Autoboot to iRiver firmware?

Haku · #1 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 11:14 AM

Is there a way to get RockBox firmware to automatically boot to iRiver and pressing record while booting to go into RockBox, instead of the other way round?

I'm so used to the iRiver firmware and manily use functions it has that RockBox doesn't (full display on the remote, SRS, WMA), but sometimes I'd like to use features of the RockBox firmware.

bagder · #2 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 03:38 PM

No you can't.

**NPswimdude500** · #3 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 03:43 PM

would a patch work though? (probably a bad idea second guessing the RB dev, but hey it's worth a shot)

Haku · #4 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagder

No you can't.

Do you mean no I can't or no RockBox can't?

I get the feeling from your short and blunt answer that you haven't considered the idea of having RockBox as the secondary firmware rather than the primary.

RotAtoR · #5 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 05:48 PM

I think this *could* be possible by modifying the rockbox bootloader code then flashing the modded firmware, but that's tricky business where a single mistake has the potential of bricking your player (for all intents and purposes). I really don't see the point though.

Mr Whippy · #6 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 05:51 PM

It would require the bootloader to be re-written and for their to be two versions of the bootloader. Everytime you want the other one to be the default means flashing bootloader.

Of course if you delete or rename the \.rockbox directory it'll boot to the iriver f/w, but then have to connect upto a PC to rename back to boot with Rockbox. No way ATM yet of having customizable boot options.

TheGlassJAw · #7 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 05:53 PM

i think the bootloader version 1 did that (boot rockbox when holding down record), if you can find a copy of it somewhere that'll work! but you will have to patch the firmware yourself. there is a guide on the rockbox site somewhere.

Haku · #8 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 06:35 PM

The H1xx must have some sort of non-volatile memory so it knows the last track you were playing, volume level etc. when you power it up, maybe there's a single bit (0/1) of memory available for selecting which is the default boot firmware (RockBox/iRiver) ? and holding down the record button makes it boot into the other firmware.

toolmanwill · #9 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 06:50 PM

funny cause i was just about to ask about this on the rockbox irc channel. I would love it if iriver was the default and press the record to get rockbox while turning on. but if Daniel says no, i'm sure its for a good reason.

rubber-glove · #10 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haku

The H1xx must have some sort of non-volatile memory so it knows the last track you were playing, volume level etc. when you power it up, maybe there's a single bit (0/1) of memory available for selecting which is the default boot firmware (RockBox/iRiver) ? and holding down the record button makes it boot into the other firmware.

it does have xx gb of non-volatile memory on the hard drive for that sort of thing.

frankly and unfortunately for you, i think having the iriver fw as default will never happen for you. it would require someone brave enough or equipped enough (and most importantly motivated enough) to fiddle with the bootloader. ... which won't happen

Membrillo · #11 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 02:40 AM

Maybe this should be considered when writing the H300 bootloader?

Haku · #12 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubber-glove

it does have xx gb of non-volatile memory on the hard drive for that sort of thing.

I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a sarcastic comment or not, the volume and other settings (ie SRS, optical out on/off, beep on/off etc.) can't be stored on the harddrive because it's too impractical, the player would have to access the harddrive everytime you change the settings so it remembers them when it next boots up.

Quote:

frankly and unfortunately for you, i think having the iriver fw as default will never happen for you. it would require someone brave enough or equipped enough (and most importantly motivated enough) to fiddle with the bootloader. ... which won't happen

It's a shame really, I've installed RockBox on my silver H120 to see what it's like and it has some functions I'd like to use on my H140 (my main player I use almost everyday) but don't want it to be the default firmware on bootup.

linus · #13 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haku

I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a sarcastic comment or not, the volume and other settings (ie SRS, optical out on/off, beep on/off etc.) can't be stored on the harddrive because it's too impractical, the player would have to access the harddrive everytime you change the settings so it remembers them when it next boots up.

Rockbox stores all settings on the hard drive, and it works perfectly without accessing the hard drive when the settings are changed. It only has to store them when shutting down.

Quote:

It's a shame really, I've installed RockBox on my silver H120 to see what it's like and it has some functions I'd like to use on my H140 (my main player I use almost everyday) but don't want it to be the default firmware on bootup.

Call it a shame or whatever. You are free to modify your boot loader as you wish, on your own risk.

Jonny · #14 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 09:48 AM

It is only logical that the most complete firmware for the majority of users should be the default and that of course is Rockbox.

I myself haven't booted the iRiver firmware for several months and although there will be some exceptions, I'm sure many users will be in my situation.

**Febs** · #15 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 11:36 AM

It's that difficult for you to press the record button while booting?!

Haku · #16 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs

It's that difficult for you to press the record button while booting?!

Yes because I'd have to remember to do it every damn time I wanted to boot to the iRiver firmware, which would be most of the time, RockBox has some nice features but I wouldn't want to use it all the time because it doesn't display anything on the remote when playing, plus there's no SRS and no WMA.

linus · #17 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haku

Fu-it then, I won't be using RockBox on my H140 at all.

Your loss. Have it your way.

**sweetspot** · #18 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 02:41 PM

Keep it civil. There's no need for condescension or baby talk on this topic. While I agree that it's not hard to press record (or remember to if you get used to it), I also agree that with the flexibility RB offers, an alternative bootloader would be nice to have. On the ooother hand, I can also understand (as you should Haku) that it's only natural for the RB devs to want their firmware to boot as the primary OS.

So rather than getting into a pissing match, how about going to the RB forums, bringing up the topic, and ask someone if they'd like to undertake the job. I think that would be a bit more productive than a back and forth with anyone here. You could also ask if someone here wants to do it. Just a thought.

**Febs** · #19 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 04:13 PM

I don't think that there is anyone but Linus who has the hardware and the knowledge necessary to make this change.

bagder · #20 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 04:24 PM

Anyone who can code C can do the change.

Only someone with a BDM installed can rescue your player if you brick it because you flash a defective bootloader.

**musichound** · #21 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 05:04 PM

And Musichound makes lots of popcorn!!!

Seriously, Linus and the Rockbox crew are working hard to provide the best alternative firmwarepossible. They are not getting paid for this. They are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts.

If anyone doesn't need to use it then don't.

All I can say is that I can't wait until there is a Rockbox firmware for the H3X0 line.

XavierGr · #22 (**permalink**) November 13th, 2005, 08:46 PM

Hey guys why so tence? As SweetSpot mentioned keep it civil...

Haku though I don't use iriver firmware at all I understand your request.
But, I can't really say that your request will be implemented on an official build (or whatever, bootloader)

Your only chance would be to ask Linus nicely IF he could make the current bootloader with reversed buttons, (which iirc I don't think it is difficult for someone that has the knowledge) and give it for your personal use.

Though; Truth is that I don't know how complex is to do that, and Linus has much on his head to make a modded bootloader just for you. Add to that, that your way of asking wasn't the best and wasn't very kind (IMHO, no offence).

As for your problems: The only real problem I can accept is the WMA support.
I can realise that you made a mistake (as many people) and fell for that copyrighted, idiotic codec called WMA (I won't analyze why I say this). My only advice to you is to make yourself a favor and, if you have the originals, reencode to mp3 or ogg.

The remote support is already implemented except WPS, which FireFly has a patch on it and soon it will be commited.

SRS is another problem, but I doubt that you need it , don't you prefer to listen to flat? Well ok I know that this is a personal preference but there is nothing you can do about it. Have in mind though that preglow is preparing a customizable EQ for rockbox and maybe this will fit your needs.

Anyway, just comapre 2 firmwares and really consider why would you choose the iriver fw over Rockbox. You decide and noone cares about it... just my 0.02 cents.

Just keep it low and kind.

edil · #23 (**permalink**) November 14th, 2005, 06:15 PM

It happens to me as well, you see in the car I have no choice but to use Iriver's FW because of the remote and there are few time that I forgot to press and hold de record button. The good part is that Rockbox boot in less that 5 seconds... 5 seconds!!! So even if I boot Rockbox by mistake all what I loose are 5 seconds. That's not bad, not bad at all. I can not say the same thing with Iriver's FW that takes 21 seconds to load even with the XCOPY trick and no DB enabled.

Out of the car is "solamente Rockbox o nada".