Last Update 7/9/2000

This software was awarded the ingenious idea prize by
Palmware & Goods contest in Japan.
Palm Remote
for Palm / WorkPad
(The Japanese name is RemoconCon)

Click here for WndowsCE version.
Click here for Windows95 version (not supported Win98 and Win2000).

Copyright (c) 1998-2000 Hiromu Okada

Click here for Japanese Documentation


Introduction:

The Palm Remote (RemoconCon) is the first ever PalmPilot software that works as an infrared remote control using built-in infrared port. (9/19/1998)
The remote features the Macro Function, which offers the ease of launching many complex operations with just one touch.

Important safety information:

Do not use the Palm Remote for the purpose of unattended, automated running of electrical products such as air conditioners. This may cause electrical fires.
The Palm Remote is not licensed for automated, unattended use.

How Does the Palm Remote Compare to Manufacturer's Remotes?

Copyright:

Copyright (c) 1999-2000 Hiromu Okada.

Redistribution:

Please contact Hiromu Okada by e-mail okada.hiromu@nifty.ne.jp, if you would like to distribute the Palm Remote.
You are not permitted to add to or modify this compressed archive file.


Tables of contents:

1. System requirements
2. Revision History
3. Installation
4. How to use
  4-1. Set Up
  4-2. Sending infrared signal
  4-3. Cursor hardware buttons
  4-4. Operation screen view
  4-5. Learning function
  4-6. Macro function
5. How to register
6. Tech Support
7. Other


1.System Requirements:

PalmIII is supported.(p3remote.prc)
PalmIIIx/IIIc//V/Vx and WorkPad8602-30/40/50(p5xremot.prc) are supported.
(The 2MB Upgrade kit is not supported.)


2.Revision History:

7/9/2000
Version 2.9.0
Added support for the color display.

3/4/2000
Version 2.8.0
Adjusted Sony preset data (SONY-1998).
I thank Mr. Takeuchi for reporting SONY-1998 remote datas.

11/30/1999
Version 2.7.0
Added support for PalmVx( 20MHz PalmOS3.3 ).
I thank Mr. Woosie for advice on PalmVx.

8/29/1999
Version 2.6.0
Fixed bug caused by learning infrared signal over 3sec.

7/10/1999
Version 2.5.1
I thank Mr. Mahadeva for proofreading English documentation.

6/13/1999
Version 2.5.0
Added support for PalmV/WorkPad8602-30/40.

3/21/1999
Version 2.4.0
Corrected text on Operation Screen.

3/9/1999
Version 2.3.0
Fixed infinite loop bug caused by operating HARD BUTTON while "Learning Wizard" was running.

2/1/1999
Version 2.2.0 (shareware)
Advanced rate of correct operation of SONY products.
Changed name of software to Palm Remote.
Completed English documentation.
I thank Mr. Nakabayashi for his advice on naming software and English documentation.
I thank Mr. Kong for proofreading English documentation.

1/1/1999
Version 2.1.0 beta
Advanced rate of correct operation of electric products
Added sequential learning function.
Changed the design of the operation screen.
Added flashing image buttons.

11/29/1998
Version 2.0.0 beta 2
Corrected Sony preset data.
Added a first attempt at English documentation. (I'm sorry!)

11/26/1998
Version 2.0.0 beta 1
Added learning function.
Added macro function.
Added the operation screens, with larger buttons for ease of finger operation.
Added support for Graffiti commands.
Added support for the application launcher buttons and the scroll buttons under the Graffiti area.

10/25/1998
Version 1.0.0 ( not open to the public )
Added of the preset data.
Released similar software and I was surprised to find that there was a programmer having the super ability to make very strict timing like the Palm Remote.
I thought that I should not have published it until software performance would be advanced.

9/19/1998
Version 0.9.0 ( Palmware and Goods contest Version in Japan )
The Palm Remote (RemoconCon) is the first ever Palm III software that works as an infrared remote control via built-in infrared port. (9/19/1998)


3.Installation:

After downloading, unarchive the file into the some folder, and perform a hotsync of the file "p3remote.prc (for PalmIII)" or "p5xremot.prc (for PalmIIIx /IIIc/V/Vx, WorkPad8602-30/40/50)" .

Install "Shut Up Ir" into your desktop PC, if you use "Infrared HotSync" and "Beam Waiting for Sender" dialog is often appeared.
(You must install 3COM-IrEnhance (or IBM-IrSync and IS/Complete-IrLink), if you want to do "Infrared HotSync" on OS3.0/3.1.)


4.How to use:

4-1.Set Up:

When you use the Palm Remote for the first time, the [ Preset Data Selection ] dialog appears.
Select the electronic product you want to control.
If the list does not have the electronic product you want to control, check [ USER ] option and type in a label.
These settings can be changed at any time.

4-2.Sending infrared signal:

Select an electronic product to target by tapping arrow keys at the top ( "<<" or ">>" ).
Tap a button and the infrared signal is sent. You need to aim at the infrared sensor window of your target. This infrared data transfer module (IrDA) will not work with an LED remote control. In order to reduce ambient noise, the infrared beam has been designed to be very narrow (5 degrees). You will need to aim the Palm PC IrDA port directly at the target device (TV, VCR, etc.). The infrared ray reaches about 2 meters. Distance and height are important in making this remote work. Vary the height, distance and angle to find what works for your environment.

4-3.Actions of Graffiti command, hardware application launcher buttons and scroll buttons:


The Graffiti command, the application launcher buttons, and the scroll buttons under the graffiti area can be used.
These are shown in Figure.
These operations are effective on any of the operation screens.

4-4.Operation screen view:


There are three types of operation screen.
[ Detail view (/D) ] screen .
[ Numeral view (NumV or /D) ] and [ Command view (ComV or /C) ] screens were designed big so that they can be pressed with your finger (Figure).
You can switch these operation screens by selecting [ menu | view ], tapping [NnmV]/[ComV] buttonsor or Graffiti commands.

4-5.Lerning function:

The theory behind the learning function resembles that of using a tape recorder. You can control an electric product by recording infrared signal and playing them back. Infrared remote controller signal is modulated with second carrier frequency.

Frequencies that the Palm Remote can learn are 40kHz (Sony, Pioneer etc.), 38kHz(NEC, Toshiba, Hitachi, Sanyo, Fujitsu, Sharp, Panasonic, JVC etc.) and 33kHz(Mitsubishi).

The Palm Remote can not learn infrared remote controller signal using other frequency (455kHz etc.).

To activate the Learn Function:

-Select [menu | Option | Button Setting].
Then the [Button Setting Wizard 1] dialog appears.
–Tap the [Next >>] button. Then tap a button on the screen that you want to customize.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard 2] dialog appears.
-Select a [Learning] button.
Then the [Learning Setting Wizard 3] dialog appears.
Then signal learning is ready to start.

Face the remote controller IR window at the built in infrared port of the Palm / WorkPad.

-Tap the [ Start>> ] button and push a button on your remote controller for 1 second to make your Palm / WorkPad "learn" the infrared signal.

The [ Learning is failed ] message appears when the Palm Remote failed in learning.
The [ Lerning Wizard 4 ] dialog appears, when learning is successful.
In case of usual learning, you only tap the [ Finish ] button.
When you want to set a several signals with the same button in succession, you must select a [ 0.5sec ] button or [ 1.0sec ] for waiting next operation.
Repeat these operations until sequential learning will be end.

Select a [ Finish ] button, learning function comes to end.

At this time, if you customize the command area buttons, the [ Button Setting Wizard 5 ] dialog appears.

Enter a label ( less than12 characters ) that indicates the command of the button.

-Tap the [ Finish  ] button to end.

4-6.Macro function:

Using the macro function, you can set a button as the procedure of continuous operations. By using one button with a macro funtion, you can have access to a number of complex operations.

To activate the Macro Function:

-Select [menu | Option | Button Setting].
Then the [Button Setting Wizard 1] dialog appears.
–Tap the [Next >>] button. Then tap a button on the screen that you want to customize,.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard 2] dialog appears.
-Select a [Macro] button.
Then the [Macro Wizard 3] dialog appears.
Then Macro recording is ready to start.

-Tap each of the buttons in sequences that you wants, after tapping the [Macro>>] button.
The [Macro Wizard Step 4] dialog appears, before each next operation.
Then you must select a [0.5sec] or [1.0sec] button for waiting next operation.
Repeat these operations until sequential operations you want.
-Select a [Finish] button, when you've finished entering all of the buttons.

At this time, if you customize the command area buttons, the [ Button Setting Wizard 5 ] dialog appears.

Enter a label ( less than12 characters ) that indicates the command of the button.

-Tap the [ Finish  ] button to end.

The Palm Remote prevents you from falling into an infinite loop.
The Palm Remote does not permit you to set the button if it was already set as a macro.


5.How to register:

This software is shareware ($20 U.S.).
The trial period for this software is 14 days.
Please register this software if you wish to continue to use it.

To register Palm Remote please visit the Kagi Online Service Page.

Even if you have registered Palm Remote (RemoconCon) for other platforms (for example, Palm Remote for WindowsCE, RemoconCon for Windows95), you still need to register this product for use on your Palm / WorkPad.

After you submit your registration and payment information, a password for Palm Remote version 2.x will be sent to you by e-mail.

Please enter PASSWORD into " Menu | Help | Shareware Information " Dialog.


6. Tech Support:

For more information or to get a new version please visit:

http://www.vector.co.jp/authors/VA0058110/indexe.htm

http://www.vector.co.jp/authors/VA005810/remocon/premocce.htm

For questions or comments send e-mail to: infrared@f5.dion.ne.jp


7. Other:

Each company name or product referenced above is a trademark or registered trademark of the respective company.