Rishathra

I bought my x3i on eBay knowing that the pins were bent. Previous owner claims he had no trouble using iRda to replace usb connection for AS. When I run AS with iRda from the PPC it cycles until I cancel the attempt (still fighting the networking issues here too). The next time I try, I get the error message "Cannot start communications with the desktop computer. The communications port is not available". Wants me to quit the other program that is using this resource. So I killed all running processes and tried again with the same results.

Wanted to see if I could receive iRda, so I went to Setting -> Connections -> Beam and tapped the "Receive an infrared beam" link, Eureka! it was "trying" to receive from the desktop, so the port really was available, just needed to be "released".

Tried a soft reset, no luck. Tried a hard reset, Voila, AS could once again access the iRda port, but all the above problems are still there so that is just something to file at this point.

Now to the Question... Any ideas why my iRda port is acting up? Things I can try? Would Wi-Fi be better for AS connection (if it's even possible)?

I was kinda taking my time playing with this problem but my V36 will no longer talk to the outside world in anyway at all, but it does work perfectly otherwise (just don't wreck my motorcycle again)

Pebu

The problem is you need to set up a partnership with your computer first using usb or a serial connection before setting up a BT or IR or other wireless connection.
Good news is all is not lost.. You can replace (or have somebody else replace) your connector and then you should be all set.

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Motivation. If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots wil be doing soon.

Rishathra

If only it really is that easy. I can't get my x3i to talk to the desktop at all, so no partnership can be established as yet. So are you saying that I "must" have an established partnership in place before I can use AS with a wireless connection?

As far as the connector goes, I'm an electronics type from my military days, so I originally thought I would just straighten out or replace the pins when I got it. These things aren't bent, they're mangled. So I'm certainly glad to see that Dell changed that design flaw.

Know of any good web sites for repair parts, scrap units etc..., other than eBay, I already got that one wired.

Thanks

Pebu

Unfortunately, you MUST establish a wired connection before you can establish a wireless connection. Talk about a pain..
You can get a replacement connector from some places, such as www.ppctechs.com. I work at a place that does alot of electronics, so I got one and replaced it myself. (well, a guy at work replaced it for me after I couldn't get the old one unsoldered from the board...) I believe it was about 30 bucks for the connector.

If you can find one, the ideal connector would be a pcboard type connector. Instead of having the pins and a plastic backer (yes, it originally had a plastic backer) these have the pins embedded in the plastic I believe and it's alot more reliable. Also they should work in all of your current accessories.
If you need more help I think I still have a pm that I wrote somebody else detailing what to expect when swapping the connector out and I'd be glad to pass it on if I still have it. But be forewarned, those pins are SMALL!

Also, for more info on wirelessly syncing, etc. visit www.wifi.aximsite.com.

__________________
Motivation. If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots wil be doing soon.

Rishathra

Thanks, that link will help.

Some of your comments lead me to believe I can "upgrade" to a "better or stronger" connector (pcboard style). Is that the same type used by the newer Axims? Could I salvage 1 from say an x50 and use it? Although I would think if I did that I would also have to get the appropriate chargers for the connector I salvaged.

Thanks a bunch more! And if you can easily find me some info (I'm still looking every day also) on this "new connector you're talking about, along with the pm you mentioned, I'll happily break out the sand and grovel at your feet.

Pebu

Well, the x50 and the x30 are two totally different animals.. I'm not sure if they even have the better connectors on the later models, you'd have to check out the x50 threads. You might be able to find a pinout for one and adapt it in somehow, but I'm sure the footprints are totally different. And that would be more work than it's worth. If I were you I'd just swallow your pride and spend the 30 bucks or whatever it is to buy a new connector and throw it on there. The connector I got wasn't even the pcboard style, it's the same as original. That was a while ago and it's still in pristine condition. If you end up not being able to get a pcboard style connector, don't worry, just don't be too hard on your connector. And if you're using IR or wireless then it'll be getting even less use. I'll go look for that PM and send it to you. Maybe I'll even make a new thread and ask for a sticky..

By the way, I'm not used to so much praise...

__________________
Motivation. If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots wil be doing soon.