Registered: Apr 2002
Location: AZ
Posts: 4

Linux hotsync

This message is to anyone who wanted to hotsync to Linux Mandrake 8.2 or higher

Already everybody knows there is no support for Unix and Linux so you end up being your own would be developer! I managed to get Mandrake 8.2 with Kernel 2.4.35mdk configure so that a Visor Edge would hotsync to Evolution an MSOutlook clone.

If your using one of the latest version of the kernel 2.4.10 or higher there is visor module present ready to be used..... Also as you read all the Linux USB how to documentation there is no easy way to setup the visor to hotsync to linux.... Too much documents to confuse you.

This will work providing that you understand what your Linux distribution with Kernel version 2.4.10 or higher you have. (eg. Redhat, Mandrake, etc).

Packages needed for Mandrake 8.2.
Evolution-1.0.2-5mdk
Evolution-pilot-1.0.2-5mdk
Gnome-pilot-0.1.64-3mdk
Gnome-pim-1.4.3-2mdk
Gnome-pim-conduits-1.4.3-mdk
Hotplug-2002_01_14-4.mdk
Pilot-link-0.9.5-8mdk

As you use the RPM software manager it will tell you that you need additional packages in order to resolve package dependencies, install what ever is needed....

Here is the easy part. Locate modules.conf file, in Mandrake it is located in /etc directory.. What you want is to edit the /etc/modules.conf file, add the following
alias visor
alias usbserial
underneath the rest of the entries.
Then search for this directory called hotplug. In Mandrake its located in /etc directory. Enter the hotplug directory you should see usb directory, then enter into usb directory, now you need to create a short script, that will allow gpilotd to start when the hotsync button is pressed on the cradle. This script is a work in progress. Now save that script with the name visor in the /etc/hotplug/usb directory you are presently located in.

OK now lauch the evolution program, click the word Tools and then click pilot settings, walk through the wizard... 1st screen where you see /dev/pilot change it to the usb port that your visor cradle is plugged into, (eg. /dev/ttyUSB?....PS your first usb port is numbered ttyUSB0 and the second ttyUSB1 and so on. Then underneath the last rectangle box select Handspring usb and click next. The next screen will display the Linux login name and the group id, click next. Now the next screen you see a question which will ask you to hotsync, click the button next first before you push the button on your cradle. If all goes well the visor will say identifying user and your visor will display addressbook, datebook, to do and memo then complete the hotsync process....
Then on that same screen click the next button and on the last screen click finish. There is a down side to the Evolution program it has contacts, calender and tasks, like MSOutlook but it does not have notes. I have no idea where the memo's from the visor will go, if some figures it out post it so everyone can see.

Enjoy!

Last edited by qwertyuiop on 09-23-2003 at 09:30 PM