HTC Dream: DangerSPL

DangerSPL is an SPL that re-partitions the NAND flash inside the device by taking away some of /cache and giving it to /system and /data.

Contents 1 What is DangerSPL? 1.1 Why is it required for CyanogenMod 5+ on the HTC Dream? 1.2 Why don't HTC Magic users have to apply it? 1.3 Is it dangerous? 2 How do I check if I already have DangerSPL? 3 Installation 3.1 Warnings 3.2 Prerequisites 3.3 Flashing Radio 3.3.1 Amon_Ra's Recovery process 3.3.2 ClockworkMod Recovery process 3.4 Flashing DangerSPL 3.5 Flashing CyanogenMod ROM 4 References

What is DangerSPL?

The DangerSPL is a port of the HTC Magic's SPL to the HTC Dream. It is called the DangerSPL because it has a chance of bricking the device if you mis-match the SPL and Radio (see below for compatible radios). Never flash a 1.x, 4.x, or 6.x radio with DangerSPL!

DangerSPL is not required for CyanogenMod 4.2 or below, but it is required for CyanogenMod 5+ on the HTC Dream.

Why is it required for CyanogenMod 5+ on the HTC Dream?

The HTC Dream's /system partition was designed to hold ROMS up to 64MB. CyanogenMod 5+ for the HTC Dream is too big to fit on this partition.

Why don't HTC Magic users have to apply it?

The HTC Magic's /system partition was designed to hold ROMs up to 96MB, so, in effect, the magic already has the DangerSPL. (Technically, the DangerSPL is the MagicSPL)

Is it dangerous?

Flashing the DangerSPL is generally considered safe, however any modification of the SPL carries with it an inherent risk. That being said, if you pay attention, follow instructions, and plan your approach, it is a very easy and safe process.

How do I check if I already have DangerSPL?

1. Boot into fastboot by holding the camera button while booting the device.
2. On the second line, if you see HBOOT-1.33.2005, you already have DangerSPL installed, and you can skip Flashing DangerSPL.
3. On the fourth line, you should see RADIO-X.XX.XX.XX Write this number down.
4. To leave fastboot mode, press Menu, Send & End at the same time.

Installation

Warnings

Make sure that you have a full battery - as in green LED - during the steps below and at no point remove power from the device (i.e. no battery pulls!).

Prerequisites

1. A rooted G1/Dream
2. Amon_Ra Recovery
3. The following files on the root of your SD card:
   • A compatible radio for the device version:
     • 2.22.23.02 T-Mobile / US*
     • 2.22.19.26i Non US (md5: aeecdb49b74a0d4bb67f9d8af70c1889)
     • 3.22.26.17 or 3.22.20.17 Rogers/Orange
   • DangerSPL
     • DangerSPL

Flashing Radio

Amon_Ra's Recovery process

1. Boot into Recovery by holding the Home and Power button while the device boots
2. Scroll down to Flash zip from sdcard
3. Select the Radio update.zip

   The HTC Dream will reboot during this process

4. Once the installation has finished, select Reboot system

ClockworkMod Recovery process

ClockworkMod Recovery is not recommended for the Dream. Please upgrade to Amon_Ra.

Flashing DangerSPL

1. Boot into fastboot by holding Camera
2.  Double Check that you have a compatible radio or you will brick the device! 
3. Press Send+Menu+End to reboot
4. Boot into recovery by holding Home
5. Select Flash zip from sdcard
6. Select the DangerSPL update.zip

   It will install and then ask you to reboot to finish the installation. Reboot as prompted at the bottom of the screen. This will finish installing DangerSPL and reboot back into recovery so you can flash CyanogenMod.

Flashing CyanogenMod ROM

Cyanogenmod 4	Cyanogenmod 5	Cyanogenmod 6
NO LONGER SUPPORTED Android 1.6 DangerSPL Not Required CyanogenMod 4.2 Install	Android 2.1 Requires DangerSPL CyanogenMod 5.0 Install	Android 2.2 Requires DangerSPL CyanogenMod 6.0 Install

References

There has been some development/debate over DVT/PVT and bricks. Optional reading (but still recommended): XDA forum