I hope to have helped anyone.
Stephen Porosoff
Posted on: System
I am having problems logging onto AOL with my Zoomer. It hasn't been a problem up until a few days ago. It gets to password, I enter it and if I have mail waiting, it announces it but the hour glass stays on and the "Welcome" screen never comes up. I press the "Stop incoming text" button and if I have mail, I can get it and news through the icons but I cannot get a Welcome screen. If I don't have mail waiting, I can't get anything to work.
I tried this with three different Zoomers, two different Starcard modems, and three different locations with no change. Is there a problem with AOL?
Let me know if anyone else out there is having a problem.
Posted on: System
It's AOL. Big headache when I'm on the road.
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Let's hope they get this problem fixed. And while they're
at it, do you think we could get rid of the Zoomer beta test icon that appears on the Welcome screen, and replace it with something useful (like, an icon that would automatically send us a Notebook or text file containing a summary of news, weather, sports, etc. :) )??
Posted on: System
I had the same problem today, and I tried over a period of several hours.
I also called customer service, and the person on the other end didn't have a clue then passed me on to the tech line for which I got a message that the wait would be at least 10 minutes (I hung up).
This must be something new as it has never happened before....but my question is were there time charges being allocated for the total of about 30 minutes my Z sat there doing nothing?
Posted on: System
are there any modems cards on the market with a cableless 'xjack' hook up like the newton modem card that will work with a z-pda?
// OOMan
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This just happping recently. Who do we talk to? Can Craig do anything?
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Hi,
Currently the only supported modem is the AMT Starcard. It has a cable instead of an xjack. I am working on getting other modems supported. As soon as the others are supported, I will post the information here.
Chris De Herrera
Posted on: System
Same problem here - made me a little nervous when I tried to turn off Zoomer and got message that serial port was still in use and Zoomer couldn't be turned off. I've just sent an Email to staff and am anxiously awaiting their reply.
Posted on: System
I have also had trouble using AOL with my Zoomer. I couldn't get access to customer support; which is what the manual and opening screen suggests to do. I could not check on my account, I couldn't even close the account. It was very frustrating. My main interest for online connection was an internet adress I could acess when on the road with my Zoomer and updated news. If the zoomer had standard communications software, I would just use my internet adress at the local bbs.
Bruce
Posted on: System
Help! I am trying to connect my Zoomer to my PC. I am using a modem cable for the Zoomer, plus a serial port adapter and null modem adapter from Radio Shack. I am using Geoworks Ensemble shareware -- at the suggestion of GW Steve (who I hope may respond to this) -- and I think I have correctly set the various options correctly. However, when I choose File Manager/Connect/File Linking on the Zoomer, all I get is an "Attempting to Connect" message and nothing happens. At one point I did notice a new "C drive" icon on the Zoomer, which I assume was from the PC, but I can't replicate this. Any suggestions will be gratefully appreciated
Also, my Zoomer (actually a Gridpad) manual says that under File Linking, one can transfer files -- so what is the difference between File Linking and File Transfer? The manual also says that under File Transfer, the Zoomer awaits commands from the PC -- what commands? File/Copy? Thanks anyone for the help.
Posted on: System
Hi,
The file linking requires the PC to run Ensemble or Geopublish. You must use the file transfer option on both machines simultaneously.
Also, don't forget to set your PC's/PDA's preferences to 9600 and the right com port.
If you need further assistance, please post a message here.
Chris De Herrera
Posted on: System
Thanks, Chris. Well, I think I had the settings right. On Ensemble on my PC now I get a message (when I choose "access remote computer" option) that COM port either "doesn't exist or is in use." Any idea why that is happening? (I am using COM 1, which normally is used by my mouse, but I disconnected it temporarily. I have another serial port some where, but am unclear (a) where it is on the back of my computer and (b) which COM number I should assign to it, since COM 1 is usually the mouse, COM 2 is my modem, and COM 3 & 4 don't seem to be available when 1& 2 are being used. Any more thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks again.
Posted on: System
Chris:
Sorry to be stupid -- I solved my immediate problem, by tellin
11/10/95 9:29:25 PM Opening ÒSystem Log 11/10/95#6Ó for recording.
g Ensemble that I didn't have a mouse attached. That was the trick, and I was able to copy my data files from Zoomer to PC; worked great. Now, next possibly dumb question:
If I download software from PDA forum to PC, (1) can I or should I uncompress it first on PC and then transfer it to Zoomer, or (2) transfer it first to Zoomer and somehow uncompress it there (and how)? And when I finally get it to the Zoomer, how does one "run" it -- just tap on the .exe file or whatever, or what? If there is a quick tip answer to these particular questions, can you kindly direct me to it (them); if not, a step by step explanation would be appreciated. Again, sorry to bother you with my own ineptitude, but I am grateful for any and all help. Thanks muchly.
Posted on: System
Hi,
I recommend that you check out the QuickTips area for the Zoomer tips.
As for zipping file, your best bet is to get them on your PC, unzip them on your PC, the copy the files to the Zoomer. I currently do this. There are two tips on how to unzip files on the Zoomer, however, you need to get comfortable with it prior to using these.
Also, there are enhancements for the Zoomer here as well, but you need to wait until you are comfortable, have a backup, and have used Zdos for file transfer. A good understanding of DOS and Geoworks helps alot.
Chris De Herrera
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Thanks for the quick response. What does ZDos do re file transfer that you can't do using, e.g., Ensemble (Geopublish)?
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1.) Can a mouse be used via the RS-232 port? (if so how.)
2.) If the first will work, how about a Keyboard?
Posted on: System
Hi,
Currently, only modems are supported by the serial port. I am aware of one application under development that allows the Zoomer to be used with a serial keyboard, but no mouse support is currently available. You might be able to use the Ensemble drivers for the mouse if it use the Geoworks Serial driver.
Chris De Herrera
Posted on: System
Whew! I just got a serial cable for my 2 week old Zoomer and thought I had a bad unit or setup problems...
It dialed the 800 number (serial port/ Hayes 14.4 Pocket dialing @ 2400 of course) got in and gave my current ID and pw. It then dropped connection and dialed then local number. (Cool so far right?) When it logged my in it announced I had new mail (really impressed hearing this through my Zoomer speaker), then the hourglass pops up and never stops. Choosing SIGNOFF didn't work, turned the modem on & off to drop the connection but the AOL s/w never saw carrier drop. I was finally able to get it to where Zoomer knows the serial port is inactive but, the AOL s/w still thinks the connection is hour - hourglass on...
The AOL on a PDA was one of the main reasons I bought this - to get internet mail on the road w/o having to lug a laptop... If this ends up being an AOL problem that can't be resolved quickly I'd better take this back to "the shack" while I can still get my money back for it...
Thanks for any answer you may be able to provide!
On an aside question...
1) The unit was mfg in 9/93. Some of the reference information is outdated. Anyone have any clue as to whether Tandy ever plans to provide upgrades for this?
2) Is this going to be a Zoomer II or is Tandy bailing out of the PDA market?
3) Any plans for a floppy drive via the PCMCIA port?
4) Anybody got a clue who the product mgr is for this thing and how to reach them?
Thanks again for any help anyone might be able to offer.
Randy Cooper
Posted on: System
Hmm.. I've used my Zoomer on many occasions to sign on to AOL before--especially while on the road. But tonight, I'm getting the same everlasting hourglass that you describe. Doesn't matter if I'm using "expert" mode or "default" mode, I've tried both.
<<< 1) The unit was mfg in 9/93. Some of the reference information is outdated. Anyone have any clue as to whether Tandy ever plans to provide upgrades for this? >>>
No upgrades have been announced so far.
<<< 2) Is this going to be a Zoomer II or is Tandy bailing out of the PDA market? >>>
Nobody has announced that there won't be an upgrade or a new version of the Zoomer, either.
<<< 3) Any plans for a floppy drive via the PCMCIA port? >>>
I haven't heard this idea before.
<<< 4) Anybody got a clue who the product mgr is for this thing and how to reach them? >>>
The unit was manufactured by Casio. You can reach Casio at screen name CasioTech here on AOL.
Steve
Posted on: System
Is anyone NOT having problems with AOL on their Z? If not, is your Zoomer enhanced or factory defaults?
Posted on: System
I also can't sign on with the Zoomer (factory defaults), and have Emailed my in house contact for info. Unfortunately, he's been traveling and has a huge backlog of mail, so a prompt answer seems unlikely. :(
I'll keep trying and let everyone know if or when I learn something.
Craig de Fasselle (PDA Craig)
PDA Forum Leader
(Conferences every Wed. @ 9:30 pm Eastern - Keyword: PDA)
Posted on: System
I have had this problem (logging on to AOL via Zoomer) for at least a week now.
I tried calling the 800 tech service, and he didn't have a clue as to what a Zoomer was, much less what the problem was. He sent me on to a higher tech, who I would have had to wait at least 30 minutes for....I hung up.
'Left a message on line, and received a reply telling me more or less that it was on my end (despite me telling them that others had the same problem); I responded by telling them again what I wrote the first time, but apparently it has done no good.
All in all I have spent several hours trying to tell AOL that they have a problem with their interface, and have gotten nowhere....perhaps you can get something done.
Posted on: System
Hello, I found a Zoomer Home page on the Web. Below is the site if you have access.
http://www.eit.com/mailinglists/zoomer/zoomer.html
Posted on: System
Thanks for the reply! I hope that AOL can get it together for Zoomer users quickly so we can get back to business. Thanks again!
Randy Cooper
Posted on: System
I've also been experiencing problems logging on over the past week or so w/ my zoomer. I'm running the factory default mode on the zoomer since I haven't really had a chance to play with upgrading it yet. Hope my $.02 worth helps with the problem...
-J
Posted on: System
I don't know if anyone else has discovered this yet, but I logged on to AOL through my Zoomer and reached the Forever Hourglass like normal lately. I pressed the Stop Incoming Text Button, and lo and behold, AOL worked, except I didn't get the welcome screen. I had mail waiting, which may've made a difference, but everything else seemed to work fine. I know it's not a fix, but it's a way around it, so at least we can get on AOL again on the road. Enjoy.
-J
Posted on: System
I received a couple of responses to an Email to staff regarding the hourglass problem. My first reaction is that they didn't really address the problem, but after I have time to read the responses more carefully offline, I'll try to post a summary soon-- maybe someone more knowledgeable than I can make better sense of them.
Meanwhile, has anyone tried ZComm Lite? If so, how is it? Is it a "generic" communications program, such that one could use the Zoomer to connect to a BBS, etc.? Thanks.
Posted on: System
Well, I'm back. Here is a slightly edited version of the two responses to my Emails to staff. I'm not sure their answers respond to our Zoomer problems, but maybe folks more up on this stuff than I am (and that wouldn't be hard) can determine if any of it is useful. Here goes:
1. There are a number of factors which can cause the system to appear
slow at your end or even disconnect you. The most common cause of this
problem is noise or traffic in your local telephone hookup. This can often be
corrected by switching to a different access number.
If you are using a Tymnet access number, we recommend switching to a
Sprintnet number, as Sprintnet provides faster transmission and more reliable
connections. You may find a complete listing of the local access numbers
under keyword ACCESS.
If you have answering machines or cordless telephones connected to your
telephone line, you may wish to disable or disconnect them, as they have been
known to cause line noise.
Lastly, keep in mind that our busiest times of day are from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Eastern time. The large number of members at these hours means that you'll
be seeing slower system response. We recommend signing on during other hours
of the day for faster response.
2. There may be several causes for poor system response. The main cause for
this is the modem configuration in the AOL setup. From the Sign On screen,
select Set Up, then Setup Modem. Ensure that you have selected the correct
modem. If your modem is not listed, you may be able to download a driver for
your modem from our Members Online Support Technical Help area.
Check in your CONFIG.SYS file that you have your
FILES set to 30 - 50 and your BUFFERS set to 30 - 40 (use 30 for BUFFERS if
using SMARTDRV).
Due to the nature of the problem you are experiencing, I feel that if it
continues, you should give our technical support number a call. The number
is 1-800-827-3338.
Posted on: System
Hiya Steve!
I use ZCOMM Lite. It works OK. I've used it via the Star Card and external modem to log on to several BBSs including AOL's troubleshooting 800 BBS.
I'm going to try to contact Kerry W. Podolsky at 70521,3000 on CompuServe to see about acquiring the full version!
Posted on: System
<<Well, I'm back. Here is a slightly edited version of the two responses to my Emails to staff. I'm not sure their answers respond to our Zoomer problems, but maybe folks more up on this stuff than I am (and that wouldn't be hard) can determine if any of it is useful. Here goes:>>
Those responses are useless. I was able to sign on with ZAOL before and not now. I can signon using my home computer with the same line, same access number... but not with the Zoomer. And I don't think anyone can sign on right now through ZAOL. I am right?
Posted on: System
Last night I did the same thing.. I never got the opening screen. I did get the "you have mail" voice. I looked at the hourglass for about five minutes then hit "Stop Incoming Text". Everything worked normally after that and I was able to check my mail. (First time I've used AOL on my Zoomer since I got Grafitti. Guess what? AOL is useful on my Zoomer now!) Maybe just the opening screen is kludged on ZAOL?
Whatever. I am glad it works.
David Haviland
Posted on: System
Actually I think those answers are pretty much bull. Most of the complainants have been using ZAOL before. So why would their setup change? We all know the problems with busy traffic on AOL.
I'll bet this is an AOL glitch.
David Haviland
Posted on: System
I've been screwing around with AOL for a week trying to tell them it's not on the user side....
Beside the canned responses I got as well, they sent me on to the tech service line and I got a recording that there would be at least a 30 minute wait (so I hung up).
It appears no one will believe that it's on their side, so we need some help!
HELP!!!!!!!!
Posted on: System
First, I BELIEVE you that it is a problem on AOL's end, and have told them that.
Unfortunately, my in-house contact didn't see my "HELP" message on it until after 5 pm tonight (he's been out of town, and is really backlogged).
I don't expect any word back this weekend, but hopefully will have some news early next week.
If anyone gets a runaround from tech support, tell them to contact me and I'll verify this is an AOL problem, not a user one.
Craig de Fasselle (PDA Craig)
PDA Forum Leader
(Conferences every Wed. @ 9:30 pm Eastern - Keyword: PDA)
Posted on: System
Thanks to DavidD1166 re the comments on ZCOMM Lite. As to the responses from AOL, thanks for confirming my suspicion that it was NON-responsive (sorry, I tried).
I just got myself a Zoom "Pocket Modem" at the Shack and was able to get onto AOL and move around (still had to use the Stop Incoming Text trick though). What WAS a problem was trying to sign off -- I couldn't get the hourglass!! Finally, I tried switching to another application (date book, I think) and got a warning message that I was still connected to AOL and would I like to sign off. Clicked YES and that worked.
Hope our distinguished forum leader can get a decent response from AOL.
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You are right !!!
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Have you had to log on like this all the time? Does it work all the time? I'm calling from New Orleans and nothing seems to get past sign-on. I've tried your remedy to no avail.
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I agree Dave.
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I called them up at 11pm Central Time and spent at least 45 minutes holding or getting put throughthe same elementery BS fixes by a sleepy tech who obviously knew this was not the problem. ZCOMM Lite works OK on the Zoomer. Since everyone's ZAOL software can't connect, logically it has to be a problem on AOL's side.
Posted on: System
Two points:
1) I've tried going on-line with the zoomer when I read all the problems everyone has been having... I got to the hourglass, then just hit the stop/esc button, and from then on everything worked just fine. It's obviously a AOL problem (betcha it's got something to do with ver 2.0).
2) But the second thing I noticed (as I was testing AOL out to see what else was wrong; I found that I could keyword myself to forums that I thought the zoomer had no access to. For example, I used the keyword TSR (just for fun) and wound up in the on-line gaming forum. Are all forums available to the zoomer? If so, that would make the zoomer a LOT more useful. Has anyone else found any other areas that they can visit? The only problem is that the AOL screen for the rouge forums are much too wide to fit on my poor zoomer. Would the "expert mode" cheat enable me to resize AOL's windows (or at least let me move them back and forth to get at the buttons...) Any info would be great--thanks.
Posted on: System
Hi,
To move the windows back and forth, just "pull" the menu bar to the left or right. I've found that some windows have to be pulled to the right in order to move them to the left.
Chris De Herrera
Posted on: System
First, AOL does have my report on the Zoomer access problems... no word back yet on when it will be fixed.
Second, on forum access, when I was able to get the PDA Forum opened to the Z, it made it possible to also get to additional forums (although initially, it was only to include our company support forums).
You cannot resize the windows via expert mode... the form sizes are set in AOL. Some of this is controlled in the AOL software, and some is dictated by the system. To have the windows resized would mean that AOL would have to create a new form size for all forums--that's not going to happen. Even if the ZAOL software could do some resizing of windows (which I think is possible with Geoworks, but I don't think that ability was included in the Z), I don't think it could rescale windows enough to make them readable on the Z.
'Fraid you're stuck with dragging things around as Chris suggested.
Craig de Fasselle (PDA Craig)
PDA Forum Leader
(Conferences every Wed. @ 9:30 pm Eastern - Keyword: PDA)