Custom kernel in Kindle 4 NT?

[zatix]

Has somebody been able to set up a custom custom kernel in this device?

I downloaded the source code from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200203720 and I thought it would be nice to test modified apps/kernel.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by zatix

Has somebody been able to set up a custom custom kernel in this device?

I downloaded the source code from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/custom...deId=200203720 and I thought it would be nice to test modified apps/kernel.

You can test a custom kernel without flashing (writing) it to mmc, but instead by loading it directly into memory from the host PC in USB Downloader mode, which can run it after loading it, using MfgTool and a custom u-boot image that uses an in-memory kernel instead of loading one from mmc. That will boot your kindle with custom startup modules and custom startup options, while continuing the rest of the boot process from the main or diags partition (your choice). Be sure to compile the kernel with a version of arm-linux-gcc that is compatible with the kernel and libraries used in the kindle.

You can even go as far as loading a complete OS into memory and running it with no mmc changes (if it is small enough to fit in memory). This is a great way to test low-level code that could otherwise brick a kindle -- just reboot back to the unchanged mmc firmware.