FireTV Kodi Setup Instructions **Updated**

Here are the current FireTV Kodi/Mobdro setup Instructions Updated 1/18:

****UPDATED!!!****

Disclaimer:  I assume no responsibility for anything you may do by following these instructions and I will not provide support of any kind.  Nor am I responsible for any legal issues that arise from you following these instructions.  USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Note: These Instructions work for pretty much any Kodi installation.  The only thing that changes is the installation method of Kodi.  The Addon Install and customization is exactly the same for any device.  Head over to Kodi.tv and grab the Kodi version for your platform and proceed from Step 7 of Phase 1.  Mobdro is an Android based O/S Only app and cannot be installed on other platforms.

****12/17 Update****
A large number of Devs, Repos, and Sources have closed their doors!!!  I'll be updating this as I have time / the information becomes available - Please be patient.  Also, you should look into a VPN service and a debrid provider!

****NOTE*** If you have an Android Device running anything less than 5.1 Kodi 17 will not work!  You will get a package parser error!  The only way to get around this is to use a version 16 of Kodi or <16.5 version of SPMC!!!

Here is a link over to HTPCBeginner - he has a good version of Kodi 16.

Phase 1: Installing Kodi on a Stock/Reset/Clean FireTV

Step 1: Open up your new FireTV/Stick and get past all the Amazon Intro stuff and get it joined to your Wifi

Step 2: Search for / Install the Downloader App

Step 3: From the Home Screen: Go to Settings/Device/Developer Options & Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" then return to home

Step 4: Start the "Downloader" app and enter the following URL: http://downloads.htpcbeginner.com/firestopper323.apk or https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fVhsgKzYfQXiayWGa8_9kWgqjXQSY4fX then hit Go.  After It finishes downloading choose Install. After installation choose Done. Next, Hit the back button until you exit Downloader and return to the FireTv's main menu.

Step 5: Press and hold the home button.  Then scroll to the bottom and open FireStarter.

Step 6: Go to Updates then next to Kodi Choose Install - Then, install Kodi.  After Installation choose Open.

***FireTV/Stick Speed/Buffer Fix:
Go to SETTINGS --> PLAYER SETTINGS --> VIDEOS & go down to the bottom and enable Expert Mode (as in the picture)




Then follow the below steps:

STEP 1: Go down to the processing section and Turn down Enable HQ Scalers to 0%
STEP 2: Disable  MediaCodec (Surface)
STEP 3: REBOOT KODI AND TEST
If you still have minor issues you can try to disable Medic codec as well but try the (surface one first)
*** Thanks to yourkodi.com for that info

Step 7: Go to settings (the cog looking thing) / Interface Settings / Skin / Get More / Choose Confluence - After It downloads / Installs choose Yes.

Step 8: Back Key until you get the the Kodi Main Menu.

Step 9: Go to System / File Manager / B Pane (The one on the right) / Add source.  In the Path enter the following: http://jesusboxrepo.xyz/repo then choose done.

Step 10: Change the name to JesusBox and hit Done/ then Done again.

***FIXED***
Step 11: Choose Add Source again and add the following sources:
http://archive.org/download/repository.xvbmc - name it xvbmc
http://blamo.teverz.com/ - name it Blamo
http://srp.nu - name it srp
http://fusion.tvaddons.co/kodi-repos/ - name it Fusion
http://noobsandnerds.com/portal - name it nan
http://kdil.co/repo/ - name it kdil
then Done followed by OK.

Step 12: Hit the back key until you get to the Kodi Main Menu.  Then go to System / Settings / Add-Ons

Step 13: Choose Install from Zip File Then In the popup go to settings / and enable Unknown Sources Next, Choose Yes then hit the Back Key once.

Step 14: Install from Zip File / JesusBox and choose the repository.jesusbox file.  Choose Install from Zip File again and choose the repo zip file from each of the repos from step 11.

Step 15: Choose Install from Repository / All Repositories / Video Addons & Install the following:
 - Genesis Reborn
 - Exodus
 - Neptune Rising
 - Flixnet
 - Youtube
 - Sports Devil
 - Death Streams RD

Step 16: Hit Back Once / Music Addons / Install the Following:
 - MP3 Streams
 - Youtube Music
 - Jango
 - Party Vibe
 - SoundCloud

Step 17: Back 4x / Interface / Configure Skin - Home Window Options - Then Select Hide for Pictures, Programs, & Weather.  Then, Choose Addon Shortcuts Enable the Video / Music Addons Shortcuts for the Apps you'd like on the Main Menu.

Step 18: Back until you get to Kodi's Main menu then hit the power button in the lower left and choose exit (Wait - It's not jammed!).

Step 19: Press and hold the Home Button / Apps - Scroll down & Highlight Kodi / hit the Options button / Move to front.  Then Start Kodi

Step 20: Go to Videos / Video Addons - Scroll down to Highlight Genesis Reborn / Hit the Options button / Settings / Playback Tab - Change the following:
 - Default Action: Change to Autoplay
 - Max Quality: 720P
 - Tick the box for Enable SD Hosters in Autoplay
Then, hit the OK button

Step 21: Repeat Step 20 for the following Addons: 1Channel, Covenant, & Neptune Rising
Note: 1Channel only requires that you tick the Autoplay option then hit OK

Step 22: Back out to the Kodi Main Menu then choose the power button and Exit

Phase 1 is complete and Kodi is 100% setup for Autoplay and some of the best addons out there!

** Real Debrid **

This isn't necessary but will help your kodi performance - go to RealDebrid and get at least a free account.  Then go into Genesis reborn / tools / accounts / URLResolver settings and setup RealDebrid!

Phase 2: Installing the Mobdro Live Streaming App

Step 1: From the FireTV Menu start the "Downloader" app (or press and hold the home button / Apps / then find it in the list and start it.)

Step 2: Enter the following URL: https://mobdroapp.com/mobdro.apk go to the mobdro.ver link and download it.  After it finishes downloading Choose Install / Done / Done then back out to the FireTV Main Menu.

Step 3: Press and hold the Home Button / Apps - Scroll down to mobdro and highlight it.  Hit the options button / Move to front. Then start Mobdro.

Step 4: Hit OK and then back out to the FireTV Main Menu

Phase 2 is complete and Mobro is installed and you're ready to stream!

Note: If you followed my guide then both Kodi and Mobdro should be at the front of your applications list and in the recently used list on your home screen!

To Upgrade an Existing / Broken Kodi:

Step 1: Start FireStarter / Updates / Update Kodi to the latest Version.

Step 2: Go to the FireTV Home Screen then to Settings / Applications / Manage Installed Applications / Kodi - Clear Data (2X) and Clear Cache

Step 3: Start Kodi and Proceed From Step 7 In Phase 1!  That's it!

Note: Mobdro Updates Itself and doesn't need to be manually updated as a rule.

To answer the question - Yes you can do this on android / kindle based devices - Phones and all!  iPhones / Pads need to be jailbroken and Kodi Installed via Cydia.  Otherwise any Apple devices cannot have Kodi Installed or Mobdro!

Hobbies and M.A.M.E

Just recently I finally found myself with the time to get a hobby!  So, as I was looking around for one I noticed my M.A.M.E cabinet staring at me with judgment in its eyes.  I've had the thing in a state of partial disassembly for about a decade.  So here's what I did:

1. The O/S & Frontend

I'm currently leaning toward Windows 7 Starter edition and Hyperspin.  This is apparently one of the most resource intensive ways to accomplish my goal.  This isn't an issue as I have an extra AMD quad core laying around!  My other thought was to go with a Raspberry Pi 3 and their O/S with EmulationStation integrated.  It's low power, cheap, and feature rich but, I have no Idea how the performance is going to be using Daphne and NeoGeo.  My buddy Stan has one and we'll be testing it out.  I'll post an update with my findings / final decision.  So, currently i'll be going the Hyperspin route.


2. The Cabinet, Controls, and Display

I already had a re-purposed Capcom Bowling Cabinet.  Ironically this is the easiest part of the equation.  You can pickup cabinet on the cheap from a local Arcade machine place, Craig's list, or eBay.  You'll be looking for a broken machine or one that's missing parts since we'll be gutting it anyway.  If you want that authentic CRT experience & your machine has a working one; there is an adapter board to convert the signal to VGA.  Also, if you're happy with the existing controls; you can grab a PC to Jamma adapter board.  My cabinet already had a working coin door but, if yours doesn't; you can snag one for less than $100 on eBay.

You can snag a pre-built control panel from X-Arcade that's 2 player and has a trackball for around $200.  I wanted to build my own and use the existing panel on my machine so I bought the parts myself.  I got them from eBay for around $80 including the trackball (PS/2 connection).  Most kits come with the adapter boards and all the wiring you need to connect it all up via USB.

The display is a Dell 19" LCD.  I had it laying around and the mounts were very easy to fabricate.  You can mod most cabinets to take an LCD that has VESA mounts with some pipe strap, screws, an existing CRT mount, and creativity... or just rip it all out and put in a shelf then screw down the base LOL.  I also was able to grab a generic bezel that fit perfectly from our pals at eBay.  I lucked out and the existing Plexiglas (display & marquee) was in excellent condition!  If you aren't so lucky you can have Lowes or your local building supply company custom cut you a piece of Plexiglas or Mylar.  You can then mark, tape, and paint off the back of the Plexiglas using Krylon flat black paint available from your local Walmart for about $4.

The next part of my cabinet adventure has to deal with the audio and lighting.  Most arcade machines were mono.  Now, there are a few of ways I considered to deal with this:

1. Install a set of PC speakers in the cabinet
2. Re-Use the existing mono speaker if it's in good shape (mine is and i'll be doing this)
3. Get a stereo amp and speakers

I ended up going with a mono amp and a 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male cable to cannibalize.  That gave me the authentic sound and required almost no real effort to get working.  The trick is to tie the 2 positive and 2 negative together from the cable going into the amp - that'll combine the 2 channels of audio into a single.  Amazon and eBay are your best friends here - whatever solution you choose.

For the lighting, I already had a 120 VAC mini fluorescent light in my cabinet.  If you don't - check out this one.

3. Power

This is actually an issue.  How do you get everything to come on at once without hitting a ton of buttons?  Enter the energy saving surge protector!  This is great, when the "Master" device is fired up it then enables the other outlets.  I used the PC as my master device with a really long cable fabricated to an arcade button mounted to the top right of my cabinet (where the original power switch was).  It's cake to wire and it's a momentary push button so, it works fine with the mobo & ACPI functions.  You just have to splice it in / add a 2 wire connector for the motherboard.  The other way is to wire inline with the light or something (splice a switch into one of the power lines in the cord).  I went with the push button as it doesn't carry line voltage.  You may need to mess with your monitors settings to get it to come on with the power - mine did it automatically.

4. PC / Raspberry PI

Like I said earlier i'm still messing with the Raspberry Pi concept and playing around with it.  The PC is a slam dunk and pretty idiot proof thanks to Hyperspin and it's rabid following / amazing forums!

For a PC:

The AMD APU is pretty perfect for this kind of project and you can pick up an ITX Setup for $69
from Newegg.

8GB DDR3 - Gskill is king of value RAM!

256 GB SSD - Now if you're planning on going nuts and adding tons of systems / roms you'll want to go with a larger mechanical here.  I used an SSD and a 2 TB mechanical.  I have MAME / Daphne on the SSD and everything else on the mechanical.

Power Supply - You don't need much to run everything.  You'll also want to grab one of these pigtails.  That'll let you connect up the coin door / button lighting and other 12V stuff inside the cabinet.

Note: Do Not use this to power the amplifier if you go that route - It doesn't have enough juice!

Case - None cut down a cheap Bic pen for mobo / any board standoffs and mount everything to the side of the cabinet.  You can use the pipe strap from earlier to mount the power supply and make drive brackets.

5. Emulators

I'm not really going to spend a ton of time on this because others have better writeups and walkthrus!  Check out Hyperspin's forums and they have all the info you need.  That said, there are a few systems that are a certifiable nightmare to configure / get roms for.  Your best bet is to just buy preconfigured packs from this company.  I'd use them for Daphne and NeoGeo at a minimum.  I'll also say this: Less is more!  Having every game for every system is cool and all but think about what you'll actually be playing.  Having a massive list makes selecting a game to play a chore and you'll probably only really be playing the classics anyway!

Disclaimer: I do not encourage software piracy in any way!  Do not get roms for games that you don't own!  Use this or any other guide at your own risk!  The author assumes no responsibility for how you use the information contained in this blog.  

Check back for POC Pics etc.

Building the better Barracuda!

Recently I been experiencing some frustration with network appliances.

1. They're expensive

2. Any of the worth while units need some form of expensive subscription (think UTM's / Spam filters)

3. I can't change them in any meaningful way.

So, I finally broke down and started building my own.  My first appliance was a new Router / UTM.  I wanted to stop as many issues at the UTM as possible so, here's what my requirements were:

1. Gateway Anti-virus

2. IDS/IPS

3. Gateway Anti-Spam

4. Logging/Content filtering Proxy

5. Updatable RBL's w/ custom Blacklist support

6. NAT and Port Forwarding

**I just added this next one**

7. GeoIP blocking

8. An easy to use interface

Endian Community Edition does everything on the list except the GeoIP blocking.  So, that is a great distro if you need something quick and dirty that has an easy install, great interface, and is rock solid!  I needed the GeoIP blocking and like the title says - I was re-purposing an old Barracuda Spam filter.  The barracuda unit has a specialized board that controls the front panel Ethernet ports!  The second you remove their O/S - the ports quit working!  A little Internet research yielded that the front board is actually controlled by the parallel port.  This isn't a big deal with any linux distro except Endian as it is a cut version of CentOS 5 and doesn't have any compiling tools or packages for parallel port control.  

** Correction: It may be possible to compile lptout on a CentOS 5 machine and copy it to the Endian unit!

I ended up finally settling on NethServer and CentOS 6.8.  I tried 7 but the HC isn't there and the network cards don't work.  Additionally NethServer 7 doesn't have all the packages I needed (just like pFsense **sigh**) so, that was a bust.  I ended up with CentOS 6.8 / NethServer 6.7 and it's running like a champ!  Here's the process for a Barracuda 300/400 series:

1. Rip open the Barracuda and see which motherboard it has.

2. Go to MSI's website and grab the BIOS update for the motherboard

3. Create a DOS / bootable USB stick and put the BIOS upgrade software on it.

4. Grab yourself a copy of their BIOS passwords from here

5. Go into the BIOS and fix the boot options so that you can update the BIOS with the generic version you downloaded.

6. Create a CentOS USB Stick and use it to install the OS on your "new" UTM

7. You'll need to use the onboard NIC or if it doesn't have one just pop open the cover and unplug one of the NICs from the control board and plug in the Ethernet cable directly.  Then follow these CentOS network setup instructions for your LAN connection.

** Note: I also purchased a Quad Server PCI-e x8 card and a PCI-e 8x Extension cable from ebay.  These units have a slot in the back and it works like a champ!  Just verify yours is new enough - otherwise you'll have to drop back to PCI if you need more ports.

** Only follow steps 8 - 9 If you have a unit with non-working front Ethernet ports and the funny control board.  If you don't then skip ahead to Step 10. **

8. Follow these instructions to get the lptout program

9. After you have lptout compiled and tested (chmod +x lptout | lptout 0x3f should turn the ports on), do the following:

mkdir /scripts

cp lptout /scripts

chmod +x /scripts/lptout

echo /scripts/lptout 37f >>/etc/rc.d/rc.local

echo service network restart >>/etc/rc.d/rc.local

** Note: you may need to re-add the lptout and network restart after you install NethServer

10. Follow these NethServer Install Instructions

** Note: Skip down to the Install on Centos Section - Also, Substitute /nethserver-release-6.7.rpm instead of just nethserver-release-6.rpm

11. Install all the packages you need

12. Follow these instructions for adding the GeoIP stuff

Note: Scroll down through the comments section and follow the steps for fixing the Kernel module.  Also, You'll need to add the extended config file in the /etc/e-smith/templates/etc/shorewall/rules - not the folder specified in the instructions.  You can use expanded config files for almost everything in NethServer - I added a couple of squid rules too!

13. Optional - Kill IPv6 via these instructions.  I had to do this to keep my connections working consistently.

 

That should get you a perfectly working UTM that'll smoke most commercial units!  Good luck and as always - Google is your bff for this stuff.

--PD

FireTV Updates Murdered my Kodi!!! Latest FireTV fixes and Processes!

My FireTV just installed the latest 5.0 update which murders llama and as a result my Kodi link from IkonoTV.  If you have the same issue you're going to need to install a nifty APP called FireStarter.  Here is a great post on how to get it w/o using ADB or anything other than you FireTV and remote:

http://www.htpcbeginner.com/install-firestarter-on-fire-tv-without-adb-and-computer/

If I helped you setup your unit or you used my walk-through; you can skip adding fusion with the file manager as you already have it.

What this does is install a launcher replacement.  After the install I went into the settings and set my home button single click to FireStarter and my FireTV menu to a double click.  I could've just left it only load FireStarter with the single click as it has a link for the FireTV's menu but, I liked the ability to swap around quickly.

Also here's the link to install Exodus for those that missed it:

https://www.tvaddons.ag/exodus/

It's really easy and all you have to do is go to settings and appearance to change out the Genesis add-on shortcut.

Also if you're starting out from scratch you can follow these guides in order to get yourself up and running:

1. Kodi Install W/O a PC!
2. Customize and install the unofficial add-ons
3. Install Exodus (if it didn't get added)
4. Install FireStarter & Customize

Also for the advanced users here's a link for Kodi Customizations that'll help buffering, speed, etc.!

Special thanks to everyone at TvAddons.ag and htpcbeginner.com as they have been invaluable to everyone on this journey!

So there!!!

For all of you who've pointed out that I hadn't posted in a while: HERE! I finally finished up the stuff that's been sitting in drafts for months and posted it.  It's some pretty great stuff so that should tide you over until next time!

Of Apple TV Generation 1's and Men...

I just recently picked up a used Apple TV Generation 1 off of eBay for $56.  It was a great deal and it's a pretty cool media player.  I already have (2) Amazon Fire TV's running Kodi ATM, so I wanted another challenge.  I'm using OSMC.  It's a complete O/S with Kodi loaded and it is a great way to re-energize that old Apple TV 1!

You can download the software here: https://osmc.tv/download/

You just download their installer and pick your device.  Then it sets up a custom flash drive.  There really isn't anything to it.  They have an excellent FAQ that should answer any question you may have.  After installation you'll want to install Fusion and run the Config Wizard.  Here is a link to their site and instructions:

Install Fusion
Config Wizard
SSH into the OSMC command line
Setting the ATV1 to use Component Outputs

Note: You'll need to do the initial setup via HDMI and then you can get the IP etc. to SSH into and make your changes to Xorg.

I was originally going to do a full write-up on this but, their website and software cover everything so well that I couldn't really see any reason to do so.  I've been asked why I bothered with the ATV1.  It's a very simple answer: It has Component Outputs!  If you have an older HDTV w/o HDMI ports or too many HDMI devices then this is a great / the only option.  Plus, for as old as this unit is - it still runs really well (if a little hot)!

Free Cell Service!!!!

Note: This Service is 100% Sprint based!  If you don't have Sprint cell service in your area then this won't work for you!  Check out the Sprint coverage map to check for service in your area.

Note: Technically this isn't 100% free.  There are some upfront costs - about $30 (SIM & Initial service load).  The ongoing costs are $0 as long as you stick to you plan limitations.  I've had this service since the beginning of December and I still have my initial plan payment in my payment reserve.

Requirements:

(1) Sprint SIM Compatible Phone

Here is their compatibility list.

For my experiment I used an unlocked (Sprint based ironically enough) iPhone 5s.  This is the minimum iPhone that they will activate.

(1) RingPlus SIM card

They'll let you attempt to activate a regular Sprint SIM but the web activation process will fail.  Save yourself a headache and spend the 9.99 they charge for a SIM.

(1) Credit / Debit card

(1) Social Networking Account

If you're worried about attaching your Facebook or Twitter account; go grab a google plus account and let them have that - or vice-versa.

What we're doing here is activating on of the *free* plans offered by RingPlus.  The plans all have limits (minutes/data/SMS) and you only get charged if you go over the limits.  If you stay within the boundaries you only pay the initial load fee!  If you exceed your limits they withdraw the overage fee (pretty modest fees actually) from your pool which will automatically top off when it reaches the minimum required by the plan.  

To get rolling just head over to https://www.ringplus.net, sign up, & purchase a SIM.  After your new SIM card arrives: insert it into the phone, head back to the website, login, and run through the activation wizard.  This will allow you to pick your plan, pay, & activate your phone.  There is one more caveat: Each time you make a call you listen to music or a short commercial as it's ringing the destination party.  I didn't think it was too terrible to deal with especially since i'm getting free service.

Note: I noticed that there isn't any way to deny the ability to go over the limits.  This is a definite consideration - esp. if you're going to hookup a kid or teenager.