# Getting started with my eBook server Created On: 01-04-2024 08:46 pm Up:: [[Personal Media (MOC)]] Tags:: #note/evergreenšŸŒ² Topics:: Related:: [[Reading (MOC)]] --- ## What's an eBook Server? I use this to make digital copies of books accessible to my Rakuten Kobo directly, but in the end, all the server is doing is hosting `.epub` files, which is the current widely accepted eBook file format. Whether you have an Amazon Kindle, a Rakuten Kobo, or even a mobile phone or tablet, the book library can be accessed various way. However, the methods are different for each, so continue reading. ## Getting started You'll first need to gain access to my Calibre Web server itself, which can be found at [books.foxnas.net](https://books.foxnas.net/). You'll need an account, so message Mason for access. ## How to use it This will process will be different depending on what ereader you have, so refer to the following options: ### Kobo Users Rakuten Kobo users, fortunately, have the best experience here. The main thing you'll need to do is connect to Calibre Web using theĀ [Kobo Sync feature](https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web/wiki/Kobo-Integration), which allows setting a specific shelf as the source of books for the Kobo. I'd suggest you'll want to utilize a shelf, as otherwise, you're going to receive all of my books, and that is unlikely to be ideal for you! šŸ˜„ However, this means you can pick and choose what you want! #### Create a Kobo Sync Token Under your account, click theĀ `Create/View`Ā button underĀ `Kobo Sync Token`, and a popup with a value in the formatĀ `api_endpoint=https://books.foxnas.net/kobo/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx`Ā appears. Make a note of this value as itā€™s needed later. #### Reconfigure Kobo API Endpoint Thatā€™s the Calibre Web setup, and next is getting the Kobo device to make use of it. Tether the Kobo to your computer, and when the device is mounted (make sure you press connect on the Kobo ), edit the fileĀ `.kobo/Kobo/Kobo eReader.conf`. Scroll down and look for the line: ``` api_endpoint=https://storeapi.kobo.com ``` And add the token value from earlier to the string below and replace the above line. ``` api_endpoint=https://books.foxnas.net/kobo/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ``` > [!warning] Warning > Do ensure you add an `s` to http**s** in the `api_endpoint` string. If you don't, you will experience sync problems leaving it as http (without the s). #### Unmount & Sync Unmount the Kobo from your computer, then sync the Kobo library using the top right icon on the home screen of the device. The Kobo now attempts to sync with Calibre Web, which responds with the list of books from the created shelf. That should be it! šŸŽ‰ #### Wait, it's not syncing correctly!? Calibre Web keeps a record of the syncs between it and the Kobo and depending on what you're doing on the device, you may need to reset that sync record. Simply go to your user profile on [books.foxnas.net](https://books.foxnas.net/) and use the `Force full kobo sync button` underneath where you originally created your token. Then, run a sync from the Kobo again and things, most likely, should be resolved. ### Kindle Users Unfortunately, compared to Kobo, there isn't a direct way to sync the server's eBooks to your Kindle. Your best route will be to download individual `epub` files from the server and then sent it to your Kindle. Given that `epub` files are not first-class citizens compared to Amazon's proprietary `mobi` format, I'd suggest you use a service like [this one](https://www.sendepubtokindle.com/), which does the conversation and upload to your kindle in a single step. There are alternative ways to do this, but they're more time intensive. šŸ¤· ### Mobile / Tablet Users If you either donā€™t have an ereader or want to read on the go, you can read books from the server on your phone or tablet. > [!note] Note > Because EPUB reader apps donā€™t integrate with Calibre, at least any that Iā€™ve found, **none will sync your reading progress back to the server**, reflecting a Kindle like experience between your phone and Kindle where the pages/progress syncs. > > Therefore, youā€™ll need to track progress on your side. I recommend using [The Story Graph](https://www.thestorygraph.com/) as a source/reference for progress. #### Mobile Setup Process & Workflow Most mobile applications are the same, so hereā€™s a general workflow: 1. Download an EPUB reader app 1. Namely, one that supports OPDS 2. See recommendations below 3. Add an external library source via OPDS 4. In the OPDS configuration, using your account information from books.foxnas.net, enter: 1. URL: https://books.foxnas.net/opds 1. **Donā€™t forget** the `opds` 2. User: your username for the book server 3. Password: your password for the book server 5. Now that itā€™s added, browse that connection. I tend to view alphabetical. 6. Download a book, typically a `.epub` file, and start reading! And thatā€™s it! The general workflow is essentially #4 and #5: open the OPDS connection, browse for a book, and download it. #### Mobile App Recommendations Fundamentally, ensure that the app supports [OPDS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Publication_Distribution_System) for the cleanest experience. Everything beyond that is personal preference. - **iOS**: [Yomu](https://www.yomu-reader.com/) - **Android**: šŸ¤·