Using a Palm PDA for Field Testing and Data Collection
The Palm PDA has revolutionized the data
processing world. Never before has so much computing power
been available in such a compact package, at such an affordable
price. The number of applications where the pocket-sized PDA
can take the place of a laptop or desktop boggles the mind.
Whether you are a field technician accessing
an industrial automation system, a service mechanic diagnosing
a diesel truck, or a route manager downloading sales data
from a vending machine, you can probably use a PDA to do it.
B&B Electronics aims to be on the leading
edge as Palm usage expands in serial communication. Here are
some of the applications we offer now:
New Palm PDA to RS-422/485 Converter
A new Model P485BTB Palm converter from
B&B Electronics, along with your Palm PDA, provides a pocket-size
replacement for that heavy laptop. It connects your Palm PDA
to any RS-485 or RS-422 serial device or network.
Switches are provided to select RS-485
or RS-422 operation and to turn echo on or off. Automatic
Send Data Control eliminates the need for software revisions
or special drivers.
The converter module is just 3.6 x 2.6
x1.1in (9 x 6.5 x 2.8cm). The adapter can be powered by two
AAA batteries (not included) or an external 12VDC power supply.
The RS-422/485 connections are terminal
blocks to connect easily to a standard DB cable or a specialized
test connector. Three models are offered, depending on the
cable needed to connect the converter to your Palm PDA.
Click here for more information on this product.
Specialized Application: Access On-Board Computers
of Heavy Duty Vehicles
If you service trucks, busses or other
heavy duty equipment using the SAE J1708 protocol, there is
no need to carry a laptop or string cable to your desktop
PC to pull up diagnostic data. A Palm PDA can access that
data and you can carry the whole works in your pocket, with
a new B&B Electronics Model P1708D15 converter module.
These converters are ideal for anyone
trouble shooting or developing vehicle applications using
SAE specifications. The CTS line provides a method for the
host software to monitor network activity. By checking the
CTS line before transmitting, the host software can avoid
network collisions. A setup jumper allows either Priority
1 or Priority 8 bus timing to be selected. The vehicle's DC
supply powers the adapter.
Click here for more information on this application.
Free PalmTerm Software with Source Code
PalmTerm is a basic Palm operating system
software tool that allows you to transmit and receive data
from the Palm serial port. Source code is provided to make
writing your own Palm application easy. It may be downloaded
free from the B&B Electronics website: www.bb-elec.com/Palm.
Teach Yourself Palm Programming by Gavin Maxwell
We offer this as one of the best books
we've seen for beginning or experienced Palm programmers.
Use this book two ways. If you have a programming question,
it has a comprehensive directory to provide the answer quickly.
If you want a thorough grounding in Palm programs, it has
a series of 24 one-hour lessons, accompanied by a CD, that
will get you up and programming like an expert.
Click here for more on this book.
For more information on Palm Programming, we recommend Instant
Palm OS Applications, Palm
Programming for the Absolute Beginner and the Palm
OS Programming Bible
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