PalmOrb : Instructions
NB: A 5.3 build of LCD Smartie is required to use USB Palms on Windows.
Requirements
- A device running PalmOS 2.0 or above.
- A USB or Serial cradle or a cable. (The one you use for hot syncing). [Or BlueTooth or IrCOMM]
- Some software on your computer to drive the "LCD" - some are freely available and are listed on the PalmOrb Introduction page. [Or write your own it's really easy to send commands, and as a bonus your software will also be able to drive most Matrix Orbital displays!].
It's a real good idea to upgrade your PalmOS to the latest available version - PalmOS has had many bugs in it's serial port code. [Updates for Palm devices]
Instructions
- Install PalmOrb.
- Connect your palm via serial cable or cradle (or USB) to your computer.
- STOP hotsync software (it will be using the serial/USB port, which we will need).
- Start PalmOrb.
- Start the driving software on your computer. [Don't forget to configure your software first: PalmOrb has a 4x20 screen, and by default it's serial is:19200 baud.]
Notes
- If you intend on disconnecting/reconnecting your Palm to your computer without stopping the driving software, then remember that the programs driving the LCD will not be expecting this - so on reconnection some rubbish may be displayed on the screen. This is because many of these programs initialize the LCD at the beginning and save custom characters during the session - when you reconnect the palm they may try using characters that aren't defined, etc. There is no harm in doing this - it will just look confusing!
- PalmOrb will not allow the Palm to automatically turn off. As long as data is being sent to the Palm and the batteries aren't really low, your Palm won't automatically turn off. If data stops being sent then the Palm will turn off after its auto-turn-off time has expired.
- Because PalmOrb keeps the serial port open, it will eat batteries rather quickly. So it's recommended that you use it on a rechargeable Palm device, use homebrew rechargeable, OR simply connect a suitable power supply to the battery connections on your existing palm!
- USB Linux users: It has been reported that the palm can crash/hang if you use /dev/ttyUSB0 or /dev/usb/tts/0 (or any even numbered device); this has also happened with a normal hotsync. You're advised to use /dev/ttyUSB1 or /dev/usb/tts/1 (and odd numbered devices). [I know nothing about serial USB devices on Linux so I'm unsure why this is happening - if you know why then please post in our sourceforge forums!]
Disclaimer: We exclude ourselves from any liability howsoever arising for direct, indirect, consequential, incidental, special or punitive damages of any kind or for loss of revenue or profits, loss of business, loss of information or data or other financial loss arising out of or in connection with use of PalmOrb or this website. Use of PalmOrb and of this website is expressly at users own risk.
