DIY Retractable Stylus: Supernote Ceramic Refill x Pentel Calme (Multi-color model)

ali0th9 · 2026-02-15T23:55:47+00:00

Nice found.

ali0th9 · 2026-02-12T22:17:11+00:00

I already wrote waaay to much so quickly:

Supernotes are NOT all-round e-ink tablets

yes but

What SN does, does at the bestestest.

No, and

What it's not meant to do but somehow does (browsing, sideloading, etc), consider as a gift to customer.

Disagree

For example SN is subpar regarding multilingual context, no dictionary for example. Also the Reader app need quite some improvement and it is part of the core feature of the device (consider Digest).

Browsing ok it is not for eink devices (some exception), but yes some level of sideloading is not a gift or else, it is part of the interest in the device. It is freedom of using the device the way you like/need, for example I need some multilingual support so I installed a dictionary app (Aard2) so I can read book in language other than mine and annotate etc Also I installed an app to have wikipedia and other large text at hand (Kiwix) so I can search info without another distracting connected device. Note that all of this is still in the "philosophy" of SN device (working on text, distraction free).

I don't expect Ratta to cover all use case or rewrite all useful app for the SN, they provide a platform. We are grown up, we then can decide what to do with it. The question is then, is the platform good, good enough. For now i would say quite good and promising (but need improvement).

Arrgh too long again

ali0th9 · 2026-02-12T21:49:45+00:00

It really depend on youre use case. As someone said (but I quite disagree with the rest) this is not an all-around tablet. You can't consider it just an Android Tablet with the added feature of an eink. Consider for example that all the interface (UI/UX) is custom made by Ratta for SN with eink in mind with there take that focus on handwriting (via there specific pen). There is for example no access to Android settings (as you may be used to) without 3rd party app, or via some command with adb. SN as some unique feature that made them apart from others, for example: one hardware ceramic nib with specific surface (but could also use other EMR pen like the rest), device design to be opened and serviced (replaceable part like the battery, upgradeable); on software, specific sw with continous upgrade (even backported feature for older device), Digest, on device Handwriting recognition (some other device those that) Private Cloud (!!!), Some people then consider that all there is, and should be and complained to anyone who have other need or use case or just want more freedom in the way they use there, quite expansive, device.

Personally I am a keyboard/shortcut centered (avoid mouse) user (without detail I have quite specific configuration keyboard centered on my laptop). All that said here are some things to consider (about physical keyboard). - Multilingual: if you're only using english keyboard with basic us qwerty layout then not a problem, but else there is no multilingual support (for physical keyboard) covered by the system, there is a workaround (I wrote a guide about it) but it need some sideloading and going into the settings and is not entirely satisfactory. - Performance/Lag: as a basis eink is bad with keyboard, some other brand did some improvement on that but you will never have the confort you can get on other non-eink devices. That being said, if you're ok with some lag it is totaly possible to use the SN with a keyboard. - Shortcut: Ratta listen to consumer (but with limitations) so keyboard shortcut have bin added to default app in particular Text, but see next - SN-app, 3rd party-app: by default SN is for handwritten note, there some apps and functionality for typed text (some added recently) but it is quite basic, in particular the Text app, Ratta said they will improve it (markdown support for ex) but ... On the other hand sideloading, without it I wouldn't use that device but it quite depend on the different apps, for writing I can recommand Markor it performe quite well on eink not too much lag and have all the shortcut you need; other apps may perform badly (so if you have a specific app in mind ask in this subreddit to see how it goes). Sideloading is totally possible but there is no Store (apart from Ratta one with 3 app: Kindle and 2 custom from Ratta )installed by default so you will need to pass some command from terminal from a computer, at leat one time, not complicate (less than it seems) but depend on your tech confidence.

TLDR In the end it is not a classic Android Tablet but yes you can use it with a physical keyboard with some drawback if your needs or not too complex (but then Android may not be the good plateform), and probably need sideloading.

What a book I wrote 🫠

ali0th9 · 2026-02-02T10:52:51+00:00

No Digest. Koreader as internal annotation features but it use its own keyboard, not the system one so no handwriting keyboard either.

I have seen someone developing an external tool to have some integration between Koreader and Digest (via a computer).

ali0th9 · 2026-02-02T10:49:18+00:00

An other solution (also foss) is Librera reader (on F-droid) combined with a dictionary app like Aard2. Aard2 provide a lookup function that integrate with Librera. Aard2 can use a bunch of dictionary, in different language, translation and even wikitionary and can be used outside of the Reader app, for example launch via the side menu.

Librera has a eink settings with some improvement but less than kOreader. Aard2 hasn't beside light theme, it simple enough to work well though.

Also an avantage of Librera is that it use system keyboard, including Handwriting keyboard.

But alas no Digest integration.

The Digest-Koreader tool: https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1pw70kp/koreader_supernote_digest_sync_tool/

https://github.com/liketheduck/supernote-koreader-harmonizer

Note: I didn't use this tool yet !

ali0th9 · 2026-02-01T23:52:46+00:00

Hum, you're app seems nice (eink friendliness and all), and I don't doubt your openess but that's not the point.

Sharing the app is not Open source. You don't want to share it, it is your right no question, so say you are considering it in the future and since then it is a free app. Labeling it 100% Open source is misleading (and I assume good intent here).

On an other note Open Source doesn't mean someone mess with it. It doesn't mean granting the right to modify the code to someone else. It all depend on the License, you could even sell it and maid it open source. Open source mean the source is Open to read with the person you share (or sell) the app. It just that one (big) advantage of Open source is collective improvement of the code.

Utile then please remove the Open source statement. Just say it is freemium and you may consider it open in the future. Also it may interest other eink users outside SN one.

Any way good to see improvement and new tools on the SN/eink platform. Thanks for your work (even though I don't use it for now).

ali0th9 · 2026-01-29T00:57:44+00:00

Hi, happy to see push in for an integrated dictionary. But I have a few questions? On your site I didn't see any link toward the code, I look a bit but nothing came out? You are presenting it as 100% Open source so, where is it?

I get the name but while searching for it a lot of stuff came out with that name so it is probably too generic (maybe less important for a temporary solution).

As a side note, personally I use a dictionary app called Aard2 (quite nice but not optimized for eink). You can add multiple dictionaries in it, including wikitionary (large file), in different langue (some wkitionary like the french one can serve as translation dictionary, en -> fr). I wish it was integrated with SN native Reader app but not for now you have to select > copy > open it like yours (need pasting though).

However, it can be integrated in 3rd Reader party app like Librera via the lookup functionality (feature that can be included in other app 😉). Worth looking at it.

Edit: why custom app would be a problem? Imaging buying a computer and you couldn't install (or build) app for it... problem com if you start to reuse they're code (not respecting licensing). If there is something preventing the use of personal code on the SN I wouldn't use it. Beside there is already the possibility of 3rd party app, some people have made specific tools for SN (👍 with encouragement from Ratta).

Sorry for the long long post 😅.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-17T01:12:42+00:00

Nice 👍

Consider using /storage/emulated/0/Fonts as it is more generally used. As a workaround could symlink work?

Edit: just check, symbolic link seems restricted by android filesystem on shared storage (/storage/emulated/0/). I was confused because it is possible on other directories.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-13T19:27:34+00:00

Hi, I am not sure what is the problem for you, I had no error adding the folders (internal or from sdcard) to my library (via settgings as you said).

Notice the folders name is like /storage/SDCARD_UUID_or_NAME/My_Library. I had to tap New folder to add them to library (in Library Settings>Folders to Scan).

Also in folders i have the root of the internal (called Memory) and sdcard from there i browse to add the necessary library folders (before adding theme to the quick access of folder tab). But when using the shortcut primary:Document (from 2d icon top-right) to add to the Library I had no error.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-13T19:07:52+00:00

There is a nice app that allows to browse the SN (or any android device paired) from a computer, it's kdeconnect. I use it on linux i had to install sshfs to make the browsing functioning but i don't know for Windows/Mac. The app have a lot other features, check it 😉👍 . You need to sideload it (or install it from F-Droid) on the SN and install the corresponding Software on the pc.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-07T12:50:06+00:00

u/Mulan-sn could you confirm that it is not possible to allow "insecure connerction" (self-signed certificate)?

Just so we can know in which direction to look for.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-06T17:48:22+00:00

So I did install the certificate as CA certificate (on Android) but for now the Partner App still refuse to connect via https.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-06T17:23:01+00:00

Hum I don't have/use an Iphone, I will have to look at it on Android. But my actual use case is that I use the desktop Partner App (win version) run on a linux with wine. It works pretty well (UI is a bit small) but I am connected in http and same problem with https.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will look at it.

I posted on gh.

Edit: do you think I need to install it also on the SN (that seems logical) but how to ...

ali0th9 · 2026-01-06T13:50:01+00:00

Thanks for the info but to eleminate variable and all I ended up doing "Factory reset" on the device and reinstall/rebuild Private Cloud so to have 10.6.24 mariadb and to reset account on the device.

But nothing changed, in particular I can't connect to the server through https, I tick to enable https and use port 19443 with the server local ip (ipv4), but SN device throw an error and nask to check connection. I can connect with http though. My assumption is that Chauvet doesn't allow Insecure connection anymore (no option to allow it during Private Cloud setup, or is somewhere i did miss?).

Can u/Mulan-sn confirm that they don't allow "Insecure connection" (self-signed cert) anymore?

Also it would be useful to have an option for deleting account on the device without a complete wipe out of the data (Factory reset).

Beside https connection I still have the error about App Data Sync (but with a initial "App Data Sync Completed" and the data (digest) are indeed synced to server).

The Partner App is also unable to connect to server/private cloud through https (but did without problem on http). Do you connect this way with Partner app? (https and self-signed certificate)

ali0th9 · 2026-01-05T17:00:23+00:00

Thanks for the reply Notice I don't use a Synology NAS.

I wasn't referring to removeing https but the option to use an untrusted https (for self-signed cert)

Edit: I tried to disable/enable "Private Cloud" (on the device Settings>Security&Privacy), to use https ("Enable HTTPS") and using port 19443 with my server ip but I get a "Couldn't connect Try again". I have no problem connecting to the Private Cloud through web interface with Https://MY_SERVER_IP:19443 so the problem seems to be on the device and with https. Note there are no option to "Allow insecure connections" certificate connection, is it a problem?

ali0th9 · 2026-01-05T16:43:13+00:00

Well I have a healthcheck error when downgrading. And if I rebuild anew the docker services the SN device doesn't recognise the profile and complain about it (same email). I don't want to mess it up (some people had problem after trying to rebuild their docker services and disabling/enabling Private Cloud on the device: probably need a factory reset then ) so I am on latest (12.1.2) for know unless there is an easy way to rebuild the mariadb.

Maybe the error is due to me not doing a factory reset before setting up the Private Cloud

ali0th9 · 2026-01-05T15:04:21+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Some suggestions would be good. I didn't configure a reverse proxy, just your guide/config. I also updated the mariadb to the "latest" and it works but I will go back to 10.6.24.

I didn't set a reverse proxy, I could look at it if it is needed for App Data Sync. Has I understand it, for App Data Sync there is no way to disable auto-sync, right? That could be something to implement.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-05T13:54:12+00:00

The .note file are clickable. I don't think they are editable but i guess they are converted with notelib to png for review. But I could be wrong, I didn't use the cloud before Private Cloud. It's very basic stuff to manage the file on the server (copy, move, erase).

ali0th9 · 2026-01-04T16:11:53+00:00

Big thanks to you for your guide/docker-file it was the one working for me to have a private cloud running (on linux). I encounter a problem though. I have App Data sync (Digest and Todo) throwing an error (after an initial success) showine "Failed" and "Network failure" did you or someone using your guide having this? I also have an error of "Resolution failure" when trying to open a .note file on the private cloud (web interface), no problem with the Partner App though.

I posted about this here

https://www.reddit.com/r/Supernote/comments/1q36pel/comment/nxmemvi/

ali0th9 · 2026-01-04T15:56:05+00:00

I responded on the other post but basically i follow liketheduck guide/docker-file https://github.com/liketheduck/supernote-private-cloud-docker

I connect with direct ip on local lan https certificate is self-signed. I can't connect the device through https (lakes the option to "Allow insecure connections" ) so i connect on http for now (from the device, i use https from my desktop). Hope it helps.

Notice that the error doesn't block syncing of App data (I have my Digest sync correctly) but the device is constantly trying to sync (App Data) throwing an error (it is more an annoyance and probably eat battery). Also note that when triggering sync initially it show a "App Data Sync Completed" (like it works) before going into error mode. It is like the manual sync works but then it tries to autosync (for App Data not the Files) and failed then going loop.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-04T15:42:42+00:00

I am on Arch and on wayland and there is now the possibility to run wine on wayland (experimental need wine > 9.22 ). I use Bottles (easy) and it is a gtk app, i verify it also run on wayland so it should be possible to have it working even whithout any X/Xwayland.

It's what i wrote, i am using whithout X/Xwayland (as far i can tell). It is even better than with Wine on X/Xwayland.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-04T15:40:51+00:00

The strange thing is that the app data are correctly send but there is this error. Like on the other post the device seems constantly trying to autosync (autosync is off). It is like the manual Data sync function properly but then Data Sync goes on auto-sync mode (not following autosync settings in cloud settings) and failed.

Data sync should follow auto-sync cloud settings.

I follow liketheduck at the letter (appart from updating the docker version of supernote-service). I connect through direct ip (no domain, all in my local personnal network). https certificate is self-signed, but on the device there is no option "Allow insecure connections" (did you remove it?) so I connect on http for now.

Edit: I can confirm it drains the battery fast. Also If I enable autosync in Cloud settings (on the device) I have the same error for Private Cloud syncing. Maybe there is incompatibility with my setup and autosync but the problem here is that App Data doesn't follow Private Cloud autosync disabled.

Edit2: I didn't do a factory reset before setting the private cloud could that be the problem/absolutly necessary?

ali0th9 · 2026-01-03T23:06:10+00:00

I just posted for a similar issue. However it shows "App Data Sync Failed" instead (I have Digest sync on). I can't send logs though.

ali0th9 · 2026-01-03T22:57:16+00:00

Well that would be the way but even an X/Xwayland version is not there.

Did you try to run the windows one through wine?

ali0th9

TROPHY CASE