Database Users

Infrared not working on XDA2 for TV remote controller

I've installed TV remote controller 5.5 from www.pdawin.com but cannot get any of the built in settings ie. SONY TV to controll my equipment. I cannot get the XDA2 to respond to the softwares learn function either. Can anyone please help?

I had this exact same issue. I gave up after 20 minutes. If anyone has any tips on using as a remote, I would also be very interested to know.

well i cant say for xda2 but i had it running on xda1 and the Infrared transmitter is WEAK! the tv would only react if the xda1 were as close as 30cm from the reciever of the tv
so unless the Infrared t ransceiver is much more powerfull then the one in xda1 then even if you find a remote program it's next to useless with such a short range
unless you build something like this
http://www.pdawin.com/irtranceiver.html

I had TV remote working on my previous Dell Axim X5. The IR transmitter was weak too, think it had to be within a metre or so from memory.
I've tried the XDA2 only inches away from the IR sensor on the TV and it still doesn't work, either it is really low powered? or there is a fault somewhere?

This is probably a hardware limitation.
It's possible that the used infrared led's aren't emitting in the standard consumer electronics spectrum.
If this is the case, the XDA II can't be used for remote control applications, unless you replace the IR transmitter (which means opening the case and voiding warranty).

It wont work due to the fact that the Xda II does not have a consumer standard IrDA module on it. A severe limitation of the Xda II as well I feel. A bit of a step backward from the Xda I too.

Grrr. I didnt want it anyway.

its not a hardware problem.... its a software problem...

RichMercer said:
It wont work due to the fact that the Xda II does not have a consumer standard IrDA module on it. A severe limitation of the Xda II as well I feel. A bit of a step backward from the Xda I too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, XDA2 can not be used for remote control applications!

I wonder why anybody would want to turn this beautiful cutting edge piece of technology into a remote control when a very comprehensive learning remote can be had for about £5.

cruisin-thru said:
I wonder why anybody would want to turn this beautiful cutting edge piece of technology into a remote control when a very comprehensive learning remote can be had for about £5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've often asked myself the same question I do see people with PDA's creating the odd havoc in TV shops n department stores switching the channels etc.
Really have not wanted to control my TV, aircon or anything else with my XDA II .

I wonder why anybody would want to turn this beautiful cutting edge piece of technology into a remote control when a very comprehensive learning remote can be had for about £5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i suppose many people say the same thing with a search replace of remote to phone when they see how much more we pay to get a pda and cellphone in one

Even fully compliant IrDA components are only rated for a transmit distance of 1 meter. Consumer remote controls are much brighter.

Yes and since the cheapest usable tv remote controller with a more powerfull beam can be bought for around 5 dollar... why didn´t they put these ir leds in the mda xda ii?? max difference 1 dollar in large quantities?
With all these remotes laying around on the table (about 8 of them) tv remote on the pocketpc would be very usefull. Learning mode, program what you need or get them from the database on internet. Also the possibility to program macro´s so you press one button to play and watch dvd and power on 5.1 surround system.....
How can the ir leds be tweaked?
michiel

Yes and since the cheapest usable tv remote controller with a more powerfull beam can be bought for around 5 dollar... why didn´t they put these ir leds in the mda xda ii?? max difference 1 dollar in large quantities?
With all these remotes laying around on the table (about 8 of them) tv remote on the pocketpc would be very usefull. Learning mode, program what you need or get them from the database on internet. Also the possibility to program macro´s so you press one button to play and watch dvd and power on 5.1 surround system.....
How can the ir leds be tweaked?
michiel

Yes and since the cheapest usable tv remote controller with a more powerfull beam can be bought for around 5 dollar... why didn´t they put these ir leds in the mda xda ii?? max difference 1 dollar in large quantities?
With all these remotes laying around on the table (about 8 of them) tv remote on the pocketpc would be very usefull. Learning mode, program what you need or get them from the database on internet. Also the possibility to program macro´s so you press one button to play and watch dvd and power on 5.1 surround system.....
How can the ir leds be tweaked?
michiel

the only useful app that ive ever found for any pda to control a pice of equpiment was one for a palm that i had,
the software was called mini-disk titler ,
you just filled in the track names on the screen then tapped on title. the pda then sent the sequence of button presses to title the disk in about 20 seconds , much quicker than faffing with all the menus on the player
ian

well the very brigth remote leds may not be able to transmit data as far as the ir in the xda
about extenders for the ir
http://www.pdawin.com/irtranceiver.html
http://www.homeautomationnet.com/Shopping/remote-control-accessories.asp
http://www.smarthome.com/8220A.html

Modifing the ir port of XDA II, please your coments.

I have a XDA II and I would like to use it very much as a remote controler but unfortunately its port appear to be not compatible with the IR signals needed to work with common remote controlers, so I came up with a crazy idea and would like to know what you have to say.
I also have an RC500i from Marantz that has just stop working and I am about to retire it.
I also have Total Remote from Griffin that I already discused here, it can´t be used for learn because the module only transmit. This way it is almos useless, but I like the software and the module design.
I was thinking...
I could take the IR led (the one used to learn) from the Marantz and substitute from the one inside the XDA II, this way I have the possibility to learn but not transmit, but since I can use Total Remote to transmit this will not be a problem. The fact that I will not have anymore the capability to comunicate with other PDAs is also not a problem because I rarely use it.
With all this in mind I would like to know if it work that simply or if it is much more complicated because of technical insues.
What you think about this?
Thanks a lot
Felipe

Its not the LED that does the learning its the hardware/firmware attached to the led as far as I know, so changing them over will do nothing.

You won't get IR working on an XDA I/I/IIs or clones without additional hardware support.
The Griffin Total Remote is one such device, but the location of the XDA II headphone socket, and the need for a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter make it a pain in the *ss to use.
Griffin TR can learn from other remotes, but the learning function uses the standard IR port, not the dongle. I have one which I use occasionally, but mainly now on an old Ipaq due to the socket arrangement. It learns basic functions well, but advanced functions seem not to transfer.
I'd wait for the NoviRemote Blaster to appear for the PPC next year- it uses an SDIO based transmitter.

Neil,
It appears that you are in the same situation as I am, because I also have the TR installed on my XDA II but it can´t learn at all so it is useless! To make things even more unsatisfield I got a pretty bad technical support from Griffin. So I am still looking for a way around.
NeilM said:
You won't get IR working on an XDA I/I/IIs or clones without additional hardware support.
The Griffin Total Remote is one such device, but the location of the XDA II headphone socket, and the need for a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter make it a pain in the *ss to use.
Griffin TR can learn from other remotes, but the learning function uses the standard IR port, not the dongle. I have one which I use occasionally, but mainly now on an old Ipaq due to the socket arrangement. It learns basic functions well, but advanced functions seem not to transfer.
I'd wait for the NoviRemote Blaster to appear for the PPC next year- it uses an SDIO based transmitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

i had wintv working without any problems with my xda1
and i had noviiRemote working without any problems on my xda2
with no extre hardware
range is not very good and you really need to hit correct to make it work but it does work

Felcas- Yes I rmember now, I could not get the XDA IR to learn- I did the learning on my old Ipaq, then copied the files across! The ergonimics still make it unusable though!
Rudegar- point taken about Noviremote, but with such short distances its easier to lean over and push the hardware button on the TV!

NeilM said:
Felcas- Yes I rmember now, I could not get the XDA IR to learn- I did the learning on my old Ipaq, then copied the files across! The ergonimics still make it unusable though!
Rudegar- point taken about Noviremote, but with such short distances its easier to lean over and push the hardware button on the TV!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!! You gave me a good solution. My girlfriend have an Ipaq 5550, I will install the TR on her PPC do everything I want and then copy to the XDA II
Felipe

about giving it a longer range
http://www.pdawin.com/irtranceiver.html
http://www.smarthome.com/8220A.html
would not advice people adding things internaly to the xda's it would likely be a bad idea

Seeking advice of whether or not to buy a Shift

I am interested in a new latop and have been doing quite a lot of research on the Shift. Voice call functionality is probably the only thing holding me back from making a definite decision right now. I have been purusing about and have come across a few questions as post dates seem intermintent on whether or not a few of the things I am looking for will come true. So if members could give me a point of view on to wait or not, or even to look at another device.
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
3.) Is there any reasons why any of you can personally think of why I should seek another UMPC device or small laptop when compared to the Shift. I am going to be using it mostly for travel, media functions (mp3/movies), and of course web browsing/downloading. Things I am worried about... battery life, and never being able to make phone calls, and not having a touch screen. Owning a Tilt I am spoiled to that aspect
4.) Is the range of the bluetooth going to be greater than 33'? I know some types of bluetooth headsets can go much further distances, but am unsure if that is for media only or if that will be an option for voice call for the Shift as well.
5.) I currently have a Tilt running many programs such a mobile shell, poket weather, AT&T Navigator, and things along those lines. What is the likely-hood that I will be able to use such programs on the unlocked side of WM for the Shift. Or is that really going to depend a lot on the software programs themselves?
I have more questions, but have yet to search for the answers before posting, so I will be back soon.
Thank you for all your help and input in advance!
SKy

skyfox99 said:
I am interested in a new latop and have been doing quite a lot of research on the Shift. Voice call functionality is probably the only thing holding me back from making a definite decision right now. I have been purusing about and have come across a few questions as post dates seem intermintent on whether or not a few of the things I am looking for will come true. So if members could give me a point of view on to wait or not, or even to look at another device.
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
3.) Is there any reasons why any of you can personally think of why I should seek another UMPC device or small laptop when compared to the Shift. I am going to be using it mostly for travel, media functions (mp3/movies), and of course web browsing/downloading. Things I am worried about... battery life, and never being able to make phone calls, and not having a touch screen. Owning a Tilt I am spoiled to that aspect
4.) Is the range of the bluetooth going to be greater than 33'? I know some types of bluetooth headsets can go much further distances, but am unsure if that is for media only or if that will be an option for voice call for the Shift as well.
5.) I currently have a Tilt running many programs such a mobile shell, poket weather, AT&T Navigator, and things along those lines. What is the likely-hood that I will be able to use such programs on the unlocked side of WM for the Shift. Or is that really going to depend a lot on the software programs themselves?
I have more questions, but have yet to search for the answers before posting, so I will be back soon.
Thank you for all your help and input in advance!
SKy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Dont get you hopes up, in fact i dont think we ever get all these functions that some say they are working on. why bother? what do you relly want that big acphone fore?
2. see 1.
3. it is a machine with limited power great for surfing bad for alot else
4. have only used a bluetooth mouse works great, havnt used it far from away lol
5. the stoage is wery limired on the shift, no room for alot of apps

skyfox99 said:
1.) I see that voice call functionality is not there, and am wondering if this is a "yet" or "a maybe" or a "don't get your hopes up".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is between "maybe" and "don't get your hopes up": requires security unlocking the device and changing some NV items in radio, but I'm not sure if the microphone is connected on the SnapVUE side. Bluetooth is definitely not connected, so it won't be possible to call through a headset.
skyfox99 said:
2.) I have been a frequent user of cooked roms from HTC and was wondering if there is going to be anywhere near the support for the Shift as there is for other devices such as the Tytn II since I am all about making a great device even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM cooking is imminent, some of us are already using cooked ROMs.

I use mine for surfing (3G is great), documents, email and the odd movie. It won't cope with much else, which is fine because that's all I want it for. And why would you want voice calling on this thing? Bizarre, but each to their own.
The big thing is it is tiny...and well connected...a bit like Kate Moss

I appreciate the feedback. I was hoping for voice call via 1.2 i suppose for 300' range so i could just walk around with a headset on with the Shift at my desk at work. I am guessing i was expecting a little too much. I really am just looking for a touchscreen laptop that isn't too big and isn't too expensive. Any ideas for a computer along those lines?

If you at work, then you should have internet connection. Some telecom operators offer IP telephony. I am using this on Shift with even better functionality than mobile phone and with BT headset. It is possible to use also Skype for example. You can use the functionality even in move in wifi networks or mobile networks with flat rate package. Of course, 3G networks preferred.

shift
personally id buy which is what im going to do, but since it has windows mobile and a sd slot, it wouldnt be hard for some one copy software from another phone and since it has nothing to do with screen capabilities of processor speed im sure it woul be compatibal from almost any device because it is just a drive for hardware, bluetooth is not so much a hardware issue more sofware which once sd slot made usable might be ale to achive easyer when size is no matter, to addd extra options to handler or driver for blue tooth whichever.. besides if u like videos im sure the screen is somewhat high def being that its 16 million colors (not sure dont have it yet) and most computer screens are like 232k colors it might be like 720p or something not sure i dont know how many colors they can display and whatever but it'll make videos amazing compared to 64k colors of other phones, and some people have developed full xp drivers for it so might get lucky and be abl to get the ultamit device for embedded programing being you coul have embedded on a device which you could make program then test with or without touch screen very fastly and id only take a minute to switch back to fix errors...

Here in the states VOIP on a mobile phone really isn't there just yet, our networks are too slow on 3g I think. Although I don't really know much about it. Is skype VOIP to VOIP only, or can you call any phone number? I don't really want too much of a hassle having to hack this thing to get it to do what I want. I am actually getting tired of doing all that for now after flashing rom after rom to my tilt to get it to work the way I want. As is now I am unable to connect to my exchange server at work and am unsure as to what the problem is and really just want something to work ideally out of the box, but I know that won't happen.

dinscurge said:
personally id buy which is what im going to do, but since it has windows mobile and a sd slot, it wouldnt be hard for some one copy software from another phone and since it has nothing to do with screen capabilities of processor speed im sure it woul be compatibal from almost any device because it is just a drive for hardware, bluetooth is not so much a hardware issue more sofware which once sd slot made usable might be ale to achive easyer when size is no matter, to addd extra options to handler or driver for blue tooth whichever.. besides if u like videos im sure the screen is somewhat high def being that its 16 million colors (not sure dont have it yet) and most computer screens are like 232k colors it might be like 720p or something not sure i dont know how many colors they can display and whatever but it'll make videos amazing compared to 64k colors of other phones, and some people have developed full xp drivers for it so might get lucky and be abl to get the ultamit device for embedded programing being you coul have embedded on a device which you could make program then test with or without touch screen very fastly and id only take a minute to switch back to fix errors...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's amazing - one sentence....

Personally I would strongly advise you against buying this device. FOr the price you could get a small convertible tablet PC that would do far, far, far more than the Shift ever will. I bought a Fujitsu t2010 for $1100 US. I then spent $200 at NewEgg buying stuff to upgrade and i now have, for the same price as a shift ($1300):
12.1" active digitizer, no comparison to a passive digitizer (touchscreen) for taking notes, drawing, or anything else. active is 100x better
4GB RAm
250gb SATA HDD
1.2ghz ULV Dual Core cpu
WiFi/BT
5 HOUR BATTERY LIFE RUNNING VISTA WITH STANDARD BATTERY
TOTAL WEIGHT 3lbs
3g pc card modem- lets me use 3G data AND make phone calls AND send sms, slips into PC card slot and has retractable antenna
BT headset
Nice screen protector
nice webcam
Soooo, for what I spent on my Fuji I could have a little shift that has a crappier screen, shorter battery life, crippled hardware, etc. Why would anyone do that? Don't like a 12.1"? No problem, get a Fujitsu U810 (5" screen, $800), or a Fujitsu p1620 ($9", about $100 more thanthe shift). Don't like the Fuji's? OK, google convertible tablet and you'll get a ton of various little machines that can outperform the shift with a similar form-factor.
I know that there are some people who love thier Shift, and i am not trying to bash them. I just think that the Shift is an INCREDIBLY niche product and that most users would be much happier with a convertible tablet that is the same price, better battery ,processor,screen,etc. Some of the sacrifices we make in mobile devices is for the phone functionality, and if shift can't (and most likely won't ever) do that, why make those sacrifices? Especially when adding a cheap peice of hardware to a much more powerful platform (tablet pc) gives you everything you need?

am sorry but i have to said
no i have many proplem then i sale it
and buy sony ux37gn its more powerfull than the shift
and with no proplem " made in japan "
the only proplem is the price

Buy one. They are fantastic!

scopy60 said:
buy sony ux37gn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have much smaller display, are bulky and have no Windows Mobile (ARM) subsystem.

devictoria said:
They have much smaller display, are bulky and have no Windows Mobile (ARM) subsystem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think they even have built in 3G do they?

I Like Shift!
FWIW, I really like my Shift....
Didn't buy it to be a computing powerhouse, but a take with me everywhere device.
I like the flexibility to use it as a slate (tablet), a laptop, or a slider.
Overall, works great...

mlalahoi said:
Personally I would strongly advise you against buying this device.
Soooo, for what I spent on my Fuji I could have a little shift that has a crappier screen, shorter battery life, crippled hardware, etc. Why would anyone do that? Don't like a 12.1"? No problem, get a Fujitsu U810 (5" screen, $800), or a Fujitsu p1620 ($9", about $100 more thanthe shift). Don't like the Fuji's? OK, google convertible tablet and you'll get a ton of various little machines that can outperform the shift with a similar form-factor.
I you need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but cannot buy Fujitsu P1620 in Holland for some reason. Not happy with my Shift at all!
Huib

ArchiMark said:
FWIW, I really like my Shift....
Didn't buy it to be a computing powerhouse, but a take with me everywhere device.
I like the flexibility to use it as a slate (tablet), a laptop, or a slider.
Overall, works great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too - it seems those that aren't happy really should have asked what they really wanted first up. I don't find performance an issue - battery life is OK for surfing etc - it's not an 8 hour music/video player though, and not meant to be. That's what iPod's etc are for. In my case, what my HX4700 is for. To me the WM6 with keyboard and 3G is extremely valuable - I am involved in music when not working and I can keep an eye on those related emails during the day (cannot log into mail from work), respond where necessary etc. No boot ups. If something needs more, or a big file attached, then I can boot to Vista.
Office 2003 is the way to go tho. 2007 is like Vista - bulky and slow.
I suspect the sales pitch of the Shift may have led people to believe it was going to be something other than what it is. I did the homework first, so knew what I was getting, especially around performance. Anyways, not sure whether HTC are actually going to sell many of these given the late arrival, seemingly little support (drivers, XP etc) and some polarised view points on it.

HTC SHIFT Rocks ....
for those un-happy with shift i would say u guys never really understood the essence of this device ... according to me this device is closest to the ideal device for a mobile person that HTC could make keeping in view today's technology and price limitations ...
I travel a lot very frequently and often all of a sudden need to spend nights over at a new place etc... but with shift along i am relieved of the hastles i used to face earlier ... its size is just ideal for it to be carried around everywhere and its functunality is well thought off ... and all the more important is that after liberation it gives u the power of two devices in one! A quick use WM side and a full fleged windows vista to substitute ur laptop for "work related" needs.
I normally use the WM interface when i am really mobile or dont need to access too much stuff.. or just need to use skype to chat with a supplier, etc ... but when i am either back in my car or in the hotel room or when i have some spare time or when i need to access bank website (our bank websites dont open in WM due to security concerns) ... I use the VISTA side ...
There are some annoyances off and on like - i cant multitask as well i can on my PC etc .. but those were known to me before i shelled out cash for this device.. the keyboard is smalll but what better u think HTC could have stuffed in such a device ...??? It's usable and its pretty neat too .. i have used it for typing long letters and reports with absolutely no problem ... no doubt u have type with a finger but its comfy once u get the hang of it! Also i can tell u with my practical experience that someone who's gonna shift after using a very powerful computer will feel it to be a bit slow but we have to understand these limitations to bring the best out of this device! So buy a HTC Shift , but plz be a bit just a bit patient while using it and it will be ur friend in need.
Keeping my kind of a multitasked life style in view (a medical doctor, a business man, a GPS System's Consultant, etc) - i would suggest u all to buy a Case Logic HDC-2 case ... it fits the shift well in it's original cover, fits in its charger, usb hub, a portable laser mouse, my stationary kit, my digital camera, a portable DVD writer, my mobile travel charger, candys to give me instant energy if reqd. and small nit bits like my 3 types of visiting cards, etc.). I normally carry the bag around with me in my car or on travel. Let the bag primarity lie in the car/hotel room as the case maybe and take only the shift in its leather case along while going for a meeting or to meet a client etc. and use the other bag contents as per need. But let me tell u that carrying this small kit has helped me out in so many conditions that i just cant thank HTC for making such a good device and to Case Logic for unkowingly creating such a good case to carry my stuff. (Case Logic HDC-2 is actually a HDD carrying case... but it fits the shift and it's accessories just right!) (see the pics)
For me carrying the shift in a harddisk carrying case gives me all the more comfort because i feel if a case is designed to protect a HDD, it can protect my Shift well!
And another thing: this bag fits perfectly and tightly in the space between any car's front seats ... so it stays there intact inspite of any bumps or pits on Indian Roads during the rainy season! ;-)

skyfox - did you have a bsquare powerhandheld once?

I am also planning to buy this machine. I need this device for simple, not so powerful development machine, where I can open up a text pad and run mysql on it. Can you run mysql on this machine and how responsive is running small dev mysql server there?

Enable Infrared port

anybody here know to to enable HD2's infrared port for us to use it on Novii IR Remote?
Thanks.

the HD2 has no IR port.

I would love to get an ir remote program working on the hd2. there are portable ir transmitters that plug into the 3.5" audio port that with the right program can be used as remote controls for tvs/dvd players/etc. The redeye mini is a recent on i saw released for the iphone... if someone developed a program for wm that used those transmitters, I would definitely buy it.

zarathustrax said:
I would love to get an ir remote program working on the hd2. there are portable ir transmitters that plug into the 3.5" audio port that with the right program can be used as remote controls for tvs/dvd players/etc. The redeye mini is a recent on i saw released for the iphone... if someone developed a program for wm that used those transmitters, I would definitely buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a good All-in-one-IR-Remote Control (p.ex. from Logitech) for almost the same price as a transmitter so why you want to use that? Its uncomfortable, slower in use and the haptic feedback on the flat screen of the HD2 is worse than on a real hardware remote control... Just help me understand

elburna said:
You can get a good All-in-one-IR-Remote Control (p.ex. from Logitech) for almost the same price as a transmitter so why you want to use that? Its uncomfortable, slower in use and the haptic feedback on the flat screen of the HD2 is worse than on a real hardware remote control... Just help me understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I have different devices throughout my home that I could use that for, not to mention at my moms and brothers homes, and I always have my phone with me. I don't want to have to carry a remote, also. Plus remotes have a habit of getting lost in my house. It would be convenient to be able to pull my phone out where ever Im at and control everything in my house. $50 for the redeye mini is kinda expensive, but I think I've seen cheaper ones.

zarathustrax said:
Because I have different devices throughout my home that I could use that for, not to mention at my moms and brothers homes, and I always have my phone with me. I don't want to have to carry a remote, also. Plus remotes have a habit of getting lost in my house. It would be convenient to be able to pull my phone out where ever Im at and control everything in my house. $50 for the redeye mini is kinda expensive, but I think I've seen cheaper ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the infared feature is damn great to works with...esp last time when i was using xda flame....super infared device....basically control any ir stb or devices except my air-con.....how i wish thinkflood will release redeye also for windows mobile..

HD2 (x2) or Touch HD as rear view mirror...

Please be gentle with me, it's my first time, etc etc...
I have a tandem bicycle, and me and the g/f often go off on longish daytrips. It is in the design of most tandems that the shorter person has to go on the back. This means that they can see nothing forwards at all. As she does the navigating this means I have to keep up a constant commentary of what junctions and landmarks are coming towards us while she tries to tally that with the OS map.
I have a pair of HD2s and an old Touch HD with plenty of spare batteries, car holders etc.
I would love to find a way to use a remote camera on the front of the tandem and let her use one of the HD2s as the screen, especially as it has CoPilot live on it which would make the navigation much easier. (I know I said rear view in the title, but I suspect fewer people would look at the thread if I tried to put what I really want up there, and it's no different really.)
I understand that the 'phone's usb ports don't have the required hardware / software to allow me to plug a usb webcam into them.
I suspect that the way forward is to use one HD2 on the front as a bluetooth camera and give her the other as the display, but I doubt that this will be easy, and it will use way more power than a hardwired system which is an issue on a 'bicycle. It already weighs 1/5 tonne with the two of us and some touring gear, so adding a big central power supply would be a shame but is probably inevitable.
There was a brief thread on this on XDA dev in about 2005:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=243337&styleid=15
but it never went anywhere and will now be completely out of date.
Hopefully someone can help or point me in the right direction. Sadly I have no coding skills at all, so it needs to be off the shelf h/w or s/w...
Thanks for reading
ed.

wow...thats one big project you are thinking off...ok, all things cut short, your best bet will be a Bluetooth camera or a wi-fi camera/webcam. for the former, it can be done, but there arent custom drivers that you can just download to support it. even Bluetooth keyboards only recently started working with the HD2. However, what you can do, that will definitely work is a wi-fi based camera. im sure you are familiar with these. these camera have their own IP address and transmit the feed live via a wireless connection. from my experience, it works quite well, but it really depends on the gear you are using. if you are using a good wifi camera(im not familiar with the brands,but obviously the mid ranged ones will be considered good. If you cant find standalone cams, then buy a small wifi surveillance cam), then there will be a stable and lag free transmission. However, to get smooth feed, you need a good network connection. It will be best if you have a fast data or broadband connection on your phone. 3-4MBPS+ will be fine. Then of course, u need to enable your phone as a modem to connect to the camera. I have tried wifi cameras using a wi-fi connection, both on my PC and my HD2. It works smoothly. The cameras were fixed on R/C helicopters and worked at a range of 20m from the modem. Then again, i really have no idea how well it will work for your case. It should be ok, but not sure about 'good'. You can try!
Alternatively, a more compact method will be to disassemble your HD2 right down to the camera and remove the lens cover. Then, disconnect the actual camera from the phone. Get the correct ribbon cable from your local store. I do not know the specifications of the particular cable, but you try going to a smartphone repair shop that sells replacement cameras for the HD2 and take a look at the ribbon cable. Then, you can search for longer ones or manually solder low resistance jumper wires from the connections(there a alot of connections mind you). If you want to do this, please get info on proper disassembly instructions and do alot of research!.
i really admire your endeavor and although it may be hard, best of luck to you and hope you succeed, should you undertake this. Nevertheless, just some small advice...If you are also considering about the budget factor, i think it could be equally expensive or cheap to buy a purpose built remote camera which can connect to a screen.
-cheers

A wi-fi camera on a helmet would give flexibility as to what you were able to view ie could move head to point camera in the direction that one wanted to view
Good luck

Thankyou both!
Sorry I've been a bit slow replying, home internet connection has been intermittent for a week or so...
Kawshigan, can you clarify something for me, when you talk about "fast data or broadband connection on your phone. 3-4MBPS+" are you saying that I should be sending the data via the cellular network? If so that is not going to happen. I don't know where you live but here in Canterbury, a small city in the most populated part of the UK about 50 miles from London, 3G is a dream. There is a 3G service of course, but it is so weak that it is unusable even in the town centre, so trying to use it away from the town for my project will be impossible (and would be very very expensive as we get only 500MB / month here cheaply.)
If you mean forming a wifi connection between the two phones, which I suspect IS what you mean, then surely the speed of the connection is whatever hardware can do, allowing for distance which is about 3' in this case.
I agree that a ready-made system should be a similar price but they do not seem to exist. There is something in the US but it is very expensive ($600?) and is intended more for recording accidents really. certainly it has no nav function. I'm too new here to post links but if you Google on "cerevllum.com" you'll see it, beautiful, expensive & only half the tool I need.
It seems such an obvious thing to do with a smartphone (the rear view camera I mean) as mirrors on bicycles don't work well, and most of the components seem to exist, it just needs someone to tie them together.
I suspect that putting an external camera on my Touch HD is beyond me. My soldering skills are ok, but surface mount stuff is beyond me, not least because I'm 45 years old and my eyesight isn't up to it anymore...
But then again, even as I type this I realise what you actually mean, is to mount the HD2's own camera remotely at the front of the bike and run a long ribbon cable to the rear handlebars. Now THAT is a GOOD idea. Probably I'd start with the Touch HD as my HD2 is still my everyday 'phone and I hope to keep it that way for ever. When I get some time I'll pull the Touch apart and see if it is possible. How long could the cable be before s/n & voltage drop problems etc became too much, I wonder?
The helmet cam doesn't really work as the problem is not so much positioning a camera, (I can do that on the handlebars) but how to get an instant display of what the noggin-cam is seeing onto the screen of a smart phone? The problem with the helmet cam is that I think the viewer would have the same problem that you get watching YouTube videos where the camera is bouncing around and rarely pointing in the right place all the time. The Tandem has good suspension at both ends so it would be ok on the 'bars I think. ( Google on "VCA 2010 Race" for an amazing video that shows this problem a little, and no, we don't do that on the Tandem...)

So when you remoted the CMOS sensor...
Did you end up giving the "extra long ribbon cable" idea a try and if so how did it work (or not. Interested in how it came out.