I've got a Netronix EB-100 and from all appearances, it's a STAReBOOK STK-101 without the logos. The sample ebooks on it all have the .stk extension. What I'd like is a copy of the last available firmware update (I think it was the SD1.zip file they had on their site.) and the last version of STK Maker. I don't want the eRead 7.0 because while it installs on my WinXP machine, it won't make an STK ebook from a very plain-vanilla .txt file. Keeps crashing. Anyway, I've got WinXP w/SP2. If anyone can post these files or send them to me at my email via an attachment, I'd appreciate it.

Derek

I don't have the last firmware update :( The one listed on their site is a bit old, and I'm also looking for the newer firmware.

I think I can dig up the STK maker thou if you still need it,

give me a yell,

mike

Hi,

I also do not have the "newest" version anymore, just the 111 (older) version.
I also now hae my STAReBOOK working as a Cybook, so luckily I do not have to use the .stk maker anymore...and believe me...the older version were not working that well either...

I think I have a copy of the 112 firmware around, but as with CommanderROR, I'm not a cybook'er instead of a STAReBOOK'er.

Much nicer. Not perfect, but better

I think I have a copy of the 112 firmware around, but as with CommanderROR, I'm not a cybook'er instead of a STAReBOOK'er.

Much nicer. Not perfect, but better

Yeah... I've yet to find an e-Ink reader which meets all my desires... If one supports Mobi, it doesn't support eReader Pro. If it supports eReader Pro, it doesn't support on-the-fly font changes, or it has a crappy library navigator. IOW, if it's not missing one feature, it'll be missing half a dozen others.

Still, having attempted to cope with STK-101's app, I'm quite content to use the Boo Reader while waiting for a better, more inclusive app. :)

Derek

If they were to come out with a new firmware that you actually wanted, would it still be possible to flash it even after converting to a Gen3?

If they were to come out with a new firmware that you actually wanted, would it still be possible to flash it even after converting to a Gen3?

Now that's the thing... What if they add to the Cybook Gen3 by adding in touchscreen and wifi support *before* they come out with the next firmware update? What if they tie their firmware 'update' to those hardware changes? Could it be that those of us with 'original version' Cybooks would be completely screwed? I think it *could* happen. But I don't know what's going on so I'm just going to have to wait and see.

Derek

2delphidb96
I've got a Netronix EB-100 too. It looks like STAReBOOK STK-101.
I've got some problems with STK format. :(
Five sample books have been opened well. All versions of "Alice" posted by CommanderROR have been opened too.
But when I tried to open STK book created by myself (eREAD 7.0) from plain text (700K), it wasn't opened. I used eREAD 7.0 English. What's wrong?
Moreover, when I open sample books from EB-100 by eREAD 7.0, it perfoms some changes within these ones, and newer versions of these files couldn't be opened by EB-100 - some internal information has been crashed.

Maybe, I have to use some previous version of eREAD?

Do you have similar problems?

2delphidb96
I've got a Netronix EB-100 too. It looks like STAReBOOK STK-101.
I've got some problems with STK format. :(
Five sample books have been opened well. All versions of "Alice" posted by CommanderROR have been opened too.
But when I tried to open STK book created by myself (eREAD 7.0) from plain text (700K), it wasn't opened. I used eREAD 7.0 English. What's wrong?
Moreover, when I open sample books from EB-100 by eREAD 7.0, it perfoms some changes within these ones, and newer versions of these files couldn't be opened by EB-100 - some internal information has been crashed.

Maybe, I have to use some previous version of eREAD?

Do you have similar problems?

Nope. But then I must correct myself. I've got the EB-100 but I went ahead and "patched over" to the Bookeen Cybook Gen3 firmware. I'm now running their Version 1.0, Build 538 and am quite happy. It's not reading *ANY* STK ebooks, but it does just fine reading both unlocked and "Secure" Mobipocket ebooks.

I wouldn't recommend doing this, though, as Bookeen doesn't like it if you do and you'd lose all ability for any current ebooks in STK format.

Email me if you want further details...


Derek

delphidb96
Thank you for reply. I've already read openinkpot :) Thank you for your research. But I don't need to convert Netronix into Gen3 right now. Maybe, in future I'll ask you some question about it (on IRC, of course).

I have EB-100 with STK-101 firmware, version 1.11.
STK is a proprietary book "container". OK.
On the first step I should try to learn how to make correct STK-files from my own TXT files. Further I'll think about other possibilities (change firmware etc.)

I don't quite understand why STK-maker (eREAD program) produces incorrect files, which couldn't be open by Netronix. On the other hand, CommanderROR made some STK-files by himself (2 versions of "Alice"), and Netronix opens all his files successfully. What kind of software he used?

2micro
Have you made STK files by yourself? Was this procedure successful?
If you do, what kind of software you used?

Hi

I used the old eRead 3.0 Software. The 6.0 also worked (but was all chinese) so I can vouch for those programs, but not the new 7.0 version I have never heard of... ;)

Unfortunately the old download links I know of don't work anymore, so I can't tell you where to get an old eRead Software.
The STAReBOOK was discontinued anyway, so I'm rather surprised the eRead software is still being developed...I thought it was the same guys working on it...

Hi

I used the old eRead 3.0 Software. The 6.0 also worked (but was all chinese) so I can vouch for those programs, but not the new 7.0 version I have never heard of... ;)
Thank you. I have not found any links to older versions of eRead.
Here: http://english1.isoshu.com/reader/index_homepage.html is 7.0 only, any other sources contain this link also or dead links.
How could I obtain an old version? Maybe, you have it?

I'm sorry, but I do not have the old version anymore. I got it from eread.co.nz but that site is probably also down by now.

I'm sorry, but I do not have the old version anymore. I got it from eread.co.nz but that site is probably also down by now.


I finally got a copy of the latest EB-100 update kernel firmware from Netronix, so I'm good to go on that, but I've yet to find a decent version of STK-Maker...

In any case, it's really a moot point for me as I've already taken the plunge and "updated" my EB-100 to the Cybook Version 1.0 Build 538 firmware. Works great! :)

Derek

I finally got a copy of the latest EB-100 update kernel firmware from Netronix, so I'm good to go on that, but I've yet to find a decent version of STK-Maker...

In any case, it's really a moot point for me as I've already taken the plunge and "updated" my EB-100 to the Cybook Version 1.0 Build 538 firmware. Works great! :)

Derek


You know... I never did post the update_kernal.zip file that works with the EB-100. Here it is.

Thank you for posting the files...

I have run into a (rather stupid) problem however...

I ran the Cybook update and it worked (sort of), gave me the checkerboard thingy again which I could have resolved by applying a proper Cybook Firmware I guess.
Instead, I decided to give the Netronix Firmware in the archive a try...it worked on my STAReBOOK, but now I can't get back to the Cybook firmware anymore...

I'll have to do some more testing, but with the firmware from the archive I now just get "different version, can't update" and that's it.On the upside, your firmware managed to properly patch the bootloader of my STAReBook and it now really behaves like a Cybook during booting, meaning that I can now get into the flashing utility by holding the centre key instead of having to have the right file on the card...another step towards a complete conversion...now...I only have to get rid of the Netronix firmware again...^^


EDIT: I reran the original conversion file and it got me back to Cybook, but not really...I get to the checkerboard part, but at the mometn I can't get further than that...the original method does not seem to work...will continue testing and report once I get somewhere...

UPDATE: I checked everything thoroughly and found that for some reason the main flash always got corrupted. I experimented a bit with formatting the drive and after a few tries it worked again. I then reapplied the original "hacked" Cybook firmware (after having run the update derek provided above), copied the required files over (just like during the original Cybook conversion) and now have a Cybook that seems to work a lot better than last time I converted. I can't say much yet, but the checkerboard errors when disconnecting from USB for example are gone now.

I'd recommend everybody who converted a STAReBOOK to rerun the procedure with the files Derek provided above...if I find any other improvements or problems I'll let you know.

Thanks Derek!

One thing that still does not work is upgrading the firmware using regular Cybook upgrades, so it's still not 100% cybook

Thank you for posting the files...


*snipped*


I'd recommend everybody who converted a STAReBOOK to rerun the procedure with the files Derek provided above...if I find any other improvements or problems I'll let you know.

Thanks Derek!

One thing that still does not work is upgrading the firmware using regular Cybook upgrades, so it's still not 100% cybook


You are welcome. Yeah, it will be wonderful when OI becomes a reality for the Netronix/Bookeen/Astak devices. In the mean time, I'm waiting for my RMA number so I can send my EB-100 back to have its screen replaced. Just picking it up from the side table, turning it on and transferring my grip from the left hand to the right hand cracked the screen. It was horrifying to watch the ebook I'd chosen appear and then disappear as the screen fractured in my hand. :eek::eek::eek:

Derek

Just a quick update:

My converted STAReBOOK now works perfectly (apart from the fact that it will still not accept regular Bookeen firmware updates), I have had no bugs, no crashes, no lost bookmarks or anything after using it for two days now.
It still reads DRM mobipocket books (even the PID stayed the same).
The only change to the negative I have noticed is a slightly slower pageturn and a (possible, I can't really be sure) lower battery-life, but it is still very close to perfect.

Anyone stuck with a crippled STAReBOOK or a first-gen imperfect conversion to Cybook Gen3 should give this a try, it's a huge improvement!

Should anyone have problems and/or questions, just ask!

I may be being blind here, but I can't see any steps for installing this alternate firmware?
:thanks: in advance!

Well, they were on the opeininkpot website a while ago, but now were appartently takesn down.

I'll give you the tour if you like:

1.) Download the file Delphidb attached to his post
2.) Extract it to a folder somehwere.
You will find two subfolders, one containing the Cybook firmware, the other containing the Netronix firmware
3.) Copy all files from the Cybook firmware to the root of an empty SD card, put it in the STAReBOOK (or other OEM device) and start it.
With the STAReBOOK you don't have to do anything, with some of the other devices you have to hold doen the center key whily it boots.
4.) The flashing process should now start. Once it finishes successfully you will probably get a checkerboard screen and a non-responding device.

Don't worry, this is normal...

5.) Attach your STAReBOOK to your Computer as usual and you will see the internal memory and SD card just like normal even if you can't see anyting on the eink display apart from the checkerboard.

6.) Now you need to create a folder named "System" in the internal memory of the STAReBOOK and put a file into it that was originally up on Openinkpot but is now also gone. I'll put it up at the end of this post. After you have copied this files into the system folder in the internal memory of the STAReBOOK (I'll upload the whole Deal I got from OpenInkpot, there are some fonts included as well) you restart the device and should now have a fully working Cybook Gen3

Let me know whether it worked smoothly and if you run into problems let me know. You can always flash back to the STAReBOOK firmware or the Netronix one included in the file Delphidb provided, the bootloader works even if something else goes wrong.
Oh, and you will have to delete the fontcache file in the system folder to be able to use all the fonts. This seems to be a cybook issue.

Thanks for that, as soon as I get/win/steal (:p) a reader, I shall be trying this. Don't like the idea of STK files, so this might well be the first thing I try :D

OK, but you might just get a Cybook directly then...^^

Well, they were on the opeininkpot website a while ago, but now were appartently takesn down.

I'll give you the tour if you like:

1.) Download the file Delphidb attached to his post
2.) Extract it to a folder somehwere.
You will find two subfolders, one containing the Cybook firmware, the other containing the Netronix firmware
3.) Copy all files from the Cybook firmware to the root of an empty SD card, put it in the STAReBOOK (or other OEM device) and start it.
With the STAReBOOK you don't have to do anything, with some of the other devices you have to hold doen the center key whily it boots.
4.) The flashing process should now start. Once it finishes successfully you will probably get a checkerboard screen and a non-responding device.

Don't worry, this is normal...

5.) Attach your STAReBOOK to your Computer as usual and you will see the internal memory and SD card just like normal even if you can't see anyting on the eink display apart from the checkerboard.

6.) Now you need to create a folder named "System" in the internal memory of the STAReBOOK and put a file into it that was originally up on Openinkpot but is now also gone. I'll put it up at the end of this post. After you have copied this files into the system folder in the internal memory of the STAReBOOK (I'll upload the whole Deal I got from OpenInkpot, there are some fonts included as well) you restart the device and should now have a fully working Cybook Gen3

Let me know whether it worked smoothly and if you run into problems let me know. You can always flash back to the STAReBOOK firmware or the Netronix one included in the file Delphidb provided, the bootloader works even if something else goes wrong.
Oh, and you will have to delete the fontcache file in the system folder to be able to use all the fonts. This seems to be a cybook issue.

CommanderROR,

Thanks for posting such a clear and concise set of instructions! I know mine were spread all over the place. :)

Derek

Hi guys,

Not having trouble with this (yet) but just trying to clarify the steps I need to take. Should hopefully help other people too.

2.) Extract it to a folder somehwere.
You will find two subfolders, one containing the Cybook firmware, the other containing the Netronix firmware

In "update kernal.rar" I have - "Kernel 1.3版16M(已修改)" and "PVI AP 1.3" as folders, it's probably obvious but which file is which, Nextronix and Cybook?

6.) For these files, the "system" folder has a file, and another folder.
File is icudt36l.dat and the folder is "user" containing "config.dat"

I'm assuming I should just copy the file and the folder over? Wanted to just confirm this.

It seems straightforward, just wanted to clarify a few things!
Don't want to break my shiny new reader when it comes :book2:

:thanks:

Ok, i'll try to clarify... :D

The correct firmware is in the "Kernel 1.3版16M(已修改)" folder, the PVI folder contains the other firmware.
Copy all the files from the "Kernel 1.3版16M(已修改)" folder to the root of your SD card (empty if possible).

About your second question...yes, just copy everything over to internal memory of the STAReBOOK, but AFTER you have flashed and booted the STAReBOOK (you should have a device that is displaying a checkerboard pattern).

I hope that helps.

OK have started updating, I haven't actually got a checkerboard, but just a "Verify Update Data" screen, with a complete progress bar, with "Update Success" below this.

The device doesn't respond, which is normal, but nothing happens when I plug it in either? Any ideas?
Don't really fancy forcing it to turn off!

Regards,

Simon

Turned the device off, went back to Chinese, still has the STAReBOOK firmware on it.
When trying to run the update, now tells me the version is wrong, and it cannot update, so boots back into the Chinese set STAReBOOK firmware.

:help: :)

Ok, try this one on for size:

Thanks for that, seems to be the right firmware now

Gen3 1.1.685 :p

Just updating now, I had to hold the "tick" button while starting up, which is odd, but there we go :D

OK, now I get told the internal memory is not a formatted drive, and would I like to format it?

I can still see the files on the SD card, so it's connected, but seems to think the drive isn't formatted?

Grr :cool:

OK, now I get told the internal memory is not a formatted drive, and would I like to format it?

I can still see the files on the SD card, so it's connected, but seems to think the drive isn't formatted?

Grr :cool:

Are you looking at the SD card or the Cybook internal memory?

BTW, you should format the SD card to FAT32 using a Windows PC. If you have a Mac, you'll be stuffing a bunch of Mac-specific folders, like .trash, onto it and the Cybook doesn't *like* that. So if you have a Mac, remove those files after formatting to FAT32 and before inserting into the Cybook. (IOW, format the card away from the Cybook. You wouldn't want the Mac to decide to add those *bad* files to the Cybook's memory.)

Also, keep all your ebooks in the \eBooks folder *ON* the SD card. Then life will be good. :)

Derek

I had the issue with the "drive not formatted" (internal memory) as well, can't really tell you how I solved it, I just formatted it again and again until it finally worked...this is a bit of a tricky one, but I got it working, so I guess you will too.

I remember that the trick is to format and mount the drive in the right order, but since I got it working by Trial and error I can't tell you how.

Am trying now, nothing yet, but will post back if I work it out.

I'm on XP, what did you use to format yours, XP too? Just curious, wondered if it's worth trying it using linux.

@Derek, I do have a mac, but am not using it for this!

Am currently trying mounting and formatting in different patterns :eek:

Will report back!

edit - on some restarts it knows the partition is there (have tried fat and fat32), but does not display the files. Windows seems to think the partition is full, bar about 3mb.
Other times on reset the partition is gone and needs creating again!

Am still trying!

I used XP too, you could try the following:

Rerun the flashing procedure with the files I posted last, leave the device connected to USB during the process. Once it finishes flashing and goes to the checkerboard copy the needed files/folders over and restart the device.

I'll try that next.
I've just put the files to flash again onto the SD card, and now I get the Bookeen boot displayed, but leaving it I get checkerboard.

I've held down the "tick", but the flash fails. Now holding down the tick doesn't seem to do much! :smack:

Have just tried again, I get the Cybook Gen3 startup, but now it goes to the checkerboard each time.

Am currently trying the reformating at the checkerboard screen *after* the gen3 bootup logo has appeared


edit -

Okay so that didn't work! :)

I reflashed, but it was much quicker than before. Only good bit about this time was the formatted internal memory was still accessible without a reformat after flashing!

I shall investigate further... this is making the creation of .stk ebooks look like an easier option! =P

Nothing yet! Will resume my attempts tomorrow morning :cool:

Thanks for all the help so far too, especially Derek and Roland :thanks:

Well, if you can access internal memory after reflash then everything is fine, just copy over the System Folder (to internal memory of the STAReBOOK) and reboot, that shoudl be it...

That happened once after a reflash, but I copied it all over, and it still gave me the checkerboard pattern.

Now it's back to unformatting itself every time like it was before :p

I'll keep trying when I get to work

This is very strange indeed, but I had a similar issue...probably something to do with the slight difference between the STAReBOOK and the Cybook Gen3.
However, I can guarantee that it works and once you have managed the conversion it works flawlessly.

Have you tried formatting with a different tool, the HP USB formatting tool for example? Maybe a chkdsk scan of the internal memory would also help? I did all sorts of stuff and never really knew what really helped in the end.
Maybe I'll try to go back to the stage you are on now and see whether I can get it to produce the error again and then try to fix it again.
No idea whether that is possible, but I'll try.


UPDATE: Try this:

When you are at "Checkerboard Stage", format the internal memory, copy the files over onto the Cybook (maybe just copy the System folder with the icutdl file for now) and then don't restart the device but unplug the USB cable. Now wait. It should restart itself, but not from the very beginning but from the second bootscreen. That just worked for me, but I can't guarantee that it will work for you, worth a try though...^^

OK!
Think I've managed it.
I used the HP tool, already had it on this PC but didn't consider using it :rolleyes:
Formatted as fat32, then copied the files over as I had before.

I now get the "CYBOOK GEN3" loader screen with the image, then a

"..." with a picture of the cybook next to it.

It has developed a tendency to turn itself off, but I'm going to leave it charging today and see how it goes...

:thanks: all! I may update the method if you don't mind Derek/Roland? Just put in the bits I've got, and maybe upload a ZIP file with all the necessary files in one place?

Regards,
Simon

Yep, do that.
I upgraded mine in steps, first with the hacked firmware from OpenInkpot then with the stuff Derek posted so my experience is also a bit different from the "normal" one.
Nice to know that the HP tool did the trick though...I also had it installed and just decided to try it...seems that was what made it work.

btw. the switching off is normal, that's the auto power off, you can deactivate that.

Thinking about it, it makes sense for the HP utility to enable it to boot properly, seeing as it's main purpose is to make drives bootable... :rolleyes:

Didn't think of it like that before :smack:

Well, thanks to a well placed month long vacation I missed all of this until now. Still, so far so good.

I got the firmware updated using DelphiDB's files, and strangely enough for me, it then booted right into a cybook. No checkerboard for me. Bit odd but such is life.

Anyhow, I then kept following instructions, and reformatted internal mem (HP tool), copied over the System folder and fonts (thanks commanderROR), and so far so good.

I'll try it out over the next few days and see how I get on with it,

thanks for all the help and hard work, especially to DelphiDB and CommanderROR. I owe you guys beers,

micro

No Problem... ;)

I hope your cybook now works as smoothly as mine does...

My only concern is that the battery seems to drain faster, whether that is my imagination or the firmware I can't say.
Battery life is still OK anyway...and maybe my battery is showing signs of old age... :D

quick point,

for whatever reason my new "cybook" restarted with no files showing as present. It seems that it defaulted to "hide ebooks" causing a few puzzling moments as I tried to figure out what was going on.

micro

I had the same "issue" and was worried for a few moments until I found the "hide books" thingy...very strange.

Well, so far so good.

2 hours solid reading with no crash, bomb or even general flakiness.

I'm not sure but it does seem that page turns take longer. Well, not the turn itself, but the time between pushing "next" and anything happening. Its not instant and there is a definate lag.

Still, IT WORKS!!!!!!

Thanks guys. You rock.

Glad to hear it, I'll try and get a file together today containing all the files you need to carry out the conversion, and I'll compile the method that we seem to have perfected :2thumbsup