Related
Hi,
I am trying to develop an application with both PC and Pocket PC components.
The PC and PPC need to exchange data whilst the PPC (eg XDA) has an active GPRS connection.
I first tried using evc and RAPI to allow the PC and PPC components to talk to each other. However RAPI relies on ActiveSync and it seems you cant have an ActiveSync connection to the PC (eg over USB) at the same time as a GPRS connection.
So
1)Am I right that ActiveSync at same time as GPRS is impossible? (And hence RAPI...)
2)What is the easiest way to do PC<->PPC comms without ActiveSync, on the widest variety of PPC devices?
3)Is there a way to do this without writing PC and PPC sides for all of
i) Bluetooth
ii) USB
iii) Serial
It seems like a lot of hardwork to reimplement all these, but some models have BT, some only USB etc etc
Any help appreciated...
Regards,
Giles.
hey,
im also trying to write some client -> server software for my mda/pc. Ive managed to narrow it down to two technologies (excluding activesync cos it needs to be portable)
- Web Services
- Client Server Model (tcpclient and tcplistener)
webservices are good as they will run on any net connection with port80 open, pretty fast and versetile but have some bad flaws. u need some back end data store (like a mysql database) as data is not persistant on then... also u cannot "push" from the server to the device (this may or may not be an issue)
the tcpclient model is starting to appeal to me in a number of ways. u can define your own light-weight protol (SOAP has a nasty habbit of bulking the objects out and GPRS costs!)... i started to write some little test apps and so far its looking good. Ive wrote a very tiny server that runs on windows and has a thin client running a threaded tcplistener and a mysql backend datastore. The test mobie simply constructs a tcpclient object and writes a string "hello world" to the port, which the server picks up and displays in a messagebox... so far this concept is working really well, and i have more control over the serialisation and communication of the objects and types.
i hope ive helped u in some way hehe
Will
Hi forum,
I have a WiFi Connection in my office premisis & was womdering if I could create a VPN or a similar p2p connection between my laptop & my universal...
Any comments or ideas..
Thanx,
mOrph
yes you can
but not an activesync connection.
you basically have to get on the WIFI network (VPN not necessary unless you are external of the network and/or behind firewalls).
then its a question of what you want to do, the WIFI network gets you on to it using WEP or WPA SPK I think (we use WEP at home and work).
if you want to connect to your laptop, create a mapped drive then you can copy and paste backwards and forwards.
you can run terminal server to control your PC or connnect to a terminal server, or connect to SBS with administrator priverlidges.
The question is, if you connected, what do you want to do. You cannot activesync, but you might like to try streaming music or other bandwidth consuming activities...
ok
got your PM.
Question: If you created the connection using WIFI between your laptop and your PDA, what do you want to do/achieve?
PS morphosin
Please please please stop using "help guys" as your heading. Refer here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=4534
Particularly point 2.
This is at the beginning of every forum topic.
Hi
Answer:
Hi Simon... The reason i was wanting to connect my laptop & my ppc through Wifi is that i cannot activesync (like you already know).
I was thinking maybe i can have a data trasfer between the devices if nothing else.
Is that possible?
If not, what can the connection be used for?
Thanx buddy,
mOrph
Activesync cannt be done over WIFI, 2003 allowed it not WM2005.
You can share a folder on your PC, and thus place files in and out of that using WIFI. Generally though, I found it more efficient to use an SD card with a USB memory reader to transfer files, much quicker read/write. Usually I want to put pictures or videos back the other way anyway. some pc's and laptops come with memory card readers anyway.
ON your PC' find a folder, right mouse click and share it with a share name. Make sure you know the name of the machine, eg my computers name is TLA-DELL1 for work, and home is the name of my daughter. If you havent named your machine it will have some dodgy obscure pathetic name issued by the manufacturer. You can get this from system in control panel.
On your PDA, start your WIFI.
Using Resco explorer hopefully you have it, map a net work drive. You can try the standard file explorer, but I dont like it. Total commander can also do it. In the share address use:
\\computername\foldersharename
note the double backslash.
Enter usernames and passwords as appropriate.
Now, the pain in the arse bit.... do you have a firewall? This is where it can get tricky.
The other thing you can do is if you are running XP Pro (if not, I recommend it), you can also go into control panel > system on the tab called remote connection, you can tick a box that allows you to take control and use your machine on your PDA using Terminal Server. This allows you to access all the resources and facilities that your machine has as if you were sitting at the console, including the power and processing speed of your computer.
Only downside, the screen is much much smaller than your computer, so getting around it can be painful.
Once you have enabled your machine to allow the connection, its simply a matter of starting wifi, programs > terminal services, and enter the IP address or computer name of your laptop to connect to it, and it should open then a log on name for you to start using your machine.
A further feature, which I dont use and cannot advise how to, but read about it here, is to "stream" mp3's from your laptop to your PDA so you can play music on your PDA based upon music on your machine rather than having to copy it.
In relation to sending files to your computer, if all else fails, I ahve two extra email accounts on my PDA a hotmail account, a POP3 account, and if in times of need, a GMAIL account, all of which allow me to email particular files anywhere I want using any WIFI connection. I use this when all else fails.....
Hence my question, what did you want it for....
Dont worry mate, we'll get there... one day. We just have to challenge MS, and what is life without a challenge or 100 from MS.
Hi, new to the form. This is a useful place!
Am with O2 Mini S, 1.5.70, AS 4.1, XP sp1, Oulook 2k3.
Does anyone notice AS runs every 5 minutes? I first tried the Add Server Source hack by WM5 Axim users, but didn't work. I couldn't find any registry entry that relates to the sync frequency.
Apart from suffering the unplug usb and wizzard freeze problem seen here. AS syncs every 5 minutes really annoys me. I need to rely on AS's tcp via bluetooth to use networking on the device and AS is heavy weight process.
So far, I have some solutions:
1. kill the wce* processes, which leaves the device connected (TCP stack still works, USB charges) but AS on the desktop says disconnected. Your wizzard's AS will still TRY to sync every 5 minutes, but it'll return quickly because the desktop ain't listening. But remember to double click AS on your desktop when you need to sync stuff again.
2. Replace the useless MS bluetooth stack with the widcomm stack taken from the Atom? Then use the PAN profile for connection. Disconnect PAN and run AS via bt from the device when needed. (But PAN on PC is not always possible as company laptops will almost certainly not allow internet connection sharing, never mind allowing you to have BT PAN enabled in the first place)
So afterall, does anyone know how to re-enable manual syncing? Some registry hack? AS 4.x is such a big step backward, I already have to disable firewall and VPN service from my company laptop when connecting, AS 3.8 was so much better when I was with an ipaq or SP3i. May be a sticky with enough post on it to get M$' to fix AS.
There are numerous threads relating to AS 4.1 and starting every x mins .... Please try to search next time....
Anyway, the simplest way is to create a dummy server entry in AS (On the mobile device) then when creating it uncheck all the "MAIL / NOTES / ..." entries in the advanced section. Once the Server has been created you can modify the server sync to set it to never.
For more info have a look through this forum for other threads on AS 4.1.
sorry if that has been talked about alot before, I suspected it. But I did a search before and couldn't find related stuff on this site, plenty of firewall/VPN stuff found which I also had a problem with...
The Add Server Source hack has been widely referenced in the dell Axim WM5 forums. As I mentioned, it didn't work for me, my ROM is very recent, as the phone is new for two weeks. I couldn't find any entry in the device registry that suggests it will run at any schedule! Although I can see peak time settings...etc but none of the scheduling options in registry.
Am really wondering if this is a problem with the specific ROM.
Yeah, I aplogise, am I bad, didn't read all your post....
Have you got any other apps that try to update regularly like Weather plugins etc?
I can agree with humps on that.
I've got a new k-jam and tried to stop AS4.1 from syncing when not connected to pc, by creating a fake server then through options setting it to manual sync.
No luck however as it still comes up in the list of running programs whenever i check :evil:
fix for constantly syncing when USB-connected
Sorry in advance if this isn't the right place for this.
I was so mad about Activesync 4.5 re-syncing during two out of every five minutes when connected via USB that I implemented a workaround that might prove useful to others as well. The result is that you can click an icon on your desktop computer and instantly change whether your handheld willl connect to its partnership for syncing or as a guest for doing other work (or just charging). Most of my data syncs wirelessly with an Exchange server anyway, and MightySync and PocketController function independent of the ActiveSync partnership. Ah, the peace ;-)
Here are the steps:
1. Change HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows CE Services\GuestOnly to "1".
2. Export HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows CE Services\Partners\[your device's partnership key] to a .reg file with name like "partnership.reg".
3. Create a batch file or script to stop WCESMGR, import the .reg file (regedit /s = silent) and restart WCESMGR. Name it like "partnership.bat".
4. Make a copy of the .reg file, edit it to *delete* the reg info (place a minus sign inside the beginning bracket of each key/subkey name), and name it like "guest.reg".
5 Create a new batch file or script to stop WCESMGR, import the guest.reg file and restart WCESMGR. Name it like "guest.bat".
6. When you execute "guest.bat," your device's partnership is deleted, and with the "GuestOnly" key enabled and no partnership found, ActiveSync will connect it as a guest without asking. After you execute "partnership.bat," ActiveSync will be ready to recognize your device on connection and sync.
7. Now, create a batch file or script that allows you to choose which .bat to execute, so you have one thing to click to go back and forth between connection types.
As will be obvious, I'm not a programmer AT ALL. I use pskill to clobber WCESMGR, and CHOICE.EXE copied form Server 2003 to choose connection type. It could be done more elegantly...but it sure works.
Only caveat: Later changing of syncing settings might require re-export of .reg key and recreate/edit of.reg-delete file.
Hello all,
I use the remote desktop on my HD2 to connect to different servers/PCs for clients that I support, but it appears that it only saves the last used connection details so I have to enter the 'computer' name and login details fresh each time I want to connect to another system...
The computer entry box appears like a combo box with the drop down arrow but I have not found a way of making it store multiple entries... I've searched the forums and elsewhere but have not found the same question asked (and therefore answered) so figure either most people only ever connect to the one system or I am missing something so blindingly obvious that no-one else has needed to ask so I must be an idiot...
Anyone know how to save multiple remote desktop connection entries? Thanks in advance for any pointers.
Rocky.
These apps allow you to remotely access your phone from a web browser. However, they all run a web server on the phone, and I cannot connect to any of the over 3g (Verizon).
LazyDroid Web Desktop
Remote Desktop
Remote Web Desktop
I want to move the web server off phone, and (hopefully) onto private sites.google.com site. App Engine might be necessary, but I'm hoping this could be done solely in JS.
The hosting site would provide the UI, and interact with the phone using C2DM (the magic that powers Chrome2Phone, GMail, and installing apps from the web Market).
The UI is pretty obvious. It just needs a whiz to create HTML, Javascript, etc.
The C2DM backend is a still a bit mystifying to me... and searching for c2dm and javascript does not yield any obvious working implementations. But it seems plausible. Push a command to the phone, phone returns/uploads data to website, and UI updates.
Then there is the Android end. Well, there are the 3 projects above, Tasker for a quasi-hackish approach, and RPC (promising, but it seems like a WIP).
Thoughts? Volunteers? Geniuses?
Ooo... 2 birds with one stone!
This would also kill 2 birds with one stone.
No more typing in dynamic IP addresses! You get to use DNS to handle the connections. Bookmark your site in your desktop browser (it is always the same!). And set a preference in the Android app.
On lazydroid i've in planning some kind of trick that will let you connect behind firewall ... similar to a vpn...
CloudsITA said:
On lazydroid i've in planning some kind of trick that will let you connect behind firewall ... similar to a vpn...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it again last week, and it is still unsuccessful. Webkey is currently the only application that I can successfully use to reach my phone.
Now, I could be wrong, but I believe all of these apps run a web server on the phone. I get a lovely, private 10.x.x.x IP address, which I can't reverse the route to. I have tried and failed to get DynDNS to work.
I have been looking into a solution since my original post. I have not had any time to do code squat, but I have loosely figured out all of the parts.
The big architectural difference I have been seeking is removing the server from the phone. I am not an Android expert, but I don't believe it even requires a running service. (Thank you, C2DM.)
With the app-webservice separation, you can work a "protocol" that reduces the overall bandwidth used... and thus improve battery life. Put all the "hard work" on a webserver, and (things get fuzzy here) possibly push it off onto the client browser (JS).
C2DM Browser Links
I could probably make something like WebKey but with C2DM and some more features. If you want you can give suggestions and I'll start making on saturday (after my exams). It would probably be possible in javascript for the actual sending from server and php just for logging in to your google account. The phone would just be registered on the server and no services (just as you wanted )
nebkat said:
I could probably make something like WebKey but with C2DM and some more features. If you want you can give suggestions and I'll start making on saturday (after my exams). It would probably be possible in javascript for the actual sending from server and php just for logging in to your google account. The phone would just be registered on the server and no services (just as you wanted )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure "more features" is necessarily the direction I'm headed. I am focused on making a "seamless" experience (i.e. less separation of phone and computer).
I was headed to App Engine (Python bias + easy Google integration). I have a project created. I haven't pulled together the various examples to make the core, but it seems <naive>simple</naive>. Stir in some templates, CSS, a sprinkling of JS, and voila!
The big "tricky" part that I can't convert from f***ing magic to a clear approach is the data link in the server. I want to avoid any storage to a Google disk, or otherwise, even temporarily. No stored data = easy privacy policy.
nebkat, if you're really chomping at the bit to code, here's my Android client concept.
- C2DM is a wake-up call. (cheat an borrow ChromeToPhone's ID to begin with)
- Connect to web server, send "I'm here," and wait for further instructions (Channels API/Comet/AJAX/.........)
- make the command set extensible
- each command is blockable in the client. (Permission control is set on the phone, not remotely.)
- After N minutes of no activity, send a "good bye," disconnect from the server, and fade into the background.
Don't worry, I'm very experienced with the server side stuff and I know exactly what you want. The only information stored on the sever side would be google account, the device c2dm registration id and some logging features just for statistics. A password could be set on the phone that would be sha512 hashed on the ajax request and would be sent to the phone. Even if a hacker found the hash, it would be useless without being logged in to the persons google account or knowing the server side auth token.
For now i'll just make the reciever, processor and command output and later on the extra security and ui stuff. It will work exactly the same way as Chrome2Phone except it will have server side php and the different commands. The connection from pc to phone will be something like this.
user command -> ajax request -> php c2dm request -> phone
phone -> php server http request -> controller page status
BTW I'm saving up for a Nexus S, how much would people pay for this type of app? There would definitely be a free version, but I just need to get the Nexus S because I have a Galaxy Spica now and it isn't the best for app development. I'm new to how stuff at xda works, would a donate version get me enoguh for the Nexus?
nebkat said:
Don't worry, ... <snip> ... auth token.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alrighty then. I'm feeling like I can stop contemplating implementing this.
BTW I'm saving up for a Nexus S, how much would people pay for this type of app? There would definitely be a free version, but I just need to get the Nexus S because I have a Galaxy Spica now and it isn't the best for app development. I'm new to how stuff at xda works, would a donate version get me enoguh for the Nexus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I was learning the ins and outs of App Engine, I read their quota rules and realized if this were popular it would require funding. I don't know where you are going to your web server, but I assume you'll have to pay someone to keep it running. But I had thought about $$$ already.
"Give away the razor, and sell them the blades."
Make the app free, no feature restrictions.
You get your money through various "membership" levels on the server. (See the account levels at fastmail.fm for an example.) So, you can use the app for free, but you only get, say, 2-3 MB of traffic per day, and only X sessions per day. Need more? See the pricing chart.
user command -> ajax request -> php c2dm request -> phone
phone -> php server http request -> controller page status
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
user command -> php server http request -> phone
phone -> php server http request -> controller page status
user command -> php server http request -> phone
lather, rinse, repeat.
C2DM is not deterministic, and acts up in low signal conditions. So, I made a decision to only use C2DM to initiate a session. Once both ends are connected to the server, everything goes over HTTP.
Oh.... and not that we need another Lookout/Phone Finder, but a shared-secret SMS code for the case where "they" have shut down the data connection.
I have my own server nebkat.com and there is nothing on it anyway.
The only other way to make "push" requests to the phone is with WebSockets. It would probably be better than c2dm because we have full control over what gets sent (google limits some requests). The advantage of WebSockets is that they send no header information which means that we could send our messages in 20 to 30 bytes.
I'll look into more detail on friday.
With web sockets won't you need to ensure the phone has a routable, external IP address? I know, for one, t-mobile does not expose an external IP address for their phones. Unless, of course, if the phone is connected over WiFi. C2DM works great for me (I have used a couple of apps with it and it is really useful).
MrGibbage said:
With web sockets won't you need to ensure the phone has a routable, external IP address? I know, for one, t-mobile does not expose an external IP address for their phones. Unless, of course, if the phone is connected over WiFi. C2DM works great for me (I have used a couple of apps with it and it is really useful).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, WS is server initiated and the ip address' shouldn't make a difference.
MrGibbage said:
With web sockets won't you need to ensure the phone has a routable, external IP address? I know, for one, t-mobile does not expose an external IP address for their phones. Unless, of course, if the phone is connected over WiFi. C2DM works great for me (I have used a couple of apps with it and it is really useful).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an valid external IP address if you are attempting to initiate contact with your phone, which is why the 4-5 apps I've mentioned do not work on carriers like t-mo and verizon.
But the phone can establish a connection, and the carrier NATs (or whatever) will handle the routing for outgoing and incoming data.
I think the right questions are: Will Verizon/T-Mo allow the ports and protocol for WebSockets? Do Android and desktop browsers implement the draft API correctly and consistently?
I like C2DM. I works well when you have a good connection. But there are 3 issues with it.
1) The message size limit is 1024 bytes. Not ideal for file transfers.
2) In a poor signal areas, since the service retries sending messages, you will get delayed and/or duplicate messages. I work in a large "concrete" building, so I get this behavior often enough that I don't want to rely on it.
3) I believe there is a limit on the number of messages you can send. So, hunting around the filesystem could hit this limit (but unlikely in reality... I hope.)
It would be interesting to see exactly how those apps handle all of the data. Do they only use C2DM, or do they hand over to another protocol?
Ok my exams are over and I am starting with it. I'll give updates on this thread