PRSCustomizer: Customize and personalize your PRS505 Reader [Archive] - Page 3

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keng2000

01-10-2009, 02:18 AM

Only suggestion is for brick issue.
Brick recovery works well for windows with sony updater that is avaliable on windows only. (as i know)
If you are user and do not play around that can brick the reader, Don't worry

alexg

01-11-2009, 01:13 PM

I've tried this update with 1.1.00.18040 and the unit seems to freeze after connecting to USB. Seems to happen consistently.

update: here's what happened to me...

after using PRSCustomizer I was getting lockups when connecting to USB. I could still see the windows drives, but in Sony's software instead of reader it would come up as "Error" and nothing else I could do. Firmware updater wasn't seeing the device either.

To fix this, I downloaded 1.1 Firmware from http://www.prscustomizer.com/, put it on the SD card with the rest of the files from "sdcard" folder and renamed it to "new_opt.img".

Rebooted, pressed 4, then 6 as per manual and restored the firmware to original. After that everything went back to normal, USB worked, etc.

update: seems like i'm out of luck... tried a few more times from clean 1.1.00.18040 and same result - freezes when connecting to USB.

JeffElkins

01-11-2009, 03:44 PM

jamesjmunro

01-11-2009, 09:55 PM

I'm afraid I'm getting the same thing as Alex. Was working fine when I charged it 2 days ago, I applied the modified files today (just wanted the uniform font), and it freezes as soon as I plug it in. Tried creating a new image without the uniform font, but same thing.

Worked fine again when I reflashed with a version I made a couple months ago (just custom reader label and owner info).

JeffElkins

01-12-2009, 09:08 AM

I've been able to reproduce this behavior under XP and have placed this note on my website:

NOTE: Some users are reporting USB-related lockups with PRSCustomizer v1.5/1.5a. This affects firmware versions 1.1 and 1.2. Until this is resolved stay with PRSCustomizer v1.4 if you do not plan to upgrade to firmware 1.3.

Hopefully a fix will be ready soon. Thanks for reporting the problem.

jamesjmunro

01-13-2009, 12:16 PM

Thanks Jeff, looking forward to the fix.

dieterpops

01-13-2009, 07:44 PM

I had the same issue with 1.05a and not recognizing the USB. I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium. I reverted back to the standard Sony firmware.

robedosa

01-16-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi,
after I succesfully upgraded to 1.3, I tried localize to hungarian and changing the fonts to unicode.

It didn't came back again and has no effect with any known unbricking method, just stuck on the starting up screen...

Finally I disassembled the reader and connected to the console over serial. After the common linux startup, while tinyhttp started there was a few message:

### fskLoad
### fskLoaded
latest nblconfig read from 0x00027000
latest nblconfig written to 0x00027800
#### xs_switcher_usbWatcher_endUSBThread
/opt/sony/ebook/application//resources/scripts/kbookLanguageAssets_udef.xml:4: error: not well-formed (invalid token)!

I don't know where I was wrong: just followed the PRSCustomizer manual, and edit the \prsfiles\user_language

I've got directions from Mikhail http://www.msh-tools.com/ebook/index.html to recover the reader with changing the fsk image: and it works.
robe

JeffElkins

01-16-2009, 10:26 PM

The effects of malformed XML never occured to me. Mea Culpa. I've marked PRSCustomizer 1.5 as depreciated on the download site.

robedosa

01-17-2009, 05:23 AM

I don't want to bother you or someone :)
Just a caveat for unexperienced users - like me... Otherwise this is a great tool.

JeffElkins

01-17-2009, 05:36 AM

I don't want to bother you or someone :)
Just a caveat for unexperienced users - like me... Otherwise this is a great tool.

No, it's no bother at all, I'm glad you reported it. Not many inexperienced users would have the resources for recovery that you did. No, localization will have to revert to tested xml files only, if a simple xml error can cause a hard brick. PRSCustomizer 1.5 depreciated.

julia

01-17-2009, 06:01 PM

hi jeff,

i received a new sony reader 505 (the red one) and wanted to customize that one as well. everything works except for english to change into dutch.

i'm using the 1.05a version. :blink:

JeffElkins

01-17-2009, 06:08 PM

hi jeff,

i received a new sony reader 505 (the red one) and wanted to customize that one as well. everything works except for english to change into dutch.

i'm using the 1.05a version. :blink:

Hi Julia,

Please read upthread a bit, I've depreciated 1.05 and 1.05a. Please use 1.04.

julia

01-17-2009, 06:21 PM

Hi Julia,

Please read upthread a bit, I've depreciated 1.05 and 1.05a. Please use 1.04.

read the thread until page 29 ...
but will try the 1.04.
thanks.

JeffElkins

01-17-2009, 06:26 PM

read the thread until page 29 ...
but will try the 1.04.
thanks.

With these monster threads, I start at the last page and go backwards.

julia

01-17-2009, 06:33 PM

With these monster threads, I start at the last page and go backwards.

well that's what i did actually.
didn't realize that 'depreciated' meant not working ...
must be the language barrier that gets in the way once in a while i guess

JeffElkins

01-17-2009, 06:50 PM

well that's what i did actually.
didn't realize that 'depreciated' meant not working ...
must be the language barrier that gets in the way once in a while i guess

I apologize Julia, 'depreciated' is computer buzz-word speak that I usually try to avoid. In plain English (my only language) 1.05* is broken, broken,broken. With firmware 1.1 and 1.2 it can leave your USB non-functional in some cases (I confirmed this 5 or 6 times, then suddenly USB worked again). If you edit user_language, malformed XML could leave your Reader bricked.

julia

01-17-2009, 07:00 PM

I apologize Julia, 'depreciated' is computer buzz-word speak that I usually try to avoid. In plain English (my only language) 1.05* is broken, broken,broken. With firmware 1.1 and 1.2 it can leave your USB non-functional in some cases (I confirmed this 5 or 6 times, then suddenly USB worked again). If you edit user_language, malformed XML could leave your Reader bricked.

no worries. we'll get there eventually.
i'm happy with what you're doing.
i already liked my sony reader a lot.
and with you guys and dolls on this forum, your programme and the sony in my favourite colour it's even more likable now!

:thanks:

JeffElkins

01-17-2009, 07:12 PM

no worries. we'll get there eventually.
i'm happy with what you're doing.
i already liked my sony reader a lot.
and with you guys and dolls on this forum, your programme and the sony in my favourite colour it's even more likable now!

:thanks:

Well, bless you :)

I've been bummed out with the 1.05* issues and now I feel better! I award you karma!

psychre

01-18-2009, 08:51 PM

:smack::smack:Help!!! My baby!!!:smack::smack:

I was trying to Customize the Fonts on my PRS-505. i followed the instructions for the Customizer and copied the Files to the SD Card.

My pervious Flashes have worked just fine, but this time. It began itz
reboot, and then rebooted again and again....

I downloaded the PRS-505 Updater and edited the PRSVersion.dat file.
I run the Updater, i get please connect PRS-505. the update button is
sorta greyed out and it obviously doesn't click to begin.

i can access the reader as a disk drive but thats all. i tried reinserting the
SDcard but the reader just continues the cycle.

:help:Any help would be greatly greatly appreciated!!!:help:

JeffElkins

01-18-2009, 09:18 PM

psychre

01-18-2009, 09:30 PM

Firmware is US 1.1.00.18040
Customizer is 1.04 win

JeffElkins

01-18-2009, 09:41 PM

Firmware is US 1.1.00.18040
Customizer is 1.04 win

Two things to try.

1. Paperclip the reset button and immediately hook the Reader to USB. Try the updater.

Or (from the wiki)

# Use a paper clip or pin to depress the reset button in the small hole on the back of the unit. Turn the unit on.

# Wait until the "Starting up..." page is displayed for a few seconds and you see the orange LED blinking. Just count like 3 to 4 sec. from the moment you see the LED blinking.

# Repeat steps 1 and 2 ten times.

# On the tenth reset let the Reader boot and after a few minutes the message "Firmware update is not finished correctly. Please execute firmware update again." will be displayed.

# Connect the USB cable and the device will automatically go into recovery ("Updating firmware now...") mode. At that point, use the Sony updater.

psychre

01-18-2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks Jeff!!!! I actually got it to work by hooking it to a Windows NT machine, Formating the Root Drive ( the one with all my books) then restarting the Updater.

The Firmware loaded and she'z all pertiful again!! no more font experiments though!! lol thanks!!!

:bookworm:

JeffElkins

01-18-2009, 09:53 PM

exelinguy

01-22-2009, 04:28 AM

Hi,
My firmware is US 1.1.00.18040 and when I use Win (Vista) 1.04 my prs 505 tells me that this device is not supported...Am I missing something?

JeffElkins

01-22-2009, 08:00 AM

Hi,
My firmware is US 1.1.00.18040 and when I use Win (Vista) 1.04 my prs 505 tells me that this device is not supported...Am I missing something?

If the error is being reported by Igorsk's Flasher, double check the files on the root of your sd card. If the folder files.505.1.1.00.18040 is missing a similar message will pop up. And if that folder is missing others probably are too.

exelinguy

01-22-2009, 09:32 AM

Yes that is the message im getting...where can i get that folder from, im sorry?

"Sorry, this firmware version is not supported:

505.1.1.00.18040"

and i have the options below.

exelinguy

01-22-2009, 09:43 AM

SOrry, ignore that....I'm but an oaf! Thankyou. I'm trying it out now...

exelinguy

01-22-2009, 06:29 PM

Its working very well! Thankyou for this wonderful piece of software.

JeffElkins

01-23-2009, 03:10 AM

Its working very well! Thankyou for this wonderful piece of software.

You're welcome. Glad you've sorted it out.

cube75

01-27-2009, 01:38 PM

Thanks for this awesome work!!

PieOPah

01-28-2009, 05:45 AM

Well, I finally took the plunge and decided to customise my Firmware.

I still haven't been very adventurous - I have changed the icons and logo and added my personal information.

I was toying with the idea of changing the fonts but wasn't sure what advantage Unicode would give me...

Thanks for this :)

JeffElkins

01-28-2009, 07:49 AM

PieOPah

01-28-2009, 07:52 AM

The Unicode fonts are mainly useful to folks reading in languages like Russian.

Thanks. In that case, I am happy with the way things are :)

I have no problem with the font as it is...

Valloric

01-28-2009, 12:53 PM

I have no problem with the font as it is...

It's not merely about having Unicode support. I for instance have no use for it... but installing a custom font... believe me, you have no idea how vastly your reading experience can improve with a better font, like Caecillia.

Then again, to each his own.

PieOPah

01-28-2009, 01:35 PM

I might have a try at installing a new font then :)

Thank you

mpd123

01-28-2009, 04:39 PM

hi all

have tried to install prscustomiser followed all instructions and it brings me to the options page

i press 5 (allow program to run)

i press 6 (allow program to run)

then i press 9 to reboot

device reboots starts up and nothing has changed device is as before .

i have read thru this post from pg 1-36.

and cant see what is going wrong any advice/help.

cheers mick.

JeffElkins

01-28-2009, 07:52 PM

PieOPah

01-29-2009, 01:37 AM

I guess by options page he means the menu to select 'create image' etc...

mpd123

01-29-2009, 02:44 AM

I guess by options page he means the menu to select 'create image' etc...

sorry. yes thats what i mean.

any idea whats up?

CChamp

02-02-2009, 08:53 AM

Hi, I am thinking of trying your PRSCustomizer but was wondering if I get it on my 505 then decide that I don't like it is there a way to take it off? Also how does this affect any future Sony reader updates.

Thanks in advance, CC

JSWolf

02-02-2009, 09:29 AM

Any future firmware updates will replace your current firmware and any hacks you have made.

relexe

02-05-2009, 03:44 AM

opps, i posted in the worng thread, sorry :(

mineralpoint

02-06-2009, 03:49 PM

here is a set that i have come up with, most of the icons are changed some i left the same as the standard ones because i couldn't come up with anything for them. enjoy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/red_pen_zine/kBookAssets-1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v225/red_pen_zine/user_icons1.png

Valloric

02-06-2009, 08:29 PM

here is a set that i have come up with, most of the icons are changed some i left the same as the standard ones because i couldn't come up with anything for them. enjoy.

LOL, that's an amazing theme. Thanks for providing it.

jlbfoot

02-08-2009, 10:31 AM

I've tried several things, but can't seem to get the pirate "theme" on my reader properly. Is there a trick to saving the PNG image/s. I've tried the user files option, and tried replacing the kBookAssets and the kBookIcon files with the pirate PNG files. It must be easier than this. Any advice.

Update...to change icons, I just right-clicked (Windows) the icon PNG, save as, and point to user file in the customizer program. Then select user file when building the SD card files to flash with. I still cannot figure out how to use the larger/framing PNG file (with the pirate ship on it).

JasonB

02-08-2009, 11:17 AM

My apologies if this has been asked and answered before - I did go through most of this thread, but I didn't see it. (I may have gone past it though.)

Is it possible, once you have the "sdcard" folder, to simply extract the contents of Sony's own EXE firmware updater, copy the files in the "sdcard" folder over top of existing files in the Sony updater folder structure, re-create the executable archive, and then simply run it as you would the official firmware without having to worry about booting from an SD card? (I haven't yet compared the actual files / folder structure, so the PRSCustomizer may well be so different as to make this impossible.)

gwynevans

02-09-2009, 05:20 AM

re-create the executable archive, and then simply run it as you would the official firmware without having to worry about booting from an SD card?

I don't think so, as I think that when I looked at it, I found that the Sony exe was using a checksum to be sure that the firmware image it was using wasn't modified!

TedPark

02-09-2009, 08:51 PM

I ran PRSCustomizer and when I pressed the customize button, I got:

An exception of class NilObjectException was not handled. The application must shut down.

Never mind - I downloaded again, extracted again, and it worked OK this time. Sigh.

JeffElkins

02-10-2009, 11:14 AM

I don't think so, as I think that when I looked at it, I found that the Sony exe was using a checksum to be sure that the firmware image it was using wasn't modified!

That's exactly the case. I had a try at regenerating the checksum w/o success.

JeffElkins

02-10-2009, 11:16 AM

JeffElkins

02-10-2009, 07:30 PM

sorry. yes thats what i mean.

any idea whats up?

Hard to say Mick, its worked for thousands, if you go by the download count. I'd try re-downloading and be very specific in following directions, particularly in copying the folder to your SD card (don't copy the folder, copy the contents). Some problems have been from a bad card, others from errors in creating the files ON the SD card.

mineralpoint

02-11-2009, 12:43 AM

1streader

02-13-2009, 02:06 AM

hello,

i have a problem with customizer v.1.04. (for prs-505 witch actual firmware)

following error appears:
(on windows 2000 pc and on my other windows xp pc)

'An exception of of class NilObjectException was not handled. The Application must shut down.'

anbody any idea what i have to do?

thank you for info in advance.

mineralpoint

02-13-2009, 12:08 PM

is there a thread on mobile read that we can all share the themes we've created? that would be awesome.:bookworm:

also has anyone edited all the parts in the kBookAssets.png to see exactly where they go on the reader? and which parts can be edited without getting tiled all over?

1streader

02-16-2009, 02:55 AM

well, i did the advice with download again. but still receiving the error note. any further ideas?
thank you in advance.

gwynevans

02-16-2009, 06:09 AM

That error suggests it's from the 'setup' app Jeff's written. I'm not really familiar with it, but there's a few things you could check/try...

Check that you're up-to-date with the WinXP service packs/updates? All it seems to need are the Windows Common Controls, though...
Try downloading an earlier version (1.03) and see if that works?
Failing that, you could try booting a Linux Live-CD and try the Linux version! :-)

Other than that, take a look at the documentation, say what settings you're after & I'm sure someone will run it & send you the generated config to copy to your SD card.

1streader

02-16-2009, 06:26 AM

Valwit

02-16-2009, 07:46 AM

I tried to customize a reader with the uk firmware. result: hanging on the startup screen.
problem with unbricking: if you follow the instructions unbricking with the us firmware won't work, as it will show that the firmware 1.1... you try to flash is older then the uk 1.2....
solution: edit the file as described in the unbricking tutorial, but: chancge the seceond numer instead of the last: instead of 11something make it 12... or 14... something.
this will enable the flashing as the updater will think now you have a newer version.

when the prs works again, you need to change the verion number to 1.1 again to be able to update it in the future. this is simple: just put in the sdcard you tried to cutomize from, and choose the option to change to the firmware update mode.

on your computer restore the original version number, or simply use the unchanged update. the reader will show version 000000 so you can flash the original us firmware with the number 1.1.

do the whole customization process agian, but this time choose the us version, not the uk - and you see: it works :)

why i wrote it? well, i could not find anything that would describe the situation i was in and save me some time, so i hope if it happens to someone too, he'll see how to get out :)

gwynevans

02-16-2009, 09:10 AM

the idea of sending the generated config is great :-)

may be someone can send me the contents of the sd-card-folder wich has the following settings:

- us 1.1
- language german
- uni-fontsize

thats all.

thanks in advance

Well, I was going to, but found that I had the same issue when I clicked the "Customize" button with 1.04!

I can report that the 1.03 kit (available from the download site when you change the dropdown to "All downloads") works for me, so would suggest you give that a try, till Jeff has a chance to investigate!

1streader

02-16-2009, 11:48 AM

thank you for your attempt.

i tried it with 1.03, but received the same error message. :(

1streader

02-16-2009, 12:07 PM

additional, i tried it with the 1.5a version and the same error still appears again.

gwynevans

02-16-2009, 04:45 PM

additional, i tried it with the 1.5a version and the same error still appears again.

Sorry about that, those two worked for me! I've put the zipped sdcard folder from a 1.03 run here (http://www.javaguy.co.uk/sdcard.zip), so hopefully that'll help!

JeffElkins

02-16-2009, 07:18 PM

gwynevans

02-17-2009, 04:07 AM

zip your folder up and email it to prscustomizer (at) gmail.com

I have it (repeatedly & reliably) happen with a clean download of 1.04, although I don't get any problems with 1.03 or 1.05a.

1streader

02-17-2009, 04:25 AM

thanks to a member.

he did the config for me and send me the sd-card directory.

so i could install ist .. and it works.. great.

thanks again to the 'helper' :-)

JeffElkins

02-17-2009, 10:14 AM

thanks to a member.

he did the config for me and send me the sd-card directory.

so i could install ist .. and it works.. great.

thanks again to the 'helper' :-)

Well, I'm glad you're sorted out, but that doesn't help me :)

I'm unable to reproduce this error for either 1.1 or 1.2 firmware using a fresh download of 1.04 (Windows). I need to know exactly what options are being chosen and I''d preferably like to have a zipped up folder of your installation.

1streader

02-17-2009, 10:26 AM

hello jeff,

my english is not so good, so did not understand what you mean with 'zip up your installation folder'.

the options wich were choosen are:

downloaded 1.04a (and also not successful tested with 1.05, 1.03)

- 1.1 us
- german language
- one font size for the overview

JeffElkins

02-17-2009, 11:10 AM

By zipping up, I mean take the folder in which you iinstalled PRSCustomizer, compress (zip) it and send it to me at prscustomizer (at) gmail.com

I just created a German customization using both standard and unicode fonts w/o a problem.

gwynevans

02-17-2009, 11:45 AM

Ah - It's to do with the unzipping - I'm not sure why exactly, but some unzipping apps don't unpack the full set of files/folders in the sdcard folder...

As a quick check, how many folders starting "files" do you have in the sdcard folder? You've probably only got 2, but you should have 5! Try a different unzipper or check for options to ensure that empty folders get created.

[Jeff: With empty directory trees around, it might be worth considering a 'check scan' on startup to detect this, as it appears they tend to be a bit of an 'edge case' for ZIP support?]

JeffElkins

02-17-2009, 12:00 PM

gwynevans

02-17-2009, 12:38 PM

This is why I wanted a zipped folder of a problem installation...to do a diff between it and a working one. I do a check for missing files, but obviously there's an edge case I missed.

Emailed...

JeffElkins

02-17-2009, 12:51 PM

Emailed...

Thanks. I'm testing now...

3301394 2009-02-17 13:08 prscust-1.04-win.zip
3283305 2009-02-17 12:57 prscust-bad.zip

diff prscust-bad prscust-good/ -r
Only in prscust-good/sdcard/files.500.1.0.03.07170/opt/sony/ebook: bin
Only in prscust-good/sdcard/files.500.1.0.03.07170/opt/sony/ebook: FONT
Only in prscust-good/sdcard/files.505.1.0.00.08130/opt/sony/ebook: bin
Only in prscust-good/sdcard/files.505.1.0.00.08130/opt/sony/ebook: FONT
Only in prscust-good/sdcard: files.505.1.1.00.18040
Only in prscust-good/sdcard: files.505.1.2.00.18050
Only in prscust-good/sdcard: files.505.1.3.00.22070

All the problems are in the sdcard directory. Clue one is the difference in size between the two zip archives. But diff tells the whole tale. I'll look into rewriting the file audit routine for the next version, but in the meantime careful with the unzipping :)

Thanks again for your help Gwyn!

Tibor

02-23-2009, 07:37 AM

Hi
Nice feature for the prs 505 is the ability to show pages readed, average time per page or total time reading, with a reset counter button. slepp has make that script here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36166), but it is no prscustomizer compatible. If I install that script I loose translation and font size.
It would be nice to include that functionality in prscustomizer. I find it very usefull.
What your opinion?

JeffElkins

02-23-2009, 10:50 AM

bunjibear

03-11-2009, 03:37 PM

I did everything as defined but SD card will not flash for some reason. I'm using the 4g Patriot Sd card. Anyone have problems with this card? Thanks

Shadowman

03-13-2009, 09:39 PM

It worked perfect and is much easier than it was with my PRS-500. Will donate tomorrow! Nice work!

THX

Shadowman

Shadowman

03-13-2009, 09:43 PM

I did everything as defined but SD card will not flash for some reason. I'm using the 4g Patriot Sd card. Anyone have problems with this card? Thanks

I have a KODAK and I was watching to buy a HIGH SPEED Card. It might have something to do with the transferrate. My's worked perfect!

Buy a new card, that might b the best solution. And: Do not copy the SD Card folder after it got created on the SD Card. Only the files, which are in that folder direct into the root of the card!!! Did you do that?

Shadowman

JeffElkins

03-14-2009, 04:23 AM

I did everything as defined but SD card will not flash for some reason. I'm using the 4g Patriot Sd card. Anyone have problems with this card? Thanks

I use an 8Gb card w/o problems. Make sure you copied the sdcard folder contents correctly.

bunjibear

03-14-2009, 08:14 PM

I have a KODAK and I was watching to buy a HIGH SPEED Card. It might have something to do with the transferrate. My's worked perfect!

Buy a new card, that might b the best solution. And: Do not copy the SD Card folder after it got created on the SD Card. Only the files, which are in that folder direct into the root of the card!!! Did you do that?

Shadowman

Yes - just copied the contents of the SD folder. Tried a half dozen times - no luck. Tried 2 different Patriot cards. I'm able to copy books to the card and the PRS505 reads them fine. Will buy another type of SD card. Thanks.

Jur

03-15-2009, 04:49 AM

Hi there,

I've just bought the PRS 505 in Germany.

Jur

03-15-2009, 04:51 AM

JeffElkins

03-15-2009, 09:58 AM

JeffElkins

03-16-2009, 11:41 AM

Just an FYI,

I've gotten several emails from new users in Germany looking for support. Unfortunately a few have downloaded depreciated versions from google code.

Depreciated means depreciated. These archives are deprecated for a reason and you use them at your own risk. If Google allowed deletions I would delete depreciated archives but they do not.

Shadowman

03-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Hi there,

I've just bought the PRS 505 in Germany and would really like to change the German language to Dutch or English.
Could you explain to me in some clear steps (for dummy's :D) how to get this program working on a 1.4 PRS 505 German platorm??

Thanks in advance.:thanks:
Jur

I didn't know that Germany is selling the PRS-505. Usually Germany is 2 years behind ;-) But anway's my recommendation is: Buy in the US. Its cheaper and you have less bugs...

If you would like to share some books in Geman. Let me know. I am interested. I live since years in the States and I am interested to keep my German still properly.

THX Shadowman

yekim54

03-16-2009, 11:58 PM

Depreciated means depreciated.
I'm no expert, but don't you mean deprecated?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deprecated

pepak

03-17-2009, 02:04 AM

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/deprecate?jss=0
Usage note:
An early and still the most current sense of deprecate is “to express disapproval of.” In a sense development still occasionally criticized by a few, deprecate has come to be synonymous with the similar but etymologically unrelated word depreciate in the sense “belittle”: The author modestly deprecated the importance of his work. In compounds with self-, deprecate has almost totally replaced depreciate in modern usage: Her self-deprecating account of her career both amused and charmed the audience.

pepak

03-17-2009, 02:06 AM

So yes, it should be deprecated. JUst because deprecate is considered synonymous to depreciate doesn't mean they are synonymous the other way around - they aren't.

dragonbone

03-17-2009, 02:25 AM

I didn't know that Germany is selling the PRS-505. Usually Germany is 2 years behind ;-) But anway's my recommendation is: Buy in the US. Its cheaper and you have less bugs...

If you would like to share some books in Geman. Let me know. I am interested. I live since years in the States and I am interested to keep my German still properly.
THX Shadowman

The Sony PRS-505 is ALREADY sold in Germany.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/76240-sony-launches-the-reader-in-germany.html

Also he said he ALREADY bought it, so why tell him to buy it in the US?
He was asking advice on how to use it to read Dutch and English books on his (already bought) GERMAN Sony PRS-505.

JSWolf

03-17-2009, 03:27 AM

Does ePub support on the German 505 have full justification?

vally

03-17-2009, 07:58 AM

PRSCustomizer: A useful companion for your Sony PRS-505 Reader

PRSCustomizer enhances your Sony Reader
with these optional features:

* Localization: 12 predefined languages
* Unicode fonts with Cyrillic/Eastern European Support
* User-defined fonts
* Uniform font size for menus
* Multiple Iconsets (currently 4) or add your own
* One-key shutdown (Joypad center key / Volume keys)
* Personalized About Screen (Name,Telephone,Email)
* Joypad page forward
* Volume key page turns
* Volume key history navigation
* Circle pad history navigation
* Turn off right justification for BBeB books
* Disable number keys when reading
* Clock (24/12 hr)

Versions are provided for:
* Windows 2000,XP,Vista
* Mac OS X (X86)
* Linux (X86)

Download Here (http://www.prscustomizer.com/)

Installation:
Simply unzip the archive into a folder of your choice.

Using PRSCustomizer:

Personalization
================
Your Reader is valuable. Wouldn't it be great if some kind
person had the information to return it to you should you
inadvertently misplace it? PRSCustomizer allows you to
personalize your Reader by "branding" the About Screen
with your name, telephone number and email address.
On PRSCustomizer's screen you'll see three text entry
fields:

* Name
* Telephone
* Email

All required to personalize -- Fill out these
text boxes and the information will be displayed
on your Reader's "About Screen."

Dropdown selection menus for
=============================
Firmware customization
Language selection
Iconset selection
Fontset selection

Firmware customization
=======================
Firmware customization applies the changes you choose to a selected firmware image

Language
============
Language or localization allows the PRS-505 Reader to display menus and prompts in your native language. With firmware 1.1 you have the ability to localize your reader using 12 different languages.

Iconsets
===========
Everybody's different. The menu icons supplied by Sony do the job,
but you might prefer a different look. PRSCustomizer allows you
to choose between four different iconsets or to load your own,
created using a graphical editor such as Photoshop or Gimp.
To use your own iconset modify or replace the file
prsfiles/user_icons.png and select "User-supplied" from the
icon dropdown menu.

Fonts
===========
PRSCustomizer comes with two different fontsets: the standard
Sony fontset and a Unicode font set. Additionally, you can load
your own fontsets by dropping them into folder prsfiles/font.3 and
selecting "User-supplied" from the font selection menu. Creating fonts
is beyond the scope of PRSCustomizer, for guidance look to Valloric's
Font Guide available at Mobileread.com - Be aware that font creation
is a rather arcane art, and bad fonts can brick your reader.

Checkboxes, one for each option
================================

* Volume key shutdown allows you to perform a complete system shutdown by pressing either the + or - volume key. Don't choose this option if you use your Reader to play digital music!

* Enter key shutdown allows you to perform a complete system shutdown by pressing and holding the depressed center portion of the Reader's joypad; the round pad on the bottom left.

* Joypad page forward converts the right arrow on the joypad to a handy page forward key when you're reading. The key is otherwiae unaffected.

* Uniform font size changes your Reader's fonts to a uniform size on all menus.Some find this more pleasing that Sony's mixture of sizes.

* No right justification turns off full or right justification for Sony's BBeB (LRF) books, forcing them to display a "ragged right." This is the default for EPUB.

* Volume key page turns allows you to page forward and back through text by pressing either the + or - volume key. Don't choose this option if you use your Reader to play digital music!

* Volume key page turns allows you to page forward and back through Reader History by pressing either the + or - volume key. Don't choose this option if you use your Reader to play digital music!

* Circle pad history allows you to page forward and back through Reader History by pressing either the > or < key on the left bottom circle pad. Don't choose this 0 ption if you use your circle pad for regular page turns!

* Personal logo.
=================
Did you know you could change your Reader's logo? (The black bar at the top of the screen that says "Reader.") You'll need access to a graphics editor, such as Photoshop or Gimp. In the directory prsfiles, you'll see two files: logo.png and kBookAssets.png. The logo.png file is a 210x70 file. Add your personalization details to this file, and paste it into the upper left corner of the kBookAssets.png file, covering the large text "Reader." Once you're done, you can select the "Replace logo" checkbox. After you flash and reboot, you should have a customized logo.

When you've chosen all your options, press the Customize
button.

At that point, the folder "sdcard" will be populated with the necessary
files to customize your 505. Now copy the contents of the folder sdcard to the root of a blank SD card. Be sure not to copy the folder, just its contents. Insert the card into your Reader and Igorsk's Universal Flasher will start.

To flash your Reader, choose option #5, then option #6. After a
reboot,you should have a customized PRS505.

You may choose to back up your firmware, using option #3 before flashing your Reader. If you do, two images cramfs.Fsk.img and cramfs.Rootfs.img will be created in a /tmp directory in your Reader's main memory. Connect your Reader to a PC and drag this folder from the Reader to the PC for safekeeping.

Recovering from Errors

In the PRS 505, Sony has produced a very robust device. It's actually
very hard to cause the device to become unresponsive, otherwise
known as a "brick." However, when making complex changes to your
Reader inadvertent errors on your part may cause it to become
stuck on the "Reader starting up..." screen. Recovery is usually
simple.

Recovering a brick

1. You're stuck at "Reader starting up..."

2. Use a a paperclip to press the reset button on the back of the Reader

3. Quickly slide the power toggle.

4. When the Reader reboots, immmediately connect it to your PC via usb cable.

After a minute or so, the usb connection message should appear; now
you can use the US/Canadian Sony Updater to reflash your Reader.

Credits
PRSCustomizer wouldn't be possible without the help from backend programs and code. Specifically Igorsk's Universal Flasher and Porkupan's localization javascript and Universal Flasher PRS-505 support. Additionally, Corwin provided shell scripts for the Flasher and Shade wrote the original version of the javascript clock display. Valloric created the font creation guide and hosts a topic devoted to the subject at Mobileread.com. Iconset2 was created by maggotb0y, iconset3 by diabloNL and iconset4 by surquizu.

Thanks to all these folks for their efforts.

This is free software, (c) 2008 by Jeff Elkins, licensed under GPL V2. Use it at your own risk. Be aware that Sony has not sanctioned this software and modifying your Reader may void its warranty.

Download Here (http://www.prscustomizer.com/)

Get support via prscustomizer@gmail.com or at Mobileread.com
I have just gone through the process of using PRS Customizer - I got as far as Option 5 and Option 6 and my 505 is now stuck on 'updating firmware now....'

I have tried rebooting and then connecting to PC and cannot get out of this loop

Any ideas please!!!

gwynevans

03-17-2009, 10:02 AM

Download the 'official' 1.1 firmware utility (http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=PRS505&upd_id=3622&os_id=7) and that should reset things.

JSWolf

03-17-2009, 10:41 AM

Ack! Did we really need all that quoted?

vally

03-17-2009, 11:42 AM

Thank you very much for you help. I now have it working again. Much appreciated

radius

03-17-2009, 04:57 PM

How about file size (and file type, while we are at it) ?
That gives good indication on book size.

What I do is add a tag (ie have a collection for) short books

netseeker

03-17-2009, 06:51 PM

Does ePub support on the German 505 have full justification?
One of our new german users did test it for us some days ago: The german firmware 1.4 also doesn't include the latest verision of ADE with support for full justification. :(

thibaulthalpern

03-18-2009, 08:30 PM

Will this be made for the PRS-700 too? :)

Shadowman

03-18-2009, 09:08 PM

I'm no expert, but don't you mean deprecated?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deprecated

Yes, its the same... we call it bugs ****** ;-)

Shadowman

03-18-2009, 09:13 PM

The Sony PRS-505 is ALREADY sold in Germany.

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/76240-sony-launches-the-reader-in-germany.html

Also he said he ALREADY bought it, so why tell him to buy it in the US?
He was asking advice on how to use it to read Dutch and English books on his (already bought) GERMAN Sony PRS-505.

Who is be able to read is in a better position ;-) I advised: "Buy in the US." Not buy another one in the US... You see the difference... ;) My advise was actually for his next ebook reader or reading device. But anyways, you can disagree no problem.

I forgot: I bought my first PRS 500 in 12/2006 in BUF / NY. No, I have no experience with the German 1.4 version.
That's what I meant too, the mostly earlier launches in the US are bringing a bigger variety of software on the market. The German version was launched in February 2009, right?

Downloaded already a ton of German books from the forum, mostly oldies but goodies.

THX and have fun

Shadowman

JeffElkins

03-19-2009, 08:07 AM

Will this be made for the PRS-700 too? :)

Unlikely at this time. I don't own a 700 and Igorsk has not released the Universal Flasher for it either.

pepak

03-26-2009, 04:58 AM

Not sure if I missed it in the documentation. PRS Customizer automatically enables the hack to show current time. Questions:

1) Are there any other hacks that are enabled automatically, without possibility to influence them from PRSCustomizer's UI?

2) Is it possible to remove the time display while keeping other changes, e.g. custom fonts?

And a completely unrelated question:

3) Suppose that I extract a filesystem image from Sony's update. Can I use PRS Customizer to flash it? I am almost sure I can, but - how would I go about it?

gwynevans

03-26-2009, 07:01 AM

> 2) Is it possible to remove the time display while keeping other changes,

Just got to Settings/About then press '0' to toggle between clock on with 24-hr display, on with am/pm or off.

> 3) Suppose that I extract a filesystem image from Sony's update. Can I use PRS Customizer to flash it? I am almost sure I can, but - how would I go about it?

Possibly, but why - to try & reset without using a Windows PC? Anyway, if you've got an image file, I think it's a matter of putting it on the SD card with the correct filename then using the "Copy" option rather than the "Create" option.

pepak

03-26-2009, 07:18 AM

> 3) Suppose that I extract a filesystem image from Sony's update. Can I use PRS Customizer to flash it? I am almost sure I can, but - how would I go about it?

Possibly, but why - to try & reset without using a Windows PC?
One quite realistic reason - your operating system isn't supported by the official flasher.

radamo

03-28-2009, 07:29 AM

Thanks for this. I like the one button off!
RA

godzilla

04-06-2009, 06:22 AM

I can't open http://www.prscustomizer.com/

JSWolf

04-06-2009, 09:41 AM

I can't open http://www.prscustomizer.com/
I just tried the site. It opens fine here.

pepak

04-06-2009, 01:53 PM

Anyone has any experience with using PRS Customizer to modify default fonts on european versions of PRS-505? I don't need it personally, having bought a US version, but people keep asking me...

gwynevans

04-06-2009, 02:42 PM

Anyone has any experience with using PRS Customizer to modify default fonts on european versions of PRS-505? I don't need it personally, having bought a US version, but people keep asking me...

As I understand it, it only works fully with the US firmware. It does support the UK firmware with English language support only but none of the other variations.

godzilla

04-07-2009, 01:28 AM

Is it an embedded software which runs on PRS?

gwynevans

04-07-2009, 05:12 AM

No, it's more along the lines of a few tweaks to the UI of the standard firmware, done by merging some modified files and the standard files to create a new firmware image & applying that.

Main options are to be able to add a clock, fonts that support Unicode chars in addition to the standard char, different icons on the menu & disabling the way the standard menus show two different font sizes, depending on the length of a books title.

Jur

04-07-2009, 08:52 AM

Gezey

04-08-2009, 11:54 AM

Hi,

From what I've read in the forums, seems that you need to rename the US 1.1 firmware to a higher number than your current German one. This may fool the loader into thinking you've got a newer firmware.

Find the number of your current German firmware and add one to it (mathematically of course). This should do the trick.

Gezey

JeffElkins

04-08-2009, 01:03 PM

Hi,

As discussed a few pages back, with the German version of the PRS 505 this nice tool does not work (yet). Most important for me though, is to change the German commands in to English.
Is it possible to install the US firmware update (1.1) on the German PRS 505 which has the 1.4 version installed? I have tried it but keep getting the message that my PRS has a newer firmware so the firmware shall not be installed....

Thanks in advance ,
Jur

Uncompress the Sony Updater (it's really a big zip file) and change the file prs505/eBookUpdater/assets/updaterAssets/PRSVersion.dat so that 110018040 reads 110018041 - once that's done, the Sony Updater work at any time.

Arcticnick

04-14-2009, 03:27 AM

Does this software updater work with a 505 from Europe?

JeffElkins

04-14-2009, 03:33 AM

Does this software updater work with a 505 from Europe?

You'll probably have to install the US 1.1 kernel.

Arcticnick

04-14-2009, 04:48 AM

Arcticnick

04-14-2009, 05:02 AM

How long should it take to update?

Valwit

04-14-2009, 07:54 AM

How long should it take to update?

less then 5 minutes.

gwynevans

04-14-2009, 08:02 AM

I guess I now have what they call a brick!

Any advice please?

Don't Panic!

Download the standalone Sony Firmware Update app from their US site and that will let you reset to the 1.1 firmware, at least. If it says you're running a later firmware, don't worry, that can be bypassed by tweaking the app (in short, unzip it & change the config version it's comparing - details elsewhere).

JeffElkins

04-14-2009, 12:04 PM

I am trying to flash a UK PRS-505.

I pressed #5 then #6 as your help file suggested but now the device has frozen. When I plug the USB cable the device says 'Updating firmware now' but nothing seems to happen.
When I unplug the USB cable the device says 'Firmware Update did not complete successfully. Please try again.' I have tried this with the SD card both plugged in and unplugged.
With the USB cable unplugged it will only turn off after sliding the standard on of button to the right for about ten seconds.
In Windows Explorer I have double clicked on the SDcard folder and copied all the files in it to an SD card which I then plugged in to the 505.

When I plug in the USB cable instead of Explorer showing me the files on the 505 it now says' protected!'

It also says 'error' in the Sony Library software next to the device.

I have tried resetting the 505 but still nothing happens.

I guess I now have what they call a brick!

Any advice please?

Thanks
PS Now it wont turn off at all! Oh God! My lovely 505!!

Recovering from errors
In the PRS 505, Sony has produced a very robust device. It's actually very hard to cause the device to become unresponsive, otherwise known as a "brick." However, when making complex changes to your Reader inadvertent errors on your part may cause it to become stuck on the "Reader starting up..." screen. Recovery is usually
simple.

Recovering a brick

1. You're stuck at "Reader starting up..."
2. Use a a paperclip to press the reset button on the back of the Reader
3. Quickly slide the power toggle.
4. When the Reader reboots, immmediately connect it to your PC via usb cable.

After a minute or so, the usb connection message should appear; now you can use the US/Canadian Sony Updater to reflash your Reader. When finished, your Reader will be using Sony firmware 1.1

v1m

04-15-2009, 01:30 AM

JeffElkins

04-15-2009, 01:57 AM

My new PRS-505 has firmware 1.1.01.25200.

Any known problems using PRS Customizer with this version?

Also, is it true that, in the event of bricking, I'll have to flash the reader to an earlier firmware since this newer version isn't available? Asking as it's unclear to me from the instructions how backing up the firmware allows it to be reinstalled, unless Sony's flashing utility allows specifying a different disk image.

Thanks -- want to proceed at least semi-cautiously. ;)

PRSCustomizer supports two firmware versions: US/Canada and UK. 1.1.00.18040 and 1.2.00.18050. If you're not using those versions you have to reflash with the Sony Updater.

Personally, I wouldn't call it a "downgrade," despite the lower version number (1.1.00.18040). AFAIK you lose no functionality and gain a lot of customization.

You can re-install the fsk filesystem from a backup. This type of re-install is accomplished with Igorsk's Universal Flasher, not Sony's updater.

The rootfs can only be updated by the Sony updater - and currently it only does US/UK 1.1.

akemi

04-24-2009, 02:22 PM

Oh dear. I really wanted the clock so I decided to take the plunge and hack my PRS-505.

I told my husband if it bricked it I would cry, well I haven't shed any tears yet, but it's a near thing

I put the stuff in the root of a clean sd card from the sdcard directory.

I hit 5 when prompted

but my reader has been stuck at

Run script
Creating new cramfs image.
This might take a few minutes

for over 2 hours.

I've tried to reset it, but it won't turn off. I tried just with the power toggle, I tried with a paperclip in the back, but it doesn't change.

I downloaded the prs505 updater from sony, but it doesn't recognize that there is anything plugged into the USB cable so the Update button is greyed out.

Any ideas?

DixieGal

04-24-2009, 02:49 PM

It does that. Pull the USB cable and stand back while it settles down. Then restart it. I'm sitting here hitting refresh and waiting to hear back from you when you complete this.

Oh yes, and don't grab the paperclip first. It helps me a lot to try pushing the power on/off slider and hold it 30 seconds or more. Most things unfreeze or stop processing and go back to normal doing this, at least in my experience.

akemi

04-24-2009, 03:03 PM

DixieGal

04-24-2009, 03:06 PM

Wow. You are awesome. I don't know how come, but I pulled the USB cable out again (it had been out before, but I plugged it in when I was trying to do the sony firmware update to reflash back) and it rebooted!

Then I just tried again (brave eh?) and it all worked flawlessly!

So now I have my clock :)

Thanks so much DixieGal, you saved my sanity :)

YAY! I'm glad my limited skills -- gained from much panicky making-it-up-as-we-go-along -- were able to help. HAPPY READING!

PS: The clock only changes time with page turns, so don't worry if it says 3:00 for 20 mins, just page forward.

Bilbo1967

04-25-2009, 07:01 AM

Just like to say thanks for the customizer. I finally plucked up the nerve to try it last night and it has worked and I love the clock, new icons and the ability to personalise the top left corner of the home screen.

:thanks: :2thumbsup

I did get the same error as hmgreen below, but found that just selecting 5 and then 6 again seemed to just work. Maybe some kind of glitch, but it seems like its a minor one given that you just repeat the steps and all is well.

I did everything as instructed, successfully ran option 5 on the reader, it rebooted, and when I ran opt 6 I get the message "/tmp/self_upgrade/new_opt.img not found". Any advice?

Thanks.

Just two questions:

What are the unicode fonts. I didn't check this option as I wasn't sure what it was. What does this give you?

How do you switch the clock between 12/24 hr display mode (I know I've seen the answer to this on this thread but I just can't find it!)?

All4Fun

04-25-2009, 07:18 AM

How do you switch the clock between 12/24 hr display mode (I know I've seen the answer to this on this thread but I just can't find it!)?

Using your Menu button, go to the About screen. Press on the number "0" to change the clock format.

Bilbo1967

04-25-2009, 07:37 AM

Many thanks. :thanks:

Found that, changed it and even happier now!

JeffElkins

04-25-2009, 11:27 AM

What are the unicode fonts. I didn't check this option as I wasn't sure what it was. What does this give you?

These are mainly useful for readers of non-English languages: Russian, Polish,etc.

Bilbo1967

04-25-2009, 11:56 AM

Thanks Jeff - in that case I don't need them.

And once again, thanks for the useful application and for packaging it in such a way that even duffers like me can make use of it :2thumbsup

ygantman

04-30-2009, 05:18 AM

After almost a year of wanting i fainaly disided to try and put unicod in my sony.

I did Sony Reader (PRS-505)
V1.1 System Update and then tried to open an old pdf and the sony bricked :eek:
(showed me the PDF as a jibrish and froze)
I resterted it by the
Recovering a brick

1. You're stuck at "Reader starting up..."
2. Use a a paperclip to press the reset button on the back of the Reader
3. Quickly slide the power toggle.
4. When the Reader reboots, immmediately connect it to your PC via usb cable.

Do you know if I spouse to let it finish recovering after it rebout or to connect it to the usb as soon as it reboots?

meantime i try to recharge it fully. May be the battery just run out?

:help:

I rely love my sony :(

JeffElkins

04-30-2009, 09:42 AM

ygantman

04-30-2009, 01:23 PM

Thank u for the PRSCustomizer, worked like a charm :p

lkodk

05-07-2009, 06:28 PM

Hi,

A german version of the 505 is on its way to me (I live in Denmark)

Apparently I didn't do my homework, because I didn't think that changing the menu language would be a problem, and I would really prefer it to be in english. :eek:

After reading the thread I understand that it should be possible to reflash the unit to use the US 1.1 firmware, even though I'm still a little unsure how. But hopefully that part will be clearer once I have the unit in front of me.

But I'm a little nervous that nobody has confirmed that they successfully has reflashed their german 505 to use the US 1.1 firmware in order to use PRSCustomizer.

Can anybody confirm that it has been done?

Thanx alot.

Valwit

05-07-2009, 07:14 PM

Can anybody confirm that it has been done?

Thanx alot.

it can be done, there's no problem with it. I did it with english (UK) and french, friend of mine did it the same way with german. so don't worry :)

but IMO the UK Version is the best, at least for us in Europe - the date format is "normal" and not the twisted mm/dd/yyyy :)

lkodk

05-07-2009, 07:33 PM

it can be done, there's no problem with it. I did it with english (UK) and french, friend of mine did it the same way with german. so don't worry :)

but IMO the UK Version is the best, at least for us in Europe - the date format is "normal" and not the twisted mm/dd/yyyy :)

Great thanks. That's really nice to hear. :thumbsup:

The date format is of course a drawback, but I'm better at deciphering that than the german language :)

But now that you mention the UK version, do you know where it can be downloaded?
I have searched for it without luck, and the links to rapidshare in the PRSCustomizer readme file doesn't seem to work anymore.

Valwit

05-07-2009, 07:53 PM

But now that you mention the UK version, do you know where it can be downloaded?

i don't know about any download at least not from sony. someone with a UK reader would need to dump his firmware.

ShellShock

05-08-2009, 06:13 AM

Great thanks. That's really nice to hear. :thumbsup:

The date format is of course a drawback, but I'm better at deciphering that than the german language :)

But now that you mention the UK version, do you know where it can be downloaded?
I have searched for it without luck, and the links to rapidshare in the PRSCustomizer readme file doesn't seem to work anymore.

lkodk--Please check your PMs.

awilkins

05-12-2009, 05:11 PM

After reading this and other threads, I took a deep breath and tried to customise my unhacked UK 1.2 PRS-505. As a first try, I thought I'd leave all the options unchecked, just adding contact details, hopefully gaining the clock.

As with some other UK users, I got the "/tmp/self upgrade/new_optimg not found" (at least I'm pretty sure it was that file that was reported missing). At the end of the process. I ended up with a 505 which seems exactly as it was before I started, except that operating the power slider will not put the unit into standby, and although sleep mode is enabled, the unit does put itself to sleep. The power slide does work to turn on after I've gone all the way through the menus to turn the unit off, but still won't turn the thing off.

OK, no complaints so far and I would be happy to try again. The thing is, whenever I put the SD card back in the reader, even reformatted and with the files copied back on to it, nothing happens. Sometimes (but not every time) I get a little synchronising logo for a few seconds... then nothing.

I've been using PRSCustomizer 1.04, and have tried using Universal Flasher 2.1 for good measure, but neither has further any effect when I insert the SD card.

I'd rather not lose 1.2 firmware if possible.

Any ideas?

Oh, and thanks for all the hard work you guys put into this.

Valwit

05-12-2009, 07:49 PM

lets stick to prscustomizer :)
i have 1.2 and have patched it, so it is possible.
so:

1. if you turn off and an the reader (in the menu, not just standby with the slider on top), does it start the prscustomizer from the sd card?
2. when you customized the firmware, copied it to the sd, put it in to the reader and see the menu: which option do you choose?

awilkins

05-13-2009, 04:41 AM

Thanks, Valwit.
1. No, neither prscustomizer nor universal flasher start on restart.
2. I just went #3 to backup, then #5 (which may have included a reboot, I wasn't really paying attention, then #6.

Valwit

05-13-2009, 05:04 AM

1. i understand the first time ever it worked?
2. seems fine.

awilkins

05-13-2009, 06:16 AM

That's right. It only worked the very first time I put a card in which wasn't a restart. It then gave me the options on the 3 occasions when I selected 3 then 5 then 6. After that card had no effect.
I think I may've also lost an hour, but not sure if it was on summertime before.

Valwit

05-13-2009, 06:33 AM

i assume you do not have the option to turn on the clock with 0 when you're in the about menu?

did you try to put in an empty sd card, or with some books, and then put in the one with the customisation files? did you connect the reader to the computer in between?

as far as i understand the reader autostarts the scripts on the sd/ms card uppon inserting. if it does not recognize a card change, the scripts are not executed. so you would need to force the reader to reread the card, simplest way imo is changing the card

JeffElkins

05-13-2009, 07:54 AM

awilkins

05-13-2009, 09:58 AM

Valwit - no clock option in About. Did try blank sd card and it could read the readme file on universal flasher, so machine was recognising and reading the card.

JeffElkins - I tried soft reset - no change. Backed up all books and hard reset - power slider now works.

Thanks. I am now trying to decide whether I want to try again... As my reader has no bookmarks and only the books it came with, I suppose there is little to lose...

awilkins

05-13-2009, 10:21 AM

On a roll!
It worked perfectly this time.
My ignoramus guess is that having books and/or bookmarks confused the poor thing the first time.

Thanks to Valwit and JeffElkins for your help.

To future readers: A hard reset is no big deal if you've backed up your books and aren't too worried about your bookmarks (although there's probably a way of getting them back too). The bit in the wiki about having to connect to your computer and going to the sony store (especially worrying if in UK without access to sony store) is unnecessary (unless, I guess, you are using DRM stuff).

JeffElkins

05-13-2009, 01:50 PM

On a roll!
It worked perfectly this time.

Glad you're sorted out.

Valwit

05-15-2009, 09:58 PM

i recently upgraded back from 1.1 to 1.2 and customized it. books and bookmarks were unaffected

voidIndigo

05-16-2009, 06:28 PM

Hi,
I liked the idea of customization very much, especially the language/localization, but there isn't mine in the menu (Portuguese).

Considering that there isn't a whole lot of text to be translated in the Reader, is there a way to create a new translation, or is it hardcoded in the firmware?

[]´s

void Indigo

PS.: Didn't worked for me the 1st time.:eek: Reflashed and back to normal. :2thumbsup Building some nerve to try again!

PS2: Didn't work again! I used option 5 and 6, but it shows a message that there isn't a new image (/tmp/self_upgrade/new_opt.img not found).

PS3.: OK, now it worked! When you make a backup of the firmware, the files are written in the PRS's /tmp folder, and then the updater seems to not be able to write a new firmware file in it. I moved the backup files to my PC, and then it worked.

I think you should put this explicitly in the first post: if you backup the firmware (#3), copy and delete the files from the PRS /tmp folder BEFORE flashing the new firmware.

ahi

05-20-2009, 12:28 PM

* Localization: 12 predefined languages

What are the 12 languages?

Can one create one's own localization by doing the translations and somehow importing them into PRSCustomizer?

JeffElkins

05-20-2009, 01:05 PM

What are the 12 languages?

locName = "Française"
locName = "Español";
locName = "Deutsch";
locName = "Italiano";
locName = "Русский";
locName = "Русский-США";
locName = "Nederlandse";
locName = "Polski";
locName = "Český";
locName = "Български";
locName = "Hrvatski";
locName = "Українська";
locName = "Українська-1";
locName = "Lietuviškai"
locName = "English";

Can one create one's own localization by doing the translations and somehow importing them into PRSCustomizer?

Yes. You need to be comfortable coding Javascript and XML. No support is provided and be aware that badly formatted XML can brick your Reader.

Porkupan created the localization routines; he's your best bet for help.

ahi

05-20-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks for that! I thought I had seen the Hungarian localization posted on the forum somewhere... are you planning to add that eventually to the list of languages?

JeffElkins

05-20-2009, 01:28 PM

Thanks for that! I thought I had seen the Hungarian localization posted on the forum somewhere... are you planning to add that eventually to the list of languages?

I don't plan for any new releases until Igorsk releases a new Flasher, Sony releases a new firmware upgrader or a bad bug crops up.

ahi

05-20-2009, 02:06 PM

Is there a particular thread that explains how to do one's own localizations? Or is it straightforward by looking at your program's directory structure?

JeffElkins

05-20-2009, 02:14 PM

Is there a particular thread that explains how to do one's own localizations? Or is it straightforward by looking at your program's directory structure?

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27371&highlight=localization

voidIndigo

05-20-2009, 06:17 PM

JeffElkins

05-20-2009, 06:33 PM

Hi,

I added the Portuguese language in the PRSCustomizer files, but it doesn't show in the Language drop down menu. I chose the option All and was able to select it in the About screen (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=465005#post465005). Is there a way to make it appear in the menu?

Also, there are 2 readme.html files, and in the one in the prsfiles folder says that you just have to modify the user_language file, and use it with Firmware 1.3. Is the PRSCustomizer compatible with this firmware?

If it is, could you please send me the file? The rapidshare link doesn't seem to be working.

Best regards,

void Indigo

Sorry, that readme.html file was inadvertently not deleted.

It's related to PRSCustomizer 1.5 which is no longer supported.

It turned out that a small error in modifying Sony's localization XML could brick the Reader. It was too dangerous for newbies to play with.

The dropdown menu is hard-coded.

ygantman

05-23-2009, 07:13 AM

A have a Q.
The Customization worked great in the end, but since then it take twice(or more) the time to open each book and to change the font size.
Also, the battery run out faster.

Is it because the Unicode that needs more computing power or some thing else?

Yuli

ygantman

05-23-2009, 07:45 AM

Lilly

05-23-2009, 09:01 AM

* Disable number keys when reading
Does that mean that I can't type page numbers in the reading mode? I mean if I'm on page 100 and decide to type 200, to go to page 200, will it no longer work?

JeffElkins

05-23-2009, 09:42 AM

JeffElkins

05-23-2009, 09:44 AM

JeffElkins

05-23-2009, 09:52 AM

How Do I reflash 1.1.01.25200. with the Sony updater?
It says that it is up to date allready :-)?

I am trying to customize my father sony after it worked good with my.

Sorry for asking 2 in a row :-)

Uncompress the Sony Updater (it's really a big zip file) and change the file prs505/eBookUpdater/assets/updaterAssets/PRSVersion.dat, incrementing the version string by one. - once that's done, the Sony Updater should work at any time.

Lilly

05-23-2009, 11:40 AM

* Disable number keys when reading
Does that mean that I can't type page numbers in the reading mode? I mean if I'm on page 100 and decide to type 200, to go to page 200, will it no longer work?

That's correct.

Is there a way to install without this modification? I don't want to disable my number keys, so what I'm asking is if there's a way to skip that part?

JeffElkins

05-23-2009, 11:45 AM

Is there a way to install without this modification? I don't want to disable my number keys, so what I'm asking is if there's a way to skip that part?

Don't check the box. All the modifications are optional, you don't have to select them all.

Lilly

05-23-2009, 11:47 AM

Don't check the box. All the modifications are optional, you don't have to select them all.

Thank you! I'm excited.

ygantman

05-24-2009, 04:57 AM

ygantman

05-24-2009, 05:04 AM

I don't see that behavior and no one else has reported it either.

Some thing semilar was reported in

Q: У меня Ридер быстро «садится» (теряет заряд) и не видит вставляемых флэш-карт. Показывает версию прошивки 1.1.00.18040 и не перепрошивается штатным прошивальщиком Sony. Что с ним? Помогите!
A: Происходит это из-за того, что Ридер был неправильно перепрошит — на старую версию прошивки (1.0.00.08130 или 1.0.01.03170) сразу установили новую (версии 1.1.00.18040) русифицированную прошивку от фирмы BIGIT или от borod'ы. Для исправления ситуации необходимо:
1) Скачать «скорректированный» штатный прошивальщик Sony версии 1.1.00.18040.
2) Перепрошить Ридер «скорректированным» штатным прошивальщиком.
После чего можете устанавливать на Ридер любую новую прошивку с языковой локализацией.

But my reader still shows the flash card.
Do you think it is possible that the update and customization haven't went well? My sony bricked in both of them.

JSWolf

05-24-2009, 07:51 AM

Can we have that in English please?

TOKE

05-28-2009, 02:13 PM

JeffElkins

05-28-2009, 02:32 PM

Some thing semilar was reported in

Q: У меня Ридер быстро «садится» (теряет заряд) и не видит вставляемых флэш-карт. Показывает версию прошивки 1.1.00.18040 и не перепрошивается штатным прошивальщиком Sony. Что с ним? Помогите!
A: Происходит это из-за того, что Ридер был неправильно перепрошит — на старую версию прошивки (1.0.00.08130 или 1.0.01.03170) сразу установили новую (версии 1.1.00.18040) русифицированную прошивку от фирмы BIGIT или от borod'ы. Для исправления ситуации необходимо:
1) Скачать «скорректированный» штатный прошивальщик Sony версии 1.1.00.18040.
2) Перепрошить Ридер «скорректированным» штатным прошивальщиком.
После чего можете устанавливать на Ридер любую новую прошивку с языковой локализацией.

But my reader still shows the flash card.
Do you think it is possible that the update and customization haven't went well? My sony bricked in both of them.

Sorry, I'm mono-lingual. Still, I haven't read any reports (in English) of a 50% or more Reader slowdown post-customization. I don't see that here using Unicode fonts. If you try a reflash it shouldn't hurt anything.

JeffElkins

05-28-2009, 02:43 PM

I have new Sony PRS-505 from UK with firmware 1.2. I need polish national letters (ą, ź, ż, ę, etc.) so I used PRSCustomizer v.1.4 to do flash system.
After this I was very happy becouse I have polish letters!!!
But when I connected to USB my PRS-505 is dead: led light red - PRS-505 charge and transfer book from PC to PRS-505. But I need to hard reset becouse buttons and system not response :-(
So I upgrade my firmware to USA v.1.1 (downgrading european 505's to US firmware) and still I have this problem: PRS-505 WORK FINE UNTIL FLASH SYSTEM PRSCustomizer and after customize - connect to PC via USB.

My friend has PRS-505 from USA and version 1.1 works very fine without trouble.

HELP!!!

Two things to try:

1. Try the PRS-505 unbrick method in MobileRead's wiki, then try to reapply the US firmware updater.

OR

2. Bypass USB by placing the US or UK firmware image on your SD card then flash it to the Reader. If you don't have an image, post back here and I'm sure someone will PM you with one.

gwynevans

05-28-2009, 03:50 PM

So I upgrade my firmware to USA v.1.1 (downgrading european 505's to US firmware) and still I have this problem: PRS-505 WORK FINE UNTIL FLASH SYSTEM PRSCustomizer and after customize - connect to PC via USB.

I'd suggest that you try again, but maybe try a different SD card? Most people have no problems with it (including with UK devices) so it's likely to be something specific to your setup.

TOKE

05-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Two things to try:

1. Try the PRS-505 unbrick method in MobileRead's wiki, then try to reapply the US firmware updater.

OR

2. Bypass USB by placing the US or UK firmware image on your SD card then flash it to the Reader. If you don't have an image, post back here and I'm sure someone will PM you with one.

I`m downloading US firmware 1.1 and flash it PRSCustomizer with option UPGRADE FIRMWARE - its work but return to "orginal" firmware without polish letters. When I do customize with PRSCustomize still the same USB doesn`t work propely (light red led+PRS-505 not response and error with ebook library).

I need polish letters and now I will trying to do this with universal flasher 2.1 - only transfer polish letters without customize.

But still asking "WHY PRSCustomize doesnt work with my PRS-505 propely, when my friend with PRS-505 from USA used the same program, PC, SD card"???

TOKE

05-29-2009, 10:54 AM

I SOLVED THE PROBLEM !!!

I used the universal flasher 2.1. I added the new folder FONT and 3 ttf with polish letters.
Also I change the card: old 1GB SAN DISK (I bought 4 years ago).

After flash I have polsih letters and when I connect the prs-505 via USB all works FINE!!!

But still I dont know what do problem with USB: PRSCustmizer or bad card (almost new 2GB San Disk).

DrunkenDonkey

05-29-2009, 01:36 PM

Guys, I plan on getting 505 and this program looks wonderful for enabling cyrillic support. What I don't know is what exactly this means:
- will all formats start to display cyrillic? i.e. pdfs with no embedded fonts, rtf, text files?
- will the authors and book names will be in cyrillic
- will cyrillic letters be added in the list to select by author/title and if yes, will these overwrite the latin ones?

Thanks

pepak

05-29-2009, 01:52 PM

- will all formats start to display cyrillic? i.e. pdfs with no embedded fonts, rtf, text files?
No. The approach described here works for RTF, TXT, LRF. It does not work for EPUB and I expect it won't work with PDF (I didn't try it though, because I couldn't find a PDF without embedded fonts).

- will the authors and book names will be in cyrillic
Yes.

- will cyrillic letters be added in the list to select by author/title and if yes, will these overwrite the latin ones?
No.

JeffElkins

05-29-2009, 03:06 PM

I`m downloading US firmware 1.1 and flash it PRSCustomizer with option UPGRADE FIRMWARE - its work but return to "orginal" firmware without polish letters. When I do customize with PRSCustomize still the same USB doesn`t work propely (light red led+PRS-505 not response and error with ebook library).

I need polish letters and now I will trying to do this with universal flasher 2.1 - only transfer polish letters without customize.

But still asking "WHY PRSCustomize doesnt work with my PRS-505 propely, when my friend with PRS-505 from USA used the same program, PC, SD card"???

I can't imagine why. There must be something specific to your situation that's not apparent from your messages.

netseeker

05-29-2009, 03:27 PM

It happened for me too when i replaced all three fonts with custom fonts using PRSCusomizer. Reflashed again via PRSCustomizer without replacing all but one font (only replaced Dutch801 Rm Bt used in the LRF-engine) and it worked well.
I guess not all fonts work for the menu display on the sony - even if the same fonts work well for the LRF-engine.

DrunkenDonkey

05-29-2009, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the answer pepak. These are sad news, means I will be unable to browse stuff efficient with more books in (I do plan to scan and digitalize all my printed books collection, thats hundreds of books...). And that sony have no folder navigation I can see... maybe worth waiting for another device... again :(

davlewis

06-03-2009, 09:49 AM

Uncompress the Sony Updater (it's really a big zip file) and change the file prs505/eBookUpdater/assets/updaterAssets/PRSVersion.dat, incrementing the version string by one. - once that's done, the Sony Updater should work at any time.

Where is this Sony Updater file located, I do not see it anywhere in the PRSCustomizer directory structure, and searching my entire hard drive did not find it.

Once I locate the file and uncompress and modify the PRSversion.dat file where do I use the file, it does not appear to be part of the SD Card image?

I too have the version of firmware on the device that gives the error that the firmware version is not supported. Interestingly the firmware on the device is a higher version number than what is on the Sony support site for the PRS-505.

Dave...

gwynevans

06-03-2009, 11:12 AM

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=PRS505

Cabe

06-05-2009, 03:06 PM

OK so anyone shed any light on my particular brand of self-doofication?

Grabbed PRSCustomize and dived in head first - did something wrong and bricked the reader....

No Worries, reflashed using the normal method and now it has US 1.1.00.18040 and works fine.

Tried it again (because I didn't kill my reader the first time :D ) It builds the image fine (option 5) and flashes it fine (option 6) reboots all round....

...but...

It doesn't actually seem to make any changes, I still have US1.1 despite picking UK 1.2 and none of my customisation seem to "take".

Didn't try anything fancy like icon or font changing just About details, clock, numbers off in books and uniform font size.

I've had a look round the forums and to be truthful I am not sure what I am searching for to find it.

Any hints will be gratefully received.

gwynevans

06-05-2009, 04:18 PM

It's not 100% clear, but the Firmware dropdown is for you to set what your base firmware is so it can setup the right files to merge to create a new image - updating the US 1.1 to a UK 1.2 is a different process.

Cabe

06-05-2009, 04:39 PM

AAAAAHAAAA

I thought it was target firmware, many thanks for setting me straight.

I suppose I better find a copy of the UK firmware to blow onto my reader then.

Cheers Gwyn.

gwynevans

06-05-2009, 06:04 PM

To get back to square one (UK 1.2) firmware-wise, take your cramfs.Fsk.img (http://www.javaguy.co.uk/SonyUK/cramfs.Fsk.img) file and copy it to the Universal Flasher SD card with the name new_opt.img - Insert the card into your Reader and from the Flasher menu choose #4, then #6.

(Warning: While I'm pretty sure the linked img is the one I used with no problems, when my brother tried it, his bricked & he had to reset back to 1.1 again! Will be interested to hear how you get on.)

Cabe

06-05-2009, 06:13 PM

Works perfectly, Gwyn. Many Thanks!

cartman

06-09-2009, 06:53 AM

Hello. I would like to suggest an addition to PRSCustomizer, the PRS-505 Page Counter, Read Timer and Pages per Minute hack (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36166) I have tried it and it works fine, and surely is quite useful, as it can predict in about how much time you will be able to finish a book.

voidIndigo

06-12-2009, 09:32 AM

Hi,

I´m currently working in integrating the page counter into my already PRScustomized Pierre (PRS -> Pierre, got it?:D Well, I think it's funny!:annoyed:).

I'm keeping a record of the lines modified, but I just got a terrible flu (not the famous one, I think) and forgot the files in my computer at work. If I survive (it IS a terrible flu, I'm typing with one hand and stuffing paper in my nose with the other :sick2:) and finish it AND it works, I'll let you know.

[]´s

void Indigo

ShacharWeis

06-14-2009, 06:29 AM

Hey everyone,
I have a new PRS-505 with Firmware version 1.1.01.25200
I tried to install PRS-Customizer 1.4 and it wont run,
claiming the firmware version is not supported.
Ideas ?
Thanks,
Shachar Weis.

netseeker

06-14-2009, 08:48 AM

I tried to install PRS-Customizer 1.4 and it wont run,
claiming the firmware version is not supported.
Ideas ?

Hello Shachar, you have to use the official Sony Update to "downgrade" your firmware to version 1.1.00.18040 first. Extract the Updaters exe-file and increment the version number in "prs505/eBookUpdater/assets/updaterAssets/PRSVersion.dat". Then execute the update program. See also Jeffs post (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=468010#post468010). After that you can use the PRSCustomizer without problems.

kmvargo

06-18-2009, 10:51 PM

Even though I work on computers I was hesitant to do this to my new reader. Well I took the plunge and it works great. Just wanted to say Thanks.

PJ45

06-21-2009, 11:51 PM

HI, I am new to this forum, I did try PRS customizer. I was able to change the logo with my name and phone number> I canot figure out how to change the language> I did select firmware 1.1 US. in language, trying french or all language. I clicked on customize then I copied the SDcard forder content on the root of my SDcard and flashed the reader. everything seemed to be fine exepted that there is no change for the languages. still in US> only my Name and Logo with phone number showing...

- is there supposed to be a choice in the menu or only one language can be preset at a time? ( would need french and russian, possibly german.)
I did previously flash the reader with a russify software (2007) but could not see any difference with fonts or language

- how those 12 languages work?. Does it support books in those languages?
- I want to download a couple of russian books need to know if the interface is russian cyrillic fonts. or how to proceed to download it and install???

Thanks for any suggestion

assr

06-27-2009, 02:43 PM

Have version 1.1.01.25200 2025 Customizer does not work for this version. What can I do? My os Windows Vista.

Tns

JeffElkins

06-27-2009, 03:00 PM

JeffElkins

06-27-2009, 03:03 PM

Have version 1.1.01.25200 2025 Customizer does not work for this version. What can I do? My os Windows Vista.

Tns

You have to be using the US or UK firmware. To update your reader to the US/Canadian firmware go to:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=PRS505&SelectOS=7#div_pos_30

trektech

06-29-2009, 09:22 PM

thank you very much for this handy tool. :) made my reader really personal.....

marypinchesme

06-29-2009, 11:33 PM

can you darken the txt on sony prs-505? newbe girl

gwynevans

06-30-2009, 07:41 AM

can you darken the txt on sony prs-505? newbe girl

Not directly.

You could try different fonts, but it's non-trivial. It would be easiest to see how they look using ePub, but you'd still have to do a certain amount of tweaking & digging around.

dpierron

06-30-2009, 10:05 AM

Shameless plug : I posted (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=507333#post507333) about a Font Test collection I made today, and it contains ePub files (Battlestar Galactica by Jeffrey A. Carver) with embedded fonts, perfect for easily testing Droid, Fontin, Fontin SansSerif and Liberation SansSerif...

ht1948

06-30-2009, 11:08 PM

Hi guys, just a question from a newbie. If I used PRSCustomizer to flash my 505 with unicode font, will I be able to read ebooks in languages such as vietnamese, chinese? TIA

dpierron

07-01-2009, 01:40 AM

If you install a font with support for the vietnamese and chinese charsets (UTF8?) - and can read the language ;) - then yes you'll be able to read ebooks in chinese and vietnamese.

One caveat though : the default font replacement trick wonderfully described by Valloric will work for LRF but will not work for ePub (which is read by Adobe Digital Editions, a totally different software)... You'll have to make some modifications to your ePub files (see my previous post)

Cheers,
David.

AiBo

07-05-2009, 06:38 AM

JeffElkins

07-05-2009, 09:38 AM

The 700 is not supported, and it's unlikely it ever will be.

JSWolf

07-05-2009, 09:41 AM

I am using the Sony PRS-700 and would like to use your program to gain Chinese font support. Although if I flash the device won't it cause it to have the 505 firmware?

Is there a better option to gain Chinese font support?

Thanks in advance!

AiBo
The best way to get Chinese font support on your 700 is to use ePub and embed the Chinese fonts you want to use.

See ePub custom Fonts on 700 and 505 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=36361) for more information on how to do this.

AiBo

07-10-2009, 01:36 AM

Jeff, thank you greatly for taking the time to respond.

AiBo

07-10-2009, 01:36 AM

Thanks for the lead ... I will look into it.

JeffElkins

07-10-2009, 11:27 AM

Jeff, thank you greatly for taking the time to respond.

Wish I had better news, AiBo. I don't own a 700 and have no plans to get one.

stranjer

07-16-2009, 05:20 PM

Thank you Jeff for the customizer, it works like magic!!!

:book2: :thumbsup:

JeffElkins

07-16-2009, 06:32 PM

Thank you Jeff for the customizer, it works like magic!!!

:book2: :thumbsup:

You're welcome.

Mac Sidewinder

08-02-2009, 05:18 PM

I used the customizer with great success. I changed the power button option, stoppped the scaling fonts on the menu, and of course personalized it BUT......I can't seem to get the logo option to work right. I modified the correct png file with my little picture and overlaid the "reader" graphic with it and resaved the file with the same name. When I flash my 505 I get the logo fine but my reader now has 2 additional vertical lines from top to bottom on the menu page????? The vertical lines are evenly spaced and divide the reader into 3 equal sections from top to bottom. I tried it twice with new files each time and the same thing happens. Any ideas what causes this?

Mac

PS. Other than this small problem (on my end I'm sure) this is a great piece of software. thanks.

JeffElkins

08-02-2009, 06:15 PM

PJ45

08-07-2009, 02:55 PM

could it be the size is bigger than the original?
I simply opened the original in photoshop as a base and worked on it from there, saved the new image with my name and logo to replace the original....it works great!

trapm

08-19-2009, 02:01 AM

Hi, I have the (German) firmware Version 1.4.00.23260.

I would love to change the language and some settings.

How can I make that happen?

What help can I provide and how?

I can also help with the programming.
I have had experience with RB (one version lower than the version you use but I could upgrade) in the past and I currently work with Cocoa.

JvdW

08-19-2009, 03:03 AM

Hi, I have the (German) firmware Version 1.4.00.23260.

I would love to change the language and some settings.

How can I make that happen?

See post #699

Basically downgrade your german 1.4 version to the 1.1 USA version and then PRSCustomizer will work.
You can save your 1.4 version for future restore attempt.

Regards,

Joop

Valwit

08-19-2009, 06:48 AM

See post #699

Basically downgrade your german 1.4 version to the 1.1 USA version and then PRSCustomizer will work.
You can save your 1.4 version for future restore attempt.

Regards,

Joop

the english 1.2 (UK) works fine too - you don't get the crazy US date format

miha

08-19-2009, 09:04 AM

JeffElkins

08-19-2009, 10:00 AM

JeffElkins

08-19-2009, 11:34 AM

I can also help with the programming.
I have had experience with RB (one version lower than the version you use but I could upgrade) in the past and I currently work with Cocoa.

Development is frozen until Sony releases new 505 firmware (hopefully later this month). Perhaps they'll include a locale-based updater to replace the US-centric one available now.

igorsk

08-19-2009, 12:30 PM

I am the new and not so proud owner of PRS-505. I successfully followed all the steps for customizing my device for cyrillic fonts - book title and author are readable. The LITTLE problem is book itself is still NOT readable. Am I doing something wrong. Book is on the SD card in the RTF format. Need help!

Best is to avoid RTF. Save it as HTML and convert to EPUB or LRF with calibre.
Otherwise, you need to "unicodify" the RTF file. It can be done by this utility (http://www.roomarranger.com/reader/), or the following magic sequence:
1) Open file in WordPad
2) Select All (Ctrl-A)
3) Change font encoding to Western
4) Save

miha

08-19-2009, 01:36 PM

Thank you. "western" works (unfortunately it's reversed inconviniences - now I can read the book, but tags - title,author - are not in the cyrillic).
I will try CALIBRE(I guess utility) as well.

Ronzzz

08-20-2009, 04:46 AM

Caution: the prs505 battery is not user replaceable. Sony's cost for this maintenance?
$280.00. It is designed obselesence!!! (sp)

alexreader

08-22-2009, 06:30 PM

Hi, I just got a PRS505 in France, and like many others here would like to change the language to English... it's now in version 1.3

I tried using PRScustomizer (designed my own logo too, was very excited!) but after flashing nothing has changed and it's still in French, and no logo. After searching the forums I saw that I should downgrade the version using the updater from sony and only then customise - however the updater from Sony checks the version number on my reader and says it's up to date and does nothing :(

An earlier comment on this thread says to unzip the updater and change the version number in some file, but i only got the option to download an exe file from the sony website so I don't know if I can change anything there?

Is there any way out of this, or am I destined to learn French? And if so, does anyone know a good ebook for learning French? ;o)

JeffElkins

08-22-2009, 06:42 PM

The exe file is actually an archive. Unzip it and follow the directions you read.

alexreader

08-22-2009, 08:17 PM

Thanks Jeff, that worked :) great stuff!

Is it possible now to change firmware from 1.1 to 1.2?

Valwit

08-26-2009, 11:52 AM

Caution: the prs505 battery is not user replaceable. Sony's cost for this maintenance?
$280.00. It is designed obselesence!!! (sp)

that really depends on the user. 2 screws are not really a big issue, the rest is straight forward. feel free to get it done by someone in a mobile phone shop for 20 euro

JeffElkins

08-26-2009, 01:56 PM

Thanks Jeff, that worked :) great stuff!

Is it possible now to change firmware from 1.1 to 1.2?

Yep. Just flash the image using Igorsk's universal flasher.

Taxidermista

09-15-2009, 07:49 PM

That error's being thrown by Igorsk's Universal Flasher which my program depends on. Unless he has a workaround, you'll need to wait for the UF to be updated.

I also have a PRS-505 from UK with fw 1.2.00.18050. I've tried your software, (option 5 and then 6) to flash US version 1.1 with spanish language and everything goes fine but the fw remains unchanged. What am I doing wrong?

EDIT: Ok, I've figured out what I'm doing wrong, in order to change firmware you need an original image to flash. The Sony updater does not allow to downgrade from 1.2.00.18050 to 1.1.00.18040, you have to search inside the updater (Winrar/Winzip) and edit this file with Notepad:

eBookUpdater\assets\updaterAssets\PRSversion.dat

If you change the number from 110018040 to 120018051 then you can downgrade the UK firmware.

RazorICE

09-16-2009, 04:38 PM

I also have a PRS-505 from UK with fw 1.2.00.18050. I've tried your software, (option 5 and then 6) to flash US version 1.1 with spanish language and everything goes fine but the fw remains unchanged. What am I doing wrong?

EDIT: Ok, I've figured out what I'm doing wrong, in order to change firmware you need an original image to flash. The Sony updater does not allow to downgrade from 1.2.00.18050 to 1.1.00.18040, you have to search inside the updater (Winrar/Winzip) and edit this file with Notepad:

eBookUpdater\assets\updaterAssets\PRSversion.dat

If you change the number from 110018040 to 120018051 then you can downgrade the UK firmware.

Oh my god. Thank you so very, very much! You saved me from an unrecoverable bricked 505!

I have a UK 505, and after playing around with the PRS customizer to see if I could implement anything else fun, I bricked it. Soft reset would let me access the device as a drive on my computer, and the books showed up fine on the library, but it would do nothing other than that. Hard reset didn't do anything, maybe I was doing it wrong. Anyway, I found a link to a 1.1 US firmware update, but... my 505 is from the UK, so 1.2 is "already updated". There is no 1.2 firmware update on the UK support site, that I could find. So just as I was beginning to lose hope, I opened up the 1.1 firmware update in winrar, extracted it all, did what you said, and voila, my 505 updated to 1.1, then to 1.2, and now it's back to normal! :D

Anyway, I registered just to say thank you, so THANK YOU!

Bilbo1967

09-17-2009, 04:07 PM

Having used PRS Customizer once, is it possible to use it again on the same Sony 505 (I want to turn the number buttons back on again)?

JeffElkins

09-18-2009, 12:23 AM

Having used PRS Customizer once, is it possible to use it again on the same Sony 505 (I want to turn the number buttons back on again)?

Yes. I do it frequently.

Bilbo1967

09-18-2009, 12:02 PM

Yes. I do it frequently.

Thanks Jeff, done it successfully now.

Just found that I couldn't live without the number buttons whilst reading.

nightslide

09-19-2009, 04:06 PM

JeffElkins

09-19-2009, 05:10 PM

Hi there, I just got my PRS 505, and am excited to try PRS Customizer. When I tried it, it wouldn't work. I have looked through some of the pages here, and I can see that you can downgrade your firmware (I'm hesitant to do that. If I downgrade it, can up upgrade it again to the latest version, while still keeping the changes PRS Customizer made for me, I don't think so). It is the 1.1.01.25200, and I'm in Canada, so I'm assuming that would be the US/Canada firmware, right?

I also saw a message that development was frozen until a new version of the firmware came out. So I'm wondering, am I understanding correctly that a newer version of PRS Customizer may be coming out, and will just 'do' it for me automatically (using firmware 1.1.01.25200) without having to downgrade or anything?

Thanks so much, I appreciate your help, and I'll try not to be too much of a newb. This program looks great, and I'm really impressed by the MobileRead community so far. Thanks again!

d

I suppose it's logical to call the firmware change a "downgrade" since it's dropping to a lower sequenced number, but AFAIK, Sony has never put out a change list showing what's different for the various 505 firmwares. Personally, I think they're [the firmware numbers] primarily for marketing purposes. The big "loss" from the "firmware downgrade" is the possible change from a US date format to a UK/European one is the only change discovered thus far.

If Sony's next 505 firmware update (if any) is encrypted, PRSCustomizer will probably cease development, other than bug fixes.

fantafrik

09-21-2009, 06:06 AM

dpierron

09-21-2009, 08:24 AM

Hello!

I have just tried the PRS customizer. It is just wonderfull! I don´t know why, but my device even seems to work faster.

I would like to ask some questions:
- Is it possible to increase/decrease the fonts with the volume buttons?

It probably could be done, though I doubt the usefulness of this feature, when the zoom button has the same function...

- If that is so, could be possible to change the landscape mode with the zoom button?

Already, if you press and hold the zoom button, the viewing mode will change from portrait to landscape and vice-versa (this is a documented feature of the non-customized firmware)

fantafrik

09-21-2009, 08:36 AM

Thank you DPierron for the reply.

I didn´t remember the subject for keeping pressed the zoom button.

The utility on the volume for zoom is that usually I want to see in a bigger size, but if it reflows or is too bigger, for example, you can go back to the previous size without having to rotate between other sizes which is often too slow.

Even so, if this would be possible, only a click for the landscape mode would be good too, only for the fast response when you are changing the mode continuously.

surquizu

09-23-2009, 06:46 PM

Original display:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/surquizu/screen-4.jpg

Template:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/surquizu/screen2-1.jpg

My display:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a351/surquizu/screen1-1.jpg

Spanish manual (http://prs-505.webcindario.com/manuales/Manual%20personalizacion%20avanzada.PDF)

pepak

09-29-2009, 01:06 PM

Bug report: The unicode monospace font has invalid "full font name" entered, rendering it unusable by Sony Reader. Details in this thread: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55543

JeffElkins

09-29-2009, 02:29 PM

Bug report: The unicode monospace font has invalid "full font name" entered, rendering it unusable by Sony Reader. Details in this thread: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55543

Thanks for the report. Has this been confirmed by other unicode users, and is a replacement font available?

pepak

09-29-2009, 02:37 PM

As far as I know, I am the only one who discovered the problem and its fix, but I did do extensive testing so I am pretty sure of it.

Replacement font isn't necessary - all it needs is to update the current font's "full font name" to "Courier10 BT Roman" and it will work again.

JeffElkins

09-29-2009, 05:07 PM

pepak

09-30-2009, 12:37 AM

Repair: You just follow the *VERY* detailed guide on changing default Reader fonts (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28447) with one small addition: The Guide requires that you change font family to "Courier10 BT". That is correct, but in addition to that you should update full font name to "Courier10 BT Roman". That's all.

BookCat

09-30-2009, 01:28 AM

Peto

09-30-2009, 03:38 AM

je je je

Muy bueno, Sergi ;)

gwynevans

09-30-2009, 04:56 AM

I haven't read the entire thread, just the first 14 pages! When I clicked the customise button, this message came up: "An exception of class NilObjectException was not handled. The application must be shut down."

I hadn't selected any of the options because I just want the clock. I had, however put contact details and changed all the bits to the correct firmware etc. Please tell me what this error message means.

As mentioned elsewhere (and earlier in this thread (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=357104&postcount=571)), I rather suspect that your unzipping package hasn't unzipped the full archive but has skipped creating empty folders.

radius

09-30-2009, 02:40 PM

Spanish manual (http://prs-505.webcindario.com/manuales/Manual%20personalizacion%20avanzada.PDF)

This looks *really* cool!

This is what Google Translate comes up with for the English translation of the PDF:

ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION MANUAL PRS-505
The package installation hacks in the PRS-505 by the application of Flasher
Igorsk can add useful features to customize the reader and
icons, font type and size and the name, telephone and e-mail the owner at the
About screen reader "in the" Settings ".
It also documented the change of the logo "Reader" from the main screen for a
logo a user's taste.
You can find instructions for hacking the reader and change the logo on http://prs-
505.webcindario.com/personalizar.htm
This manual aims to go a little farther on customization, changing logos and
copyright texts on the screen "About Reader" for text and graphics
that the user wants.
Original screen display sample custom
Let me explain how it's done in three parts, change graphics, change text and
load the reader.
Changing graphics
We can start from the original graphics or creating new ones. The graphics file
is the original "kBookLogos.png.
This graph has a size of 210x280 pixels and consists of four graphs
interior size 210x70 pixels.
To edit or create a new,
need an editing program
Graphics (Photoshop, PaintShopPro, etc ...).
Open the file or kBookLogos.png
create a new blank image
210x280 pixels which will name
kBookLogos.png (respecting upper
sensitive).
Then create a new image and the target of 210x70 pixels and
insert inside the graphic or picture that we want to incorporate. We can
make up to four times.
Using the "copy and paste" insert the four graphs in the right order and one
after another in the kBookLogos.png. If you use the original file, put your
covering the original image you want. I'll have a picture with the four
graphics that are incorporated into the reader.
For now we keep this file and
we will modify the text.
?
?
Change text
To change the screen text "About Reader" must be replaced
original copyrights referred to by those of your own.
The texts are in the file "main.xml" and is the same file that incorporates
hacks and we carry the reader through the Flasher. For this customization
I modified the file (keeping the hacks) for greater convenience when
incorporate your own texts.
You will find the "main.xml" amended http://prs-505.webcindario.com/descargas.htm
Under "customize"
The first is to edit the "main.xml" with Notepad (right-click> Open
With> Notepad).
To locate the texts to replace, perform a search with the menu
Edit> Search or using the keys Ctrl + B. In the search text Put XXXX and give
to "find next".
You will find the first text to change. The rest are below. You have already
deduced that the amendment "main.xml" is to put "X" in the spaces
where there was the original text and now you have to do is change these X by
your data, phrases, ... and save the changes to the file "main.xml"
?
No problem to replace the X with sentences shorter or longer. Depending on the
text size that you put, the graphics are more or less separate or even
will text and graphics to a next page of "About Reader.
Load the reader
We already have two files with the changes in graphics (kBookLogos.png) and text
(main.xml) made.
We begin with the process of loading the hacks in the reader. Therefore we created the SD
with the directory structure and files downloading and following the instructions of
http://prs-505.webcindario.com/personalizar.htm
With the SD set, you ought to copy the files "kBookLogos.png" and "main.xml" on
folder "scripts".
For those of you 1.1.00.18040 firmware, the route is as follows:
H: \ files.505.1.1.00.18040 \ opt \ sony \ ebook \ application \ resources \ scripts (where H:
letter assigned to the SD).
For firmware 1.2.00.18050, the path is:
H: \ files.505.1.2.00.18050 \ opt \ sony \ ebook \ application \ resources \ scripts
You ought to replace the "main.xml" For the existing amended by you.
Finally, try to follow the same process to load the hacks. Insert the
SD on the reader, will open the Flasher. Press 5. When the success message, press 6.
With the success message, press 9 to remove the SD reader.
After restarting the reader will already be loaded graphics and text to your liking.
surquizu - September 2009
http://prs-505.webcindario.com