Motorola A810 Modding!

One Last Post, One Last Release..

2010-07-02T17:20:00.001+05:30

All good things must come to an end..they say..and I cannot help but despise 'them' for their jinx..

I sold my Moto A810 last week..and bought a Nokia E52;a phone that I don't have to modify..cause it has everything I already need.
Coming to why I started modding..like most of us, it was about getting more out of our Motorola..but it wasn't always about that for me..I did it for the challenge and ended up making my own firmware using guides in Chinese to get me started and filling the rest up by trial and error..I gave a lot of my life in the past few months to this venture..it saddens me that I cannot do so anymore..

So this is adieu, fellow modders..and those that said that good things must end prematurely also mandated a parting gift..and for that, I will release the Indian firmware into which all the mods from 94R have been ported. This is Way better than the Chinese 94R as it addresses many bugs (especially those faced by prepaid mobile users). I was working on a way to password protect the messaging folder and a "welcome message" of sorts..modders that are interested in taking this further are always welcome to contact me..a comment on this post will suffice..

INDIAN FIRMWARE - RELEASE!

The procedure to install this firmware is the same as the one to install the 94R - first flash your phone with the original 2.18R firmware and then flash with the modded 2.18R firmware. More on this HERE.
The links to download the original firmware:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

The links to download the modded firmware:

Will be uploaded by Sunday (4th July).
The firmware I made was lost in a computer crash. For those that still want a custom firmware, download Yan's .94R HERE.

One last easter egg for you all..you can put custom boot logos and sounds in "My Favorites -> Others->" and they'll take effect the next time you boot up!

Once again, thank you all for your support..here's to a great life to you and your Moto!

Some Updates and To-Dos

2010-03-28T13:07:00.001+05:30

Hey all,

There's been a considerable amount of discussion in our forums HERE about porting Google Android OS to the A810.

Two top modders (Vasanth.kind and chandurocks) have contributed a Great deal. Apart from writing guides, Vasanth is working on a Java SMS application with larger keys. Chandu is our in house skin expert! He's made tons of awesome making skins. Hats off to both of them!

New guides on "Adding more RAM to your A810", "Making your own Operating System", "Making your own themes/icon packs" will be uploaded soon.

Also, work on adding features such as password protecting the SMS inbox of the A810 has begun. Post a comment here if you have ideas of new features. While I do not wish to discourage modders by drawing a line between what can be realistically done and what cannot, I must; please limit your suggestions to those features commonly found in other Motorola phones but not the A810.

Finally, a download section will be introduced shortly on this website. This will make latest mods from the forums more accessible.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers,

Gopi

New modded firmware to be released (Indian Version)!

2010-01-14T10:08:00.000+05:30

The modded version of the firmware (operating system) that we use currently is Chinese. As a result of this, some of us have problems seeing the balance on our prepaid SIM cards, etc. This and many more problems will be fixed when the modded Indian version is released!
I'm currently modding the firmware to include all the features of Yan0's 94R firmware.
You can download the original firmware Indian firmware here:

http://motoa810.co.cc/index.php?topic=35.0

The links to the modded version will be uploaded soon.

Guide 5- Changing the Boot logo!

2010-01-07T21:54:00.000+05:30

Go from:

To this!!!

Or this!

You will need:
1. A Flashed phone. Look HERE if you are a beginner.
2. A boot logo (the awesome images on top!). Download one from HERE. Please note, registration (free) is required to download these.
3. The special USB cable. Click HERE for a guide on how to make it. Click HERE to buy a ready-made cable.

Steps to be followed:
1. Extract the ZIP file of the boot logo you want.
2. Disconnect your phone from the computer.
3. Open the flasher_hs.exe from inside the folder you just extracted.
4. Connect the phone to the computer using the special USB cable.
5. "Flasher_hs.exe" will start flashing to the phone. Do NOT disconnect till you see Completed

That's it! You now have a really cool boot logo!
In the next guide, I will teach you how to make your own themes and boot logos!!

The above boot logos have been made by "Seshu".

You may download more boot logos HERE.

Guide 4 - Changing Icons!

2010-01-01T13:04:00.000+05:30

In the last guide, you learnt how to change the themes. Now, you will learn how to change the icons!

You will need:

1. A phone that has been flashed with the new firmware. Click here for flashing guide.
2. Theme pack - 1.2. Download here.

You will get:

Steps:

1. Download Theme pack- 2.
2. Connect the phone in "Memory Card" mode to a computer. If the folder "skins" already exists on your memory card, delete EVERYTHING inside it. If this folder does not exist, create it. Note: The name should be in small letters - "skins".
3. Now extract the contents of Theme pack- 2 to this folder. Remember that all the contents should be in the main folder itself (install.sh.txt, "files" folder, etc should be directly copied to this folder).
4. Disconnect the phone from the computer (remove safely!)
5. Open "My Favorites" -> "Memory Card" -> "skins". Run "install.sh".
6. Close the note that opens. Wait till another note shows up..this might take upto one minute.
7. Reboot your phone! You should now have a new set of icons (and themes!).
8. Post a comment if you have any questions. If you would like to contribute to this or any mod, go to our forum, http://motoa810.co.cc/index.php

Guide 3 - Changing Themes!

2009-12-26T19:24:00.017+05:30

Hello all! In this guide, you will learn how to install themes onto your Moto A810!
To be able to do this, you will need:

1. A flashed Moto A810. Click here for the flashing guide.
2. A theme file. I have use the Themes Pack 1.2 for this guide. Download this theme and others here.

You will get:

Steps To Be Followed:

1. Extract the theme you just downloaded. Copy only the contents ('install.sh.txt', 'readme.txt' and 'Files' folder) to the "skins" folder on your memory card. Please create this folder if it does not exist with the exact name! All lower-case letters!
If you do not have a memory card, will post a tutorial on using FTP with the A810 very soon. You can actually use Bluetooth to transfer all the files inside the theme folder to the phone, but again, wait for the guide... Store them in ONE place.
2. Copy the 'startup.txt' file inside the "skins" folder to the 'tool' folder in your memory card. If this does not exist, create it. If you do not have a memory card, copy it to "Others" inside "My favorites".
3. Open the theme folder that you copied to your phone. Click on "Install theme.sh.txt". It will open Notes. Just exit this notes and wait..The theme is being installed!
4. A new note will open confirming the installation. You can now select the themes from Settings. If the themes do not change, restart the phone and select them again..should work now. If not, post a comment!

Note: I made the "Install.sh" file so as to automate the installation of these skins. This is still a work-in-progress and newer versions will be posted from time to time!

Acknowledgements:
#Theme by 419855871
#Zoozoo contacts addition by Gopi A.
#Thanks to Yan0, w6300200, Vasanth and VSVJ, Nega for their help.
#Wallpapers courtesy modmymoto.com
#Autoinstaller by Gopi A.
#Seshu for icons

As always, discuss this post on our forum.

Download Drivers

2009-12-26T12:04:00.000+05:30

You will need to download and install the following drivers:

1. Flashing driver - also known as the "hailing" driver, this is required for the Flashing Guide.

2. USB drivers - this is required if you do NOT have Motorola Phone Tools installed. This has drivers for Telnet/FTP access among other things.

If you still have any questions about drivers, post a comment!

Beginner's Guide to Modding

2009-12-16T06:50:00.006+05:30

So you want to modify your A810 eh? Okay.

Steps to Modify your A810
1. Modify the USB cable - your phone comes with a wire that connects it to the computer. If you want to modify your phone, you have to modify your wire first. I have provided a link that will guide you through this process at the end of this post (please read this guide completely!).
2. Install newer version of operating system - the same way Windows 7 brings a lot of new features when compared to Windows XP/Vista, installing a new operating system will give you a Lot of new features and stability updates. This may be achieved by way of 'flashing'. If you have completed step one, click here for a flashing guide.
3. Proceed to other modifications!! - There are a LOT of features you can now add to your A810! Check the guides section on top for help regarding this. Before you go there, you should read the entire "Beginner's Guide".

The Plus Points
Let us now go to the advantages of modding (modifying) your phone.
1. New features - TONS of added functionality. Click HERE for a list of new features (mods) that can be applied.
2. Better reliability.
3. YOU choose what to do with the phone - From having your girl's photo when the phone starts up to changing themes, its about what you want.
4. Great for showing off. :|

Now, get acquainted with some big words that we modders use:
1. Modding - means modifying or changing. Some people call it "hacking" too. What you are doing here is basically adding new features to your phone. If you mod your phone, you become a modder, i.e., a person that modifies. :D
2. Flashing - this is the process by which a new Operating system is installed onto your phone.
3. Firmware - this is the operating system itself. There are many versions the latest modded one being the 94R (made on 26-March-09 by Yan0).
4. Brick/dead - this is a state when your phone just stops working. Its motherboard is dead. Pray that this never happens to you.

The Risks
Finally, you must understand the risks associated with modding and flashing.
1. Warranty: Modding your phone is a violation of your warranty. Flashing your phone will void your warranty from the shop from where you purchased your phone and will also void your warranty from Motorola! If your A810 gets spoilt (or dies) due to flashing or you have a flashed phone that get hardware problem - you won't be able to bring it to repair shop without paying. Be careful and do not process with anything without informing yourself for all procedures. If you are a beginner and you need help - post a comment with any questions.
2. Risk: Other than the issue of warranty violation, there is a risk of
a. you bricking your phone - not following the steps and flashing the wrong firmware can cause this.
b. short-circuiting because of a bad USB cable that will irreparably damage your phone and your computer. If you have never used a soldering iron before, I can send you a ready made USB cable. Go here for more information.

Do not let the risks dishearten you! If you follow the guides to the letter, nothing should go wrong..if it does, all you need to do is post a comment here and I'll help you!

That's the end of the guide! Welcome aboard modder! Go on to your first assignment - modifying the USB cable. If you have never soldered wires before, I would advice you to order a ready-made USB wire.
Good luck! Please remember that help is only a comment away!

Note: For updates on the LATEST modding, check our forum!).

Guide 2 - Modifying the USB Cable (IMPORTANT)

2009-12-15T16:30:00.006+05:30

To be able to mod your phone, you need to tweak the USB cable that you use to connect the phone to the computer. I would advise you to buy a cheap cable in an electronic store for under Rs. 95. The Motorola cable is both expensive and difficult to mod. If for any reason, you do not want to modify the cable yourself, you can always buy one ready-made from eBay. Click here for more details.

You will need:
1. USB-MiniUSB cable
2. A small wire with both ends trimmed.
3. Soldering iron.
4. A Big smile and a lot of faith in yourself. :)

Steps to be followed:
1. Open up the plastic covering of both the USB and the MiniUSB male. Much like splitting a nut, slice it with a knife from the side.
2. Take up the MiniUSB side. There will be one silver end that is not connected. Solder one end of the new wire that you have here.

It should look like this (the red wire is the new wire I have used).

Warning: Check for any possible short-circuits. Put the plastic cover back on.

3. Take up the USB side. You will see 4 pins, all connected to wires.
IMPORTANT: Now, with the 4 pins facing upwards, notice the 2 boxes (if any) above the pins. If you see silver lines inside this box, solder the new wire onto the left most pin.
If you do NOT see any silver lines (its just plain), solder the new wire onto the right most pin.
Refer to the following illustration for further clarification:

It should now look like this (if the 2 boxes are blank):

Put the cover back on (remember to check for short circuits!). You should consider taping the both the sides so that they stay put.

There! You now have met all the requirements to start modding your A810!!
Now move on to the flashing guide!!
Happy modding!!

Guide 1 - Flashing your A810 (Complete!!)

2009-12-11T06:50:00.008+05:30

Things you will need for this mod:
Please download the files from step 3 and step 4.
1. Windows XP - if you don't have XP, will try and post a guide on making it work in Vista/Windows 7.
2. Modded USB-microUSB cable (View the guide on modding your cable here). If you want to buy a ready-made cable, click here.
3. USB Drivers
4. Both Stock and modded firmware - you need to download the Stock (original) firmware as well as the Modded (yan0) firmware.
5. BACKUP your phone! All your contacts, messages, settings and applications will be deleted!
Before you start, backup the contents of your Memory card as well..you may have to format it after the flashing!!

WARNING: Before you proceed you need to know that you are modding on your own risk! Flashing your will void your warranty from the shop from where you purchased your phone and will also void your warranty from Motorola! If you break your A810 due to flashing or you have a flashed phone that gets a hardware problem - you won't be able to bring take it to a service center for free. Be careful and do not process with anything without informing yourself for all procedures. If you are a beginner and you need help - post a comment below this post!
PLEASE FOLLOW EVERY STEP OF THE GUIDE CAREFULLY.

Steps to be followed:
1. You will need Windows XP as the drivers just don't install in Windows 7 (so they probably don't in Vista either).
2. Mod your USB-microUSB cable.

Read the guide on how to mod USB cable.
If making this cable is difficult for you, order a ready-made cable here.
3. Download the Moto A810 USB drivers. Extract this file using WinRar.
4. Turn off the phone and remove the batteries. Now attach the usb cable to the phone. If the batteries are not removed the phone will start charging (won't go into flashing mode).

5. The screen of the phone should turn blue and a found new hardware dialog should appear. It will say OMAP750 first and then A810.

6. Windows will now ask whether it can connect online to install updates. Select "No not this time" and then click next.

7. Select "Install from a specific location" and click next

8. Select "Search for the best driver in these locations". Then select "Include this location in the search". Now click on Browse and go to where you extracted the driver. Click next.

10. Success! Your phone's flashing drivers have been installed!

Failure?? Post a comment at the end of this post and I'll try to help you..
11. Now disconnect your phone from the computer.
12. Download the firmwares. First download the stock firmware (original) then download the modded one (number 2).
13. Use WinRAR to extract these files. Open the Original folder ("Official A810_94") folder.

14. Double-click on "Flasher_hs.exe" file.
15. Connect your phone. Phone should NOT be connected when you start "flasher_hs.exe".
16. Flashing should start automatically! This will take around 2 minutes. DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR PHONE till the flasher_hs.exe says Completed.

17. Close the flasher_hs.exe window and Disconnect your phone. Now extract the Modded firmware. Run flasher_hs.exe from that folder.

18. Connect your phone and wait for it to say Completed. You can now close this window.
That's it! You have now successfully flashed a new firmware onto your phone!! You can replace the battery and start the phone. Have a look at the guides section on the top-left because your phone is now MODDABLE!!
Note: If your memory card does not open or it says "opened in read-only" mode, then:
1. Go to "My Favorites".
2. Press and hold the "Memory card" item with your stylus till a menu appears.
3. Select "Format".

If you have any difficulties/issues, do post a comment and I'll help you out!

Objectives of this website

2009-12-11T06:49:00.001+05:30

The mission of MotoA810.co.cc is this - to bring to the English speaking world, the great mods the Chinese have applied to the Motorola A810 while providing a platform to further this (in our world). The website also aims to share this information at no cost and with no advertisements, with everybody.

Post a comment showing your support!

Download Firmware

2009-12-11T06:38:00.003+05:30

You need to download two different firmwares (the software you need to flash to your phone) before you can flash:

1. Stock (original) 94r firmware - technical name - GSM_E28.24.1_G_11.00.94R_R023_S014_B013-HS-NO-APR
Download Links:
Part1
Part2
Part3
Part4
Note: You will need WinRAR (its a software like WinZip) to open this file. After you download the files, right click on one of them and select "Extract here".
94R is a version of available A810 firmwares. It is popular because infamous modder Yan0 developed a modification patch for it that adds tons of features to the A810.

2. Modded (Yan0's) firmware 94r
Download links:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Note: You will need WinRAR (its a software like WinZip) to open this file. After you download the files, right click on one of them and select "Extract here".
94R is a version of available A810 firmwares. It is popular because the infamous Chinese modder Yan0 developed a modification patch for it that adds tons of features to the A810.
Download the above firmwares and then use the flashing guide.

Alternatively (NOT-Recommended):
1. There are other stock firmware versions:
GSM_E28.24.1_G_11.00.85R_S013_R022_B013_HS-NO-APR
Download links:
Will upload them soon.

2. If you know how to compile C++/linux code, you can download the source code of the A810 from here. This version of code is newer than the 94r but there is no 'mod' patch for this version yet..so unless youre feeling very adventurous, flash the 94R.

Coming soon...

2009-12-10T12:25:00.001+05:30

If you see this page, it means that the guide you wanted to see is being written and will be up very soon!!
To motivate me to finish it even sooner, do post a comment requesting the specific guide..
Your patience is appreciated. :)

Need time till this Friday (11th Dec) to Update links

2009-12-08T07:52:00.000+05:30

Hey all,

Really sorry about not updating the guides...Will provide the download links and complete the flashing guide latest by this Friday..

The comments section wasn't working for some reason..it is now! So please ask for anything you need specifically in the comments section!!

Till Friday,

Gopi

Download Themes

2009-11-27T11:23:00.001+05:30

Collection 1 (windows/transparent) with new Icons!!:

Updated 1/1/2010

ZooZoo contact image:

Wallpapers, etc are included. They will be installed automatically. Refer to the Readme.txt file inside the ZIP file. You can also read the guide on installing these themes to your phone here.

~~Download theme here~~ (Outdated)
Download theme pack 1.2 here

USB Cables for Sale

2009-11-19T13:02:00.027+05:30

For those that are unable to make their own special USB cables, I can send ready-made cables by courier. Over 20 cables to users of this website. None of them had a problem.

The cost for this wire is Rs. 95 (cost of wire, transport) + 55 for postage.
If you have any problems, do post a comment or email me at motorola.a810@gmail.com

To buy it (in India), click HERE

I'm selling it on eBay because its secure for you to send money and me, to receive it. If you are uncomfortable with eBay, email me and I will suggest an alternative mode of payment.

Before you order, do try making your own wire using the guide here.
Have a nice day. :)

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

I'm sold out! I started this as means for some of you that aren't comfortable with electrical stuff..and I'm out of stock! If you really really need a wire, post a comment, and I'll see what I can do!

Download Modding Software

2009-11-15T10:21:00.006+05:30

1. Motorola A810 USB drivers

2. SuperEditor - this is used to edit the firmware (.bin files). You have to change the language to English the first time you start this.3. Rsc.exe - this is used to unpack/pack .rsc files (themes!!!).
4. cp_bin.exe - this is used to unpack the firmware (.bin files). It will give you .smg files that represent different parts of the phone's filesystem. You can mount these smg files as drives (preferably in linux) and modify them (I havent been able to modify them yet).

Frequently Asked Questions About A810 Modding

2009-11-14T21:47:00.014+05:30

1. Can the Motorola A810 be modded? What do I need?

2. Is modding a violation of my warranty?
3. What can go wrong when I'm modding?
4. What will modding my phone give me?

5. What new features will I get from modding?
6. Can the Google Android OS be installed on my A810?
7. Does A810 support the iPhone firmware?
8. How to enter bootloader mode in the A810?
9. What different firmwares are available?
10. My browser connects to the internet but my Java applications don't. How come?
11. Who are the key people that initiated A810 modding?
12. How come www.modmymoto.com does not have an A810 section?
13. Does the A810 support the MPKG mod (.system folder)?

Answers:

1. Can the Motorola A810 be modded? What do I need?

Duh! Of course the A810 can be modded! You will need:
a. A Windows XP computer - for flashing.
b. Any other operating system for other mods.
c. Special USB cable. You can either make this or buy one ready-made here.
d. Read the "Beginner's guide to Modding the A810"

2. Is modding a violation of my warranty?
Yes, modding your phone is a violation of your warranty. It is not illegal because you are allowed to do whatever you want to with your own phone but flashing it might void your warranty from the shop from where you purchased your phone and also from Motorola! If your A810 gets spoilt (or dies) due to flashing or you have a flashed phone that get hardware problem - you won't be able to bring it to repair shop without paying. Be careful and do not process with anything without informing yourself for all procedures. If you are a beginner and you need help - post a comment with any questions.

3. What can go wrong when I'm modding?
If done improperly, a lot of things can go wrong. Other than the issue of warranty violation, there is a risk of:
a. you bricking your phone - not following the steps and flashing the wrong firmware can cause this. If it gets bricked, you will have to go to the service center to get it fixed. Tip: Play dumb with the service centre guys and you might just get it fixed under warranty.
b. short-circuiting because of a bad USB cable that will irreparably damage your phone and your computer. If you have never used a soldering iron before, I can send you a ready made USB cable. Post a comment for more information.
Most other problems can be fixed by flashing again.

4. What will modding my phone give me?
a. New features - TONS of added functionality. The next answer lists the new features that you get from modding (currently) your A810.
b. Better reliability - generally, newer versions have lesser bugs.
c. YOU choose what to do with the phone - From having your girl's photo when the phone starts up to changing themes, its about what you want. You can even make your own firmwares and themes (guides for these will be posted soon)!
d. Great for showing off. :|
5. What new features will I get from modding?

1. Accessing/controlling the phone via FTP/Telnet
2. It can automatically extract ZIP/RAR files!
3. Change the boot logo and startup sounds.
4. Execute scripts in real time. You can actually write a shell (a linux kind language) script in 'Notes' and run it from your phone! Eg: you can backup all your contacts, messages, etc in one click to your memory card and restore it too!
5. Increase memory by adding SWAP - like the paging file in windows! Makes it run faster!
6. Partition your memory card into upto 4 partitions (transzoning)!
7. Install Java Applications to memory card and not phone memory.
8. Change themes!
9. A few others that I can't recall just now and many more to be added with newer versions of this operating system!

6. Can the Google Android OS be installed on my A810?
Technically, yes. A developer has even made a custom Android kernel for the A810. The only problem is that the original A810 kernel (in your phone right now) is signed (protected). To replace it there's a special type of flashing required called "OTP flashing". If you learn anything about this, do let me know!
Note: There are many videos on YouTube featuring an A810 with Android (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtD_gDtVPU). As of 14 December, 2009, these videos are fake.

7. Does A810 support the iPhone firmware?
Even if it does (which I doubt), the problem of a protected kernel still makes this an impossibility at this time.

8. How to enter bootloader mode in the A810?
To enter the bootloader mode, you need to first turn off the phone and remove the battery. Then connect the special USB cable. It should now be in bootloader mode (blank blue screen).

9. What different firmwares are available?
There are numerous stock (original) firmwares available. The latest one is the 94R. 'Yan0', a Chinese modder, has made a custom firmware for this version. This is presently the only modded firmware available.

10. My browser connects to the internet but my Java applications don't. How come?
This is an annoying thing with the A810. The WAP settings have and an option for 'proxy' but the Java Apps use the GPRS Wap option which does not have this option. So if your network provider (Airtel, Vodafone, etc) does not allow direct access, you're out of luck.

11. Who are the key people who initiated A810 modding?
Well, the first known guides are by 'Yan0', a Chinese modder. His guides are in Chinese, however. The people that brought these to the English speaking world are VSVJ (MMM) and Vasant (Motorolafans) and now me.

12. How come www.modmymoto.com does not have an A810 section?
The A810 is not a very popular phone in India. The release time (when Moto was wrapping up in India) was one big factor here. This model wasn't released in the US or Russia..places that MMM.com get their stuff from..So, no separate section for the A810. Not yet, anyway. Its okay though, we have this website now right? ;)

13. Does the A810 support the MPKG mod (.system folder)?
Sadly, no. Even though the Motorola E6's operating system is linux, it is different from the A810's. Work is on to try and get this feature.
Please ask any other questions through the comments feature below.