calibre_to_kybook2

Sync books and metadata from Calibre to KyBook 2

Purpose

The script enables the bulk syncing of books and metadata from Calibre to KyBook 2 using Calibre's Wireless Device Connection facility.

Rationale

KyBook 2 was supposed to have been superseded by KyBook 3. However, KyBook 3 proved unsuitable for reading PDFs (the bulk of my library) because of a lack of double-page view and in-app rotation lock.

KyBook 2 already supports downloading from Calibre using OPDS, but this script allows more flexibility in mapping Calibre's tags to KyBook 2 subjects and the use of custom cover pages (Calibre's thumbnails).

Limitations

• Currently, syncing from KyBook 2 to Calibre is not supported. This may be added in the future, but it is hoped that KyBook 3 will fully support PDF reading before that happens.
• Syncing is not entirely automatic and some user input is required. (Please follow the instructions below.)
• The script does not support KyBook 3. Support for KyBook 3 will be added when full PDF reading has been added (unless support for Calibre Wireless Device Connections is added to KyBook 3 itself).

Instructions

Backup your Calibre data. (Nothing in Calibre is changed, but it's good to have a backup anyway.)

On your server:

1. Start Calibre
2. Select Connect/share
3. Select Start wireless device connection
4. Select OK.
5. In a terminal, run calibre_to_kybook2.py
6. Wait for Calibre to connect to KyBook 2
7. Select the books you wish to sync and select Send to device

• Books will be downloaded to ~/KyBook2/Books
• Covers will be downloaded to ~/KyBook2/App/Images
• A .json file will be downloaded to ~/KyBook2/App/Backups
• The location ~/KyBook2/ can be changed by editing BASE_DIR in calibre_to_kybook2.py

8. Connect the device to iTunes
9. Select the device that KyBook 2 is installed on
10. Select File Sharing
11. Select KyBook in the Apps column
12. Drag and drop the App folder on to the Documents column
13. Select Replace if prompted

In KyBook 2:

1. Select menu (three horizontal lines at top left)
2. Select Settings
3. Select Database
4. Select Restore Database
5. Select the .json file
6. Close KyBook 2

On your server:

1. Drag and drop the Books folder on to KyBook's Documents
2. Select Replace if prompted

The order of the steps is important, so if it appears not to work, just repeat.