Send to Device Conversion(?)

[rumplestiltskin]

I suspect I know what happens during the "Send to Device" function but wanted to clarify this with those who have had more experience. As well, I'd like to know about options.

I configured my Kindle Fire HD8 to permit data transfer via USB, connected it to my (silicon) Mac, launched Calibre, then use the contextual "Send to Device > Send to Main Memory" command. I was presented with a dialog asking to confirm a format conversion (to what it does not say). If I dismissed this without approving, no transfer took place. If, however, I approved it, the ePub I wanted to send appeared in my Kindle app on the device within seconds (maybe 15 at most). Obviously, this came from my Mac via USB (the Kindle's WiFi was off), and the book may be read and navigated as expected.

I did examine the files with the "Files" app (I did install the Android Play Store apps so, other than the Kindle app, I use the Fire as an Android device) and found the transferred books as ".azw3" format. Strangely, I can open the book with the PocketBook (Android) app (which sees it as a MOBI) and read it but tapping on any of the TOC entries result in a dialog pointing to the Kindle app (which transfers me over to that app). So I guess Calibre sees my "device" as a Kindle rather than generic Android.

Now the "options" question: Can I configure Calibre to transfer my ePubs to the Fire using the USB "Send to Device > Send to Main Memory" and leave them in the original format? Or is there another command I should be using that I have missed? I might want to use an Android reader app that is happy with ePub (as my entire library is ePub).

Thank you in advance for suggestions.

Barry

[theducks]

With the device connected: Right-click the device icon: Configure the device:

This shows possible formats. Only those (normally) compatible are ticked.
Tick away (the compatibility issue is on you)

Fwiw this is the device drive currently being used for this device, which is why I sent you via the device icon.

[rumplestiltskin]

Thank you for your response.

There are three choices: PDF, Mobi, and AZW3. All are checked. When I "Send to Device", Calibre chooses AZW3. I expect this is because the Fire presents itself to Calibre as a Kindle device. Not surprising in spite of the Google hack I installed (which lets me use the Google Play Store for apps). Calibre (or maybe it's the Fire) forces the AZW3 to open any links in the book in the Kindle app. I can page through and read the AZW3 in the PocketBook reader app but the links contained therein are directed to the Kindle app so it appears that Calibre and the Kindle App on the Fire are married in some manner.

I started thinking a bit differently about this and found that the OpenMTP app for Mac lets me copy files in both directions (let's say, an ePub from a Calibre Library nested folder to a specific folder on the Fire). I installed an eBook reader named eBoox and it can open the ePubs I copy over. Not quite as convenient as using Calibre but I can have my ePubs stay ePubs and avoid the Kindle app.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by rumplestiltskin

Thank you for your response.

There are three choices: PDF, Mobi, and AZW3. All are checked. When I "Send to Device", Calibre chooses AZW3. I expect this is because the Fire presents itself to Calibre as a Kindle device. Not surprising in spite of the Google hack I installed (which lets me use the Google Play Store for apps). Calibre (or maybe it's the Fire) forces the AZW3 to open any links in the book in the Kindle app. I can page through and read the AZW3 in the PocketBook reader app but the links contained therein are directed to the Kindle app so it appears that Calibre and the Kindle App on the Fire are married in some manner.

I started thinking a bit differently about this and found that the OpenMTP app for Mac lets me copy files in both directions (let's say, an ePub from a Calibre Library nested folder to a specific folder on the Fire). I installed an eBook reader named eBoox and it can open the ePubs I copy over. Not quite as convenient as using Calibre but I can have my ePubs stay ePubs and avoid the Kindle app.

You change the Order of those that are ticked, to bias which one is sent if they both exist.
One more setting (overall):

Preferences: Tweaks:
# Choose available output formats for conversion (This MY setting, I use a Kobo. yours will be different)

restrict_output_formats = ['EPUB', 'AZW3', 'KEPUB', 'txt']

[rumplestiltskin]

Originally Posted by theducks

You change the Order of those that are ticked, to bias which one is sent if they both exist.
One more setting (overall):

Preferences: Tweaks:
# Choose available output formats for conversion (This MY setting, I use a Kobo. yours will be different)

restrict_output_formats = ['EPUB', 'AZW3', 'KEPUB', 'txt']

Just tried what you suggested using this:

restrict_output_formats = ['EPUB']

...then restarted Calibre and tried to "Send specific format..." but, again, the available choices are AZW3, MOBI, and PDF.

It appears that this tweak applies to the "Convert Books' command, not the "Send to Device..." function. I appreciate your suggestion, though!

I'll look through the various settings on the Fire to see if there's something about how it identifies itself to Calibre when it's connected; perhaps I can force a "generic Android" hello.

Thanks,
Barry

[rumplestiltskin]

Connected my Pixel 6a and enabled File Transfer mode. Launched Calibre. It successfully registered the device. When I selected "Send to Device", it showed EPUB as the first choice in the list (AZW3, MOBI, and PDF being the others). I selected EPUB and ok'd the "conversion" (did it even convert? It still shows only ePub in the book list.), then the Jobs list showed the transfer was completed. However, I could not locate the book on the Pixel no matter how I searched for it. Calibre was able to delete it from the "device" so it must have been there somewhere.

The OpenMTP method I described a few posts above did work well so if I can live with the small extra step, I guess I'm okay. Would love to have it all within Calibre but if wishes were fishes we'd all cast nets.

Barry

[rumplestiltskin]

Originally Posted by theducks

With the device connected: Right-click the device icon: Configure the device:

This shows possible formats. Only those (normally) compatible are ticked.
Tick away (the compatibility issue is on you)

Fwiw this is the device drive currently being used for this device, which is why I sent you via the device icon.

D-oh! I re-read what you wrote (above) regarding "Configure the Device" and found the dialogue where I could enable EPUB as a choice. Then, in the "Send..." dialogue, I saw EPUB which I selected and *presto* the file transfer took about a second and the file ended up in the "documents" folder (with no conversion as it was already EPUB). That works exactly as I wished. I added that folder to the Boox app as a "shelf" and the book was available to open and read in that app. I'll disable all the formats I won't use so I don't accidentally choose any of those.

I knew there was a solution and a friendly soul here on Mobileread would help me find it.

Thank you for helping me get this accomplished!
Barry