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PSION Series 3/3a palmtop FAQ part 2/6

( Part1 - Part2 - Part3 - Part4 - Part5 - Part6 )
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Archive-name: palmtops/psion/series3/part2
Version: $VER: Psion FAQ v2.6
Posting-Frequency: monthly
URL: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/8130/faq.htm

See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
part 2

   See part 1 for complete table of contents of this FAQ (including this
   part's).
   
  1.6 Where can I purchase a Psion?
  
   Prices for 2Mb Psion are quoted for each when known, but you should
   contact vendors for latest prices, as they change quite a bit, and I
   don't track those changes here very often.
   
   Numbers marked "[US/CA only]" means that the number can only be called
   from the USA or Canada (sometimes both, sometimes only one). If no
   other number is specified, the person or company presumably does not
   want to deal with customers from elsewhere.
   
   Usually, you will get the best deal from a UK vendor (but keep in mind
   that you will also get a UK version!) If you travel to London, you can
   get a good deal at the "Duty Free" shops in the airports or by
   haggling in the Tottenham Court Road shops.
   
   Important note: these addresses have NOT been verified, so check
   before you intend to buy from one of them! Also, I am NOT listing any
   more vendors without web sites. For a (maybe) more up to date listing,
   you may want to check out the PDA Page homepage at:
   http://www.pdapage.com which lists the best sites which sell PDAs.
   
   Byson Computers [UK]
          Fax: +44 1635 874 022
          Email: ian@byson.demon.co.uk
          http://www.hiway.co.uk/~byson/
          
   Clove Technology [UK]
          +44 1202 302 796
          Email: 100255.3642@compuserve.com
          http://intertrader.com/computers/clove/
          
   Internet Shopping Network (usually have very cheap prices but actually
          restricted to the USA)
          http://www.internet.net
          
   New World Technologies
          110 Greene St, Suite 1100
          New York, NY 10012 USA
          Phone: 1 800 886 4967 [US/CA only] Will price match
          Phone: +1 212 941 4633
          Fax: +1 212 274 8527
          Email: ajai@nwt.com, (GidNEW on AOL)
          http://www.nwt.com
          
   NDS Distributing
          11875 Dublin Boulevard, Suite D-270
          Dublin, CA 94568 USA
          Phone: 1 800 425 7725 [US/CA only]
          Phone: +1 510 803 8790
          Fax: +1 510 803 8792
          http://www.ndsdistributing.com
          
   Planet Pfund
          Daniel Pfund
          19, ch. Tirelonge
          CH-1213 Onex
          Phone / Fax: +41 (0)22 792 10 82
          Mobile: +41 079 350 60 64
          Email: info@planet-pfund.com
          http://www.planet-pfund.com
          
   PSIOlogic GbR
          Matthias & Michael Baas
          Taunusstrasse 4
          D 63589 Linsengericht
          Phone: +49 (0)6051 470065
          Fax: +49 (0)6051 470066
          Email: 106044.2274@compuserve.com
          http://www.psiologic.com
          
   Official Psion distributors/importers:
   
   For an upto date list, you may like to take a look at Psion's web
   site.
   
   Argentina
          PSIAR
          Avendia de Mayo 963,
          3rd Floor
          Buenos Aires
          Phone: +54 1345 4052
          Fax: +54 1345 3705
          
   Australia
          Psitech Ltd
          Kangy Angy
          Phone: +61 4362 2014
          Email: psitech@cix.compulink.co.uk or psitech@ozemail.com.au
          
   Belgium and Luxembourg
          Micro-Connection
          Korte Winkelstraat 15,
          2000 Antwerpen
          Phone: +32 3 232 34 68
          Fax: +32 3 226 17 49
          BBS: +32 3 226 20 79
          Email: ferre@cix.compulink.co.uk
          
   Canada
          Compulys Data Inc.
          Place Montreal Trust
          1800, Avenue McGill College, Bureau 2102
          Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3J6
          Phone: 1 800 361 0609 [US/CA only]
          Phone: +1 514 98 PSION [International]
          Fax: +1 514 987 9611
          
   Denmark
          Mobi Data Ltd
          Phone: +45 38 33 55 01
          
   Finland
          Hand Held Systems
          Torikatu 6-A, 451000
          Kouvola
          Phone: +35 8513 710 017
          Email: Pekka Aikas - Paikas@cix.compulink.co.uk
          
   Italy
          Videocomputer Spa
          Via Antonelli 36
          Collegno (TO) 10093
          http://www.videocomputer.it
          
   Kuwait
          Nascorp Kuwait
          c/o Anwar Essa Al-Saleh Est.
          P.O. Box 4704
          Safat, Kuwait 13048
          Phone: +965 573 7684/5
          Fax: +965 571 6674
          Email: Essa Al-Saleh - esaleh@kuwait.net
          
   Netherlands
          Psion Nederland B.V.
          Avio Trade Park
          Zandsteen 52
          2132 MR Hoofddorp
          Phone: +31 20 446 9444
          Fax: +31 20 653 3427
          BBS: +31 20 653 1075
          Email: psionnl-support@psion.com
          
   New Zealand
          Pocket Solutions Ltd
          PO Box 44 070
          Lower Hutt
          Phone: +64 4 566 7808
          Fax: +64 4 569 6452
          Email: psol002@ibm.net
          
   Poland
          Centum Informatyki Energetyki
          Phone: +48 22 625 22 83
          Fax: +48 22 693 32 6
          
   Portugal
          Comp 3 Lda
          Rua Augusto Gil 30 A/B
          1100 Lisbon
          Phone: +35 11 7972 259
          Fax: +35 11 7951 928
          
   Saudia Arabia
          Nascorp
          P.O. Box 2951
          Jeddah 21461
          Phone: +966 2 667 6204 (Jeddah)
          Phone: +966 1 231 1785 (Riyadh)
          Email: Essa Al-Saleh - esaleh@kuwait.net
          
   South Africa
          Psionet Distributor CC
          Phone: +27 21 683 1192
          
   Spain
          Paresa SA
          c/ Balmes 113, ppal 1a
          08008 Barcelona
          Phone: +34 3451 6505
          Fax: +34 3451 6231
          
   Switzerland
          Excom AG (Psion importer)
          Moosacherstrasse 6, Au
          8820 Wadenswil
          Phone: +41 1 782 21 11
          Fax: +41 1 781 13 61
          http://www.excom.ch
          
  1.7 How can I contact Psion?
  
    1.7.1 World Headquarters
    
   UK Offices:
          1 Red Place
          London W1Y 3RE
          Phone: +44 990 134 224 Main desk
          +44 990 143 050 Sales & customer services
          Fax: +44 990 561 046
          Email: Psion_corp@cix.compulink.co.uk
          http://www.psion.com
          
   UK Service centre:
          17-19 Bristol Road
          Greenford
          Middlesex UB6 8UP
          +44 181 575 9919
          
    1.7.2 USA (Psion Incorporated)
    
   Corporate Headquarters
          150 Baker Avenue
          Concord, MA 01742
          USA
          Phone: +1 800 54 PSION
          Phone: +1 508 371 0310
          Fax: +1 508 371 9611
          Email: usa-support@psion.com
          http://www.psioninc.com
          
   Midwest Office
          225 West Washington St., Suite 2242
          Chicago, IL 60606
          Phone: 1 312 419 5300
          Fax: 1 312 419 7142
          
   West Coast Office
          800 Airport Blvd. #417
          Burlingame, CA 94010
          Phone: 1 415 373 1234
          
    1.7.3 Germany
    
   Psion GmbH
          Daimlerstr. 16
          61352 Bad Homburg
          Germany
          Phone: +49 6172 6630
          Fax: +49 6172 663100
          Fax-on-Demand: +49 6172 663179 (FaxAbruf)
          Mailbox (BBS): +49 6172 663170
          (Dacom GmbH is on +49 6172 9654-45, Hotline on -42)
          Email: gmbh-support@psion.com (technical support)
          Email: gmbh-vertrieb@psion.com (Sales)
          http://www.psion-gmbh.com
          
2. HARDWARE

  2.1 Hardware specifications
  
   All Psion machines are based around the "SIBO architecture", which was
   developed to meet common goals which span the SIBO range, including
   Series 3.
   
   Of paramount importance is low power usage. To this end CMOS circuits
   are used, the CPUs are static - meaning their clocks can be slowed
   down or stopped and restarted without impairing function, and the
   specially designed ASIC chips implement sophisticated power
   management, which always ensures that only those parts of the machine
   which are needed, are powered up. Power is provided by 2 AA batteries
   during normal operation. A Lithium backup battery, a CR1620, is
   provided which maintains memory during battery changes. A mains
   adaptor inlet is provided.
   
   A system clock runs independently of the CPU even when the machine is
   "off". This allows it to keep time and to wake the machine up when
   (for example) alarms expire.
   
   A six-pin outlet is provided, through which serial and parallel ports
   may be connected. This outlet has exactly the same signals as the two
   expansion ports (SSDs).
   
   A sound system implements beeps on the Series 3 through a low power
   piezo-electric element at two volumes. On the 3a there is a more
   sophisticated system employing bi-directional digital-to-analogue
   conversion, a conventional speaker, and a microphone, which together
   support the recording and playback of digitally-recorded sound.
   Digital sound data is compressed and expanded between 8 and 13 bits by
   hardware in an ASIC using the Alaw algorithm during recording and
   playback respectively, at a sample rate of 8KHz. This performance
   conforms to the ISDN standard for digital phone systems. A Series 3
   buzzer emulation is also available on the 3a.
   
   For both machines, there are two expansion ports, also called SSD
   drives, into which RAM or EPROM memory modules may be placed.
   
   The memory is split into two types: process and storage. Storage
   memory is only used for storing data. Process memory is the memory
   used by the processor. Programs run in this type of memory. Process
   memory is limited on all Psions to 512k maximum. There is no storage
   memory on Psions with 512k RAM or less. To be honest, this is a not a
   big problem, since the Psion implements a real good memory management
   and "windows" the memory needed for each application. In practice,
   this means that you can open several huge databases for example and
   only need 10k of memory for each one.
   
   In tabular form, the differences are summarised below:
      Item              Series 3                  Series 3a
  HARDWARE

   PROCESSOR
     name               V30H (80C86 compatible)   V30H(80C86 compatible)
     Bitwidth           16                        16
     Speed              3.84 MHz                  7.68 MHz
     video mem access   8 bit - half speed        16 bit - full speed

   DISPLAY
     Type               Monochrome LCD            Monochrome LCD
     Physical size      97 x 39 mm approx         126 x 45 mm approx
     Display size       240x80                    480x160
     Display depth      2 - black/white           3 - black/grey/white

   MEMORY
     Internal           128 or 256Kbyte           256Kb,512Kb,1Mb,2Mb
     Expansion          2 slots = 16Meg max       2 slots = 16 Meg max

   DIMENSIONS
     Size                  16.5 x 8.5 x 2.2 cm (6.5" x 3.3" x 0.9")
     Weight                      275 grams including batteries

   SOUND
     Output device      Piezo beeper              Loudspeaker
     Capability         variable pitched Beeps    Any sound
                        and DTMF [*]
     Digital system     NONE                      DAC/ADC 8/13 bits
     Sound recording    NONE                      8K samples per second
     Telephone dialler  DTMF capability           DTMF capability

   *Further sounds can be generated if a custom device driver is written

   PARALLEL PORT        Via optional link         Via optional link

   SERIAL PORT          Via optional link         Via optional link
     Software           Installed in link pod     In Psion 3a ROM
     Max speed          9600 baud                 19200 baud

  SOFTWARE

   SYSTEM SHELL         Controls applications     Upgraded on Series 3a

   DATA                 Database application      Upgraded on Series 3a

   WORD                 Comprehensive document    Upgraded on Series 3a
                        processing system

   AGENDA               Personal management       Major upgrades on 3a
                        application

   TIME                 Clock and alarms manager  Upgraded on Series 3a

   WORLD                World info database       Cosmetic upgrade on 3a

   CALC                 Calculator                Calculator
                        Allowing OPL extension    Cosmetic upgrade on 3a

   SHEET  [*]           Spreadsheet application   Speadsheet application
                        available as add-on [*]   built-in

   *In  the  US,  and  latterly  in the UK, the "Series 3s" includes the
    spreadsheet as standard (not for 128k models)

   SPELL CHECKER/THESAURUS       add-on           Only on 1/2Mb models *

   PATIENCE GAME                 add-on           Only on 1/2Mb models *

   *Spell  checker/thesaurus  and  patience  game  are  apparently  only
    available on UK/US country specific 1/2Mb models (ie:  not available
    for french nor german models!)

   OPL                   Programming application  Series 3 compatibility
                                                  mode also available.

  2.2 What batteries does the Psion use?
  
   Normal power is provided by two AA (also known as LR6) batteries.
   Standby power is provided by a small Lithium backup battery, a CR1620,
   which maintains system data during main battery changes or failure.
   
  2.3 How long do the batteries last?
  
   It all actually depends on what type of batteries you use. Here are
   the advantages and disadvantages of the different battery types:
     * Alkalines. These are the "normal" batteries and work well.
     * Carbon/Zinc. These batteries are cheaper than alkalines but of
       course don't last as long. Might be interesting if you can get
       them really cheap and are ready to change batteries often.
     * NiCad rechargeables. These proivde less energy than conventional
       batteries (reports suggest maybe half) and they fade rapidly once
       their charge is nearly gone, but - they are rechargeable, and so
       offer a cost effective alternative. Note that NiCads are NOT
       recharging while the machine is powered by the adaptor.
     * Lithium AA batteries. They are 30% lighter than alkalines, and
       they last longer, but they are more expensive. Recommended if you
       really need long battery life and in extreme conditions. These
       batteries have a very long shelve life.
       
   The link causes high battery loadings, as does the sound system.
   Accessing the SSDs also increases power drain. Because of the static
   architecture, a busy CPU drains more power than a sleeping one, so
   compute-intensive tasks will burn power. For these reasons, it is
   difficult to quote battery performance exactly, but the table below
   summarises reports received on the net (for a 512k version).

                            Alkaline           NiCad           Lithium

  Running time (Hrs)         40-80              20              65-100
  Power  delivered (mAh)     1500               800           1600-2700
  Price each (UKP)           0.5                                 4.5
  Comment                                                    30% lighter

   1/2Mb models use more battery power since they use memory bank
   switching which is processor intensive.
   
   The backup battery typically lasts 15 months.
   
  2.4 How does the Psion measure the battery usage? (by Alan Roberts)
  
   Actually, the battery consumption is only estimated, there is no real
   voltage meter inside the Psion. The Psion knows the average battery
   consumption in each state (ie: xx mA when playing a WVE file; yy mA
   when writing on flash ... ) and keeps a record of the time spent in
   each state. When the voltage drops below a threshold, the "replace
   batteries" and "emptying batteries" display appear.
   
  2.5 How can I make my batteries last longer?
  
   The most important thing is to always turn the serial link OFF when
   you don't use it. This is the number one power eater on your Psion.
   
   Here are some other more or less obvious tips:
    1. Be sure to set the "auto power off" feature ON
    2. Turn the auto update list to OFF, set it to use the System button
    3. When you want tu update just one list, use delete and ESC. This is
       much quicker than pressing the System button (and should save
       battery power).
    4. Avoid switching on with the System button, as this would update
       all the lists.
    5. Let the applications open multiple files. Preferably set the
       preference to "Enter" instead of "Shift-Enter" as you often forget
       to press shift-enter. Saving and opening files uses more battery
       power than to leave the files open.
    6. Avoid playing long or loud sounds
    7. Set volume low
    8. Avoid saving many files to Flash SSD
    9. Avoid reformatting, particularly Flash SSD
       
   Thanks must go to Philippe Lebreton and Blake Nancarrow for these
   great tips.
   
  2.6 Can I use an external power supply?
  
   Yes, the Psion comes with a standard power outlet so you can use
   either the official Psion power supply or a general-purpose mains
   adaptor (which is cheaper). Negative polarity should be selected - ie
   the tip should be negative. The power supply should be able to deliver
   150mA at 9V. The Psion adaptor has an indentation around the outer
   conductor near the tip which facilitates snug fit for improved
   reliability.
   
   You can plug the external power supply in/out while the Psion is on.
   It will then immediately use the external power or batteries. The
   Psion also has an automatic turn off possibility. This is very useful
   if you often forget to turn it off! One of the choices for this auto
   turn off feature is "If no external power", so you can safely use it
   on external power and it will not turn itself off anymore until you
   unplug it again.
   
  2.7 Can I upgrade my Solid State Disk (SSD)?
  
   Flash SSDs are cheaper than RAM SSDs because the filesystem doesn't
   actually allow you to recover deleted space on them. Even if they're
   cheap compared to real RAMs, they're still quite expensive because
   they're not manufactered on a big scale (they're Psion proprietary).
   This tempted several people to accomplish upgrades. It has been
   successfully done, but I decided not to describe it here for several
   reasons:
    1. It wouldn't be fair to Psion PLC. Think about it: it would prive
       them of rightly owned money for their R&D and that wouldn't make
       us many friends, would it?
    2. The chips you need aren't easy to find.
    3. It is quite easy to do for a trained electronics technician, so
       that person wouldn't need any instructions anyway. If you don't
       have the expertise, don't even think about it!
       
   In the mean time, there has been a company that has specialised in
   making SSD upgrades: Exportech in London. You can contact them by
   email at: 100121.1165@compuserve.com
   
  2.8 Can I upgrade my internal RAM?
  
   The big question when the 1/2Mb models came out: can I upgrade my 512k
   to a 2Mb model? Well, sorry, but the (short) answer is no. The new
   models use a new ROM to access the extra memory. Psion PLC does not
   offer upgrades for new models either. The best solution is to sell
   your old model and get a more recent one.
   
   In mid 1996, several companies have offered their services to upgrade
   512k models to 2Mb models. They will change the motherboard
   completely, so I suppose you'll have an exact 2Mb version with spell
   checker/patience?...
   
   Try to contact the following company:
     * Broadway Management Services Ltd
       Room 1604, CLI Building
       313 Hennessy Road
       Wanchai , Hong Kong
       Price: about 303 USD!
       
   If you own a 128/256k or 1Mb model, upgrading it is just a matter of
   adding more RAM to it. Psion PLC or other official repair centres can
   do this for you, contact them about it. For info, Pinnock Organisers
   will upgrade your 256k Psion to a 512k model for 65 UKP.
   
   For the help of us all, Fionn Behrens has made a nice web page with
   details on how to upgrade your internal RAM with pictures and step by
   step instructions. You can find his pages at:
   http://www.informatik.uni-siegen.de/~fionn/e/Psion/
   
   For the time being, process memory is limited to 512k on every model
   and you cannot add more whatever you do.
   
  2.9 Can I change the keyboard?
  
   A lot of people buy their Psions in the UK because of the huge price
   difference compared to their own country. This is not a problem in
   itself if you just remember that you will be getting the UK version,
   thus the UK keyboard, applications and manual. This also the reason
   why so many people would like to change the keys of their keyboards.
   For these people, there is no simple solution. The keyboard map is not
   just a file held in RAM, so basically, you're stuck with your
   keyboard, but there are workarounds to this:
    1. In many applications, you can enter special characters (for
       example foreign characters not found on the keyboard) by holding
       down control, then typing the three digits of the ASCII code for
       the character (ASCII code table on page 246 of the User Guide).
       This works for all characters in the range 32 to 255. Some lower
       codes are used for control purposes.
    2. There is also a quicker way to enter letters with accents, umlauts
       etc. CONTROL can be used with the number keys as a character
       modifier directive. For example, "2" is the "Add an Umlaut"
       command, so you can hold down CONTROL then press "2" and "o" to
       get a umlauted "o". Most numbers are chosen as convenient
       mnemonics: 2 has " above it - which looks like an Umlaut; 3 has \
       which simulates a grave accent but 4 has ~, which produces
       (oddly!) and acute accent, whereas 5 which has a ' produces a
       tilde! See the Character set section of the user guide for
       details.
    3. Use Tom Dolbilin's excellent Macro System package to assign a
       "macro" to a regular key, thus emulating another key.
    4. Use Konstantin I. Saliy's keyboard map program to remap the keys
       in a very efficient manner which works with all programs and only
       uses 10k of memory!
       
  2.10 Can I use a big (normal) keyboard?
  
   Yes, if you have Tom Dolbilin's Macro System installed, there is a
   macro called "BigKeys" which actually reads the serial port and sends
   the key to the HWIM application you're currently running.
   Unfortunately, it will not work with normal OPL applications. On the
   other hand, you will still need another computer to send the keys over
   the serial line, so it really isn't what people are looking for!
   
   Keith Baker krb@ecs.soton.ac.uk has made a little interface for just a
   normal keyboard (without the need for another computer) connected to
   the Psion using the 3-Link interface . Note that it will not work with
   OPL applications either.
   
  2.11 How can I build a serial link? (by Konstantin I. Saliy)
  
   For the common mortal: you can't (we're talking about 3a 3-Links
   here). If you have the C/OPL SDK, there is a diagram of a TTL RS232
   interface... BUT the diagram is based around a Psion custom chip
   called "ASIC5". This chip converts the SIBO serial channel into
   standard RS232 signals and back. According to the documentation this
   chip is available from Psion for custom expansion development.
   Documentation also provides information about modification of example
   device for CMOS levels.
   
   But this device is a serial link only, not a real 3-Link. The 3-Link
   contains a ROM "SSD" with software. You can use the serial link
   instead of 3Link but some applications (I'm not sure, it's only my
   opinion) can check if disk C is present or even for disk C's serial
   number. Of course if an application uses only device drivers interface
   (VT100 emulators) it will work anyway.
   
   The SIBO Serial Protocol is also described in the SDK. Refer to it if
   you want know more about Psion expansion port.
   
   For the 3c, this is entirely different! The 3c serial cable is just
   that: a simple cable. Justin Buckland has been kind enough to send me
   the pinouts for such a cable. He will also sell such cables himself;
   you may like to contact him by email at jrb25@cam.ac.uk or by
   telephone (+44 1223 570477) or simply check out his web site at:
   http://www-sp.phy.cam.ac.uk/~jrb25/psicable.html
   
   Justin found the parts from CPC (tel. +44 1772 654455). Connections
   for Psion 3c / Siena serial cable are:

  Psion:
     ___________
 1  /___________\  15

 9-pin D socket:
   ---------------
   \  5 4 3 2 1  /
    \  9 8 7 6  /
      ---------

9-pin:  Psion:  RS232:
1       nc      DCD     data carrier detect
2       12      RD      received data
3       8       TD      transmitted data
4       11      DTR     data terminal ready
5       1       SG      signal ground
6       13      DSR     data set ready
7       9       RTS     request to send (= DTE ready)
8       14      CTS     clear to send (= DCE ready)
9       10      RI      ring indicator

  2.12 How can I build a parallel link? (by Konstantin I. Saliy)
  
   If you have read the previous section, you can realize that a one-way
   parallel link is much easier to make for people who are familiar with
   digital logic. Two way parallel link is possible also: typical
   parallel link baud rate is 40K bytes/sec, and SIBO interface allows
   you 1.5M bit/sec, but you'll need a hardware buffer and PDD/LDD pair
   to receive data.
   
  2.13 What is this "soap on a rope" thing?
  
   The "soap on a rope" is simply another name for the 3-Link. It is
   named like that because of it's ressemblence with (guess what ;-) the
   well known soap on a rope.
   
  2.14 How do I print with my Psion?
  
   There are a number of ways you can print from your Psion
    1. Through the parallel link, connect your Psion directly to your
       printer but do not turn the link on in the system screen!
    2. Through PsiWin. See your PsiWin manual for instructions.
    3. Through the serial link - use the printer setup dialogues
       appropriately and do not turn the link on in the system screen!
    4. Use PRINT SETUP to select printing to a file called REM::C:\LPT1
       Run MCLINK on your PC, and activate the link from the Psion. Now
       all print requests will go through the link to the PC printer, and
       MCLINK is available for file transfers - better than MCPRINT. This
       solution also works with RCOM. On some PCs running Windows, it may
       be better to print to LPT1.PRN, which traverses through the
       DOS/Windows device drivers slightly differently. (by Daniel Senie)
    5. Use RFM (see elsewhere in the FAQ) to make Psion drives visible,
       then use a conventional PC tool to print files from the Psion.
       
  2.15 Can I take my Psion through an X-Ray machine?
  
   Yes you can without fear. Nowadays the airport's X-Ray machines are
   harmless to palmtop computers and diskettes (hopefully ;-). In any
   case, if you're really not assured, ask to pass it seperately.
   
  2.16 Can my Psion wipe out magnetic data?
  
   Yes it can! Be careful with the underside of your Psion because it is
   actually the speaker which contains a magnet whom is responsible for
   such problems. Credit cards and other magnetic data seem to be the
   easiest "victims" of the magnet. Check out the first page of your User
   Guide for Psion's own warning about this. You can try the paperclip
   test which consists of taking a pile of paperclips and placing the
   Psion on top of it. Lifting the Psion will typically take 5 paperclips
   with it!
   
3. SOFTWARE

  3.1 How do I reset my Psion?
  
   You should not normally need to reset your machine at all. See "What
   is killing a process?" to find out how to terminate misbehaving
   applications. Doing a RESET re-initializes the system's processes. It
   re-starts things as though it had just been powered up, and so will
   make many error conditions go away. Doing a reset will also remove any
   software patches you may have applied. These would need to be
   re-applied after each reset. A soft reset will also make you lose your
   user-defined groups and installed software icons (but the real
   software, ie: the program, should still be there).
   
   There are two kinds of resets:
     * A SOFT or WARM reset will restart processes and lose your time
       zone information, but leave the contents of the RAM disk, and
       environment variables intact. Do this by gently pushing something
       like a straightened paperclip into the small hole above the ESC/On
       key to do a "warm reset".
     * A HARD or COLD reset will completely re-initialize the whole
       machine, removing all memory contents. Complete instructions for
       performing this action are included in the "Troubleshooting"
       chapter of your "User Guide".
       
  3.2 What is killing a process?
  
   Killing a process is like closing an application but without letting
   it know. This will result in loss of data if the application didn't
   save it before being killed, so be warned! Usually, you can exit an
   application (from within it) with Psion -x (for english Psions) or
   Psion-Esc. If the application doesn't respond to keypresses anymore
   and nothing else works, you will have to kill it. For this, you can go
   to the system screen and press Psion-shift-k (for english Psions). You
   can also use other specific programs which allow killing of any
   process (Spy is one of them).
   
  3.3 How can I save what's on the screen?
  
   From any point, you can take a screen snapshot, by holding down shift,
   control, Psion, and S. The PIC file generated is placed in
   M:SCREEN.PIC.
   
  3.4 What is the soak test? (by Jason Savage)
  
   WARNING: INITIATING THE SOAK TEST WILL CAUSE THE LOSS OF USER DEFINED
   GROUPS AND USER INSTALLED SOFTWARE!!!
   
   It has long been known in the computer and electronics industries that
   electrical components, for the most part, fail either shortly after
   they are first activated or after many years of service. Because of
   this fact the concept of the soak test or burn-in or life test was
   invented. Simply put, the machine (in this case a computer) is put
   through a repetitive testing loop for several hours (24 for the Psions
   to be more precise). This procedure would then filter out most of the
   bad batches and prevent them from reaching the hands of the general
   consumers.
   
   To activate the soak test on the Psion series 3, press (See warning at
   the beginning of this section) Control-Shift-Psion-K on the System
   screen. This procedure will cause a soft-reset of your Psion.
   
  3.5 How can I find a text in my memos with Agenda?
  
   Actually, you can't! Psion hasn't implemented this feature yet. What
   you can do, is use another program called "MemoFind" which will do
   just that. It's a freeware program from Psion available at usual FTP
   sites.
   
  3.6 How can I make the cursor bigger?
  
   It may get difficult trying to find the cursor in Word for example.
   Unfortunately, there is no way to make it bigger. Some suggested
   solutions are to press shift-right (to highlight a character) or home
   (to find the cursor on the far left).
   
  3.7 How can I take out the "hum" when I record sounds?
  
   The hum (apparently a 60Hz sound) appears only when you record using
   battery power. It is probably due to the voltage converter inside your
   Psion (from 3V to higher). If you use the AC adapter, the hum
   disappears.
   
  3.8 How safe is password protection?
  
   See also "Data security with link connected" in next section.
   
   The Word password protection is not really good. It is known that it's
   possible to "crack" the password (but not find it) and see the clear
   text in a very short time (reported by Clive D.W.Feather in Dec94 and
   now included in his Psionics files). Obviously, you do need some
   programming skills to do it, but all in all, it is feasible, so be
   warned!
   
   Also, never use a single letter password! This could be way too easily
   broken by brute force. It is recommended to have at least 6 characters
   and even better, a mix of letters and numbers.
   
   Another issue is power on password protection. Apparently, it is
   possible to bypass it somehow; no infos are given!. Just don't rely on
   it too much. Also, remember that if you keep some data on your SSD
   Disks, the potential thieve can still read those informations by
   simply transfering the disks into another Psion!
   
   The bottom line is that the password functions of the Psion are useful
   for keeping casual snoops from reading your data while you're off
   making a phone call, but if you're seriously worried about security
   then you shouldn't be keeping sensitive material on a handheld machine
   in the first place.
   
  3.9 How can I change the icon of a program? (by Matthew Powell)
  
    1. Install the application on the System screen in the usual way.
    2. Use the "create new list" command (Psion-E). Enter the same
       working directory and file extension as for the original
       application.
    3. The "create new list" dialog will allow you to specify a custom
       icon in exactly the same way as when creating a group.
    4. Enter a name for the new list.
       
   Once you've done this the application should have two lists on the
   System screen. Remove the one with the original icon.
   
   If you create a new list for Word, read this: The Word application
   maintains a different template (which holds the styles and default
   preferences) for each list. To carry on with the same template as you
   had before, you will need to make a copy of the file Default.wrt in
   the \WDR directory. The copy should have the same name as your list,
   with a .wrt extension. For example, if your new list was called
   "Notes", copy \WDR\Default.wrt to \WDR\Notes.wrt.
   
   Alternatively, use a program called NEWICON2.OPA which does just that!
   
   End of part 2/6
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Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:12 PM