#*#377#. Ever wondered if there was more to this than just showing the system error log? That’s the Verizon variant of the error log code, which is one of the many (and often times mysterious) hash codes that give you access to hidden features on your Palm device.

Please note: The function of some of these codes still remain a mystery to enthusiasts. A lot of them were discovered through trial and error (yes, we have a lot of time on our hands), and while the presence of some of these codes can be easily discovered this way, their purposes are often more difficult to understand. We have indicated some codes with which users should be particularly careful. Also, these codes have only been tested on Palm OS devices, so we cannot confirm nor deny their usability on Windows Mobile devices.

There are three parts to a hash code - the prefix, the code, and then the suffix.

1. The Prefix
The first thing that needs to be determined before using hash codes is the prefix, which is a sequence of #’s and/or *’s, that you need to use. They vary by radio technology, and sometimes by carrier.

CDMA

• Verizon: #*#
• Sprint: ##
• Other CDMA: #*#

GSM

• All Carriers: #*

2. The Code

This is the second part of a hash code. The code is what determines which hidden function is toggled. The majority of these codes spell out a word or abbreviation, so it may be easier to remember ERR instead of 377. Note that ERR is not to be typed out on the QWERTY keyboard, but rather, on the on-screen keypad.

Commonly Used

• 377
  Spells “ERR.” It displays the last error which caused a soft reset, what program was running, line number, etc.
• 786
  Spells “RTN.” This the Phone Information page. It tells you how many minutes the unit has on it, how much data has transpired, the warranty date, ESN, phone number, software and hardware revisions, refurbished status, etc. Note: Please be careful with the options in the pull-down menu.
• 66
  Spells “ON.” Turns on the radio.
• 633
  Spells “OFF.” Turns off the radio.

Others

• 33284
  Spells “DEBUG.” This is the CDMA phone info screen, which contains a bunch of technical data on your curent signal and tower connection. Signal strength is given as RSSI, which stands for Received Signal Strength Indicator. The closer to zero the RSSI value, the better the signal.
• 49878
  Spells “HWTST.” This launches the Troubleshooter and allows you to perform a hardware test.
• 3836
  Spells “EVDO.” Launches Network Settings to force RTT or EVDO. This is useful if you don’t have EVDO coverage and want to force 1xRTT to prolong battery life.
• 3282
  Spells “DATA.” Allows you to log into data services.
• 8766
  Spells “VPON.” Voice privacy enabled.
• 87633
  Spells “VPOFF.” Voice privacy disabled.
• 744
  Spells “SIG.” Signal strength for select models only.
• 744625
  Spells “SIGNAL.” Signal strength for select models only.
• 8463
  Spells “TIME.” Displays the current date and time.
• 56228466
  Spells “LOCATION.” Displays GPS location data (does not seem to work).
• 000000
  This will allow you to manually program the phone on Verizon devices. Use this if you are planning to sell your phone and don’t want the buyer to see your number. For non-Verizon devices, you need to substitute 000000 with your MSL code (provided by carrier).

Please exercise caution when using the following codes:

• 72346
  Spells “RADIO.” Shows radio software version.
• 8778
  Spells “UPST.” Toggles software download (bootloader). Note: You may need to soft reset your phone after this command.
• 2539
  Spells “AKEY.” Allows you to re-enter the 26-digit AKey on CDMA devices. Note: An incorrect AKey will deactivate the phone and you will need to contact technical support for the AKey.
• 7738
  Spells “PREV.” Opens Mobile Protocol Revision menu.
• 56672225
  Spells “LOOPBACK.” Opens loopback calls menu.
• 3424
  Spells “DIAG.” Toggles passthrough.
• 7277
  Spells “PASS.” Turns on passthrough.
• 7277633
  Spells “PASSOFF.” Turns off passthrough.
• 83843733
  Spells “TETHERED.” Toggles tethered mode.
• 88722366
  Spells “8TRACEON.” Trace enabled. Note: You may need to soft reset your phone after this command.
• 887223633
  Spells “8TRACEOFF.” Trace disabled.
• 28722366
  Spells “2TRACEON.” Trace enabled. Note: You may need to soft reset your phone after this command.
• 287223633
  Spells “2TRACEOFF.” Trace disabled.
• 798722366
  Spells “79TRACEON.” Trace enabled. Note: You may need to soft reset your phone after this command.
• 7987223633
  Spells “79TRACEOFF.” Trace disabled.
• 774
  Spells “PRI.” Allows you to reset the phone to factory settings. Note: This command can delete all data from your Treo. If you do not have recent backup, do not test this code! Do note that you may need to re-program your device and/or contact technical support for a new AKey after running this command.

3. The Suffix

There are two methods to initiate the hash code. The first method works on all devices. After you enter in the code, tap the Dial button on the screen. The second method works on most CDMA devices and is the method I prefer. It is a single # after the code, which is a bit more convenient because you won’t need to reach for the screen.

Filed under: How-to guides