So, What is a Datalink?

The Datalink is a pretty neat watch that Timex created which allows you to download information just by pointing the watch at the display screen.  You have probably seen the commercials where the dog and cat play around with reprogramming the appointments on the watch.

What makes the watch interesting to me is that you can actually write programs for it.  Although Timex did not document how to do this, it turned out not to be too difficult to figure out how to write code for the watch.  Of course explaining how to do that is a bit more difficult, but that is what this web page is all about.

There are three basic models of the Datalink

• The original 75 model which allowed you to download phone numbers, alarms, lists, anniversaries, and appointments.
• The updated 150 model which doubled the download speed and increased the amount of memory for storing those phone numbers, alarms, lists, anniversaries, and appointments.  Timex also was kind enough to give us the ability to download Wristapps to extend the functionality of the watch.
• The smaller 150s model which is nearly identical to the 150 in capabilities.  This was introduced for the 1996 Christmas season as a ladie's watch.
• I have seen a reference to a 150r model, but I have no information about this watch or what its capabilities are.

What programs can I load in the 150/150s?

Timex ships several useful Wristapps with the 150 in the box:

• Note - Used for copying up to 255 characters of text (30-40 words) to the watch. It is useful for storing directions, etc. that need to be readily accessable.
• Melody Tester - Used for testing Watch Tones on the watch. It sure beats waiting around for the appointment beep to go off.
• Stopwatch - A chronograph that times events by starting from zero and counting up.
• Adjustable Timer - Allows setting of a time to be counted from 1 minute to 100 hours, in 1 minute increments.
• Preset Timer - The Preset Countdown Timer that allows for quick selection of the following preset times: 5, 10, 15 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
• Week of the Year (U.S.) - Displays what week of the year it is, what day of the year it is, and how many days are left in the year.
• Week of the Year (International) - Displays what week of the year it is, what day of the year it is, and how many days are left in the year.

You can also purchase the optional Wristapps which give you a few other useful wristapps:

• Golf - A golfer's electronic scorecard. Enter the number of strokes per hole and let the watch calculate the total for the round and the front and back nine. You can recall your totals or hole scores at any time.
• CopyMe Game - A memory game. The watch displays a sequence of 0's that you must duplicate using the watch's buttons. If you are successful, the watch adds another step to the sequence. Make it through 15 steps and you win!
• Pulse - Gives you a quick estimate of your pulse rate. Feel for your pulse. When the watch beeps, start counting beats. When you count ten, press a button, and the watch calculates your pulse. It's a great workout companion.
• World Time - Displays the time in each of the 24 time zones around the world.
• Conversion - Gives you a table for converting values from one unit to another.