Kobo Patcher

[PeterT]

PLEASE NOTE... DOUBLE / TRIPLE CHECK WHAT F/W LEVEL YOU ARE RUNNING. ONLY USE THE VERSION THAT MATCHES YOUR KOBO. CURRENTLY ONLY VERSIONS 2.6.1, 2.8.1, 2.10.0 AND 3.0.0 ARE SUPPORTED. INSTALLING THE WRONG PATCHED FILE WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE.

ALSO BE AWARE THAT THERE ARE TWO BUILDS OF 2.8.1 F/W. THE PATCHES ARE CURRENTLY FOR THE ORIGINAL 2.8.1 RELEASE, AND NOT THE NEW RELEASE 2.8.1 (b2c05cda0e, 20/09/13)

In the russian forums at http://www.the-ebook.org/ Metazoa has developed and posted a tool for making modifications to Kobo's libnickel.so library file.

Version 10

Spoiler:

The original post for version 10 pf hio tool is found at http://<br /> http://www.the-ebook.o...107410#1107410. Translated we get

mz_koboreaderpatch_10, anniversary release

In the new version:

• Kobo Patch Generator updated to version 1.5: The correction of minor bugs;
• For 2.10.0 and 3.0.0 new patch 'Search in Library by default': does the default search in the device library, not in the store BookStore;
• For 2.10.0 and 3.0.0 new patch 'Ignore book internal CSS stylesheet': reader ignores the built-in styles of the book, which makes it impossible to have unregulated leading, non-removable fonts, etc.;
• For 2.10.0 and 3.0.0 new patch 'Ignore book TOC navpoints' (disabled by default!) NavPoint reader ignores directives in the file with the contents of the book, as a result - the book is always opened on the first page of the first HTML-section. This patch is disabled by default because there is no guarantee that such behavior is always correct: the authors epub-file is usually knows best which page of the book should be opened first.

How to install a personal patch:[*]Download archive: http://rghost.ru/50295847[*]Unpack the archive to a convenient folder.[*]Copy the kpg.conf and libnickel.so.1.0.0 files for your version of firmware to a convenient folder along with kpg.exe.[*]With any text editor edit the file kpg.conf to your liking and understanding.[*]Run kpg.exe (preferably in the console) and wait for it to finish.[*]Connect your Kobo ereader to your computer[*]Transfer the KoboRoot.tgz file generated by the patcher to the .kobo directory on the Kobo's internal storage.[*]Safely eject the Kobo ereader from your OS.[*]Disconnect the USB cable from the Kobo ereader.[*]Wait for the installation to complete. The patch will install and the device will reboot.[*]Rejoice.[/LIST]How to remove personal patch (return-reader in the "factory" condition):

Replace a previous statement on paragraph 4: "4. Any file with a text editor do kpg.conf empty (or comment out all lines in it)." and execute it.

Version 06

Spoiler:

The original post for version 06 of his tool is found at http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewt...6f9905#1079433 and a google translation gives:

mz_koboreaderpatch_06

This patch contains:

• a utility KPG (Kobo Patch Generator);
• customizable (via CSS) bottom margin;
• Leading regulation (aka line spacing, line spacing aka);
• Wi-Fi is no longer disabled if not used, if the device does not sleep (if sleep - still off);
• Advanced-settings for any font, including user;
• regulation of font sizes;
• regulation size of the left and right margins;
• for 2.8.1: the ability to remove from the list of system fonts reading room ( The default patch off! fonts are only removed from the list in the system they are used and active!)
• for 2.8.1: good brightness control (on a button + / - change brightness in increments of 1 instead of 10)
• for 2.8 .1 Additional Russian keyboard layout (as usual, you can customize yourself in the config KPG);
• for 2.8.1: the browser should now download any files.

New version:

• Kobo Patch Generator has been updated to version 1.2: Added support for method replace_utf8chars now referred to in the output and disabled patches, minor fixes;
• thanks replace_utf8chars was possible to change the overlay system keyboard;
• new patches to 2.8.1: the ability to remove from the list of system fonts reading room, a comfortable brightness control, additional Russian keyboard layout, the browser now should download any files.

How to install a personal patch:

1. Download archive: http://rghost.ru/48210870
2. Unpack the archive to a convenient folder.
3. Transferring files and kpg.conf libnickel.so.1.0.0 for your version of firmware to a convenient folder, where there is kpg.exe.
4. Any text editor edit the file kpg.conf to your liking and understanding.
5. Run kpg.exe (preferably in the console) and wait for it to finish.
6. We transfer the file from KoboRoot.tgz convenient folder to folder. Kobo memory device.
7. Making the safe shutdown of the device in your OS.
8. Turning off the device from the USB-Lace.
9. We wait until the installation is complete, automatic update and reboot the device.
10. Rejoice.

How to remove personal patch (return-reader in the "factory" condition):

Replace the previous instructions to paragraph 4: "4. Any file with a text editor do kpg.conf empty (or comment out all lines in it)." and execute it.

Version 05

Spoiler:

The original post for version 05 of his tool is found at http://www.the-ebook.org/forum/viewt...077658#1077658 and a google translation gives:

mz_koboreaderpatch_05
This patch contains:

• a utility KPG (Kobo Patch Generator);
• customizable (via CSS) bottom margin;
• Leading regulation (aka line spacing, line spacing aka);
• Wi-Fi is no longer disabled if not used, if the device does not sleep (if sleep - still off);
• Advanced-settings for any font, including user;
• regulation of font sizes; - regulation size of the left and right margins.

New version:

• Kobo Patch Generator has been updated to version 1.1: Added Method Support replace_zlib, small fixes for replace_string, small overall changes;
• replace_zlib was made ​​possible thanks to the setting of the lower indentation with CSS in firmware 2.8.1 (and above?)
• for firmware 2.8.1 patch changed the method of Wi-Fi: perhaps now it will be better not to sleep.

How to set a personal patch:

1. Download archive: http://rghost.ru/48099445
2. Unpack the archive to a convenient folder.
3. Transferring files and kpg.conf libnickel.so.1.0.0 for your version of firmware to a convenient folder, where there is kpg.exe.
4. Any text editor edit the file kpg.conf to your liking and understanding.
5. Run kpg.exe (preferably in the console) and wait for it to finish.
6. We transfer the file from KoboRoot.tgz convenient folder to folder. Kobo memory device.
7. Making the safe shutdown of the device in your OS.
8. Turning off the device from the USB-Lace.
9. We wait until the installation is complete, automatic update and reboot the device.
10. Rejoice.

How to remove personal patch (return-reader in the "factory" condition):

Replace the previous instructions to paragraph 4: "4. Any file with a text editor do kpg.conf empty (or comment out all lines in it)." and execute it.

Unofficial support for 2.8.1B

Spoiler:

As mentioned above, Kobo re-release 2.8.1 and the patcher as downloaded will not handle this.

The community has done some work on this, and in this post https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=233 I've posted a zip file that will enable

• My line spacing values
• Custom fonts sizes
• Custom left & right margins

and in https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=236 DNSB includes the updated needed to handle

• Brightness fine control

Additionally, see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=256 for the Page Break patch.

Unofficial support for 2.9.0

Spoiler:

Along the lines of the above patch for 2.8.1B we also have https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=249 that adds support for 2.9.0.

Again it's a limited subset

• Custom Reading Footer Style
• My line spacing values
• Custom fonts sizes
• Custom left & right margins
• Brightness fine control

Additionally, see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=256 for the Page Break patch.

I thought a thread here where people could post their experiences (and share patch files) might be of use.

[treadlightly]

Thanks for this thread, PeterT!

I found the footer configuration in kpg.conf a little hard to read. I have coloured the values to change depending on your device. They are in the long line that starts with "replace_zlib = 1205FF4, `ReadingFooter..."

Glo or new device code-named "phoenix"
Aura
Touch or Mini

# Kobo Patch Generator config file
# firmware ver. 2.8.1
# (c) 2013 MZ
#

<Patch>
patch_name = `Disable reading footer style`
patch_enable = `no`
replace_bytes = 9B9444, 0E F7 22 E4, 00 46 00 46
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `Custom reading footer style`
patch_enable = `yes`
# Example for Aura HD (deviceCodeName="dragon")
replace_zlib = 1205FF4, `ReadingFooter {\n\tmin-height: 70px;\n\tmax-height: 70px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 40;\n}\n\nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="kraken"], \nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="phoenix"] {\n\tmin-height: 82px;\n\tmax-height: 82px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 110;\n}\n\nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="dragon"] {\n\tmin-height: 120px;\n\tmax-height: 120px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 20;\n}\n\n* {\n\tfont-size: 16px;\n}\n\n[deviceCodeName="kraken"], \n[deviceCodeName="phoenix"] {\n\tfont-size: 20px;\n}\n\n[deviceCodeName="dragon"] {\n\tfont-size: 26px;\n}\n\n[localeName="ja_JP"] {\n\tfont-family: A-OTF Gothic MB101 Pr6N;\n}`, `ReadingFooter {\n\tmin-height: 70px;\n\tmax-height: 70px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 40;\n}\n\nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="kraken"], \nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="phoenix"] {\n\tmin-height: 82px;\n\tmax-height: 82px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 110;\n}\n\nReadingFooter[deviceCodeName="dragon"] {\n\tmin-height: 5px;\n\tmax-height: 5px;\n\tqproperty-footerMargin: 0;\n}\n\n* {\n\tfont-size: 16px;\n}\n\n[deviceCodeName="kraken"], \n[deviceCodeName="phoenix"] {\n\tfont-size: 20px;\n}\n\n[deviceCodeName="dragon"] {\n\tfont-size: 26px;\n}\n\n[localeName="ja_JP"] {\n\tfont-family: A-OTF Gothic MB101 Pr6N;\n}`
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `My line spacing values`
patch_enable = `yes`
# Internal checks bypass
replace_float = 6857E0, 1.225, 0.1
replace_float = 685820, 1.225, 0.1
# Values for replace
replace_float = 1201A58, 1.3,   0.8
replace_float = 1201A60, 1.35,  0.85
replace_float = 1201A68, 1.4,   0.9
replace_float = 1201A70, 1.6,   0.95
replace_float = 1201A78, 1.775, 1.0
replace_float = 1201A80, 1.9,   1.05
replace_float = 1201A88, 2.0,   1.1
replace_float = 1201A90, 2.2,   1.15
replace_float = 1201A98, 3.0,   1.2
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `Wi-Fi insomnia`
patch_enable = `yes`
replace_bytes = 704678, 11 B9, 00 46
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `Freedom to advanced fonts control`
patch_enable = `yes`
replace_bytes = 892894, 2C F4 52 EE, 3C F4 4C E9
replace_bytes = 982714, 70 F7 E0 E3, 00 46 00 46
replace_bytes = 984166, 6E F7 B8 E6, 00 46 00 46
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `Custom fonts sizes`
patch_enable = `yes`
# Values for replace
replace_int = F773F8, 12, 15
replace_int = F773FC, 14, 16
replace_int = F77400, 16, 17
replace_int = F77404, 17, 18
replace_int = F77408, 18, 19
replace_int = F7740C, 19, 20
replace_int = F77410, 20, 21
replace_int = F77414, 21, 22
replace_int = F77418, 22, 23
replace_int = F7741C, 24, 24
replace_int = F77420, 25, 25
replace_int = F77424, 26, 26
replace_int = F77428, 28, 27
replace_int = F7742C, 32, 28
replace_int = F77430, 36, 29
replace_int = F77434, 40, 30
replace_int = F77438, 44, 31
replace_int = F7743C, 46, 32
replace_int = F77440, 48, 33
replace_int = F77444, 50, 34
replace_int = F77448, 52, 35
replace_int = F7744C, 54, 36
replace_int = F77450, 56, 37
replace_int = F77454, 58, 38
</Patch>

<Patch>
patch_name = `Custom left & right margins`
patch_enable = `yes`
# Values for replace
replace_int = 1201AA4, 02, 01
replace_int = 1201AA8, 04, 02
replace_int = 1201AAC, 06, 03
replace_int = 1201AB0, 08, 04
replace_int = 1201AB4, 10, 05
replace_int = 1201AB8, 12, 06
replace_int = 1201ABC, 14, 07
replace_int = 1201AC0, 16, 08
</Patch>

[Kobohobo]

Hey there,

two quick questions for those of you who can read Russian:

1.) Does the developer plan on releasing a Linux build of kpg.exe anytime soon?

2.) Would it be possible to apply the patch under point 3 in this blog post with this method? (for those who don't want to bother reading the full article: It's a hack to Nickel which allows you to access local servers hosted on the device without needing to keep the WiFi on. This makes it possible to run Kiwix, an offline Wikipedia service, on your Kobo.)

Thanks!

[henriquemaia]

Originally Posted by Kobohobo

Hey there,

two quick questions for those of you who can read Russian:

1.) Does the developer plan on releasing a Linux build of kpg.exe anytime soon?

2.) Would it be possible to apply the patch under point 3 in this blog post with this method? (for those who don't want to bother reading the full article: It's a hack to Nickel which allows you to access local servers hosted on the device without needing to keep the WiFi on. This makes it possible to run Kiwix, an offline Wikipedia service, on your Kobo.)

Thanks!

You can run kpg.exe under wine. That's what I'm doing successfully.

[ibu]

Originally Posted by treadlightly

Thanks for this thread, PeterT!

Same from me

Originally Posted by treadlightly

I found the footer configuration in kpg.conf a little hard to read. [...]

Did you realized a true "fullscreen mode", no footer (with the page # of #) at all?

[nesler]

I would be extremely interested in hearing if this remedies the wasted real estate at the bottom of each page. White space, so much white space...

[ShellShock]

Originally Posted by nesler

I would be extremely interested in hearing if this remedies the wasted real estate at the bottom of each page. White space, so much white space...

Yes it does exactly that, plus more (configurable line-height, margins and font sizes, advanced TypeGenius for customer fonts etc).

[ShellShock]

I have not been able to find any description of what the qproperty-footerMargin attribute does; changing it does not seem to have any effect. Does anyone know?

(Currently using min-height 40/max-height 40/qproperty-footerMargin 10 on my Aura).

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by ShellShock

I have not been able to find any description of what the qproperty-footerMargin attribute does; changing it does not seem to have any effect. Does anyone know?

(Currently using min-height 40/max-height 40/qproperty-footerMargin 10 on my Aura).

I wondered the same thing. I tried several different values for qproperty-footerMargin between 0 and 50 and couldn't see any difference once installed. I had been hoping that it might move the 'Page x of y' text up a bit, but it didn't.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by nesler

I would be extremely interested in hearing if this remedies the wasted real estate at the bottom of each page. White space, so much white space...

I used 60/60/10 and got a lower margin about 1 line high with a readable page number. The default of 5/5/0 put the half the page number off the bottom edge of the screen as well as making it too small to read in any event.

Otherwise, the advanced font settings for any font and WiFi not going to sleep are worth using the patch.

Regards,
David

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by jackie_w

I wondered the same thing. I tried several different values for qproperty-footerMargin between 0 and 50 and couldn't see any difference once installed. I had been hoping that it might move the 'Page x of y' text up a bit, but it didn't.

Add me to the confused. I haven't as yet seen any effect from changing that value though I will be playing some more this weekend.

Regards,
David

[ibu]

Instead of a page number at the bottom I would love to see a progressbar with a little height and over the whole width.
Almost over the whole width.
At the left I'd like to see the per mill number.

[ectoplasm]

Originally Posted by nesler

I would be extremely interested in hearing if this remedies the wasted real estate at the bottom of each page. White space, so much white space...

DNSB posted a great screenshot in the "summary of modified fonts" thread:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...&postcount=132

Hopefully he won't mind me reposting it here.

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by DNSB

Add me to the confused. I haven't as yet seen any effect from changing that value though I will be playing some more this weekend.

Do share if you find anything

BTW when I tried the patch default of 5/5/0 I got the equivalent of full screen, i.e. no 'Page x of y' at all.

In case it helps anyone else, I'll also pass on this snippet. If you apply the patch with customised footer enabled then don't be too quick to decide that the values you have chosen are wrong. Once the Kobo has rebooted and a book is opened you may find that the 'Page x of y' runs slightly off the bottom edge of the screen. If you then open the font menu and close it again (no need to change any sliders) the font used for Page x of y should change to the one selected in the font menu. This should raise the 'Page x of y' above the bottom edge. If you then do a normal page turn the 'Page x of y' rises a little more... and then stays in the same place for all subsequent page turns.

[treadlightly]

Originally Posted by ibu

Did you realized a true "fullscreen mode", no footer (with the page # of #) at all?

I still want the Page # of # at the bottom, so I wasn't trying to remove it, but I used the 60/60/10 suggested by DNSB and the screen is one line short of full.