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Epoc Digest Wed, 08 Jan 2003 Volume 01 : Number 143

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Sent to: 712 subscribers

In today's Epoc Digest 15 messages:

==============================

- RE: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 142

- Psion travel modem problem

- Antonio Nisiotis/010/DCAG/DCX ist außer Haus.

- ABP Question

- Macro menu (or menu macro) query

- software use - Sheet for clocking on/off

- Re: System Files & Siemens pen reader

- JORNADA 7XX

- Powerbase tutorials

- Animated GIFs on EPOC?

- Netbooks for sale

- Columns in Word (sort of)

- eTrex & Palmtop GPS, Clove, Last Psion, Screen cable, screen lines,

- Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 142

- S7 battery, ABP, Orange PAYG

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 01:21:06 +0100

From: Crookes

(Philip Crookes)

Subject: RE: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 142

Date: 7 Jan 2003 21:23:00 +0100

From: Rolf Brunsting Subject: A happy and prosperous new year!

>Dear All,

>I'd like to wish you a very happy 2003. May this year bring you the fame, health, fortune, love and contentment you've (secretly) longed for.

I will forgo the fame ( no thanks!); the health I have thanks to some dedicated doctors; the fortune is somewhere over the rainbow, but also in a paradise called Waimate North in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, where I will be living in 18 months, and visiting in five days; the rest of yur list I've enjoyed these last forty years.

>I also like to thank those who have contributed to the 136 EPOC Digests of the past year. With special thanks to the Digest staff who work so dilligently in the background.

If I understood how it was done I would offer to do it - having just sold a Psion 7 and bought a netBook which resolutely refuses to network, I remain committed to the platform - until something better comes along.

Are we all driving Jowett Javelins, I wonder?

Philip (who doesn't own a car and has at least one world trip a year on the profits of this decision)

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 01:57:55 +0100

From: "Moshe Nahir"

Subject: Psion travel modem problem

Hi and Happy New Year to All,

My Psion travel IR modem seems to be very sick. Though the power light is on, the data light is not and there is no action. I replaced batteries and tried with another phone line. I tried to have my 5MX communicate via IR with my wife's S7, and they did. So the problem seems to be in the IR modem. Any ideas as to the cause, how/where to repair and what alternatives (replacement?) exist for using email on my 5MX will be greatly appreciated. Though I have a PC, I am addicted to emailing via the 5MX...

Thanks for any help

Moshe Nahir

Winnipeg, Canada

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 02:22:16 +0100

From: <Antonio.Nisiotis

Subject: Antonio Nisiotis/010/DCAG/DCX ist außer Haus.

Ich werde ab 07.01.2003 nicht im Büro sein. Ich kehre zurück am 03.02.2003.

Bin bis einschl. 31.01.03 im Urlaub.

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 09:06:26 +0100

From: Andy Hayes

Subject: ABP Question

Hi All

RMRBank has an archive function that can be set up. I generally use this as follows: -

I set up an archive called say Current2002

At the end of any month in 2002 my bank statement will arrive

I mark as reconciled on the netBook the transactions that appear on the statement

I then archive those transactions to Current2002

At the end of the next month I go through the same procedure - the latest reconciliation's are appended to the Current2002 file

Unless I am mistaken each split of the file in ABP5 has to be to a separate file. So are those of you using the app reconciling every month but only setting up the split at the end of each year?

Thanks

Andy Hayes

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 09:08:38 +0100

From: c.byatt

Subject: Macro menu (or menu macro) query

When writing macros, is there any way directly to call specific menu items if they don't have a hot key equivalent? Two specific examples are Paste special and Delete in the Sheet menu.

Using the arrow keys only works if you start from scratch - after you have called the menu once, any further calls of the menu will start from where you left off and then move relatively from there. I realise I could add an extra line at the end of the macro to call the menu up again and simply use the cursor keys to navigate the cursor back to the first option under "File", but that's not very elegant, & slows the macro down a bit (several steps instead of one).

Bye for now

Kit (writing this in bed with NightKeys, without waking wife!)

Hereford, UK

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 09:08:41 +0100

From: c.byatt

Subject: software use - Sheet for clocking on/off

I use Sheet very often - I love to be able to keep records at the time of things, having set the sheet up so that I get summary information built up from the cumulative data.

An example - a while back I wondered how many hours per day I was working on average. I therefore set up a sheet with days of the week in order (Mon-Sun) continuously down the first column, "=TODAY" in the cells of the 2nd col, and "=NOW" down the cells in the 3rd and 4th cols. I then wrote a macro which forces a recalculation (Shift+Ctrl+k) to make the NOW or TODAY value current, copies the cell's content (Ctrl+c), and then calls the Edit/Paste/Paste Special menu which pastes the cell's current value (not the formula) back into the cell.

When I arrive at work, I select the cells of the second and third cols by the relevant day of the week (today's was Tue) and then run the macro (which I called pasteval). This then copies the current value for the day and time back into into the highlighted cells. When I am leaving work, I simply select the relevant cell in the 4th col, run pasteval, and my departure time appears.

That's the data collection. For collation, I have used an =IF function to set the 5th cell to be blank if 3rd & 4th are equal, or 4-3 if they are not - that gives the number of hours I've worked that day (actually, it's a bit more complicated than just "cell 4-cell 3" because the time is stored in each cell as a decimal part of 1 day so the result has to be converted to hours [as integers plus decimal fractions] but I'll gloss over that bit unless anyone asks...).

The final bit is the mean number of days worked per weekday and per weekend day (my pattern of work is different at weekends, so I wanted to keep this information separately). I set up cells 6 and 7 of each row to show either a blank or respectively the value of cell 5 if today was a weekday or cell 7 if today was a weekend day [relevant IF function formula available on request!].

In the top row (always visible using Menu/View/Freeze panes menu option) I then have the mean values visible for cols 6 (weekdays) and 7 (weekends) so I can see the current figures, automatically updated after each new entry.

Sorry this is long-winded - Itamar asked for us to "describe a certain program they use a lot in more detail" - it's the sort of thing that is easy to show someone else using one's Psion, but complicated to put into words. If anyone wants further details, I'd be happy to oblige.

Bye for now

Kit (currently averaging 8.73 hrs at work per weekday...)

Hereford, UK

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 10:50:16 +0100

From: Jan R Gustafsson

Subject: Re: System Files & Siemens pen reader

Thanks to all of you who responded to my questions concerning system files!

The discussion on Maplin's service made me interested in the Siemens pen. (Any sign from them Trygve?) There must be other webshops that offer it for a reasonable price, any suggestions? Does any of our German digesters no of one - after all it is a Siemens product.

Regards,

Jan G

Stockholm, Swede

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 11:35:25 +0100

From: Peter Keene

Subject: JORNADA 7XX

Hi Guys,

I've been helping my daughter's boyfriend to evaluate various mobile computing options for his business (no prizes for guessing that I'm pushing him towards the netBook). As part of the process we were in touch with the HP Jornada distributor in Cape Town and I was surprised to learn from them that the Jornada 7XX series has been discontinued and will not be replaced by another clamshell device. If their facts are correct, one of the more acceptable Psion replacement options has bitten the dust.

Had a chance to play with a new netBook yesterday. Obviously the ROM is Build 158 so nothing new there. Cosmetically, it appeared to be better finished than my 3 year old machine and the keyboard has just a few lettering updates eg On/Off on the Esc key and the brightness symbol on the spacebar.

My netBook might be showing the first signs of age - I've never used the On/Off slider being in the habit of using Esc and Fn/Esc. Now, if I use the latter combination to switch off the machine, it immediately switches back on again.

Regards,

Peter

Cape Town RSA

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 12:48:51 +0100

From: Jorge Ramos

Subject: Powerbase tutorials

Thanks to Steve Hodgson and Alan Morris for helpful suggestions on timetracking/billing solutions (see "Query - Agenda to Data/Sheet Link" in Epoc Digest # 136 and their relevant replies in #s 137-138).

i have begun investigating the functionality of both Kevin Millican's PsiDat and Purple Software's Powerbase (got an old evaluation version). as you mentioned, there is a steep learning curve but it is interesting to get to grips with relational databases within the inbuilt limitations of EPOC DBMS relative to SQL.

Does anyone know where i get hold of any tutorials that are more extensive than the Powerbase manual (they used to be on the FoxPop website but they are now charging for these on a CD which i do not wish to pay for nor await delivery of particularly if the software will not suit my purposes in the end).

Thanks and regards

Jorge Ram

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 12:50:14 +0100

From: Jorge Ramos

Subject: Animated GIFs on EPOC?

Dear all

Three related queries that may be a little off topic: (1) Anyone know of any EPOC software/apps to display Animated GIFs on a 5mx/MC218? (2) Anyone know of WinPC freeware that can strip the frames of Animated GIFs to save as individual BMPs (which could then be converted to animated EPOC MBMs)? (3) Anyone know how to detach animated GIFs embedded in Outlook email pages (formatted in HTML)?

Thanks and regards,

Jorge Ram

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 13:01:49 +0100

From: Mike Robins

Subject: Netbooks for sale

Hello from a lurker,

Just seen Psion Netbooks for sale on Expansys.com for aboy £615.99 inc VAT.

http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=PSI_NETBOOK1

They are ex demo - the web site gives details

Happy bargain hunting

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 15:15:43 +0100

From: Grant Mearns

Subject: Columns in Word (sort of)

>> As far as I can tell, Psion Word can't handle two column layouts.

Columns can be fudged using embedded spreadsheets with spaces between them. Its a great shame that Word doesn't allow Word objects to be inserted as visible objects rather than icons. A simple but great opportunity missed.

Outline:

- Wrap text in cells.

- 256 character limit per paragraph.

- No justification of text.

- Rather limited in use.

- Rather time-consuming and fiddly.

- Prints out pretty good via a PC.

- Objects will convert via PsiWin (some tweaking required).

- If the document is intended for print, add a white border to the

outside of the group of cells to mask the default object border that

Word applies.

An example Word doc has been posted at:

www.dukibean.plus.com/articles/column_example

It looks cack on screen as a border has been applied for the purpose of printing. Why did Psion include those hideous vertical lines in spreadsheets . . .

Regards

Grant

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 15:36:17 +0100

From: Itamar Engelsman

Subject: eTrex & Palmtop GPS, Clove, Last Psion, Screen cable, screen lines,

Answer to : Andrew Longdon

Re. eTrex & Palmtop GPS - I don't know about connecting the different cables together. At the time I bought a special cable to connect the eTrex to my 5MX as it will also power both machines from the cigarette lighter, and with trips of several hours to the Continent (of Europe) it would go through too many batteries to stay connected.

As to the Palmtop GPS, it is a unit specially designed for usage with a Psion and in a car. You power it only from the cigarette lighter of the car, and it has a magnet at the bottom to put it on the roof of the car (cable through the side of the door). With the demise of Psion I understand Palmtop will convert the GPS to work with other pda's. Otherwise it works the same as other GPS's.

Answer : Simon Wolf

Re. Clove - Clove orgininally started as only a Psion dealer, his first sale was a cable for the S3 which he personally delivered to the client. Of course he had to diversify in order to survive. Today it is already a father and son business. In the last issue of the magazine Palmtop Crhis Love (the owner of Clove) looked back at 10 years in the business (Musings).

Answer : Tim Schweikert

Re. Last Psion - Sorry to hear about your problems. My advice is to try and get yourself a S7 or netBook. These are more sturdy and stronger than the other Psions, and will most probably allow you to stay several more years with the EPOC platform.

Answer : Ramez

Re. Screen cable - Where did you buy your 5MX ? Can't you claim on a guarantee ? You can try POS Ltd. in the UK, they did send them by post to clients outside the UK in the past (www.posltd.com).

Answer : Wayne & Jane

Re. screen lines - With more and more of the subscribers encountering the screen cable problem and looking for cheap options to repair it, it might be a wonderful idea to publish your experience with photos on the internet.

To All: Where can we "simple mortals" find information on the Dana so much discussed here ?

Best regards,

Itamar Engelsman

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 16:05:18 +0100

From: vlad arghir

Subject: Re: EPOC DIGEST V1 # 142

> Wayne wrote:

> I canput up what I did on a web page with photo's if some are interested. yes pls

best

vlad

*++++++++++&

Date: 8 Jan 2003 21:18:17 +0100

From: Kevin Thorne

Subject: S7 battery, ABP, Orange PAYG

Reply to Itamar Englesman:

Subject: S7 battery

<Re. S7 battery performance - I don't keep as exact a record as you do, but in almost half a year of using my S7 I never got the full 6 hours of usage. However, I use my S7 for all my personal emailing, connecting 4 to 5 times a day to the internet, and I understand using the serial connection and/or the IR port will use more battery power. Of course using the Dacom modem takes even more power, and I also notice on Chadisk7 that the blue line that usually curves down gradually looks differently when using the Dacom modem (it moves more up and down).>

I too use IR quite a lot during the time it takes for the battery to fully discharge yet still I manage those figures of over 6 hours. I've heard a PC modem card is the culprit as this apparently sucks power from your battery. Of course, although one uses the IR port for the Travel Modem it does have its own power supply so I guess this modem would be kinder to the battery performance. But then, as you said before, the PC card modem is more portable as you don't need to carry another box around with you.

Reply to Andy Hayes:

Subject: APB

<I am seriously considering using ABP this year. The only thing that stops me

at the moment is my attachment to the default transactions in RMRBank.>

Thanks for the info on Orange PAYG (although see next subject below). I've used RMR Bank in the past and found those multiple default transaction options great as well. Plus, as I need to use a fuel consumption program, I particularly like the way it integrates so well with other program modules such as Fuel. I've also tried ABP but haven't yet really explored it but it does look very functional. I currently use the old Palmtop Money which I find very fast and quite functional, although I really wish it had been colourised for use on a S7. I found RMR Bank a bit slow compared with the other two though and certainly the ER6 version I sometimes use on my 9210 seems to hog a great deal of the very limited RAM available on this device whereas APB runs much faster and Money isn't available for ER6 (pity). So, I'm falling between stools here on which program to use in the future myself ;-)

Reply to Alan R Morris:

Orange PAYG

<I'm on ED50 and had understood that data was not available on PAYG. But I recently saw a post that although their shops said no, an e-mail to Orange got a positive reply.

Probably the usual problem. You'll have to ask half a dozen (or more) folk before you find one that knows and can therefore say yes.>

I've had mixed reactions - some people have told me yes, others no. Orange Customer Services don't even seem to be sure! I think the confusion is caused by WAP which is definitely available on PAYG but of course is not the same as what I want. So the ability to access a WAP portal is defined by Orange as "data access". I suppose the only way to be certain is to pop a PAYG SIM into a suitable handset and try it, but I have a feeling it won't work. And if it doesn't, this raises the question of why can't a PAYG service be enabled for "full" data as on a contract service? Is it a technical issue or just the service provider's way of making you go on a contract for extra services?

Regards

Kevin Thorne

*++++++++++&

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