Craig Adapter hacking thread
13In a week or so, two thousand Mehers will be receiving their Craig sticks in the mail and face the struggle of finding resources to help root, hack, and install gapps on their device. This thread is for helping those thousands of struggling Mehers with their devices.
If you find any useful resources regarding the device, please share them below. Detailed instructions that non-tech savvy Mehers can understand are very much appreciated.
- 31 comments, 100 replies
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Tip: Immediately throw the Craig Stick in the trash, to avoid any headaches.
@TheCO2 Hey now. . . . That's funny. :-D
@joelmw
I don't understand the point of taking the time to root or hack this thing.
@SSteve It's is very crappy as-is. Rooting it at least makes it usable.
@narfcake @TheCO2 It's really not that crappy. Honestly. Or maybe I just have low expectations. And maybe that's why I'm here. WTF are you doing here? ;-)
@joelmw I honestly don't know if it's worth anything or not. As you have seen, I like stirring things up. Maybe that's why I'm here.
@TheCO2 Fair enough. And, if you've been paying attention to other conversations, it seems to me that you do so in a likable way. And not like another, who will remain unnamed. :-)
@joelmw I try to keep myself likable. I know I can say the wrong thing, sometimes, or go too far with it. Like the Goatse thing, yesterday. I found a picture of a ring I was going to post, but I stopped while I was ahead.
@TheCO2
@Thumperchick Since we are continuing this.
@joelmw other than the heartbleed vulnerability...
I missed out on this deal!! Any way of getting 2 of these still?? Please!! I need them!!
@dam90042 Uh, no you don't "need" it. Want, perhaps, but probably not need, as this thing was cheap for a reason - it's crappy.
@dam90042
There is a dedicated thread in XDA for this stick.
@dam90042 I can't (and I assume a lot of other people) understand more than half of the XDA thread. What the hell is rootburner and how do I use it? The download link for rootburner is also broken.
@dam90042 link? sounds like it will be awesome info. :)
@upbeatanime http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187502
@on you can also try frameroot in xda. That usually roots everything and knockoff tablets.
@theco2 has a good point, but if you're stupid like me and bought one, here is some more relevant information:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187502
Once loaded with Kodi and all the movie apps I have it will make it an awesome media box. I have a rooted gamestick and it is awesome for what I use it for.
@dam90042 Rooted gamestick running Kodi? maybe I can finally use that thing I paid way too much for...
@tranadra yes rooting makes it a true Android device and there is a custom rom out for it as well. I have the dock for the gamestick and it has a built-in fan to keep it nice and cool.
@dam90042 New to this… can you walk me through a root and rom please? i am trying to put Kodi on this Android Craig Stick
I just want to set it up for my mother so she can watch Netflix in her sewing room. Will it do that? Was I too shortsighted to realize it wouldn't when I bought it?
@RDW0409 I don't see why it wouldn't. That's one of the installed apps. I haven't actually tried it yet because I have countless other ways to achieve the Netflix, but I might try it later in the week.
@RDW0409 yes, netflix is in the amazon app store, but know this stick has security risk with its firmware version, so makesure she doesnt use it for anything else, like buying things.
Here's the most functional flash I've found so far:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49474655&postcount=53
I've done some work with xda crews, and I got this to teach my kids development. If we run into problems, maybe I can make my own rom.
Android stick thingys with plastic cases usually overheat. The little more expensiver ones with aluminum cases seem to work better.
@cranky1950 Hack the case and attach one of these: http://www.mpja.com/Heatsink-14-X-14mm-X-6mm-Adhesive-Backed/productinfo/31973%20HK/
@PocketBrain Or his little buddy: http://www.mpja.com/Heatsink-88mm-Sq-Adhesive-Backed/productinfo/31972%20HK/
Someone help me get my hands on this deal so I can make a custom rom for this. A few edits in the jar files, a few lib files,debloat and this thing will be rocking and rolling. I will also have it loaded with Kodi and all the needed repos, movie apps as well. Believe me, you will cancel your Netflix and all premium channels.
@dam90042 where do you get the movies/tv shows from then?
@clonetek email me
@dam90042 I dont have your email. ;) Im guessing pirated sources?
@clonetek twisded_1@yahoo.com
And no lmao
@dam90042
too much effort for the amount of gratification and I'm all about gratification. B'sides I got one a year ago that works great and lets me stream Gloria Estefan all day long.
@cranky1950 haha. Live For Loving You. lmao
@cranky1950 Successfully rooting an Android device without bricking it provides plenty of gratification, even if you claim it's useless. It makes you feel like a kickass undercover hacker.
@on I've never rooted andriod anything, as its always been my daily phone and I didn't want to screw it up(also, Nexus 5 doesnt really need it) , but I intend to practice with this stick and get that hacker feeling.
@on Anticipation of feeling like a kickass undercover hacker is far more exhilarating than the actual accomplishment. Actually rooting these things is rather mehish. t
@cranky1950 Word.
So, now that these things are being shipped. Does anyone have plans to actually try and flash the ROM @festercluck posted?
@theracer378 I ordered 2 of them and plan on flashing them both!
@theracer378 How did you know this was shipping? I have yet to receive anything I ordered this month.
@festercluck the 2 I ordered show in transit with expected delivery on Wednesday. Check the tracking number that shows up under the my order page.
@festercluck Try this: meh.com/orders
If an item has been shipped, it will have a tracking number at the bottom of your order.
@festercluck Yes exactly, what they said. Lol😅. I checked my order number and it said shipped.
I gotta be honest, for what I wanted and expected, this thing is doing okey-dokey out of the box. It's not the most amazing device in the world, but it's got a couple of browsers (oh, Opera, I almost kinda missed you), Gmail, Facebook, maps, Kindle. I might try to flash it later if and when I get bored, but I got other shit to do, including some reading that I might just do off the TV. Yeah, I know, that's weird. But it also makes me wanna say, "Booyah!"
I kinda like that I've got a regularish keyboard and can do the meh thing on my big screen, including now here, this comment.
@joelmw I got mine Saturday, tried it Sunday for the first time. Realized I have almost nothing I need it to do. Haven't tried streaming Netflix, which is about the extent that I use Chromecast for as well...
@tightwad We've actually been using Chromecast mostly for music: Youtube playlists. It's perfect for that. We typically keep the Chromecast on our bedroom TV and use AppleTV (Netflix, HBO, Hulu, etc.) on the main TV.
Stupid question, but I'd rather steal from you or have one of you folks figure it out than do the work myself: is there a way (without rooting the device, which I'd still rather not do) to set up multiple accounts and some kind of security? Or just lock the thing? Because I don't necessarily want to give everyone access to my email and shit, but I do want to share the device and its spiffo functionality. I've looked everywhere obvious (privacy, security, accounts) and either what I'm looking for isn't there or I'm just not seeing it.
And can other apps be installed without having to do something tricky. Again, I don't see myself wanting to spend a lot of time on it and I really don't need it for much, but if it's easy. I used to be a guy who would sink hours in this kind of project and pride myself on feeling that I knew it better than just about anyone, but not so much anymore. I want shit that works and that's easy.
@joelmw On the multi-user thing, it was added in 4.2, with the ability to restrict other users in 4.3. It should be in settings under Users or maybe Security. You can almost always add new packages without using Google Play by going into settings, Security, and checking the box that says Unknown sources (or something similar like Allow unknown sources). Just be careful with that.
@dashcloud it comes with 4.1
@tightwad @dashcloud I'll have to look closer, 'cause I thought that's where I looked. Though I do remember that I had allow unknown sources unchecked. Thank you both for the feedback. I'll let you know what I find when I get around to checking it out.
@joelmw There is a way: http://bit.ly/1Ew3Oie
@festercluck Gee, thanks.
My Craig is waiting at work for me to pick up tomorrow. Anyone have luck rooting it yet? Really want to get Kodi on it.
Also, anyone having any issues with the wireless keyboard/mouse? I read that they can interfere with the wireless connection.
@tombroadcaster https://meh.com/forum/topics/craig-adapter-hacking-thread#54f2a8e62de99600064bc8e5
I would really want to see if there is a way we can switch up the internal memory with a MicroSD card. Because seriously, 4GB of memory isn't too much to play with, especially if one wants to install Netflix, Google Play Store and Kodi, which takes up A LOT of space once you add all your repos and start streaming.
This worked like a total charm: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49474655&postcount=53
Now trying to put Kodi on.
@tombroadcaster Also, zero issues with the keyboard/mouse and the wi-fi. It's early, but it's working pretty well so far. Keyboard is on the cheap side, but otherwise fine. Mouse feels solid. Slight lag with the mouse, but nothing to get hung up about.
@tombroadcaster So no issues with slow Wi-Fi? Because that's whats happening to me with the stock ROM. I have a 90mbps internet and a 2MB download is lasting over 5 minutes on this thing.
@theracer378 I never even messed with it before I rooted it. Everything I've experienced is post-root.
@tombroadcaster Thanks for this info! Just got the files pushed to the SD card. I cant wait to get home to try it!
@lcastil1 Just follow everything step by step and you'll be golden. Didn't even take that long to set up on the Smart TV. Now it's just a matter of getting Kodi to work...
@tombroadcaster Disregard, in case anyone is looking for a direct link to the 8850 ROMs, here it is http://www.techknow.me/forum/index.php?board=107.0
@dschonew The process is a bit of a pain if you have a micro SDXC, but works fine after formatting the card FAT32 and ensuring that the partition is set to primary rather than logical.
@dschonew techknow requires a login
@tombroadcaster :( my mouse went dead after 13 minutes (no laser, fresh batteries)
@tombroadcaster so I have used 2 different SD cards and the box boots without loading the ROM from SD card.
@Pufferfishy Link to download http://www.mediafire.com/download/m64mi2u12wb4k5u/WM8850_Universal_Uberoid_v3.1_JB_4.1.1_22NOV2013-HcH-%5Bwww.TechKnow.me%5D.7z
@tombroadcaster OK Guys I need help. I have followed the instructions and the Craig box boots right into the Jellybean screen and NEVER sees the SD card. Am I supposed to hold a key combination down on the keyboard for it to boot into the new ROM?
@lcastil1 Got it to see the SD Card. I needed to NOT do a quick format when formatting to FAT32 and right clicking the SD card and ejecting rather than just pulling the card out. Just pulling the SD card out seems to have erased the files everytime.
@lcastil1 rockin'! Tanks!
@tombroadcaster Downloaded the uberoid ROM and I'm immediately confused as to why it comes packaged with trojan virus cleaner. Searched techknow site and found this : "There are as usual Android trojans in this ROM, Uberoid v0.6 has this trojan disabled." http://www.techknow.me/forum/index.php?topic=4588.0 Safe or no?
Seem to be running headfirst into a wall with Kodi. I try the regular ol' version on kodi.tv, but after loading up for the first time, it crashes and never comes back. Trying to find a different version maybe.
Aaaaaaand I'm just stuck with no apparent solution for Kodi on the Craig Smart TV available. :/
I do like the keyboard and mouse, so I'll see if I can get it to work with my Fire TV Stick.
@tombroadcaster Is your Wi-Fi running slow?
@theracer378 It does seem to take a little longer than it should to download things, but browsing is ok.
@tombroadcaster Well that crushes my desire to root this thing - all I wanted to do was run Kodi.....
anyone know anything about installing a newer version of android? 4.1.1 has heart bleed and other security risk. Giving it to my grandma and without knowing what she will click on it isn't worth giving her something so risky.
rather just reflash it.
@upbeatanime uh, yeah, you may want to read the rest of the page
I want one grrrrrrr
@dam90042 Want mine? Since I can't put Kodi on it (and since I discovered the Fire TV remote app for my Fire Stick), this doesn't have much value to me anymore.
@tombroadcaster Really? I would love it!! Please let me know. Thanks! twisded_1@yahoo.com
@dam90042 Email sent
@tombroadcaster let me know if that falls through.
@lcastil1 email me. thomasbroadcaster@gmail.com. First come, first served. Other guy hasn't paid.
@tombroadcaster Actually, strike it. I'll hang on to it for now, partly because someone I know could find use for it, partly because shipping will make it not worth it for whoever buys it.
@tombroadcaster look for the app SPMC on playstore, its XBMC short form, should work on this. I'll try a little later this evening and report back. Also older versions of XBMC may work (12.3 is a good one)
@try4gold Hmm...I didn't try anything older than 13.2, but I'll give it a shot, along with SPMC.
@tombroadcaster see my new posts, 15.0
neither one works...after some reading I've come to understand a script needs to be written into the rom and a "read and write to disk" permission needs to be assigned. Its been a long time for me since I last messed with any of that business (I recall doing this with my original MK802 when I first install Uberoid to it)...I'm a complete novice who enjoys the challenge...I'll see how far I get.
****WARNING**
My mouse quit working today and looks like the supplied batteries started leaking!!! Play it safe and trash the stock batteries!!!!!!
Ok, got unit just today, am working on hack. Will let you know.
@festercluck, how put kodi on it. Please. Help me.
My email: ptn571@gmail.com
@ptn571 kodi 12.0 working, make sure to create /.xbmc/userdata, set them both 777. I'll get more info as I have it.
@festercluck any chance you can give me a quick idea on creating the above and where to place it and last but not least setting the "777"
Kodi 12.0:
@festercluck . i dont understand. Why kodi is 12.0, i saw it was 14.0
@festercluck . i'm using version Tvmc 13.2, it's runing but cannot watch movie. When i run movie, anything stoped. I think xbmc player had problem. Do u can fix it?.
@ptn571 12.0 is the older version when it was simply called XBMC (Kodi was not the official name until version 14.0) 12.0 Frodo or 12.1 XAF build neon has been consistently mentioned with the wm8850 chip (the Craig CVD602 contains the WM8850 chip) I have yet to see a clear step by step instruction on getting either to work
@ptn571 older versions required external video players...if you add a playercore file you can direct xbmc to use external player
XMBC Updater served it up this morning. Kodi.tv should have it available in the nightlies. Note the first time after install it died, then after running I had to kill it once more.
Things I've done:
Flashed the latest WM8850 Uberoid Universal listed in above posts. Nothing fancy, just follow the xda post.
Created /.xbmc/userdata, chmod both 777 (tighter rights would be better here)
Symlinked /.kodi to /.xbmc (Don't know if this is necessary)
Replaced Superuser with SuperSu (Same)
Note: I had 14.1 installed, then installed over it with this. I also has 12.0 upgraded to 13.0 before this, but uninstalled those. All this has been a bit of a pain. Someone else can write up directions. I need to prep this device for my kids.
@festercluck , cannot set 777. It show "permissions change was not successfull.please note that some file system (e.g. sd card) do not allow permissions changes.
@ptn571 if your SD card is formatted FAT32, you won't be able to use permissions because the filesystem has no concept of permissions.
@dashcloud how do i look for the file permissions? Is it SManger or file explorer? I placed the script into the data folder but I'm not sure how to change permissions, is that something I do before even placing the script onto the sd card? Thanks in advance.
@try4gold If your file manager shows you permissions, it's either displayed below the filename or in a details option when you bring up the menu (the program I use on my Android devices is Root Explorer, but that's not free). Permissions are either displayed as a group of 3 sets of 3 numbers from 0-7, or as 3 sets of 3 letters: r,w,x.
@dashcloud i did it, but it sitll not work, how set 777 on /.xbmc/userdata
@dashcloud dont format fat32 so, i can format it how.
@ptn571 I don't know what to tell you here- maybe follow the kodi.tv link below? Not having one, it's a bit hard to know what to do.
@dashcloud i want know did u slow wifi?. what rom did you use? what version xbmc did u use? . My craig cvd602 very slow wifi
@ptn571 I don't own this item- I was just trying to answer some general questions. Sorry about that!
Kodi - http://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=150676
@try4gold Yeah, this. Thanks.
@festercluck I have the Craig TV stick (WM8850). I successfully flashed Uberoid and while in the process of trying to add Kodi (and failing) I decide to reflash Uberoid onto the stick because I wanted a fresh start, I also decided to edit the fwc file believing I could tweak a setting or 2 but now I have a black screen after trying the flash...any suggestions?
@try4gold , i did script manager the same you told. But cannot open xbmc. When i open anything stoped. I dont know what wrong with it. Please help me make a video how can run xbmc.
How can fix error wifi very slow. Please .Hepl me
@ptn571 https://meh.com/forum/topics/craig-adapter-hacking-thread#54f2a8e62de99600064bc8e5
So, for all you folks with wifi problems, I present my solution. It's not automatic, but it will get us there.
Regarding the wireless keyboard and mouse. What you've read is true, they interfere with the wifi. swapping out for USB is recommended.
Make sure your time is set, auto update is best.
Install a Terminal and run this:
su
svc data disable
svc wifi enable
svc wifi prefer
setprop net.wlan0.dns1 8.8.8.8
setprop net.wlan0.dns2 8.8.4.4
setprop dhcp.wlan0.dns2 8.8.8.8
setprop dhcp.wlan0.dns3 8.8.4.4
ifconfig wlan0 up
You're not going to get DNS resolution in the console. It's a known bug with the libraries being used. Install an updated Busybox or something, it may help. Then again, sometimes installing a different Busybox freezes the rom for me. Buyer beware.
Use whatever DNS servers you want. 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4 are Google DNS servers. 4.2.2.1 & 4.2.2.2 (Verizon) are also great options. Technically dns3 and dns4 are also options. Fill them if you need. If you're the curious type, "getprop" will give you a list of settings.
I'll let you know when I have this added to the ROM script. Please give me feedback on your own results.
@festercluck
@eblade yes?
So, I actually don't absolutely hate the image that came loaded on it, it's primarily just to access my Plex server anyway. SO.. It comes up with this "DEMO VERSION HAS EXPIRED" Banner on it that comes up over everything. Anyone know how to get rid of that?
@eblade Google is your friend on this one. Try "HDMI Adapter DEMO Version has expired". It has to do with a call home system in the ROM. This may This may make you hate it.
@festercluck hmm. i guess my googling was too specific to find it lol
@festercluck nope, i don't see anything relevant using that term either. guess i'll just figure out what other devices around here can handle a SD card and nuke it...
@eblade Sorry, here is a place to start: http://www.techknow.me/forum/index.php?topic=2625.msg28721
@eblade And http://www.techknow.me/forum/index.php?topic=4520.0