Psion Infrared Communications Software Activity Log

Jan 10,2000

A new version of S5TV (0.54) is now available. The display now auto adjusts to the Revo's smaller screen. I do not have a Revo to test so let me know how it looks and what else needs to be changed. For the S7 added new tests for an IR capable serial port. Does this make it run on a Series 7?
One common question is "Can a learning remote be made so the Psion can just read my current remote's codes?". The answer is a definite NO. Psion's are almost blind to a remote's IR signal. It can tell something is sending IR but does not have the resolution (clarity) to capture the detail necessary to reproduce it. Just be happy it can generate a good enough signal to fool your equipment. That alone should have been impossible. Psion did not provide the hardware assist that other manufactures thought to include in their products.

Jan 7,2000

The new S5TV version 0.53 now works on the 5MX and Revo. However, I still need to adjust the display on the Revo to fit the smaller 3c size screen. S5TV does not run on an S7 but the next version might. Look for a new version by 1/8/2000 (or 8/1/2000 in some parts of the world).

Jan 5,2000

Just a quick status update on IR Control Programs. A new version of S5TV should be available by 1/7/2000 that has some new code that might make it work on the 5mx/Revo. If I have time I will also add in support for the Philips RC-5 protocol and if I don't run into problems I will try to add the ability for an advanced user to enter in one temporary test protocol of her/his own making. You will NOT be able to save the protocol settings but at least you can verify that the entered protocol does operate your equipment and find the codes for all the functions.
I was pointed to an interesting web page http://www.remotecentral.com by Kyle Gordon. If you follow the "Philips Pronto" link you will find hundreds of IR definitions under "File Archive". There is a decomplier available that allows one to extract the raw IR data from the .ccf files which can then be used to create the information my programs require. At the moment this is a manual process but there is the possibility of automating this process.

Nov 3,1999

New link to the IR Remote Control page.

Nov 30,1999 (Series 5 TV Remote)

New version 0.51 available to fix error when trying to load a file. I added a new argument to the load rountine and did not update all the places I called it. You could only auto load the file "Default.irc" at start up.
Working on an S3TV version for the Siena/3c/3mx.
Also coming soon is a new page just for IR Remote stuff.

Nov 29,1999 (Series 5 TV Remote)

Click here to download the new S5TV.SIS package (Ver 0.5). This package includes Keith's OPX files so this is the only file you need to download, unzip, and install to get S5TV on your Series 5. Since this is now a proper install package the program will show up on the "Extras" bar. The format of the .IRC file has changed to support multiple formats so previous versions can not be used. Please erase preivous versions of S5TV and .IRC files as all files are now placed in a separate S5TV folder under System/Apps.
The package still does not work correctly on the 5mx but can be run in a demo mode. Although the 5mx IR Serial Port is now detected, for some reason the port can not be configured.
This version includes support for four IR protocols - Sony, JVC, Panasonic DVD, and Onkyo Receiver. A sample file (Example.irc) is included and can be automatically loaded by saving it as DEFAULT.IRC.
The IR Sleep function has been removed. The IR port is now only enabled for the time it takes to send the function. This saves power and allows PsiWin to run without making any changes to S5TV.
The ESC key now functions as a single key on/off.

Nov 25,1999

Click here to download S5TV.OPO (Ver 0.4a). This version requires Keith's latest CCOMMS OPX (1.4). This version of the OPX has the fix for the KERN-EXEC 3 bug and new routines that should now work on the 5mx/Revo. S5TV Version 0.4a uses these new routines. If you have a 5mx and/or Revo please let me know if S5TV now works for you.
I have noticed that the power usage runs around 110ma so be sure to use the sleep option to save power. It is likely that the next version will automatically power down the serial port between key presses.
Click here to get to Keith Walker's download page. Get "MARM CComms 1.4" and "MARM CDescriptor 1.0" SIS packages.

Nov 22,1999

Click here to download S5TV.OPO (Ver 0.4). Note the version change from 1.x to 0.x. Keypad has many new features. If you have a 5mx/Revo you can still run this version in Demo Only mode where the IR is turned off. You can fully customize the keypad with new codes and save/load your new settings. New "Sleep" mode lets you free the serial port for use by PsiWin for file transfers without exiting the program.
There is (at least) one minor bug. If you get the warning message for entering a bad hex number, when you exit the program you may see a KERN-EXEC 3 error screen. Program seems to run fine. Just when you exit you get this error screen.
Click here to get to Keith Walker's download page. Get "MARM CComms 1.2" and "MARM CDescriptor 1.0" SIS packages.
An OPX update from Keith might hold the answer to getting this program running on the 5mx.

Nov 20,1999

Click here to download S5TV.OPO (Ver 1.3). This version includes 21 Sony TV functions, the ability to test any one of the 4096 Sony Codes (VCR/CD/MiniDisk), and a real GUI Keypad for the 21 built in functions. You have the option to rearrange/rename the keys if you don't like the defaults. Supports touch screen, direct keys, or cursor keys.
Click here to get to Keith Walker's download page. Get "MARM CComms 1.2" and "MARM CDescriptor 1.0" SIS packages.
An OPX update from Keith might hold the answer to getting this program running on the 5mx.

Nov 18,1999

Click here to download S5TV.OPO (Ver 1.2) in zip format. Ten standard Sony TV functions are now included so if you have the right TV you can use your Psion as a remote. If not you can manually enter any of the 4096 possible codes (in Hexidecimal).
Although there is no fix yet to make it run on the 5mx there is additional debug information. In addition to the number of ports the port name(s) and unit range is listed. If you can get anything other then "COMM [0-0]" send me a note with what you do get. This could help speed a solution. Thank. JRP

Nov 17,1999

Bad news for 5mx owners. Seems Psion has dropped support for SIR (Serial Infra-red) when they went from the 5 to the 5mx. The -4 error code you see when you run my latest version of S5TV (1.1e) means NOT SUPPORTED when I try to enable the IR Port. So no TV remote until some very bright person comes up with a fix. Currently the 5mx only supports IRDA protocol which means I can not send any data out until another IRDA device is detected. This means your TV would need to send out the IRDA pulses first before I can send my signals which will never happen.

Nov 16,1999 Updated 3

Looks like the 5mx has a problem. The second update to Ver 1.1a should fix the program crash when the program fails on the 5mx.
Click here to download S5TV.OPO (Ver 1.2) in zip format. Install on your Psion along with CComms (ver 1.2) and CDescriptor (ver 1.0) OPXs from Keith Walker. Use PsiWin to install the two SIS packages and copy over S5TV.OPO. Turn off your Remote Link before running S5TV.
(The new version of S5TV Ver 1.1 works with Keith's 1.2 version of CComms from his web page. If you downloaded Ver 1.0 and the version of CComms that I had on my web page, discard both and get fresh copies.)
Click here to get to Keith Walker's download page. Get "MARM CComms 1.2" and "MARM CDescriptor 1.0" packages.
Ok, I have done my part. Now start checking it out on your Psion and let me know if it works. Does it work on a 5mx, Series 7, Revo,...????? Can you break my 21 foot record?

Nov 15,1999

It works!!! For the first time in history, at approximately 5:45 PM today a Series 5 Psion turned a Sony TV on and off at a range of 21 feet. This amazing feat was accomplished with the help of Keith's newest CComms opx.

Nov 13,1999

If you get the error message "File or device in use" while running my programs it means the IR Port can not be opened. To fix this go to the System screen and press Menu then select Special/Communications. If "Link cable" is selected then this is the problem. There is only one serial port and it has been locked to the serial cable. Use the arrow keys to select either "Psion IR" or "None". These settings allow my program to open the IR port. If you use PsiWin with a cable be sure to switch it back.
Work continues on a test program for the Series 5 and 5mx. Very close to knowing if this can work or not.
Click here to view a database describing IR codes. This information was collect by others and placed on the web many years ago. I have placed copies here to keep the data from being lost as many of the previous locations (schools) seem to be removing these very old files. These tables provides most of what is need to setup IREXPLOR.

Nov 9,1999

The test program for the 5mx does not seem to work. All reports so far indicate that using "Port B" hangs the program. Selecting "Port A" should work ok since that is the cable serial port (but of course will not generate any IR to control a TV).
Keith Walker contacted me and told me about his great Psion 5 OPXs web page. It looks like his CComms OPX is exactly what I need to control the IR port on the 5/5mx(/Revo?). At this time we are trying to write a little test program using his OPX to open, set the baud rate, write data, and close the serial port. If we can get that working to the serial cable it should then be possible to switch it over to the IR Port. If you are a programmer and want a challenge try coding it up. It would help in moving this project along.

Nov 7,1999

Corrected some formatting errors in the IRDUMP routine located at the bottom of this page. One of my HTML editors turned several lines of OPL into one long line and added in some extra quotes. I have added some vertical bars to show where the changes were made. (Thanks to Tony Hodge for bring this to my attention.)
Click here to download a simple test program for the 5mx. It just sends out the Sony TV power toggle code over and over using "TTY:B". If you have a 5mx please give it a try and let me know if it works. I have no way to test it with my old Series 5.
SonyIR has been reported to work on the 3mx. I will be releasing a newer version that makes one timing adjustment for the 3mx and addes in the ability to create a keypad. This way you can make a real remote replacement. For now you will just be able to control Sony devices but the format used by the keypad program (PsionIR) is universal so it can generate any mix of codes at the same time using different keys.

Sept 16,1999

Ok, click here to download the Remote Control test program. It is hardcoded for a common Sony IR protocol and includes a database file of over 100 key codes for TV and MiniDisc. You can use it to test if you can control your Sony equipment with your Siena or 3c. Sorry, Series 5 will not work until someone codes up an OPX that gives me back IR control from OPL (see readme file for more details).

July 6,1999

TV/VCR/... Remote Control is possible with a Psion (at least with a Siena but I see no reason why it should not also work on a 3c). This 4th of July weekend I finally got around to an in-depth analysis of IR Remote protocols and how a Psion might duplicate them. The most interesting thing (other than it works at all) is the range. If you are directly in front of the unit to be controlled you can be up to 3.5m (11.5 feet) away. I have one test program that controls my Sony TV with the following functons: Power On/Off, Channel Up/Down, Antenna Select, and Video Input Select. Sound goes to an Onkyo Receiver for which I have another test program that does Power On/Off, Mute, Volume Up/Down, and a general purpose function that accepts a direct code number input of 0 to 255. Next is to make a combined program that handles the Sony TV, Onkyo Receiver and add in control for a JVC VCR, and Pioneer CD.
To help in developing this program I need input as to the type/make/model of equipment people would like to control. This will help in prioritizing which codes to implement. If you have thoughts as to the user interface let me know them too. I currently use the Siena number pad keys but this limits the number of direct access functions.
I will try to post a sample test program that will turn on and off a Sony TV so others can test this out on a 3c and see if it works there too.
Updated several of the links so they should all work now.

Nov 18,1998

Now available is a new version of IRSEND5 that is much faster at sending files from a Siena/3c to a Series 5. All the time critical code has been converted from OPL to Assembler. The PC Loader program has also been updated to run in a DOS window of Windows 95/98.

Nov 16,1998

New versions of both IRBACKUP and IRESTORE are now available and should work much better under Win 95/98. IRESTORE seems to run best at 38400 baud or less while IRBACKUP runs up to 115200. There is not much time reduction when going from 57600 to 115200 baud. Please read the two readme files in the shareware package for all the new feature.

Nov 10,1998

A very improved iRestore version 1.0 will be the first program made available (by Nov 15) that uses the non-interrupt protocol discribed on Aug 1. The following new features are now supported:
1. A log is now kept listing what files were and were not restored and why.
2. Restore only missing files. (default)
3. Restore only missing or newer files.
4. Check for available space before restoring each file.
5. Partial restore by directory/subdirectory.
6. Selective restore by file name/type with wildcards.
7. Restore to a different directory then the original.
8. '/Test' option to see a list of what files you have selected to restore and where they will go on your Psion. Done without Psion.
Registered users of iRestore 0.2 will receive this update for free. If you would like to be one of the first to receive the update, just drop me a note with your current e-mail address and your registration number.
The program irNFS that runs on your Psion is still at the 0.9 level so there is nothing new to load on your Psion to run iRestore version 1.0.

Aug 1,1998

New improved versions of all my DOS programs will be available shortly. These versions have been updated and tested to run in a normal DOS window under both Windows 95 and Windows 98. They no longer try to take over the interrupt for the IR port. Instead they directly poll the port for incoming data. This appears to solve the incompatibility problems when Microsoft's IR drivers and IR monitor software is running.

On a CTX 700LS notebook with Windows 98 installed none of the previous DOS IR programs would function with the built in IR port. I was only able to get the current programs to work by attaching an external IR Adapter to the serial port. The improved versions now work with the built in IR port.

Note that you need to provide my programs with the physical IR port value. If you look on the "My Computer, Properties, Device Manger" page under "Ports (COM & LPT)" and you have a built in IR port that Windows has detected you will only see "Virtual Infrared COM Port" listed which has no resources assigned. On most notebooks the IR port is assign to COM2 but can be changed at system boot time by entering your computers CMOS Setup screen.

PDIR, IRCOPY, and IRBACKUP are up and running and as soon as I update the readme files I will post the shareware versions on this web page. So far I have been able to leave the Microsoft IR monitor program running during my testing and have not had any conflicts.

Jan 14,1998

New version of IRSEND5 (0.4) that fixes a major bug that made it all but impossible to send binary files from your Siena/3c to your Series 5.
Fixed up a number of stale links.
It seems that the Toshiba Satellite series of Notebook computers do not work well with my programs. Be sure to test your system with my shareware versions before ordering.

Aug 18,1997 : New version of IRCOPY (0.5b) to fix one place I missed to enable Tekram IR-210B support greater than 9600 baud..

Aug 13,1997 : Support for the Tekram IR-210B external adapter has been added to PDIR,IRCOPY,IRSAVE, and IRSEND. Since I do not have access to this type of adapter I would appreciate any feedback on how well this support works. I have also fixed the bug in IRSAVE that prevented saving a file of less than 64 bytes in size.

Also fixed up a number of stale links.

Aug 12,1997 : New version of IRSEND5 v0.3 that supports conversion of OPL files to Series 5 format. 8/11/97 : As some of you have noticed I am falling a little bit behind in getting some of my new stuff out on the WEB. I have finally gotten around to writing the readme file for IRESTORE and it along with the shareware version are now available. WARNING be sure to read ALL of the readme file for IRESTORE and do a test restore to check things out first.

I have also been able to create a generic UID for IRSEND5 which allows the program to send OPL/OPP files over to your Series 5 and have them show up as OPL documents instead of with a question mark. This also means you can just tap on the document to bring up the OPL editor instead of having to import the file first and resave it. The only problem I have with it is you sometimes have to close and reopen the folder to get the question mark to switch to OPL. A power off/on also gets the icon to switch to OPL.

Aug 6,1997 : New version of IRSEND5 0.2 which has a little smarter code so that the disconnect frame is sent after the Series 5 has indicated it is done with the transfer. Previous version just waited a fixed time and then set the disconnect.
Aug 4,1997 : The first version of my direct 3c/Siena to Series 5 Infrared transfer program is now available for testing. Due to the different file formats used on the Series 5 only text files can be transferred. Trying to send a binary or non pure text file will confuse the Series 5 into thinking it is receiveing one of the new file formats and abort the operation when it does not understand the file header. This shareware version is limited to a single block transfer which at 115200 baud is 2044 bytes. Order the IRSEND/IRSAVE package below and list your PC type as Series 5 to receive the full unlimited version. This zip file includes two programs. The irSend5.opa code (7394 bytes) and a DOS program called LOADER that can be used to send the .opa file to your 3c/Siena using the Infrared link. Once the irSend5.opa program is installed on your 3c/Siena start the Series 5 IR Receive program then run irSend5 selecting the text file you wish to send. Once the file is on your Series 5 you will still need to use the import function of Word or the OPL editor to create a Series 5 formatted file.

Please send me your comments. Thanks.

The transfer rate is a little slow due to parts of the CRC gen/chk being done with opl code. If there is enough interest in this program I will look into changing that code into pure machine code.

July 26,1997 : New version of IRSEND 0.5a which includes support for the TM0 thru TM3 external adapter chips. Fully supports the IRSPEED= command to limit the initial Infrared Link speed. This version will now automatically retry at the next fastest baud rate if it fails to connect after five tries. It was reported by a user that the program did not work in a DOS Window under OS/2. I was finally able to get it to work under OS/2 if I reduced the baud rate from 115,200 baud down to 57,600. The program was then enhanced to automatically try slower rates. Once a rate has been found that works the user can use the IRSPEED= command to limit the transfer speed and skip the learning process.

July 25,1997 : The new version of IRSEND that supports the new Series 5 Infrared protocol is ready for testing. This version will automatically detect which type of Psion you have and use the appropriate protocol. Also includes a bug fix that prevented very small files from being transferred. Supports baud rates up to 115200 on the 3c and Series 5. Sorry, did not have time to include support for the Tekram IR-210. Look for that next week.

The Series 5 Infrared protocol supports sending over the files time and date. However, I have found that the Psion ROM has a bug which causes the saved file's create time to be off by up to 1 hour and 12 minutes. You can also see this problem if you send a file between two Series 5s using the Infrared link.

When transferring a 60KB file using IRSEND (registered version) I have gotten transfer speeds of 9,000 byte per second.

July 20,1997 : (Back from vacation) Worked out the new IR protocol Psion uses on their new Series 5. Have working test programs that transfer files to/from a PC and a Series 5 using this new protocol. Started updating IRSEND to be bilingual and automatically detect and adapt to 3c/Siena or Series 5 protocols. Also found a bug in IRSEND/IRSAVE which prevents very small files (<64 bytes) from being transferred properly. Registered users of IRSEND/IRSAVE will automatically receive updated versions that fix this bug and include support for the Series 5 (target is end of week).

Tekram has generously provided me with the programming information for their Tekram IR-210 external IR Adapter. Support for this adapter will be added as new versions of each program are released.

Jun 9,1997 : Fix bug in IRSAVE that did not switch back to 9600 baud after a transfer.

Jun 7,1997 : Newer versions of all programs are now available. The programs now support a number of external adapters ( Actisys IR220L , AIRport, JetEye , Redeye and any adapter using the Temic TOIM3232 chip). There is also a special PSION mode that should control the IR port just like the Siena Emulator does running on a PC. If you have had trouble running these programs before please try again using these new external options. Drop me a note if any of these help plus the type of equipment you were using. Thanks. JRP

PDIR and IRCOPY also include a new irNFS.opa (0.9) that automatically shuts down the backlight when irNFS is in the foreground. Some users have reported what seems like electrical noise from the backlight affecting their IR transfers.

The coding of the first pass of IRESTORE is now complete. If you are interested in testing it and have an SSD drive you can restore to drop me a note.

I have received a large amount of programming information for TV/VCR/.. remote controls from a generous individual. Thanks.

May 19,1997 : Newer versions of IRSAVE and IRSEND that support AIRport 1000/2000 external adatpers and the environment variables IRPORT and IRSPEED. If you have a Jeteye external IR adapter drop me a short note, I am looking for beta testers.

May 1,1997 : Added online registration links to all programs.

April 27,1997 : Minor update to PDIR (0.8a). Seems REGNET only updates on Saturdays and I just missed getting in last Saturday so you won't see any online registration information until at least after this Saturday.

First test release of IRCOPY 0.4 is now available for downloading and testing. This version is limited to transferring files no greater than 2KB is size. Registered version supports any file size.

April 23,1997 : Newer version of IRBACKUP (0.4a) with a fix so zero length files only get backed-up if they have not already been backed up. Newer version of PDIR (0.8) with some minor fixes. See README.DIR file for changes. Still waiting for REGNET to come through with a registration number.

April 22,1997 : Newer version of IRBACKUP (0.4) with fix for backing up zero length files. Type IRBACKUP ? to verify you have this latest version (Date=4/22/97). Still waiting for REGNET to come through with a registration number.

April 21,1997 : Next version of IRBACKUP (0.4) is ready except for the REGNET registration number. When I receive it I will post it here with a link to the registration page.

April 19,1997 : Next version of IRBACKUP (0.4) is coming real soon. Supports baud rates from 9600 to 115200. Supports IRPORT and IRSPEED variables like PDIR. Should backup zero length files now.

April 14,1997 : An updated version of PDIR (0.7) is now available. This version includes a new version of irNFS (0.7) that fixes a bug when copying files larger than 32767 bytes with the new irCopy 0.4. Fixes bug in PDIR that would cause Run-Time Error 10 if there were no files to display. The display format can be controlled through a new Environment Variable (day/month/year, 24hour time...). Override IRPORT setting by using command line irport value.

April 12,1997 : An updated version of PDIR (0.6) is now available. This version includes a new version of irNFS (0.6) that supports multiple baud rates from 9600 all the way upto 115200 baud. PDIR has a new Environment Variable to control the baud rate used over the IR Link to match that set in irNFS.

April 10,1997 : An updated version of PDIR (0.5) is now available. This version includes a new version of irNFS (0.5) that fixes a bug where the ALWAYS option would disable the Auto-Power-Off function of your Psion. Also fixed a bug in PDIR that prevented you from viewing your ROM:: files unless you used the /f option. Added a new SEND96 option for people with external IR Adapters to test which may allow you to load the irNFS.opa code to your Psion.

April 5,1997 : An updated version of PDIR (0.4) is now available. This version includes a new version of irNFS (0.4) that has reduced memory requirements on your Psion. The idea is to have irNFS running all the time and to bring it to the foreground to enable IR communications with your PC.

April 4,1997 : An updated version of PDIR (0.3) is now available. This version of PDIR now supports three different display formats. The default format displays a file's size, date, and time - one file per line - just like DOS.
A new version of irNFS (0.3) is also included in PDIR that puts irNFS to sleep if the 'Foreground Only' run mode is selected and irNFS is put in the background. The previous version would sit in a tight loop checking for an event and slowed down your Psion.
I have worked out the kinks in IRCOPY but I have decided to add in support for wildcard copies so it can be used as a poor mans (womans) restore allowing you to restore the complete contents of one directory with one irCopy command.

March 30,1997 : An updated version of PDIR is now available. One of my beta testers has found a problem with IRCOPY and I will hold off making it available until the fix has been verified.

March 28,1997 : A new package is available called PDIR. It is the first released program to make use of the new irNFS Psion server code. The new IRCOPY 0.4 has completed my pre-release testing phase and should be available this weekend.

March 26,1997 : Finished coding the first version of irNFS. Includes one additional function to allow setting the Date/Time of a file (needed for future irRestore). Coded up a new version of irCopy (0.4) which uses this new irNFS server code. Version 0.4 of irCopy now supports bidirectional copies (PC=>Psion or Psion=>PC) with automatic error handling. The file date and time are also preserved. Expect to see a new package very soon.

March 16,1997 : New version of vbIRSave that properly exits program if the CLOSE (ALT+F4) menu option is used to exit program. Also "grap" selected communications port even if another application was using it.

March 12,1997 : Just worked out the protocol for sending/receiving highlighted text. Turns out to be more complicated than just transferring a file. Look for a new version of vbIRSave (0.2) that copies highlighted Psion text to the Windows clipboard.

I am also working on an IR version of p3nfs that will allow Unix/Atari/whatever computers to access the Psion file system. The protocol will be enhanced to include CRC and probably some type of sequence number. I may then switch IRBackup to using this code on the Psion side and IRestore would definitely use it. I will try to post a page here of the proposed protocol. The current p3nfs program supports the following twelve commands: CREATE, GETATTR, MKDIR, READ, READDIR, REMOVE, RENAME, RMDIR, SETATTR, WRITE, GETDEVS, and STATDEV.

March 11,1997 : vbIRSave is ready for testing. It is a large file due to the inclusion of the VBRUN300.DLL and THREED.VBX files. Unpack to a temp directory then run SETUP. Since I only have 2MB of web page space I will NOT include these support files in other versions.

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