<%@ Language=JavaScript %> PalmRemote for WindowsCE

Click here for Japanese Documentation
Since 9/25/1999
Last Update 7/22/2001


This software, known as "RemoconCon for WindowsCE", was awarded the Microsoft prize at the "Microsoft Windows CE FAN WindowsCE softwares contest in Japan (1999)."

PalmRemote for WindowsCE

(The Japanese name is RemoconCon for WindowsCE.)
Copyright (c) 1999-2001 Hiromu Okada

Click here for Palm OS(R) version.
Click here for Windows95 version.


This software is designed for MIPS CPU (NEC VR-4000 series, OS2.1x)
and adjusted for optimum performance on a CASIO E-55 (Japanese version of E-15, OS2.11).
If you have CASIO E-100(OS2.1x) or other MIPS(OS2.1x) device, you can adjust the value of
the Pulse Length to optimize this software for your device.


Introduction:

PalmRemote (RemoconCon) is the first ever WindowsCE software for MIPS CPU (NEC VR-4000 series) that imitates an infrared remote control using the built-in infrared port. 
PalmRemote features a macro function, which offers easy multiple step operations with just one touch.

Important safety information:

Do not use PalmRemote for the purpose of unattended, automated running of electrical products such as air conditioners. This may cause electrical fires.
PalmRemote is not licensed for such automated, unattended use.

How Does the PalmRemote Compare to Manufacturer's Remotes?

Computer style infrared (IrDA) ports have been designed to reduce interference for more reliable data transfer. 
To achieve this, the infrared beam has been designed to be very narrow (5 degrees). 
This means you will need to aim the IrDA port directly at the target device (TV, VCR, etc). 
The infrared beam has a reach of about 2 meters ( 6.6 feet ) with good battery condition. 
Distance and height are important in making this remote work. 
Vary the height, distance and angle to find what works for your environment.

SONY / Toshiba / NEC / SANYO / Mitsubishi / JVC products is practical range of distance.
Report of range of distance:

If you would like to more IR power ( 33 feet ) using the built-in infrared port, See Japanese documentation "How to increase the IR power of Casio PsPC (OS2.1x)".

Redistribution:

You are not permitted to add to or modify this compressed archive file.


Tables of contents:

  1. System requirements
  2. Revision History
  3. Installation
  4. How to use
     4-1. Set Up
     4-2. Sending an infrared signal
     4-3. Cursor hardware buttons
     4-4. Operation screen view
     4-5. Learning function
     4-6. Macro function
     4-7. Adjusting the Pulse Length
  5. How to register
  6. Tech Support
  7. Other

1.System Requirements:

PalmRemote was designed for the CASIO E-15 (OS2.11).
For use with CASIO E-100/105(OS2.1x), Compaq Presario 213/Aero 2180(OS2.1x), and other devices loading MIPS CPU (NEC VR4000 series, OS2.1x), you can adjust the value of the Pulse Length to optimize this software for your device. (See 4-7)


2.Revision History:

3/18/2000
Version 2.2.0
Fixed the bug that learning function caused.

3/10/2000
Version 2.1.0
Adjusted PANASONIC remote data.

2/21/2000
Version 1.1.0
(beta testing version)
Added English Documentation.
Adjusted SONY remote data.

2/20/2000
Version 1.0.0
(beta testing version)
Added learning function.
Added macro function.
Fixed the interference that application launcher hardware buttons caused.
(Stopped support of the application launcher hardware buttons.)
Fixed the bug in redrawing the screen.
Reconsidering the remote emulation method.

10/13/1999
Version 0.9.3
(Microsoft / WindowsCE FAN WindowsCE software contest version)
Added a new function: the automatic detection of the CPU.

A few words of thanks:
I thank Mr. Ari-p for his advice on E-500 CPU ability value.
Mr. Ari-p was the first to demonstrate that the IrDA transmitter could become a consumer remote with a MS-DOS application called RUNA (@Nifty IrDA Forum BBS in Japan).
If not for Mr. Ari-p's work, this software and other IrDA remote software which work on other Operating Systems would not be possible.

9/25/1999
Version 0.9.0
(Microsoft / WindowsCE FAN WindowsCE software contest version) Converted from the Windows version to WindowsCE version.


3.Installation:

The installation must be done manually.
After downloading, unzip the files into a folder, and use ActiveSync to copy the files "PalmRemote.exe" (application) and "PalmRemote.HTP" (help file) for your type of device (HPC/PPC) into \Windows\Start Menu\ on your WindowsCE device.
Run it from start menu.
The "PalmRemote.exe" may also be copied to any folder on the CF card and paste a shortcut on the Start Menu.


4. How to use:

4-1. Set Up:

When you use PalmRemote for the first time, the [Preset Data Selection] dialog appears. Select the product you wish to control. If the list does not show the product you own, select the [USER] option and enter a name. These settings can be changed at any time.
Next the [ Hardware Wizard ] dialog appears.
Select the type of WindowsCE device you are using.

4-2. Sending an infrared signal:

Select a product to target by tapping the arrow keys << or >> at the top of the screen. Tap a button and the infrared signal is sent. You need to aim at the infrared sensor window of your target; In order to reduce interference, the infrared beam of a typical IrDA module has been designed to be very narrow (5 degrees) with a reach of about 2 meters ( 6.6 feet ). Distance and height are important in making this remote work. Vary the height, distance and angle to find what works for your environment.

SONY / Toshiba / NEC / SANYO / Mitsubishi / JVC products is practical range of distance.
Report of range of distance:

If you would like to more IR power ( 33 feet ) using the built-in infrared port, See Japanese documentation "How to increase the IR power of Casio PsPC (OS2.1x)".
If you are using a device that is not a CASIO E-15, you will need to adjust the Pulse Length (See 4-7).

4-3. Actions of cursor hardware buttons:

The arrow buttons ( cursor-type arrow buttons ) can be used as Volume Up/Down and Channel Up/Down function.

4-4.Operation screen view:

The buttons were designed big so that they can be pressed with your finger.
[Numeral (N) view] is for the normal buttons.
[Function (F) view] is for special 14 function buttons.
You can switch these operation screens by selecting [menu | view] or tapping [N]/[F] buttons.
The Function (F) View screen is longer than 1 screen and can be navigated using the yellow arrow in the top right hand side of the screen.

4-5. Learning function:

The theory behind the learning function resembles that of using a tape recorder. You can control a product by recording an infrared signal and playing it back. Frequencies that PalmRemote can learn are 40kHz (Sony, Pioneer etc.), 38kHz(NEC, Toshiba, Hitachi, Sanyo, Fujitsu, Sharp, Panasonic, JVC etc.) and 33kHz (Mitsubishi). PalmRemote cannot learn signals using other frequencies (such as 455kHz).

To activate the Learn Function:

-Select [menu | Option | Button Setting].
Then the [Button Setting Wizard1] dialog appears.
–Tap the [Next >>] button. Then tap a button on the screen that you want to customize.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard2] dialog appears.
-Select a [Learning] radio button and tap a [Next >>] button.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard3] dialog appears.
You are then ready to begin. 

Aim the remote control IR window at the infrared port of the WindowsCE device. (It will be able to learn best if both devices are placed on hard surface).

-Tap the [Learn] button and push a button on your remote control for 1 second to make your WindowsCE device "learn" the infrared signal.

An [Error code] message appears when the PalmRemote failed in learning.

A [SUCCESS] message appears when learning is successful.

-Tap the [Next >>] button. The [Button Setting Wizard Finish] dialog appears.

At this time, if you want to customize the label text (Only work for Function key F1-F14), select a [ Edit ] radio button, and enter a label that indicates the function of the button.

-Tap the [ Finish>> ] button to end.

Note that your WindowsCE device will ‘save’ the infrared information when you exit the PalmRemote program.

4-6. Macro function:

By using one button with a macro function, you can have access to a number of complex operations.

To activate the Macro Function:

-Select [menu | Option | Button Setting].
Then the [Button Setting Wizard1] dialog appears.
–Tap the [Next >>] button. Then tap a button on the screen that you wish to customize.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard2] dialog appears.
-Select a [Macro Recording] radio button and tap the [Next >>] button.
Then the [Button Setting Wizard3] dialog appears. Macro recording is ready to begin.
-After tapping the [Next>>] button, tap each of the buttons in the sequences that you want. 
The [Button Setting Wizard Step4] dialog appears, before each next operation.
Then you must select a [0.5 sec] or [1.0 sec] button to insert a delay between operations.
Repeat these operations until sequential operations you want.
When you are done programming all the buttons you wish to have signals on, select a [Finish] radio button and tap the [Next >>] button. 
The [Button Setting Wizard Finish] dialog appears.

At this time, if you want to customize the label text (Only work for Function key F1-F14), select a [ Edit ] radio button, and enter a label that indicates the function of the button.

-Tap the [ Finish>> ] button to end.

PalmRemote prevents you from falling into an infinite loop and does not permit you to set the button if it was already set as a macro.

4-7. Adjusting the Pulse Length

This version was adjusted for performance on a CASIO E-55 (Japanese version of E-15, OS2.11).
If you have a CASIO E-100(OS2.1x) or other MIPS device(OS2.1x), you can adjust the value of the Pulse Length.

Select [menu | Option | Pulse Length Adjust], then the [Pulse Length Adjust] dialog appears.
Adjust value is from [-5] to [+5] and you can change this using slider.
And try sending.


5.How to register:

This software is shareware ($29 U.S.).
The trial period for this software is 14 days.
Please register this software if you wish to continue to use it after this time!
To register PalmRemote please visit the Kagi Online Service Page.

Even if you have already registered PalmRemote (RemoconCon) for other platforms (for example, PalmRemote for Palm OS(R) or RemoconCon for Windows 95), you still need to register this product for use on your WindowsCE device.

After you submit your registration and payment information, a password for PalmRemote version 2.x will be sent to you by e-mail ( subject: Thanks for your payment ).

Please enter your PASSWORD in the " Menu | Help | Shareware Information " Dialog.


6. Tech Support:

For more information or to get a new version please visit:

http://www.vector.co.jp/authors/VA0058110/indexe.htm

http://www.vector.co.jp/authors/VA005810/remocon/premcee.htm

 


7. Other:

All company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.