Send data between PPC and PC via cradle

[Guest]

We are developing a PocketPC application that need to communicate with a
FileMaker Pro application when the PPC is in its cradle. What would be the
“best practice�
It is not possible to install any software on the PC (except ActiveSync). We
have considered a serial connection, tcp/ip connection (firewall problems)
and writing to a file which is monitored by both applications.
--------------------

 

[Peter Huang [MSFT]]

Hi

I did not know FileMaker Pro very much, but I think all your considerations
is valid. But I think it is due to if the approach is proper.
e.g. If the FileMaker Pro is valid for serial connection, or communicate
via a file, because you did not want any other program running.

If the FileMaker Pro will valid for TCP/IP, I think you may have a try, we
can connect to the FileMaker Pro(consider it as a TCP/IP server) via the
TCP/IP over the activesync.

BTW: for embeded problem, I suggest post in the newsgroup below.
microsoft.public.dotnet.framework.compactframework
microsoft.public.pocketpc.developer


Best regards,

Peter Huang
Microsoft Online Partner Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your response!
I know that FileMaker is able to communicate thru a serial connection,
3-party plug-in. But how do I establish the connection? Which ComPort on the
PPC and which on the PC? And won’t ActiveSync be using the same port?

 

[Dick Grier]

Hi,

If the PPC is in the cradle, then the built-in serial port CANNOT be used,
unless you make hardware modifications to the cradle, or if the cradle comes
with a "Y" cable that permits both USB ActiveSync and serial. The built-in
serial port is designed to be used for ActiveSync -- and this must be
disabled on the PPC for the serial port to be used by software.

The approaches that I would consider are:

1. RAPI. This is a desktop application that is enabled when a device is
cradled, and is using ActiveSync. RAPI allows the desktop app to do various
things with the device, including file transfers. There are online examples
for RAPI, and I think some are at www.opennetcf.org.

2. TCP/IP sockets. You say there is a firewall issue (and there may be),
but all you have to do is to enable the ports that will be used for the data
transfer using the firewall software. TCP/IP tunnels over ActiveSync, or it
can use a wired/wireless connection if one exists.

3. Serial. When cradled, you would have to use the approach above, or use
a Compact Flash serial adapter. Personally (and I do a lot of serial
communications), this would NOT be the approach that I would take for your
app. However, I do have a free DLL on my website that you could use for the
serial communications if you go this way, and there is one in the SDF from
www.opennetcf.org.

Dick

--
Richard Grier (Microsoft Visual Basic MVP)

See www.hardandsoftware.net for contact information.

Author of Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to Serial Communications, 4th
Edition ISBN 1-890422-28-2 (391 pages) published July 2004. See
www.mabry.com/vbpgser4 to order.

 

[Peter Huang [MSFT]]

Hi

Did Richard 's suggestion help you?
If you still have any concern, please feel free to post here.


Best regards,

Peter Huang
Microsoft Online Partner Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.