Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 15

I'm a bit confused but my guess is that the connection on the bottom of the Visor (or wherever it is) is not the same as the Palm's since the GoType keyboard is apparently not compatible...
Too bad about connecting a GPS then ! Will have to get that Springboard module at...2xx dollars ?
I think they'll make for the low price by selling springboard expansions at a premium, can't blame them eh ?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 11

Your right, they're completely different. They use differnt pinout and have different functions. Palm is a serial port, Visor has a USB. This make Palm accessories incompatible.

I think they were wise to add USB, but they maybe they should have kept the Palm connector and added a second for USB (ala extended ISA or VLB). Then again, there may be some licensing issues, I don't know.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Pittsford,NY,USA
Posts: 223

The Serial and USB signals are both present on the Visor's cradle connectors.

The pinouts are:
<OL TYPE=1>
<LI>RXD,UART Receive Data, TTL level
<LI>KBD,HotSync 2, ground for keyboard
<LI>HS1,HotSync interrupt
<LI>GND,Ground
<LI>USB_D-,I/O USB Data- differential signal
<LI>USB_D+,I/O USB Data+ differential signal
<LI>VDOCK,Expansion module charging voltage
<LI>TXD,UART Transmit Data, TTL level
</OL>

This is from the Visor technical manuals (a gold mine of information).



[This message has been edited by emeyer (edited 09-19-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Lynnwood, Washington, USA
Posts: 1

I heard about a guy who managed to get a regular serial modem working with his PalmPilot (with a homemade adapter that plugged into the hotsync port). Now the question: Would something like this be possible with the Visor? I really don't feel like having to buy a $129 springboard modem when I have a perfectly good spare 14.4K modem.

-Speedy

[This message has been edited by Speedy (edited 09-19-1999).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Pittsford,NY,USA
Posts: 223

I don't think that will be possible. They don't supply enough of the RS-232 signals to do that. The standard Palm serial signals are as shown:



You'll notice from my previous message that RTS,CTS and DTR are missing from the Visor's cradle connector. (It looks like we will need to use Springboard modems only.)

-Eric

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Streamwood, IL USA
Posts: 118

I have the answer to the question of $$$ for cradles.

The USB comes with the Visor and Visor Deluxe, if you want the serial cradle is is a $19.95 addt'l cost and is in LIEU of the USB cradle.

Or you can buy a Serial Cradle for $29.99 separatly, if you do not order it with the Visor.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location:
Posts: 15

So new cables would be required to plug in anything in the docking port then...Think I'm gonna get a PIIIx !!