i have just flashed the 20090806 snapshot on my bebook nice rebuild of everything (total new look) just one thing (upto now) the internal storage is now empty is this normal for this update as it hasent happend with any of the other updates from bebook or oi. one more sugestion (i know this is a work in progress) but the lists in book shelf etc could do with numbers next to them for easyer use.

i have just flashed the 20090806 snapshot on my bebook nice rebuild of everything (total new look) just one thing (upto now) the internal storage is now empty is this normal for this update as it hasent happend with any of the other updates from bebook or oi.

Yes, the storage deletion is normal for this unofficial as yet OpenInkpot snapshot. The file system was converted to a jffs2 files system to improve reliability. You can read this thread to to see what was already said about this:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50192

i have just flashed the 20090806 snapshot on my bebook nice rebuild of everything (total new look) just one thing (upto now) the internal storage is now empty is this normal for this update as it hasent happend with any of the other updates from bebook or oi. one more sugestion (i know this is a work in progress) but the lists in book shelf etc could do with numbers next to them for easyer use.

Where is this latest snapshot available for download? I can't find it anywhere,

Latest snapshot is 20090812 (http://openinkpot.org/pub/snapshots/20090812/). Keep in mind that it's unofficial and is a work-in-progress ...

Latest snapshot is 20090812 (http://openinkpot.org/pub/snapshots/20090812/). Keep in mind that it's unofficial and is a work-in-progress ...

Moe: Many thanks. Where in the future can I keep a watch for the latest snapshots to be posted?

Moe: Many thanks. Where in the future can I keep a watch for the latest snapshots to be posted?

Moe: I've downloaded it from this location -- http://openinkpot.org/pub/snapshots/20090812/oi-hanlin-v3ext-install-20090812.zip -- extracted the bin file and sought to install it on my BeBook from my SD card. The installation seemed to proceed fine, but when it came to rebooting, the horizontal bar on the "Open Inkpot" screen froze about a third of the way through, indicating that this snapshot wouldn't boot successfully for me. I downloaded the zip file and sought to install and boot it twice, with the same failed result. I don't want to reinstall an earlier version, so I guess I'll just wait for your next snapshot, hoping the installation of that will be successful. Again, thanks.

CORRECTION: AFTER ABOUT TEN MINUTES, THE REBOOTING SUCCEEDED. SORRY FOR THE ALARM.

That's expected behaviour with the newest snapshots. As Dave_S explained above, the file system was converted to jffs2 in this snapshot. That extra long pause in the middle of the "OpenInkpot" screen was part of that conversion. If you flash a newer snapshot in the future, it shouldn't take as long because your internal storage will already be jffs2.

This is something dottedmag will probably explain here and on the OpenInkpot site when these newer snapshots are officially announced.

That's expected behaviour with the newest snapshots. As Dave_S explained above, the file system was converted to jffs2 in this snapshot. That extra long pause in the middle of the "OpenInkpot" screen was part of that conversion. If you flash a newer snapshot in the future, it shouldn't take as long because your internal storage will already be jffs2.

This is something dottedmag will probably explain here and on the OpenInkpot site when these newer snapshots are officially announced.

Moe: Thanks for the clarification, and reassurance. Already successive reboots take a much shorter length of time. Since the apparently preferred storage of titles in this new and succeeding versions will be on the SD cards, I guess this now obviates the need for me to try to get my BeBook installed with OpenInkpot to have communication with my Windows XP PC through Putty or WinSCP, which feature I have so far been unable, after multiple tries, to set up. I believe (perhaps erroneously) that the SSHAccess instructions contained in the OpenInkpot users guide to either be out-of-date or without sufficient details for me to succed in this regard, although other users in the past have apparently succeeded.

I believe (perhaps erroneously) that the SSHAccess instructions contained in the OpenInkpot users guide to either be out-of-date or without sufficient details for me to succed in this regard, although other users in the past have apparently succeeded.

You are probably correct that the instructions may be a little limited, but not really out of date. The instructions are more aimed at using a simple SSH client than using WinSCP, but WinSCP is much more convenient and easy to use by the simple point and click methods that Windows users are used to. Even so, the required information is all there, but the instructions do seem to assume a certain degree of computer literacy. For instance, the instructions require that you set your own PC's IP address for the USB network connection to 192.168.111.2 That instruction may sound like Latin to the average Windows user, since Windows users are probably more used to having DHCP do all the work for them instead of having to set up a static IP. I know that most of my family and friends would get lost right there.:eek:

However, once it is set up correctly, using WinSCP to manage the on board library is much more convenient than using an SD card. I avoid the SD card as much as possible because it is an extra drain on the battery, and some users seem to have had reliability issues when solely using the SD card.

You are probably correct that the instructions may be a little limited, but not really out of date. The instructions are more aimed at using a simple SSH client than using WinSCP, but WinSCP is much more convenient and easy to use by the simple point and click methods that Windows users are used to. Even so, the required information is all there, but the instructions do seem to assume a certain degree of computer literacy. For instance, the instructions require that you set your own PC's IP address for the USB network connection to 192.168.111.2 That instruction may sound like Latin to the average Windows user, since Windows users are probably more used to having DHCP do all the work for them instead of having to set up a static IP. I know that most of my family and friends would get lost right there.:eek:

However, once it is set up correctly, using WinSCP to manage the on board library is much more convenient than using an SD card. I avoid the SD card as much as possible because it is an extra drain on the battery, and some users seem to have had reliability issues when solely using the SD card.

Dave: Thanks for the enlightenment, which does make me feel better. In fact, I was in past years a fairly well-versed user of Linux (and in fact have it as a dual-boot -- Ubuntu -- on my desktop, which I regret I now seldom use). But I would prefer not having to go back to Linux for my setting up of my OpenInkpot. Of course, you are no way suggesting that I do.

I raised the issue of the new snapshot(s) being geared more towards storing one's library on the SD card rather than main memory only because that was the sense of an earlier thread -- http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50192 -- on the subject.

For myself, I would prefer continuing to store my library on the main memory, but only if I could manage to set up the WinSCP link. While I know my way aroung Linux reasonably well, it's my wife (the computer programmer)
who really knows her way around Windows. I have initially (inexplicably?) gotten bogged down (as you surmised your family would also) by your statement "For instance, the instructions require that you set your own PC's IP address for the USB network connection to 192.168.111.2" I haven't yet figured out where in Windows I go to do this. Then there's the issue of downloading and installing linux.inf. The instructions presume one has already downloaded it, but don't say where from, and once downloaded or installed, where it's to be found when the need arises to "point to it." Also, WinSCP requires the insertion of a "key." What and where is this? Anyway, I feel like a bit of a jerk in not being able to sort all these things out on my own, considering my general computer literacy.

The linux.inf is right there (http://openinkpot.org/raw-attachment/wiki/0.1/UsersGuide/linux.inf) on the same page as the instructions. You should download it to a location on your PC where you can find it later. When you plug in your reader with the usb cable, a Windows dialogue should pop up, asking for a driver. Navigate to the folder where you saved your linux.inf file and choose it.

The linux.inf is right there (http://openinkpot.org/raw-attachment/wiki/0.1/UsersGuide/linux.inf) on the same page as the instructions.

I've read those set-up instructions over and over in the past, and again now, and fail to see where linux.inf is, and how to get it. What in hell am I missing?

I've read those set-up instructions over and over in the past, and again now, and fail to see where linux.inf is, and how to get it. What in hell am I missing?

When I click on Moe The Cat's link Firefox offers to download linux.inf immediately, so he has apparently given you a direct link??????????

As far as where to set your static IP for the OpenInkpot USB TCP/IP connection, it is in the Network Connections that you can access from the Control Panel among other ways. You will only see that connection in Network Connections when the reader with OpenInkpot is attached to your computer by USB. Then, in the Internet Protocol section of the Properties window for that connection, you set your static IP address as indicated by the OpenInkpot instructions.

When I click on Moe The Cat's link Firefox offers to download linux.inf immediately, so he has apparently given you a direct link??????????

As far as where to set your static IP for the OpenInkpot USB TCP/IP connection, it is in the Network Connections that you can access from the Control Panel among other ways. You will only see that connection in Network Connections when the reader with OpenInkpot is attached to your computer by USB. Then, in the Internet Protocol section of the Properties window for that connection, you set your static IP address as indicated by the OpenInkpot instructions.

Dave: Thanks for the time you're taking for me. With your guidance I was EVENTUALLY able to insert the appropriate static IP's, etc. I then got into Putty fine (providing me a nice sense of Linux deja vu), but I couldn't get into WinSCP (even though it's based on Putty). It gave me the error message of "Cannot initialize SFTP protocol. Is the host running a SFTP server?"

Anyway, thanks to your (and Moe's) help I think I'm making some progress. But I would like to use WinSCP.

Dave: Thanks for the time you're taking for me. With your guidance I was EVENTUALLY able to insert the appropriate static IP's, etc. I then got into Putty fine (providing me a nice sense of Linux deja vu), but I couldn't get into WinSCP (even though it's based on Putty). It gave me the error message of "Cannot initialize SFTP protocol. Is the host running a SFTP server?"


Since the instructions on the OpenInkpot site were for Putty, this is one area where the instructions did not help. I just randomly tried protocols until one of them connected. Strangely enough, the one that works for me is SCP.:)
On the first connection some credentials need to be set up so you will get a few extra popups to work through on the very first connection. On all subsequent connections WinSCP initially throws a couple of warning messages and then works perfectly, at least in my case.

When you launch WinSCP, you should create a new session (the button is in the top right of the WinSCP window). Fill in "Host Name" as "192.168.111.1". "User Name" is "root" and "Password" is "zxc". Under "Protocol", use the drop-down menu to choose "SCP". Then you can save this session by clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the window. That way, you won't have to recreate these settings each time you want to connect to the device. Then click "Login" at the bottom of the window.

The first time you do this, you will be asked to accept a key. I don't remember which option you select here. It might be "OK" or "Accept", but I think it's the option on the extreme left. You won't need to accept the key the next time you use WinSCP.

**Edit: Dave_S beat me to it! **

**Edit: Dave_S beat me to it! **

Yeah, but your description was better than mine. :thumbsup:

Since the instructions on the OpenInkpot site were for Putty, this is one area where the instructions did not help. I just randomly tried protocols until one of them connected. Strangely enough, the one that works for me is SCP.:)
On the first connection some credentials need to be set up so you will get a few extra popups to work through on the very first connection. On all subsequent connections WinSCP initially throws a couple of warning messages and then works perfectly, at least in my case.

Dave: SCP worked fine! Again thanks. Of course, once I got in, I was again in OpenInk on my BeBook, the same as with Putty, but with the convenience (as you pointed out earlier) of working with the Windows Explorer format rather than the Linux command line.

Now, however, arises for me the key question. Once within WinSCP, how do I access titles on my PC in order then to copy them to my BeBook?

MOE: I RESPONDED TO DAVE BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH DESCRIBED THE METHODOLOGY (AND CONFIRMED FOR ME) WHAT I HAD LABORIOUSLY WORKED OUT FOR MYSELF. MANY THANKS.

Now, however, arises for me the key question. Once within WinSCP, how do I access titles on my PC in order then to copy them to my BeBook?

There are a couple of ways. If I recall correctly, WinSCP has an option to set up a dual pane window or just a single window onto OpenInkpot. I use the dual pane window, so I can not remember how you would end up with a single pane window. Using a dual pane window you just drag from the left pane (your PC file system) to the right pane( your OI file system). You can also just drag a file from the Windows file manager into the OI file system window in WinSCP.

BTW, your book files go into the /mnt/storage directory on OpenInkpot. You can set up whatever directory structure that you want inside /mnt/storage

There are a couple of ways. If I recall correctly, WinSCP has an option to set up a dual pane window or just a single window onto OpenInkpot. I use the dual pane window, so I can not remember how you would end up with a single pane window. Using a dual pane window you just drag from the left pane (your PC file system) to the right pane( your OI file system). You can also just drag a file from the Windows file manager into the OI file system window in WinSCP.

BTW, your book files go into the /mnt/storage directory on OpenInkpot. You can set up whatever directory structure that you want inside /mnt/storage

Dave: Thanks again. I tried a simple copy and paste which worked fine. I'll experiment later possibly with a dual pane method. I guess that takes care of everything for me at present. You and Moe have been great. Regards to you both, Jim

as to where to finde the latest snapshot all i did was go to the one linked from oi's site then changed the adress to the current date then work backwords till one worked e.g 20090816 then 20090815 etc.

as to where to finde the latest snapshot all i did was go to the one linked from oi's site then changed the adress to the current date then work backwords till one worked e.g 20090816 then 20090815 etc.

Legin: That's of course a good fall-back way of doing it, but wouldn't it be nice if any new snapshot were simply just announced in this forum? Thanks, though, for sharing with me your method.

but wouldn't it be nice if any new snapshot were simply just announced in this forum?

They have been announced in this forum in the past. I can not speak for the OI developers, but I think one reason that this August snapshot has not been officially announced is that it does not yet have a users guide. The latest users guide that I have seen on the OI site is for the 26 March snapshot.

ascherjim: i agree with you as the latest one io's there site is from march any one not thinking to serch could not use the latest snapshot nor give any feedback on what has changed or any problems encounterd.

sorry Dave s got in with his explonation whole i was dooing my slow one finger typing. The lack of a user guide is a good reason as the new snapshot is a total change (though i for one am a born button pusher and see what happens).

..hhmmm...I'm still struggling to get the Winscp working. As soon as I connect the USB cable to the reader, OI goes into panic mode and I cannot access it. (note that I have open a ticket for it)
Later today, I'll try to connect it to a Windows 7 version, maybe its my Windows/XP-PE SP3 that is causing these problems.

FYI...I went back to the 20090508 snapshot as the latest version only supports fbReader and not CR3 and the UI font type is way too big (titles are cut). Furthermore, I have the impression that a reboot with the latest snapshot takes longer than the 20090508 (maybe because of the added games (which, IMHO, should be eliminated or made optional)). Note that I've done several reboots after the installation of 20090812 snapshot so the slow reboot cannot be blamed to the reformat of the internal memory file structure.

As they are all test versions, I patiently wait till we get a formal announcement of a new snapshot including some documentation. Till then, I stick with 20090508..:)

Regards...Dick

They have been announced in this forum in the past. I can not speak for the OI developers, but I think one reason that this August snapshot has not been officially announced is that it does not yet have a users guide. The latest users guide that I have seen on the OI site is for the 26 March snapshot.

The actual problem is that current V3 version has a quite serious regressions (there are no "numbers" beside list items in interface, you can't open context menus in bookshelf or 'file info' menu in FBreader and PDF reader lacks bookshelf integration).

When I click on Moe The Cat's link Firefox offers to download linux.inf immediately, so he has apparently given you a direct link??????????

As far as where to set your static IP for the OpenInkpot USB TCP/IP connection, it is in the Network Connections that you can access from the Control Panel among other ways. You will only see that connection in Network Connections when the reader with OpenInkpot is attached to your computer by USB. Then, in the Internet Protocol section of the Properties window for that connection, you set your static IP address as indicated by the OpenInkpot instructions.

OK this isn't happening. When I go to Network Connections the only connections I see are Broadband, Internet, & Local Area. My OpenInkpot EZ Reader is connected via USB. (Does it make a difference whether it is 1.1 or 2.0 USB?)

I have downloaded linux.inf and am trying to use WINSCP but what is the Private Key File? I feel like I must be getting closer but sure not there yet.

OK this isn't happening. When I go to Network Connections the only connections I see are Broadband, Internet, & Local Area. My OpenInkpot EZ Reader is connected via USB. (Does it make a difference whether it is 1.1 or 2.0 USB?)

I have downloaded linux.inf and am trying to use WINSCP but what is the Private Key File? I feel like I must be getting closer but sure not there yet.

It's a long, complex (and sometimes bewildering) thread I've directed you to, which takes unfortunately considerable rereading and study. I regret there's no current simplified (and ACCURATE) instructions available. And unfortunately, I don't recall specifically everything I did to finally get it working. But I ultimately IGNORED trying to do anything with linux.inf (except to download it as a text file). One of the most confusing things is that once you get WinSCP set up with the right IP address(es), when you try to use it you initially get TWO warning messages each time Ignore these and skip past them, and lo-and-behold, you will find yourself in WinSCP. I suspect this isn't much help, but when Dave_S in Germany wakes up and sees all this, he may provide you more help. Good luck, and regards, Jim

OK this isn't happening. When I go to Network Connections the only connections I see are Broadband, Internet, & Local Area. My OpenInkpot EZ Reader is connected via USB. (Does it make a difference whether it is 1.1 or 2.0 USB?)

You need to install the linux.inf file. All that does is activate the required TCP/IP over USB software that is already on your WinXP computer. When that is installed, you should hear the Windows "Ka-Bong" tone whenever you connect your OpenInkpot device to your PC. If you do not hear that connect tone, then it is not connecting, so nothing further will help, until you find out why it is not connecting.
Attach the cable to the device. Windows will pop-up dialog asking for driver. Point to the linux.inf you've downloaded.

After installing driver Windows will create a new network connection. Change the following parameters for it: IP address to 192.168.111.2, netmask to 255.255.255.0.

Now run your SSH client(WINSCP) and point it to the 192.168.111.1 (username: root, password: zxc).


I have downloaded linux.inf and am trying to use WINSCP but what is the Private Key File? I feel like I must be getting closer but sure not there yet.

WINSCP and OpenInkpot will setup their own keyfile, so you do not need to pre-create one.

You need to install the linux.inf file. All that does is activate the required TCP/IP over USB software that is already on your WinXP computer. When that is installed, you should hear the Windows "Ka-Bong" tone whenever you connect your OpenInkpot device to your PC. If you do not hear that connect tone, then it is not connecting, so nothing further will help, until you find out why it is not connecting.




WINSCP and OpenInkpot will setup their own keyfile, so you do not need to pre-create one.

How exactly do I "install the linux.inf file"? The tone I get now when I plug the reader in is more like "da-da-da".

EDIT: OK I seem to have it now (I think).

Thanks Dave for jumping in. Thankfully you can always be counted on to help all of us out. Even though my WinSCP has been working fine (with panels and everything) for months now, I still never figured out how to "install" the linux.inf file (or what I really needed to do), but I apparently did so without realizing it (or nothing would have worked -- right?). Regards, Jim

Thanks Dave for jumping in. Thankfully you can always be counted on to help all of us out. Even though my WinSCP has been working fine (with panels and everything) for months now, I still never figured out how to "install" the linux.inf file (or what I really needed to do), but I apparently did so without realizing it (or nothing would have worked -- right?). Regards, Jim

Yes, that seems right. An *.INF file is just a text file, and I *think now* that the default is to open it with your default text editor if you just left click on it. If you right click on it you should also see an INSTALL option. An INF file is basically just a script that installs "something" and makes the necessary registry changes so that other programs can use whatever was installed. In the case of linux.inf it "installs" files that are already part of WinXP and then makes the necessary registry entries.
I am sorry that I did not describe it better earlier, as I was thinking that the default action was to run the script when it was left clicked on. It seems that is not the case.

I'm kinda like ascherjim, both in thanking you Dave & not knowing exactly how I "installed" the .inf file. I think it was where I was putting in the 192.168.111.2 & it asked for the driver that it was installed.

Anyway thanks to both of you I have it now. So you see, us old dogs can manage some new tricks even if we don't "learn" them.