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@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ Q11. How can I meet the developers working on the project?
52A11. One way is by visiting us on IRC. Head on over to the server 52A11. One way is by visiting us on IRC. Head on over to the server
53 irc.openprojects.net, and then join "#rockbox". There is usually at 53 irc.openprojects.net, and then join "#rockbox". There is usually at
54 least one person there. If you don't see any activity, feel free to post 54 least one person there. If you don't see any activity, feel free to post
55 questions anyway, serveral of us log the channel and will get you answers 55 questions anyway, several of us log the channel and will get you answers
56 when we unidle. 56 when we unidle.
57 57
58Q12: Wow, you guys talk on IRC alot? I wish I had been around for those 58Q12: Wow, you guys talk on IRC a lot? I wish I had been around for those
59 conversations to see what happened. 59 conversations to see what happened.
60A12: We are glad you mentioned that! http://rockbox.haxx.se/irc happens 60A12: We are glad you mentioned that! http://rockbox.haxx.se/irc happens
61 to have a list of various logs we have recorded of events in the channel. 61 to have a list of various logs we have recorded of events in the channel.
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ A14. All firmware mods that are presented are still highly experimental.
71 the hardware modifications we show, will not damage your player or void 71 the hardware modifications we show, will not damage your player or void
72 your warranty. That said, we have not been able to damage any of our 72 your warranty. That said, we have not been able to damage any of our
73 units by modifying only the firmware. You can accidentally password 73 units by modifying only the firmware. You can accidentally password
74 protect your harddisk, but there are ways around that. (See below.) 74 protect your hard disk, but there are ways around that. (See below.)
75 75
76Q15. I want to see what the inside of my player looks like, but I would really 76Q15. I want to see what the inside of my player looks like, but I would really
77 like to avoid voiding my warranty. Is there anything you can suggest? 77 like to avoid voiding my warranty. Is there anything you can suggest?
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ A15. We have a collection of photos of both the player and recorder. Look at
79 http://rockbox.haxx.se/internals/ 79 http://rockbox.haxx.se/internals/
80 80
81Q16. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this line of development? 81Q16. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this line of development?
82 (A.K.A. whats your purpose for being here?) 82 (A.K.A. what's your purpose for being here?)
83A16. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy 83A16. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy
84 it profusely. This is great fun! 84 it profusely. This is great fun!
85 Secondly, we feel the firmware is lacking some features and contain a 85 Secondly, we feel the firmware is lacking some features and contain a
@@ -111,12 +111,12 @@ A16. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy
111Q17. You mention supporting Ogg Vorbis and other file types on your list of 111Q17. You mention supporting Ogg Vorbis and other file types on your list of
112 ideas. What is the status on that? 112 ideas. What is the status on that?
113A17. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very 113A17. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we believe this is not very
114 likely. The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the archos does not 114 likely. The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the Archos does not
115 natively support decoding and there is very little program space in the 115 natively support decoding and there is very little program space in the
116 player to implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a 116 player to implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a
117 software decoder as part of the RockBox firmware. However, as much as we 117 software decoder as part of the Rockbox firmware. However, as much as we
118 love our players, the computing power of the Archos (SH1 microcontroller) 118 love our players, the computing power of the Archos (SH1 microcontroller)
119 is not fully sufficent for this need. 119 is not fully sufficient for this need.
120 120
121 Optimist's Answer: We can play any format if only we can write code for 121 Optimist's Answer: We can play any format if only we can write code for
122 the DSP to decode it. The MAS 3507 (and 3587) are generic DSPs that 122 the DSP to decode it. The MAS 3507 (and 3587) are generic DSPs that
@@ -158,23 +158,24 @@ A21. We have a rough idea of which features we plan/expect/hope to be included
158 Version 2.0 158 Version 2.0
159 Recording, Autobuild playlists, File/directory management 159 Recording, Autobuild playlists, File/directory management
160 160
161Q22. I tried one of your firmware files and now I can't access my harddisk! 161Q22. I tried one of your firmware files and now I can't access my hard disk!
162 When I turn on my jukebox, it says: 162 When I turn on my jukebox, it says:
163 Part. Error 163 Part. Error
164 Pls Chck HD 164 Pls Chck HD
165A22. Your harddisk has been password protected. We're not 100% sure why it 165A22. Your hard disk has been password protected. We're not 100% sure why it
166 happens, but you can unlock it yourself. Look at: 166 happens, but you can unlock it yourself. Look at:
167 http://rockbox.haxx.se/lock.html 167 http://rockbox.haxx.se/lock.html
168 168
169Q23: This FAQ doesn't answer the question I have. What should I do? 169Q23: This FAQ doesn't answer the question I have. What should I do?
170A23: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an 170A23: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an
171 easier question, or accept '42' as the answer no matter what. We don't 171 easier question, or accept '42' as the answer no matter what. We don't
172 really recommend any of these (though I do opt for '42' often myself). 172 really recommend any of these (though I do opt for '42' often myself).
173 What we do recommend is stopping by IRC, visiting the website 173 What we do recommend is stopping by IRC, visiting the web site
174 (http://rockbox.haxx.se) to see if the question was answered else 174 (http://rockbox.haxx.se) to see if the question was answered else where
175 where (like our nodo http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html faq) and just 175 (like our nodo http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html FAQ) and just not
176 not included here, or ultimatly dropping an email to the mailing list 176 included here, or ultimately dropping an email to the mailing list
177 (rockbox@cool.haxx.se) or the FAQ maintainer listed on the project homepage. 177 (rockbox@cool.haxx.se) or the FAQ maintainer listed on the project home
178 page.
178 179
179Q24: Are there other ways to contact the developers? 180Q24: Are there other ways to contact the developers?
180A24: Yes. 181A24: Yes.
@@ -185,8 +186,8 @@ A25: No. Post to the mailing list and we will get back to you.
185Q26: But I _really_ want to talk with you in person. 186Q26: But I _really_ want to talk with you in person.
186A26: I'm sorry. My girlfriend/boyfriend/pet says I'm not allowed to, and the 187A26: I'm sorry. My girlfriend/boyfriend/pet says I'm not allowed to, and the
187 doctors here won't let me have pens or pencils. They say its some rule 188 doctors here won't let me have pens or pencils. They say its some rule
188 about us not having sharp objects. I'm sorry. Now please stop calling me 189 about us not having sharp objects. I'm sorry. Now please stop calling
189 here. 190 me here.
190 191
191Q27: Will you ever port Quake II to the Archos? 192Q27: Will you ever port Quake II to the Archos?
192A27: If you ask that again, I'm sending your address and phone number to the 193A27: If you ask that again, I'm sending your address and phone number to the
@@ -205,7 +206,7 @@ A29: We believe we are in the green on this. We are not violating anyone's
205 but seeing as that _would_ have violated Archos' copyright, we didn't 206 but seeing as that _would_ have violated Archos' copyright, we didn't
206 follow that course of action. 207 follow that course of action.
207 208
208Q30: On the website [and various information postings] you state 209Q30: On the web site [and various information postings] you state
209 "Every tiny bit was reverse engineered, disassembled and then 210 "Every tiny bit was reverse engineered, disassembled and then
210 re-written from scratch". 211 re-written from scratch".
211 If it was rewritten from scratch then why was it first reverse-engineered 212 If it was rewritten from scratch then why was it first reverse-engineered
@@ -223,8 +224,8 @@ A30: Don't confuse the terms. Reverse engineering means examining a product
223 software has ever been written from scratch. 224 software has ever been written from scratch.
224 225
225Q31: Wait a minute here. When you released version 1.0 you did not have a 226Q31: Wait a minute here. When you released version 1.0 you did not have a
226 single one of the ideas you have mentioned on your website actually 227 single one of the ideas you have mentioned on your web site actually
227 implimented! Calling this version 1.0 is really misleading. Whats the 228 implemented! Calling this version 1.0 is really misleading. What's the
228 story?! 229 story?!
229A31: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic 230A31: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic
230 working feature set that worked and had no known bugs. That is what 1.0 231 working feature set that worked and had no known bugs. That is what 1.0
@@ -236,7 +237,7 @@ A31: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic
236 would help bring the project some attention, and some additional 237 would help bring the project some attention, and some additional
237 developers. Adding the missing features was just a matter of time. In 238 developers. Adding the missing features was just a matter of time. In
238 more recent releases we have completed many of our desired goals, and 239 more recent releases we have completed many of our desired goals, and
239 several new ones that were implimented to fullfill user requests. 240 several new ones that were implemented to fulfill user requests.
240 241
241Q32: I've heard talk of a 'Rolo'. What is that? (Or 'All you ever wanted 242Q32: I've heard talk of a 'Rolo'. What is that? (Or 'All you ever wanted
242 to know about Rockbox boot loaders') 243 to know about Rockbox boot loaders')
@@ -250,11 +251,11 @@ A32: Rolo is our bootloader. Rolo became available with our 1.4 release.
250 to Rockbox you may need to reboot manually if the new firmware you loaded 251 to Rockbox you may need to reboot manually if the new firmware you loaded
251 does not have a bootloader itself.) 252 does not have a bootloader itself.)
252 253
253Q33: Can I use the Archos as an USB harddisk to store data from my PDA/ 254Q33: Can I use the Archos as an USB hard disk to store data from my PDA/
254 digital camera/phone etc. 255 digital camera/phone etc.
255A33: No. See: http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html#4 256A33: No. See: http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html#4
256 257
257Q34: When I use RockBox my jukebox's red "error" light turns on a lot, but this 258Q34: When I use Rockbox my jukebox's red "error" light turns on a lot, but this
258 doesn't happen on the factory firmware. Why? 259 doesn't happen on the factory firmware. Why?
259A34: Rockbox uses the red LED as harddisk activity light, not as an error 260A34: Rockbox uses the red LED as harddisk activity light, not as an error
260 light. Relax and enjoy the music. 261 light. Relax and enjoy the music.
@@ -284,7 +285,7 @@ A40: You check out http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/custom_wps_format.html to learn
284 the format/features of a .wps file, and you visit 285 the format/features of a .wps file, and you visit
285 http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html to learn how to load it ;) 286 http://rockbox.haxx.se/manual/wps.html to learn how to load it ;)
286 287
287Q41: Does Rockobx support other languages? How do I load/use different 288Q41: Does Rockbox support other languages? How do I load/use different
288 languages? 289 languages?
289A41: See: http://rockbox.haxx.se/lang 290A41: See: http://rockbox.haxx.se/lang
290 291
@@ -318,7 +319,7 @@ A46: No. Unfortunately, the ON/OFF mechanisms are handled entirely in
318 319
319Q47: Where's the recording option? Why can't I record?!! 320Q47: Where's the recording option? Why can't I record?!!
320A47: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be 321A47: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be
321 a good person so here's the truth. It's just not implimented in release 322 a good person so here's the truth. It's just not implemented in release
322 versions of Rockbox yet. But stress not, you can still use Rolo to boot 323 versions of Rockbox yet. But stress not, you can still use Rolo to boot
323 the default Archos firmware and record from there. (In order to do this 324 the default Archos firmware and record from there. (In order to do this
324 you _must_ have a copy of the original firmware still on your player) 325 you _must_ have a copy of the original firmware still on your player)
@@ -327,7 +328,7 @@ A47: I'd like to say we hid it because we don't like you, but you seem to be
327 Recording. If you're brave and want to help out, get one, try out and 328 Recording. If you're brave and want to help out, get one, try out and
328 report your findings! 329 report your findings!
329 330
330Q48: When recording is finally implimented in Rockbox, will it be possible to 331Q48: When recording is finally implemented in Rockbox, will it be possible to
331 use custom codecs (like LAME) or is there a built in codec in the Archos? 332 use custom codecs (like LAME) or is there a built in codec in the Archos?
332A48: The MP3 encoder is in the MAS3587F chip, and nothing we can change. 333A48: The MP3 encoder is in the MAS3587F chip, and nothing we can change.
333 334
@@ -395,7 +396,7 @@ A54: Because it's useless. Dynamic memory is only ever useful if you have
395 playlist etc. 396 playlist etc.
396 397
397 We have a number of tasks that consume memory. They can all run at the 398 We have a number of tasks that consume memory. They can all run at the
398 same time, using all of their alotted memory. Therefore it is much better 399 same time, using all of their allotted memory. Therefore it is much better
399 to allocate that memory to them beforehand and not pretend that anyone 400 to allocate that memory to them beforehand and not pretend that anyone
400 else is able to use it. This is standard practice in memory-limited 401 else is able to use it. This is standard practice in memory-limited
401 systems. 402 systems.
@@ -421,7 +422,7 @@ A57: There are many programs that can create .m3u playlists. WinAmp is one.
421 dir /b /s X:\ > X:\allfiles.m3u 422 dir /b /s X:\ > X:\allfiles.m3u
422 dir /b /s X:\Pop > X:\pop.m3u 423 dir /b /s X:\Pop > X:\pop.m3u
423 424
424 ...where X: is your archos drive. 425 ...where X: is your Archos drive.
425 426
426 Linux users can use the 'find' command: 427 Linux users can use the 'find' command:
427 428
@@ -434,10 +435,10 @@ A57: There are many programs that can create .m3u playlists. WinAmp is one.
434Q58: How does the shuffle work? 435Q58: How does the shuffle work?
435A58: It sees the playlist as a deck of cards, shuffling the entries using a 436A58: It sees the playlist as a deck of cards, shuffling the entries using a
436 pseudo-random generator called the Mersenne Twister. After shuffling, 437 pseudo-random generator called the Mersenne Twister. After shuffling,
437 the list is never changed again until you reshuffle the list, by 438 the list is never changed again until you re-shuffle the list, by
438 stopping the playback and restarting. If the repeat mode is enabled, 439 stopping the playback and restarting. If the repeat mode is enabled,
439 the list will simply start over from the first file again, without 440 the list will simply start over from the first file again, without
440 reshuffling. 441 re-shuffling.
441 The random seed is stored in the persistent setting area, so that the 442 The random seed is stored in the persistent setting area, so that the
442 resume feature can shuffle the playlist in exactly the same way when 443 resume feature can shuffle the playlist in exactly the same way when
443 resuming. 444 resuming.
@@ -466,7 +467,7 @@ A61: If we were better programmers we would take that as an insult. But we
466 submitted through SourceForge's bug tracker. (A link to the bug tracker 467 submitted through SourceForge's bug tracker. (A link to the bug tracker
467 can be found under our bug submission rules.) 468 can be found under our bug submission rules.)
468 469
469Q62: Whats with all the different versions of Rockbox? 470Q62: What's with all the different versions of Rockbox?
470A62: There are really only two versions of Rockbox. One for Players and one 471A62: There are really only two versions of Rockbox. One for Players and one
471 for Recorders. However, we do have 3 other 'versions' of Rockbox 472 for Recorders. However, we do have 3 other 'versions' of Rockbox
472 available for download. These would be Releases, Daily Builds, and 473 available for download. These would be Releases, Daily Builds, and
@@ -511,8 +512,8 @@ A64: Truth is, we don't need to fix anything. If you are using OSX then you
511 the Finder, then name the folder. 512 the Finder, then name the folder.
512 513
513Q65: Will Rockbox work on an of Archos' other units? 514Q65: Will Rockbox work on an of Archos' other units?
514A65: Some development has recently occured on the Archos FM units, and is 515A65: Some development has recently occurred on the Archos FM units, and is
515 in the daily builds. However the FM developement is not being done by 516 in the daily builds. However the FM development is not being done by
516 the core team, and so is progressing at a slower rate. As yet, 517 the core team, and so is progressing at a slower rate. As yet,
517 no development is planned for any of Archos' other units. 518 no development is planned for any of Archos' other units.
518 519
@@ -523,7 +524,7 @@ A66: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still
523 there, and the boot loader finds that one instead of the new file. Here's 524 there, and the boot loader finds that one instead of the new file. Here's
524 what you can do: 525 what you can do:
525 526
526 - Download and install Directory Snoop (version 4.03 in november 2002) 527 - Download and install Directory Snoop (version 4.03 in November 2002)
527 from http://www.briggsoft.com/dsnoop.htm 528 from http://www.briggsoft.com/dsnoop.htm
528 It's shareware, the trial version can be used 25 times. 529 It's shareware, the trial version can be used 25 times.
529 530
@@ -535,9 +536,9 @@ A66: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still
535 - Launch Directory snoop 536 - Launch Directory snoop
536 537
537 - Click on the Jukebox drive letter in the [select drive] field in the 538 - Click on the Jukebox drive letter in the [select drive] field in the
538 toolbar. The content of the jukebox harddrive appears in the main 539 toolbar. The content of the jukebox hard drive appears in the main
539 window. Files which appear in red color don't seem to be present on the 540 window. Files which appear in red color don't seem to be present on the
540 harddrive, but they still here. 541 hard drive, but they still here.
541 542
542 - Simply select the appropriate files (red color) and purge them 543 - Simply select the appropriate files (red color) and purge them
543 (Purge button). Of course, don't erase the new archos.mod file and the 544 (Purge button). Of course, don't erase the new archos.mod file and the
@@ -551,9 +552,9 @@ A66: The old MOD/AJZ was not entirely deleted from the disk. It is still
551Q67: What kind of mic can I connect to my AJBR? 552Q67: What kind of mic can I connect to my AJBR?
552A67: There are several types of microphones. 553A67: There are several types of microphones.
553 554
554 Dynamic: The one that's available from archos is a dynamic one. 555 Dynamic: The one that's available from Archos is a dynamic one.
555 Their output level is high enough so that they don't need an 556 Their output level is high enough so that they don't need an
556 amplifier (that's the reason why the archos mic is of this type - 557 amplifier (that's the reason why the Archos mic is of this type -
557 it's cheap). 558 it's cheap).
558 - cheap 559 - cheap
559 - no good sound quality of cheap dynamic mics (good enough for 560 - no good sound quality of cheap dynamic mics (good enough for
@@ -570,11 +571,10 @@ A67: There are several types of microphones.
570 571
571 Electret Condenser: These capsules are cheap and result in a good 572 Electret Condenser: These capsules are cheap and result in a good
572 recording quality. They don't need phantom power voltage. They need power 573 recording quality. They don't need phantom power voltage. They need power
573 for the FET (field effect transistor) that's inside. If you have 574 for the FET (field effect transistor) that's inside. If you have such a
574 such a mic with a battery in it, it is mostly because of the FET 575 mic with a battery in it, it is mostly because of the FET power, not
575 power, not because of an amplification circuit inside the mic. 576 because of an amplification circuit inside the mic. These mics are in
576 These mics are in all the consumer products like mobile phones, 577 all the consumer products like mobile phones, PC headsets and so on.
577 PC headsets and so on.
578 - cheap (2 EUR for a capsule) 578 - cheap (2 EUR for a capsule)
579 - good sound quality 579 - good sound quality
580 - need amplifier 580 - need amplifier
@@ -590,18 +590,17 @@ A67: There are several types of microphones.
590 Recommendation for others: Buy some mic + preamp combination which can be 590 Recommendation for others: Buy some mic + preamp combination which can be
591 plugged into a line in of any amplifier. Maybe such a commercially 591 plugged into a line in of any amplifier. Maybe such a commercially
592 available combination needs a power supply and doesn't work with 592 available combination needs a power supply and doesn't work with
593 batteries. Some are very expensive. (If you know a cheap solution 593 batteries. Some are very expensive. (If you know a cheap solution with an
594 with an electret condenser mic + preamp, please tell us!) 594 electret condenser mic + preamp, please tell us!)
595 595
596 What does not work: Don't use an amplifier thing that is simply 596 What does not work: Don't use an amplifier thing that is simply connected
597 connected between some mic cable. Maybe it sounds as if it could work, but 597 between some mic cable. Maybe it sounds as if it could work, but I
598 I doesn't. If the piece of (expensive) electronic doesn't have a 598 doesn't. If the piece of (expensive) electronic doesn't have a power
599 power source and your mic doen't either, it does not work! 599 source and your mic doesn't either, it does not work! A PC sound card or
600 A PC sound card or md player usually has a power output (same pin 600 md player usually has a power output (same pin where the sound goes
601 where the sound goes through, dc value) for feeding the FET of 601 through, dc value) for feeding the FET of an electret condenser capsule
602 an electret condenser capsule (see above) (and this power could 602 (see above) (and this power could also used to feed a mic amplifier), but
603 also used to feed a mic amplifier), but the archos hasn't 603 the Archos hasn't (it's a line in and no mic in!).
604 (it's a line in and no mic in!).
605 604
606 If you want to know more on microphone powering, read this: 605 If you want to know more on microphone powering, read this:
607 http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/microphone_powering.html. 606 http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/microphone_powering.html.
@@ -614,7 +613,7 @@ A68: If your device is off and you connect the charger, the Archos charger code
614 ON key for several seconds. Hold the key down a really long time, until 613 ON key for several seconds. Hold the key down a really long time, until
615 you see the Rockbox logo! 614 you see the Rockbox logo!
616 615
617Q69: Why can't you implement a crossfader? That would be so cool! 616Q69: Why can't you implement a cross-fader? That would be so cool!
618A69: Please read our NODO faq. http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html#3 617A69: Please read our NODO faq. http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/nodo.html#3
619 618
620Q70: My screen is all black/white when I run Rockbox on my Recorder! 619Q70: My screen is all black/white when I run Rockbox on my Recorder!
@@ -625,5 +624,5 @@ A70: We have no way of knowing the correct contrast setting from start and the
625 you like the contrast) 624 you like the contrast)
626 625
627Q71: Where are the FM controls for the FM Recorder? 626Q71: Where are the FM controls for the FM Recorder?
628A71: There aren't any. This is not yet implimented under Rockbox. FM Recorder 627A71: There aren't any. This is not yet implemented under Rockbox. FM Recorder
629 support in general is new. Be patient. 628 support in general is new. Be patient.