April 26, 2011

Download: Droid Kernels V0.2

It's been a while since my last set, so I am happy to present to you the most advanced kernels for Droid to date. This set is built from the latest source, I did not build upon someone else's, I started from scratch. Changes from my last version include updating the Interactive governor to the version found in the .38 kernels. No other kernels out have this governor yet, it has two tuneables rather than just one. I also updated the compcache module to the new zram.ko, meaning these kernels will be fully compatible with CyanogenMod and others. Thanks to cvpcs, the new .35 kernel USB switches have also been added, fixing USB tethering in Gingerbread. SDCard throughput has also been increased, for faster read/write speeds.

I did not include the "new" governors that are floating around (SmartAss, SmartMod, BumbleBee, etc). All of these are hacked versions of the old Interactive governor (not the new .38 kernel one), meaning they are outdated. All of these governors are modifications of eachother. I will not be adding any of these governors so do not ask. I assure you, using the Interactive governor built into my kernels will yield better results anyways. Here is a quote straight from the .38 kernel source, "Use the CPUFreq governor 'interactive' as default. This allows you to get a full dynamic cpu frequency capable system by simply loading your cpufreq low-level hardware driver, using the 'interactive' governor for latency-sensitive workloads." This would explain why manufacturers have chosen it to be the default governor on most of the new devices, including the Motorola Xoom.

I also kept the default compression method of the kernel. After conducting a bit of research, LZMA compression and others seen in some kernels take longer to decompress. To put this in other words, the phone will take longer to boot by not using the default compression method.

Features:
  • Available in low, standard, or increased voltages
  • Interactive governor ported from .38 kernel
  • New compcache module: zram.ko
  • USB switches from .35 kernel
  • Increased sdcard throughput
  • Bug fixes from newer kernels
  • Built in OMAP temperature sensor
  • All of the official governors
  • Lightweight, stripped of unneeded features
  • Added most popular, requested modules and features

    Downloads:

    Increased voltage (IV)
    Low voltage (LV)
    Standard voltage (SV)

    Note: You will need to use an app or script to have these kernels overclock themselves. If not they will default to whatever the ROM developer has in the ramdisk (most likely 600MHz). To overclock any GPA build, flash AutoOverClock.zip

    Update: I just wanted to give you guys/gals more info about the Interactive governor. I have seen some users on a variety of ROMs saying that the phone takes a while to wake up after pressing the battery button. It all depends on the governor and settings the ROM dev has made in the ramdisk or elsewhere (init.d). You can make a fast kernel, and have the ramdisk or other files slow it to a crawl. On my GPA builds, using the interactive governor there is no wake up delay. That being said, on other ROMs I would suggest switching to, if not already using, the interactive governor. From there if you still see a wake up delay lower this tuneable:

    /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpufreq/interactive/go_maxspeed_load

    The default is 85, a good number for battery saving, but not for performance. For example, you may lower this number to 80 so the governor will ramp up to max speed (highest slot) faster. You may also want to note that the Motorola Xoom uses the value of 80 by default, maybe you will be happy with this value as well.

    Just FYI there is yet another tuneable in this governor:

    /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpufreq/interactive/min_sample_time

    This tuneable represents the minimum amount of time to spend at the current frequency before ramping down. This is to ensure that the governor has seen enough historic CPU load data to determine the appropriate workload. Default is 80000 uS.

    Unfortunately, SetCPU and possibly other applications have yet to put these tuneables to use via a GUI. So one must have a script or command change them. As you can see, this governor will allow you to save battery or crank out the performance so adjust it to your liking.

      84 comments:

      1. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:12 AM

        Just installed 1.25GHz standard and I can already see the improvement. Good work. Thanks a bunch!

        ReplyDelete
      2. Unknown4/27/11, 12:12 AM

        Thanks Pete! Truely awesome. Flashing the 1 GHz LV now.

        ReplyDelete
      3. MrBlippy4/27/11, 12:13 AM

        Is this the same kernel as is in your 4-23 nightly build?

        ReplyDelete
      4. Pete4/27/11, 12:14 AM

        No sir, it is a bit different, I made these today.

        ReplyDelete
      5. austin johnson4/27/11, 12:17 AM

        woot woot cant wait to try!

        ReplyDelete
      6. MrBlippy4/27/11, 12:17 AM

        Awesome. I'm looking forward to getting USB tethering back.

        ReplyDelete
      7. Jay4/27/11, 12:19 AM

        Just wow Pete, Just wow, your work is amazing. I'll be so upset that I one day I'll be running the Droid 3 with no Bugless Beast (or will we?).


        Just wondering any reason the name shows up as "2.6.32.9-pteralfonso root @ pete #15" instead of indicating .8/.9/1 ghz?

        ReplyDelete
      8. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:22 AM

        What are the advantages and disadvantages of a low voltage kernel compared to an increased voltage kernel? Thanks in advance.

        ReplyDelete
      9. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:24 AM

        hey pete, i got a question that i think will rack your brain, are these worthy of the 'bugless' stamp...? lol

        ReplyDelete
      10. Pete4/27/11, 12:42 AM

        @Jay, that was too much work, these took all day as it is
        @Kevin, low voltage uses less battery power
        @Anonymous, these will power bugless beast

        ReplyDelete
      11. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:42 AM

        Works great! Awesome job. @Kevin, low voltage uses less battery and runs cooler, but some droids cant handle low voltage. Look it up. It also depends on the kernel (.8 vs. 1.25) when it comes to figuring out which performs better all around (speed, battery life, temperature, and if your phone boot loops or not)

        ReplyDelete
      12. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:49 AM

        good ole petey ;-)

        ReplyDelete
      13. Jon4/27/11, 12:54 AM

        Peter... You rock as always...

        ReplyDelete
      14. Ben4/27/11, 1:13 AM

        Why no 0.60GHz like in V0.1?

        ReplyDelete
      15. Unknown4/27/11, 1:14 AM

        Fantastic as always.

        ReplyDelete
      16. Pete4/27/11, 1:17 AM

        @Ben, the stock kernel is the 0.80GHz, most ramdisk default it to 0.60GHz so I figured I would just save myself some time.

        ReplyDelete
      17. Anonymous4/27/11, 1:31 AM

        Do we need to use setcpu to overclock or does this kernel take care of everything on its own?

        ReplyDelete
      18. Anonymous4/27/11, 1:37 AM

        Do we have to use setcpu to clock or does it do it for us when we flash the kernel?

        ReplyDelete
      19. WK4/27/11, 1:38 AM

        why would anyone want increased voltage though? won't that kill battery life like crazy? why not just use standard if anything?

        ReplyDelete
      20. Stephan Ahonen4/27/11, 1:49 AM

        @WK: Depending on individual manufacturing variations, sometimes you need to increase CPU voltage in order to overclock it, otherwise the phone becomes unstable.

        ReplyDelete
      21. Pete4/27/11, 1:52 AM

        For those asking what to use to overclock. I added an AutoOverClock.zip to the post. It will work for any GPA build. It may work on other ROMs if they still load install-recovery.sh, ask your ROM dev.

        ReplyDelete
      22. J4/27/11, 2:16 AM

        Hey Pete, any news on when a final version of GPA15 will be availible?

        ReplyDelete
      23. Brad4/27/11, 2:26 AM

        Thanks again Pete your the man!

        ReplyDelete
      24. Anonymous4/27/11, 2:39 AM

        Peter,

        Is this an updated autooverclock.zip? It's file size is slightly different than that posted with your GPA10 announcement.

        Thank you so much for the GPA14 build. I have finally returned to being happy with my droid, for the first time since August's 2.2 update.

        ReplyDelete
      25. Anonymous4/27/11, 2:40 AM

        Is there a Howto to flash the AutoOverClock.zip?

        Do we just change it to "update.zip" and do an update?

        ReplyDelete
      26. Ruben1814/27/11, 2:44 AM

        Great work bro!

        ReplyDelete
      27. Anonymous4/27/11, 2:47 AM

        So is there any problem using SetCPU or another program? Or have you out done yourself (and everyone else) again with some vast improvement that's just better?

        ReplyDelete
      28. Anonymous4/27/11, 2:52 AM

        Will this work with GPA 15 builds?

        ReplyDelete
      29. esc4/27/11, 3:07 AM

        Pete,

        Loving the 1.10GHz_LV_V0.2 kernel~ I see a lot of improvement! Keep up the good work! Look forward to GPA15!!

        ReplyDelete
      30. David Lanza4/27/11, 7:45 AM

        Do I have to flash both files? kernel AND overclock.zip?

        ReplyDelete
      31. Adam4/27/11, 10:01 AM

        Pete, just installed the Beta GPA15 4-27 nightly update followed by your new 1.0ghz LV kernel and... holy smokes! My droid is running lightning fast and better than ever! GREAT work on the new kernels!! Not sure why anyone would get rid of their OG Droid with you keeping us running so fast. Keep up the good work!

        I'll be sure to donate as soon as I get paid this week!

        ReplyDelete
      32. Shawn4/27/11, 10:36 AM

        I'm on GPA build, how do i flash the kernel? ClockworkRecovery or some other way? thanks

        ReplyDelete
      33. Anonymous4/27/11, 10:57 AM

        Perhaps this is a dumb question - I use your ROM and love it, but am using the stock OG Droid kernel.

        Given the huge number of choices here, which kernel should I start with? I don't really care about overclocking, just want more stability and possibly better battery life.

        ReplyDelete
      34. Unknown4/27/11, 10:58 AM

        Amazing - my Droid is much smoother now. Thanks Peter!

        ReplyDelete
      35. Anonymous4/27/11, 11:23 AM

        Should I use setcpu app or your autooverclock.zip? Which is better?

        ReplyDelete
      36. Matt4/27/11, 11:40 AM

        Awesome work Pete. Just flashed 1.0 LV and it works awesomely. Looking forward to GPA15 too!

        ReplyDelete
      37. Anonymous4/27/11, 12:10 PM

        Are these updates included in the 4/27 GPA15 build? I'm guessing so but figured I'd check...

        ReplyDelete
      38. Dan4/27/11, 12:44 PM

        Thanks. Just flashed 1.0 LV. Running GPA14 too. Works like a charm.

        ReplyDelete
      39. Unknown4/27/11, 1:54 PM

        Pete
        Good job As always. Thank you.
        What is the best way to tell if the autooverclock.zip worked

        ReplyDelete
      40. Pete4/27/11, 2:01 PM

        @Max, if using one of my GPA builds, you can run "cpuinfo" in a terminal and it will output all the info you need to know.

        ReplyDelete
      41. Glenn4/27/11, 2:55 PM

        Flashed 1.0 lv, and AutoOverclock. So far, everything looks great!
        The only question I had was regarding compcache. Previously I would use "compcache start" from a terminal. Now that command complains about a missing kernel module. Seems it is looking for the old module name.
        This is on GPA14, so I'm guessing the compcache script from that rom is taking precedence?

        Relatedly, is there a better way to have compcache start on boot than using the Autostart app and autostart.sh? That hasn't been very reliable for me.

        Great work as always, and thanks again!

        ReplyDelete
      42. Anonymous4/27/11, 5:19 PM

        Kernel is amazing, phone is running smoother than ever..Can't get the new Compcache to work though, anyone have it working?

        ReplyDelete
      43. Pete4/27/11, 5:21 PM

        @Anonymous, you must have my modified compcache script, in GPA15 :)

        ReplyDelete
      44. Anonymous4/27/11, 5:33 PM

        i am running the 1 g lv now with gpa14 - no issues so far. is 15 getting close to ready yet? will i need to reinstall the .2 kernel after upgrading to 15, or ?

        ReplyDelete
      45. Anonymous4/27/11, 5:36 PM

        to control the cpu i'm using the "no frills cpu control" from the market, it applies on boot and lets you pick min/max and gov type. seems to work well for me!

        ReplyDelete
      46. james4/27/11, 5:50 PM

        so i am running pe so if i flash a kernal of yours and use the built in cpu max and min setting the phone will regulate itself to whats speed is needed right?

        ReplyDelete
      47. Unknown4/27/11, 6:38 PM

        Love the kernel (1.25lv) using with cm7. compcache swap USB tether all working perfectly snappier performance than latest deprimed running same clock speeds.

        ReplyDelete
      48. Pete4/27/11, 6:41 PM

        @Justin, spread the word brother, spread the word!

        ReplyDelete
      49. Eric M. Bush4/27/11, 7:17 PM

        Will this work with GPA15 beta?

        ReplyDelete
      50. Oliver4/27/11, 7:25 PM

        Pete, I have a question. Im assuming the SD speed mod you put in this amazing kernel is the same thing as those apps that increase sd cache from stock 128mb. I am currently running an app called SD speed increase, which sets a custom cache size at boot, and recommends 2048mb. Just curious, what cache size did you choose? And I also assume that its safe to uninstall the app if im using your kernel? Thanks!

        ReplyDelete
      51. Scott4/27/11, 9:03 PM

        Gpa15 with your 1.0 lv kernel is working awesome! The 1.25 lv was a bit too much for my phone but the 1.0 is great. Had trouble with the market, but all is well after 1 reboot... Thanks again Pete... Everyone I know with a Droid knows about your work:-)
        Do I need the modified compcache script? If so, where can I get it?

        ReplyDelete
      52. Moody4/27/11, 9:43 PM

        can someone explain, when I can use LV , IV or SV? thanks...

        ReplyDelete
      53. Pete4/27/11, 9:55 PM

        @Scott, you do not need the modified script, it is already in GPA15. If you wish to use compcache, simply run "compcache start" in a terminal.

        @Moody, the best option is LV (Low Voltage), it will use less batter life. If your phone becomes unstable it is because it is not getting enough voltage. From there try a SV (Standard Voltage), again if it is unstable, go to a IV (Invreased Voltage).

        ReplyDelete
      54. Anonymous4/27/11, 10:05 PM

        Retraction of previous comment: Music being played at fast speeds was fixed with a reboot. Sorry for the premature post. Keep up the good work!

        ReplyDelete
      55. NuLL.n.Void4/27/11, 10:54 PM

        SPECTACULAR! I always tell my no-rooted and newbie friends to start with the best. I tell them to start here.

        ReplyDelete
      56. PRJBD4/28/11, 12:12 AM

        WTF Pete...You did it again. Kernel: 1.1ghz LV. My phone is at 60%, normal usage, running fast and cool and has been on for 23 hours. Speechless...

        ReplyDelete
      57. Dr4g0nf1y4/28/11, 9:24 AM

        If I flash from a 1.0GHZLV to the 1.25GHZLV will I need to re-install AutoOverclock?

        ReplyDelete
      58. Anonymous4/28/11, 12:47 PM

        WOW... using your Kernel and CM 7.02 and it is much faster than ChevyNo1. Just finished the benchmark and all aspects of the test were faster.

        Can't wait for The Beast! =)

        ReplyDelete
      59. Moody4/28/11, 2:54 PM

        Thanks Pete for answering my question, Great Work.
        I used 1GHZ LV and i see the improvment.

        One question though, does GPA14 Support any other languages like Arabic? I see the letters, but they are seperated! Thanks again.

        ReplyDelete
      60. Dan4/28/11, 3:10 PM

        Do you have to use autooverclock if you are already on GPA14 with 1ghz low voltage kernel?

        And when do you flash it, after flashing the new kernel I guess? Thx

        ReplyDelete
      61. Michael Scott4/28/11, 8:08 PM

        I was just looking through the .38 kernel changes wondering if you were going to include them in your .2 kernel. REALLY REALLY good stuff.

        ReplyDelete
      62. MITBeta4/28/11, 9:41 PM

        Does SetCPU need to be uninstalled to use AutoOverClock? Do they interfere with each other?

        ReplyDelete
      63. Scotty4/29/11, 10:54 AM

        Thanks Peter, the "My Verizon" is working perfectly again after downloading the 4-29 update. I've noticed that this version is running way smoother using the .80 kernel vs. the 1.20 that I was using on the 8-28 update. I also love the smaller frame you have built this one on. I wrote on the Rom Manager comment page yesterday that Motorola should can all of their programmers and hire you with their collective wage.

        While perusing My Verizon, I noticed that I'm eligible for an upgrade to Thunderbolt next month, but I'm going to pass. I'd miss all the fun I'm having following your path of making the Old Geezers out perform the latest and greatest!
        I'm a retired old geezer myself so read into it what you may.

        I don't know what your major is in college, but you have a real talent in programming! I've read it a thousand times on you sites but what I'm about to say, I really mean......THANK YOU!

        ReplyDelete
      64. Anonymous4/29/11, 4:22 PM

        Would this kernel be appropriate for Bugless Beast v0.6.2.1 or just the GPA series?

        ReplyDelete
      65. Jay4/29/11, 5:21 PM

        @Moody

        I have the same problem with Hebrew that you have with Arabic (only in certain apps). This is a per-app issue with right-left languages that I see in the Browser most often. That's on Google, not Pete.

        ReplyDelete
      66. Michael4/29/11, 9:31 PM

        Love the new kernels!!!! installed the 1.0ghz lv and the phone is zooming!! I am gonna miss your builds when i upgrade in november. when are you upgrading and what are you upgrading to??

        ReplyDelete
      67. Anonymous4/30/11, 4:40 AM

        I am on GPA 14 and was wondering how I can get compcache to work

        ReplyDelete
      68. Dan4/30/11, 9:55 AM

        Just wanted to say thanks as well... I just donated you 5 bux, and that really can't display how much I appreciate you helping us all squeeze the last bit of life out of these workhorse devices. It really does make surviving the next three months (until I can get an upgrade) much more bearable.

        ReplyDelete
      69. Matt5/1/11, 11:42 PM

        Just installed CM 7.0.2 on my Droid, as I'm new to the custom ROM/kernel scene, I'm not exactly sure what to do with these. Can I just flash this on top of CM or is there some other to install kernels?

        I'm really liking some of CMs tweaks so far, but your changes to the kernel sound very promising (my Droid tends to run warm, so I'm wondering if a LV kernel could help).

        Thanks!

        ReplyDelete
      70. Anonymous5/2/11, 12:24 AM

        WOW!! I just flashed from v.1 to v.2 of the 1.1LV and this is so much better. THANK YOU for your great work Peter!

        ReplyDelete
      71. Dr4g0nf1y5/2/11, 11:07 PM

        Will these Kernels work on other Android Hardware? Like the CDMA HTC Hero?

        ReplyDelete
      72. Ron5/4/11, 2:49 AM

        I'm running the lv 1.00GHz V0.2 kernel with the D1-MIUI-1.4.29 ROM and it's running great. However, it's only running at 800MHz. What script do I have to put in to get it to clock at 1.00GHz?

        ReplyDelete
      73. Pete5/4/11, 3:10 PM

        +1 on question re compatibility of these kernels with 0.6.2.1 BB. You did tell us to ask our rom dev, after all, and that'd be you ;-)

        ReplyDelete
      74. tony735/5/11, 3:31 PM

        Hey Pete, will this work with Chevys SS5.2 gingerbread rom? If so, what would make it better?

        ReplyDelete
      75. Douglas5/6/11, 9:27 AM

        Using MIUI as well - 1.1GHz LV V0.2. Running great - Ron, I am using "No-frills CPU Control" to set the governor and max freq at boot up. Seems lightweight and doesn't run in the background.

        ReplyDelete
      76. Sean5/6/11, 3:37 PM

        could we have a little clarity on the AutoOverClock? does it auto run on boot? what are the parameters? does it get along w/ setcpu? should we uninstall setcpu? sometimes my device runs quite slow (on 1.1 sv) which it never did on the .1 version w/ setcpu. sorry for the length, but i think some of us our wondering

        ReplyDelete
      77. Benjamin J Harper5/9/11, 1:57 AM

        Im having trouble getting compcache to work...
        I just flashed to your 1.1ghz SV kernel, I'm running UD3.1.1, and I go into terminal emulator, type "su", then "compcache start" and it returns:
        modprobe: chdir(2.6.32.9-peteralfonso): No such directory
        /system/bin/compcache: cannot create /sys/block/zram0/disksize: directory nonexistent
        mkswap: can't open 'dev/block/zram0': No such file or directory
        swapon: can't stat '/dev/block/zram0': No such file or directory
        If you can help me out, I'd greatly appreciate it... thanks

        ReplyDelete
      78. Joshua5/10/11, 2:14 AM

        Man you need to upgrade your phone my friend. Your development is awesome. You should bring it to a phone as advanced as your capabilities. TB,Targa/Bionic....something.

        ReplyDelete
      79. Anonymous5/11/11, 12:34 PM

        not anonymous just not logged in you may call me Dwyndal - sorry i'm logged in on another browser and too lazy to switch but I get the LV, SV, IV settings but for a A855 Droid 1, what Ghz do you suggest? I am after more battery life not so much overclocking yet as i'm trying to find a stable mod - Cyanogen was just too buggy for me. I wanted to test yours but figured i'd try a full custom and i love stock because it's minimal which i prefer. Thanks for the hard work, i tip my hat to you and appreciate the help in advance.

        ReplyDelete
      80. Gadgetskopf5/13/11, 5:46 PM

        Just wanted to give a 'heads up'. I haven't found a Gingerbread ROM that does not flake out on my bluetooth yet, but just for kicks, I fired up GPA14 with the 1ghz V0.2 kernel and the Netflix app from XDA worked like a champ!

        ReplyDelete
      81. Alexander5/14/11, 7:06 AM

        Peter, your doing a hell of a job man! It's nice to see someone keep breathing life back into our droids! Thank you for all the heard work you always put into it. I'll be following your work, as I'm sure will a bunch of others. :D

        ReplyDelete
      82. Bert G5/14/11, 10:03 PM

        Hi and thank you. Do I need to flash kernel, then reboot, then flash autooverclock, or can I flash kernel, flash autooverclock, then reboot?

        Also, how do I know what speed processor is running at?

        Thank you again,
        Bert

        ReplyDelete
      83. Anonymous5/16/11, 7:31 PM

        I love you Peter!

        ReplyDelete
      84. SDraconis5/18/11, 1:59 AM

        Will this kernel work Froyo, or is it GB only?

        ReplyDelete

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