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REX 6000 Help Page News Archive

September 1 - 15, 2001

September 14, 2001

Take a moment to pray for peace, and remember those we lost.

Today many are going to their mosque, synagogue, church, or other place of worship, or even just sitting in their car or at their desk, and praying. Please pray for the families who have lost a loved one, and pray and believe in a future in which we are free, around the world, from horrible events like these.

Rechargeable button batteries. (From Arthur)

Arthur has discovered a company making rechargeable button batteries.

"...I have some message about a rechargeable cr2016. Plse look at this and can you ask the community if they are interested. plse look at e-mail message below."

"Tjon Poen Gie, Arthur How are you? We are pleased to confirm you that we will have rechargeable lithium button cell next month. For the moment, we only plan to produce CR2032,CR2025,which is relatively large enough. For CR2016, it is very thin, we can not make it unless your order quantity is very big or continuous order. Waiting for your confirmation. Beat regards, Bill"

The company is called "Tian Qui" on their web site. This would be something that both REX and DS2 owners could benefit from. . . the company's email is [email protected]. Maybe if they receive a "few" emails from our community (and DS2 owners!) they will come up with something for us!

Can someone who speaks Japanese please share this with the DS2 owners via their online community?

Lotus Notes sync via my.palm.com. (From Gert-Jan)

"By the way I am synchronizing my Notes 5.0 scedule and To Do list via the my.Palm.com option. That works as well. The only thing is that the personal time zone setting must be the standard of mypalm (which is Eastern time NY -5) otherwise will all day events move to a day earlier (I first have had my personal time setting on European Central time). There seams to be still a problenm with recurring events, I did not test it untill now."

Deepsync originally suggested this idea (from the Sync Options page):

"I just saw a nice program to overcome my Sync problem with Lotus Notes. I recommend using the my.palm.com Synchronizer, which you can use as intermediate between most common PIMs and devices..."

September 13, 2001

Please provide feedback to our great developer community!

Let's face it - no one gets into REX development for the money. Feedback from users is about the only way that our developer community gets any 'payback' for long hours spent designing and developing the tools and toys they provide us. One great example of an "atta boy!" email came recently to John, developer of the unit conversion add-in:

"Thanks a lot for UnitConv for Rex 6000. You made life of an European immigrant in the U.S. so much easier. This particular addin made me choose Rex over Handspring which has this function bundled with original software. Keep up the great work. Michael"

Whether you want to ask for more features, report a bug, or just say "thanks" (or maybe all three!?) our developers deserve your help. Get involved and speak up, and don't forget to say "thanks" to let them know how appreciated they are.

VREX.NET local content sync issue confirmed.

Victor has confirmed that VREX.NET has a problem syncing files larger than 8KB. This affects users trying to use it to sync content files from their hard drive. Victor is looking into this issue and hopefully we'll have an update in the near future.

VREX.NET still provides an excellent way to switch between sync sources for those who want to be able to try out different web sync options. You can use VREX.NET to sync from Marek's site, and also to try out Aaron's content grabbing java tools that pull content down to your local hard drive to sync using VREX.NET's local content sync feature (as long as they are under 8KB for now). VREX.NET makes it a simple mouse click to change between sync sources!

Tips for using Aaron's Java content grabber tools.

Some tips that may help users trying the Java programs:

An updated version of VREX.NET (see story above) will be required to sync the xml files created by the Java programs - except for Weather they tend to be larger than 8KB.

New content added to Marek's rex.mamy.to REX sync site.

One of the features of Marek's site is that new "public" content can be added by users - two new sources have appeared recently:

Truly we are a diverse community.

September 12, 2001

VREX.NET story correction.

Please review the VREX.NET 1.3 release story below on September 11 - a dialog from the program has been added to clarify the new selectable Content sync options. One exciting piece of information from Victor that was left out:

"In the (near) future it might become possible to sync local content AND other sync websites. For now, you can switch between servers/local."

VREX.NET and Win2000 - fix for potential "MSWINSCK.OCX" problem. (From Daniel)

When I tried to run VREX.NET on my Win 2000 laptop, I received the following error message:

"Component 'MSWINSCK.OCX' or one of it's dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or corrupt."

Daniel (also on Win 2000) also got the error message:

"I had the same problem (also W2K). I've attached the missing file. Copy the file to c:\winnt\system32\ or where your windows installation resides. Then use your command prompt to run the following program: regsvr32 c:\winnt\system32\mswinsck.ocx . It should return with a message box that says that the operation succeeded. It just registers the activex control on your computer."

VREX.NET may not be able to sync files larger than 8KB. (From Daniel)

"I like the vrexnet approach because it is more flexible than syncing with a webpage.

The current version seems to have a problem with files larger than 8KB. I've reported that to Victor already. If this bug is fixed and vrexnet allows you to sync with more than one "content-provider", it looks like we have a "perfect" solution, at least for me. I've written a batch file to run Aarons conversion tools and set up a scheduled task to run it periodically. Works perfect. If i ever have time for that I will also write some conversion programs."

Note that Victor has not yet confirmed the actual situation with VREX.NET - whether there is a difficulty with files over 8K or not. However, if you are having difficulties with VREX.NET consider reducing the size of your sync content and see if that helps.

Chess, anyone? (From Gerald)

"Chess : I have the source code for a Z80 Chess, a fair player. Ran under NewBrain o/S but the code worked under CP/M and Spectum as well. If anyone would like to work at a Rex interface for it contact me. The final code I loaded into a 16K ROM with a Basic loader, the limit of my work on it."

If anyone is interested in working on a chess game for the REX and would like to leverage Gerald's code, click on his name above and drop him a line!

Library of Z80 code available (From Gerald)

"Z80 code: I have a library of source code and programs for Z80 CP/M and NewBrain programs. Included are C compilers, Forth, Basic (including the source of NewBrain BASIC), lots of code in Z80 and Basic as well as CP/M programs. If I had time I would see if anything could be re-used, as it is I wouldn't be able to add the interfaces myself anyway. A friend wrote a library to add the interface to the NewBrain O/S from the CP/M version of Pro Pascal (works with Pro Frotran as well I think). Pro Pascal is fast and very tight code and very solid. You can run it under the CP/M emulators under Win 98 (and earlier). The NewBrain had a single row VF display, that was used with or separate from the CRT display - some programs were written for the single line display only. There is a neat program that reads in a memo and follows simple rules and produces an output. I created class assignments, with text that read differently for each pupil, generated the model answer for marking. It would process formula, like a calculator, but text as well. Never seen it under PCs/Macs etc - another not understood idea. No source for this."

Again, click on Gerald's name above and drop him a line if you are interested!

September 11, 2001

VREX.NET 1.3 released. (Updated on Sept. 12)

Victor has released version 1.3 of VREX.NET, his program that redirects the REX.NET sync in Intellisync to other content on your hard drive or (new in 1.3) other web sync sites! See the VREX.NET configuration dialog below:

Updates in version 1.3 include the following (from Victor's readme file in the 1.3 zip):

You can find Victor's VREX.NET 1.3 on Larry's gadgetland site or look here on our Websync page for Victor's download sites.

A very sad day.

Words fail to describe the feelings. If we could only find a way to live on this world in peace.

Updates to Aaron's web sync tools - more content, more help. (From Aaron)

Aaron is continuing to update his java-based web sync tools. They allow you to grab and sync a (growing) range of web content to your REX:

"I've updated my programs to work with vrexnet 1.3 [ed. note - to be released by Victor later today], and I've added two new programs, stocks and weather (configurable for any location and ticker symbol list). I also have a readme.txt that better explains how to use the programs. They are located at: http://www.voisine.org/rex.

You can now use Aaron's tools to get the following content:

See Aaron's readme.txt file on his site to determine if this looks like a web sync solution that fits your needs. There is information in the readme about movie downoads as well, although the files aren't up on his site yet.

Marek adds more content to his web sync site!

Marek has added more content to his web sync site, rex.mamy.to. New options include:

Luckily for REX users making use of his service, Marek

Got questions about syncing to Marek's rex.mamy.to site?

Some users have questions about syncing to Marek's site, and have been posting them to RRC and emailing me. I'm happy to help, of course, as are those on Rex Rumor Central (RRC). However, Marek has a discussion board on his site where you can get answers to your rex.mamy.to sync questions. As he noted recently on RRC:

"...I think, that message board on my site will be better place to post such problems."

Probably the most likely place to quickly find Marek lurking about and get an answer from the expert!

September 10, 2001

More good news for those developers among us. (From Myles)

Myles' site contains stuff for users (listing of add-ins w/screen shots) and developers. He's added something new for the latter group:

"Gentlemen, I've uploaded an updated version of the translated DS2 SDK API documentation. I've manually edited each section to make it readable in English. In some areas I've made use of additional information from the developer community, but generally it's stuck to just what is in the DS2 version. Those for whom English is not their first language might hopefully find it a little clearer now. What I have not yet done is the sections on databases, but I imagine this will be a useful section to do. If you find this useful please let me know - it took quite a while and if it isn't of use I won't bother with the rest! There's also some more information on database fields - if anyone can fill in any blanks or has documented some of the other internal db's let me know."

Thanks, Myles - great work! My site is here.

Aaron provides another way to sync web content to your REX.

One way to get web content to your REX is to use a program to grab the content yourself and then sync it to the REX using Victor's VREX.NET proxy. Aaron has been working on that process and has some initial work available for those who'd like to play around with it (note - this isn't ready for the average user yet - not Windows interface or standalone program you can run!):

"I have three java programs with source code available for download at http://www.voisine.org/rex.

  1. bmp2rex.class converts 56x51 1 bit per pixel bmp images to rex web sync icons.
  2. Slashdot.class scrapes stories off of slashdot.org and ouputs an xml file for vrexnet.exe
  3. Rex6kNews.class scrapes the 20 most recent news stories off of rex6000.org and outputs an xml file for vrexnet.exe

The jakarta-oro-2.0.4.jar file is required for slashdot and rex6knews.

Download the Java run time environment here: http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/jre/. Place jakarta-oro-2.0.4.jar in <jrepath>/lib/ext. You can run the programs periodically from the windows scheduler and sync with vrexnet.exe as soon as it's fixed to handle more than one xml file at a time."

In his testing Aaron uncovered a remaining bug in VREX.NET that limits it to handling only on xml file.

"Multiple xml files create new web categories on the rex, but they all point to the first xml file."

Victor is aware of the issue and is working on an update to VREX.NET. For now if you decide to try out Aaron's programs you should be able to sync one type of content (Slashdot.org or this News page) to your REX. Look here on our Websync page to download VREX.NET.

Tip for syncing with Marek's REX.mamy websync site. (From Aris)

Aris was having some difficulty syncing to Marek's site, until . . .

"...I worked it out. I was using old Rex login and password ... I know... RTFM"

Several people have reported problems syncing with Marek's site. As Aris so gently reminds us, read the FAQ on his site. Also, you'll need to have REX.Net sync selected in Intellisync, and your login/password must match the one you set up on Marek's site.

Gerd is hoping to replace Intellisync someday . . .

A REX site more apporpriate to developers than to users at this point, and very interesting. Gerd has been investigating REX serial communication and the sync process for some time now. A regular contributor to the Developer's mailing list, Gerd has hopes that we may eventually be able to extend the REX sync capabilities:

"I am developing software to contact the Rex 6000 PDA through serial communication. On this page you can find the tools I use and the programs I have written so far. The goal is to create a package which allows to synchronize without the software provided by Xircom and thus to synchronize other Personal Information Managers."

Gerd's site has a summary of his work to date and complete copies of his programs and well documented sourcecode for any who are interested.

September 9, 2001

REX icons to spice up your Windows desktop! (From Otavio)

"Here you can see some cool icons for Windows I made - they are free to distribute."

Otavio includes a readme.txt file to allow you to associate your rex files with whichever of these icons you prefer. Download the zip file with the icons and his instructions and have fun. Nice work, Otavio! (You can also find these icons on the Add-ins page.)

Report of successful sync at Marek's rex.mamy web sync site. (From Otavio)

"Hi - I just made my first successful sync at rex.mamy.to First you have to download the rex.reg file, execute it and then sync like you use to do at rex.net."

September 8, 2001

First web sync replacement site w/content available! (From Marek)

Our developers appear to be delivering on their promises!

"Hi all!

First real (and frequently updated) content is ready to sync on my page. There are: Rex Rumor Central (yes! you can read this in rex!) - last 32KB and about 40 latests posts. Updated twice a hour! And 'Daily siglets' from http://www.siglets.com (updated daily). More contents coming soon...

And some news - I added message board, image preview in description page and many more:-) Now I'm working on conversion tools and on 'iconizing' first page (in rex). But this still works:-)

Let's sync! http://rex.mamy.to/rexnet/start.php"

See the FAQ on Marek's site for setup instructions. Using his site requires a registry change that he facilitates easily through a registry update file you can download from his site.

 

Calling all add-in users - John's asking what you want! (From John)

"OK, the next addin is coming along quickly. It is called "NOT A SPREADSHEET!" What I need are common calculations that you would like to do frequently, or infrequently. Send them to me!

Here are 2 examples:

# Loan Amortization
# A-PRINC B-RATE C-MONTHS D-PMNT
INPUT A
INPUT B
INPUT C
CALCULATE D = A*(B/12)/(1-1/(EXP(C*LOG(1+B/12))))
OUTPUT D

#Area of Triangle and find circle with equivalent area
# A-BASE B-HEIGHT C-AREA D=Circle Area
INPUT A
INPUT B
CALCULATE C = 0.5*A*B
Calculate D = SQRT(C/PI)
OUTPUT C
OUTPUT D

Basically you can have up to 5 Inputs and 5 outputs. Outputs can also be used as Inputs. All inputs and Outputs will be shown on screen. Send me some formulas AND SAMPLE CALCULATION RESULTS so I can verify."

This is a somewhat unique and generous offer - you can provide John information so he can design functionality into his add-in for you. Go for it!

 

Image format for web icons - one investigator's results. (From Aaron)

"I think I've figured out the image format for the icon data at the start of the xml web sync file:

I'm writing a small java program to convert a 1 bit per pixel 56x51 bmp image to rex icon data."

More web sync options on the horizon. (From Aaron)

Clearly, working on REX web icons was not enough to keep Aaron busy. He's also working on some cool programs to grab and convert web pages to REX-compatible content files. Read on, web sync hopefuls:

"I have java programs to generate vrexnet xml files for rex6000.org news, slashdot.org, weather (hardcoded for sunnyvale, ca at the moment), and stocks (hardcoded for the ones I track, GOTO, AMZN, YHOO, EBAY) I'll have movie listings this weekend (again hardcoded to my local theaters).

Aaron is working out using Victor's VREX.NET to sync his web content files to the REX - more to come!

Xircom customer assistance still earning kudos. (From Mel)

"I had REX in a case in my front pocket and pressed my leg against car bumper smashing REX's screen. REX customer support was great in replacing it (only one week old). Thanks Xircon!"

And another update to John's unit converter! (From John)

John has been very responsive to users of his add-in - he has completed a final (for now) update to correct some calculations and added a new feature!

"I got some serious input on the conversion program from several people. They identified conversion problems on 4 or 5 of the units. They also expressed an interest in a "minu" key for temputure conversions. Well.....the units conversions have been fixed. And a MINUS KEY has been added for tempurture! I emailed the new version to the people who gave feedback. They have reported back that it seems OK. So .........Grab the updated unit conversion if you want. THIS IS THE LAST UPDATE FOR A WHILE. I am on too a new poject called "Not a SpreadSheet!" It will basically read a sequence of calculations and compute the results."

Go to John's site for his updated add-in.

September 7, 2001

Bertus is back with another add-in and Rexchange support files! (From Bertus)

"I've added a contribution of a Rexchange user and an alpha-stage addin to my site:

Rexchange support file:

Mark Kentwell kindly sent me an Exchangerate assistant for Rexchange. It consists of an Excel 2000 workbook which processes the rates table of an exchangerate website to a single string for direct use with the Rexchange addin. Calculation of the factors for Rexchange manually is not trivial, and this spreadsheet releaves you of this task. You'll definitely upload the latest rates with a smile from now on...

RexBPM add-in:

RexBPM is a simple metronome addin. It is in Alpha stage, so don't expect too much (my addin motto). It displays a Beats Per Minute indication (after a 10 second delay), a beat indication (2 flashing squares) and sounds a beep on the beat. Tempo can be adjusted, sound can be turned off. Read the readme to check it's limitations.

Go to Bertus' REX site for these new goodies. Bertus continues to be the most prolific add-in developer in the REX community, with seven add-ins now available! His loyal users (thanks, Mark, for your excellent workbook!) have been very pleased by his combiation of utilities and games.

And remember - please support our developers (Bertus and all the others) by providing feedback to them on their add-ins and other programs!!

Content conversion - creating WML for the REX from existing content. (From Marek)

A couple of REX users have asked about being able to sync this News page to their REX when new web sync tools are available. Marek (one of the web sync developers) has also been thinking along these lines, and also is getting closer to providing the functionality to convert different types of conent to WML format for syncing to the REX:

"I think that rex news from your page delivered as wml in rex-sync will be good idea. I can grab this page and convert it . . . Now I'm working on conversion tools to help making pages. Now works two types of conversion from text to wml. I think that maybe tomorrow will be available also image converter."

More excellent work from our developer community!

Complete firmware dump could be available. (From Marek)

"zmcnulty...If you can use linux, then try rex tools for linux from http://rex.mamy.to/rextools/. If this will work on your computer then i can compile program for you to dump all firmware. Now i tested it on REX and i'm able to read first memmory chip (2MB: 1MB rom+1MB of data)."

Being able to grab and dump the firmware is the first step towards being able to update (correct, enhance) the REX firmware for our own purposes!

New REX user web page available. (From Jun Kwang)

Another REX page has been added to the growing list of REX resources on the web. Find it at:

http://homex.coolconnect.com/member3/Han7D0/rex/

Jun Kwang has indicated that he will be posting articles on the REX on his site as time permits - should be interesting to see.

September 6, 2001

URL correction and update on Chris M.'s "REXSync" Web Sync site. (From Roger)

"Chris M's site does load. The link you have might be incorrect. I signed up, and the signup form is incomplete. I emailed him and he said it is not working yet. but the site looks good."

You can actually create a new user account at this time, although log-ins are disabled. If you create a user account you will be emailed when the site is active. Here's the message Chris provides when you complete a user account setup:

"UNDER CONSTRUCTION

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REXSync is currently in alpha testing. For this reason, logins are currently disabled. You will be notified when REXSync is available for public use. Thanks for registering.

Please note that your password has NOT been changed and is still ... Please do not report failed logins as bugs, as they are currently disabled..."

Here's the correct URL for Chris' web sync site:

Multi-dice updated. (From Mantillo)

"New version of MultiDice is available: -fixed wrong written words -now you can re-roll easily by pressing the 'Roll' button only! you can download MultiDice v1.1b at http://www.onkelfuzzy.de/ at the 'Rex' or 'Downloads' section! "

Final release of Unit Converter (From John)

"FINAL VERSION 1.0 of Unit Converter ADDIN.

ConvertUnits is a general purpose unit conversion program. It works for Area, Volume, Length, Weight, temperature, and more!! There are 10 categories of units. Includes 60 individual units. (One of you can figure out how many permutations that adds up to!! Any way...A LOT.)

This is FINAL OFFICIAL release. The conversions are hardcoded in the program.

The web site link includes a list of the 10 categories and 60 units. Check it out!!

http://www.geocities.com/jdelferro/rex

All quiet on the web sync front.

Our developers are (we presume) working on web sync options, but nothing has been announced for the past few days. With the initial flurry of development we were getting used to almost daily progress!

What's happened so far is impressive and exciting - here's hoping the recent quiet period is a prelude to more cool things!

Sync lockup with open memo reported. (From Simon)

"Just a little heads up re REX lock ups. I absent mindedly tried to sync while leaving an unfinished memo open [on the REX]. The sync app could not get device ID (not surprisingly). It then asked me for the port and to make sure it was plugged in. Upon removing REX from the cradle, both it and the PC sync app locked up. The PC app was visible on the screen but not showing in the Windows Task Manager (strange). I reset the REX, rebooted the PC and everything went fine."

Probably a good idea to always exit any add-ins and close any open files (memos, calendar entries, contacts, etc.) before syncing!

September 5, 2001

Xircom customer support shines - cradle trading success. (From T-man)

In response to a post on RRC regarding a use who has a serial cradle on a PC w/no serial ports:

". . . I called up Xircom two weeks ago and asked to change my USB cradle to a serial one. They agreed without any hassle, and I got my new cradle within a few days. Their customer support seems really good, maybe you should give them a call to see you can swap yours as well."

The only caveat might be that it could be easier to trade a USB cradle for a serial, since USB cradles are more expensive.

Unit Converter add-in updated with new rexdk. (From John)

"I also added Temperatures (F/C) and they sort-of work. I got a little logic problem on the list box, but that will be resolved tomorrow. If you want to try the new one, download it at the site. http://www.geocities.com/jdelferro/rex."

Rexextras site updated - new look, more content.

Myles REXextras site focuses on REX add-ins and add-in developer information.

His add-in pages allow easy review and download of available add-ins. Myles' add-in pages are particularly useful due to the screen shots that he provides for each add-in so you can get an idea of the look and feel of the add-in before trying it out.

Myles developer section includes a background and history of REX add-in development, a machine translated copy of DS2 SDK documentation, and several other pages of technical information very helpful to developers.

New add-in - roll the dice and test your luck! (From Mantillo)

Mantillo was one of the early contributors to REX users, with a utility to help get contacts from TrueSync Desktop to Intellisync Mobile Desktop. Now he has a new add-in:

"Hi, i've build my first 'running' ADDIN, it's nothing really 'new' - a dice simulator. you can throw one 6 dice, two 6 dice, or one 20 dice (maybe this is interesting for rpg players?). i builded it just for fun and i called it beta, because it is still under development. you can download it at: http://www.onkelfuzzy.de/ at the Downloads or at the Rex page! SOURCECODE IS INCLUDED!"

Chris (of Adder fame) provides more insights into the REX!

Chris is the author of Adder and several other creative REX add-ins and tools. (Adder is probably the most significant add-in developed to date - if you don't have it yet, you should! See here on our Add-ins and Other Programs page.) Chris completed some of the first mapping of the REX firmware, and he's back now with more stuff to help the development community. One technical question that had gone unanswered:

Q: "Since one viable route to Life After Xircom may be to use the Citizen DS/2 as the new platform for the Rex, in order to load the Rex firmware on a DS/2 (and vice versa) we need to find out how to load the boot sector - the first 8KB of flash memory."

A: ". . . I *think* I found at least a partial answer today. I thought I would just try again to write an unused byte in the boot sector, and it worked! So, the (partial) answer to the question is: the boot sector is NOT write protected!!! It may be written in exactly the same way as all other flash memory in the Rex. Which explains how Gerd broke his Rex boot sector, and also explains one very minor but peculiar bug I've had for a long time in MY Rex: when I do a firmware update, it starts out with a progress bar, but immediately "pegs out" upon the first packet downloaded. I remember seeing the progress bar work once upon a time, but its been busted ever since. Now I know why! I must have zapped a byte in the relevant logic in the boot sector way back.

But there is still a trick involved, which others may still be able to help us with: you cannot write ALL of the boot sector without some other external means to bootstrap the Rex starting with blank flash memory."

So another piece of the puzzle falls into place."

September 4, 2001

Pictorial history of the REX - discovery rocks art world!

Peter has been a lead investigator into REX communication, the REX ROM, firmware, and other things REXtech. But Peter is a "renaissance man" classically trained in art history at elite institutions. See Peter's site to see his recent discoveries that have rocked the traditional art and PDA communities:

In the Beginning, The Net was without Form... The Creation of Rex
Thanks to the Rex Communit The Persistance of Rex
An early RUG meeting The Doughnut Eaters

Updated "final" version of rexdk released! (From Daniel)

For some time now Daniel has been the driving force behind the rexdk, the most full-featured "home grown" SDK for REX development. Many hours of hard work have paid off in a SDK that has enabled much of the REX development over the past few months:

"I've released a new version of the rexdk, which includes some new database functions & headers and bugfixes. . . Thanks to Dominic the problems with the float functions are corrected (see the readme file).

This is somehow a final (?) release. All of the functions documented in the DSSDK doc are implemented now and the compiler should be quite stable. I've invested a lot of time in this "project", but I suppose we have a rather useable SDK now.

I'm still working on the emulator but my current problem is that I would need a binary image of the 2nd chip memory. If anybody could help me with that a "true" rex emulator with a working database wouldn't be far away..."

More information about the rexdk (and links) are here on our Programmer/SDK page. To Daniel and the other members of the developer community who assisted with the development of the rexdk - thank you!

September 3, 2001

Unit Conversion Add-in Released! (From John)

"A REXABLE ADDIN (a ".rex" version) is available. It is fully functioning converter. Enter one unit..get another..sound exciting? I have gone as far as I can go! It is time to clean the house before she comes back!!

There are 2 limitations to the current version. (Check the readme file).

  1. First, the calculation is restricted to integer entry. You'll see your number with decimal points, but the actual calculation is for an integer entry. I am waiting for a fix to the rexdk or some other fic for an ftoa() and atof() functions.
  2. Second, the conversions are not syncable. They are hard coded. I am cyurrently studying database reads to find out how to read in from a memo file. I don't have much time over the next weeks though.

I have gone as far as I can go! It is time to clean the house before she comes back."

http://www.geocities.com/jdelferro/rex and go to the convertunits page.

September 2, 2001

New "Web Sync" page added to site.

Given the amount of activity in this area, it seemed about time to set up a separate Web Sync page to capture everthing that's going on. Let me know if you have any comments, corrections, additions, or suggestions!

Web sync activity may lead to additional eBook options? (From Chris Van M.)

"...I read a post about someone wanting to put some e-books into the rex and the reply that it would be possible with split-up notes and such. But with what I found now it's pretty simple to just put some e-book pages into that web contents part and read it like the normal e-book. Even is something I think is useful to try.

Chris is going to pursue this option and hopes to have something for general release in the future, time, energy, and code permitting. Depending on what web sync solutions end up being released by our developers, this option for loading eBook texts to the REX via web sync may become the standard way of reading books on the REX.

September 1, 2001

Web sync options are starting to arrive - caveat sync'r.

As promised by our developer community, web sync options are starting to arrive (see below). These options will likely require modifying your REX.NET sync configuration on your PC. In one case (Majek, below) a registry file update is provided by the author making things simpler.

One caution - make sure you understand what you are changing and how to reverse that change before you dive in. You may want to explore more than one replacement for REX.NET (and it looks like we may have a few) so make sure you know how undo any changes you may make for any new services you try out.

Web sync content generator nearing completion. (From Joseph D.)

"I now have semi good content being generated by my scripts. They now make some of the html content from webpages viewable on the rex. I am going to add some more useful content tomorrow. Advanced webpages still give me a little bit of trouble and will create bad wml. I have to figure out what yet needs to be filtered out. If interested take a look. I have moved them to a new server so goto:

http://www.2930online.com/rex

Does Anyone have a copy of the web icons that rex.net was using? I would like to get a copy. Anyone have any other icons? I am in need of some more descriptive icons then the email looking one from rex.net."

 

Additional replacement for REX.NET getting up and running with content!! (From Chris M.)

Although Chris' site isn't up and ready to provide web sync to your REX yet, it sounds like he is getting close. . .

" I'm just wrapping up coding a complete replacement for rex.net . . . You can take a look a the front end (which, fortuneatly did not get blown away...) at http://www.crust.net:6000/portal

Should be sync'able by tomorrow night with at least 5 different content channels. Of course, let me know if you have any problems.

Important additional work on Web sync completed! (From Chris van M.)

Chris has succeeded in developing a tool to allow him to sync his own web content to his REX. This is pretty cool stuff! Contact Chris (email below) for more information!

"I've been working on capturing the traffic between rex and intellisync too. Seems more ppl have been doing that. Though, I've been able to reroute the datatransfer to my own program (made in Delphi) using the proxy settings of the sync program. It now reads the data from there where it puts several html files together and converts bmp files.

So to be short. All that is in the web contents of the rex is now completely editable by myself. Just a set of html files and bmp pictures (with links) and it all works fine.

Still working on getting some webcontents (like news and weather) to convert into that rex contents, but beside that I'm making nice progress with it.

If any of you, or any user or visitor on the site is interested in any info I've found they can contact me via email at: [email protected]

Hope this might give some of your website users/visitors some help or source to find info."

New Web sync site running - all it needs is content!! (From Majek)

Marek has completed the basic setup of his new REX web sync site. There isn't any content yet, but the sync function evidently works! He's inviting you to take a look - hopefully he'll have content soon.

"Hi! It works! Yes - site where you can upload your content in wml, synchronize and share with others. Work is not finished yet, but it works. First 'todo' is groups of content like 'news', 'weather', 'private' or 'e-books'.

Now all is placed on main page without any sorting or whatever... I think that this option will be available in few days. And some content too:-) Please test it.

http://rex.mamy.to/rexnet/start.php"

Hawk521 tried it and although he is correct that there isn't any content yet - the sync evidently does work!

"Okay Majek, I signed up. It actually did sync up - although I don't have any content yet. After I sync'd up my "Web" icon takes me to a blank screen with a header that says: Web:rex.mamy.to"

Test Drive the new Unit Conversion Add-in! (From John)

A unique opportunity! John is finalizing the code for his unit converter (a long-requested add-in!) and has offered a version of it that you can try using the Rexdk emulator. From the screen shots on his site, this looks like it's going to be an essential utility add-ins for the REX. This is your big chance to provide John comments & suggestions before he finalizes his code:

"I am getting ready to finalize the release of an addin for UNIT CONVERSIONS, including, currency, length, volume, area, etc... It is loosely based on the existing XCHANGELATOR and RexChange. You can download a version that will work in the EMULATOR at my site. (NOT for use on the actual REX!)

http://www.geocities.com/jdelferro/rex and go to the convertunits page.

There you can download ADDIN1.OUT for use in the Emulator. THERE IS NOT ANY VERSION FOR USE ON YOUR REX, SO DON't ASK!! The real addin for use on your REX is coming soon. First I'd like some final feedback from anyone who is interested and then I'll make a final release. I'D LIKE TO HAVE IT OUT BY TOMORROW, so get me the feedback fast. After tomorrow I won't have much time. Notes about this pre-release version:

  1. The keyboard is disabled. The BASE UNIT, or HOME Unit value will always be "1". So when you press calculate the conversion is for "1" home unit (the top unit) to the converted unit (the Bottom unit).
  2. The calculation is not completely correct due to some internal floating point compiler errors, which are being worked on. The actual addin release will not have these errors."

You'll need the Rexdk emulator (available on Daniel's Rexdk development site - get the version dated 8/24/01). The emulator is a PC program that runs REX add-in code on a PC so developers can see how it will look on the REX before they finalize their code.

John has obviously worked hard on this add-in - show your appreciation by taking a look at it for him (today!) and providing comments, suggestions (and praise!)! Nice work, John! (John also has another add-in, Memocat, which was a learning experience for him. It allows you to scan through memo categories on your REX and see the titles of memos in each category.)

REX sales on eBay flourishing. (From MJ)

"There are currently 28 REX 6000's and 18 REX PRO/5001s up for auction on eBay. Some new, some used. Over the past several weeks auctions have closed on 160+ REX 6000s, selling for as low as $50 and as high as $172 (Don't ask me to explain that one). The bulk seem to have sold in the $70-80 range.

In that same period, 100+ REX PRO/5001s went, all selling in the $30-55 range.

. . . there are lots out there and if you are patient and disciplined with your bids, you can surely pick up what you need at a fraction of retail."

 

Alas poor REX.NET, we knew it well . . . (Apologies to W.S.)

REX.NET web sync is ovah! (A day early, actually.) The REX.NET site now contains only the FAQs, downloads, and links for technical support.

From the original letter sent to registered REX owners several days ago:

"If you synchronize with REX.NET after August 31 but before December 31, 2001, you will "clean out the contents" of your REX MicroPDA's Web browser. This will free up memory for more contact records, memos, etc."

From the REX.NET site on August 31:

"REX.net service ended August 31, 2001...If you synchronize with REX.net between August 31 and December 31, 2001, you will clean out the contents of your REX MicroPDA's Web browser. This will free up memory for more contact records, memos, etc."

Seems like a final unexpected change from REX.NET - "Between" appears to mean "starting" August 31. The original letter implied syncs on 9/1/01 would clear REX, but reality appears to indicate that sync starting yesterday would clear web content off.

Updated REX developer site. (From Peter)

Peter has provided much in terms of understanding the REX communication process.

"I've updated my website: http://home.mindspring.com/~pdrichard/

I have a number of files relating primarily to syncing the Rex and rom images. Previously, these were just thrown onto the site and you needed the specific URL to get the files. Now a webpage with files links is presented instead.

Soon, I hope to have some programs on the above site. I'll probably first post a tool for playing around with rex database commands, because I could use help in trying to get a handle on transferring contents in/out of the Rex. I really would like to get to the point where one could do an image backup and restore for the Rex."

 

VREX.NET update. (From Victor)

"Seems I've missed this one. Some variables were not getting the cleaning they needed after a sync so the chances of errors in the content got bigger after every sync. I've made an update to the 1.2 zipfile, also the fixed vrexnet.exe can be downloaded from:

ftp://ftp.victorclaessen.nl/pub/vrexnet.exe
http://www.victorclaessen.nl/files/rex6000/vrexnet.exe
http://www.gadgetland.net/rex6000/vrexnet.exe
http://www.mercurio.com.mx/victor/vrexnet.exe"

Memview add-in opens up some mysteries of the REX. (From Marc)

Marc is the author of the RxSDK (based on the SDCC - Small Device C Compiler). His Memview add-in has provided new insights into the REX.

"Try the MemView addin from my website (http://www.xs4all.nl/~nijweide/rex). It allows you to view _all_ memory in the rex, including the additional ROM's and RAM's. The addin uses the bank registers (HI and LO) to map the memory to A000. The first 256 pages (0000-00FF) map to the first 2 Mb. The second 2Mb is located at 0600-06FF. There is some ROM/RAM at 0200 and 0A00 and the 32k RAM is at 1000-1003. The data at 0200 can only be read when there are batteries in the Rex and appears to contain the modem ID of the Rex. It also appears to be part ROM and part RAM... I suspect this is one of the reasons why you can't sync the rex without batteries." (Marc)

"Marc, Hey, alright! You found the second 2MB flash memory! And sure enough, it looks just like the second half of the first 2MB memory, with the database header "CISF9,FTL100" on every 64KB sector. So, if I understand this correctly, the Rex actually has close to 3MB available in its database??? (less 128KB at pages 0080-008f)." (Chris H.)

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