help with paperless and Palm lllxe

[+thumbs1]

To make a extreamly long story short I finally got my palm to hotsync. Thats the good news. The bad is it has a conflict with gsak software. At least when I took gsak off it worked.

 

Ok this is what I want to do.

 

I want to be able to download many caches at a time and be able to put the cache info on my Palm. How can I do this and what programs are best suited for this if gsak does not work?

 

Now if anyone can tell me how to make gsak work with my palm i will be more than happy to use it.

 

thanks guys

[+jasond]

This is the site I learned from: http://www.geocacher-u.com/resources/paperless.html

 

GSAK doesn't work with your Palm. GSAK works with your GPS.

[+thumbs1]

Sorry my mind is without a dought mush. Yes gsak works with my gps. The problem is when I installed gsak it screwed up my palm software. In other words it seems I can't use gsak to download to my gps and still be able to download anything to my palm. If there is a way to seperate them I can use gsak with my palm that would be perfect.

 

I gess what I am tryin to say is there is a conflict between the two

Edited March 29, 2007 by thumbs1

[+jasond]

Hmm. Here's a useful Wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching_software

 

Specifically pertinent is Section # 1.1 Any Operating System.

 

GPSBabel and GeoToad both look like they may do the trick instead of GSAK. I haven't tried them out though.

 

You might try uninstalling and re-installing GSAK or post your problem to the GSAK support board @ http://gsak.net/board/

[+thumbs1]

yeah thats how I got my palm to work was to uninstall gsak. Now it may work if I reinstall but I would like to know if there is a way to use them so that they won't conflict. Maybe a reinstall. I am on my 21 day trial. I really like gsak I hope I can use it.

[+thumbs1]

do you use gsak or do you use spinner and plucker

[+Team Dubbin]

yeah thats how I got my palm to work was to uninstall gsak. Now it may work if I reinstall but I would like to know if there is a way to use them so that they won't conflict. Maybe a reinstall. I am on my 21 day trial. I really like gsak I hope I can use it.

 

There really is no reason that they should conflict with each other.

[+jasond]

do you use gsak or do you use spinner and plucker

 

I use all 3.

I use GSAK to put cache coordinates onto my GPS.

I use Spinner to convert the PQ into html cache descriptions.

I use Plucker to view the html cache descriptions on my Palm.

[+welch]

do you use gsak or do you use spinner and plucker

 

I use all 3.

I use GSAK to put cache coordinates onto my GPS.

I use Spinner to convert the PQ into html cache descriptions.

I use Plucker to view the html cache descriptions on my Palm.

What do you use to send info to the palm?

I always had problems with the palm 'hotsync manager' blocking up my other ports so I couldn't send to a gps unless I turned it off. (The palm is hooked to the computers only true serial port, while the gps uses a usb>serial convertor cable.) So I changed the settings on the manager Setup, general tab, to 'manuel' so it doesn't turn on when the computer starts up. Gsak sends and receives fine, and when I need to send to the palm I just need to turn it on first. And after its down turn it off again .

[+welch]

do you use gsak or do you use spinner and plucker

 

I use all 3.

I use GSAK to put cache coordinates onto my GPS.

I use Spinner to convert the PQ into html cache descriptions.

I use Plucker to view the html cache descriptions on my Palm.

Also, if/when you get them playing nice you'll be able to get rid of Spinner. You'll just open the gpx file in gsak use 'export' and 'html', and it will do what spinner does for you .

[+traildad]

It sounds like there is a conflict with both programs trying to control the serial port. With GSAK under GPS menu is setup. There you can choose which com port it uses. With Hotsync there is also a setup and the com port choices is under the local tab. If both are running at the same time and set to the same port you will have problems. Open Hotsync setup and set it to manual so it won't run until you're ready. Now right click on the Hotsync icon and choose exit. Then run GSAK and export the caches to your GPSr and to your palm. Then quit GSAK. Now start Hotsync and then press the hot sync button on the cradle. I have added a second serial port to me computer so I am not able to check each step I have suggested. I am not sure if you have the option to choose com 1 for GSAK to use and com 2 for Hotsync. If you can this might allow both programs to run at the same time. Good Luck.

[+Miragee]

Ask your question over in the GSAK Forum.

 

Since I depend on GSAK to send the filtered waypoints to my GPSr, and Export in the .pdb format for my Palm, and Export in the correct format for my Mapsource maps, I cannot imagine uninstalling it . . .

 

I used to have a Garmin Vista that used the serial port on my computer and that worked when I had my Palm M500 HotSync cradle using a USB connector. My OS is Win2K.

 

There has to be a way for both the Palm software and GSAK to co-exist on your computer . . .

[+thumbs1]

Miragee

 

I'm glad you chimed in here. First of all I have both gsak and my palm workin correctly after days of work.

 

Ok now I want to get cachmate to talk to my palm. I can download gsak to my gps and I can get my palm to hotsync so I think I am ready.

 

I have read some of your posts and see you are using gsak and cachmate. I am a bit gunshy here because of my last few days so could you help me with the cachmate thing? I don't want to screw up what I have.

 

I will probably just buy the cachmate program from the start.

 

How do you get the info for you downloaded caches to your palm?

 

I think I will start a topic on the forum there must be others with the same questions

Edited March 29, 2007 by thumbs1

[+Miragee]

When you download Cachemate and run the install program, IIRC, it puts the .prc program into the Install tool. It does this all on its own so it is ready for the next HotSync.

 

After Cachemate is on your Palm, you need to register it. I had to use the "RegAid" program available on the Cachemate site, but I'm sure most people don't have to take that extra step.

 

To get the caches on the Palm, choose "Export" from GSAK. That will give you the .pdb format. GSAK has a checkbox that it will "Install to Palm after Conversion." That means it will put the .pdb file in the correct folder for installation on the next HotSync.

 

I have a data card in my Palm M500, so I move that file from the place GSAK puts it to the other part of the dialogue box so on the next HotSync it will be installed to the card.

 

Check this rudimentary GSAK tutorial.

 

Good luck . . .

[+thumbs1]

Ok went to file then to export then when the form came up I hotsynced but it didn't send info

[+Miragee]

Did you Export to "Cachemate .pdb file?"

 

Did you give the file a path in "PDB file to create"?

 

The path my .pdb file goes to is:

 

D:\Program Files\Palm\UserName\QuickInstall\032907_Default.pdb

 

Did the PalmOne Quick Install dialogue box come up after the Export?

 

When you pushed the HotSync button, did you hear the "little music," as a friend of mine calls it?

[+thumbs1]

Did you Export to "Cachemate .pdb file?"

 

(Yes it's the first option on the list.)

 

Did you give the file a path in "PDB file to create"?

 

(No there was nothin in the box how do I know what I should put in there)

 

 

The path my .pdb file goes to is:

 

D:\Program Files\Palm\UserName\QuickInstall\032907_Default.pdb

 

Did the PalmOne Quick Install dialogue box come up after the Export?

 

When you pushed the HotSync button, did you hear the "little music," as a friend of mine calls it?

[+jahoadi and john]

Does anyone know how to delete an old user from a used PALM? I bought a used PALM and can't load cachemate because cachemate is registered to me and when I HOTSYNC it keeps going to this old user. Or do I have to buy cachmate again this old user's name? I'm not very computer or electronic savy. Thanks!!! r/ jodi

[+NightPilot]

Do what the original owner should have done - a hard reset. Press and hold the power button while pushing the reset button. Keep holding the power button until you get the Palm logo on the screen. After you let it go, you should see a message saying "Erase all data? Up button if yes, any other button if no" or similar. I can't recall the exact verbage off the top of my head, but what you want to do is then press the 'Up' button, which will delete everything on the Palm, and restore it to factory default, just as it came from the assembly line. Then hotsync, and when the PC asks for a hotsync name, type in yours. You won't get much data added, probably, but you will be able to load Cachemate and whatever else you want. Any programs registered under the old user's name will be lost. There is a program around called ChangeName, which will let you change hotsync names at will. You need to be careful how you use it, though, because you can lose the ability to hotsync if you screw things up.

[+Miragee]

There is a combination of keys to push at the same time that will perform a "Hard Reset" on the Palm. This will remove the other user's name, as well as any software they loaded. The Palm will go back to "Factory Settings."

 

On the Palm site, do a search for your model Palm and "Hard Reset" and you should find out which keys to push. It might be the Power button, and the Reset on the back of the unit, simultaneously.

[+Lizzy]

My Hotsync cradle "hijacks" the port I use for my GPS when it's active. All I have to do is exit the hotsync program after transferring data to my Palm & all is well when tranferring info to my GPS. Cachemate works like a charm for me with GSAK & my Palm AND my GPS. No need to uninstall GSAK.

 

RE: deleting an old user from a used Palm (I can't remember for sure), have you tried resetting the Palm completely? I own a Palm IIIxe, and to reset it, I have to push a pin into the reset hole on the back of the unit.

Edited April 1, 2007 by Lizzy

[+thumbs1]

Go into palm desktop and you will find users. Go to the users list and click on the user you want to delete and then hit delete.

 

Hey I am an expert at this crap since all the horse crap and gunsmoke of last week. LOL (just kidding but I learned a heck of a lot)

[+jahoadi and john]

There is a combination of keys to push at the same time that will perform a "Hard Reset" on the Palm. This will remove the other user's name, as well as any software they loaded. The Palm will go back to "Factory Settings."

 

On the Palm site, do a search for your model Palm and "Hard Reset" and you should find out which keys to push. It might be the Power button, and the Reset on the back of the unit, simultaneously.

 

 

 

Karen ( Miragee), Thumbs1 and NightPilot....Thanks!!! It worked..I can go paperless now!! yeehah!! you guys are smart!!!

[+thumbs1]

Good deal. I just got mine to work this week. Only been out twice goin paperless and without a dought is the way to go. Enjoy

[+cach2find]

This is what I have:

* Venture CX with waypoints loaded using EasyGPS

* Palm Zire 72

* Premium membership

* Plenty of confusion

 

This is what I want:

*Paperless caching setup by using the simplest, easiest way possible

*Tons of fun with maximum "cache in time"

 

Have been perusing the posts and am having a difficult time deciphering all of it (kind of like reading the Garmin owner's manual) I aspire to becoming a techie some day, but this Tadpole obviously has a long way to go How do GSAK, Cacemate, GPXSpinner, and Plucker relate to each other? What is the easiest combination to use? Can I download Google Map onto my Palm? What software or anyware do I need?

Sooooo many questions. Now that I have 27 finds under my belt, hopefully I won't be a tadpole..... much longer....hold on....whoooa...my tail's starting to disappear!!!

[+Miragee]

There are combinations of free programs you can use, but I think many people have found the combination of Cachemate on your Palm ($8.00) and GSAK on your PC (free to use but $25.00 to register to get rid of the "Nag" screen) to be the easiest, most time-saving combination . . . once you figure out the feature-full GSAK database program.

 

I've never had a problem using Cachemate on my Palm in more than two years now.

 

I can load a Pocket Query in GSAK, run a quick filter or two, Export the caches in the .pdb format for Cachemate, Send the caches to my GPSr, and then HotSync my Palm in just a few minutes.

 

Here is a rudimentary GSAK tutorial.

[+traildad]

and GSAK on your PC (free to use but $25.00 to register to get rid of the "Nag" screen)

I would like to see it mentioned that the "NAG" screen stays up longer and longer as time goes by and comes up on startup and when doing other important steps using the program. It is free to use, but it is beginning to look like it will be such a time factor that the "NAG" screen will make the program unusable after a few months. It looks like I will "HAVE" to pay if I want to use it. I think the program is worth the $25, I just think there should be truth in advertising.

[+traildad]

Edit due to time out caused double post.

Edited April 3, 2007 by traildad

[+cach2find]

Thanks for the info Miragee...very helpful. Just what I needed to know.

[+thumbs1]

The thing is to design and deliver a program that does what gsak and cashmate and others do is not a 15 minute job. Not only that it's user base it pretty limited. I personaly think it's well worth the money for two reasons. First they do what we want them to do and second to be able to invest the time in continuing to upgrade new programs you need to be compensated. No one should have to work for nothing. In fact if we don't support this site and people that help us with software and such no one will invest the time to continue to probuce programs that make our lives in this game more enjoyable. Entering in 10 or 20 waypoints by hand is not only time consuming it's a pita. Well I'll stop now you get the idea. Use the program to see if you like it. If you do buy it and support the people helping us.

[+welch]

The thing is to design and deliver a program that does what gsak and cashmate and others do is not a 15 minute job. Not only that it's user base it pretty limited. I personaly think it's well worth the money for two reasons. First they do what we want them to do and second to be able to invest the time in continuing to upgrade new programs you need to be compensated. No one should have to work for nothing. In fact if we don't support this site and people that help us with software and such no one will invest the time to continue to probuce programs that make our lives in this game more enjoyable. Entering in 10 or 20 waypoints by hand is not only time consuming it's a pita. Well I'll stop now you get the idea. Use the program to see if you like it. If you do buy it and support the people helping us.

 

Is it any faster to use the CM converter app instead of gsak? or does it still take 15 minutes

[+NightPilot]

GSAK uses cmconvert.exe to do the conversion, it just makes it easier to get the conversion done through a GUI. The conversion takes a few seconds, unless you're using a really, really old and slow PC. Transferring to the Palm depends on the size of the file and the Palm model. If you're doing this on the cheap and using a Palm 4 generations old, then it will take longer, and you really shouldn't be converting very large files unless you really need to, and have lots of time on your hands.