News archive - July 16-31 2001

REX 6000 Help Page News Archive

July 16 - 31, 2001

July 31, 2001

Lotus Organizer users - a reminder that direct sync w/the REX 6000 is possible! (From MJ)

"Here's an update on my Lotus Organizer/Yahoo Intellisync/Rex 6000 problems. Installing Intellisync for Yahoo (a free download) did indeed put Lotus Organizer into the list of software that could be synched with the Rex, through the Rex Sync that came with the 6000. That part works perfectly! But creating that compatibility must have been a suicide mission for Intellisync for Yahoo! Ever since it did that, it hasen't been able to resync the files to Yahoo for an online backup. Who cares!?! Organizer now syncs to Rex 6000; that's all I need."

Rexkeys 1.0 released, now with keyboard template files for languages included! (From Paul)

"I found <and fixed> some minor bugs and built in a new feature: the program is now able to load some prefabricated changes of the keyboard and the fonts.

Among others, I included German and Greek keyboard files. Two Russians used REXKEYS to make a russian keyboard, I hope I will get their results, than I will add it to my package.

Get REXKEYS from www.lenz-online.de/rex6000"

Rexkeys is a tool that allows users to customize their REX keyboard so that it supports their own language! Now you are not limited to English!

July 30, 2001

Xircom/Intel - are you listening? One user's suggestion for a new home for the REX. (From MJ)

"... wouldn't Radio Shack be a great home for this tiny battery-burner? Radio Shack just sold me a whole package of replacement batteries (just in time, the message is FAIR, and POOR won't be far behind). Maybe, at long last, that would get the Rex some decent marketing and public attention."

As we say in acquisitions and mergers - there's great potential for synergistic energy!

Sokoban add-in gets new home. (From Shai)

"I have just set up a small web page to hold my add ins. its http://www.geocities.com/shai_seger I've put the sokoban game there, and I will post updatesand hopefully new add ins soon."

July 29, 2001

REX 6000 available at eCost and RCSeshop.

Looking for a REX 6000?

eCost has the USB version for $99 and the serial for $95. (From Stephane)

RCSeshop has them both at $99.

July 28, 2001

Insider information (just a little) from Xircom regarding the REX 6000

"This is what I heard from a friend at Xircom:

RCEShop purchased several THOUSAND Rex'es from Xircom, so that they shouldn't run out of them soon. No one else who bought direct from Xircom has any in stock (though there are some who bought through distributors that probably have some). Currently no other units are on order from Xircom's supplier, and no one in the REX team has any idea what is going to happen."

Lotus Notes - REX 6000 two-step sync success reported (From Joerg)

"I have some very good news regarding Win NT and Lotus Notes with the REX6000

I'm able to synchronize my Lotus Notes calender with the REX6000. I can synchronize Contacts, ToDo and Calender. I haven't tried the Memos up to now."

Joerg syncs from Lotus Notes to Yahoo using Truesync for Yahoo, and then syncs from Yahoo to his REX 6000 using Intellisync for Yahoo. Lotus Notes users should see the Lotus Notes section in our Sync Options page for the whole story - there is a minor tweak that Joerg discovered that is important for this to work.

July 27, 2001

New REX site with screen shots of downloads (From Myles)

"I've moved my site to a new domain : www.rexextras.net

I've included a new page which has most (not quite all I think) available addins that run on the rex - I know others have started sites with links to these, however I think I've added a little value since there is a screen shot for each addin (produced via the emulator). If nothing else this highlights the range and number of addins now produced!

Also, I've converted "Cdemo" (the etch-a-sketch) type addin that I produced to demo the small C sdk, so that is runs on the z88dk. I've uploaded that to the developer section. The extra types supported mean the code can be much closer to code for DS2 compiler, and the compiled code is significantly more efficient. In view of this I don't propose to proceed any further with the Small C sdk. (Thanks to Jory once again for getting us started down this path, and Waleed for various enhancements, including some I've not uploaded in view of z88dk)."

x88dk updated with float and global variables! (From Daniel)

"I've uploaded a new release of the z88dk to http://www.geocities.com/dmps82 .

It includes some bugfixes and some new samples including Bertus' tennis game. It is now possible to use float and global variables (see the readme file). Thanks, Bertus and Dominic!"

July 26, 2001

Tetris addicts take heart - a Tetrex add-in is in development! (From DodgyRabbit)

"I'm fairly new to the Rex development scene and I'm posting this message to make sure that I'm not duplicating any of the current development efforts.

My first attempt at an addin is Tetrex, based on the well known game, Tetris. I've completed most of the design, and I'll be giving updates as I progress with development."

REX user survey released! (From Amiram)

"As promised, I posted the results of the Rex survey from my SoliRex download page at: http://www22.brinkster.com/rex6000/RexSurvey.htm

I didn't comment on the results, but some of them are quite interesting (albeit not very surprising) and should probably guide development efforts."

The survery results are interesting and fun to review. One point sticks out - we are a bunch of geeks! Most of us (84%!) work in computer-related professions! Thanks to Amiram for sharing this info w/the REX community.

Amiram gathered this data as a requirement for downloading his Solirex add-in, the amazing add-in that is actually 8 games in one! If you're interested in getting Solirex (and every REX owner should be!) go to Amiram's Solirex page.

July 25, 2001

Update REX World Clock without initialzing your REX! (From Helge)

"I don't know why nobody figured out that before but it is possible to update the RexWorldClock DB without the need to initialize the Rex. First you do a "Export Database" with RexToolsBeta (DBID:8000) then you edit the file, add your own city. The Format is: No City Country Savings TimeZone Longitude Latitude # String String 0/1 GMT+/-minutes degrees degrees.

Note that the words are divided by <tab>s and negative values are in twos complement. You can only add new items, no deletion, no change. At last you delete all old items from the list so only the new items are remaining (example attached). This file you can upload as normal using RexTools."

A nice find, Helge! Up till now, editing the REX World Clock (to add cities) required initializing your REX, which deletes all data on the REX and removes all your sync settings. If you want to make a small update and don't want that hassle, this method may be worth a try. REX Tools Beta is available on our Software Updates page. See the New User Setup page for more details on updating the REX World Clock using Helge's or the "traditional" method requiring initializing your REX.

July 24, 2001

z88dk updated with database functions!

"Hi all, I've updated z88dk CVS tree on sourceforge. Now z88dk includes 22 REX database functions." (Damjan)

"I've uploaded a new release of the rexdk with Damjan's database functions." (Daniel)

Info and links on z88dk and other development tools are on our Programming/SDK page.

We've heard it before, we'll likely hear it again, but each time we ask - is it true?!

From the PDA Buzz REX forum:

"In trying to purchase a Rex 6000 today from my usual supplier. I've learned that the REX 6000 is now discontinued. That only those supplies that are left will be sold now?

Hmmm. Apparently Intel is not sure what they want to do with the REX line at this time.

Maybe I should wait for a 7000? Thanks Chris"

Anyone want to call a close personal friend at Xircom and get us the skinny?! Only RCSeshop is listed on the Xircom dealer page as having stock on hand (and they do - $99 for serial or USB).

July 23, 2001

Wow! Free REX cases for REX SDK/software developers from Tech Center Labs! (From Gary)

"Tech Center Labs would like to show our appreciation for the R6K development effort by providing a free REX case to everyone who has written an addin or contributed to the SDK. Just make a selection from our REX page (link from www.talestuff.com) and email your choice and shipping address ([email protected]). We will try to keep this offer open as long as possible. Thanks for the great addins!"

Gary wants to support the REX developer community and all the great work they are doing on the REX add-ins and programs. By the way, Gary monitors the Developers' Mailing list, so don't bother emailing and telling him you wrote someone else's add-in. <g>

Developers take note - web site established for z88dk w/REX 6000 support. (From Daniel)

"Hi all, I have set up a geocities page for the rex development kit at http://www.geocities.com/dmps82."

Unit Converter add-in coming, but not too soon. . . (From Andres)

Many users have asked about a currency converter add-in. Andre has a Universal Units converter is in the works that should take care of all your conversion needs. But it's very early in development and won't be here for quite a while.

"Actually, I am working in an Universal Units Converter Program (UUCP for the joy of Unix geeks out there). With that you can convert anything to any-other-thing, including, if you want, currency.

Regretably, I don't have much free time to write this app. I am currently only at about 10%, and having loads of trouble with the Memo thing. Besides, I have a BIG problem with screen layout, given the fact that I intend to use a calculator-like numeric pad and drop-down source and target units selection. At the current pace, I'll take months (and several sets of batteries) to finish it. I´ll let you know when I have a workable beta."

The really cool thing about Andre's design is that it will be memo-based for conversion types and units. All conversion types and units will be stored in a memo on the REX which the add-in will access. For example, the memo will include the following for length, speed, and currency conversions:

[Length] m
Km = 1000
cm = 0.01
mm = 0.001
mi = 0.0006213712
ft = 3.28084
in = 39.37008

[Speed] Km/h
mph = 0.6213712
knot = 0.5399568

[Currency] USD
GBP = 1.42119
EUR = 0.867024

From Andres: "That's the beauty of having a Memo for configuration: You can provide your own units of measure. They are not hardcoded inside the app. You live in London? Use:

[Currency] GBP
USD = 0.703636
EUR = 0.610069

You live in an Amish community? Use:
[Animals] Cow
Chicken = 0.005
Horse = 1.4
Dog = 0.25

I will, of course, provide an initial Memo file, but you can add/change/replace completely that file as long as you adhere to the format and don't change its name. I am currently using (or trying to use, to be exact) a Memo named "Units". Suggestions are welcome."

July 22, 2001

New web site with better REX 6000 pricing for Australians. (From Craig)

"I've put a small Rex website to keep all my stuff together. Please have a look and let me know what I can do with it. If you want to add programs or links to it just put the details in the forms."

Most notable for Australian REX users (current and potential) is that Craig is selling the REX 6000 for AU$245 (+10% GST and $20 shipping). That's much better than other known options for Aussies at this point. (Let us know if you have other options that aren't listed on our Internet Resources page in the REX Vendor section!)

Craig also provides downloads of a number of add-ins, as direct downloads from his site. Like John's Quick Download page referenced on our Add-ins page, there is the potential that you may not be getting the most up-to-date version of an add-in (if the author isn't monitoring updates regularly). If you do download from John or Craig's site, we recommend visiting the authors' sites (links on our Add-in page) to ensure you have the most current versions and see any information and updates the authors want to share.

July 21, 2001

Second Sokoban add-in released! (From Shai)

"Based on SDK provided by M. Rix. Thanks! This is a tiny version of the Sokoban game. the rules are simple: just use the navigation arrows to move the tiny person arround and use him to push the boxes into their targets marked by a small circle. Pushing 2 boxes togather is imposible."

Download here. You can also find a link to in on our Add-in page. Shai had missed that one Sokoban add-in had already been released. The more the merrier, right!?

Major breakthrough - Chris breaks the 8 add-in barrier!!

The biggest news since "Lucky Lindbergh" landed in Paris! Chris has released a beta of "Adder," an add-in that allows loading up to 19 (Adder + 18) add-ins on your REX.

"After a bit of a delay (sorry!), I have posted the beta version of an app called "Adder", to enable you to load more than 8 addins into your Rex. This initial version allows loading 11 more addins giving you a total of 18 (not 19, since Adder itself uses one slot).

One current feature/limitation you need to be aware of: since Adder loads these addins into empty 8KB pages in the Rex firmware, the only way to delete them later (to replace with other or updated addins) is by performing the "UPDATE FIRMWARE" function in Rex Tools! This is a non-trivial operation, but not all that bad: it does NOT require re-initializing your Rex, so all of your current database is unaffected, including memos, tasks, calendar, etc."

You should consider whether or not you want to get into firmware updates before install and use Adder. In this case, "update" isn't the best word, as the only firmware version available is the same on that is on your REX right now. Running the REX Tools Firmware Update feature simply resets your REX back to "normal" if you decide you want to remove any add-ins stored on your REX by adder.

To "update" your firmware you'll need the REX BIN file on our Software Updates page to use w/the the Update Firmware feature in REX Tools. For the URl to download Adder, see here on our Add-ins page for a a summary of the basic steps to use it, and a review of features Chris is considering for future versions,

Updated z88dk compiler for REX released!! (From Myles)

"I've placed z88dk compiler for rex from Daniel Schmidt (& others) on www.mirix.net

It compiled the othello addin and runs it nicely under the emulator (first time I've seen that happen!). Tried another of my own apps with less success so far. No time for next few days so I've uploaded it anyway. Of note there is a neat bit of code to reverse the parameters from the stack (by Damjan?) - I tried something along these lines earlier but my z80 knowledge (or lack of) let me down."

Damjan is hoping to have time soon to work on database functions.

REX Electronic Ruler! (From Ian)

Updated to 1.1!

"Changes:-

* Rectified a slight inaccuracy on the mm scale.
* Added extended 5mm, 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" marks. (Chris Harris idea!)
* Converted to use Myles z88dk sdk. (Nice one Myles!)"

"I've written a handy electronic ruler for the Rex6000! Yes, it only mearsures 5cm/2inches! but hey! its free and jolly usefull! Measures in cm or inches! Its free for download at... http://www.bagley.co.uk/RULER.REX"

REXKEYS 0.9 is now available. (From Paul)

"It can change the appearance of the REX6000 fonts, change the assignments of the keys, and change the appearance of the keyboard graphics.

If you want a German or a French keyboard layout or whatever, REXKEYS can solve your problems.

Download from here: http://www.lenz-online.de/rex6000"

July 16, 2001

Developer news: REX serial communication success! (From Gerd)

"It looks like I can claim to be the first to have serial connection to the Rex 6000 in the normal mode ;-) The Xbasic code can be found on my web page xtide.ldeo.columbia.edu/~krahmann/rex/rex.html.

I was rather lucky in the end. I was perfectly reproducing the serial port log from the rextools but did not get an answer. When I by chance sent the DS... sequence a second time I got an answer. As odd as it sounds I always have to send them twice ! I have tried only the initialization and the version commands but I have no doubt the others will work too.

Update: " it's working with single write statement now. The write buffer wasn't flushed. I will update the code on the page tomorrow."

Next question, what kind of program do we want? I could write a standalone in xbasic which would output everything into plain readable files. I think I would not be up to write synchronizing software.

And unfortunately my Xbasic code depends on windows dll's. Thus it won't run under other operating systems (e.g. linux).

Anyway, I hope that somebody joins me now ;-)"