3mx FILE CONVERSION

[johnhodgson]

I have a dying 3MX but have all my data files on PC (the largest is 195k). I have been trying to convert them to use on my new, er' sorry.... Palm M515 but I am having problems.
Problem 1 - In the past I have succesfully converted to Access format but now (on my new computer - same OS - WIN ME) I get the message 'unable to convert file'. I can convert it on another computer (same OS) but part of the data in each record is lost i.e. everything after the first line of a field. I have succeeded in converting the data to CSV format with Ver 1.0 of PSI Win but version 2.2 & 2.3.1 will not have it - any ideas?
Problem 2 - what's the best way to get the data onto my M515?
Problem 3 - is there a database or contacts program for the Palm M515 that will work in the same way as the Psion's database? One that will search by text string and list records one after the other when 'enter' (or another key) is pressed?

Many thanks in anticipation for your help.

[Jim Cooke]

As to the Data problem, I'd use CSV rather than trying to convert it to Access format. PsiWin 2.x has problems converting Data files with too many fields and I suspect that may be your problem since the Series 3 allowed many more fields, or labels, than is allowed by the Series 5 Data app. You may even be better off just reinstalling Psiwin 1.1 and doing the conversion there.

I also use a Handspring Prism. There's a great database program for the Palm OS called HanDbase. It will import your CSV data files into its desktop app after which you can then sync it to your Palm. You can get more information at www.ddhsoftware.com .

It's too bad you didn't get a Revo or 5mx. PsiDat is a free, really good relational database that works on those platforms and will do exactly what you want.

Regards, Jim

[johnhodgson]

Thanks Jim
I don't think fields are the problem, I only use NAME, TEL, FAX, ADD1,2,3 & 4 and INFO. INFO can have quite a lot of data in it and can contain commas etc. Thing is convert used to work but will not now - even with CSV, I just hate to give up! All I get - for any file - is 'unable to convert file', files are not 'read only'. Never mind PSIWin 1.0 will do and I have already converted all files to CSV.
I have looked at HanDBase and it is interesting althiough I only really need a simple flat file DB - Roladex type.
I wish I had got a REVO now but new ones are not available and I was unsure about the DB apps. I think the REVO has only got CONTACTS on it as opposed to DATA, I find CONTACTS or ADDRESS BOOK on PDA's pretty useless as I can often not remember the company name, just what it does, not useful when you have up to a 1000 contacts or companies listed.
Thanks again.
JGH

[Jim Cooke]

Actually, new Revo + and some Diamond Mako's are still available on the web. Expansys has some in the UK and Sparco gets some Diamond's in from time to time over here.

The Revo/Mako does have a Data app and well as a Contacts app. You have the choice to use either. The Contacts app is good if you use a mobile phone or e-mail since the contents integrate directly with mobile phone address books and the e-mail app. If you don't use either of these, then you could still set up a Data file just as you had on the 3mx.

You can set up a good address book application in HanDbase - there's even one prebuilt you can download. As long as you're not trying to sync to a desktop PIM, this will work fine. The standard Palm address book is pretty pathetic and it doesn't sound like what you'd need at all.

Regards, Jim

[grahamb]

I can't help you with your M515 problem, but with respect to PsiWin 2.3 losing lines on conversion or sychronising with multiple line entries within a field it is necessary to use SHIFT/ENTER rather than ENTER alone at the end of each intermediate line (not the last.) This transfers all the lines and also seems to solve duplicate entry problems.
I suspect that a lot of people know this but it took me a long time to find it out!

[johnhodgson]

Hi
I managed to convert the files - both to CSV and Access. All I had to do was convert them at the time of copying from the Psion to the PC - odd though, before I had simply copied the files to the PC and then used the conversion tool but this will not work now, strange!
Uh, I also solved the missing lines of data, silly me, I found that on a couple of data files I had 'hidden' fields that I did not know were there, I must have used 'edit labels' at some time and hit the return a couple of times after the last label, removing these 'invisible' fields ensured I imported all the data correctly.
Still not happy with the apps though, tried a few database type programs but they are either too complex or the search is very slow. There must be one out there as simple as the Psion's.
I can manage with 'Address' for a couple of files but the others need different fields than 'Address' offers, also 'Find' searches everything and not just the file I am using at the time.
I'll post my findings and conclusions at a later date when I've got fed up of trying programs and doing hard resets to clear the system - here's to the learning curve - cheers!

Nice little red wine that, must get another glass.

Thanks for the help
John