Fixing a Bricked Scroll

Apologies for the large gap in posts - I managed to brick my scroll a while a go and its been sitting on a shelf. After browsing the forums I assumed it was completely dead however I found that still managed to allow me to reflash new firmwares - however none of these worked.

Most people seem to have given up at this point however I have serial access so am currently in the process of finding out what has gone wrong. Connecting up the serial port and then capturing the serial output it seems to be something todo with the i2c library.

I've also noticed that the kernel version I'm currently have flashed is older then the one i had previously which might relate to why we are not able to boot. Will add more when I know exactly what is going on.

Recommend Apps for Scroll

• TuneIn Radio - once installed works well on the scroll for all non-BBC radio stations. Has a useful alarm setting which will start playing the radio at a particular time. Suffers from poor Wifi reception which can result in occasional pauses and rebuffering.
• Android Assistant - allows you to control a number of hidden features from a simple unified interface. Also provides more information about the built in sensor device. 

Scroll Tablet Intro

I've created this blog to record the work I've done on the Scroll Tablet. This is a Chinese made touchpad 'MID' (Media interface device) which runs Android 2.1. It is available relatively cheaply from Maplins for £130. The tablet works out of the box however it has a number of limitations such as not being an official Google device so doesn't have direct access to the market or some of the Google apps (however you get what you pay for).

Specs:

• Google Android OS 2.1
• 800MHz ARM 11 CPU
• 256MB DDR2 RAM
• Ultra thin and lightweight
• Surf the web, send email, play music, movies and keep on top of your social networking
• 7in Widescreen Display 800x480 (Can be viewed in portrait or landscape mode)
• Open GL 2.0 3D support perfect for games
• 16 bit G-sensor, monitors & rotates screen through 360 degrees
• Connect to the internet using the built in Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
• Built in Webcam
• 2GB memory built-in, micro SD card expandable up to 32GB
• Resistive touch panel
• 3.5 inch audio port for headphones or Stereo Speakers
• View smooth high definition movies on the move or through the HDMI output on to your TV
• 3 x Built in 1W Speakers
• 3400mAH Li-polymer rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours use
• Dimensions 203 x 132 x 12mm

The version I have is running the latest firmware 1.02s with the linux kernel 2.6.29.

So what is it lacking:

• GPS
• GSM/3G
• It runs an old version of Android
• The Wifi reception is poor
• No bluetooth

So what do I plan to do with it:

1. First step is to setup a linux box to compile so additional kernel modules, I'll begin by compiling usbserial which should allow me to connect a Huawei 3G dongle and perhaps get 3G connectivity.
2. Finish my GPS hack to add an internal GPS
3. Investigate the creation of a Android 2.3 rom

There is an excellent forum for discussion about the Scroll Tablet: scrolltabletforum.co.uk

More soon