 and maxp5gha0 are now 100 in:
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK903.cal were all previously 80.
    • /etc/firmware/nvram_RK903_26M.cal were all previously 80.
  • Added camera icon to the application drawer.
  • Fixed boot up time
    • Boot up time is significantly faster, with the exception of the first boot after a firmware flash.
  • Fixed apps disappearing from the Settings and the Play Store.
  • Replaced Google Talk with Hangouts
  • Removed Google Drive and Google Earth
    • When pre-installed they would Force Close.
  • Updated the following, as of May 16th 2013:
    • Books.apk (Google Play Books)
    • GestureSearch.apk
    • Currents.apk
    • GoogleEars.apk (Sound Search)
    • GmsCore.apk (Google Play Services)
    • Magazines.apk (Google Play Magazines)
    • Maps.apk
    • Music2.apk (Google Play Music)
    • Phonesky.apk (Play Store)
    • Talk.apk (Hangouts)
    • TalkBack.apk (Accessibility)
    • Videos.apk (Google Play Movies)

13.129

This version includes everything from the previous release plus the changes below.

  • Based on the Official Ployer MOMO8(IPS)-4.1.1-Firmware-20130325
  • Boot loader upgraded to 1.22
    • Switching to Upgrade mode in Rockchip Batch Tool is much quicker.
  • Extended /system partition from 375M to 428M
  • Removed more Chinese applications and bloatware
    • Removed UCBrowser shared objects from /system/lib
    • Removed QQMiniHD shared objects from /system/lib
    • Removed more Adobe Reader shared objects from /system/lib and fonts from /system/fonts/adobefonts
  • Integrated Clockworkmod Recovery to 6.0.31 (donors only)
  • Integrated Adobe Flash 11.1.115.54
  • Integrated File Wrangler 1.5
  • Integrated AdAway 2.3 (Google now blocks all advert blockers from the Play Store)
  • Replaced Launcher2 4.1.5 with Nova Launcher 2.0.2
  • Replaced the default wallpaper with the default wallpaper from the Nexus 10.
  • Removed User Management - it was not reliable.
  • Removed Chrome.apk but updated /system/lib/libchromeview.so from Chrome 26.0.1410.58
    • This is a space saving measure but ensures the ROM is Chrome compatible.
  • Updated the following, as of May 10th 2013:
    • Authenticator.apk
    • CalendarGoogle.apk
    • Currents.apk
    • Drive.apk
    • Earth.apk
    • Gmail.apk
    • GooglePlayBooks.apk
    • GooglePlayMagazines.apk
    • GooglePlayMovies.apk
    • GooglePlayMusic.apk
    • GooglePlayServices.apk
    • Keep.apk
    • Maps.apk
    • Phonesky.apk (Play Store)
    • PlusOne.apk (Google+)
    • Street.apk
    • YouTube.apk

13.080

What didn’t change

  • I haven’t modified build.prop to make the Ployer Momo8 IPS masquerade as another brand or model of Android device. I will not be making this change, please don’t request it.
  • Although my firmware includes many features from Android 4.1.2 and some from Android 4.2 I haven’t bumped the Android version or Build number. That would be dishonest and misleading.

Known Issues

  • Adobe Flash is enabled the first time the Browser app (not Chrome) is executed.
  • Hangouts app does not work on the first boot following a firmware flash. It does works correctly on subsequent boots.
  • Although busybox is included in the ROM, no sym-links are created.
  • Some Gameloft titles may not work, Asphalt 7 for example. Do other Gameloft titles work properly? This problem is present in the official Ployer firmware too, there are framework patches to fix this problem but they seem to introduce other incompatibilities.

Donate

Please consider donating to this project. It is nice to have the effort I’ve put into this custom firmware recognised. I don’t ask for much, it is at your discretion, but just think how happy I’ll look when I am sipping the beer you bought me :-D

Downloads

You’ll need Rockchip Batch Tool which include the RockChip USB drivers and the firmware flashing utility. I’ve modified Rockchip Batch Tool to default to English language and removed old logs and transient data to reduce the size of the download. You’ll also need the firmware itself.

Download Rockchip Batch Tool and the STOCK RECOVERY version of the ROM. Unzip both archives once they are downloaded.

How to Flash

Warning Always (I can’t stress this enough) flash the STOCK RECOVERY version of my custom ROM. Never flash the CWM RECOVERY version without first having flashed the STOCK RECOVERY version. If you are upgrading from another ROM (even one of mine) always flash the STOCK RECOVERY version first.

Flashing this ROM will will effectively factory reset your tablet, wipe your installed apps, app data and preferences. If you have rooted your tablet you might want to consider making a backup with Titanium Backup * root. If you have not rooted your tablet then you could use Helium - App Sync and Backup.

  • Install the Rockchip USB drivers included with Rockchip Batch Tool.
    • This was simple of Windows XP but I couldn’t get Windows 7 to accept the Rockchip drivers. However, installing MoboRobo on Windows 7 provided the correct driver.
  • Turn the Ployer Momo8 IPS on.
  • On the tablet go to Settings -> Developer options and untick USB debugging.
  • Start RKBatchTool.exe.
  • In RKBatchTool choose firmware file, click the Switch button. The device icon should change to green to indicate a successful connection.
Note The very first time your `Switch` to upgrade mode, Windows may prompt you to install additional Rockchip USB drivers.
  • Only if the device icon changed to Green, click Upgrade.
  • The firmware will be flashed and the tablet will automatically reboot into Recovery.
  • You will see a green Android and then the paritions (/data, /cache and /mnt/sdcard) will be formatted.
    • /mnt/sdcard is the internal memory, not the microSDHC card inserted in the card reader.
  • When the formatting is complete the tablet will reboot.

The first boot may take a little longer than usual. You will be presented with the Welcome wizard where you can configure language and locale, etc. You can optionally enter your Google Apps or Gmail account credentials and doing so will prompt for which Wifi network to associate with.

Rockchip Batch Tool Video

I’ve also made a video showing how to flash the firmware. Frankly, the hardest part is getting the Rockchip drivers installed.

How to Flash the CWM version

Warning Like I said, never flash the CWM RECOVERY version of my ROM without first having flashed the STOCK RECOVERY version. The CWM version is made available to donors.
  • Flash the STOCK RECOVERY version of the ROM as detailed above.
  • Follow the same procedure, but this time flash the CWM RECOVERY version.
  • When the CWM RECOVERY flash is complete the tablet will boot into CWM recovery. Do the following:
    • wipe cache partition
    • advanced -> wipe dalvik cache
    • ++++++Go Back++++++
    • reboot system now
  • The tablet will reboot, it will be a slower boot than usual but subsequent boots will be quicker.

ClockWorkMod Recovery

Booting to recovery can be achieved using the pre-install Quick Boot app.

The Ployer Momo8 IPS only has one hardware button (power) so CWM is controlled with gestures.

  • Swipe up/down: up/down
  • Swipe left: select
  • Swipe right: back

The Power button also acts as select, which I find to be the most reliable way to select an action.

FAQ

Does this custom firmware fix WiFi connectivity?

Short answer, possibly.

Of all the WiFi networks I have access to, only one causes the Ployer Momo8 IPS to encounter weak signal and intermittent connections. When using the Official Ployer firmware on that WiFi network, connecting more than 5 meters from the access point is unreliable and maintaining a connection is almost impossible.

Using my firmware I can connect and maintain a connection up to about 10 meters from the access point. My testing, and the feedback from others suggests the my firmware improves the WiFi signal by 8 to 10dBm.

From my testing the Momo8 IPS appears to have issues with some wireless access points, possibly related to the chipset in the access point or the Momo8 IPS, but I’ve not been able to pin it down. That said, I’ve got access to 2 Draytek Vigor routers and the Momo8 IPS does not work well with either of them. Every other wireless network I’ve connected to works well.

For example, at home I stream 720p movies via DLNA over WiFi and watch them on the Momo8 IPS using MX Player. It works perfectly and never buffers or lags. However, your mileage may vary.

Why should I always flash the STOCK RECOVERY version first?

Short answer, it’s the safest option.

There are 6 different ROMs (official or otherwise) that I am aware of for the Ployer Momo8 IPS. They all have slightly different partition layouts. If you flash one of my CWM RECOVERY ROMs over a ROM using a slightly different partition layout, it will almost certainly soft brick the tablet. The STOCK RECOVERY will always correctly format the partitions directly after a flash, thereby mitigating the risk of soft bricking the tablet.

Ooops, I’ve soft bricked my tablet. What do I do?

Read the comments here, there are several useful tips. You can also use the comments here to see if anyone can offer assistance. Alternatively, go the Ployer Momo8 forum on Slatedroid, read what others have done and ask for help.

How do the 20130325 and 20121120 versions differ.

The differences Ployer made between 20130325 and 20121120 is not well documented. I did some additional analysis of what changed between the November 2012 and April 2013 releases from Ployer, you can find my notes here:

In addition to whatever Ployer changed, this is how my 20121120 differs from 20130325.

  • The /system partition on the 20121120 version is 375MB, therefore the following system apps are not included:
    • AdAway.apk
    • Authenticator.apk
    • Books.apk
    • Currents.apk
    • Feedly.apk
    • GestureSearch.apk
    • Keep.apk
    • Magazines.apk
    • Videos.apk
    • YouTube.apk
    • All of the above can be installed from the Play Store, which the exception of AdAway which can be side-loaded.
  • Boot loader is version 1.20 rather than the newer 1.22.
  • All other tweaks and modifications are the same.

Some people have reported that WiFi is more reliable when using a firmware based on 20121120. Due to the size of the custom firmwares and the bandwidth they consume, custom versions of my firmware based on 20121120 are only available to donors.

Feedback

Your feedback is welcome, please use the comments are below.

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