SPL Basics

Saturday, June 27, 2009 17:25
Posted in category SPL's

About SPLs

This post contains information and downloads for SPLs for the HTC Dream (aka T-Mobile G1 and ADP1). What is a SPL? The SPL, or Second Program Loader, in conjunction with the IPL comprise a device’s bootloader. Aside from bootstrapping Android, the bootloader also fulfills various diagnostic functions. One of these functions is the manipulation of data in the device’s internal flash ram. Depending on the SPL installed, the user can apply a signed NBH file, flash nand images, and more. Note that the SPL is installed and operates independently of the Android build that runs atop it.

Currently there are three SPLs available. The G1 variant is the SPL that is installed in stock T-Mobile G1 phones. The Engineering variant is found in the Android Dev Phone 1. Finally, the HardSPL is a modification of the Engineering variant by cmonex, with additional hacker-friendly functionality. HardSPL is the recommended SPL.

Installation

The SPLs are packaged in the familiar update.zip format and install from the recovery console in the same fashion as other update files.

This is only verified to work for DREA100 and DREA110 devices. If you have a US or EU G1, it is most likely compatible. To check, boot into the SPL and confirm that the first word is DREA100 or DREA110. Please do not attempt to flash a SPL onto a Dream that does not fit that description!

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1. If you are installing onto a G1, your G1 must already have been “rooted” or otherwise have test-keys installed. ADP1 is exempt from this.

2. Download the desired SPL zip file, rename it to update.zip and copy it to the root of your sdcard. As usual, remember to dismount your USB drive before disconnecting.

3. Reboot the phone into recovery console (HOME + POWER) and flash the update with Alt+S.

4. To confirm it has installed properly, power on the G1 with BACK + END to enter the bootloader. When you are done, press CALL + MENU + END to leave the bootloader (reboots the phone).

5. To revert a G1 to its factory SPL, simply apply the G1 Original SPL file.

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3 Responses to “SPL Basics”

  1. Derek says:

    August 25th, 2009 at 2:50 PM

    Be great if SPL IPL etc made it to the Glossary as well.

  2. buwhsfdb says:

    September 25th, 2009 at 9:56 AM

    buwhsfdb…

    buwhsfdb…

  3. ppmcdzce says:

    October 9th, 2009 at 7:44 AM

    ppmcdzce…

    ppmcdzce…

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