Having never owned a PDA, I would like some advice on....
deno
Posts: 242
which one to buy.·
I would like to buy a PDA that I could write PBASIC on using Parallax's 2.5 Editor on and then go into the field and download the program, actually changes to the existing program and upload some data from the eeprom that was stored there to the DEBUG window or hyperterminal.
Will any PDA do this, or does someone have a recommendation.· I am not interested in the device that Parallax offers to download a program in the field.· As stated above, I would like to be able to use the PBASIC 2.5 Editor on the PDA to write stamp code aswell.
Does a PDA come with a programming cable that will connect on the PDA side, and use the DB-9 on the stamp side?
Thanks...Deno
I would like to buy a PDA that I could write PBASIC on using Parallax's 2.5 Editor on and then go into the field and download the program, actually changes to the existing program and upload some data from the eeprom that was stored there to the DEBUG window or hyperterminal.
Will any PDA do this, or does someone have a recommendation.· I am not interested in the device that Parallax offers to download a program in the field.· As stated above, I would like to be able to use the PBASIC 2.5 Editor on the PDA to write stamp code aswell.
Does a PDA come with a programming cable that will connect on the PDA side, and use the DB-9 on the stamp side?
Thanks...Deno
Comments
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NerdMaster
For
Life
Many PDAs have optional cables that have a DB-9 on one end and they can talk RS232.
Given that the Stamp interpretive code format is proprietary and they're not providing tokenizers for anything other than a PowerPC Mac or Intel Windows or Linux, we're not likely to be able to edit or compile PBasic code on any PDA in the near future.
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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com
Most recently, Palm has been completely overrun by the Microsofts 'Windows CE' because half of using a Palm is storing backup and useful information on your PC [noparse][[/noparse]which is Windows, of course]. So I would consider a Microsoft CE based PDA in the future, more software longevity.
If you want an RS-232 interface, you will have to E-Bay a Palm III or such. If you want to I/O the newer models, consider IRda, Bluetooth, or other RF data transfers and consider buying software in C or Java to program the device.
Having said all that, you still cannot write programs on your PDA and download them to a BS.··It seems easier and cheaper·to buy the device that Parallax sells for field programing.
The Stache Field Programmer.· See http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27330
I believe it can store up to 15 programs and plug into any availalbe laptop or PC via RS-232.
You could carry an SDcard with PBasic in a zip file and all your programs.
By the way, the PDA won't work with any IDE.· It doesn't matter if you get another vendors product, they just don't support people that tinker with microprocessors.
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"If you want more fiber, eat the package.· Not enough?· Eat the manual."········
Post Edited (Kramer) : 7/10/2006 11:19:11 AM GMT
An inexpensive option is to get an old HP 200LX palmtop computer. I have used mine for years to program Stamps, although you will have to use the DOS version of the Stamp software. It has the serial port and a bunch of other software (including a terminal program) on board as well. I use mine with a 64meg Compact Flash card to store the programs.
I think Thaddeus Computing is the best source of tested, recycled units.
Cheers
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·
Steve
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Be warned that these machines still fetch a relatively high price on eBay as they are very useful beasties.
A friend of mine·set his 200LX to wake up every few hours and download what is called a WeatherFax (ask any 'hardcore' sailor about this) and automatically display the result.
(It needed a simple interface to the radio to be able to do it)
There's the Toshiba Libretto, also, and it runs Win95, but getting hold of one with good batteries? (I can't remember if it used a pack, or can use disposables.)
Besides, it's a PC compacted together as much as possible, and suffers from it.
There's also a slightly larger Olivetti(can't remember the model name) which is about 1.1Kg, and is best suited for DOS usage. (Another oldie)
Psion PDAs(which are my favorites)·can't do it, even if·you run the XTM PC emulator(emulates a IBM PC XT machine. Unfortunately), it doesn't seen to be able to handle the serial port timing.
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Both are USB slaves, and will not be able to communicate with each other.
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