Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Clara, CA USA
Posts: 8

Looks like Handspring posted their updater today. It's in the Product Support section for US & International English Visor customers.

whoooohoooooo!

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

I've been putting off testing my Visor because I knew there was nothing I could do if it turned out bad (besides replace the entire thing, which I don't want to do). Maybe now I should run the test.
BEN

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

Ben,

If you click on the "Handspring Update (July 21, 2000)" at http://www.handspring.com/support/softwareup.asp , you can download the newest Handspring version of the PalmOS. This will automatically install the patch if you need it. Here's a quote of what's in the patch:

quote:

---

- Calculator Launch Fix
This fix prevents unexpected launches of the Calculator when touching the Visor screen close to the Calculator launcher icon.

- Serial Modem and Hotsync Fix
This fix corrects an issue where a Visor may have difficulty performing a HotSync operation with a serial cradle when a modem SpringBoard module is installed.

- 8MB DRAM Memory Fix (if necessary)
This fix corrects an issue where a limited number of Visor Deluxe handhelds manufactured between January and May, 2000 can experience a "fatal error" as a result of a faulty DRAM memory chip. This fix is only installed on affected Visor Deluxe handhelds; the version info window will now display "Palm OS Software v3.1H3M". Depending on individual usage patterns there may be an impact on battery life.

---

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 153

I installed the patch and ended up in a loop with the Palm Computing Platform start-up screen flashing on and off slowly. So while it may not have damaged any data, I was forced to erase data to get back to where I could install and use the patch.

So...

Be sure to HotSync your data while downloading the patch.
Be prepared to do a Hot reset if you get a flashing start-up screen
Check the Info/version/dialog for the version number, should be Palm OS Software v3.1H3M,
if it says Palm OS 3.1, as mine did, it didn't get installed
Download the HS Updater again onto the new system and follow the instructions
Check to see if the OS is Palm OS Software v3.1H3M
HotSync again to backup the enw OS

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 290

quote:

---

Originally posted by dtplink:
I installed the patch and ended up in a loop with the Palm Computing Platform start-up screen flashing on and off slowly. So while it may not have damaged any data, I was forced to erase data to get back to where I could install and use the patch.

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Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

Should the HS update be applied to the regular OS, or can/should I install it on top of the Palm OS update?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Ok... I download the update, followed the instructions, and installed it. Everything went fine (no error messages, the proper version number shows, etc). Now, whenever I attempt a HotSync, I get a Fatal Exception when AvantGo attempts to sync. The Visor locks up forcing a paperclip reset. Anyone else having this trouble and does anyone have a clue what might be wrong?

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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

Can somebody who knows someone at Handspring PLEASE get them to define what this means: "Depending on individual usage patterns there may be an impact on battery life."?

I called Handspring tech support to try to find out what "usage patterns" would impact battery life. He told me playing games, HotSyncing a lot, and using the Visor a lot will drain the batteries more quickly. That's true REGARDLESS of whether or not the patch is applied. Basically my questions are these:

1) How much is this patch going to impact the battery life in my Visor Deluxe?

2) What can I do to minimize the impact that this patch will have on the battery life?

Both Palm and TRG's FAQs on the 8M DRAM issue say the same thing as Handspring's does and neither one of them defines it any further either.

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 10

quote:

---

Originally posted by MarkEagle:
Ok... I download the update, followed the instructions, and installed it. Everything went fine (no error messages, the proper version number shows, etc). Now, whenever I attempt a HotSync, I get a Fatal Exception when AvantGo attempts to sync. The Visor locks up forcing a paperclip reset. Anyone else having this trouble and does anyone have a clue what might be wrong?

---

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

I wouldn't apply it on top of any non-Handspring PalmOS patches. Maybe that's why people are crashing?

Side topic, why do people install non-Handspring PalmOS upgrades? What benefit do they get?

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by ATHun:
Can somebody who knows someone at Handspring PLEASE get them to define what this means: "Depending on individual usage patterns there may be an impact on battery life."?
{...}
Both Palm and TRG's FAQs on the 8M DRAM issue say the same thing as Handspring's does and neither one of them defines it any further either.

---

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 109

Great. Now that they've proven they can release patches, maybe they'll release a whole OS upgrade to let the Visor handle 16 grays in the OS.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

See this thread:

http://discussion.visorcentral.com/...TML/001520.html

for discussion that suggests Visor can show 16 gray levels.

See the thread:

http://discussion.visorcentral.com/...ML/000710.html]

for a discussion of installing the Palm 3.1.1 patch. Apparantly people have done it.



[This message has been edited by PDAENVY (edited 07-21-2000).]

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 70

All I have to say is, all of you doubted what the rep at handspring told me months ago about the OS being upgradeable via the Springboard slot, but now it has come out that the OS can indeed be updated via the serial port. Makes you wonder what other things they "haven't fully disclosed", doesn't it?

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

quote:

---

All I have to say is, all of you doubted what the rep at handspring told me months ago about the OS being upgradeable via the Springboard slot, but now it has come out that the OS can indeed be updated via the serial port. Makes you wonder what other things they "haven't fully disclosed", doesn't it?

---

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Mesa, AZ USA
Posts: 50

I applied the update to my Visor Deluxe which before the update said I simply had version 3.1.

Now it has Version 31.H3 and all functions work including AvantGo.

I like the patch for the calculator as I have don't that many times and wondered if there would ever be a fix.

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Poughkeepsie,N.Y.
Posts: 14

quote:

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Originally posted by guido79:
Looks like Handspring posted their updater today. It's in the Product Support section for US & International English Visor customers.

whoooohoooooo!

---

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

---

Originally posted by MarkEagle:
Now, whenever I attempt a HotSync, I get a Fatal Exception when AvantGo attempts to sync.

---

All is better now...

It seems that one of my Hacks (actually, it was the order in which they were enabled) was the culprit. I now have the HS Update AND AvantGo coexisting peacefully on my Visor.

------------------
MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Cary, NC USA
Posts: 14

Thanks all for the info. I've updated and it looks like I definitely needed the DRAM fix. The answer to my maddening weekly loss of data due to the nefarious blinking "Palm Platform" of death screen? Hopefully yes. (please say yes)

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: El Segundo,CA
Posts: 374

Can someone tell me more about the update process? I have a upgraded unit (2 to 8 meg) that says I have the DRAM problem apparently based on the SN of the unit. The upgrader says it does not have the DRAM problem. I would like to be able to select which upgrade is installed as I dont want the DRAM fix. The following are HS update instructions. I have questions in bold.

3. You should receive a message that says: "Check complete. No issues detected. Tap OK to install the standard update". If you received a different message proceed to step 6 below. If not, tap the OK button.
IS THERE ANOTHER SELECTION?

6. If you receive a message that says: "Please enter your Visor serial number located inside the battery door and tap OK." enter the serial number included on the back of your battery door as it appears.
IS THERE ANOTHER SELECTION?

7. You may receive a message that says: "Your handheld may have a memory issue. Tap OK to install the update with memory fix". Tap the OK button to install. If you received a different message, proceed to step 3 above.
IS THERE ANOTHER SELECTION?

Thanks.