Custom Program - Windows Mobile Development and Hacking General

Hi
I am using my Kaiser for business use and want to get rid of the dreaded paperwork and use my device for everything.
I visit various clients to carry out inspections. I am wondering if there is someway of having a program made to insert various information instead of loading the Inspection everytime in Word and saving it each time as this can be really slow and a real pain.
What programs are needed to make a working program to work on Windows Mobile? Does this sound like a do - able task or am I better of doing what I do now?
I do have a copy of the inspection sheet i use which is too large to upload here.
Hope someone can help.
Thanks In Advance.
Ray

Do you mean you have a word file or similar, and you want a program to populate it, to eliminate tedious scrolling and whatnot? It can be done. As far as doing it yourself, there are several routes/languages/IDE's to choose from, but the learning curve on programming is a little slow to justify just one program. If you've programmed before, I can help set you in the right direction. If you want to learn programming, I'd start on the computer, then move to the PPC once you've learned to program with libraries and DLL's.
However, if you want to email me the form, I'll see what I can do fo you. I won't charge, but any donation would be appreciated upon delivery.

Drop me a line with your email address and I will forward you a copy of the file I use for the inspection.
Mine is [email protected]

Related

Question about registry entries in the Kitchen (PHP help)

XDA-dev guys, We need help.
Ok, We have right now, a Kitchen working with a couple of cool enhancements, we have acomplished to install, from the kitchen, some commercial programs, like Resco Explorer 2003, SPB Pocket Plus, and others. And we want to make this kitchen available to the public, so everyone can download their custom ROMS with these cool programs, but of course, for legal purposes, we can't just post them like that, already registered versions of programs.
We have an idea, basically what we want is a the text field provided under each program, (kind of the same as thing as the "NBF header string" that is at the bottom of the regular kitchen). This text entry would be each user's own serial (entered by the user). This would create a registry entry file which will put the fields in and then merge it into the rom, in that way the user would be able to use the programs and would not have to worry about the Serials anymore.\
In short, A text field in the webpage, under each program choice, so the user can enter his/her own serial number. With this text, it will generate a registry entry automaticly in the ROM generator, so The program is registered from the ROM, and the user is free to use its own program directly from the ROM
We have the progs working fine from the ROM, but we are using our own serials, we want each user to enter its own, so everyone is happy, and we don't get in trouble giving away software that is not ours for free.
Any help would be appreciated.
So what exactly do you need help with?
i'm a webdesigner with knowledge of php so maybe i can be of asistance.
Rico
exactly what I want is how to create a text field where people can enter their serial and this entry will generate a registry file that will go to the creation of the ROM, and to register the programs installed.
Sounds like you need a form with multiple text-fields targeting a page where these textfields are converted to registry entries.
maybe we could mns about this. that would probably speed things up.
or mail me @ [email protected]
Rico
The textbox feature in the current kitchen can put the literal typed string anywhere in the registry. Have you looked at how it works?
If you need more, you could write some php to do that. You'd still need permission to distribute the included programs though. Easy way to get this permission is to become a point of sale: you would point people to the place to buy it if they did not already have a serial. Could even make you some money through these affiliate programs.
Thanks guys. kenofalte, i might need ur help with php. I'm not a good programmer. I'll try to do it myself but in case i get lost.
alex
Most SPB and Resco programs come with the Trial versions that you can use for 14 days etc. that can later have a registration code entered... can't you setup your custom kitchen ROM with these different Trial versions instead and then whoever burns their own ROM can pick and choose what they want, burn it, and when setup and finished, they can enter their own code then? Just a curiousity. I am not sure about the permission to distribute the programs then? Either way, just a thought.
Regards,
mS
that's another option. i just wanted to make it so that they can register it during the "cooking" process. otherwise everytime they do a hard reset they have to re-register the product.
alex
Alex
just mail or msn me at the previous mentioned e-mail.
We will make it work.
Rico

Absuluut newbie, help on eMbedded C++ 4.0 please

Hello,
I'm a Visual Basic programmer for some time now.
Made some useful stuff they tell me.
Used C++ (Borland) about 10 years ago, so that’s a bit rusty.
Now I've ordered a Qtek 9090, and I would want to develop some software for it to. So I downloaded and installed the SDK and eMbedded C++ 4.0.
I thought, I start out on the emulator......
I can't even get my own "Hello world" program to work........
I have downloaded a "Hello World" program which I stepped through in debug mode. I have NO idea what they are doing there.
It contains about 20 files, hundreds lines of code, just to put "Hello World" on the screen of the emulator.
And I hoped that:
Code:
#include <stdio.h>
main()
{
printf("Hello, world!\n");
return 0;
}
pleased in a form, would do the trick………
The help in the IDE does not work.
Re-install it tell's me. I have done so, but the help function does not work.
Where is the "visual" part in the embedded Visual C++?
How do I place forms and buttons e.g.?
I have no idea where to start now.
Searched a lot of forum's for starters-help, but I can not find anything that helps me on my way. I just hope I've not become stupid.....
Would somebody please help me on my way?
Can I wholeheartedly recommend the book "Programming Windows CE", by Douglas Boling? It's normally cheap (or the second edition is) on ebay and it really is good.
Failing that, you're writing a console based application for something that uses a windowing environment by default, so you'll either have to change what you're linking to, or have a winmain that makes use of a graphical UI rather than stdout. Call MessageBox perhaps? This is all made *so* much easier with a working help system that you need to get that working.
You can manage resource files visually, so it really is Visual development. Plus, for free, it's an excellent development tool. Well, it isn't bad.
The best advice I can give is to get your machine set up correctly with EVC2002, or EVC 4 with SP4 and the appropriate SDKs, and take it from there.
Good luck starting out.
Cheers,
Nick.
chiark said:
Can I wholeheartedly recommend the book "Programming Windows CE", by Douglas Boling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx. I'm going to order that book.
Failing that, you're writing a console based application for something that uses a windowing environment by default, so you'll either have to change what you're linking to, or have a winmain that makes use of a graphical UI rather than stdout. Call MessageBox perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yes. I know. Like I sayed, I usualy work with VB. It was just me, trying to oversimplify things.
What I ment to express is that I'm pretty supprised I still have to write the message-loop and the main-loop and the jsadgkh-loop and....
I just hoped to put up some forms and attach code to it. But maybe I'm missing the clue on this.
This is all made *so* much easier with a working help system that you need to get that working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have set it up on an other machine yesterday, and there the help works.
Today I'm going to make use of it.
You can manage resource files visually, so it really is Visual development. Plus, for free, it's an excellent development tool. Well, it isn't bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well.... That part, the visual part, I don't see yet, but like I sayed, I'm going to work throuhg the help, now that I've got that working.
And a 'free' tool. Well, that's allways nice. I think it is good for us, AND good for them. The more software there will be on the market, the better the devices sell.
The best advice I can give is to get your machine set up correctly with EVC2002, or EVC 4 with SP4 and the appropriate SDKs, and take it from there.
Good luck starting out.
Cheers,
Nick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you tips.
Rens
Dox, drop me a PM, I've got an old copy of the book you can have if it would help
Re the message loop stuff, you've indeed got options. You can either use the message loop approach hitting the API directly, or you can opt for using MFC to abstract the stuff away from you.
Personally, I prefer the straightforwardness of using the API rather than MFC. By the time you've written one application, you've got the bulk of the next . I also write for older machines, and the overhead of MFC is a consideration, but on the XDA it really isn't.
If the application is simple, it can all be handled by a DialogBox. You will need to write a DialogProc to handle the appropriate messages, but the need to register a window class, get messages off the queue etc is removed from you. Similarly, you can have multiple pages on a single dialog box using propertypages.
If you did want to write a console application, you can do this but you need to change the linker options within EVC.
Have a good look at the samples, too, there's some real good stuff in there.
Cheers, and good luck
Nick.

Creating simple PPC programs

I am hoping to create a simple program for my pocket PC - basically just a searchable database of marinas and anchourages around the UK. I already have the information stored on my PC as an excel file.
There are about 200 entries, but ideally I want an easy interface working a bit like the PPC contacts. i.e. Tabs for letters (A to Z). Tab A would show areas beggining with (A) such as Aberdeen, Arbroath etc etc. When you click on the area it takes you to a page with detailed notes for that area.
Is there any tools out there that are easy to use rather than using microsoft development tool?
The program will be distributed to sailing friends etc.
Something drag and drop would be lovely!
useful!
well lockarm - this sounds like a really useful little program
actually the microsoft development tool is about as easy as it gets.
The problem with the simpler tools is that the final program ends up being a bit crappy to use - the development environment doesn't give one enough flexability to do any thing really useful.
To answer your question however - here is a program.
http://www.syware.com/prodlib/win_ce/vce/vce.htm
Actually I'm looking for a small project to do some practice development with....would you be interested in sending me a copy of the excel file?

Let's hear it for the nOOb!

Hi guys, I'm really glad i found this place, i just hope i can learn enough to help contirbute down the road as well! But for now....
so, i went to the wiki list of hacks and apps, and i decided to try downloading the phone pad program, just to try.
There's not much literature there to help you out, so i just downloaded it to my lappy, and unzipped.
THe setup file is an XML doc, and i don't know what i'm supposed to do with that to get it on my phone....
Thanks for lending a noob a hand!!
Dillsnik said:
Hi guys, I'm really glad i found this place, i just hope i can learn enough to help contirbute down the road as well! But for now....
so, i went to the wiki list of hacks and apps, and i decided to try downloading the phone pad program, just to try.
There's not much literature there to help you out, so i just downloaded it to my lappy, and unzipped.
THe setup file is an XML doc, and i don't know what i'm supposed to do with that to get it on my phone....
Thanks for lending a noob a hand!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the file was a CAB file then do not extract on PC just transfer the CAB file to the device and double tap it to run it.
Mike
Thank you, i got it on the phone and opened it....
now i just don't know where to get it or how to use it.
BTW, the program i was installing is the phone pad that is posted in the Wiki thread.
No info on it there...
Dillsnik said:
Thank you, i got it on the phone and opened it....
now i just don't know where to get it or how to use it.
BTW, the program i was installing is the phone pad that is posted in the Wiki thread.
No info on it there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
This particular application installs an additional way for you to input text and numbers on large touchscreen keys (bigger than the ones on normal touchscreen keyboard)
So for example if you are texting somebody and you touch the little keyboard symbol at bottom of screen you will see a little arrow beside the keyboard symbol. (i.e. don't open the keyboard by tapping it - tap the arrow beside it) A list will pop up allowing you to select different ways to input your text, anything from handwriting to your newly installed Phone Pad!!
This option for the keyboard is now available for all programmes where you would use the on screen keyboard. Keys large enough to save you the bother of using stylus and just use fingers.
Any problems ask here or send PM/e-mail details below
Mike
THanks very much mike, i found it!
Still a little tricky to get used to...It's funny, with all that my new PPC can do, i am finding i miss some of the simplicity of my old flip phone for things like just calling and texting. Maybe ei need more getting used to it still
That phone pad is a little different than i'm use to for texting....its a little tricky figuring out how to just select the word you want...or for ex, if you hit 1 and you want an !, do you select it at the list at top or is there a button that scrolls through the choices? those buttons on the left are a little tight up against the side to hit cleanly it seems, although no real misses yet.
Dillsnik said:
THanks very much mike, i found it!
Still a little tricky to get used to...It's funny, with all that my new PPC can do, i am finding i miss some of the simplicity of my old flip phone for things like just calling and texting. Maybe ei need more getting used to it still
That phone pad is a little different than i'm use to for texting....its a little tricky figuring out how to just select the word you want...or for ex, if you hit 1 and you want an !, do you select it at the list at top or is there a button that scrolls through the choices? those buttons on the left are a little tight up against the side to hit cleanly it seems, although no real misses yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being honest I agree WM devices aren't the easiest of phones and there is a bit of a compromise between getting all the other fancy stuff and the phone part of the device. You will get more used to it as you say. To be honest I'm never in so much of a rush to call someone that I don't have time to use the stylus on the full touchscreen keyboard. And just think there are all those thousands of freeware application downloads for WM5 out there - just waiting for you to try!! Mind you a lot of garbage as well.
One follow on thought just for info:
CAB files as you now know you install fromm the device
EXE files for WM5 you run on PC whilst connected via Active Sync and they'll install automatically.
If I have a choice I go for the CAB file as I store it on the SD card rather than cluttering up my PC. Also If I need to hard reset all my cabs will be sitting their waiting for a quick tap and their programmes are back on again. Although I do use Mobsync which is an addon for Active Sync that allows me to back up my SD card to my PC and anything I drop into the PC Backup gets put onto my PC card when I do a Sync.
Mike
Mike
Great tips mike....
You are right, i am excited to make the most of my new wonder with all the free (and not free!) ware out there. That is what i think it's probably all about, cause i feel like out of the box it leaves a lot left to be desired.
I need to get myself an sd card quickly for that! Only problem is, i'm sure i'll want/need a 2GB card. A 1GB card is like 20-30, a 2 gb is closer to $90!! i bought this in a large part for nav software and the map data should take up a lot of space on a card. I guess i could get a 1gb for now or even have two, but swapping will suck i'm sure. What do you have for yours?
I have just 1gb, but despite having maybe 20-30 apps loaded and a copy of their cab files, a few photos and usual odds and ends it's only one third full. (Mind you, I put on lots but end up removing almost as many so application numbers only grow slowly) WM apps are really quite small. But certainly nav software and and maps will take a considerable amount. Spotted a package the other day bundling a TyTn + Blue tooth GPS receiver and Tom Tom software all for a price £50UK less than I paid for the Device alone and no SDcard.
Makes yer sick dunnit!
PS In early days I loaded all apps onto device memory and a surprising number it took. BUT it began to seriously slow down device even with quite a bit of memory to spare. Now I load everything to Storage Card with the important exception of those things the device needs to start up. e.g. Phone skins and any programs that run on today screen. It is essential to load these things to device memory as folks have found the phone alarms may not ring or device will freeze when calls come in if something it needs to start is buried on SDcard. The main ring tone as well - although it will work from SD card may cause a ring delay if on SD card leaving as few as two rings for you to hear before voicemail comes on. Live and Learn!!
This forum contains a wealth of info - more than I will ever need. Getting to be too many multiple threads on same issue though which gets confusing as some appear to find no solution to a problem and yet another may have just the answer needed.
Mike
EDIT: By the way if you like paying for apps.!! I think Wisbar Advance and Wisbar Advance Desktop are great. BUT learning curve is quite steep and a bit of an on-going project but allows multiple desktops to hold all those today themes and gadgets that just won't fit on one today screen.
that's some good stuff to know, and it's nice of you to explain all that too me. really helps clear some things up so i'm not asking as many q's later or just generally in the dark.
i've heard of others speak of WA before. in your opinion, what are the biggest must have programs and also some of the best values out there? i'm willing to pay for a good program but I like a free one as much as the next guy!
FYI...I work in sales and managing accounts in different areas will be key for me. so if u know anything that lends well for that I'd be interested.
thanks,
dan
Dillsnik said:
that's some good stuff to know, and it's nice of you to explain all that too me. really helps clear some things up so i'm not asking as many q's later or just generally in the dark.
i've heard of others speak of WA before. in your opinion, what are the biggest must have programs and also some of the best values out there? i'm willing to pay for a good program but I like a free one as much as the next guy!
FYI...I work in sales and managing accounts in different areas will be key for me. so if u know anything that lends well for that I'd be interested.
thanks,
dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dan
Here's a link to just some of the apps. I have on mine:
Look for the post by TCO who did a great job of finding all the links to the applications.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=283085
Here's a few mostly freeware application sites. Lots of rubbish in these but some maybe worth it. For anything specific for example if I wanted Excel on my device I'd just do a google search on: excel wm5. Freeware sites are everywhere but have your popup blocker on, some are good others are terrible. A google search on freeware WM5 will throw up lots of these. Also there can be the odd Java application that's good so may be worth a try.
I'm no expert in your work areas so guess you'll need to track down the good work related ones yourself though your kind of work would seem ideally suited to the typical tracking and accounting sorts of application. Some sites are nicely categorized.
http://www.pdagold.com/software/list.asp?p=1
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/tags.php?tag=clocks&order=date&page=2
http://www.getjar.com/software/universal/all/Applications/Email/set2
Mike

Dial PPC from Outlook

I have been searching the web for years trying to find the solution to what I would consider is a very simple requirement:
From Outlook on the PC, right click on a contact and dial to a connected Pocket PC via Activesync.
Now, either I am alone in this world, or my search capabilities are flawed. This is a function/capability I used to have with my old Sony-Ericsson & I am missing it badly - yes, I know there is a Powertool that provides you with a "window" to your PPC, but I have found that this is somewhat flakey, doesnt like Landscape mode and frequenly freezes the PPC.
Further, I have enhanced my Access application to perform the dialup via the CPROG.exe, what I am after is the same or similar functionality direct from Outlook... please help!
Is there anyone out there that can help me?
looking for the same
it seems we both live in the same world
Come on guys, are you really telling me there isn't anything out there at all?
err so remind me why one would want to do this other than to write some annoying dialer program?
OK, rather simple, really:
Working from Desktop PC, with PPC connected via ActiveSync and sitting in a cradle - by definition, this makes it a pain to access the PPC.
Current Scenario:
1. PC has Outlook open, search for a contact that you wish to converse with
2. Open Contact
3. Look at number
4. Lean over desk, usually spilling coffee, or unintentionally moving to another website
5. Try to use Stylus to dial number (or use Intellidialer to access the same contact you have in Outlook)
6. Make call
7. Hope you have put in the right number
8. Call goes to voicemail, throw phone against wall
All in all, a rather cumbersome scenario.
Preferred Scenario:
1. PC has Outlook open, search for a contact that you wish to converse with
2. Open Contact, or right click on Contact
3. Select number to dial
4. "Magical programme" sends dial request to PPC
5. Make call
6. Call answered, sale made, kids go to expensive Private School and Wife loves you forever
Makes sense now?
yep so get one of those programs to control your phone from the desktop?
sure its not what you really want to do but it will do the job
st3v3 said:
yep so get one of those programs to control your phone from the desktop?
sure its not what you really want to do but it will do the job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever read his first post?
yeah for about 4 or 5 seconds, gave pity and responded for the simple fact no one else did and thought i would show some interest.
at least some of us make an attempt eh helterskelter
Thanks for your pity, but I would prefer to know what, if anything, is out there. Obviously, I was mistaken in believing this was the font of all wisdom and exciting development in the PPC world. I truly cant believe that nobody has thought to put this together. Funnily enough, there is one that does this via Bluetooth, but as the XDA Mini wont allow multiple Bluetooth connections, I have been "forced" to find out if there is anyone clever enough to make this happen :sigh:
Hi!
I miss this funtion in windows mobile. This is the only reason why I consider to go back to my old Ericsson.
A little bit strange that it works with other software but not with Microsofts own?
Using .net you might be able to write an app (server) that listens on an open port on the PPC for coms from the active sync pc. When a certial string is sent down this port DIAL(123456789) the app calls the dial command in .net framework.
Maby its time to bite the bullet and code it.
Im having to with another app
No need for a PPC app, as you can already do this from the desktop - using:
rapistart.exe "cprog.exe -n -url tel:numbertocall"
from within any ap. I have done this from my Access program, I was looking to see if anyone had done this for Outlook as a plugin for the Desktop, or indeed some form of TSR on the PC that will take a hotkey and use the above for a highlighted number (yes, I know that I am now officially in fairyland).
mlk said:
No need for a PPC app, as you can already do this from the desktop - using:
rapistart.exe "cprog.exe -n -url tel:numbertocall"
from within any ap. I have done this from my Access program, I was looking to see if anyone had done this for Outlook as a plugin for the Desktop, or indeed some form of TSR on the PC that will take a hotkey and use the above for a highlighted number (yes, I know that I am now officially in fairyland).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope this can then be done using windows scripting host cause its the outlook that you need to automate not he PPC.
See the 3rd item on this page.
http://www.cooperstown.net/tips/outlook-address.html
It should be able to help you out just make a custom toolbar button in outlook to call this piece of code and your away laughing.
EDIT:
Where did you fiind the info on cprog. Is there any way it could help with this
Unfortunately, I cant remember where I found the information on Cprog - only thing I have is the "How to call a number".. tried for some time to find various parameters to no avail... not too sure if this will help with your problem.
OK Guys, I finally bit the bullet - thanks Shaun for the "hint" - and coded a Macro to perform this.
It may be a bit clunky and as a "non-developer" I don't have the requisite nous nor software to distribute this as a plugin. For this reason, I have provided this as completely open (as far as I can tell), so if anyone wants to take this further, I hope I have started you on the track and that you wont forget the initial starter!
For those of you that wish to install - you will need to access your \Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook folder and extract the zipped file. My recommendation is that you save the existing one first, just in case you have written a bunch of Macros - wouldn't want to get any nasty surprises here - remember, Outlook only has one Macro bucket and this file is it!
Once you have installed and either provided your own Digital Certificate, or have an appropriate level Security within Outlook to allow this to run, simply add the Macro "Dial2PPC.Dialit" to a toolbar both in Outlook (that comes up in Contacts preferably) and in the Contact Form itself (use "Customise" as you would in any other Office application to facilitate this).
From here, it is as simple as selecting the Contact from your contact list and clicking on the Macro button you have setup - then follow the instructions, make sure your PPC is connected & Dial away!
Please note that you will need to have installed RapiStart from the Windows Mobile Power Toys and that I make no assertions that this is bug free, so use wisely - although, I am pretty sure I have most of the bugs out.
Again, this is provided open & free, so if you make an enhancement, please share it with the rest of us!
Hope this solves the "issue" for you guys as it has done for me!
DialViaActiveSync
mlk – thanks very much for your macro. I’ve taken the liberty of rewriting quite a bit of it (everything other than the part which communicates with the device, really), and have made it available under the GPL v2.0, in order to preserve its “Free” status.
In terms of changes, as I say, I’ve rewritten most of the back-end functionality. In particular:
1.) Adding items to the listbox – this now only shows fields which have a valid phone number, so there are no empty spaces
2.) Dynamic resizing of the form
3.) Form and “Dial” button captions show the name of the contact
4.) Where a contact has no valid phone number, a dialogue to this effect is shown
5.) You need to select number from the listbox before the “Dial” button is available
6.) You can double-click on a number in the listbox to dial it
7.) General tidy-up of some of the variable names, and removed a couple of unused variables
Installing my version:
I’ve exported the relevant files from the Project, so there is no need to overwrite the existing Project file – just open Visual Basic Editor (Tools / Macro in Outlook) and select “Import” and the browse to the relevant folder.
I'm a lurker rather than a poster on here, but, any questions, please do let me know.
Cheers,
Neil
Administrator
WindowsMobile247.com
[email protected]
Neil,
Champion stuff mate - I have always said it is best to wait for Version 2! Just one question: The ".frx" file, what is that for?
Mark.
It's the binary file for the VB .frm - it's not something you manually import, but it's necessary for the display of the form.
BTW- I've changed the contents of the .zip file for download- realised that I'd left in a line (an extra ResetState call) which stopped the whole thing from working - new version uploaded (same name) should be fine.
Cheers,
Neil
Administrator
WindowsMobile247.com
[email protected]
Thanks for this, maybe should change my mantra to: Wait for V2.1?
P.S. Thanks for coming out of the lurk!
Nah- v2 was fine... if I hadn't been meddling with it...
Managed to put the reset call before the RAPI argument, which, of course, wiped out the phone number it was trying to dial... Stupid, stupid, stupid -embarrassing, but at least easy to fix.
I guess that the next step is to try and implement SMS via ActiveSync - not sure if cprog.exe handles this, though, so it could be rather more complicated...

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