Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 22

Today I saw the omniremote IR springboard module for sale at the palmgear store. http://hs.palmgear.com/
I tried to find more information on it at the website http://www.pacificneotek.com/
but I can't sem to find it on their products list. Is it real?




[This message has been edited by spock (edited 05-20-2000).]

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 266

Let us know what you find out. I contacted Pacific Neo-Tek a month ago and they said they were working on a Springboard with a stronger IR port. So I don't have to be within 5 feet of the the TV...and I won't have to hold my Visor sideways to use it.

But, I am confused if this includes a IR port. And why the description mentions a Palm III?

quote:

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The ultimate and only learning remote control that uses the Palm III's internal IR.

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 266

Just noticed the OmniRemote mentioned on the Springboard news site.
http://www.handspring.com/products/springboard_news.asp
The picture of the module shows 'beams' coming from it. Perhaps this is an 'upgrade' to the IR Port with the OmniRemote software included. I hope so...I have been wanting this for awhile.......I only have one module (backup) and it doesn't have the coolness factor this does.

Ryan

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 22

Ryan,
The palmgear site has the following listed as features of this springboard. (I still can't find anything from pacific neotek.)

The OmniRemote:


Learns the commands from your IR remote controls
Has a built-in high-power IR emitter
Works with more devices than the software-only version of OmniRemote
Sports a completely configurable UI, meaning you draw and place your own buttons as you wish
Has an unlimited number of macros allowing you to perform a sequence of actions with a single keypress


So it seems to have its own IR emitter and will be at the top like the palms .

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

I am the definition of impulse buying, I used to use the software OmniRemote, and found it EXTREMELY useful, but it expired and I next worked the ambition to register. I ordered the OmniRemote module two nights ago, and I payed the extra 3/4 dollars for two day shipping. I should be getting it tomrrow, if none of you guys have it, I will post my impressions....
-Rummey

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 10

Yes - please post your thoughts. I am interested in purchasing this springboard and your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

jhb

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 103

Well I just got a note from PalmGear saying they are on backorder.

"ON BACKORDER FROM MANUFACTURER. Expected In Stock Date "

Note the blank expected in stock date. I wonder when it will be released.

------------------
Jay

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 12

Ordered on 5-22 in afternoon from palmgear.com. E-mail order information says backordered from Manufacturer. Wonder if they sold out or did not have any???
Looking to simplify programming on Home Theater. Now using a Marantz remote to replace 6 remotes. Too many confusing instructions for significant other to deal with. This should be an improvement.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 23

Gee, Who da guessed. I ordered 5/22 6am. Recieved email today that said. "Backordered from Manufacturer". With No expected ship date.

Why doesn't this surprise me?

Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

Rummey here, again, well, I told you I would give you my impressions, and they are that PALM GEAR can bite my ass... Well, anyways, I got the same exact e-mail as all these guys did. Damn the man, must to caused by all the new web browsers coming out these days...
-Rummey

Registered: Oct 1999
Location:
Posts: 12

PalmGear says tommorrow Wed 5-24 they should be receiving the modules from the manufacturer. They responded to my e-mail in 2 hours. Pretty good I would say.

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 266

I got and email from Pacific Neo-Tek that said the reason they aren't selling it off thier site is because they are short on quantity. But that PalmGear should have them now in the next few days.....got the email yesterday...so hopefully you guys won't have to wait.

Now I just have to convince my wife I 'need' this module.

Ryan

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Maplewood, NJ USA
Posts: 48

I've used the module for quite some time now, I inquired with pacific-neotek a few months ago and asked to be a beta tester. I must say, I'm quite impressed with the module, It works exactly as expected, have a very strong range, and most conviently, the RF remote is very easy to use and X10 is a great technology to have integrated in the Visor. In fact, I just purchased a X10 / 2.4Ghz device that sends my MP3 audio to my home stereo, and an X10 remote to control / change the music, as soon as I get it, i'll be programming it into my Visor. I think it will be a great combination. The only inconvience in the module is that you must still send the commands to OmniRemote through the built in IR on the visor, however its something thats easily overcome.
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Also, I just purchased a case from Covertec, Which I think is great, well designed, and relativly inexpensive for something manufactured of such high quality in france.

-Mike

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 24

themaven,

I have a couple of questions I hope you can answer regarding your experience with the Beta version of the Universal IR remote module.

1. Can you please clarify on the comment you wrote: The only inconvience in the module is that you must still send the commands to OmniRemote through the built in IR on the visor, however its something thats easily overcome.

By this comment, does that mean the Visor will be using its factory IR to send the signals, and the module basically just an amplifier (meaning you would still have to point the Visor sideways)?

2. Did you need extra software in addition to the module to run it, or does the module already have the software installed and its pretty much just plug and play.

Thanks,
eastline

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Maplewood, NJ USA
Posts: 48

Eastline,
As you may or may not know, you must "train" the remote a command. When you train it, you must hold remote that you are using to train (the source) to the built in IR on the Visor, you do not have to hold it sideways to use the Remote feature. Sorry for the misunderstanding. One thing I would like to see added is the functionality for it to take over all the Visor's IR that way one does not have to turn the visor sideways when beaming an application or address, maybe this could be done through a hack.

In responce to your second question, when you insert the module into the Visor, two new programs appear in your launcher, "Remote" and "Manual"; OmniRemote, and the module/programs manual. Its very convienent.

Also, this might sound irrelivant in my case, but I think $60 is a bit overpriced for the module, I use it often and like it a lot, but I dont know if I would shell out the cash for it, even though it does replace a device you can buy for $200+.


If anyone else has questions feel free to ask me.

-Mike

[This message has been edited by themaven (edited 05-23-2000).]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 14

themaven,
Do I understand you correctly, the module transmits RF as well as IR and supports X-10? I don't see that in the product writeup, but it would be a great feature. I hope that's not something in the beta that didn't make production.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Roseville, MN, USA
Posts: 161

Any idea if they'll have a discount for previous users of Omni-Remote?

If you assume it's $20 for the software and $40 for the hardware, a $20 rebate for people who already own Omni-Remote would be pretty nice.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 72

quote:

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Originally posted by Daryl:
themaven,
Do I understand you correctly, the module transmits RF as well as IR and supports X-10? I don't see that in the product writeup, but it would be a great feature. I hope that's not something in the beta that didn't make production.

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Registered: Mar 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Can you use the OmniRemote Springboard module to beam infomation out?

I have a sneaky suspicion no, but I have to ask.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Maplewood, NJ USA
Posts: 48

The Lowdown-

-The module does include an X10, RF remote to control such devices, its a very nice feature, (i use if for my lamps). You simply train the remote as an X10 button, and select the house and device numbers.

-Offoring a discount would be a good idea, but alas, it is only currently available from hs.palmgear.com -who knows when it will be available directly or through other channels.

-The module can only send commands from OmniRemote, which is unfortunate. I suppose a hack could be written that would redirect all beaming through the springboard.

Thats All - Enjoy your module, its a good one!

-Mike