Digitizer dying

[taneyev]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so I apologize if this question has already been asked. My Palm V is about 6-7 years old - I use it constantly for my home based business. Suddenly, the stylus is so out of whack I can't even get to the menu to reset the digitizer. I can't access anything at the very top of my screen. I haven't pushed the reset button out of fear. I read something about DigiFix? What is that? Is it software? My Palm syncs with an iMac in OS9

[DrMud]

Your problem is a common one. AutoDigi and DIgiFix are software. If you can hotsync one to the Palm and then do a soft reset you should be back in control.
I have my Vx setup with the ToDo hard button set to launch the "Welcome" app. This gives me the option to run the digitizer.
My pick of the fix it apps is AutoDigi. Try the demo.
If you are having a problem after the software then email Chris Short at ips@chartermi.net with the information and see if he can repair it. Chris is an expert on Palm digitzers and batteries.

Doc

[taneyev]

Thanks for the reply! Any suggestions as to the best place to get the software? I could use a little more instruction about setting the To Do button to run the Welcome software if you have the time. Sounds like a great idea.
Thanks again! Taneyev

[DrMud]

AutoDigi can be downloaded from palmgear.com.

Once you are able to open the "Preferences" app go to "Buttons" and then pick the hard button you use the least. For me the ToDo. Use the drop down menu associated with the button and go to "Welcome" and tap to connect it with the button.
Another good idea when you have control is to set "Welcome's" catagory to "Unfiled" then make sure you have only three other apps in Unfiled with Welcome starting the second row. If the Palm get its digitizer out of wack you can beam (or have a friend) beam an app to your Palm. The new app will be placed in Unfiled and will open the Palm to that screen. Welcome will now be in the middle of the second row of Icons so you should be able to tap 360 degrees around it until you get it launched.
Doc

[oldskoolboarder]

DrMud
I am also new to the forum. Although my problem is a step worse.

I use a Palm V that has had this digitizer problem for while. I use Outlook/Chapura as the desktop s/w, but I can't use the screen. I did a hard reset to remove everything on my pilot. I changed hotsync as not to hot sync anything, not even the system. I allowed the installation of the OnDigi and AutoDigi, assuming that those would be the only things installed. (BTW, I'm using Palm OS 3.5.3) Upon reset, the screen goes to the General screen of the prefs application. I can't get to the digitizer portion to even recalibrate. The OnDigi/AutoDigi, never engage so I can't even get there. Seems that everything is fine until I HotSync, even if the Hotsync has no data.

I saw numerous posts on the web (many answered by you) regarding the OnDigi and AutoDigi. I figured you'd be my best bet.

Any suggestions on how to force this digitizing would be IMMENSELY appreciated.

"You are my only hope, Obi Wan."...

Thanks

[DrMud]

I assume you have treid a soft rest or two and AutoDigi did not take hold. Do you have access to another palm to beam apps to the V?

All digitizers degrade over time. At some point software patches and resets all fail. There are plenty of new digitizers to be found on ebay. I bought one for a total of $3.89 including shipping and I am sending it with my old V to Chris Short for replacement. Chris is a real guru on the Palm V and Vx. If you like your V as much as I like mine then send it to Chris. Email him first for a price. He is remarkably fair. He can also replace your battery if it is the original. Most batteries last about three years then fade fast.
Doc

Chis Short: ips@chartermi.net

[oldskoolboarder]

Thanks for the offer.

Good idea on the beaming. I'll try that first, my coworker also has a palm.

[DrMud]

Once you have AutoDigi 2 or one of that type on the screen near the middle, you need to start a systematic tapping. Start at a full distance and tap left to right or right to left moving slowly closer until you launch the app. Then remember the distance and placement that gave you in control.
Doc

PS: I was in a compUSA store looking at Palms. The fellow next to me said he was buying a SONY as his Palm Vx was garbage. Palm in one hour of tech support had failed to fix it. I ask if he had it with him he said no, and that it was mine if I wanted it. He took my address and sent me the Palm Vx. I beamed a few apps and started tapping. Had it working in under 30 seconds. I called and ask if he would like it back. He thanked me and said he liked his Clie. A few days later he called to say his Clie had been lost. I mailed back the Vx.

[rrojas]

Mos probably the best solution is to replace the digitizer. The digitizers for Palm Vx are coming cheap these days in ebay ($5-$10). Replacing it is not very difficult but requires some tools and care in order to do a good job. Particullarly the regluing of the unit once the repair is made.

====

I am offering a service of replacing Palm V/Vx IBM, worpad c3 for only $30 (digitizer included) plus $4.00 shipping and a 30-day warranty. I use paypal which gives you buyer protection.

You can contact me at deal2000@att.net and I also sell in ebay under the name tek_2000.

Best regards

Rafael

[oldskoolboarder]

thanks for the heads up. I was actually able to solve my problem. I got one of the autodigi versions installed on my pilot by having someone "beam" it to my palm. Then I reinstalled and now it redigitizes on reset. Now I'm all good.