Can't use two plugboards for same Kobo driver?

[Phil_C]

I have two plugboards. Each one will work properly on my Kobo readers if it is the only plugboard. But if both are present in calibre, only one works and the other does nothing.

One is for using commas to separate multiple authors. The other is for inserting various metadata into the comments field.

The first one shown in the image will never work if the second plugboard is present. The first one works if the second one is deleted. The second always works when both are present, seeming to take precedence over the first.

Is it possible to have both work, or is this a built-in limitation?

Thanks for any advice.

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by Phil_C

I have two plugboards. Each one will work properly on my Kobo readers if it is the only plugboard. But if both are present in calibre, only one works and the other does nothing.

One is for using commas to separate multiple authors. The other is for inserting various metadata into the comments field.

The first one shown in the image will never work if the second plugboard is present. The first one works if the second one is deleted. The second always works when both are present, seeming to take precedence over the first.

Is it possible to have both work, or is this a built-in limitation?

Thanks for any advice.

I believe if you choose format 'any format' then that automatically handles all formats and no other plugboard (for the same driver, KOBOTOUCH) should exist.

Is there some reason why you need 2? Why not combine into a single plugboard which renames both Authors and Comments using 2 lines in the 'Source template' and 'Destination field' columns.

[Phil_C]

Originally Posted by jackie_w

I believe if you choose format 'any format' then that automatically handles all formats and no other plugboard (for the same driver, KOBOTOUCH) should exist.

Is there some reason why you need 2? Why not combine into a single plugboard which renames both Authors and Comments using 2 lines in the 'Source template' and 'Destination field' columns.

Aha! I had no idea that could be done. (But of course why would all those blank lines be there in the template screen? Duh!) I don't really know about this stuff, just pick up bits and pieces from the forums. Anyway, it is instantly now all working.

@jackie_w to the rescue again. As you have been doing since the days of PRS+ on the Sony readers. Much appreciated!

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Phil_C

(But of course why would all those blank lines be there in the template screen?

Because some of us have multiple readers (or mail to devices) and / or templates per format.

The developers try to handle things (when the manufacturers do not actively build higher garden walls)

[chaley]

FWIW: a single entry in a plugboard can handle multiple devices if you use "connected_device_uuid()" to select between processing blocks for the devices. Something like:

program:
    uuid = connected_device_uuid();
    if uuid == 'first device's uuid' then
        do whatever you want for that device
    elif uuid == 'second device's uuid' then
        do whatever you want for the second device
    else
        do whatever you want for an unknown uuid
    fi

[Phil_C]

Out of curiosity and for future reference: How do you find the UUID of a Kobo device?

[chaley]

Originally Posted by Phil_C

Out of curiosity and for future reference: How do you find the UUID of a Kobo device?

• Look in the .driveinfo.calibre file on the device.
• Plug in the device then run the template
  

  program: connected_device_uuid()

  in the template tester.
• Look at the device definition in kobo utilities. NB: this method will stop working if/when kobo utilities is changed to use the device serial number instead of the uuid.

[Phil_C]

Excellent. I learn a lot around here.