Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

When I hot-sync to one of my two Macs, I get a delay of several minutes on "determining handheld configuration" ("identifying user" on the Visor).

It doesn't happen on my iMac at home, where I use IrLink or the USB cradle to hot-sync. The trouble is on my G3 powerbook at work, and it happens whether I use the serial cradle or beaming. Incidentally, it didn't happen before I installed IrLink on the Visor -- but that didn't affect my iMac and I'm not sure whether it's responsible. Both Macs run OS 8.6.

Any ideas?

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 61

Rosswords,
In a way, I am relieved to read your note. I thought that I was the only Mac user with this type of sync problem. Ever since I received my Visor Deluxe in November there has been a delay (a 12 minute delay, to be precise) between initiating HotSync and the actual exchange of info between my Visor and iMac (running OS 8.6). I e-mailed Tech support in November, and after I did not receive a reply called them. I was told that the problem would be passed on to the more "senior" tech support guys and I would get a call back - which never happened. I also posted on this forum, but did not get any replies.
Within the last week, after I sent an e-mail to Donna Dubinsky voicing my frustration with the non-existent support for Mac users, I received an e-mail from one of the support staff. We have been working on this sync problem for the last few days and it appears to have the Visor software gurus mystified. The current thinking is that the delay may be due to a software conflict. When I have some time this weekend, I will, as advised, AFTER BACKING-UP, the contents of my Visor, perform a hard reset and then designate a new user, to see if Sync will start without a delay, if no 3rd party applications are being used ( how I wish a program like Conflict Catcher was available for the Palm OS!!!)
I will post new developments on this forum and in the meantime, it may be of help, if other Mac users experiencing a similar problem, could add to this thread.

mg

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

I am also relieved that someone else has reported this problem, as I was told that no one else did. The Handspring tech support hasn't a clue (about the problem or Macs in general) and their Software Quality Assurance guy, Sean Ford, seems interested in helping to resolve the issue, but had no suggestions as of our recent communication other than reinstalling the Palm Desktop software from the included CD, which changed nothing.
Incidentally, after a hard reset on the Visor Deluxe, there was no difference - the problem remains.
I hope that someone can shed some light on this most frustrating and inconvenient issue.

[This message has been edited by JHromadka (edited 01-18-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

Thanks, mg and OpasM. It sounds like your problems are even worse than mine. Opas, I noticed you'd posted something about this on another thread. But how did you know that adding the USB pci board is what caused the delay? (And what is a USB pci board, anyway?) What's most puzzling to me is that it only happens on one Mac and not the other, and that it didn't start happening until I'd been using my Visor for about a month. I'll keep experimenting, and I'll let you know if I find a solution. Mg, let me know if your hard reset works. I've already hard-reset my Visor twice for different reasons, and I'm not eager to go through all that again.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 434

OK, I dunno much about Macs... but I'm trying to learn. What about this serial port monitor in Mac OS? What does it do exactly, and what does it do to USB ports? I seem to remember something a while back about turning it off for some machines made USB work better.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 61

Eug,
The default setting for the HotSync manager is to have the radio buttons for both Local (serial) and USB sync "turned-on". I "switched off" the Local sync button even before I synched for the first time (since is sync with a iMac via USB), so I cannot say that it, ie having multiport sync enabled is the cause for the sync delay.
mg

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 61

rosswords & opasM,
Please could you tell me what 3rd party applications, utilities and hacks you are using. The reason I ask this question is that when I performed a hard reset & then synched after designating a new user, with no 3rd party programs installed, HotSync started after a very brief delay. However once I installed the programs I commonly use (Hi-Note, HanDbase, Datebook3, Listmaker, TealPhone and TealDoc) the 12 minute delay recurred. What is puzzling is that I had used these programs on my Palm IIIx without a delay in initiation of the HotSync process.

Thanks.

mg

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

I just noticed that the application "HotSync" on the Visor has a Conduit Setup menu choice which has alot listed beyonfd the 4 built-in applications. I wonder if unchecking some would help?!?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

It does say "Modem HotSync", however.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

OpasM: You can try it, but I don't think it will make much difference.

MG: I don't have any of the apps you listed. My most commonly used apps are ThinkDB and IrLink. I also use CSpotRun, DiddleBug, ImageViewerIII and a few games (Traffic, Bzzz, Zap2000).

I suspect it might be IrLink causing my problem, but I haven't tried deleting it yet. Like you, I'm puzzled because it's so selective; it doesn't seem to affect my home computer. My problem isn't as bad as yours -- my delay is only about 2 minutes, which may not sound like much but I need to hot-sync with my office computer 3-4 times a day and every minute counts.

I don't use any hacks because I'm scared of crashing my Visor; I have enough weird stuff going on even without Hackmaster.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

Do you think it matters that the Palm folder is not on my startup drive?

These are on my Visor (many are apps I am simply evaluating/comparing: (Sorry for the long list, but you asked!)

CharHack
DaylightSavingsHack
GreenLightHack
MultiClipHack
PopCalc
HackDel
No Streak Hack
SwitchHack
MenuHack
3AlarmHack
Keyb+Graffiti
PowerLaunch
TickHack
BrainForest
PITCH
BigClock
Beam Box
BPM2Delay
Benchmark
dbSetup
DateBk3
dbScan
CharPanel
CSpotRun
DiddleBug
FretBoard
FPSUti4u
Found Me?
ToDo PLUS
Memo PLUS
IconEditor
JFile
Img Cmprsr
Vehicle Log Demo
Lefty
Mirror
MobileDB
Meep
Off
PIANO
PPaint
StopWatch
UnitConv
PocketSynth
PalmChord
TealPhone
Address+
WhatzUp
.Note
AportisDoc
Counter
iSilo
Lightning
QDraw
Qed
Quick Decision
ScoreSheet
TealPaint
TipMe
Tipsy
Image Viewer III
Volume
ATool!
DelTool
PrefMngr
UnDupe
Word Complete
Z'Catalog

and a bunch of games.

I hope a solution is found soon!

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

The delay that I experience is typically between 2-5 minutes.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

Just to reiterate - After a hard reset, before installing anything, there was still a delay. I don't recall if it was shorter, though, but there shouldn't be any, so what's the difference?!?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

OpasM, use your Visor much?

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 18

Why, whatever gave you that idea?