How to boot tethered ?

  • Power-on your jailbreaked device
  • On iTunes logo, plug iDongle
  • Wait for leds to end flashing
  • Unplug iDongle or wait for boot





FAQ

  • What is it ?
    This is a standalone piece of hardware able to boot your jailbreaked device (a.k.a “tethered boot”), and optionnally to jailbreak and hacktivate it if not already done.
  • Why do I need this ?
    If your jailbreaked device is stuck into “recovery mode” (i.e Connect-to-iTunes logo) each time you restart or reboot your device, then it may be usefull for you =)
  • I want one !
    From now, I only have a dozen of (working) prototype. I need to raise some minimal funds to start manufacturing them in quantities, to lower the price as much as possible for the community. You can help by buying me a prototype at good price, or simply donate as pre-order :)
  • DonationsTracker.com - Live Donations Tracking for iDongle

    DonationsTracker.com - Make a Donation to iDongle

  • How do I know if my device is concerned ?
    Any iPhone 3GS made after week 40 (2009). The week number is usually the 4th and 5th digit of the serial number. iPod Touch 2G whose serial number begins with “MC” are concerned or any iPod Touch 3G.
  • Which device is supported ?
    From now, iPhone 3GS and iPodTouch 2G/3G are supported, all with OS 3.1 / 3.1.1 / 3.1.2 only, but the later is recommended.
  • Will you support OS 3.1.3 ?
    Maybe, or not. iDongle can be easily updated through USB. If jailbreak is available, I’ll try and post a free update.
  • Does it provide unlock ?
    Not directly. Look for Geohot’s “sn0w” or Dev Team’s “ultrasn0w” package on Cydia.

iDongle is born !





Just received the PCB prototypes ! I have 8 pieces 12 pieces on hand, and since it’s hand mounted, for each, it tooks me half an hour to solder all components…


Parts supply is difficult for such low quantities, but If I have enough queries, I should be able to start a little production, but don’t expect prices below 10€, the bill of material, including PCB, is about 22€ each (VAT included) for a 50 pieces batch, and it’s not yet mounted… 30€ could be a good price ?

Of course, if your device don’t need to boot tethered once jailbreaked (old bootrom), this is useless for you, go ahead, you’re lucky.

From now, for late devices, only OS versions up to 3.1.2 supports Jailbreak, so please, don’t upgrade to 3.1.3 until I post an update, and don’t blame me if you do so !

Moreover, you can use it as a mini-USB to 30 pins adapter if you need to connect to a computer with just any regular USB cable.

And please note again, at time of writing, IT DOES’NT WORK (yet) for 3.1.3 devices ! If available, I’ll post a firmware update as soon as possible.



Since I can’t afford the bill for covering a 50 pieces batch, you can donate few bucks to help me start, or become a generous (and famous) geek by buying me one of my prototype at good price ;)

If you place an order afterward, please remember me your Paypal ID, I’ll deduce your donation from your order, and if I can’t raise enough funds, I’ll return money back to anyone asking it.

DonationsTracker.com - Live Donations Tracking for iDongle

DonationsTracker.com - Make a Donation to iDongle
List of Donors



Work in Progress



Here’s a view of the PCB. There’s a mini-USB connector for upgrade, and a male 30-pin connector (extrem right) to connect to your iPhone/iPod Touch for jailbreak/tethered boot.
Size is 60×30mm, and I had no choice but to add a 9v battery for power since the 3.3v from the dock isn’t available under iBoot.

Concerning the project, I don’t know yet if source will be released. Who blamed George Hotz or dev-team ? I should have a think about this.

I should receive the first batch for mid-february. Stay tuned !

It’s alive !




Just done ! Here’s the serial debug output from the evaluation board. For technical details, it’s exploiting the iBoot USB exploit found in firmware 3.1.2 and below, and then jailbreak/boot the tethered device as Blackra1n does.
I only have my iPhone on hand, but it should work for all 3.1.2 devices (iPT2G, iPT3G…).

Since the MCU is only USB high speed, the operation can take up to 30 seconds, I’ll post a video as soon as possible. Stay tuned !

Work in Progress

While working on my evaluation board, I started the CAD in the same time. That should’nt be too difficult, I only need an USB Host and some storage.