MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Tools Serial Jailbreaking your fw >= 5.6.x Kindle for Dummies

Nitrus · 09-27-2019, 05:16 AM

Just sharing my findings:
I've been able to do this successfully on my Kindle Voyage (B013), running 5.12.1
The only place where I got stalled a bit is realizing that I needed the K5 JailBreak HotFix as well.

I'm also writing to say that it's possible to do with one of these: PL2303TA serial cable (that's the exact one I have) which are able to handle 3.3V~1.8V logic automatically. It's important that it's the Prolific chip.

I've only confirmed this on the Kindle Voyage so far, so if you're unsure doing this maybe stick with Jim's board

If you do decide to try this out, you need to make sure to NOT connect the ground and VCC to the Kindle (VCC on the Dongle is 3v3 or 5v), only the data pins. As this Dongle outputs 3v3 or 5v depending on the configuration, that's unsuitable for the Kindle - but also unnecessary.
The USB dongle powers itself from its own USB connection, while the Kindle gets its power from its USB cable too.
After which, in some of the steps I just ejected my Kindle but did not unplug it, I found it probably needed the power so the serial link could be maintained.

The reason for writing this is the difference in price honestly, these serial cables are only a few bucks from China - I can see some listings on eBay for $1.5 with free shipping. I already had one on hand and couldn't justify getting or waiting for stock of Jim's board.

09-27-2019, 05:16 AM	#449
Nitrus Junior Member Posts: 1 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2019 Device: Kindle Voyage	Just sharing my findings: I've been able to do this successfully on my Kindle Voyage (B013), running 5.12.1 The only place where I got stalled a bit is realizing that I needed the K5 JailBreak HotFix as well. I'm also writing to say that it's possible to do with one of these: PL2303TA serial cable (that's the exact one I have) which are able to handle 3.3V~1.8V logic automatically. It's important that it's the Prolific chip. I've only confirmed this on the Kindle Voyage so far, so if you're unsure doing this maybe stick with Jim's board If you do decide to try this out, you need to make sure to NOT connect the ground and VCC to the Kindle (VCC on the Dongle is 3v3 or 5v), only the data pins. As this Dongle outputs 3v3 or 5v depending on the configuration, that's unsuitable for the Kindle - but also unnecessary. The USB dongle powers itself from its own USB connection, while the Kindle gets its power from its USB cable too. After which, in some of the steps I just ejected my Kindle but did not unplug it, I found it probably needed the power so the serial link could be maintained. The reason for writing this is the difference in price honestly, these serial cables are only a few bucks from China - I can see some listings on eBay for $1.5 with free shipping. I already had one on hand and couldn't justify getting or waiting for stock of Jim's board.