Hi all -
Yes I am new here, but I have used this site for quite some time and haven't really been able to figure out the answer so here goes. I have a T-Mobile T889 Note 2 but I have ATT service. While I get service here at my house with the MB4 baseband, as soon as I leave and go anywhere, I lose signal where I would have it if I had an ATT version of this phone. In short, my actual signal stinks. My phone is unlocked, rooted, and I have run many different roms and tried modem zip files to no avail, only getting boot loops. I have tried the *#197328640# as well.
My question is: Is it possible to turn this T889 into a i317 ATT version so I can get better signal? Or am I just up a creek? There has to be a way to get a ATT modem to actually work.
Please, any help would be great, and thanks so much for all the input all of you have.
Update!
pmt223 said:
Hi all -
Yes I am new here, but I have used this site for quite some time and haven't really been able to figure out the answer so here goes. I have a T-Mobile T889 Note 2 but I have ATT service. While I get service here at my house with the MB4 baseband, as soon as I leave and go anywhere, I lose signal where I would have it if I had an ATT version of this phone. In short, my actual signal stinks. My phone is unlocked, rooted, and I have run many different roms and tried modem zip files to no avail, only getting boot loops. I have tried the *#197328640# as well.
My question is: Is it possible to turn this T889 into a i317 ATT version so I can get better signal? Or am I just up a creek? There has to be a way to get a ATT modem to actually work.
Please, any help would be great, and thanks so much for all the input all of you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this helps anyone with issues on their phone...Contacted Samsung Support about my terrible radio/signal issues (going through T-Mobile was ridiculous, as I could not find the receipt, but the phone is still within its warranty period anyway). Samsung sent me a UPS label to ship the phone back. Flashed the phone back to stock and rolled the counter back to 0 using the tuts on here. Took about a week or so, but looks like they replaced two components on the phone after finding the following: NO PCS SERVICE - WILL NOT CHARGE - SIM ELECTRICAL FAILURE. Two components were replaced (not detailed as to what though). Samsung is sending the phone back to me now, no cost to me and no need for receipt either (since the phone hasnt even been on the market for a year, so it is def within warranty). So while many of us might find some issue with our phone and we continuously looks for different ways of tweaking or whatever, sometimes it's actual issues with the hardware that may need replacing.
Thanks all!
Hi
I don't know if I am asking in the right place but if someone knows the answer I would really appreciate it.
I found a good deal on a Note ll that would save me a lot of money, only thing is I'm with Windmobile/Canada (which uses 1700/2100 frequency/bands and AWS network similar to T-Mobile in the USA as some of you know) but the phone isn't (works with Rogers, Bell, Fido...).
Now, I'm just dying to know, is there ANYTHING I can do to make the phone work with Wind? I've read and read and read I can't find a definitive answer. Some people selling Note ll phones on Craigslist claim their phones work with any carrier including Wind or Mobilicity. But some people say no way in hell that's possible.
So, please, can someone give me an answer to my question? Yes or no?
Thanks.
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Electroman365 said:
Hi
I don't know if I am asking in the right place but if someone knows the answer I would really appreciate it.
I found a good deal on a Note ll that would save me a lot of money, only thing is I'm with Windmobile/Canada (which uses 1700/2100 frequency/bands and AWS network similar to T-Mobile in the USA as some of you know) but the phone isn't (works with Rogers, Bell, Fido...).
Now, I'm just dying to know, is there ANYTHING I can do to make the phone work with Wind? I've read and read and read I can't find a definitive answer. Some people selling Note ll phones on Craigslist claim their phones work with any carrier including Wind or Mobilicity. But some people say no way in hell that's possible.
So, please, can someone give me an answer to my question? Yes or no?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is possible. There is an unlock method before upgrading to 4.1.2. When the Note II came out with 4.1.1, there is a method used (go to the general forums to find more about this) without rooting the device.
If I were you, though, I would not trust online purchases of the Note II. Some people claim it stolen after you buy it so they get compensation for it if they have insurance for their phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889V using xda app-developers app
Caveat emptor. There are stolen devices out there, and fraudulent sellers.
With this disclaimer out of the way, your sellers with I317Ms claiming they'll work on Wind and Mobilicity have simply applied the mod outlined in this thread which you could do yourself.
If I were to buy another Note 2 via classifieds now, I'd pick a locked I317M (I'd avoid a locked BMA3 running T889V due to its modem-related bootloop issues), flash its initial release modem with Odin, unlock, update, and apply the AWS mod. (Granted I'm using Virgin Mobile, but having AWS could come in handy stateside with a T-Mobile prepaid SIM.)
Thanks kennyglass for moving my question to the right place. I wasn't sure where to ask because I'm not a frequent user of this site.
Thanks a million to Crinkypops and Darkshado for answering my question. I appreciate that. The good news is that now I know it is possible to make the phone work on an AWS network. The bad news is I have no clue how to do any of that stuff myself. I have zero experience or knowledge in this stuff, which means l'll probably have to get someone else with the necessary expertise to do this for me.....if l can find one.
Now a couple of things, if I get a new phone (factory unlocked) and it's already 4.1.2, would it be possible to change it to the older 4.1.1 ?
Is doing all the stuff you guys told me about involve rooting or whatever? I really don't want to mess up the phone with changing all kinds of things on it because I don't want to get stuck without a phone if something goes wrong and like I said I don't know anything about this stuff.
So, what if I buy a phone that was made to work with Wind or T-Mobile, would it be possible to modify it to make it work with other companies too? I really don't know why things have to be this complicated.
You have to start somewhere, it'll take a fair amount of reading, but it can be done.
Aside from their previous Nexus models, as of writing these lines, there's no such thing as a "factory unlocked" phone for Samsung Canada. All the SIM-unlocked devices you encounter were sold through carriers, and originally locked. Some sellers might also have grey market imports that were indeed never locked, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion, since we're interested in the North American variants of the Note 2.
You can downgrade the ROM back to 4.1.1 on all Canadian Note 2 variants, although I wouldn't try it on the T889V because it's been known to cause issues. Seems like there's a bug specific to this model.
You said you didn't want to be stuck without a phone if things went wrong, how about having a backup phone? The nice thing with two Android phones is that it's easy to keep their contacts and calendars synchronized.
The downgrade-to-unlock procedure can be done entirely using official (leaked) Samsung ROM images and tools, and does not require root. Done properly it will not trip the custom flash counter.
The AWS mod uses hidden factory built-in menus with leaked (QPST/QXDM) or reverse engineered tools (NV reader-writer / CDMA Workshop / EFS Pro). Again, it doesn't involve root and won't trip the flash counter. I317Ms that have had the AWS HSPA mod applied still work with their original carriers as before.
Thanks again, darkshadow.
Quick question. How do I know if the phone is I317M or BMA3 and running T889V ? Is l317M or BMA3 written on the back (once the cover is removed)?
Electroman365 said:
Thanks again, darkshadow.
Quick question. How do I know if the phone is I317M or BMA3 and running T889V ? Is l317M or BMA3 written on the back (once the cover is removed)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check it at the bottom of the box with the IMEI. I would advise you to actually go on the phone, though, and go to settings>about phone and then you'll see the IMEI, baseband, and model number in there. Make sure that the IMEI matches with the box. Some people steal phones and then just buy boxes so beware.
Good luck on your purchase!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Crinkypops said:
You can check it at the bottom of the box with the IMEI. I would advise you to actually go on the phone, though, and go to settings>about phone and then you'll see the IMEI, baseband, and model number in there. Make sure that the IMEI matches with the box. Some people steal phones and then just buy boxes so beware.
Good luck on your purchase!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, crinkypops. I appreciate it and thanks for the info. If I buy a used phone I'll ask for the receipt and the box too.
Electroman365 said:
Thanks, crinkypops. I appreciate it and thanks for the info. If I buy a used phone I'll ask for the receipt and the box too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just trying to help a fellow Canadian PM me how the purchase goes.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Thanks again, crinkypops. I will. I first have to find out if the phone the guy can get me is an i317m and I'll go from there.
Well, looks like the only option I have is to buy a used Note II on CL. My "friend" who was going to hook me up with a new phone through a buddy of his is an unreliable scum bag of a "friend" and I'm not going to bother with him any more.
So now I'm looking on CL but I'm trying not to buy any phone unless the seller has the sales receipt to make sure I'm not buying something that's stolen.However, some sellers don't want to give the receipt -although willing to show it- because it has their personal information and my question is, would the receipt have the ID # (if that's what it's called) of the particular phone printed on it? If the phone is still under warranty, would it be possible to get it repaired (if there's a need) without a receipt?
Any other advice on how to avoid getting scammed buying a phone on CL?
Thanks.
Which city are you from? I am in vancouver and might consider selling if the price is right. I have the box and receipt. Phone is rooted running x14 with wind. Its still locked though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I don't know what the problem is. I tried to send private messages to vseslija and crinkypops but I don't think they went through.
vseslija, was your phone purchased from Wind?
---
I'm a bit confused. Some guy is telling me I need to get the T889 and not the i317m if I want to use my phone with Wind, but from the answers here and from what I see on CL that can't be correct. Am I right? He says the i317m will be slow and unstable. Speed of T889 vs i317m : 42 mbps vs 21 mbps. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Yup mine was purchased directly from wind.
That guy is bsing you
Sent from SGH-T889v Canadian Wind Mobile
Hmm, the guy isn't completely wrong, but he's not completely right either...
The (Canadian) T889V and I317M as well as the (US) T889 and I317 are all capable of 42 Mbps DC-HSPA. The 21 Mbps numbers you might have seen are due to AT&T's HSPA network not supporting dual channel operation, unlike most (all?) Canadian HSPA networks.
The T889 and T889V work on AWS HSPA carriers like Wind, Mobilicity, Videotron or T-Mobile USA out of the box. (The T889V won't work on LTE if you decide to switch back to Robellusfivirkoo, but that's another story, and there's also a way to enable that.)
The I317 and I317M won't, but are very easy to modify in order to enable the AWS HSPA you'll need. There have been a handful of reports of flaky connections on the AWS mod thread, but the ratio is so low that I'm lead to wonder if: there's an undocumented hardware revision for which the mod won't work, their phones or cellular networks had other issues, or if those trying to apply it did something wrong along the way.
I haven't checked Kijiji or CL for phones in a while, but I do recall the T889V commanding a slight premium over the I317M at one point because they were rarer.
Thanks again guys for replying. Man this has given me a lot of headache. Get a Wind Note and get it over with or get an i317m and mod it (have someone do it for me) to get it to work with AWS? I guess listening to what you guys had to say, plus asking a local cell phone shop is making me feel confident that it IS possible to get an i317m work on the AWS without any problems. Now, I think I'm going to take my chances and look for one on CL. In the worst case scenario if for some reason it gives me a headache I'm assuming I can have the process reversed (restore it to its original system) and I'll just sell it and get me a Note that was made specifically for Wind.
To those who helped me and answered my questions, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Just noticed the i317. So I guess there's an i317 and an i317m. Did some reading but the only difference I can see is that the "M" model is for the Canadian market. Am I right? Does an i317 work in Canada just fine?
The AT&T I317 should work just fine. But, (there's always one, isn't it?) its baseband has some "annoying" limitations (RAT lock is the term you'll want to search) that prevent you from toggling between network modes easily, i.e. you can't switch it between GSM only, WCDMA only, GSM/WCDMA/LTE like you can the Canadian model. Plus there are all the import related considerations you have to keep in mind (taxes and brokerage fees), plus buying something expensive sight-unseen.
The other differences are more benign and software-related. Nothing that can't be fixed with some ROM-flashing, like non-Robellusfivirkoo CSC settings.
Darkshado said:
The AT&T I317 should work just fine. But, (there's always one, isn't it?) its baseband has some "annoying" limitations (RAT lock is the term you'll want to search) that prevent you from toggling between network modes easily, i.e. you can't switch it between GSM only, WCDMA only, GSM/WCDMA/LTE like you can the Canadian model. Plus there are all the import related considerations you have to keep in mind (taxes and brokerage fees), plus buying something expensive sight-unseen.
The other differences are more benign and software-related. Nothing that can't be fixed with some ROM-flashing, like non-Robellusfivirkoo CSC settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply and the info. I just got an i317m. Finally.
My note 2 shows no bars with a good sim card installed.
and has no service what soevevr.I was thinking its the
radio.but when I remove sim it shows signal and can make an emergency call.
Im stumped.I even Odonda back to stock no help.
any ideas before I start replacing hardware.
iv tried other sim out friends phone and using my sim in backup phone.
Warranty is expired.any help please
Maybe apn needs to be set up??? [emoji782]
Not sure what happen to your phone but from your explanation points to your apn!!
Sent from my T889 using Forum Runner
Bajanman said:
Maybe apn needs to be set up??? [emoji782]
Not sure what happen to your phone but from your explanation points to your apn!!
Sent from my T889 using Forum Runner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I checked that its same as my buddy note 2to same carrier. AT&T
Weird! I've been having the same issue lately.
In my case, cellular reception became spotty (completely losing connectivity in areas where I'd never previously had issues in my two years with this phone), and then cut out permanently after I dropped the phone fairly hard. I replaced the antenna (not an easy part to acquire, as I went through three ebay auctions before someone finally sold me the correct part) and it was spotty again for about a week before completely dying out again. I started using a backup phone out of frustration before finding another fully functional SGH-i317 for sale on the cheap, and I ended up combining the parts from the two to make a working phone. One day in, and the only issue is that the phone fails to regain cellular connectivity after leaving a dead zone (a few resets have so far done the trick)
Anyway, I'm far from an expert on this, but just to get the conversation going, here are some things I noticed:
Both my original Note II as well as the used one I purchased are 16 Gb SGH-i317 (AT&T GSM) models stamped N7105 under the Samsung sticker in the battery bay. Both used the OEM blue antenna wire (some Note II variants apparently use white wires of the same length), and the smaller boards at the bottoms of the phones which the antenna plugs into (with the charger port attached) are stamped SGH-i317 rev0.7 R.C94(KH) 25. The only difference I've noticed is that the new model is stamped "LTE #1" on the bezel underneath the motherboard whereas my old one was stamped with a different number (which of course I can't remember now that I've reassembled it)
Not sure if any of these weird little specifics will help anyone else who is having the issue, but I figured I'd put it out there just in case.
For the record, I'm in the same boat as OP after having reset/restored a few times. I also hadn't installed anything new/ominous or modified anything prior to the issue occurring originally.
Thank you.I also read in another thread that the modem drier may be corrupted. So the phone can not communicate width modem.
rexamillion59 said:
Thank you.I also read in another thread that the modem drier may be corrupted. So the phone can not communicate width modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One other thing if there's a place you can take it to and have them check the sim tray?? Might be a possible fix??
Sent from my T889 using Forum Runner
I would flash the current AT&T modem, then use a few APN'S until you find the best for your area.
Iv been trying the different modems and apns.no luck so far.
Im going to do as Benjamin said and have sim slot checked.
Although it seem it is working because.it shows son when installed.
And nothing when out
You don't mention flashing any custom roms or updates, but assuming you have, the best way to troubleshoot your phone would be to return your phone all the way back to stock. This strategy has cured baseband, gps, headphone issues etc.
Lost Cell Signal after replacing charging port connector.
I have a SGH-i317 NOTE 2 and am experiencing the same issue after replacing the charging port connector.
does anyone know if the charging port connector is related to cell phone signal strength? After replacing this part, i cannot even get a signal indoors and only a weak signal outdoors.
careet said:
Weird! I've been having the same issue lately.
In my case, cellular reception became spotty (completely losing connectivity in areas where I'd never previously had issues in my two years with this phone), and then cut out permanently after I dropped the phone fairly hard. I replaced the antenna (not an easy part to acquire, as I went through three ebay auctions before someone finally sold me the correct part) and it was spotty again for about a week before completely dying out again. I started using a backup phone out of frustration before finding another fully functional SGH-i317 for sale on the cheap, and I ended up combining the parts from the two to make a working phone. One day in, and the only issue is that the phone fails to regain cellular connectivity after leaving a dead zone (a few resets have so far done the trick)
Anyway, I'm far from an expert on this, but just to get the conversation going, here are some things I noticed:
Both my original Note II as well as the used one I purchased are 16 Gb SGH-i317 (AT&T GSM) models stamped N7105 under the Samsung sticker in the battery bay. Both used the OEM blue antenna wire (some Note II variants apparently use white wires of the same length), and the smaller boards at the bottoms of the phones which the antenna plugs into (with the charger port attached) are stamped SGH-i317 rev0.7 R.C94(KH) 25. The only difference I've noticed is that the new model is stamped "LTE #1" on the bezel underneath the motherboard whereas my old one was stamped with a different number (which of course I can't remember now that I've reassembled it)
Not sure if any of these weird little specifics will help anyone else who is having the issue, but I figured I'd put it out there just in case.
For the record, I'm in the same boat as OP after having reset/restored a few times. I also hadn't installed anything new/ominous or modified anything prior to the issue occurring originally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Firstable sorry about my english is not pretty good but i do my best. Well, I have a Sprint Galaxy Note 2, I did the GSM Modification that is in this forum and works for me perfect in Colombia, but I dont like everytime that i install a new rom i have the same problem everytime that i install a new rom i need to put the APN configurations, also install a LK8 that works in Medellin, Colombia (If someone in Medellin, Colombia is trying to do this the LK8 Modem works i spent a lot of time trying to make this works) Also the configurations the signal is a little bit poor, In Colombia there is Operator called Virgin Mobile that is really cheaper and its really good, when i have my iPhone 4 I have signal everywhere, and im studying in a School really far away from the city and with my iPhone 4 I used to be with all circles of signal, also i had a Huawei (I dont remember which one) and Works 3G at my school, but with the GSM modification i had to change my carrier and i dont know if the adapter that i bought isnt i dont know, Good? i Bought it on AliExpress here tell if the product is good or not, But the signal is poor and the plug disconnect everytime i had to put a piece of paper with glue to make pressure to the plug trying to get the product not disconnected, so i talk with guy of my family who works on mobile repairment but i dont have enough time to talk and he said that if bought and put a Middle Cover of the Galaxy Note N7100 i will not having this problem anymore i bouth it yesterday a that will take i dont know 3 weeks to came to my house because is from China, Thats true about buying this can fix my problem? Instead i look for this product i saw in this page some products that are called MotherBoards, I know what is it, but i dont think that there is people selling it, because in Colombia is 90% impossible to get one legaly, so i look for the N7100 but i dont know if i can make that to my phone, there isnt Hardware Differences between those products? I mean differences Between N7100 and SPH-L900? also in my searching i look for the N7105 that is Note 2 LTE, So what do you recommend to me? Buy a N7100 Motherboard or a N7105? or thats is impossible?.
Well i dont have the permission to post any external Link. if you want to see those products that i mentioned in the post let me a Private Message and i will send you the links of page that i Bought, is AliExpress