I have installed the 6.8 firmware, there is less jitter but still a lot at the end of the reel. Now I also get weird digital horizontal stripes sometimes in the picture. What could that be? Thanks for all the work!
Modding the Kodak Reels 8mm Film Digitizer (Firmware Hack)
- Thread starter Mac84
- Start date
There is no difference in sound (I know the sound you mention). It's always in the last quarter of the reel. Maybe my kodak is just crappy.
With larger reels, the histogram disappears at some point, and horizontal lines shows up.
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Yes, when? Look at the encoded file, and at what frame or minutes and second offset does it occur?
Hello all,
I have a lot of reading up to do. I've read part of this thread and joined.
I've ordered a Kodak Reels from Amazon. It should be here tomorrow.
I kind of want to replace the lens after seeing some test footage on YouTube. I don't know if there are any appropriate lenses stateside that will work. With the new tariffs and taxes on oversea goods here in the US, it might make it cost-prohibitive to order some lenses linked in videos, etc.
Thanks to everyone for your efforts to improve a budget machine. I can't wait to give it a go.
I have a lot of reading up to do. I've read part of this thread and joined.
I've ordered a Kodak Reels from Amazon. It should be here tomorrow.
I kind of want to replace the lens after seeing some test footage on YouTube. I don't know if there are any appropriate lenses stateside that will work. With the new tariffs and taxes on oversea goods here in the US, it might make it cost-prohibitive to order some lenses linked in videos, etc.
Thanks to everyone for your efforts to improve a budget machine. I can't wait to give it a go.
I never found this lens from a US supplier. It likely does exist here, but I not found it.
I'm sure you are right about this. It is a shame there aren't many other options.
I think I've updated the firmware correctly, but I'm not sure how to check it.
My serial number starts with a C. I used the helper tool, which recommended firmware version B. I tried that, but got a crazy-looking screen. I tried the A version and finally the C version. The unit seems to work with the C version, but I don't see many other options for adjustments.
My first test result seems fine, though. At least good enough for archiving old family footage.
Thanks for the feedback. The firmware lookup took is based on the principal of the now offline Kodak firmware update site. It used serial numbers to determine which model the firmware should work. However, Kodak removed this website, so a lot of guesswork is involved for units beyond the serial numbers listed. At the time their tool was active, only "A" and "B" model units existed. Therefore, version "C" required some guesswork based on serial numbers submitted by people here.
Feel free to ping me your serial number so I can maybe help figure out how this works better.
Keep in mind, my website only modifies the bit rate and resolution. It does not include the excellent mods done by @0dan0. Those can be found through various posts in this thread.
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Hi guys, I'm amazed by the new advancements you've been developing in these past few months. I've installed one of the first Mac84 mods a couple of years ago and it seemed already a whole new world: it opened the gates to a bunch of new hacks, upgrades, fixes.
Now, besides the compliments, I'm writing because I have a question: I cannot find my s/n in Mac84's little model helper. I see that the numbers starting with the letter M only range in a 2021xxxxx set of numbers, while my device is a M2023xxxx I have the clean, original firmware, but I would like to install the new versions but I am not sure of what's my model (a or b?).
I could try and in case go back to the original firmware, but maybe someone can help me with my serial number.
Thank you and, again, all my admiration!
Ciao, Federico
Now, besides the compliments, I'm writing because I have a question: I cannot find my s/n in Mac84's little model helper. I see that the numbers starting with the letter M only range in a 2021xxxxx set of numbers, while my device is a M2023xxxx I have the clean, original firmware, but I would like to install the new versions but I am not sure of what's my model (a or b?).
I could try and in case go back to the original firmware, but maybe someone can help me with my serial number.
Thank you and, again, all my admiration!
Ciao, Federico
Hi Federico, thanks for posting. As explained in a recent post above, the serial number lookup tool I made was sourced from the data on Kodak's (now offline as of mid-2024) firmware update website.
It's quite simple in it's function. Similar to the Kodak site, it contained a long, long list of serial numbers. If the serial number was found on the list, it would serve you one file, if it wasn't, it would serve you a different one. We nicknamed these "A" and "B".
However, recently people seemingly had newer firmware files on their units. This was probably due to the minor hardware changes (LCD part, camera part, etc) that required firmware changes to support them. Because of this, we assumed "C" firmware files were ones that began with a certain prefix, such as 'H2324148BK'. But this is guess work at best.
The ONLY way to fully ensure you have your unique firmware saved is to open the unit up and dump the firmware via 1 or 2 invasive methods. One requires the use of a soldering iron, the other requires you to buy a $80 chip programmer and clip that to one of the chips, both require to tear down your unit very carefully. So that process isn't for everyone.
Please note, trying out new firmware erases the old firmware. So there's no turning back. If you have any concerns over your unit's firmware not being covered by the files in this fan project, I'd hold off for now until we have more info.
If you lived nearby (or would ship it), I'd offer to open your device and backup the firmware just in case. But I understand that's not too practical.
Can you please direct message me your serial number? It's on the sticker on the bottom of the unit. I'd like to see if anyone else shared others and try and determine if it matches any patterns.
Thank you Mac, I've actually already hacked my scanner with your first-ish firmware two years ago. Fact is that at the time we were not talking about A, B or C, so now I find myself in possession of one of Kodak's original firmware (so I can revert to a safe standard) plus one of your high bitrate firmware (that is now in use in my scanner).
I'm not worried about going back to now: I just wondered if there is another method to determine, by serial number or working original or modified firmware content, the revision of my scanner.
I think I remember that my scanner had a different version from the one you first changed, so I had only performed the fix of the firmware, once the 'new' version was available at Kodak's. It was 2023, so I believe it should be a version B...
My serial number is M2023148BK00607, let me know if you have any idea on the model.
In any cases I think the ultimate way to check it, is to try and flash the 6.8 B and see if the screen turns on properly
Thank you! F.
Ah, got it! Sorry I may have misunderstood.Thank you Mac, I've actually already hacked my scanner with your first-ish firmware two years ago. Fact is that at the time we were not talking about A, B or C, so now I find myself in possession of one of Kodak's original firmware (so I can revert to a safe standard) plus one of your high bitrate firmware (that is now in use in my scanner).
I'm not worried about going back to now: I just wondered if there is another method to determine, by serial number or working original or modified firmware content, the revision of my scanner.
I think I remember that my scanner had a different version from the one you first changed, so I had only performed the fix of the firmware, once the 'new' version was available at Kodak's. It was 2023, so I believe it should be a version B...
My serial number is M2023148BK00607, let me know if you have any idea on the model.
In any cases I think the ultimate way to check it, is to try and flash the 6.8 B and see if the screen turns on properly
Thank you! F.
You are in no danger to reflash firmware files. Even if it's not 100% compatible, I haven't harmed any of my decides by flashing "incorrect" firmware to it. I simply re-try another. Since at least your device has worked with one of them before, there may be some guesswork, but that's about it.
I recently realized one of my firmware files was mislabeled (I think it was an "unmodified" one), but I haven't been able to confirm yet. Thanks for your serial number, I'll try to take some time this weekend to see if that matches any trends I've seen.