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The hacks below are all for the White PDN. Pandigital is also selling a Black Model and a nearly identical version in Black, Red, Blue and Purple. Read more about hacking it here: The Black One (QVC & BPDN)
STUCK IN A FLASH LOOP? LOOK HERE.
- PDN Wiki Index
- Introduction to the Pandigital Novel
- Beginners Guide
- Pandigital Novel Hacking
- Pandigital Novel Software
- Pandigital Novel Hardware Modification
- Pandigital Novel Version
Contents |
Disclaimer & Warnings
- MODIFIED FIRMWARE LISTED ON THIS PAGE IS FOR THE 7" WHITE PDN ONLY.
- THIS DEVICE IS A HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED PIECE OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.
- ALTERATIONS FROM IT'S INTENDED PURPOSE COULD VOID ITS WARRANTY.
- HACKING THIS DEVICE COULD PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT TO THE POINT WHERE IT BECOMES UNUSABLE FOR ANY PURPOSE (I.E. BRICKED).
- WHILE THESE HACKS ARE TESTED, INSTALLING THEM IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND COULD BRICK YOUR DEVICE IF DONE INCORRECTLY. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Neither authors of this Wiki nor of the various modifications referred to and linked herein shall be liable for any damages to your device resulting from following their instructions (correctly or not).
Beginner User Method
- Installing a preconfigured zip file that contains a firmware flash with all of the hacks built in.
- Required Hardware and Software
- Pre-formatted SD Card (FAT 32)
- An altered .zip file to "flash" your system
- See The Beginner's Hack below for explanation of the major all-in-one hacks with links to the Developer's instructions and recent updates.
- Installing Firmware contains flashing instructions and direct links to required software.
- Options (Unlock the PDN system or throw it away)
- There are two basic modified firmware choices using this method
- Original PDN system and apps installed and available, but not locking down and controlling the user interface. (Pre-2011 FW still installed in new units being sold today.)
- Users who have upgraded using Pandigital's upgrade tool on their web site lose this "Bookshelf" interface and without warning their internal sd card is partitioned and they have an Open Platform system with a possibly fatal flaw - see below.
- An Open Platform system that eliminates and cannot run the Original PDN system or eReader. This option is available for Intermediate to Advanced User's who are familiar with the Android Operating System but new to the PDN and understand that the original PDN eReader will NOT work on an Open Platform system.
- Latest firmware upgrades from Pandigital transforms your PDN to an Open Platform system. There is a flaw in Pandigital's new firmware preventing users from safely downgrading to pre-2011 versions or modified FW based on the previous system with the Bookshelf launcher. Users who have upgraded using Pandigital's official firmware (which needs to be flashed twice to fully install and partitions the internal sd card for additional app installation) have experienced a possibly fatal flash-loop.
- Access to the Android Marketplace through the Google Experience is a major feature option available to both Open Platform and Unlocked PDN systems.
- Required Hardware and Software
The Google Experience
The Google Experience (or GE) was added to the Novel to give users access to their Google accounts and the Android Marketplace. A full suite of Google Apps (Gapps) are required to access the Android Marketplace. The "Market" allows users to browse and search through thousands of applications "apps" and automatically installs them to your device. It truly is point - click - you're done, as easy as it gets without some mind reader pre-installing all the programs you want beforehand. For first time users, especially new to the Android operating system, having access to the Android Marketplace can make for a much easier experience and probably more enjoyable in the long run. Mods below will designate whether or not they contain GE or a limited GE install. There are also users/developers who want no part of the Google Cloud and the possible privacy issues using Google Apps may entail.
- Note: There is a trade off right now with installing GE on pre-2011 firmware versions (7/24, 9/23, 11/19). Something in the GE installation is causing the PDN not to sleep properly. In a non-GE install, sliding the power switch puts the PDN into a deep sleep which doesn't drain the battery. When GE is installed, the PDN will wake soon after sleep and will have a very faint screen that will stay on until the PDN is either shut off by the user or the battery is completely drained. The new 2011 OP versions seem to sleep almost perfectly so far.
Installing Firmware
There can be only one zipped FW file present on the PDN when flashing. Either internal microSD or external SD card options are preferred. Avoid the PD upgrader.
Method 1: Using External SD Card
This is generally the preferred method if you have an external SD card available.
- Download firmware file in .ZIP format.
- Copy to external SD Card - do NOT unzip the file. (Note Nchntrman's Firmware is distributed as a "Zip within a Zip" file to retain naming conventions recognized by the device. It should end with "6410POP.zip") Copy to sdcard from PC using a USB cable and drag and drop it to the sdcard drive on your PC, or put the card in a card reader and copy it directly to the card.
- Make sure only ONE zip file is on the sdcard. Delete any old zip files present on the card.
- Make sure battery is fully charged or have A/C power supply connected.
- Power down the Novel.
- Insert SD card containing the firmware update file.
- Press POWER and VOL+ simultaneously and hold for 5 seconds.
- Update process begins automatically. There is a progress indicator. Novel will reboot automatically when update is complete.
- If an exclaimation point appears, something is wrong with the zip file. Re-check all the above steps.
- See the developer thread for further instructions. Some of the OP-2011 based version require you to flash the device twice to get the added apps to install.
Method 2: Using Internal microSD Card
If you do not have an external SD card available, you can use the internal microSD card.
- Download firmware file in .ZIP format.
- Make sure no external SD card is in device.
- Copy to internal microSD Card - do NOT unzip the file. (Note Nchntrman's Firmware is distributed as a "Zip within a Zip" file to retain naming conventions recognized by the device. It should end with "6410POP.zip") Copy to sdcard from PC using a USB cable and drag and drop it to the microSD card drive on your PC, or put the microSD card in a card reader and copy it directly to the microSD card.
- Make sure only ONE zip file is on the microSD card. Delete any old zip files present on the microSD card.
- Make sure battery is fully charged or have A/C power supply connected.
- Power down the Novel.
- Press POWER and VOL+ simultaneously and hold for 5 seconds.
- Update process begins automatically. There is a progress indicator. Novel will reboot automatically when update is complete.
- If an exclaimation point appears, something is wrong with the zip file. Re-check all the above steps.
- See the developer thread for further instructions. Some of the OP-2011 based version require you to flash the device twice to get the added apps to install.
The Beginner's Hack
(Get my novel from simple eReader to full Android tablet ASAP, I don't care how it's done or how much work went into getting it to this point) Time: Approx 10 minutes
Determining What System You Have
To safely upgrade/modify your system, it is essential to first determine where you are starting from. If you have not performed any upgrades to your WPDN, including official upgrades from Pandigital's web site, you should have the original "Bookshelf" launcher when you turn on your PDN with pre-2011 firmware ("S10" series). It should look like this.
Until you are more familiar with the PDN's functions and limitations it is not recommended that you upgrade to the Open Platform systems introduced in 2011. If you are still running the original system, the following Altered firmwares will open up the power of the embedded Android operating system without running the risk of a possibly fatal flash-loop flaw found in the newer upgrades from the Pandigital web site's upgrade procedure. (We've fixed it here at Slatedroid, so if you want the latest, use our methods and files, not Pandigital's until they fix their dangerous software - if ever.)
If you are not comfortable flashing the device, learn how to do it using Mac v5 or Nchtrman v1.4 (listed below) until you understand how to safely perform the flash process. Once you understand how to flash the device, or if you are already comfortable doing it, then move on to the modified 2011 versions listed below. The 2011 OP versions are better, but cannot be easily reverted if you want the stock Pandigital desktop back.
- Altered, Safe options for units already upgraded to the new Open Platform (SH20 series) firmware are available below.
Modified Firmware for the 2012 Open Platform
Please see the seperate section in the Wiki for the R7T40WWHF1 model of the WPDN. Preperations are being made to produce some modified firmware for this unit. DO NOT flash any full pre-2012 firware on this unit. That means do not load any of the versions listed below in this section on this new model.
Modified Firmware for the 2011 Open Platform
All of our Altered Stock Open Platform systems have a Google Apps (Gapps) option for Android Marketplace Access.
The latest firmware upgrades from Pandigital should not be confused with an earlier "Open Platform Kit" introduced on 9/30/2010 and discussed elsewhere in this Wiki and in the Slatedroid forums. Contrary to the original "Open Platform Kit" which warned that installation would void your warranty, now if you upgrade to the latest firmware offered by the company it installs an Open Platform system by default. This new system is installed by the Pandigital PC Update software without warning or instructions, it re-partitions your internal sd card, mounting half of the card as a Linux formatted app storage partition mounted in /data/app and thus unavailable (and invisible) when connected via usb to your computer. It also creates a dangerous condition where the user can encounter a possibly irrecoverable flash-loop that can brick your device when attempting to downgrade to an earlier firmware version or modifications based on the older, original systems. When successfully installed, it looks like this when you power up:
This is the vanilla Android homescreen. Your bookshelf is gone but the BN app will read all your old eReader books and even access your library like Adobe Digital Editions did on your old system. If you have this system installed DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DOWNGRADE unless and until you have taken some of the steps necessary to prevent the fatal flash-loop caused by the flawed Pandigital firmware upgrade.
Previous attempts to modify the PDN started by trying to get your unit to this stage. This system is actually very good if the flash-loop danger is addressed. Installing full Android Marketplace Access in addition to the pre-installed Slide-Me mini-market and optimizing the video drivers and CPU enhancements are the most common alterations performed on the new Open Platform system.
Modified Stock Open Platform FIXING Flash-Loop Flaws
Slatedroid developers (thanks Mac1_131) have discovered and fixed the problem with the official upgrade firmware by inserting three lines of code instructing the unit to reboot at the end of it's update proceedure. These fixes are being incorporated into all the latest modified firmwares now featured here at Slatedroid.
- Kewlguy's 2/15/11-based Alternate WPDN firmware: OP-based mod
- Based on Pandigital's lastest 2/15/11 firmware release, and roebeet's 1/27/11 mod.
- Ubuntu fonts removed (by popular demand)
- Market Access with Gapps and non-Gapps versions, rooted, busybox, DVM/JIT, adhoc wifi.
- Deep sleep works.
- This is probably the most current and best firmware to use for those using 2011 versions.
- Roebeet's 1/27/11 Alternate WPDN firmware: OP-based mod
- Roebeet continues his tireless efforts to bring you the most advanced tablet experience possible.
- Ubuntu fonts
- Market Access with Gapps and non-Gapps versions, rooted, busybox, DVM/JIT, adhoc wifi.
- Deep sleep works.
- Somewhat replaced with above version but still a good, stable version.
- Kewlguys 1/14 : 1/27 : 2/15 (WPDN) SD card modular (a-la-carte) enhancements
- A flashable (and Mac friendly) modular approach similar to the Nchntrman patches designed for the pre-2011 S10 FW series. Flash-loop flaw fixed "in a flash", reducing chance you could brick your unit. (2011 SH20 firmware required as a base prior to installing.)
- Load stock OP firmware first, then flash these modular enhancements on top of the stock release.
- Fewt's Firmware Updater suite for Linux
- Fewt has made scripts available that have been tested on his Linux distribution Fuduntu. They should also work with most all of the other distributions as well, including Fedora and Ubuntu.
- Update to current stock 2011 SH20 series FW and then piece in the extra components desired with these scripts.
Modified Stock Open Platform bypassing Flash-Loop Flaws
- Alternate WPDN Firmware: Modified OP/Stock Hybrid 11/19/10 & 1/11/11 - KG
- Combines the safety of the old kernel, bootloader and ramdisk with the functions of the new Open Platform system allowing the user to test the new system without committing to it. Safely flash to any other firmware from this mod. (Retired on 2/25/11) Support still available.
Modified Firmware for the Pre-2011 Versions
- If you already have installed the 2011 "SH20" series firmware upgrade or an altered firmware based on the new system, you MUST prepare your Novel for downgrading and using the original framework by using Kewlguy's Fixflash and microSD card Partition Removal.
- There are TWO preferred Altered Firmware systems for the new user. One with pre-installed apps, another that is Android Marketplace enabled for you to find apps you prefer and install them automatically.
- We do not recommend upgrading to the new Open Platform system until you are completely familiar with what your PDN can and cannot do and these options will give you that experience. However, it you've already upgraded to the 2011 "SH20" series of Firmware, these "Bookshelf" systems can be dangerous and you should not downgrade to these unless and until you prepare your system in advance.
THESE ARE DESIGNED FOR THE 7" WHITE PDN ONLY
Despite following our recommendations, if you do get STUCK IN A FLASH LOOP? LOOK HERE FIRST. It can save your device from becoming a brick. If you ignore our advice about preparing your system, or how to get out of trouble if you don't, DOWNGRADING = RISK OF BRICKS.
Market Enabled Google Experience (Roebeet/Mac Versions)
- If you'd like to be hacked without hassles, keep the original Pandigital apps and launcher screen, and also have an open Android home screen, finding and installing only the apps you want, and shopping for and comparing apps before installation, then Mac1_131's GE Firmware Flash (v5.x)is for you.
- Based on Pandigital 11/19/10 firmware release, and maintains all original PD apps.
- Contains Volume remap, Root, Busybox, Notification Bar Fix, and generic Android Launcher Homescreen as part of the Google Experience with Android Market pre-installed.
- Based on Pandigital 7/24/10 firmware release, and maintains all original PD apps.]
- Please read through the developer's thread for instructions and updates before installing. Links to the latest required software can be found on the 1st post of that forum thread.
- If you are looking for retired Roebeet v1-v4 look here.
The Nchntrman Experience
- This version is no longer supported by the developer and is in the Wiki for historical purposes only.
- Nchntrman is that mindreading coder/artist who already pre-installed all the apps you need and put bookmarks in your new web browser that will help you find more of what you want. All the hacks and none of the headaches are found in the Nchntr Experience.
- v1.0 based on 7/24/10 firmware, v1.4 based on 9/23/10 firmware.
- No Google Market.
- Contains Volume remap, Root, WiFi Tether, Notification Bar Fix, "PandaHome" Homescreen and many useful pre-installed / pre-configured apps plus Dolphin Browser filled with bookmarks to free sites for more apps.
- In order to follow naming construction of the original FW, this is packaged as a "zip within a zip." Unzip the downloaded file (found at the thread linked above as well as linked below) and place the enclosed zip file on a formatted sd card to install (flash) the new firmware.
A FIX which will reset your PDN's the correct serial numberSerial Number Fix and Rotation Fix are included in the current linked version.- NE.v.1.x can be found on the first post of the developer's thread linked above.
- Version 1.0 is based on the 7/24/10 official firmware update from Pandigital.
- Version 1.4 is based on the 9/23/10 official firmware update from Pandigital.
- Version 1.5 is based on the 9/30/10 Open Platform firmware and is NOT recommended for beginners.
- Please read through the developer's thread linked at the top of this section for instructions and updates before installing. Links to the latest required software can be found on the 1st post of that forum thread.
New User Additional Resources
- White PDN Owners START HERE Current new user starting place.
- Update to the 9/24 Newbies Guide with an emphasis on this Wiki and the two preferred methods of hacking the novel for new users unfamiliar with command line and adb.
- White PDN (SH20 series FW) New Users LOOK HERE (3/1/11) New Homescreen pictures with icon explanations. Must see getting started beginner basics.
- START HERE. Beginner's Guide to the White PDN September 2010 archived new user starting place.
- Update to the 8/28 Newbies Guide with an emphasis on this Wiki and the two preferred methods of hacking the novel for new users unfamiliar with command line and adb.
- Understanding the 2011 OP Firmware
- Must-read under the hood info about how the new 2011 OP firmware works.
- New *fun*ctions for the experienced users
- Links and short explanations of the Software Notification Bar Button Hack and the Beta of the Cruz Reader Alternate UI for the WPDN.
- Community Modified Firmware
- Once you have familiarized yourself enough on the systems recommended here for beginners, there are additional altered firmware systems available, each with unique functions to better customize your White PDN experience.
- Downgrade WPDN from SH20 to S10 FW
- Step by Step Should you prefer the S10 series FW:
- Slatedroid Pandigital Novel Tablet Discussion
- Main Discussion Boards (Don't be afraid to use the advanced search feature. Please read around before asking questions that probably have already been answered.)
- Detailed with many of your questions already answered throughout the thread.
STUCK IN A FLASH LOOP? LOOK HERE.
