[FIXES][COS/CM] Bad Signal & ReceptionOct 11, 2016
AsadPJelly Bean
Hey guys!
I'm back with another thread after quite some time, this thread is based
on the OnePlus One and antenna/reception issues with CyanogenOS
installed. These fixes may work with CM12 and what not but CM/COS
ROM versions below 13 seem to be fine with users.
The reason I've started this thread is because I myself have had this
issue for the past two weeks and it's not from wear and tear reasons, it's
because I changed out a hardware piece called the daughter-board,
which holds essential modules of the phone such as the microphone,
ambient light sensor, vibrator module, LED lights for the hardware keys,
antenna connector and speaker module. This part I purchased from eBay
worked perfectly, I changed it out because my microphone went bust due
to it exposed to various kinds of liquids. As the microphone worked well,
the reception seemed really really strange.. compared to my original
daughter-board, this'll be explained in the hardware fixes part of my
guide.
Because of this reason, it's led me to create a collection of software and
hardware fixes for the community so it saves everyone the hassle of
searching around for various methods.
My OnePlus One
Android Version: 6.0.1
CyanogenOS Version: 13.1.2-ZNH2KA3P0
Baseband version: 00241 (Latest Bacon Modem)
Kernel: Stock Cyanogenmod
ROOTED
Before continuing with any of these fixes, I am not liable for anything that
goes wrong with your OnePlus device, this is tailored towards the
OnePlus One ONLY, I don't want you turning your OPO into a Note
7 (exploding phone jokes ftw)
MAKE A BACKUP. NANDROID, TWRP, WHATEVER, just make one
please.
~ Software Fixes ~
These fixes will consist of playing about with the mobile network settings,
4636 settings and such other tampering methods that I ran through which
may be successful for others. These fixes will be in a random order but
the instructions will be chronological so don't worry.
Most of the flashable fixes will be fine for non-rooted users but I am
rooted, so that into consideration.
Toggle Aeroplane Mode
1. Settings -> More.. -> Aeroplane mode
or
Slide down from top & Tap the plane then tap it again to turn it off
This in some cases may help but can be temporary.
Aeroplane Mode & Power off & SIM out
1. Turn on Aeroplane Mode
2. Turn off the phone
3. Remove the SIM card
4. Turn on the phone
5. Replace the SIM card back in
6. Turn off Aeroplane mode when booted up
Again, this may help but can be temporary.
Checking APN's & Network Operators
1. Go into Settings -> Mobile Networks -> Network Operators
2. Wait for searching to finish
3. Select the network your SIM is tied to (e.g. O2 to O2)
I have an SIM based off Three but I select iD, because it's not strictly not
Three.
1. Go into Settings -> Mobile Networks -> Access Point Names
2. Go onto Google & search APN for *mobile provider name*
(e.g. APN for O2)
3. Top right, three dot menu, SAVE,
4. Tap on the radio button of the one you created to activate the APN
5. Tap on the other APN names then select the three dot menu and then
"Delete APN".
This may or may not help you, if it did, Congratulations.
If this did not help, move on.
Flashing new modems/radios
This is the more hefty method but may provide a better boost in signal if
your OPO likes the modem you have flashed, if you flash one and you
see yourself in a boot loop, flash the modem for your ROM.
E.g. I have COS13, if I flash a CM12 modem and I get an endless boot/boot loop, I
would simply go back into TWRP and flash any CM13 radio/modem. Just don't get
scared please.
IF you're using TWRP for the next step, have 2.8.6.0 flashed, not
anything higher just in case.
Links (huge shout out to the authors who collected them)
@jstepa - Firmwares/modems collection
XDA mr.shme - OPO Lollipop/Marshmallow Firmware Collection
Basically, download EVERY SINGLE firmware you see in those links.
Try going into TWRP and flashing the - 00011, 00013 & Oxygen OS 241
If not, try the other modems.
If you have succeeded at this stage, Congratulations.
Still have jumping bars and bad reception? Move on.
Using 4636
What the hell is 4636? It's a hidden diagnostics tool inside your phone
that allows you to see useful statistics about your radio & Wi-Fi within
your phone, it also allows you to change the preferred network you
require (LTE, CDMA, GSM etc.).
Go on Dialer and Dial *#*#4636#*#*
Alternatively, download 4636 from Google Play, it's easier.
Whilst in this app, go to Phone information and select the preferred
network drop-down, toggle between LTE/CDMA auto (PRL) & WCDMA
preferred.
When changing from one another, turn off radio, turn on radio, tap
Refresh then tap Update.
If you have succeeded at this stage, Congratulations.
Giving up on life? Move on, you've still got more to explore.
~ Hardware Fixes ~
Well, you've now reached the hardware fixes. Now, the reason there are hardware
fixes for this issue is because I literally had to perform operations on my OnePlus
One and it was actually a really valuable experience.
Here's why. I purchased this part, the DAUGHTERBOARD, to fix my microphone.
You can do a simple search on e.b.a.y for the part called OnePlus One Mic Sensor
Loud Speaker Microphone Flex.
The ONLY REASON I purchased this was to replace the Microphone, but this
wasn't the case.
The first one I received, I installed and the LED was broken on the menu button.
Alright, fair enough, I requested a replacement and so I received one. I installed the
replacement one and used it for a while, for two weeks. Now, I noticed something
odd about my signal as it kept jumping and I could only use LTE, in which I used to
have REALLY terrible LTE connections so I found it very peculiar.
It came to my mind that my connection was TERRIBLE ever since my original part
was replaced, so I placed that back in to compare and VOILA, my reception was
good as the most perfect toast you could ever eat.
Now where does this leave me? I have ordered another daughter board to arrive by
Wednesday, there shall be an update once I replace this crappy one.
Where does this leave you? If your reception is strangely fluctuating especially
having your OPO exposed to liquids, follow below.
Daughterboard Replacement (Video will be created eventually)
iFixit Guide for reference
1. Buy the part from e to the bay or Ali to the Express. (sorry it gets
blocked on here I think)
2. Open up your OPO backplate and unscrew all screws (incl. rubber
covered ones)
3. Carefully pry the battery out and open up the top plastic shield and
remove the bottom one holding the speakers
4. Unplug the module that's to the FAR left of the all the module
connectors
5. Lift up the USB port first to get it out the way and remove the antenna
head on the right side on the daughter board and then take out the board
itself
6. REPLACE the defective part with your new daughter board, place the
USB port back on top of the board and reconnect the module and
antenna head.
7. Put the battery back, connect it back and make sure all the wires and
firmly connected in their ports.
This is just one suggestion as to regaining good signal again with a new
part, it always helps and doesn't hurt, unless you destroy the part in the
process of installing.
Antenna Wire Replacement
I'l update this with steps tomorrow as it's late for me at the moment but
this is a fix that may help some but can be deadly if you break the wires
for the power/volume buttons like I did, but they are easy to fix and solder
back on with new parts. Just don't break any parts either way.
For now, it's pretty late so more methods and updates
on Wednesday when I receive the new part. Bare in mind I can't use my
original one because the microphone is broken on that one.
