Converting the ZTE Blade to a ZTE Libra, baseband update, 850mhz enabled, HSUPA

[hecatae]

WARNING - please read about what you are doing - if you choose to follow these instructions - be aware of what they do.

If your just looking for a Custom ROM for your device then there is a method to put ZTE Blade Roms (http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-roms-rom-customisation/329864/28-mar-guide-how-to-install-a-custom-rom-on-the-zte-blade-gen1/) WITHOUT changing you device to a ZTE Libra layout


It does not need copying to C:\windows anymore as it is using the latest hacked download.exe files (All credit for this goes to mrradmir)

It also contains a clockwork installable zip that restores a stock recovery. It automaticly detects Blade/Libra and uses the right one.

So basically this is the procedure:

1. Install stock recovery (if you are currently running clockwork) with the included recovery restorer.
2. Boot into FTM (volume-down)
3. Run the the installer you want to install, can choose 128mb system partition layout or original partition layout
4. When done (if going from Blade->Libra) it is strongly recommended to copy Channel1.nvm and keep it safe.
5. Install your favourite custom ROM and have fun.

There's a text file included that describes the partition sizes you get with each version.


Here's the file http://www.multiupload.com/MZHDCOTG0Z

MD5SUM 185C51C3EDF8E4111044A3814ECEB3C7



these are the basic instructions pulled out of this thread http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blad...asonera-phones/ (http://android.modaco.com/content/zte-blade-roms-rom-customisation/336102/official-2-2-upgrade-for-swedish-comviq-and-teliasonera-phones/)

Disadvantages of doing this:
cant use any Blade rom
[8]cant use CM7 at present
cant use tpt method
cant use fastboot unless by ADB.
cant downgrade to Blade baseband
Advantages of doing this:
better network reception
HSUPA enabled, screenshot to follow
850mhz enabled for GSM and 3G
CM7 will be updating to this after CM7 is declared stable


comparison on gsmarena:

http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3790&idPhone2=3391

[Hands0n]

Do you know if CM7 (currently at 7.0.2) is yet compatible with Libra?

This is a superb and very worthwhile modification to the ZTE Blade (aka Orange San Francisco), extending its practical useful life significantly. I also have to wonder what price the Libra will be when it arrives in the UK. No doubt Orange will do their stuff to it - and it will be interesting to see if the Libra will be as easily unlocked and de-branded, as surely it must.

Meanwhile, I have just updated my San Francisco to CM 7.0.2 (Gen 2) and am very impressed at how slick that little handset is running the Android OS. Clearly, the various optimisations being made by the developer teams are very effective.

[hecatae]

Gen2 is the ZTE Libra.

Running CM7.0.2 here as well, also read that ZTE are evaluating putting Gingerbread on the ZTE Blade, exciting times ahead

[Hands0n]

Ah, I had missed that. So job done then :) Nice.