If we are not able to find where to get a copy of our Android Tablet’s stock / factory firmware file, we tend to try our luck with generic Android firmware or from a tablet’s firmware that has somewhat similar specifications with our device. Doing this is risky cause it may seriously damage your device. In some cases, it may successfully flash to your device but some features will not work properly.
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| Tablet PC Motherboard - Photo by MZtech |
“It took me almost forever in finding what stock firmware does my Chinese Android Tablet has. After flashing the firmware to my Tab, I felt relieved seeing it boot up and didn't stuck on boot logo. After successfully reviving my Android Tablet, here comes another issue. Touching the screen to unlock the lock screen, I found out that the screen isn't working.
To find a solution that will work on your Tablet, you have to know what are the factors that determine the compatibility between a certain firmware and your tablet's hardware. You have to identify the hardware components present in your tablet. Each component is associated with a driver module (found in a firmware) to make it work.
In my case, where my touchscreen didn't work, it may be that the touchscreen module present in the firmware is not compatible with my hardware or it may be compatible but is not configured correctly.”
Common Hardware Components
- Processor
- G-sensor
- Touchscreen
- Camera
- WiFi
You can find the information of each hardware component of your tablet in its motherboard.
In a motherboard you can see multiple black square on different sizes. These are integrated circuits or ICs. Each IC has identification information printed in its surface - Brand Name, Part Number, Package Number, Serial Number.
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| Board / Build Number - photo by MZtech |
I found my touchscreen IC beside the touchscreen digitizer flex. Brand Name: Goodix Part Number: GT827.
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| Touch Screen IC - photo by MZtech |
In order to fix my touchscreen issue and make it respond with my touch, I have to find factory / stock firmware version that contains GT827 drivers modules and flash it to my Chinese Android Tab.
How to determine if a firmware contains driver modules you're looking for?
It's pretty simple if you understand what is in the name of a firmware and the information it tells you.
Example of Firmware Name:
A13_nuclear-evb_4.1.1-goodix811_8810eu_gc0308_TZW901-20121012DC
Breakdown of Information:
- A13 - Processor
- nuclear-evb - Motherboard type
- 4.1.1 - Android Version
- goodix811 - Touchscreen Driver Module
- 8810eu - WiFi Driver Module
- gc0308 - Camera Driver Module
- TZW901-2012012 - Motherboard Serial Number / Board ID
- 2012012 - Manufacturer Date
- DC - Dual Camera
The most tricky part? Chinese Android Firmware doesn't follow a standard format in naming their firmware. You are lucky if you can find a manufacturer information embedded in your gadget or in its box when you purchased it. You could simply find the company website and check device support section to find your stock / factory firmware. Otherwise, finding the right firmware is like finding a needle in a haystack.
It will make things easier if you familiarize yourself first with the your hardware (motherboard of your Chinese Android Tab and the typical components and interfaces found in it ) and software (common driver modules, brand names and part numbers) attributes.
So no matter what format or arrangement a firmware name is written, you could easily identify which is which.
To help you familiarize different brands and part number of these components, visit my blog
Downloading the Android Tool created by Faheem Anjum is a big help in fixing your Touch Screen driver issues. Click on the blog link below to know more about this tool and its features.
If you are able to identify your correct firmware version of your A13 Android Tablet PC, you can go and check out from this list of AllWinner A13 Firmwares versions available to download, and see if your specific version is in the list.
I had a very similar issue with the screen on my Android tablet. I had a feeling when I flashed the firmware that it might have a long-term negative effect on the usability of my tablet and I'm also pretty sure I can fix it but it's frustrating to lose your screen.
ReplyDeleteBrian Hopkins @ Microtips USA
What is your android tablet? Is it made in China?..It's very complicated to fix. Hope you could fix it. If you need some help, just let me know and I'll see what I could do to help you..
DeleteThis is pretty advanced stuff. I remember whilst doing my degree I had built my own Pc and had two SSD drives running in a raid. One of them became corrupt and I lost the entirety of my dissertation. Needless to say I was not a very happy man! Since fixing the Pc it's been relatively problem free now.
ReplyDeleteRaymond @ CKS Global Solutions LTD
I'm really glad to receive compliment from a professional. Thanks! I have checked out your blog, and I find it great and very informative.
DeleteI have a generic Chinese 7" tablet, received as a gift for attending a promotion. It worked for a short period and then became erratic or unstable. from time to time it would not boot beyond the android splash screen. So I did the factory reset, which worked a time or two, but then not even that would work. A coworker (IT specialist) took it and attempted to flash the firmware. It now goes beyond the android splash screen to a blank illuminated screen and sits their in that state. I've taken the cover off to identify the processor chip type and motherboard. The chip is an A13, but there is no identification or writing on the motherboard what-so-ever to offer any clue as to what firmware would be compatible. My next step is to remove the 3 screws that fasten the board to the internal frame to see if there is any identification on the back side of the board. Short of taking a 10 lb sledge hammer to it, does anyone have any suggestions?
ReplyDelete