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

Seems to have worked perfectly! Thanks for putting the effort into this and releasing it to the public :)

Worked like a charm! I was waaaaay to lazy to follow all these disjointed threads that popped up after the new firmware came out and cobble the hacks together myself.

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup
:thanks:

:bow2::bow2::bow2:

Added a link to the Hacking Conclusions and Guide thread.

:beer::beer::beer:

Worked like a dream,thanx
only one question
which button do I use for the shutdown ?

I have not flashed my 505 because I don't see the value of the hacks for me.

But the uniform font hack is one with which I am not familiar. What is its function? How does it work?

which button do I use for the shutdown ?

Heh, I didn't either but I just started pressing buttons to see which one it is. It's the enter button.

the uniform font hack is one with which I am not familiar.

In the book listing it makes all the fonts the same size instead of the "normal" way where books with short titles are listed with a bigger font.

Nice work!

There seems to be a bit of an issue with the date and time function. After flashing and rebooting, the time and date reflected a location 12 hours earlier than my time (EST) in the US - 2300 hours on 7/31 instead of 1100 hours on 8/1. I can change the month to 08 but not the day or hours. Any ideas? Thanks.


UPDATE: All is well now - the movement keys miraculously started working after I left the reader on and unattended for a while. The gremlins must have decided to move on! Or maybe it was just operator error as usual. Thanks again for your efforts to help all of us.

There seems to be a bit of an issue with the date and time function. After flashing and rebooting, the time and date reflected a location 12 hours earlier than my time (EST) in the US - 2300 hours on 7/31 instead of 1100 hours on 8/1. I can change the month to 08 but not the day or hours. Any ideas? Thanks.

No problem here. I use the joystick arrows to move up/down,left/right, numeric keys and the enter key w/o issues. BTW, the clock hack does nothing to the date setting routines. They are hardcoded (compiled) routines, not something in javascript or xml that we can edit.

Thanks for putting that together; worked beautifully.

Also, I am running Vista Ultimate on my PC and had no issues running the prscustomizer program.

Worked great. Flashed to 505.1.1.00.18040 firmware then installed. Thanks

In the book listing it makes all the fonts the same size instead of the "normal" way where books with short titles are listed with a bigger font.

Thanks. I appreciate the information.

Wow, very nice! I've been afraid to try this before now, but you made it very easy! Thanks, Jeff.

Jeff--First of all thanks very much for posting this!!

I'm trying to use the PRS Customizer, but I keep coming up with an error message.

According to my reader, I'm able to create the image successfully (5--make a new image); but when I go to the next step (6--flash the image) I always get the following error: "Error while flashing partition! It is recommended to switch to recovery mode and use Sony flasher to flash a stock image." I can then exit to the menu and my Reader still works but hasn't been updated.

I previously ran used the Universal Flash Updater 2.0 provided by Igorsk with the additional files provided by Gwynevans. I was able to run this successfully--only thing that I couldn't get to "take" were the new icons.

I would appreciate any pointers or suggestions on what I might try to get the updater to work successfully. I'd like to have the new icons and the identifying text. Also, right now my clock is a little messed up (left digit not showing completely) and I think Jeff's update fixes this.

Thanks for any help!!!

dordale :)

Also, right now my clock is a little messed up (left digit not showing completely) and I think Jeff's update fixes this.

Thanks for any help!!!

dordale :)

I've attached an updated "main.xml" that I am using with Igorsk's UF 2.0 that fixes the clock issue. It truncates "am" and "pm" to "a" and "p" respectively, providing the necessary room for all of the numbers.

If you can't get Jeff's program to work, this should alleviate one issue.

As always, place the file in
files.505.1.1.00.18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\ resources\scripts and reflash.

Good luck.

Any chance of someone posting the original icons? I love all the other options, but I prefer the original (1.1.00.18040) icons. Thanks!

Jeff--First of all thanks very much for posting this!!

I'm trying to use the PRS Customizer, but I keep coming up with an error message.

According to my reader, I'm able to create the image successfully (5--make a new image); but when I go to the next step (6--flash the image) I always get the following error: "Error while flashing partition! It is recommended to switch to recovery mode and use Sony flasher to flash a stock image." I can then exit to the menu and my Reader still works but hasn't been updated.

I previously ran used the Universal Flash Updater 2.0 provided by Igorsk with the additional files provided by Gwynevans. I was able to run this successfully--only thing that I couldn't get to "take" were the new icons.

I would appreciate any pointers or suggestions on what I might try to get the updater to work successfully. I'd like to have the new icons and the identifying text. Also, right now my clock is a little messed up (left digit not showing completely) and I think Jeff's update fixes this.

Thanks for any help!!!

dordale :)

I think I know what you might have done. My icons didn't take the first time either because I saved the thumbnail instead of the actual picture. Moving onto the the bigger issue. That error you get is expected now because of a bug in the flasher. You need to use the option to put the reader into firmware update mode, then remove the card. You need to download the sony firmware flasher again if you didnt save it before, connect the reader with a usb cord, and run it. After this is done, pop the sd card back in, flash with the usual options and you're golden.

TLDR Version: redo the firmware first before running the flasher more than once.

You should probably run the stock updater from Sony all over again before trying to reflash. What you should do is unzip the updater (which is an .exe file but can be unzipped) into a folder, and find the PRSVersion.dat file and edit it using notepad, change the last 0 to a 1 and then you can run the updater from the unzipped folder any time you like to return your Reader to the new stock update. THEN run the universal flasher.

I previously ran used the Universal Flash Updater 2.0 provided by Igorsk with the additional files provided by Gwynevans. I was able to run this successfully--only thing that I couldn't get to "take" were the new icons.

If you have previously customized your Reader, you will probably have to perform a reflash using the Sony PRS-505 Updater prior to using this software. This is due to a bug in the flasher which Igorsk is aware of.

Thanks everyone!

Reflashing did the trick. I entered the firmware update mode in the flasher, which basically erased the firmware on my 505. Then I was able to run the firmware updater from Sony. After doing that, reflashing worked like a charm.

Love all the improvements!

dordale :)

Any chance of someone posting the original icons? I love all the other options, but I prefer the original (1.1.00.18040) icons. Thanks!

Please download the new version (prscust.01.zip.) It will allow you to deselect the new icons, keeping the older set.

Please download the new version (prscust.01.zip.) It will allow you to deselect the new icons, keeping the older set.

Thanks so much for that! Works GREAT!

Any chance of someone posting the original icons? I love all the other options, but I prefer the original (1.1.00.18040) icons. Thanks!

rather than go through the trouble of flashing with the "new" icons, deciding i, too, would rather have the old ones, and figuring out how to undo it, could someone please point me to a screenshot of old vs. new? i can't for the life of me figure out which "new" icons are included in this flasher...

thanks!

A suggestion to all those that like to customize your readers: After seeing the file kBookAssets.png I wonder if you could also change the black bar on the bottom of the reader's screen: Maybe turning it to grey, adding your name to it or even using a small pattern or image. It seems that it would work (and make a lot of difference, huh?).

But.... I wonder if we could turn it off and use ALL precious screen space for reading!

I couldn't get it to work on my Reader, maybe it's because I'm using a micro SD card with an SD adapter.

Didnt work on my PRS-505 either, loaded from a 2 Gig SD card, I have FW 1.1.00.18040.

I have never flashed before, it says all was successful but no clock or joystick page turns.

G

I couldn't get it to work on my Reader, maybe it's because I'm using a micro SD card with an SD adapter.

I've exclusively used micro SD card with an SD adapter and never had a problem in the dozens of flashes I've performed.

Guardian & Catire, I have no idea why flashing didn't take. First, I'd re-apply the Sony update and try to customize again. Then, look for log files on your cards and see if something needs to be reported to Igorsk.

Any way to Un-Brick my PRS-505? After attempting the flash PRSCustomizer, the screen sicks at initial screen "Reader starting up". Reset, mark + vol and reconnecting to computer do nothing. It is not seen as a drive any longer.

Do I buy a new one? Or does someone have a good idea?

Any way to Un-Brick my PRS-505? After attempting the flash PRSCustomizer, the screen sicks at initial screen "Reader starting up". Reset, mark + vol and reconnecting to computer do nothing. It is not seen as a drive any longer.

Do I buy a new one? Or does someone have a good idea?

Try the Sony updater.

Any way to Un-Brick my PRS-505? After attempting the flash PRSCustomizer, the screen sicks at initial screen "Reader starting up". Reset, mark + vol and reconnecting to computer do nothing. It is not seen as a drive any longer.
Try to connect external power supply, wait for an hour, reset, power switch, while blinks connect usb cable. Doing so I've unbricked mine. If succeed, run update again (changing in updater its version number).

Any way to Un-Brick my PRS-505? After attempting the flash PRSCustomizer, the screen sicks at initial screen "Reader starting up". Reset, mark + vol and reconnecting to computer do nothing. It is not seen as a drive any longer.

Do I buy a new one? Or does someone have a good idea?

Happened the same to me owing to the modified fonts. I tried reseting and turning on 10 times in a row (supposed to run update mode or something) and it didn't work but somewhere along the way the PC recognized the drive and I could reinstall the firmware. The process depleted the battery, so be careful when reinstalling. Good luck.

Any way to Un-Brick my PRS-505? After attempting the flash PRSCustomizer, the screen sicks at initial screen "Reader starting up". Reset, mark + vol and reconnecting to computer do nothing. It is not seen as a drive any longer.

Do I buy a new one? Or does someone have a good idea?

Run the universal flasher off the sd card again if you can get it to read the sd card. From that point use the option to update firmware, connect to the computer with a usb cord and use the official sony firmware updater. Then you can run the hacks again successfully.

Reflashed with the sony updater and I still am not able to get the clock working, not sure what I am doing wrong.

G

Guardian--

You might just need to turn the clock on. To do this, from the main menu, choose Settings/About. On the bottom of the screen you should see "clock off"; "clock on" or "clock am/pm". To switch between the options, hit the 0 key.

Hope this helps--
dordale :)

Yea, tried that, no clock text at all either in the main menu or in the about screen, no page forward or back either.

Seems like the flash went ok per the responses on the flasher menu, but it never seems to update the flash.

G

Added for download: prscustpy.01.zip - Python version of prscustomizer. Tested and working under Linux (Ubuntu 8.04) and OS X (Leopard). Requires wxpython module.

Yea, tried that, no clock text at all either in the main menu or in the about screen, no page forward or back either.

Seems like the flash went ok per the responses on the flasher menu, but it never seems to update the flash.

G

I'm stumped. Just for the heck of it, try running prscustomizer only, then check the files in files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/ - you're looking for applicationStart.xml, scripts/main.xml and scripts/*.png.

Are they there?

I flashed from an old hacked firmware to the new firmware from Sony, everything turned back to original, then i flashed with this customizer using a custom name and info and all options but the joystick next page. The enter to power, clock, and new icons work, and the next page does not as i customized it, but i don't have any text for my name, email or phone.
I Flashed using a 32 mb Sd card. By Re-extracting the package onto the SD card and rerunning the customizer, I was able to see files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/ applicationStart.xml, scripts/main.xml and the text icon png file under scripts.
I believe I've done everything correctly (fully filling out the information and all), but I don't have the identification information.
I'm willing to reflash with some method but i don't know which way is the best (using the universal flasher and going to firmware update or reflashing the with sony updater after changing the version number) and i don't know what to look for when reflashing and customizing.
Thanks,
Frog29

JeffElkins, look at this variation of icons to give the prscustomizer:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=226660&postcount=57

I flashed from an old hacked firmware to the new firmware from Sony, everything turned back to original, then i flashed with this customizer using a custom name and info and all options but the joystick next page. The enter to power, clock, and new icons work, and the next page does not as i customized it, but i don't have any text for my name, email or phone.
I Flashed using a 32 mb Sd card. By Re-extracting the package onto the SD card and rerunning the customizer, I was able to see files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/ applicationStart.xml, scripts/main.xml and the text icon png file under scripts.
I believe I've done everything correctly (fully filling out the information and all), but I don't have the identification information.
I'm willing to reflash with some method but i don't know which way is the best (using the universal flasher and going to firmware update or reflashing the with sony updater after changing the version number) and i don't know what to look for when reflashing and customizing.
Thanks,
Frog29


Frog29, sounds to me like you've covered all the bases. You are looking at the top level Settings/About (0,6) screen, correct? I just reflashed my 505, leaving the joystick page forward unchecked and I see the name,email & address w/o problems. The personalization info is the last item on the About screen, after the Bitstream info. What do you see on that page?

JeffElkins, look at this variation of icons to give the prscustomizer:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=226660&postcount=57

I'll try those out, thanks!

rather than go through the trouble of flashing with the "new" icons, deciding i, too, would rather have the old ones, and figuring out how to undo it, could someone please point me to a screenshot of old vs. new? i can't for the life of me figure out which "new" icons are included in this flasher...

thanks!

If you download the software, both iconsets are in the prsfiles directory.

*ahem* I feel quite stupid now :P
It's there exactly as it should be...:smack:

However at least I have a kind of excuse... I'd assumed it did something like this

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14788&d=1217425473 From http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=224858&postcount=21
Because it did not make sense to me for the info to be hidden a few menus deep where its only useful for proving ownership :p I had thought it was like that so its identifiable if found by a kind soul :p
On that topic, would it perchance be possible to automatically write text like in the screenshot?
Or integrate some way for a custom theme to be done in this auto installer, or just tell me how ;)

Thanks, and sorry for the confusion,
Frog29

*ahem* I feel quite stupid now :P
It's there exactly as it should be...:smack:

However at least I have a kind of excuse... I'd assumed it did something like this

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14788&d=1217425473 From http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=224858&postcount=21
Because it did not make sense to me for the info to be hidden a few menus deep where its only useful for proving ownership :p I had thought it was like that so its identifiable if found by a kind soul :p
On that topic, would it perchance be possible to automatically write text like in the screenshot?
Or integrate some way for a custom theme to be done in this auto installer, or just tell me how ;)

Thanks, and sorry for the confusion,
Frog29

No problem. Placing the ID on the About screen is the only way I've come up with via the XML files to easily personalize the reader. The hack you're talking about (and it's a nice one) involves hand-editing the kBookAssets.png file with a graphics editor (gimp,photoshop,etc). It's easy enough to do by hand, but I haven't investigated doing it automatically via a program.

But my initial post did say: "Personalized About Screen" :)

JeffElkins, look at this variation of icons to give the prscustomizer:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=226660&postcount=57

Your changes look pretty spiffy :) -- Are you done?

Ok, So if I were to edit the kBookAssets.png from this post this post (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=224806&postcount=20) And make sure to save it transparently and interlaced in files.505.1.1.00.18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\ resources\scripts And then run your program again and Modify my options and Info for the about screen, Would it work? (and is the resolution for the logo really only 210x70 or can i extend it across the whole top of the screen?)

Also How would I go about reflashing my Sony, or rather whats the best way to do it?

:thanks:
Frog29

Ok, So if I were to edit the kBookAssets.png from this post this post (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=224806&postcount=20) And make sure to save it transparently and interlaced in files.505.1.1.00.18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\ resources\scripts And then run your program again and Modify my options and Info for the about screen, Would it work? (and is the resolution for the logo really only 210x70 or can i extend it across the whole top of the screen?)

Also How would I go about reflashing my Sony, or rather whats the best way to do it?

:thanks:
Frog29

I first dropped the customizer zip into my sd card, then unzipped to the root card. Then I ran the customizer, then swapped in my own edited icon and background pngs. After that you plug in the sd card and flash like normal. It all worked for me.

I first dropped the customizer zip into my sd card, then unzipped to the root card. Then I ran the customizer, then swapped in my own edited icon and background pngs. After that you plug in the sd card and flash like normal. It all worked for me.

Same here. I did the customization graphic separately, then pasted it into kBookAssets.png - I found that to be easier. I've attached one to this post.

Same here. I did the customization graphic separately, then pasted it into kBookAssets.png - I found that to be easier. I've attached one to this post.
There's no attachment to that post.

There's no attachment to that post.

There is now :)

Teach me to post before coffee :)

There is now :)

Teach me to post before coffee :)
Is a line all it's supposed to be?

Is a line all it's supposed to be?

Think if it as a 210x70 template. Drop a black background on it and fill in your details.

Think if it as a 210x70 template. Drop a black background on it and fill in your details.
Might be best to ZIP it and include a readme type file for what to do with it. Then replace the attachment. As it is, I think it'll confuse a lot of people.

Thank you for all your help!
I've flashed my Sony with the new image and it worked perfectly!
A quick note though... the logo dimensions should really be 210X68 since there is a 2 pixel gradient at the bottom of that area :)
Whenever i get internet again I'll make a topic on how to do this to help others ;)

Thanks,
Frog29

New version: prscust.01.zip

...Discover a new hack? Please let me know so I can consider it for
inclusion in PRScustomizer!

Porkupan has implemented the translation of the menus into FR, DE, ES and Polish, I think. Could you merge it?

The link is here
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27371

Your changes look pretty spiffy :) -- Are you done?

my reader

Think if it as a 210x70 template. Drop a black background on it and fill in your details.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your simple PRSCustomizer, makes things so much easier.

Thanks also to Igorsk for the original hardwork it getting the hacks to work in the first place.

This is my customized PRS 505.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7145/505im6.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7145/505im6.jpg)

I have modified your original 210x70 template to include the gradient at the bottom and colored it with a black background. So all that is needed is to create your customized logo over this template and drop it over kBookAssets.png once done. This will merge seamlessly over the original.

Also attaching 3 versions of icons which have been released on this board so far.

New version: prscust.01.zip

PRSCustomizer is a simple program for the Sony PRS-505 Reader
which provides:

Clock
Uniform fonts (optional)
New icons (optional)
One-key shutdown (hold enter key, optional)
Joystick page forward (optional)
Personalized About Screen


Thanks Jeff, I just got my 505 yesterday, I've now updated the firmware and reflashed it. Love the clock, icons and joystick hacks.

:thanks:

Porkupan has implemented the translation of the menus into FR, DE, ES and Polish, I think. Could you merge it?

The link is here
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27371

I'll be working on a new release this weekend.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your simple PRSCustomizer, makes things so much easier.

Thanks also to Igorsk for the original hardwork it getting the hacks to work in the first place.

This is my customized PRS 505.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7145/505im6.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7145/505im6.jpg)

I have modified your original 210x70 template to include the gradient at the bottom and colored it with a black background. So all that is needed is to create your customized logo over this template and drop it over kBookAssets.png once done. This will merge seamlessly over the original.

Also attaching 3 versions of icons which have been released on this board so far.


Thanks, EssKayEss!

Thanks Jeff, I just got my 505 yesterday, I've now updated the firmware and reflashed it. Love the clock, icons and joystick hacks.

:thanks:

Thank you, Higgs!

Just to be clear, the only hack I personally came up with is the About Screen. All kudos to Igorsk, Porkupan,JSWolf and many others in the community!

I'll be working on a new release this weekend.

I was about to ask the question… thank’s a lot. And for the python version, it’s great that I don’t need to find a windows for this :)

NémOlivier.

The new release is up. Among other things, it includes porkupan's localization routines.

The new release is up. Among other things, it includes porkupan's localization routines.

:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:2thumbsup:thumbsup:

Turns out it was the micro SD card, i just found my regular old SD card and it worked like a charm. :)

Thanks for this helpful mod, it looks easy!

One thing to clarify, by "Unicode fonts with Cyrillic Support", does that mean it will support Traditional and/or Simplified Chinese ebooks?

Thanks for this helpful mod, it looks easy!

One thing to clarify, by "Unicode fonts with Cyrillic Support", does that mean it will support Traditional and/or Simplified Chinese ebooks?

Sorry, I don't think so. These were provided by porkupan for Russian support.

Turns out it was the micro SD card, i just found my regular old SD card and it worked like a charm. :)

Glad it's resolved!

Sorry, I don't think so. These were provided by porkupan for Russian support.

thats ok, it's a great mod none the less, hopefully, trad and simp chinese can be incorporated in it soon. :D

Finally got mine to work. Thanks for a great program.

One question, is there any to add play controls for audio
while reading a book? maybe play/pause with the enter button?

Thanks
G

I just downloaded prscustomizer 0.30 and ran the mac osx version. I followed all the instruction precisely. I placed the sd card in my prs and after choosing option 5 got a message on the screen saying:
sorry this firmware version is not supported:
505.1.1.00.18040.

wazzup?

Scott

sorry - v.0.03
and I installed the new firmware previously and have attempted no other hacks.

sorry - v.0.03
and I installed the new firmware previously and have attempted no other hacks.

Use option 7 on the card to reset the firmware version to 0.0.0.0 so the sony updater will work again. apply the firmware update, then go with 5 and 6 again. Good luck.

Finally got mine to work. Thanks for a great program.

One question, is there any to add play controls for audio
while reading a book? maybe play/pause with the enter button?

Thanks
G

Glad you're fixed. Your idea for audio controls is a good one. Rather than the enter button, I think allowing the left-side forward/back buttons to (optionally) do this would work. The question is which key-codes and what functions to attach to them. For example the enter-key shutdown function is implemented via: <boolean key="0x27-hold" do="doDeviceShutdown"/> in the file applicationStart.xml.

as per your suggestion I tried option 7, but an error message appeared about the failure to copy some file to a location; however, that message appeared to briefly to actually read it and note the particulars.

Out of curiosity, why should I need to reinstall the firmware update, if no hacks were previously attempted?

I thought maybe having a clean slate would solve the problem or help aid in its diagnosis.

All the errors I've seen so far have been fixed by a simple re-flash of the firmware.

as per your suggestion I tried option 7, but an error message appeared about the failure to copy some file to a location; however, that message appeared to briefly to actually read it and note the particulars.

Out of curiosity, why should I need to reinstall the firmware update, if no hacks were previously attempted?

It's a known bug in Igorsk's universal flasher. After you applied option 7, did you attempt to re-do the Sony Updater?

any suggestions.
I tired to reinstall the firmware update but the updater won't reinstall it.
Is the original firmware available somewhere?
Perhaps then I could reinstall the original, then the update, and try the hack again.

Thanks,
Scott

Did you go into the right mode? In order for it to re-flash you need to selection Option 7 from the hack flasher, then wait for the reboot, plug it in the pc when the splash screen comes in, and then run the original updater. That has worked twice for me thus far.

when i pressed 7 a message appeared saying that a file could not be copied to a location, but the message came and went so fast, I could not get the details.

when i pressed 7 a message appeared saying that a file could not be copied to a location, but the message came and went so fast, I could not get the details.

When you press option 7 from Igorsk's UF you'll see a message quickly flash by then your Reader should reboot. Once rebooted, you should see a message on your screen now directly underneath the Reader logo: Firmware update did not complete successfully. Please try again. At this point, connect the Reader to your PC and run the Sony Updater. Once the Sony Updater has run, your Reader software should be clean and updated. Finally now you can run PRSCustomizer and apply the hacks to your Reader.

In steps:

1. Insert SD card into Reader then run Igorsk's universal flasher: press option 7. Unmount card
2. Connect the Reader to your PC and update your firmware using the Sony Updater.
3. Insert the SD card containing PRSCustomizer into your card reader.
4. Run the PRSCustomizer software for your platform
5. Unmount the card, place it in your Reader, press options 5, then 6.

I just followed these exact steps on my Mac running Leopard w/o a problem.

this exactly what happens when I press seven on the flasher:

a message briefly appears - error copying libfskLoad to /tmp

then the flasher menu reappears with the added message - if this message stays for a long time, something went wrong.

I can then press menu to exit, remove the sd card, and the prs505 works normally.

a message briefly appears - error copying libfskLoad to /tmp

Try resetting the Reader. It's possible the /tmp directory is full.

I did a hard reset and deleted the reader's contents, then tried to install the hack and got all the same error messages as before.

can't i just reinstall the original firmware, then use the updater?

of course, that's if the original is available somewhere. I checked sony's site to no avail.

I did a hard reset and deleted the reader's contents, then tried to install the hack and got all the same error messages as before.

can't i just reinstall the original firmware, then use the updater?

of course, that's if the original is available somewhere. I checked sony's site to no avail.

You can edit a file in the Reader's original installer to run (otherwise it detects it already has the latest firmware. I don't remember what it was, but it's in the forums if you search.

Try running the firmware flasher issued from Sony. It's definitely still available and you would have needed it to follow these steps anyway.

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

Going backto a different problem--When using the Customizer loaded on an SD card (Kingston 1GB microSD with adapter), the screen would almost freeze, with the greyed-out round arrows slowly moving once or twice per minute. I reformatted the SD card as FAT (as opposed to FAT32, the other option) and tried again. Worked like a charm!

You can edit a file in the Reader's original installer to run (otherwise it detects it already has the latest firmware. I don't remember what it was, but it's in the forums if you search.

Try running the firmware flasher issued from Sony. It's definitely still available and you would have needed it to follow these steps anyway.

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

The Sony Updater is an archive: decompress it into a directory and edit the file: PRSVersion.dat:

eBookUpdater/updaterAssets/updaterAssets/PRSVersion.dat

That file contains a string 110018040 - change it to 110018041

The Sony Updater should then run and update your Reader.

Going backto a different problem--When using the Customizer loaded on an SD card (Kingston 1GB microSD with adapter), the screen would almost freeze, with the greyed-out round arrows slowly moving once or twice per minute. I reformatted the SD card as FAT (as opposed to FAT32, the other option) and tried again. Worked like a charm!

That's interesting! I've noticed that PRSCustomizer is sluggish under Windows (on the SD card - on the drive it's fine), but runs wicked fast under Linux and OS X. I'll have to try plain FAT.

I was just about to suggest a project where we add the ability to change to landscape mode by holding down the zoom button and holy shit, it already does that! I had no idea.

thanks for all your suggestions, all which I tried, though they didn't work. But the process forced me to think about what was wrong. Apparently the manner in which the downloaded files was unzipped and sent to the sd card was the problem. The customizer program ran to completion, but the hack wouldn't install.
I changed the way I sent the files to the sd card, and low and behold, I'm customized!

thanks for all your suggestions, all which I tried, though they didn't work. But the process forced me to think about what was wrong. Apparently the manner in which the downloaded files was unzipped and sent to the sd card was the problem. The customizer program ran to completion, but the hack wouldn't install.
I changed the way I sent the files to the sd card, and low and behold, I'm customized!

Were you failing to preserve directory structure?

actually, I think the problem was that the instructions said to extract the zip file to the sd card root directory. When the file downloaded to my computer it wasn't zipped. So I placed the downloaded folder in the root of the sd card. What finally worked was opening the downloaded folder and copying the contents to the sd card root.

I was just about to suggest a project where we add the ability to change to landscape mode by holding down the zoom button and holy shit, it already does that! I had no idea.
You won't beleive it but it's even mentioned in the manual! :)

actually, I think the problem was that the instructions said to extract the zip file to the sd card root directory. When the file downloaded to my computer it wasn't zipped. So I placed the downloaded folder in the root of the sd card. What finally worked was opening the downloaded folder and copying the contents to the sd card root.

You're using Safari? By default it seems to download/extract; a right-click lets you just download.

I did indeed use safari.

OK, guys,

a hint from me after a couple of hours work.... everything is perfect with the flash and icons and stuff, but the Cyrillic weren't working for me. Tried lots of stuff and fonts, but got just ...monkeys and not a normal letters.
So after almost 2 hours of trying different stuff I finally noticed, that the FONT folder in the archive prscustomizer.0.03.zip\files.505.1.1.00.18040\opt\ sony\ebook\font
is with small letters, and should be with capital like FONTS. Changed it and NOW everything is a fairytale.

PRSCustomizer v0.03 is an easy to use program for the Sony PRS-505 Reader
which provides:

Clock
Localization by Porkupan (English,French,German,Russian,Spanish)
Unicode fonts with Cyrillic Support
Uniform font size (optional)
New icons (optional)
One-key shutdown (optional)
Joystick page forward (optional)
Personalized About Screen
I've run the program and the only options I see are for...
Customized About Screen
Uniform Font Size
Joystick Page Forward
Choose Icon Set
How do I dump the non-optional stuff that I really do not want? I don't want Localization or Unicode Font Support. And what has been done to the clock? I still want the 0 added to single digit hours, but all I want is the m removed from am/pm. Can you make these mandatory hacks optional so I can get rid of them?

I've run the program and the only options I see are for...
Customized About Screen
Uniform Font Size
Joystick Page Forward
Choose Icon Set
How do I dump the non-optional stuff that I really do not want? I don't want Localization or Unicode Font Support. And what has been done to the clock? I still want the 0 added to single digit hours, but all I want is the m removed from am/pm. Can you make these mandatory hacks optional so I can get rid of them?

Looking at the clock at this moment I see: 01:44p - leading zero and no 'm.' As for the rest, eventually everything but the personalization will be optional. In the meantime, localization and unicode are present, but shouldn't affect you if you don't need them - English is the default.

Looking at the clock at this moment I see: 01:44p - leading zero and no 'm.' As for the rest, eventually everything but the personalization will be optional. In the meantime, localization and unicode are present, but shouldn't affect you if you don't need them - English is the default.
But, I really don't want them. How can I use PRSCustomizer but not have them? I know they'll be there and there's a chance something might go wrong and I'd rather not risk it.

Hi,

I've added polish localization. To install it first go with prscustomizer.exe and then replace two files I attached in /files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/scripts/. Then copy all files to SD card and go with instalation.

I hope this localization in the future can be added to installer.


Dodałem polska lokalizacje. Aby zainstalowac najpierw uruchom prscustomizer.exe potem zastap pliki w katalogu /files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/scripts/ plikami ktore dolaczylem. Przekopiuj na karte SD i uruchom istalacje. ( najpierw wcisnij 5 potem 6 )

Mam nadzieje ze lokalizacja bedzie w przyszlosci dodana do programu customizer.

One more thing I've noticed... the personalized about screen is not an option. It needs to be an option as well.

So when can we expect a new version that fixes all this things? In the hack maker for the 500, everything was an option. We should not be forced to have to install hacks we don't want just to get the ones we do want. Even the clock needs to be optional. So please, fix this puppy so it's actually usable (won't be usable till all hacks are made optional)

But, I really don't want them. How can I use PRSCustomizer but not have them? I know they'll be there and there's a chance something might go wrong and I'd rather not risk it.

Sorry. If you don't want localization/unicode fonts you'll have to use an older version, wait for a version that makes localization/unicode optional, or roll your own hacks.

Hi,

I've added polish localization. To install it first go with prscustomizer.exe and then replace two files I attached in /files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/scripts/. Then copy all files to SD card and go with instalation.

I hope this localization in the future can be added to installer.


Dodałem polska lokalizacje. Aby zainstalowac najpierw uruchom prscustomizer.exe potem zastap pliki w katalogu /files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/scripts/ plikami ktore dolaczylem. Przekopiuj na karte SD i uruchom istalacje. ( najpierw wcisnij 5 potem 6 )

Mam nadzieje ze lokalizacja bedzie w przyszlosci dodana do programu customizer.

Thanks!

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.

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.

You run 5, then 6, THEN reboot.

Understood, but the reboot after 5 happened by itself - I didn't start it. Any ideas why that might have happened?

Understood, but the reboot after 5 happened by itself - I didn't start it. Any ideas why that might have happened?

Has this happened more than once?

Well, no. BUt considering that we are flashing hacks to the firmware, before I try to make something like this continue when I get a malfunction, I thought it would be prudent to see if anyone has seen this before and if there is a known fix. I don't want to "brick" the thing after all.

BTW, I am running the latest update from Sony on the PRS-505, with no prior customization, so I did not rerun the updater before doing this. The warning seemed to be only for those who had hacked/customized before.

Thanks.

Bizarre. I tried it again and this time it worked as expected. I am now rebooting. Hopefully I will see success.....

Well, no. BUt considering that we are flashing hacks to the firmware, before I try to make something like this continue when I get a malfunction, I thought it would be prudent to see if anyone has seen this before and if there is a known fix. I don't want to "brick" the thing after all.

BTW, I am running the latest update from Sony on the PRS-505, with no prior customization, so I did not rerun the updater before doing this. The warning seemed to be only for those who had hacked/customized before.

Thanks.

I've had one-time issues before and just moved on without it being an issue, but I see where you're coming from. There is something very important to note about the "customizing more-than-once" bug: The issue is not with the reader but with the SD card. Something is written to the card that causes this bug, not the other way around. You can customize more than once if you remember to empty the card and then fill it with a fresh zip dump rather than re-using it. This is certainly easier than flashing repeatedly :)

In other words, double check that the sd card is filled with fresh files.

Thanks! Got it!

Just out of curiosityI tried to re-customize to change the about screen and selct a different icon set. Based on the above, I deleted all the files on the SD card, reformatted it, and re-extracted a fresh et of files to he card, along with placing the modified file into the correct folder for the personalized about screen.

When I tried to reflash (opt 6) the Reader had a message that amounted to needing to rerun the Sony updater; I guess this means that we really do have to go back to reflashing the orignial firmware update each time before running this, or did I miss a step?

Thanks.

You wouldn't normally need to, in my experience, although I'm not clear exactly what the condition is that triggers needing to do so, if you see what I mean...

here's my screen customized with a photo.

You wouldn't normally need to, in my experience, although I'm not clear exactly what the condition is that triggers needing to do so, if you see what I mean...

igorsk said that it was a bug in the UF that would be fixed eventually, but I can't find the post.

Oh, well. I will watch for the announcement of the bug fix and keep my SD card at the ready. Thanks!

igorsk said that it was a bug in the UF that would be fixed eventually, but I can't find the post.

Hmm I think I've seen this before... nblsdm needs to be passed a parameter with the partiton size. Until I get around to implement that, reflashing with stock updater should allow you to flash a custom image again.

Here's Igorsk's quote.

Worked beautifully! Thanks.

Worked beautifully! Thanks.

You're welcome :)

Hi. Thanks for the Customizer.
I tried flashing several times (always deleting card before new flash and reflashing using original fw). All the mods work but the "Unicode fonts with Cyrillic Support" doesnt seem to work (some accented characters are still missing - same as with the original fw). I was using the "russification" for viewing books in Central/Eastern European encoding with the old firmware for months and it was ok. Is there something I have to turn on to replace the fonts?

Hi. Thanks for the Customizer.
I tried flashing several times (always deleting card before new flash and reflashing using original fw). All the mods work but the "Unicode fonts with Cyrillic Support" doesnt seem to work (some accented characters are still missing - same as with the original fw). I was using the "russification" for viewing books in Central/Eastern European encoding with the old firmware for months and it was ok. Is there something I have to turn on to replace the fonts?

Shouldn't be. It may be a problem with the files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/FONT folder...see if it's capitalized; if not, rename it. Also, please try the new version, 0.04.

Version 0.04 and capitalized FONT folder work. :thumbsup: Thank you.

Version 0.04 and capitalized FONT folder work. :thumbsup: Thank you.

Please delete that 0.04 zip! I found a nasty xml bug that hits some cases. I'll re-upload when it's fixed.

I have the same problem as mngreen, I've tried three times, but no success, I'm going to buy a new sd card the one I'm using now is the micro with an sd adapter, maybe that will help.

Will 0.4 allow everything to be optional?

I think a changelog and maybe a new thread would be a good idea. It's hard for people to tell if they need to update or not.

Will 0.4 allow everything to be optional?

All but personalization and clock.

I think a changelog and maybe a new thread would be a good idea. It's hard for people to tell if they need to update or not.

Being in a sticky is a better option in a new thread. I'll give a changelog some thought though...

I have the same problem as mngreen, I've tried three times, but no success, I'm going to buy a new sd card the one I'm using now is the micro with an sd adapter, maybe that will help.

Sorry you're having problems.

Was able to get it to work after connecting to computer and installing with a new sd card.
Thanks for your efforts and others to bring this program to the masses.

Was able to get it to work after connecting to computer and installing with a new sd card.
Thanks for your efforts and others to bring this program to the masses.

You're welcome. I sure am puzzled why the mini/micro sd cards can be an issue...

Flasher gave me the clock and personal info, but will not give me the new icons, only the originals. If I select any icon set I get the following error message /tmp/self upgrade/new_optimg not found. Strange in any event the clock was what I really wanted.

All but personalization and clock.
The clock can be turned off. No problem. But why not make the personalization optional? Some people may not want it.

Flasher gave me the clock and personal info, but will not give me the new icons, only the originals. If I select any icon set I get the following error message /tmp/self upgrade/new_optimg not found. Strange in any event the clock was what I really wanted.

I'd try again. First apply the Sony Updater, then reflash after running PRSCustomizer.

The clock can be turned off. No problem. But why not make the personalization optional? Some people may not want it.

It's already optional in version 0.05, but I don't want to drop a new version so quickly, so I'll wait to add some new features first.

If anyone has a complete text list, i can translate them to Dutch, so this hack will be one language closer to completion :)

It's already optional in version 0.05, but I don't want to drop a new version so quickly, so I'll wait to add some new features first.
I do have a new feature you can drop into 0.05. For those who like the joypad for turning pages and do not use the mp3 player functionality, they may prefer to have the volume buttons be page turns instead and the history can be left alone. Also, make the page turns on the left history as well so when you have the joypad as page turns, you can have the left side page turns as history.

If anyone has a complete text list, i can translate them to Dutch, so this hack will be one language closer to completion :)

Go here: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27371

Porkupan is the main man for localization. We merely walk in his shadow :)

I do have a new feature you can drop into 0.05. For those who like the joypad for turning pages and do not use the mp3 player functionality, they may prefer to have the volume buttons be page turns instead and the history can be left alone. Also, make the page turns on the left history as well so when you have the joypad as page turns, you can have the left side page turns as history.

Are there working examples of these hacks? Any side effects?

BTW, offline until Thursday.

Are there working examples of these hacks? Any side effects?

BTW, offline until Thursday.
I'll have a look and see what the changes are for the hacks I've proposed.

Flasher gave me the clock and personal info, but will not give me the new icons, only the originals. If I select any icon set I get the following error message /tmp/self upgrade/new_optimg not found. Strange in any event the clock was what I really wanted.

I get the same message that revmike got if I select any icon set. My SD card is a micro/mini combo card. The clock works and I had also selected 1 button power off (or whatever that was called in the customizer), which I haven't tested. This was the first hack I have applied to my reader. The only change from the original configuration that was made before applying this hack was updating the firmware when Sony released it.

I was finally able to get mine to work after downloading the sony updater from the sony support site and running it. It only told me that my 505's firmware was already upgraded, so after closing that program, I ran the customizer and it worked.

On personalization. Looking at page 1 of this thread, it says to move the modified file to the 18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\resource\script folder. There is no script folder under resources in the 04a version. Also the kBookAssests.png file is called kBookAssets1.png in 04a. Should I create the script folder or just move it to resources and should I rename kBookAssets1 to kBookAssets?

Thanks.

Also, unclear (or I am missing it) but since I already did a customization, before I run this again, do I have to clear out the firmware by running option 7, followed by running the the Sony Updater, and then rerun the customizer with my new options? Do I need to manipulate version numbers manually in any files? Can I bypass any of these steps?

Thanks again!

HMGreen:

before I run this again, do I have to clear out the firmware by running option 7, followed by running the the Sony Updater, and then rerun the customizer with my new options?

Yes, that is the sequence I have followed and it works.

David

By running option 7 that clkears out the firmware update. Does that cause any problems with the books or groupings set up on the Reader? Also, the main reason I am running this again is because I want to customize the header. On personalization. Looking at page 1 of this thread, it says to move the modified file to the 18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\resource\script folder. There is no script folder under resources in the 04a version. Also the kBookAssests.png file is called kBookAssets1.png in 04a. Should I create the script folder or just move it to resources and should I rename kBookAssets1 to kBookAssets?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide on this one......

HELP!!! Tried to do option 7. Now the reader is frozen with the message on the screen:
READER Firmware update did not complete successfully. Please try again. I can't turn it off, it won't hard reset - nothing. I tried reinserting the SD card - nothing. I tried connecting it to the computer via USB. Also nothing. Now what?????

Whew! Took me literally 5 tries but somehow the Reader finally reset (I wish I understood why these devices are so finicky). Once that was done I took a chance and an the Sony updater rathe than retrying to do option 7 again (even though it DID say the chane was unsuccessful). It took 10 minutes to reboot but then I ran the customizer and all is well. BTW, I did all this with version .03 which ultimately worked fine. Considering the number of books I have on this and the $300 investment in the Reader I think I lost at least a couple of months' life expectancy over this one.... glad the update finally worked ...... :-)

Ahhh - I guess I could have been more informative! :rolleyes:

Option 7 does delete the firmware and does leave the Reader showing the message you described. When you connect to PC and run the Sony Updater, however, that reloads the Sony firmware and then you run the Customiser (all without affecting your on device library).

I fell into the same trap - delete the firmware then for some unexplicable reason tried to re-set and when that didn't work all logic and reason left me! I resorted to a plea on this board for help (which I received), plugged in and ran the Sony updater and all was well.

It was only when I had the reader running again and thought about it that my one sensible brain cell hiding in among the billiions of non-sensible ones piped up and pointed out that as I had deleted the firmware how could I expect the reader to work at all until I had reloaded! :smack:

Sorry for the panic attack... :thumbsup:

David

Thanks for the explanation - at least I understand it now. And for the help. Now I can rest - after reading some of my current book BTW, aside from making most things selectible, what were the changes incorporated into the .04a release? Seems I have everything I set out to get in the way of hacks......

Whew! Took me literally 5 tries but somehow the Reader finally reset (I wish I understood why these devices are so finicky). Once that was done I took a chance and an the Sony updater rathe than retrying to do option 7 again (even though it DID say the chane was unsuccessful). It took 10 minutes to reboot but then I ran the customizer and all is well. BTW, I did all this with version .03 which ultimately worked fine. Considering the number of books I have on this and the $300 investment in the Reader I think I lost at least a couple of months' life expectancy over this one.... glad the update finally worked ...... :-)

I'm sorry you misunderstood the directions and suffered so much agitation. All option seven does is wipe all firmware from your reader, leaving it ready to re-flash with the official Sony Updater.

On personalization. Looking at page 1 of this thread, it says to move the modified file to the 18040\opt\sony\ebook\application\resource\script folder. There is no script folder under resources in the 04a version. Also the kBookAssests.png file is called kBookAssets1.png in 04a. Should I create the script folder or just move it to resources and should I rename kBookAssets1 to kBookAssets?

Thanks.

Regarding personalization, all PRSCustomizer does is place your name,email and telephone number on the reader's About page. Regarding the kBookAssets.png file, as stated in the directions: As an additional customization not provided by this program, you can hand-modify your Reader logo. -- This involves editing the kBookAssets.png file with an editor such as Photoshop or Gimp. If you're not reasonably competent with these or similar programs I urge you not to take the extra step, for you'll surely brick your reader.

Thanks for the explanation - at least I understand it now. And for the help. Now I can rest - after reading some of my current book BTW, aside from making most things selectible, what were the changes incorporated into the .04a release? Seems I have everything I set out to get in the way of hacks......

No new changes were incorporated into .04a, other than selectability. I'd heed the old maxim, If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It :)

JFYI, option 7 does not actually "wipe the firmware" but it does switch the Reader into the firmware update mode. It's possible (theoretically) to switch back to the "normal" mode but it's much simpler just to run the flasher again.

I'm sorry you misunderstood the directions and suffered so much agitation. All option seven does is wipe all firmware from your reader, leaving it ready to re-flash with the official Sony Updater.



Regarding personalization, all PRSCustomizer does is place your name,email and telephone number on the reader's About page. Regarding the kBookAssets.png file, as stated in the directions: As an additional customization not provided by this program, you can hand-modify your Reader logo. -- This involves editing the kBookAssets.png file with an editor such as Photoshop or Gimp. If you're not reasonably competent with these or similar programs I urge you not to take the extra step, for you'll surely brick your reader.



No new changes were incorporated into .04a, other than selectability. I'd heed the old maxim, If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It :)

I not only know how to hand manipulate these items I successfully made the changes. It wasn't a question of how to do that, however; my questions re: .04a was that the names of the kBookAsset file changed and the script sub-folder was missing. This was not the case in .03 which I ultimately used. Looking at the .xml script in .03 it did in fact call explicitley for the orginal spelling for the asset file. All academic now since it is done (in my case) but does a fix need to be made to .04a for others who will only read the first page of the thread and then attempt this with that version? Thanks!

JFYI, option 7 does not actually "wipe the firmware" but it does switch the Reader into the firmware update mode. It's possible (theoretically) to switch back to the "normal" mode but it's much simpler just to run the flasher again.

Thanks for that clarification, Igorsk.

I not only know how to hand manipulate these items I successfully made the changes. It wasn't a question of how to do that, however; my questions re: .04a was that the names of the kBookAsset file changed and the script sub-folder was missing.


Congratulations. I'll make sure I either rename or delete kBookAssets1.png from the next revision. Thanks for pointing this out. As far as files.505.1.1.00.18040/opt/sony/ebook/application/resources/scripts/ goes, I suggest you check again. Both the Flasher and my program fail if it's not present.

I do have a new feature you can drop into 0.05. For those who like the joypad for turning pages and do not use the mp3 player functionality, they may prefer to have the volume buttons be page turns instead and the history can be left alone. Also, make the page turns on the left history as well so when you have the joypad as page turns, you can have the left side page turns as history.
<boolean key="0x41" do="doPrevious"/>
<boolean key="0x41-hold" do="doFirst"/>
<boolean key="0x40" do="doNext"/>
<boolean key="0x40-hold" do="doLast"/>
That is for changing the volume to be page turns.

<boolean key="0x31" do="doLeft"/>
<boolean key="0x31-hold" do="doFirst"/>
<boolean key="0x30" do="doRight"/>
<boolean key="0x30-hold" do="doLast"/>
This is the code for changing the lower right page turn circle button to be history.

<boolean key="0x41" do="doLeft"/>
<boolean key="0x41-hold" do="doLeft"/>
<boolean key="0x40" do="doRight"/>
<boolean key="0x40-hold" do="doRight"/>
This hack should make the volume be history in case the circle button is not wanted as history.

Now if someone would not mind testing these to see if I got them right.

As configured, these hacks aren't working for me.

<group id="PAGE_GROUP" left="0" right="0" top="0" bottom="0" visible="false">

I placed them under the section above in main.xml just after the
<function id="doRight">
this.bubble("doNext");
</function>
hack.

Perhaps they need to be enclosed in a function bubble, just as the joystick next page hack needed to be.

No function bubbles are needed as far as I can tell. All that's needed is to replace the key functions. I've not seen that any function bubbles are needed. The hacks for the 500 were just key function replacement and when I did some on the 505, it was the same.

I'll grab a fresh XML from Flasher 2.0 and tell you what lines those are.

My "duh" post.

The code I posted is from applicationStart.xml. Nothing gets edited in main.xml to get the keypress to change.

PRSCustomizer (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27177) 0.05 is now available.

The code I posted is from applicationStart.xml. Nothing gets edited in main.xml to get the keypress to change.

Duh, I knew that :( Sorry, the thinking cap is askew today. Blame it on Tropical Storm Fay.

Did you get to testing my hacks and did they actually work?

Did you get to testing my hacks and did they actually work?

They work here. The zip is posted for testing.

I'm surprised I got it right the first time.

I'm surprised I got it right the first time.

Have you tested the zip?

A quick question: could one transfer the files needed for flashing to an empty memory card through the Reader? By through, I mean with the card in the Reader, and the Reader connected to the computer by USB.

I really really want the hacks, but my dedicated card reader has flat out refused all cooperation... I haven't used it in a while, and it seems it's now broken.

So, is what I'm asking possible--that is--safe and doable? Or do I have to go out in this freezing rain and buy a dedicated card reader :)?

A quick question: could one transfer the files needed for flashing to an empty memory card through the Reader? By through, I mean with the card in the Reader, and the Reader connected to the computer by USB.

I really really want the hacks, but my dedicated card reader has flat out refused all cooperation... I haven't used it in a while, and it seems it broke.

So, is what I'm asking possible--that is--safe and doable? Or do I have to go out in this freezing rain and buy a dedicated card reader :)?

It works fine here. I just did the entire procedure using the 505 rather than my reader from formatting the card to flashing w/o problems.

It works fine here. I just did the entire procedure using the 505 rather than my reader from formatting the card to flashing w/o problems.

You're a blessing. Really, thank you. Will report back here if the flashing went well.

UPDATE:

Bwahahaha! Firmware flashing executed flawlessly. Everything works, even my new logo is showing up. In case anyone is wondering (I was), update can be performed with a Memory Stick PRO Duo too, not just SD cards.

In case anyone is wondering (I was), update can be performed with a Memory Stick PRO Duo too, not just SD cards.

That's great to know, thanks for reporting back.

Have you tested the zip?
Not yet. Have not had the time. I'll do so sometime this week. I don't mind losing mp3 compatibility. I never use it. So I'll make the volume buttons page turn buttons.

Hi,


as I protect every gadget with a password or pincode (as possible) I wanted to know if there will be the opportunity to release a hack for the PIN-Code screen of the reader?

It would be nice if you see the "Enter-Code-Screen" and your owner information unter the pin code. For example:
------------------------------------
Enter Code: XXXX

owner: xxxxx
email: xxxxx
phone: xxxxxx
adress: xxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx

# please contact me if found #
-----------------------------------------------

This would be absolutely great!



greetings

I wanted to change logo, I've read instructions, and...

there's no file kBookAssets.png in prsfiles directory - I found kBookAssets1.png file (it's different name)

and, even if I would try with this one, how can I cover (as in the instruction) the large text "Reader", if there's NOT such text in this picture???

I wanted to change logo, I've read instructions, and...

there's no file kBookAssets.png in prsfiles directory - I found kBookAssets1.png file (it's different name)

and, even if I would try with this one, how can I cover (as in the instruction) the large text "Reader", if there's NOT such text in this picture???

kBookAssets1.png is the file you're looking for. When you edit in your logo (just put it in the top left corner of the image; yes, the "Reader" text is missing), save it as kBookAssets.png (without the "1") in the required directory.

EDIT: By "top left corner", take a look at this picture (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=14871&d=1217645658) by jakewastaken. You can see how he added his logo.

Cheers

A new version of PRSCustomizer (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27177) is available. Other than new hacks, the major change is that the program now runs from your hard drive rather than the sd card.

Jeff

Hi,


as I protect every gadget with a password or pincode (as possible) I wanted to know if there will be the opportunity to release a hack for the PIN-Code screen of the reader?

It would be nice if you see the "Enter-Code-Screen" and your owner information unter the pin code. For example:
------------------------------------
Enter Code: XXXX

owner: xxxxx
email: xxxxx
phone: xxxxxx
adress: xxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx

# please contact me if found #
-----------------------------------------------

This would be absolutely great!



greetings

I don't know of a way to do this, perhaps someone else does. However, of you modify your kBookAssets.png file that info will show above the code entry screen. That way you'd have at least three lines of text to play with.

There may be a lock screen that can be modified. Just because I didn't find it doesn't mean it's not there :)

Hey Jeff, is there a way to preview the various iconsets? I would like to replace the default one, but I'm reluctant to do so without knowing what the new one will look like...

Hey Jeff, is there a way to preview the various iconsets? I would like to replace the default one, but I'm reluctant to do so without knowing what the new one will look like...

Not with the program, but if you browse to the prsfiles folder Windows, OS X or Linux can view the various kBookIcon??.png files. Just click on them.

Jeff, you may want to add an option to PRSCustomizer that allows the users to easily replace the default Reader fonts. Yes, the customizer comes with its own Cyrillic/Eastern European support, but there are other reasons why one would want to change the default fonts. I for one wanted to replace the default text font with Caecilia, becuse it looks awesome and is faaaar easier on the eyes than Dutch Roman (which is the Reader's default).

What I did was follow instuctions given here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20644) on how one changes a font to something the Reader can use (basically one needs to rename the font on both the file and font level), then replaced the font PRSCustomizer created for me in the sdcard folder.

It would be really nice if PRSCustomizer could have something like "Load personalized font" button, and the program would do all the necessary work of renaming the font and file and placing it in the required folder so it all works with the device. That would also make it easier for people to add their own languages too, so you and porkupan wouldn't have to do it all by yourselves.

Cheers,

Valloric

EDIT: Oh, and just in case anyone does the same thing I did (replaces the default fonts), you have to reload all the books you have on the Reader. That is, delete them, then add them again. If you don't, a few lines of text from the previous page will appear on top of the next page. This is because the book you loaded before the font change was adjusted for the font you previously were using. Deleting and adding the book again solves the problem.

Jeff,

Since you asked to be notified about the current status of hacks and features, I just wanted to let you know that I added the Italian and Croatian locales, fixed the Russian letter sort (for both Russian and Ukrainian) and rearranged the code around a bit in order to be able to support more of it (apparently the JS functions in Kinoma can only be up to certain number of characters long). Made it a little bit more modularized, too.

:thumbsup:

Jeff,

Since you asked to be notified about the current status of hacks and features, I just wanted to let you know that I added the Italian and Croatian locales, fixed the Russian letter sort (for both Russian and Ukrainian) and rearranged the code around a bit in order to be able to support more of it (apparently the JS functions in Kinoma can only be up to certain number of characters long). Made it a little bit more modularized, too.

:thumbsup:

Thanks porkupan!

I've uploaded PRSCustomizer 0.05a with porkupan's changes included. If you've already downloaded 0.05 this download is only required if you want to upgrade the localization functions.

Jeff, you may want to add an option to PRSCustomizer that allows the users to easily replace the default Reader fonts

Thanks for the feedback Valloric. I want to tread carefully here, because I've learned by hard experience that it's easy to brick a reader via the fonts.

Thanks for the feedback Valloric. I want to tread carefully here, because I've learned by hard experience that it's easy to brick a reader via the fonts.

Yeah, me too. Seems easier than it is.

Yeah, me too. Seems easier than it is.

I must be lucky then... although there's IMO a limited amount of things you could screw up. Basically, you need to:

1. Rename the font file correctly.
2. Edit the font's metadata correctly, and this can be relatively easily done with FontCreator.
3. Make sure you're working with a TrueType font, and NOT an OpenType one, because that will surely brick your reader. If you have an OT font, you can convert it to an OT font with TT outlines with FontCreator, and the Reader supports those (I'm running just such a font file on mine).
4. Place the file in the correct folder of the universal flasher.

That's it, from what I can see. You can only mess up one (or more) of those steps, I can't see where else you could go wrong. I got everything working on my first try, in a whole 15 minutes. No bricking, nothing. Had to reload my books again though, for correct pagination (although that is to be expected).

EDIT: If there's demand, I would be willing to write up a detailed, step-by-step guide (with screenshots) on how one can easily change their default fonts.

That's it, from what I can see. You can only mess up one (or more) of those steps, I can't see where else you could go wrong. I got everything working on my first try, in a whole 15 minutes. No bricking, nothing.
I agree that it's not difficult at all. But there is a couple of issues. First, you have to get a hold of FontCreator. Preferably a licensed copy so no one gets in trouble. Second, how do you propose to automate this process through the PRSCustomizer tool? You would need to know the structure of the TTF file, where does the Font Family Name fit, what name to use for the file, which font you are replacing. All sorts of complications for a tool that was not intended for this sort of task.

You can easily make a separate set of fonts manually, and stick it into the FONT directory on the card. But automating this seems like an overkill.

I agree that it's not difficult at all. But there is a couple of issues. First, you have to get a hold of FontCreator. Preferably a licensed copy so no one gets in trouble. Second, how do you propose to automate this process through the PRSCustomizer tool? You would need to know the structure of the TTF file, where does the Font Family Name fit, what name to use for the file, which font you are replacing. All sorts of complications for a tool that was not intended for this sort of task.

You can easily make a separate set of fonts manually, and stick it into the FONT directory on the card. But automating this seems like an overkill.

Well I obviously didn't mean automating it through FontCreator. There is definitely a way do change the font family by opening the font directy in binary mode and doing it that way. In fact, I'm sure there's an open source library that could help with interfacing with the font file.

The final name for the font file is fixed. The reader expects font files to be named "tt0003m_.ttf", "tt0011m_.ttf" and "tt0419m_.ttf". The middle one is the font for body text, that is Dutch Roman AKA "Dutch801 Rm BT" specifically. So that's not a problem.

But finally, I would agree that it could be a lot of work. Doing it by hand takes 15 minutes, but is apparently prone to "operator error" :), and PRSC could help with that.

I must be lucky then... although there's IMO a limited amount of things you could screw up. Basically, you need to:

1. Rename the font file correctly.
2. Edit the font's metadata correctly, and this can be relatively easily done with FontCreator.
3. Make sure you're working with a TrueType font, and NOT an OpenType one, because that will surely brick your reader. If you have an OT font, you can convert it to an OT font with TT outlines with FontCreator, and the Reader supports those (I'm running just such a font file on mine).
4. Place the file in the correct folder of the universal flasher.

That's it, from what I can see. You can only mess up one (or more) of those steps, I can't see where else you could go wrong. I got everything working on my first try, in a whole 15 minutes. No bricking, nothing. Had to reload my books again though, for correct pagination (although that is to be expected).

EDIT: If there's demand, I would be willing to write up a detailed, step-by-step guide (with screenshots) on how one can easily change their default fonts.
Please do. I would be very interested in seeing the process.

Maybe I missed it but where is the dmg file for this??

Jeff, many thanks for your perfekt work! :clap: :thanks:

Greetings from Germany

Maybe I missed it but where is the dmg file for this??

There is no dmg. It's prscustomizer.app and stored within the zip archive.

Please do. I would be very interested in seeing the process.

As would I, please do.

Maybe it is already explained somewhere in the treath.. but after 10 pages of reading I couldn't find it that quickly.
Can someone explain the different hacks for me.. or maybe you can explain it in the readme file of the program. Just for the newbies with us :)

Maybe it is already explained somewhere in the treath.. but after 10 pages of reading I couldn't find it that quickly.
Can someone explain the different hacks for me.. or maybe you can explain it in the readme file of the program. Just for the newbies with us :)

From the first message, the hacks:

Localization by porkupan
(Currently English,French,German,Russian,Spanish,Polish,Dutch ,Czech,Italian,Croatian)
Unicode fonts with Cyrillic/Eastern European Support
Uniform font size for menus
Multiple Iconsets (currently four)
One-key shutdown (Joystick center key)
Personalized About Screen (Name,Telephone,Email)
Joystick page forward
Volume key page turns
Volume key history navigation
Circle pad history navigation
Clock (24/12 hr)


Which of these require explanation?

Please do. I would be very interested in seeing the process.

Done. It's here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=243630#post243630).

I must be lucky then... although there's IMO a limited amount of things you could screw up. Basically, you need to:

1. Rename the font file correctly.
2. Edit the font's metadata correctly, and this can be relatively easily done with FontCreator.
3. Make sure you're working with a TrueType font, and NOT an OpenType one, because that will surely brick your reader. If you have an OT font, you can convert it to an OT font with TT outlines with FontCreator, and the Reader supports those (I'm running just such a font file on mine).
4. Place the file in the correct folder of the universal flasher.

That's it, from what I can see. You can only mess up one (or more) of those steps, I can't see where else you could go wrong. I got everything working on my first try, in a whole 15 minutes. No bricking, nothing. Had to reload my books again though, for correct pagination (although that is to be expected).

EDIT: If there's demand, I would be willing to write up a detailed, step-by-step guide (with screenshots) on how one can easily change their default fonts.

Hello, Valloric.

Did all that. Every single step, plus a few other ways posted around that always ended with my Reader bricked. Only thing I have not tried is replacing the letters from Dutch one by one with the one I want (Futura Lt Bt), that was suggested right before holidays. Right now I am creating reader size PDFs out of docs, that allow for a simpler formating of the text and, with the font I want, turn the pages much faster than LRFs.

A thorough explanation of the process could come handy, but I think the success of the replacement procedure depends on the font you pick. Futura is TT.

Had some spare time and inserted Lithuanian localization in 0.05 version. For some reason was not able to fix "Books by Title" appearance on top message window. Maybe somebody more skilled than me will do that. Flash as per JeffElkins instructions.

Jeff, many thanks for your perfekt work! :clap: :thanks:

Greetings from Germany

Hardly perfect, but I really appreciate the thanks :)

Had some spare time and inserted Lithuanian localization in 0.05 version. For some reason was not able to fix "Books by Title" appearance on top message window. Maybe somebody more skilled than me will do that. Flash as per JeffElkins instructions.
Are you sure it was 0.05 you added to or was is 0.05a? 0.05a is the current version and if you added to 0.05, you'll have to go add to 0.05a and change your attachment to reflect this.

Jon,
I was playing with 0.05 not 0.05a. This latest includes Croatian and Italian locale. I see no reason to put my locale in any new version of customizer only because some new languages were added. I will do that when/if new hacks will be implemented.

From the first message, the hacks:


Which of these require explanation?

Joystick page forward


I'm guessing that the joystick is the left/right/up/down circular button?
Is it's normal function overwritten with the page forward function when I check it ?

Joystick page forward


I'm guessing that the joystick is the left/right/up/down circular button?
Is it's normal function overwritten with the page forward function when I check it ?
Calling it a joystick is actually misleading. It used to be a joystick on the 500, but on the 505, it's a joypad.

And to answer your question the answer is yes. You will lose the history back/forward if you change it it to be page turn buttons. But, there are alternatives to the history such as the page turn circle or the volume up/down. So while you can change the joypag into page turning, you don't have to lose the history functionality.

You will lose the history back/forward if you change it it to be page turn buttons. But, there are alternatives to the history such as the page turn circle or the volume up/down. So while you can change the joypag into page turning, you don't have to lose the history functionality.

You do not lose history back with joystick page forward enabled. For the record, I've never needed history forward, myself.

Jon,
I was playing with 0.05 not 0.05a. This latest includes Croatian and Italian locale. I see no reason to put my locale in any new version of customizer only because some new languages were added. I will do that when/if new hacks will be implemented.

Best practice for locales is to route them to porkupan. Once he signs off on a locale, I'll merge it into PRSCustomizer.

In the future, rather than zipping up the entire PRSCustomizer bundle for locale testing, just zip up the required files from directory prsfiles. I really don't want multiple versions of my program floating around for download.

You do not lose history back with joystick page forward enabled. For the record, I've never needed history forward, myself.
So the joypad forward is just page forward and no page back? And is history back then still enabled? I've not really used history forward all that much. But I do use history back especially reading Discworld books.

So the joypad forward is just page forward and no page back? And is history back then still enabled? I've not really used history forward all that much. But I do use history back especially reading Discworld books.

Yes, that's correct.

The 500 version of that hack change both the history back/forward to page back/forward. That is why I made the history hacks complete.

Hi, Thanks v. much for this. I've been using it since v0.03.

However, I've been having some odd trouble with my reader since I upgraded to v0.05 and applied a custom font (per Valloric's instructions). My reader boots fine, and I can read books. I can plug it in to my computer and access it as a removable drive. But, I can't run the updater on it or access it through the Sony ebook software.

When it's plugged into my computer the reader blanks, and the updater and ebook software take a long time to start, and then don't recognize the reader (the ebook software displays it, but says "error"). After unpluggin git, the only way to unblank the screen is to reset it.

To try and fix it, I've reset it, formatted the internal memory, and tried running the updater, and tried running the universal flasher (as soon as I insert my SD card, the screen goes blank and no button seems to wor. Resetting it fixes it.)

How can I fix my reader?

Thanks.

How can I fix my reader?

Have you tried the unbricking procedure described in Appendix C of my guide? Also, did you use version 0.05 or 0.05a? The guide was designed and tested with version 0.05a.

Also, did you reset the Reader via the updater before using the guide?

roofone, try putting back the original fonts in place of the modified font. See if that helps. The original fonts are found in c:\program files\sony\reader\data\fonts unless you've replaced them.

My reader boots fine, and I can read books. I can plug it in to my computer and access it as a removable drive. But, I can't run the updater on it or access it through the Sony ebook software.

I just re-read your post, and I have to ask... do you see the new font? If you do, there is no way you screwed up your Reader with the new font, because it either works or it doesn't. You either brick your Reader if you mess something up, or you end up with a nice new font.

If you don't see the new font... then I guess the flashing didn't go so well.

All I can really hope to support is a fresh install with the fonts supplied in my zip archive. Your best bet is to open a thread at Valloric's Font Guide (
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28447
). Good Luck!

Thanks for all the quick responses.

Have you tried the unbricking procedure described in Appendix C of my guide? Also, did you use version 0.05 or 0.05a? The guide was designed and tested with version 0.05a.

Also, did you reset the Reader via the updater before using the guide?

No (didn't realize this counted as bricked), I'll try it.
Version 0.05 (not a), didn't realize it made a difference.
Yes, I did reset the Reader via the update first.

And, yes, I can see the new font (Caecilia).

I'll try replacing the fonts (thanks JSWolf) and unbricking it per Appendix C. Wonder what I did wrong?

All I can really hope to support is a fresh install with the fonts supplied in my zip archive. Your best bet is to open a thread at Valloric's Font Guide (
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28447
). Good Luck!
Can you make an option in 0.06 to allow the default fonts to be reinstalled?

And, yes, I can see the new font (Caecilia).

I'll try replacing the fonts (thanks JSWolf) and unbricking it per Appendix C. Wonder what I did wrong?

I have absolutely no idea :D.

Although, IMO it has nothing to do with your new font file. Like you said, you can see the font, you can read books; you get the errors upon interfacing with Sony's Connect. I can't see how this can be a problem with the new fonts, I just can't.

Every single flash I have performed while replacing fonts has either ended in a completely successful flash, or a completely bricked Reader. From what I can tell from other people's experiences with the procedure, they too have only met with one of these two outcomes.

And yes, you're right, this most definitely does not constitute a "brick": a bricked device is, well, unusable.

My best guess is that the flashing process somehow got screwed up independently of the font you were trying to install, i.e. your run-of-the-mill bad flash.

I could be wrong, although I don't see how.

Can you make an option in 0.06 to allow the default fonts to be reinstalled?

I second this request. It could be useful.

I have added Lithuanian language to mtemplate2 (v0.05a). I hope to see it in the next official release. :)

Including date/time format, grammatical number (plural forms) and some number-word placement.

Stasys, could you revise my version. It is a little different from your suggested translation.

Attachment: 15908

- Domas

Domas, great work. You even have added Lithuanian word forms! I have only one doubt about one meaning translation - will send you pm.

In mean time I was playing with fonts and here is font set where some Check characters are replaced by Lithuanian ones. Now is possible to make Lithuanian lrf files with BookDesigner set to Check language. (Of course same fonts set shall be put into eBook Library fonts folder).

Can you make an option in 0.06 to allow the default fonts to be reinstalled?

It's already an option. If you don't select localization/unicode fonts the original "stock' sony fonts are installed.

Is the one you're using (the font on the Kindle) PMN Caecilia™ 55 Roman, or is it the PMN Caecilia Light 45 version? Also, do I need to purchase Cecilia Italic, too?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks very much for this, Jeff. I prepared an SD card a couple of days ago and I barely had my new 505 out of the box before using it. Worked perfectly.

Very nice to have the unified fonts and all the other homey touches from my 500 in my new "home" :)

Regards,
Bob

Thanks very much for this, Jeff. I prepared an SD card a couple of days ago and I barely had my new 505 out of the box before using it. Worked perfectly.

Very nice to have the unified fonts and all the other homey touches from my 500 in my new "home" :)

Regards,
Bob

Thanks Bob! I'm glad to be able to give back to the community.

Is there hebrew support or plans for it? thanks in advance!

Is there hebrew support or plans for it? thanks in advance!

You'll want to go Here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27371) to request localization support.

I just tried flashing my 505 and now I have an annoying problem.
The flashing was ok, and the new features work (clock and russian fonts)
But when I connect the device to the USB I get TWO drives appear and neither are readable. (there are no cards inserted)

I lost the ability to use it as a mass storage device, which is really annoying.
Anyone had this problem ?

Did you update the firmware to the latest version before using PRSCustomizer?

Yes, downloaded from sony and run the update a around two weeks ago.

How do I revert back to the sony firmware ?
Can I just run it again ?

But when I connect the device to the USB I get TWO drives appear and neither are readable. (there are no cards inserted)


Before you reflash (which I don't expect to make any difference), you might want to check what your device mappings are. I'm assuming Windows here, but if you've got any other devices or network drives mounted, it's possible that one or more of the USB drives are being mapped to already used drive letters.

If XP, have a look in "My Computer"/Manage/Disk Management". As an illustration, when I plug-in my 505, I see 3 new disk devices appear (Internal, plus one for each of the card slots) but from the desktop, I only see the first two as the third is trying to use H:, which is already in use by a network share! (I could remap it, but I don't use it anyway, so haven't bothered, but I wonder if your 'internal' device has got mapped somewhere odd? (Look for a Removable disk of size 210MB)

Yes, downloaded from sony and run the update a around two weeks ago.

How do I revert back to the sony firmware ?
Can I just run it again ?

Yes. However the Sony Updater will probably complain that your Reader is already updated; you have two options.

1. Run Igorsk's Universal Flasher and choose option #7. This will put your Reader into firmware update mode. Then re-run the Sony Updater.

2. 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.

If XP, have a look in "My Computer"/Manage/Disk Management".

Right on the money, that fixed it.
I wonder why it decided to change drive letter after the update,
but whatever.

thanks !

One more thing that I found,
if you want to replace kBookAssets.png it must be INTERLACED PNG,
or the flashing does not work.

One more thing that I found,
if you want to replace kBookAssets.png it must be INTERLACED PNG,
or the flashing does not work.

Um... I must respectfully disagree. I have replaced the kBookAssets.png file (several times actually), and I didn't use an interlaced PNG, but the non-interlaced, vulgaris version. The flashing was successful every time.

Is there any way to make the time say 6:00 PM instead of 18:00? The customizer is a great improvement -- especially when you change the font. Thanks for putting it together! (I'm puzzled why Sony doesn't make these changes part of the default software).

talaivan, go into the About screen and check the status bar.

Speaking of the clock am/pm--I noticed a small bug in the version I'm using. It reports any time between midinight (00:00) and 12:59 am as "p"or pm. It then correctly changes to "a" or am at 1:00. Not a big deal, but was wondering if this has been fixed in a more current version.

The easiest fix for me would be to make sure I go to bed at a reasonable hour--then I'd never see this!

dordale :)

Speaking of the clock am/pm--I noticed a small bug in the version I'm using. It reports any time between midinight (00:00) and 12:59 am as "p"or pm. It then correctly changes to "a" or am at 1:00. Not a big deal, but was wondering if this has been fixed in a more current version.

The easiest fix for me would be to make sure I go to bed at a reasonable hour--then I'd never see this!

dordale :)

I think I found the logic error in the clock routine. I'll work on that for the next update.

I was going to reflah/rehack my 505 tonight. I'll wait for the new version. Well spotted on the clock bug.

Thanks Jeff!!

I really do appreciate your efforts!

dordale :)

Thanks Jeff!!

I really do appreciate your efforts!

dordale :)

Like Jon said, well-spotted on the bug!

Edit: bug fixed for next update

Jeff, you should check this stuff out: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29145

Jeff, you should check this stuff out: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29145

Thanks Igorsk!

(any word on a UF update addressing the must run the Sony PRS-505 Updater problem?)

Hmm I think I've seen this before... nblsdm needs to be passed a parameter with the partiton size. Until I get around to implement that, reflashing with stock updater should allow you to flash a custom image again.

Hi all,

Im trying to use this to flash a UK reader, when I choose option #5 on the first screen, I get the following error:

Sorry, this firmware version is not supported: 505.1.2.00.18050

Do I need to wait for an update of this prog ?

Cheers
VonBek. :book2:

Do I need to wait for an update of this prog ?

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.

Thanks JeffElkins.

VonBek

VonBek, were UK users given a link to an Updater for reflashing? If so, could you share it?

I also have the UK Reader and reflashed using the PRS-505 Updater 1.1.00.18040.
Have I thereby lost any specifically UK settings. I had assumed the Readers were identical.

VonBek, were UK users given a link to an Updater for reflashing? If so, could you share it?

Hi JeffElkins, No, and if you try to update via the connect software, you get a server error.

VonBek.:cool:

I also have the UK Reader and reflashed using the PRS-505 Updater 1.1.00.18040.
Have I thereby lost any specifically UK settings. I had assumed the Readers were identical.

What's gone missing since you reflashed with 1.1.00.18040?

Nothing missing that I have noticed.
My reason for reflashing is detailed in a posting on the changing fonts thread.
After changing fonts I was having problems with the usb connection.
Calibre worked, but the ebook library didn't and the reader hung after disconnecting the usb and had to be reset.
Reflashing and then using the customiser without changing fonts works fine so I assume there is some problem with the fonts.
Many thanks BTW for your efforts on our behalf.
Much appreciated.