Samsung SCH-A970

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Image:A970duo1.gif

The Samsung SCH-A970 supports 850/1900MHz CDMA EVDO frequencies.

Contents

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Issues with the phone

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Videos out of Sync with Audio

If you record a video, the audio and video drift out of sync within a few seconds. This is a known issues. Changing the phone to Airplane Mode and/or recording to the phone's internal memory instead of the add-in microSD card help somewhat. However, software version "a970.ZA03" does not have this problem.

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Changing Default Number for a Contact Doesn't work

You can assign a default number for a contact, such as Mobile and Home. The phone always defaults to Home. Even if you change to Mobile, the phone will still default to Home when you dial.

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Ringer ID and Picture ID do not work

In order for Ringer ID and Picture ID to work you need to have both of them turn "ON" in your preferences: Menu > Settings & Tools > 8. Ringer ID and Menu > Settings & Tools > 9. Picture ID

in addition, you need to enter the phone number with the area code. If you don't put in the area code, then it won't work.

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Ringtones

Through Verizon's Get It Now service you can download both midi and mp3 (music) ringtones from several vendors. They cost between $1.99 and $2.99 a ringtone.

Verizon disabled MMS ringtone support, so you cannot send a ringtone from one phone to the A970 or from a website or email message to the A970.

How to create your own custom ringtones on the SCH-A970

To install custom ringtones on your A970, just follow these steps.

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Samsung Driver and BitPim

You'll be using BitPim. We have use .0.8.01, however, other versions, both newer and older may work.

To do this, you'll need 3 things.

1) A USB Cable 2) Drivers 3) Bitpim

USB CABLE CONNECTION With a cable, it's easy.... 1. A Cable. I got mine from Yourwirelesssource.com for $7.88. They offer free shipping if you refer someone, so why not refer yourself from one email account to another? You'll get a coupon in an email. Use that http://www.yourwirelesssource.com/s...ccessory/260993 2. Plug in cable 3. Plug in phone 4. Done..

SAMSUNG A970 DRIVER FOR WINDOWS 1) Download USB driver for Windows

Thanks to everyone at brewforums.qualcomm.com. We made it happen. 2) Install Driver

DRIVER FOR MACINTOSH It's a generic serial/usb driver for Samsung and a variety of other manufacturers' phones. And it works. [1]

BitPim 1) Download Bitpim: http://www.bitpim.org/#download Now, download BitPim. Install, then run it.

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Configuring BitPim

Once BitPim starts....Don't bother trying to Detect Phone. A970's and A850 are unsupported. Bitpim won't detect them. You have to manually enter your phone's connection information

1. Click Edit ->Settings 2. Change Phone Type to CDMA-Other 3. Type in the COM Port for the phone. I've had success with the Test port. (for me it's COM7) 4. Click the FileSystem Tab, it looks says 'Filesystem' and is the 2nd to last one on the right. After loadign a bit you should see your phone's file structure. 5. All of your files are displayed in their wonderful Glory! If you can't see the File System tab, go to View > View filesystem to show it.

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General Info

Here are the locations for important files: \mm\mvg\drm - ringtones go here. Sounds can be ringtones, Ringer IDs or alert sounds. Both .mid and .mp3 files work, as well as .mp3 renamed to .mid \melodies\my\drm works for ringtones also, but it won't allow for alert tones. NOT SUGGESTED

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Putting a Ringtone on the Phone

Warning - Keep the file name Short, less than 32 Characters total, including .extension, or you'll never be able to erase it from the phone

1) From mm/mvg/drm select New File and then choose the file to upload to the phone. So far, everything seems to work. MP3s of any lenght, stereo or mono, VBR etc. MIDIs work to. Just put them in the right directory, which is mm/mvg/drm

2) Wait for the file to upload to the phone

3) Quit BitPim

4) IMPORTANT. Reboot the phone. ie. turn it on then off. Otherwise the files won't appear.

5) Go to Get it Now. Select Tunes & Tones and scroll down to the track you just uploaded. Select Options and Apply as Ringtone

6) Booyakasha!

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Deleting a Ringtone

Do it through GIN > Get Tunes & Tones > Left Softkey is 'Erase'. Do Not Delete Through BitPim


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Alternate method

Alternately, you could just take an mp3 clip of < 100 kb, rename the extension as .mid, and send it to the phone SMS (yournumber@vzwpix.com). This is a sloppy, non-l33t, but cheap and fast workaround. (This courtesy of C.S.B.B.B. of Chicago, IL.)

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File System

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File System Layout

On the phone, your pictures are stored in /mm/pg/Default Album/ and all your videos are stored in /mm/vg/Default Album/.

If you have a transflash/microSD memory card, it's referenced as mmc1. pictures are saved to /mm/MY_PIX/ and videos are in /mm/MY_FLIX/ and you can read those off the phone with Bitpim, but it's super slow. You should use a USB memory card reader/write to get the files. If you do that, the directories will be just /MY_PIX/ and /MY_FLIX/, respectively.

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Important Files & Directories

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File

  • UserPrefs.j This stores all your user editable preferences, and many that are not.

http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms http://66.174.75.171/servlets/mms pix.vtext.com  mml.vzpix.com http://uaprof.vtext.com/sam/a970/a970v1.xml hlrtest@vzwtest.com http://cvtest.phone.com/oemvs/opwv040526/ gw.vzwwap.com http://cvtest.phone.com/oemvs/opwv040526/ gw1.vzwwap.com http://uaprof.vtext.com/sch/a970/a970v1.xml http://mw2.vzwwap.com/vzwwap/pixplace http://mw2.vzwwap.com/vzwwap/email http://mw2.vzwwap.com/vzwwap/chat

  • /DMU/10.key Dynamic MIP (Key) Update. The 128bit RADUIS athentication key for the phone. It's the same for All A970s. It's

[put key here]

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Directories

  • /mm The phone's built-in memory.
  • /mmc1 The phone's memory expansion card, if one is present
    • /mmc1/MY_FILES for your files. .doc, .txt, etc. Any of the supported file types. Not MP3s or Vids
    • /mmc1/MY_FLIX for your movies
    • /mmc1/MY_MUSIC for your MP3s
    • /mmc1/MY_PIX for your pictures
  • /brew
  • /Brew/Shared - where all you wallpapers purchased through GIN are stored.
  • /Melodies/my/drm
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Pictures

All your pictures are store in /mm/pg/Default Album/ If there you have different albums on the phone, the names of the files are store in a .alb file.

For example, If you have a photo album called "Wallpapers" on the phone, there will be a file in /mm/pg/ called wallpapers.alb.

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.ALB format

Each photo in a .alb file is on it's own line. The line is in the format

<<put format here>>

coming soon

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Video

3GPP2 Video are supported. .3g2 extension.

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Converting Videos to .3g2 Format

Use Quicktime Pro Other appliations

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Memory Card

The A970 supports the transFlash / microSD memory card format. The phone supports at least 1 GB cards. Larger cards may be supported as they are released.

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Formatting Memory Card

There are instructions in the FAQ

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BlueTooth

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To Enable BlueTooth (And alternatively, disable it)

Menu --------> Settings & Tools -----> 0. Bluetooth -----> Activation

Now, Activation on means Bluetooth is on. Activation off means the opposite.

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Bluetooth Qualitfication

Qualified profile :

  • GAP
  • HandsFree-AG (1.0)
  • Headset-AG
  • SDAP
  • Serial-DevA
  • Serial-DevB


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Accesories

<yourwirelesssource.com> for the cable Samsung Page Verizon page


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FAQ

A section for frequently asked questions about the A970. If it grows to large, it will move to it's own page.

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Text Messaging

how do i write messages with more that 50 characters?

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Charging

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Does the USB Cable Charge The Phone?

No, the USB Cable does not charge the phone. The phone requires 1.0 Amps to charge, and the USB spec only provides 0.5A on a USB port, so there is not enough power to charge the phone. However, there are some cables available, like the cable provided with the Verizon Music Essentials Kit that allow you to connect the travel charger to the cable, which provides the power to charge the phone.

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Calls

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Can I answer the phone without opening it?

When your is ringing an closed, you can use the buttons on the side.

  • Speaker Phone Button - Answers the call and switches into Speaker Phone mode
  • Volume Up/Down - Mutes the incoming call. Stops the ringing, but does not answer the phones.
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Groups

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How many people can I have in a group?

You can have up to 10 contacts in a group.

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Sound

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How do I remove a ringtone that won't delete?

So you've been messing around with your phone and now you have a Ringtone in Tunes & Tones that won't play, that no matter how many times you try, it just won't delete.

Here's how to get rid of it.

Disclaimer: I tested this on my A970. It works. It should work on a A850 and A950, but your mileage may vary. Also, no guarantees that it won't break your phone. It worked for me, but might not work for you. Caveat Emptor.


You'll Need 

  1. QPST 2.7 - QualComms Phone Service Tool. Don't ask where to get it on the board. If you don't have it, then this isn't for you
  2. SQLite Database Browser v1.1 - NOT 1.2. Only v1.1 support SQLite 2, that your phone uses, v1.2 moves to SQLite3 and DOESN'T WORK. Get SQLite Database Browser from Sourceforge (http://sourceforge.net/project/show...lease_id=254534)
  3. USB Cable - I use the one from YourWirelessSource.com
  4. Windows PC - Sorry Mac people
  5. Your Phone


How to Do It

  1. . Launch QPST Configuration and ADD your phone (Start > Programs > QPST > QPST Configuration). My phone is COM4 Diagnostic, but yours might be different
  2. . Launch QPST EFS Explorer (Start > Programs > QPST > QPST EFS Explorer)
  3. . Select your phone and view the File System
  4. . In the Root directory, there is a file called 'current_prefs.db[IMG]', select this file then RIGHT-CLICK and choose 'Copy From Phone'. Put it someplace you can find it.
  5. . Make a backup of current_prefs.db on your harddrive (I copy and pasted it and renamed the copy to current_prefs.db.bak)
  6. . Launch SQLite Database Broswer. It will run right out of the folder it was unzipped into.
  7. . Open current_prefs.db
  8. . Select the Browse Data tab
  9. . From the drop down, choose dynamic_range_els
  10. . All your tones will appear in this list
  11. . Find the tone that you want to delete. I'm going to delete the tone '../DRM/103005_...'

Image:Sqllite.gif

  1. . Click in any the row that tone is in. Click the Delete Record button
  2. . Save the database with the same name 'current_prefs.db' (Go to File > Save Database)
  3. . Quit SQLite Database Browser
  4. . Switch to QPST EFS Browser
  5. . Drag the copy of 'current_prefs.db' that you just changed from you computer into the QPST EFS Browser Window and upload the file to your phone.
  6. . You'll now see 2 copies of current_prefs.db on your phone. The one I uploaded it the one that has a creation time of 22:59:59 and attributes of UAD.

Image:Current prefs.gif

  1. . Quit QPST
  2. . Reboot your phone
  3. . Check to make sure that the ringtones is gone. (Menu > Get it Now > Tunes & Tones)
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Pictures

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How do I rename a Picture

Menu > My PIX > Go To Your Picture > Options (Right Softkey) > Rename.

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What resolution pictures can the Camera take

  • 128 x 96 "Picture ID"
  • 320 x 240
  • 640 x 480
  • 800 x 600
  • 1024 x 768
  • 1200 x 960
  • 1600 x 1200
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Camera

The camera records in standard MMS resolution of 176x144 at 15 FPS (Frames Per Second). There is no way to change this.

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Camcorder

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How do I record a video longer than 15 seconds?

  1. Turn the display to start the camera
  2. Now press Options (the button with three dots)
  3. Scoll until you see the Camcorder Icon. It should say "Camcorder"
  4. Press the Record button to select Camcorder
  5. Now press Options (the button with three dots), It should say Recording Mode
  6. Press the Record button to bring up the options.
  7. Scroll to the one you want. Select between:
    • Limit for MMS (15 secs)
    • Normal (as long as you want)
    • Rec. at Interval (who knows)
  8. Press the Record button to select.

Your camcorder will stay in this mode, no need to do it every time.

But know you'll notice the phones fatal flaw, that audio and video drift out of sync after a few seconds, so recording any videos longer than a few seconds is worthless.

If you want, you can put your phone into "Airplane Mode". That helps a bit with the sync issue


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Memory Card

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How do I format the Memory Card?

You can do it through the phone, but it's kind of hidden.

All data on the card will be permanently removed. Format the card ONLY if your files are backed up. 

  1. From the main screen, press OK to choose Menu.
  2. Navigate to Settings & Tools.
  3. Select System.
  4. Select Security.
  5. Enter the Lock Code for your device.
     Note The default password is the last 4-digits of the mobile number.
  6. Select Format Card.
  7. Select Yes.

If you have a USB Memory Card reader/writer, you can format the card through your computer OS.

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Hidden/Secret Menus

There's 3 secret Menus Param Editor


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System Info Menu = Secret Menu #1

Menu > Tools > press the # key

Enter 000000 - 6 zeros to access this will bring you into the System Info menu

You'll see

  1. Debug Screen
  2. Test Calls
  3. Voice SO
  4. Port Map
  5. Force Mode
  6. Pref Mode
  7. Clear Session
  8. Throughput Test
  9. Bluetooth
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Param Editor - Secret Menu #2 

   1. Follow the directions above to get into System Info menu.
   2. Once in System Info hit 9, don't scroll to it. and you will be prompted with a User Lock. 
      It has been reported that some phone you need to hit the 0, * or # instead of 9. (0 for the a970)
   3. Type in the code 8886573982 and that will bring you into the Prama Editor.

So far you can only get into the Build Version menu, the other two do not let you go into them.


Menu List (a970) 

 1. SYSINFO Editor
 2. USERPREFS Editor
 3. Build Version
 4. MP3
 5. EVDO test editor
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Secret Menu #3

These are the steps of the A950. I've never gotting it to work on the A970.

Download and install the PST for the Samsung A950 http://pub.undeadarmy.com/guide.html

Enable the Hidden Menu Now reboot phone. Just type: 47*68#13580 To enter the standard Samsung Hidden Menu

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Specifications

  • Modes CDMA 850 / CDMA 1900
  • Weight 5.07 oz (144 g)
  • Dimensions 3.74" x 2.01" x 1.00" (95 x 51 x 25 mm)
  • Form Factor Clamshell with swivel display for camera/camcorder mode
  • Internal Antenna
  • Battery Life
    • Talk: 4.58 hours (275 minutes)
    • Standby: 336 hours (14 days)
  • Battery Type LiIon
  • Display Type: LCD (Color TFT/TFD)
  • Colors: 262,144 (18-bit)
  • Size: 176 x 220 pixels
  • Platform / OS (N/A)
  • Memory 60MB Internal
  • Phone Book Capacity 500
  • FCC ID A3LSCHA970 (Approved Jun 7, 2005)
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Features

  • GPS / Location Yes

Accessibility

  • Digital TTY/TDD Yes
  • Multiple Languages Languages Supported: English, Spanish

Alerts

  • External Display Location: Front
  • 65,000-color TFT LCD / 96 x 96 pixels
  • Polyphonic Ringtones Chords: 64
  • Vibrate Yes

Connectivity

  • Bluetooth supports headset and handsfree profiles

Contacts

  • Multiple Numbers per Name Yes
  • Picture ID Yes
  • Voice Dialing speaker-independent, plus voice control and dictation

Customization

  • Custom Graphics Yes
  • Custom Ringtones Yes

Data & Network

  • Packet Data Technology: 1xEV-DO r0
  • WAP / Web Browser Browser Software: Openwave 6.2
  • WAP 2.0

Input

  • Predictive Text Entry Technology: T9
  • Side Keys camera, up/down, speakerphone keys on right / plus media keys below outer display

Memory

  • Expansion Card Card Type: microSD / TransFlash

Messaging

  • MMS Yes
  • Text Messaging 2-Way: Yes

supports VoiceMode speech recognition dictation

Music

  • Music Player Supported Formats: MP3

Photo & Video

  • Camera Resolution: 2+ megapixel
  • 2x optical zoom, auto-focus / LED flash
  • Streaming Video Yes
  • Video Capture supports long videos

Productivity

  • Alarm Yes
  • Calculator Yes
  • Calendar Yes
  • To-Do List Yes
  • Voice Memo Yes

Software

  • BREW version 2.0
  • Games Yes
  • Voice
  • Headset Jack (2.5 mm) Yes
  • Speaker Phone Yes


  • The a970 supports the Wireless Headset & Handsfree Bluetooth Profiles. It does not support Bluetooth object transfer(OBEX) profiles. Accessories sold separately. See Bluetooth for details.
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Links

Image:A970duo1.gif Image:A970mid1.gif

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