My kindle 3 has been bricked for years, help

[wentnorth]

My last kindle 3 has been bricked, When I try to recovery it.
I think the file system has been crashed because of some improper operations(I forgot which item I chose in the boot menu!!!!!)

Who can help me to debrich it?

I think, to debrick it needs to write original system back into its ROM.

[hawhill]

You presented an analysis of yours, but did not really describe its current state beyond "being broken" :-) What does it do currently?

This might be a case where the USB download mode might come handy. But before your hopes get high: That will probably take some time and careful evaluation. While geekmaster (plus probably others, e.g. yifanlu) has done lots of work on this matter, his attempts were directed at newer kindles. Nevertheless, the "Fastboot Manifesto" thread has first hints for the K3, too.

I've brought my K3 successfully into USB downloader mode, but then failed miserably trying to dump the (e)MMC data. That was just a short try to test things, and I stopped playing with it at that point.

At the current point, it will probably need much more investigation and maybe some development work on a uboot for K3 USB downloader mode. This might take a lot of time, maybe it won't ever happen (sorry).

Another variant might be to use serial console access (on the K3, you can build a customized connector if you don't want to pop the cover open). It also will need some experience, but that route is described in some threads in this forums. I don't remember exactly, how to exactly approach the problem then. But in the end it's writing a working image into the system partition of the eMMC (what you called "ROM" :-) ).

[knc1]

Originally Posted by hawhill

You presented an analysis of yours, but did not really describe its current state beyond "being broken" :-) What does it do currently?

There was one other bit of information in the original post: "bricked for years".

The type of battery in the Kindle does not last forever in the fully (or nearly fully) discharged state.

I would not be surprised if the O.P. needed a new battery by now.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by knc1

There was one other bit of information in the original post: "bricked for years".

The type of battery in the Kindle does not last forever in the fully (or nearly fully) discharged state.

I would not be surprised if the O.P. needed a new battery by now.

The ideal storage condition for lithium ion batteries is at 40% charge, but no more than 70% charge (60% recommended maximum, for a margin of safety).

Putting a kindle in storage with a full battery charge will also shorten its lifespan. The kindles contain a "shipping" script (also available in diags on some models) that partially discharges the battery to prepare it for shipping or storage.

There is a very interesting easy to understand document on lithium batteries that I read years ago, and I am glad to see that it still exists. I recommend reading this:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_runtime

And now I see that it has an updated version available as well:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_failure

One interesting thing is that lithium ion batteries like those used in a kindle start aging immediately after manufacture, and will die of old-age even unused in original packaging, so it does not help to buy a spare battery "for later". It is best to use a freshly manufactured replacement battery.

Most rechargeable lithium ion batteries are only good for about 5 years past manufacture, but newer ones may last up to 10 years before needing replacement (if stored partially charged). But if stored undercharged or overcharged, they can have a much shorter lifespan.

[knc1]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

There is a very interesting easy to understand document on lithium batteries that I read years ago, and I am glad to see that it still exists. I recommend reading this:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_runtime

And now I see that it has an updated version available as well:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_failure

While we have this topic shifted to "I ignored it for years"....

The Kindle battery charging is under software control (per: GM) -
So if the software is "bricked" you can't be certain it is being charged.

The Kindle 3G modem/radio is under software control -
If the software is "bricked" you can't be certain the transmitter is off.
The 3G transmitter pulls 2 amps during each "burst" transmission, so if it is on and "yelling for help" - your battery will not last very long.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by knc1

While we have this topic shifted to "I ignored it for years"....

The Kindle battery charging is under software control (per: GM) -
So if the software is "bricked" you can't be certain it is being charged.

The Kindle 3G modem/radio is under software control -
If the software is "bricked" you can't be certain the transmitter is off.
The 3G transmitter pulls 2 amps during each "burst" transmission, so if it is on and "yelling for help" - your battery will not last very long.

The k3 is easy to open with a jeweler's screwdriver -- no easy to damage "slide-snaps" and no glue. You could open it and remove the 3G modem from its socket before trying to charge the kindle battery.

[wentnorth]

Originally Posted by hawhill

I've brought my K3 successfully into USB downloader mode

Thank you for you explanation!
I have took the k3 apart to try to hack it via RS232. But it didn't work(Maybe my USB-to-RS232 chip was broken. I didn't test it)

I've read the " simple kindle touch (and k4nt) debricking method" (https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=170929). And I think whether we can imply the same method to debrick k3.

maybe It need more work to accomplish this idea.

[wentnorth]

Originally Posted by hawhill

You presented an analysis of yours, but did not really describe its current state beyond "being broken" :-) What does it do currently?

This might be a case where the USB download mode might come handy. But before your hopes get high: That will probably take some time and careful evaluation. While geekmaster (plus probably others, e.g. yifanlu) has done lots of work on this matter, his attempts were directed at newer kindles. Nevertheless, the "Fastboot Manifesto" thread has first hints for the K3, too.

I've brought my K3 successfully into USB downloader mode, but then failed miserably trying to dump the (e)MMC data. That was just a short try to test things, and I stopped playing with it at that point.

At the current point, it will probably need much more investigation and maybe some development work on a uboot for K3 USB downloader mode. This might take a lot of time, maybe it won't ever happen (sorry).

Another variant might be to use serial console access (on the K3, you can build a customized connector if you don't want to pop the cover open). It also will need some experience, but that route is described in some threads in this forums. I don't remember exactly, how to exactly approach the problem then. But in the end it's writing a working image into the system partition of the eMMC (what you called "ROM" :-) ).

Originally Posted by geekmaster

The ideal storage condition for lithium ion batteries is at 40% charge, but no more than 70% charge (60% recommended maximum, for a margin of safety).

Putting a kindle in storage with a full battery charge will also shorten its lifespan. The kindles contain a "shipping" script (also available in diags on some models) that partially discharges the battery to prepare it for shipping or storage.

There is a very interesting easy to understand document on lithium batteries that I read years ago, and I am glad to see that it still exists. I recommend reading this:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_runtime

And now I see that it has an updated version available as well:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a...attery_failure

One interesting thing is that lithium ion batteries like those used in a kindle start aging immediately after manufacture, and will die of old-age even unused in original packaging, so it does not help to buy a spare battery "for later". It is best to use a freshly manufactured replacement battery.

Most rechargeable lithium ion batteries are only good for about 5 years past manufacture, but newer ones may last up to 10 years before needing replacement (if stored partially charged). But if stored undercharged or overcharged, they can have a much shorter lifespan.

I've read the " simple kindle touch (and k4nt) debricking method" (https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=170929). And I think whether we can imply the same method to debrick k3 ?

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by wentnorth

I've read the " simple kindle touch (and k4nt) debricking method" (https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=170929). And I think whether we can imply the same method to debrick k3 ?

Yes, after we get the tools in place and configured to work with a K3. I have not found the "magic key" for a DX or DXG yet though...

But for now, the external serial port debricking method is the best way. Watch seaniko7's short youtube video that shows just how easy it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OCpJbkGb7M

[wentnorth]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OCpJbkGb7M

It must seem unbelievable to you that I cannot access the youtube site. Because of some political reason maybe (you know, Chinese are unreasonable, haha~~~). Would you help me download the video and send it to me (shangchong90@gmail.com) .

Thank you very much!

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by wentnorth

It must seem unbelievable to you that I cannot access the youtube site. Because of some political reason maybe (you know, Chinese are unreasonable, haha~~~). Would you help me download the video and send it to me (shangchong90@gmail.com) .

Thank you very much!

Can you download it as a .mp4 file from mediafire.com?

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xudtbw4a6bozy7g

EDIT: As requested, it has also been sent as an email attachment to the specified email address.

[superium]

if you'are in china, you could send it to duokan developer group. they are pleased to help users to mend it for free. see more : www.duokan.com

[sirmaru]

Buy a new Kindle for a mere $ 79 USD. Nothing lasts forever. Plus, new ones have much better technology than old ones.

[hawhill]

I'm not sure if that statement really needs a reply, but anyway, here it is:
That would certainly depend on a lot of context. That "mere $79 USD" might not be that mere for everyone, for a start. On the other hand, maybe fixing your technical device is a worthwhile experience in its own. Today I'm pretty used to it, but when I started and re-flashed a bricked gizmo for the first time, that was a great thing and I learned a lot.

And by the way, I really doubt the point about the "much better technology". Actually, your choice is "fewer keys" or "no keys but touch" - with the benefit of a smaller form factor. But believe me, some people really like that keyboard :-)