hardwiring a PDA logger

[jakeachy]

I hate having to reinstall the pocketlogger software when I have to change the batteries, and I want to have it built into the car. Anyone have any information?

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

Yea... let me know when you find out how to do it. I've searched TONS to figure out how to do it.

 

[jdbl14]

i have also been trying to do the same thing... but i have no idea as of yet...

 

[kenamond]

I'm interested in this, too. I'll check through my PMs, but I think someone on the forum was working on a kit for exactly this.

Thing is, if you have a rechargeable battery (like my PalmIIIc), the docking station has a power plug on the serial connector on the PC end. A simple hotsync cable (PDA connector on one end, RJ12 or whatever on the other) does not. The car kit has a cigarette lighter adapter for recharging/powering the PDA in a car but doesn't give you a serial connection. So the docking station could do it in theory but is a clunky/awkward thing to have in a car, the simple hotsync cable has no power supply, and the car kit has power but no serial connection. So that tells me that it is possible to have the logger hooked up with power from the car. Someone with a car kit and a docking station might be able to hack the car kit wire to be able to plug into the docking station power plug...too clunky still, but if that works, you know you just have to somehow fabricate the right plug, plug in the OBD port, wire the power supply, and run all the wiring under the dash to wherever you want the PDA installed.

My $0.02.

 

[jakeachy]

I'm going to call Palm in the morning, and see if I can get some kind of circuitboard diagrams, to be able to DIRECTLY wire it in without having to buy cables and docks.

 

[kenamond]

I'm going to call Palm in the morning, and see if I can get some kind of circuitboard diagrams, to be able to DIRECTLY wire it in without having to buy cables and docks.

If you find anything out, post it up. I've never opened up my Palm, so I don't know if it'd be a big deal to solder to the plug terminals, but if you can't do that, you need a plug that fits the PDA data port...which seems like it'd be a PITA to make.

I found the PM. The guy has two kits, one for rechargeable and one for AAA batteries. But I'd have to ask him if he's gone public with it yet. The PM was from late October last year, so maybe he's ready.

This'd be sweet, because my wife got a PalmIIIce (AAA battery version of mine) for $1 at a 2nd hand store and doesn't want it...I could do whatever to it. Didn't think about that until just now...glad I saw this thread.

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

I swear I saw a hotsync cable once that Y'd off after the PDA plug-in, with one wire going to a cigarette lighter, but the other went to a USB connection instead of a serial connection.

 

[kenamond]

I swear I saw a hotsync cable once that Y'd off after the PDA plug-in, with one wire going to a cigarette lighter, but the other went to a USB connection instead of a serial connection.

Really? I was googling for palm accessories last week and never found anything like that (that's exactly what I was looking for). If you run across it again, please let me (us) know.

Thanks!

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I hate having to reinstall the pocketlogger software when I have to change the batteries, and I want to have it built into the car. Anyone have any information?

What kind of Palm do you have?

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

It was a long time ago, before I actually bought my Palm. Once I finally got it, I too couldn't find the Y cable ever again. I'll keep my eyes peeled though as I haven't searched for anything like that for a while.

I gotta ask though, why would you want a hotsync cable with a USB connector on it?

 

[kenamond]

It was a long time ago, before I actually bought my Palm. Once I finally got it, I too couldn't find the Y cable ever again. I'll keep my eyes peeled though as I haven't searched for anything like that for a while.

I gotta ask though, why would you want a hotsync cable with a USB connector on it?

Oh, I missed that in your post. Hmmm. Back to the drawing board, I guess.

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

Let me know what your buddy that sent you the PM is doing. I'd really be interested if he's got something that works and looks clean.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Let me know what your buddy that sent you the PM is doing. I'd really be interested if he's got something that works and looks clean.

What kind of Palm do you have?

 

[DSMunknown]

I'm still waiting, Paul.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I'm still waiting, Paul.

I know, you have the more difficult type of Palm to work with. All our other projects are finally finished, though, so I've got more time to work on things like these. I didn't forget about you!

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

I've got an Palm m515.