Kindle 3 as Morning Alarm and other things! ( crontab utility does)

[kt23]

I have a kindle 3, now it can play a sound at morning, so I say kindle is used as an alarm. Yes, I use the crontab. Maybe you can use it to do other useful and interesting things.

Steps:

1. jailbreak. thanks NiLuJe and others
Font and Screensaver Hacks - The current jailbreak and USBNetworking hacks are also included here
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88004

2. Kindle SSH over WIFI instructions. thanks badbob001
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...85&postcount=8

3. mplayer install to /mnt/us/system/mplayer ; then copy a sound file (ex. miaoyin.mp3) to /mnt/us/music/miaoyin.mp3
mplayer can get at https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147854&highlight=mplayer thanks for sharing

4. Now suppose you get the root shell. the key is to change the crontab file: /etc/crontab/root, pls see below

#################################################
#  N O T I C E  *  N O T I C E  *  N O T I C E  #
#################################################
Rootfs is mounted read-only. Invoke mntroot rw to
switch back to a writable rootfs.
#################################################
[root@kindle root]# mntroot rw
system: I mntroot:def:Making root filesystem writeable
[root@kindle root]# chmod +w /etc/crontab/root
[root@kindle root]# vi /etc/crontab/root
### use vi to edit the file , to add a line 

[root@kindle root]# cat /etc/crontab/root
*/15 * * * * /usr/sbin/checkpmond
*/15 * * * * /usr/sbin/tinyrot
*/60 * * * * /usr/sbin/loginfo tmpfs
*/60 * * * * /usr/sbin/loginfo localVars
*/60 * * * * /usr/sbin/loginfo memusedump
*/15 * * * * /usr/sbin/loginfo powerdcheck
8 6 * * 1-5 /mnt/us/system/mplayer /mnt/us/music/108.mp3
[root@kindle root]# /etc/init.d/cron restart
system: I cron:def:stopping crond
start-stop-daemon: lseek: Invalid argument
system: I cron:def:starting crond
[root@kindle root]# mntroot ro
system: I mntroot:def:Making root filesystem read-only
[root@kindle root]#

5. OK now at 6:08 AM from Mon. to Fri., Kindle 3 will play the file miaoyin.mp3.

6. Done. I know little about shell, maybe you can do more for yourself.

WARNING: DO THIS ON YOU OWN RISK.

Good luck :)

crontab can do more fun things? please post it!

[ucfgrad93]

I'll stick with using my iPhone as my morning alarm and not risk bricking my Kindle.

[howyoudoin]

I've been known to swat my phone away while half-asleep, so I think I'll play it safe by sparing my Kindle

It's an interesting idea and appreciable effort, though

[Deja Moo]

The only use I'd have for an alarm is to keep from reading too long. Will this run in the background with an easily adjustable alarm time?

[kt23]

Sorry, i tested today but it donot work well

when kindle is on(you are reading and no screensaver) it's ok
but when kindle sleep, it doesn't work.

so anyone help?

[DiapDealer]

so anyone help?

Most discount stores sell cheap clock-radios.

[kt23]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

Most discount stores sell cheap clock-radios.

hahaa, good idea : )
I sitll want crontab do something.