Update 2: Well folks, while the update appears to be successful, it doesn’t work. We couldn’t tell when we made the update, because we simply didn’t know where EV-DO was available to test the update. Meaning, that while the update does work, and shows the PPC-6600 supports EV-DO (by accepting an EV-DO PRL properly), it cannot use EV-DO at this time.
This points to one of four potential conclusions:
1) Sprint found there to be some issue with the radio stack in communicating with their network, which requires a newer update that has not been released and we do not have.
2) Sprint is planning to release new PPC-6600, identical to the PPC-6600, with essentially our update bundled, using a new ESN block. For example, the PPC-6600 would be replaced by the PPC-6600EV, and while identical in nature, the PPC-6600 and 6600EV would be different in that one can access EV-DO, the other can’t.
3) The 20007 PRL released while being recognized and properly interperted by the PPC-6600, for some reason does not relay the necessary EV-DO provisioning information.
4) Sprint is masking/hiding EV-DO in most areas since it is not launched yet.
To put it bluntly, we don’t know. Sprint, SEBU, and Audiovox have all instituted no-comment zones on the matter, and we cannot get any answer from anyone that is definite. However, we have shown the world through this: that the PPC-6600 does support EV-DO as-is, and that will most likely bear a heavy burden on Sprint’s decision-making on this matter.
So, if you like seeing the little 1x icon, and don’t miss roaming, just keep your device as-is. Otherwise, follow the downgrading process we outlined below for the time being.
Update: It appears that the process does disable the device’s ability to roam. It is difficult to isolate it between the update and the new PRL, because of how the update patches the radio stack. Because of this, we are offering a downgrade kit here. Simply run this in place of the radio updater in the instructions and then use PRL 10026 in place of PRL 20007.
Thanks to some great sources and SPI viewers, we have created an update that enabled EV-DO on the PPC-6600 Series. Many thanks to Dan (luv2chill) for working with SPI to make this update possible. Hit Read More for the process.
Warning 1: This is an SPI Labs project. Do not host this elsewhere without contacting SPI first. It is essential that the instructions on this page not be separated from the file itself. Please link instead.
Warning 2: This file was not released by Sprint. It can void your warranty, and it also can damage your device if done improperly. However, if done properly, the chances of either event are minimal. Proceed at your own risk though, the proof that this works will probably force Sprint to release an official update (if that was not their plan already).
Warning 3: Do not ask Sprint for a PRL update after doing this, or else you will have to reload the 20007 PRL. Sprint cannot tell that this device supports EV-DO, and their current non-EV-DO device causes EV-DO devices that have been updated to not find a signal.
You will need the following files: 1) PPC-6600/PPC-6601 HA01_140 Radio Installer (Windows)
2) Sprint PRL 20007
3) Your device’s MSL. You will have to contact Sprint to do this. Call customer service and tell them you need to reprogram your device, they will give you your MSL when you ask for it once you explain that it is for reprogramming the deivce.
Here are the steps you need to take:
Part 1: Upgrading the radio to support EV-DO
1) Extract the HA01_140 Radio Installer to a folder on your hard drive
2) Backup your 6600 with ActiveSync, do not use any other backup program, move essential files to your PC via ActiveSync. The device will be hard reset in this process.
3) Double click on MaUpgradeUt_noID.exe, follow the steps as instructed by that application to update your device.
4) You will get a device ID invalid error right before starting the upgrade process. This is normal and necessary. Do not disconnect your PDA, do not restart your computer. Re-launch MaUpgradeUt_noID.exe and follow the steps through again, you will be able to upgrade.
5) The last step of the radio upgrade process (as instructed by the upgrade application) is the hard reset. Set up the device normally, until the device is ready for user interaction.
Part 2: Feed the device an EV-DO PRL
1) At this point, your device should be ready for user interaction, transfer the 20007.prl file to your device. You can do this via your cradle with ActiveSync, IR Port, Bluetooth, or an SD Card. Move it to your My Documents folder in the main memory. Placing the PRL file in other locations may prevent it from being located.
2) Open the Phone application, dial ##775# (##PRL#), enter your MSL when requested.
3) Select the 20007 PRL and tap OK.
4) Reset the device when requested. Your device should display a new 1x/EV-DO icon to display network status.
