AirClock User Guide


Table of Contents

System Requirements
Installation
Evaluation Period
Registration
What is AirClock?
Infrared Overview
Using the Clock
Setting up the Alarm
Setting up a Wake-up Appliance
Testing the Infrared Signal
Waking Up
Preferences
Troubleshooting


System Requirements

AirClock has the following system requirements:

  • Any handheld running Palm OS 3.0 or greater - this includes models from Palm, Handspring, Sony, HandEra, Samsung, Kyocera, Acer, and Symbol.
  • At least 100k of free memory
  • Note: AirClock's infrared remote control capabilities are not yet available for Palm OS 5 handhelds nor the Sony Cliés NR70, NR70V, T650C and T665C


Installation

Installing AirClock is easy. You can download it from www.airspell.com/airclock/download.

  1. Decompress the file you just downloaded using:
    - WinZip under Windows
    - StuffIt Expander on the Mac
    - The gzip and tar commands under Linux or other operating systems
  2. Set your handheld in its cradle
  3. Locate the file named AirClock22.prc and install it on your handheld by using the install option in the Palm Desktop program on your computer and then performing a HotSync

AirClock icon   After the installation is complete, go to the Palm Application Launcher and tap the AirClock icon to launch AirClock.

Another option is having a Palm OS handheld user beam AirClock to you.


Evaluation Period

AirClock can be evaluated at no cost for 15 days. The trial version of AirClock is fully functional. When the trial period has expired, you can purchase a registration code to unlock the application.


Registration

Once the trial period ends you can purchase a registration code here. Once the purchase is complete, you will immediately receive a registration code by email. Simply select Register AirClock in the Options menu of AirClock. Then enter the registration code and press OK.


What is AirClock?

First of all, AirClock is an Alarm Clock. Whether you use it as a desktop clock or while you are traveling, AirClock gives you the current time and date and let you set alarms. The modern design and fonts used make it easy to read. But what differentiates AirClock from any other clock you've seen is its infrared capabilities. Instead of simply ringing when it is time to wake up, AirClock can start your Television, play your favorite CD, turn on the radio... And all those great features are accessible via an easy to use interface!


  • Simple - "Set and forget" simplicity with all common functions just one tap away
  • Elegant - Use it as an elegant desk, bed or travel alarm clock
  • Powerful - Alarm clock gently wakes you by playing one of various MIDI ring tones and/or by turning on your television, radio, CD player or any other appliance equipped with an infrared remote control

Infrared Overview

AirClock uses the infrared/IrDA port of your handheld to control appliances equipped with infrared. Usually, the IrDA port is used to beam applications and contacts between users. In that context, IrDA works at high speed and is optimized to transfer data, but the distance is limited and it requires precision in the direction.

Consumer IR is the technology used in most of the remote controls found on the market. The range is much longer and the signal is less sensitive to variations in the direction.

AirClock has the ability to record and play back infrared signal using a complex technology developed here at AirSpell. Emulating Consumer IR on IrDA works perfectly but the operating range of your PDA running AirClock will be shorter than for a typical remote control and the angle will be narrower.


Using the Clock

AirClock's main screen is divided into various areas. All the functions are accessible by directly tapping in those areas. The same functions are also available by using the menus.
 

Main screen legend
 
  • Alarm - Allows you to set up the alarm
  • Appliances - Allows you to set up your wake-up appliance
  • Time - Support for 12/24 format. Tapping on the Time area will let you change the time
  • Date - Tapping on the Date area will let you adjust the date


Setting up the Alarm

Using the Set Alarm screen, you can adjust the time of the alarm and activate or deactivate it.


  • Shortcut - To quickly turn the alarm on or off, you can also directly tap the Alarm On/Off label on the main AirClock screen
  • Alarm Time and Days - The alarm will ring on the days you selected at the time you set until it is turned off
  • Sound preferences - See Preferences to adjust the alarm ring, volume and duration
  • Alarm Title - This text field allows you to enter a 12-character description for the alarm
  • Note 1: When a wake-up appliance is set, AirClock still makes your handheld ring as a backup (unless Ring Volume is off in the preferences)
  • Note 2: If alarm vibration and LED blinking are enabled in the Palm OS system preferences, AirClock will use those two extra means of notification on top of ringing the alarm


Setting up a Wake-up Appliance

AirClock has the ability to wake you up by turning on any appliance equipped with an infrared remote control. After you select such an appliance in the list, AirClock will act as a learning remote and capture the signal coming from your remote control. Once the infrared signal is captured, AirClock will be able to "replay" the signal to properly turn on the appliance. The overall process is as simple as 1-2-3: 1. Set alarm, 2. Record infrared signal, 3. Test infrared signal.


  • Recorded - Appliances whose infrared signal has been recorded are shown with a plus sign (+)
  • Overwrite - To re-record the infrared signal for an appliance, first tap the Clear IR button to erase the existing signal
  • CD Player - AirClock is also able to control a CD player. In that case, the Play button (rather that the ON/OFF button) needs to be recorded. Once setup is completed, leave your CD player ON, positioned on your desired track. When the AirClock alarm starts, it will simply start the Play function of your CD player
  • Safe - Even so the selected appliance will wake you up, a ring tone will always ring as a backup, as long as the volume is not set to OFF in the preferences


Testing the Infrared Signal

Each time you setup a new Appliance with AirClock, it is important to test the infrared signal. Making the test will guarantee you that your appliance will properly turn on at the desired alarm time. As explained in the Infrared Overview section, the infrared range provided by your handheld is shorter and narrower than the one of a traditional remote control. Placing your handheld close to the appliance and directly aimed at it will dramatically increase the success of the operation.


  • UP button - At anytime when using AirClock, you can test the infrared by pressing the UP button on your handheld
  • Appliance OFF - Before trying to turn on an appliance, make sure the appliance is turned off (does not apply for a CD player in which case the Play function is recorded - CD players must remain ON)
  • Positioning - Best results are obtained when the handheld is placed one foot away from the appliance. Also, leaving your handheld on a flat stable surface is highly recommended


Waking Up

When AirClock starts the Alarm, your handheld will automatically turn on and a wake-up screen with the current date and time is displayed.


  • Snooze - The snooze option will ring the alarm again 9 minutes later
    Note: Selecting snooze won't turn off the wake-up appliance.


Preferences

The Preferences menu of AirClock allows you to customize four different parameters.


  • Ring Tone - Choose between all the sounds installed on your handheld, including midi sounds that you might have installed
  • Ring Volume - Choose between System, Off, Low, Medium or High
    System will use the volume already defined in the system preferences
  • Ring Duration - Choose between Short, Average or Long
  • Color Scheme - For color handhelds, choose between Classic, Blue Backlight, Black & White, Yellow on Blue, Blue on Green or Custom. If you select Custom, tap the two rectangles in the preview region to adjust the text and background colors
    - For monochrome systems, choose between Black on White and White on Black

Ring Tone, Ring Volume and Ring Duration will affect the way the sound is played when your alarm rings.
Note: When a wake-up appliance is set, AirClock still makes your handheld ring as a backup (unless Ring Volume is off.)


Troubleshooting

The list of suggestions below might help you if you encounter problems using AirClock. For more information, visit the AirClock Frequently Asked Questions page which will answer most questions you might have. You can also contact our support group at support@airspell.com if you are still experiencing difficulties.

  • Recording the infrared signal - If you are having problems recording the infrared signal:
    - Locate the infrared port on your handheld (usually at the top but sometimes on the side like on some HandSpring models)
    - Place both the remote and handheld on a flat surface that is not too brightly lit
    - Carefully align the remote infrared emitter with your handheld infrared port
    - Try different distances between the remote and handheld units, typically an inch to a foot (2 to 30 cm)
    - Ensure both remote and handheld batteries are full
    - Press the remote control button at least for two seconds
  • Testing the infrared signal - If the infrared signal does not turn on your appliance:
    - Bring your handheld two feet from the appliance you are trying to turn on
    - Aim the handheld infrared port straight at the appliance infrared receiver
    - Repeatedly press the Up button and try different locations and orientations for your handheld till the appliance turns on
    - Try recording the remote control infrared signal again
  • Compatibility
    - Bang & Olufsen, Kenwood, and a few other brands might not be compatible with AirClock
    - AirClock only works with appliances using infrared, not radio frequencies
    - The infrared remote control capabilities of AirClock are not yet available for Palm OS 5 handhelds nor the Sony Cliés NR70, NR70V, T650C and T665C