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| Title: How to Sync a Vista |
| Posted By: Old CNC Guy |
| E-mail: d_v.smith@juno.com |
| Date: 03/02/2001 at 16:42:43 |
Message:I suggest you print this file and check things off as you try them.
Steps to test and synchronize the Royal Vista.
Gina at CompanionLink says, "The bad Vista units usually don't have a serial number."
So, you might look at the back of your unit to see if it has a serial number.
1> Go to the http://www.Royal.com site, software section, and download the latest VistaSync.exe file
2> If the VistaSync icon (green box with a yellow double-headed arrow) is in the tool tray (next to the clock), exit this software by clicking the icon and select exit. Usually this will default to be stored in the WindowsTemp folder when downloaded. (If you don't have Internet
access, email royalsupport@companionlink.com and request the file by email)
3> Start Explorer, and Copy the new file into the CompanionLink or VistaLink directory, replacing the existing VistaSync.exe file.
4> Still in Explorer, double click the VistaSync.exe file to start it. An icon will appear in the tool tray next to the clock.
5> Click this icon, go to VistaSync settings.
6> Click the Locate COM Port button. The program will now sequentially test each of your ports and give one of these three messages:
COM1: is a valid port (or)
COM1: is a modem (or)
COM1: is in use or not found
for each of the ports COM1: thru COM4:
Then a message should come up saying "Setting to use COM(n)" where (n) is the selected port. Select OK to set this port up.
* * * [If no port has been selected, see Note 1] * * *
7> Now either click the VistaLink or CompanionLink tab and configure your syncronization settings.
8> Plug the cable securely into the selected serial port and the Vista.
9> Select Link on the Vista keyboard or synchronize / yes from the tools menu.
10> Everything worked, right? Good, you are done.
Otherwise:
First, find a file called VistaSync.log in the appropriate directory.
Open this file in Notepad - it is a text file.
The first few lines will probably look like this:
BEGIN SYNC VistaSync.exe dated 05-16-2000
LINK REQUEST recieved, sending ACK.
MEMORY SIZE recieved, sending ACK.
UNKNOWN command recieved, expecting MODEL NUMBER. Sending LINK ABORT.
BEGIN SYNC VistaSync.exe dated 05-16-2000
LINK REQUEST recieved, sending ACK.
MEMORY SIZE recieved, sending ACK.
UNKNOWN command recieved, expecting MODEL NUMBER. Sending LINK ABORT.
... and on and on...
This file failed - probably because you have a defective Vista. The fact that this log shows that data was received, acknowldeged, and more sent indicates two very strong probabilities: A> You are using the correct COM port and B> the cable is good. So...
Return to your dealer and exchange the Vista for another one that works.
Repeat until you get desired result. Personally, I think it is best to just exchange the Vista unit itself rather than the whole works.
You have a good cable so keep it. (I'm told by a reliable source that there are some electronic components inside the DB-9 end of the cable.)
FOR REFERENCE, THIS IS WHAT A CORRECT FILE LOOKS LIKE:
BEGIN SYNC VistaSync.exe dated 05-16-2000
LINK REQUEST recieved, sending ACK.
MEMORY SIZE recieved, sending ACK.
MODEL NUMBER recieved, sending ACK. MODEL: VISTA
Getting CompanionLink PIM changes
Reading new record 1
New Schedule: Id# 3900 2000-12-31 00:00 00:00 00:00 0 0 0 0 New Year's Eve
Reading new record 2
New Schedule: Id# 3902 2001-01-01 00:00 00:00 00:00 0 0 0 0 New Year's Day
... and on and on...
NOTE: This is a CompanionLink file from MS-OUTLOOK, your results will vary if you are using a different PIM.
______________________________________________________________________
Now, let's get serious about troubleshooting. If the log file was not created, go back to the beginning and start over after you run the following cable test.
***********************
TESTING YOUR DATA CABLE
***********************
Did VistaSync find your COM port and did you use the suggested port or set it to another VALID port? If so, keep going.
Otherwise, see NOTE 1 below.
Go to StartProgramsAccessoriesCommunicationsHyperterminalHyperterminal.exe
In the connection description box type in something like Vista and enter. In the Connect To box, pull down the menu beside Connect Using: and select:
Direct to Com1 or whichever port you have your Vista sync cable plugged into. Then click OK
Now beside Bits Per Second, pull down the menu and select 19200,8,none,1,XON/XOFF.
Start Synchronize on the Vista (or select Link key on the keyboard).
Mine sends a string to the window over about the next 40+ seconds that looks like this...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA}
Don't ask me what that means, except that the Vista is transmitting data, and your cable is transmitting the signal to the correct com port.
To test the cable from the PC to the Vista, pull the plug from the Vista, and lightly touch it to your tongue. You will experience a slight tingling sensation and possibly an odd taste. (This is a very low power signal and will not harm you.)
Until I get more information from Royal, this is the best I can do - I have no specs. Make sure all three parts of the metal tip touch your tongue simultaneously.
So... the cable is good, the PC Com port works, what now?
Return to your dealer and exchange the Vista for another one that works. Repeat until you get the desired result. If you can, at this point you might want to carry your computer in with you to prove that it is not your computer and to test the next Vista before leaving.
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NOTE 1: If the Com Port Test fails to find a valid port, you will probably need to go into the BIOS and enable the COM port. Use the default settings. Now go to Start / Settings / Control Panel / System / Device Manager tab / Ports / Port Settings tab and click the Restore Defaults button.
If you have reason to suspect some other device (like a digital camera, scanner, etc.) is using the Com Port you want to use to sync, try this:
Reboot your computer. As soon as you see the NumLock / CapsLock / Scroll indicators on the keyboard flash, hold down the F8 key until the menu comes up. Now, select the option that lets you do a step-by-step boot. Read each line carefully for any reference to a COM port or a SERIAL port, and skip all lines pertaining to that device. Then try VistaSync and determine if it sees any ports.
Another thing you could try as above is to select to boot in "SAFE MODE" instead of Step-by-Step.
If you have a serial mouse, you might try plugging it into the com port you want to use and see if the computer recognizes it. This will sort of tell you if your port is OK.
From Gina: "If you suspect other software, such as a Palm HotSync is using the com
port, you can do a ctrl-alt-delete, end everything except explorer, systray,
vistasync, the contact manager you are using, such as Outlook and
CompanionLink. Then try the sync."
If you are running Windows NT4.0 and this test fails, you are on your own. I haven't figured that one out yet... but I'm working on it.
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I sincerely hope this helps someone
Thank you,
Doug Smith aka "Old CNC Guy"
d_v.smith@juno.com
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