Don't know who's interested but i've written a quick and dirty(ish) PocketPC download tool for the MiniAlt/WD.
If you want to try it feel free to download it from
Constructive feedback and comments are allways welcome.
See you all at UKRA
Damian
Damian, Perhaps you would want to expand my EVC code for downloading files. There are a couple screen shots of it here:
RDH8
Very impressive!
Idle curiosity here; how hard would it be to port it to PalmOS??? The reason I ask is I have a Zire 21 and a Olsen FCP/M2 unit. As it stands the stock sw that came with the FCP/M2 is windows only. The Zire 21 is very limited(no smart cards or other add on features) but I'm fairly certain I'd be able to make a usb to rs232 cable. Maybe even a irda connection.
Ted Novak TRA#5512
Robert DeHate wrote:
If it has a true USB port on the handheld it cant support USB->RS232 because it is a slave device not a master on the USB bus. IR might be an option. I have software for programming Palm's, I even have a Palm, but never got around to programming for them. I suspect the software would need a complete re-write and cant simply be ported over. Windows, even CE does alot for the programmer. Those routines would probably have to be coded by hand for the Palm. Also the most common Palm device has a small screen resolution so many functions would need to be removed. As you can see I have not done much work on it since 2001. If anyone is interested in continuing the work let me know. EVC for Windows is Free from MS.
RDH8
Rather than making a cable, get a serial (non USB) hot sync cradle that has a "DB9" connector at the end.
Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!
Nocando. With the budget Zire models there is only a type B usb port and irda. No option for a cradle. Apparently I can get a usb to serial cable and use it with my cell phone but I haven't actually seen one. I know I can use the irda for hotsync operation and that it can function as a serial port(so I've been told).
Ted Novak TRA#5512
Ted,
have you tried one of the IR tx/rx units used in the Lego Mindstorms sets via a genderbender into the Minialt datacable? This should allow IR comms between your Zire and the altimeter.
G.
Well that's kinda sorta what I'm thinking. I have a idra thingy that has a 9 pin rs232 that I used on my pc with a hand remote(for the tv card) that I want to try. The big problem I'm having now is that I use a Olsen FCP/M2 unit thats no longer being made and that sw was windows only. IIRC what Mr. Dehate mentioned was that the serial output is fairly standard for all alts and if that's the case maybe figure out a way to port it over to PalmOS. Windows emulator for PalmOS anyone?
Never-the-less, I just might score one those Lego Mindstorms. I just know I could have some serious fun!
Ted Novak TRA#5512
I never looked at it, but I take it you are telling me that the Zire 21 doesn't have the same connector at the bottom as my Zire 71.
Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!
That might be it as I've never seen a the connector on a Zire 71. On the Zire 21 all it really is a usb 'B' connector. The usb 'A' connector is what you see on the end of a typical usb cable. Think of it as the equivalent of the ps2/mini din connector on a keybrd.
Now I'm new to palm but every other palm device I've seen uses the cradle propritory(sic?) port setup.
Ted Novak TRA#5512
I would have thought a null modem plug/adapter would be required to switch the rx/tx lines. certainly is on the rdas and perfectflite units.
Damian
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