Re: [NTLK] Reading Palm Books with Newt'sCape?

From: Steve Weyer (weyer_at_kagi.com)
Date: Sat Nov 03 2001 - 16:09:41 EST


> From: The Compulsive Splicer <splicer_at_paroxysm.com>
>
> I've been through the docs on Steve Weyer's (excellent) site a
> half-dozen times, and I still can't wrap my brain around this. Can
> someone here help me out with step-by-step instructions that even a
> bonehead like me can follow?
>
> So far I've:
>
> 1) Installed Newt'sCape (did this a long time ago of course) Version I
> have is 2.0z-2(NIE)

that version should work

> 2) Installed PilotDoc:NewtsCape (tapping this does nothing) package
> using NCU

so far so good. [PilotDoc is an extension; it's only accessed indirectly
when Newt's Cape gets a file of the appropriate type]

> 3) Installed Sloup 2.2 (still unclear on how this helps me do anything....)

you're right -- Sloup doesn't help (easily).
(it might be possible convert a file on desktop to "hextext" format
(NewtonLink and other frontends do this for .pkg files)
and put it in the data: slot inside an Inbox entry along with other info,
but don't try this at home...)

> 4) A palm book in the form of a .pdb file (HTML files too, for that matter)

of course, not all .pdb (.prc) will necessarily work -- PilotDoc handles
several documented, non-proprietary formats.

> 5) A Windows 2000 Professional-based desktop computer with a serial
> connection, a serial cable, and a dongle for my MP2000U->2100, along
> with Hyperterminal.

I've used that same setup myself...
(also Mac OS 9 and Keyspan serial adapter)

> I understand the broad strokes. Somehow I'm supposed to be able to
> transfer the Palm Book into Newt via the serial cable using Sloup and
> Hyperterminal.
>
> I've tried using Xmodem, Zmodem, and plain text transfer to send the
> files, but Sloup returns all sorts of nasty gobbledygook (gobbledygook
> == "not a soupname/index:" followed by lots of different stuff). Clearly
> I'm unclear on the concept, since I get the same result when I try to
> send an HTML file, which is what Sloup is explicitly described for on
> the NewtsCape site.
>
> So what is it that I'm supposed to do in order to make NewtsCape read my
> PilotDoc files, or even an HTML document I have on my desktop? I feel
> REALLY STUPID because everyone else seems to be able to do this stuff
> without any difficulty, but it's totally beyond my comprehension.
>
> Help?

there are currently 3 ways I've transferred these files:
(from pilotdoc.htm). [sorry if it's not clearer]

<DT><A NAME="transfer">transfer</A>
[1]
<DD><B>http</B>
<DD>Newt's Cape: select or enter a URL to download
<A HREF="#formats">DOC or ImageViewer file</A> directly to Newton

<DD><B>Inbox</B> requires Newt's Cape 2.0x-2(or later);
select document via Newt's Cape:File:Open Inbox or Inbox:Newt's Cape Open

[3]
<DD>EE Transfer:
assumes ZModem or transfer protocol that preserves file name and binary
content

[2]
<DD><A HREF="http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/road/aah66/">SimpleMail
4.0</A>: select the .pdf or .prb file via Part picker (ignore 'no
stationery' warning)

basically, if you don't transfer the file via [1] http (download from web
via Newt's Cape) or [2] email an attachment & receive with SimpleMail,
you can transfer from desktop [3].

I've used HyperTerminal on PC and ZTerm on Mac to do ZModem transfer. but
you need something on the Newton side that can read ZModem protocol -- Sloup
doesn't do this (and it's not mentioned). I have used EETransfer
successfully (and if anyone knows of other terminal tools that store files
into the Inbox, let me know and I can test & include info on the page).

-- 
Steve
  weyer_at_kagi.com
Newton apps/tools: Newt's Cape, NewtDevEnv, Sloup, Crypto,...
  http://www.kagi.com/weyer/

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