Database Users

Im Getting My Magician Tomorrow!

Hi Guys,
Been using this great site for a while now but im not a great poster! lol Ive bought a Magician and it will be arriving tomorrow and just wondered if there is anything that i should be looking out for?
For example, what mods do you recommend? I.E Bluetooth Fix (may not exsist but just gave example) I cant wait to get it as ive used a few before and been very impressed!
Also does anyone have a link for TomTom 5 Cracked? would be much appriciated! :lol:

Hi, welcome to XDA DEV and congratulations with your purchase! If you search this forum, you will find many fixes and mods that have been applied to speed up the magician (through registry edits), gain extra memory (BigStorage is a good one!), improve the BT stack, remove the Simlock etc etc. Just look in the Magician forums and you will find many tweaking hapiness there. Be sure to back-up first before applying any mod, since they might cause a hard reset and data loss. Please DON'T ask for illegal software here, there is enough of that to be found on the internet, but not in this community. We like to tweak and mod things, but intend to do nothing illegal here. If any software or hack here is illegal in your country, don't use it.
Have fun with your new Magician!

Thanks for the welcome Koksie! Ive been having a browse though and thought that maybe it would be good to get a Top 10 things to do to your magician?
Just thought it would be handy for people like me that are new to the magician.
Can someone explain what bigstore is please? Sounds great.
BTW it hasnt arrived yet its scheduled before 1pm though!

Do a search for BigStorage, it involves flashing your Rom with a custom made one you made yourself. You can use the ROM that came with it ( if it is a new one, you will get the latest ROM I presume) or with a newer one ( if yours is a second hand device and has an older version. 1.13 is the newest one at the moment. Check in your start-settings-device information) Since a flash removes all your data, the best thing is to do it before you put any programs and information on it. basically it deletes the Extended ROM ( where your provider puts all its settings) and merges it with the internal storage, adding 20 MB extra of ROm storage, in other words, another 20 MB extra of memory that will not be deleted in case of empty battery. Another advantage of 20 MB of extra ROM is that you save another 20 MB of RAM (by ebanling you installing aps to ROm instead of RAM), so your Magician will be much faster and less battery consuming. Search for BigStorage and the method (including backing -up the Extended ROM for later use) will be explained in detail in several threads.
Same goes for removing the Simlock or extending the BT profiles. Just search for the right terms and the methods will pop-up.
Other worthwile apps are DKToday, BT SwitchIt, tel-on-off, AEBPlus and MortButtons. Check these out, they are very usefull apps. Many registry tweaks are also posted, they help to speed up your magician, change behaviour of applications and settings etc. You are right that a top 10 would be helpful, but just searching the forum will help a lot. for regedits serach for "registry edit magiacian"and I am sure helpful threads will appear.

sorry for the idiot question but how do you install skins?

jaso2005 said:
sorry for the idiot question but how do you install skins?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search for Wisbar Advance. It's the app that applies the skins. :wink:

You can find many skins on www.yorch.net, including instructions on how to install them. There are many other skin sources and progs on the market, some for free. Search and the shall find my man, google is thy friend!

This page is a useful read on hints and tips.
http://www.ppcsg.com/lofiversion/index.php/f20.html
And especially:
http://www.ppcsg.com/lofiversion/index.php/t50029.html
V
PS something you're bound to ask at some point, because everyone does, is how do you sort your contacts First Name, Last name?
Search against my userid. I've answered it a million times!

jaso2005 said:
Thanks for the welcome Koksie! Ive been having a browse though and thought that maybe it would be good to get a Top 10 things to do to your magician?
Just thought it would be handy for people like me that are new to the magician.
Can someone explain what bigstore is please? Sounds great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same position as you are, as I recently switched from an XDAI (Wallaby) to the Magician.
Here are some things to consider and do.
1. You will definately fall in love with the device if you are a bit like me or the rest of the people here. You will want to use a long time, so before you go and use the device regularly, GET A SCREEN PROTECTOR. Even if it is just a cheap one to start with, protect the screen.
2. The regular Bluetooth stack is pretty unimpressive. It works OK, but does not offer a lot of options. If you are going to use BT get the CAB install that has just recenty popped up and is currently being discussed here. You can download in that thread, then you have a ton more options regarding BT.
3. The camera on my O2 branded device is crap (blue speckles in low light conditions). There is a fix out there to solve the problem a little bit. The ultimate solution is to install a updated camera software from T-Mobile devices which is more recent. I am still looking for a way to do this, have not dived into the topic completely.
4. If you are using your PPC device a lot, especially if you are using a large SD-Card for file storage one day or the other you will face the need of hooking up yur device to some friends computer to exchange some files. This is not easily done unless the other computer has ActiveSync running. To do this easily you can use Softick Card Export, which is a little tool that enables the Magician to act as a Mass Storage Device. When the program is enabled you just use your friendly USB cable to hook up to the other computer and your Magician is instantly connected without drivers (if it is a W2K+ or XP machine or something like this - Win98 will not work instantly).
5. Always carry a small USB cable with you. I love the possibility of charging my device whereever I find a USB port.
6. Software I will not leave home without:
- Wisbar Advance2 / Wisbar Advance Desktop plugin
- Total Commander
- Registry Editor of choice
- Memmaid
- Pockettools
- Sprite Backup
- Destinator PN (if you are going to use it as a GPS)
- Pocketmusic for mp3 playback
- Phonealarm plugin
- Some calendar plugin giving a good oversight of tasks and appointments
- eWallet (for keeping confidential info such as PINs etc. encrypted)
- Mobipocket Reader with a recent offline version of Wikipedia
- Pocketmechanic
- phonExt (better Dialer)
- RESCO Audio Recorder (allows mp3 recording)
- PhonePad chooser (customize the PhonePad design)
That should get you kind of started. Oh, wait, after I did the BigStorage hack I also replaced that butt-ugly O2 splash screen (screen displayed when you power on the device or do a soft/hard reset) with a selfmade one saying "hacked" and displaying the 18c3logo.

7. Get Pocket Zen Phone - it only costs €5 and allows you to have multiple profiles, flight, office, car, etc for different situations - just click the icon on the Today screen. Get it here: http://zendrui.free.fr/

TheBrit said:
7. Get Pocket Zen Phone - it only costs €5 and allows you to have multiple profiles, flight, office, car, etc for different situations - just click the icon on the Today screen. Get it here: http://zendrui.free.fr/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does PhoneAlarm. I checked out PocketZenPhone, but decided I liked pA better. It's a matter of taste, I guess. Did you take a look at pA anyways?

This discussion is going on on another thread as well.
I use PA, it's got a lot of features that I like.
To be fair, I've not used PZP much because I didn't think that it did more then PA that was relevant to me.
I've set up PA with profiles on my Today screen, which seems to be what PZP is good for:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
With my skin and my ToggleToday PA is an unobtrusive but valuable OS modification (at the top of the screen):
V

psych0t1c said:
TheBrit said:
7. Get Pocket Zen Phone - it only costs €5 and allows you to have multiple profiles, flight, office, car, etc for different situations - just click the icon on the Today screen. Get it here: http://zendrui.free.fr/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does PhoneAlarm. I checked out PocketZenPhone, but decided I liked pA better. It's a matter of taste, I guess. Did you take a look at pA anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but PZP does exactly what I want.

phone app doesn't close???

I got my EXEC a few days ago and went ahead with the corporate install - never been a fan of O2 Active.
The first thing I wanted to do was to install a decent task manager. So after reading good things about it - I went ahead with Magic Button.
However, what I have found is that after launching the phone dialer - it refuses to close and remains resident in program memory. Everything else closes fine and with no problems but the phone app just wont close unless you soft reset the device.
At first I thought it was a problem with Magic Button but I then tried GSPocketMagic+. Again, I launched the phone app and then tried to close it using the GSPocketMagic-> Close All option but that didnt work either.
So it appears that once launched, the phone app cannot be closed. Has anyone else noticed this on their EXEC/MDA Pro?

I don't use magic button but most of the closer apps exclude the phone app - do you really want to close that

If you really must close it, check this task killer out
This is from the Microsoft SDK, just modded very slightly by me to allow you to close errant apps, especially useful when I was developing VJBigPhone.
Be careful, it can close pretty much any app, including system stuff like GWES. But if that's one you want, that's what'll 'appen.
VJTrayTaskList
If you press the "Ok" button it'll sit in your Today Tray for ease of use.
Click the checkbox to allow you to close stubborn apps.
V

Thanks guys.
Yes, I really would find it useful to be able to close the phone app - program memory on the Universal is precious to say the least and the phone app uses about 1.1MB (according to MemMaid)
@vijay555
I will definitely try out your app when i get home (dont have my EXEC with me) as it seems a much quicker way to kill the process instead of having to open memmaid - although it is a pretty useful app in itself.
Just a question from a fellow would-be developer - what dev software do you use to build your apps? I am looking to get into doing some dev work my self and was thinking about using .NET.
However, seeing as none of your apps require the .NET framework to be installed, I'm guessing you use the standard MS SDK?
I didnt see the above app on your website... is it still in BETA?

mzaslam: I didn't write TrayTask list, it's provided as example code in the SDK. From memory I enabled its ability to close stubborn tasks, possibly did some GUI work and possibly changed the icon. Was some time ago now, can't remember!
I wouldn't say it's beta, although what Microsoft code isn't!? But I can't really take any credit for it, so I don't distribute it as mine. I just put VJ on it so can distinguish it from the non modded version on my PC. It works well though: I've noticed it does have one issue, that it won't load properly when your system is undergoing some problem, eg an application has hung etc. Then it won't populate the task list at all. But it's a good indicator it's time to soft reset then!
It's the best task killer I've seen, particularly for my kind of development where you need to kill hidden tasks.
Dev software: I'm going to be starting my info/blog site shortly, which will address just this kind of stuff. I've got very little experience programming for the PPC; so far I don't consider myself able to program, just throw stuff around
But I program with Visual Studio 2005. You can get hold of the beta free online, and if you need a copy of Beta 2 and are in the UK, I can probably send you a copy (I've only got 1!) But note, Beta 2 has issues with the WM5 emulator, which stalled a lot of my programming. But it's a nice enough environment.
You can get EVC 4 for free completely, so that's still a good choice, but VS2005 is perfectly competent.
However:
I had the pleasure of meeting this guy
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
from microsoft at a Modaco meeting in London a couple of month ago (the one where that guy stole the prize phone!)
Prior to this I had been fretting that the PPC was good, but not good enough for thumb friendly use. So I wanted to write a program or two. I considered EVB, but it's pretty useless for my low level stuff. I met David Goon, who was evangalising .net CF 2. I discussed with him about writing today plugins and he said that for that kinda work, C++ was still the best way to do it.
So, being a C++ virgin, and only about 20 years behind the times, I started learning c++ in september.
C++ is unforgiving, but very low level, and it makes increasing sense to me. I still only know about 0.5% of all there is to know about it, but it's doing what I want, most of the time. .net is beautiful to program with I guess, but right now, since I'm still awash with c++, I guess I'll start learning .net in about another 20 years! .net is great if you're not doing low level stuff, and I recommend it. For me, c++ is still like trying to create the universe to create the horse to create the ability to teach it to drink! It's a lot of work, but it gets there in the end!
V
PS I can hopefully make you guys an app to just close the phone if you want. Give me a mo...

Arrgh! Someone else obsessed with force-closing apps on Windows Mobile!
Let the OS do its job and handle memory management the way MS intended! I haven't force-closed any applications for a week. No resets or anything, and I have a list of running apps a mile long. (Just checked, and I have 26 apps open, including ListPro, TCPMP and this PIE window. I'm also running PocketZenPhone and VJBigPhone.) It works perfectly. If WM needs memory it will close apps for you in the background. Why worry about it?
Just my opinion.

Well, all I can say is wow. You certainly accomplished alot in a short space of time.
Ive been in the IT sector for a good number of years now but my expertise lies primarily with VB... yes yes I know!! I have in my time developed in Oracle and a number of other languages but most just didnt provide a true RAD environment.
So C++ (and its many variants) was not one of my languages of choice, not that I havent done some dev in my time. Its just not for me. C++ is very powerful but you have to put alot more in to get the best out of it.
Of course, the benefits of C++ are evident in its speed of execution but those advantages are no more (or so MS would suggest) with the release of .NET. All the .NET languages are more closely integrated and coded in the same IDE. OK so the syntax is different but they are all based on the same FCL and CLS ad nsame runtime environment
Anyway, thanks for the app and if you do get a chance to knock up a 'simple' app that kills just the phone app then that would be great.
Cheers.

SiliconS said:
Arrgh! Someone else obsessed with force-closing apps on Windows Mobile!
Let the OS do its job and handle memory management the way MS intended! I haven't force-closed any applications for a week. No resets or anything, and I have a list of running apps a mile long. (Just checked, and I have 26 apps open, including ListPro, TCPMP and this PIE window. I'm also running PocketZenPhone and VJBigPhone.) It works perfectly. If WM needs memory it will close apps for you in the background. Why worry about it?
Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the phone app is possibly the exception to this rule... I could of course be wrong. With program memory being as limited as it is, I dont think there is any reason not to want to give the OS a helping hand in its memory mamangement.
Lets face it, if HTC (and I suppose MS) had gone about designing the HTC and WM5 the way most of us wanted then we (as in all EXEC/MDA Pro/JJ) users wouldnt have to spend the insane amount of time on this forum trying to fix the so-called "features" of our beloved PPC.
Dont get me wrong, I love my EXEC but with a bit more thought it could have been soo much better.
I'm sure before long we will see the PPC headed the same way as the desktop OS i.e. Service Packs, Security Patches etc. which isnt a bad thing really.
Sorry if I've gone on a bit...

SiliconS said:
Arrgh! Someone else obsessed with force-closing apps on Windows Mobile!
I'm also running PocketZenPhone and VJBigPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is PocketZenPhone on your EXEC? I read from other threads that they are having problems with it. Is it true? What is its main function?

mzaslam: Thanks for your comments!
Check out vjtaskkiller here. This is a generic task killer.
I'll try to write a phone toggle a little later, to quit or launch the phone approriately.
Re Programming: I'm happy with C++ for now. I'll learn .net at some point, but I think the hardware needs to catch up and have better integration of CF. Then we'll have no reason not to use it. But right now, I want to keep my overheads as low as possible, (what with SiliconS using VJBigphone in the background!)
SiliconS is exactly right, WM hibernation is supposed to take care of all memory management. However, I think especially as seen on the wizard, it's beneficial sometimes to give it a hand! Also, although for MS certification programs should be coded to be responsive to hibernation requests, not all are, particularly non certified code... so again, could be beneficial.
I have to say, WM5 is slightly laggy generally, so it's nice to keep it perky. But I would suggest most users don't need to use a taskkiller. However, I use smallmenu and never keep more than a couple of apps open, but then again, I've never had memory problems with or without intervention...
However, for development, certainly beneficial.
SiliconS: is VJBigPhone working ok?
V

Guys, new release
VJPhoneToggle
Just for you mzaslam!
V

cktlcmd said:
How is PocketZenPhone on your EXEC? I read from other threads that they are having problems with it. Is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno. Seems to work perfectly for me, but I'm not convinced that the Outlook-based profile switches are working 100%. I haven't properly tested it though because it doesn't cause a problem.
cktlcmd said:
What is its main function?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://zendrui.free.fr/

vijay555 said:
SiliconS: is VJBigPhone working ok?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, seems to be. It's v0.8 so I haven't tried your latest yet, but I will when I get chance. The phone's working fine for me and is always scaled correctly.
OT: How long before v1.0 do you reckon? I must admit I miss having the Wireless Manager not fixed too, and IIRC you were going to try and work on that again? It's about time I bought you that (non-alcoholic) drink!

SiliconS said:
cktlcmd said:
How is PocketZenPhone on your EXEC? I read from other threads that they are having problems with it. Is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno. Seems to work perfectly for me, but I'm not convinced that the Outlook-based profile switches are working 100%. I haven't properly tested it though because it doesn't cause a problem.
cktlcmd said:
What is its main function?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://zendrui.free.fr/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks SiliconS!

mzaslam said:
SiliconS said:
Arrgh! Someone else obsessed with force-closing apps on Windows Mobile!
Let the OS do its job and handle memory management the way MS intended! I haven't force-closed any applications for a week. No resets or anything, and I have a list of running apps a mile long. (Just checked, and I have 26 apps open, including ListPro, TCPMP and this PIE window. I'm also running PocketZenPhone and VJBigPhone.) It works perfectly. If WM needs memory it will close apps for you in the background. Why worry about it?
Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the phone app is possibly the exception to this rule... I could of course be wrong. With program memory being as limited as it is, I dont think there is any reason not to want to give the OS a helping hand in its memory mamangement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you didn't take my comments the wrong way. Re-reading them again this morning they could be taken as offensive, and that wasn't my intention, hence the .
Well, I dunno. People complain a lot in this forum that it takes ages for the Exec to ring when someone calls them, and people keep missing calls, so anything that delays the phone app (e.g. closing it down manually) would IMHO be a V.Bad Thing. I've never had a problem just letting the OS handle it. When I was looking at my task list last night, though, (with 26 tasks running) I had 14MB program memory free, so I'm a long way from running out.
Leaving applications open makes the Universal more responsive and perky, since I don't have to wait for the OS to initialise them every time I want them.
Anyway, your phone, your choice of course. I'm just offering an alternative viewpoint since the desire to close apps seems to be just a peace-of-mind thing for the enthusiasts on this forum rather than being driven by any tangible need.

vijay555 said:
Guys, new release
VJPhoneToggle
Just for you mzaslam!
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW that was fast!! I woke up this morning and this is the last thing I expected
I really do feel honoured 8) Best not let it go to my head though!! You also wrote a general cmd line Task Killer, even better I reckon. How long did it take you to knock those up then?
Today is my last day at work, I'm on leave for 3 weeks so will have plenty of time to check out all your smart apps and of course play with my little black beauty
SiliconS said:
Glad you didn't take my comments the wrong way. Re-reading them again this morning they could be taken as offensive, and that wasn't my intention, hence the .
Well, I dunno. People complain a lot in this forum that it takes ages for the Exec to ring when someone calls them, and people keep missing calls, so anything that delays the phone app (e.g. closing it down manually) would IMHO be a V.Bad Thing. I've never had a problem just letting the OS handle it. When I was looking at my task list last night, though, (with 26 tasks running) I had 14MB program memory free, so I'm a long way from running out.
Leaving applications open makes the Universal more responsive and perky, since I don't have to wait for the OS to initialise them every time I want them.
Anyway, your phone, your choice of course. I'm just offering an alternative viewpoint since the desire to close apps seems to be just a peace-of-mind thing for the enthusiasts on this forum rather than being driven by any tangible need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries
I didnt take offence and you made a perfectly legitimate case for leaving the phone app running in the background. I think I will see how long it takes for the phone to respond with the phone app running and without.
It is still VERY useful (using vijay555's apps) to be able to kill tasks as and when you need - because there will come a time when you run low on prog memory. I think especially if you run something like TTN or CP!!
I am surprised that you have 26 apps running comfortably on your EXEC with no performance degradation. Are you sure you havent been slipped a limited edition EXEC with more memory than the rest of us poor souls

Just my humble observations, but when I first got my Exec I kept wanting to force close the Phone app, but every time I did it would refuse to reload. A soft reset resulted in the splash screen saying no GSM, so I had to wait for it to reboot, use the phone and then soft reset again to get it working properly. Anyone else found this?
Great tool by the way!
Fin

Hey, thanks for all your comments guys. Hope it was useful! Visit my site often for more releases (although not today, or at least so far!)
mzaslam: how long did it take? Um, basic code is used in VJBigPhone to find and modify the phone. Then writing the close code was relatively straightforward. However, debugging, testing and preparing the icon, screenshots, cabs, uploading and preparing webpage all took an hour or two. Got a good telling off from my better half for it! I really need to sleep more...
Findus: I've never had that problem, sorry!
SiliconS: VJBigPhone. I'm quite prepared to step to v1.0 if I can, if there are no issues. No one's mentioned anything bad I think, so I think the core code is safe to stick with. I'm intending to add a phone close option on the tray icon (just in case anyone wants it!) and hopefully one other minor but useful function. Beyond there, hopefully that's v1.0. If I can, I will try to enlarge the caller's photo as requested elsewhere, and if so I will incorporate it as a menu option. (that might be >v1.0)
Finally, I intend to re-address the wireless manager fix, and if it works, I'll reincorporate it as an option on the menu, and also perhaps as a standalone for those who don't need VJBigPhone! Sound ok? Any other ideas for incorporating in? :wink:
How are you guys finding this tool? There's one or two tricks you can pull off with VJTaskKiller, but I shouldn't let you in on how because you could cause some difficulties :wink:
V

Profiles for Windows Mobile 2.0

Dear all,
I am glad to inform you that I have just released the brand new version 2 of Profiles for Windows Mobile.
Do not hesitate anymore! Follow the link below and see what is waiting for you!
http://www.winmobileapps.com/device/pocketpc/pwm/pwm.aspx
I am waiting already for your comments.

slvrbllt said:
Dear all,
I am glad to inform you that I have just released the brand new version 2 of Profiles for Windows Mobile.
Do not hesitate anymore! Follow the link below and see what is waiting for you!
http://www.winmobileapps.com/device/pocketpc/pwm/pwm.aspx
I am waiting already for your comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i have been waiting on this! - thank you so much i will give my impressions in full later on. I use your older version all the time.
Cheers you deserve a beer and the 14.95 euros if i like it!
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Bahh, so many time for this, a shareware app...
And so many time to develop a new version and not even the inclusion to be able to choose new ring files from another path...
Sticking with PPCProfiles Pro 3.00a...

Review of Profiles for Windows Mobile 2.0
I have tried a number of different profilers and i like this one best because of a simple interface and low resource needs. It feels like its part of wm5 whilst the others always feel like addons and generally slow the device down.
Well i have tested the new version on my O2 orbit and first impressions are good.
- It has same interface and looks as 1.2 version but is enhanced
- Up to 9 profiles which is more than most of the competition.
- Vibration now works when selected under wm5.
- Bluetooth has discoverable option which is desirable.
- Ability to set profile including wifi on/off when roaming.
- Ringtones can now be selectable from the storage card\my documents folder
- Midi files can now be played as a ringtone
- Screen rotate feature useful for car profile
- Scheduler works well on my device and is a welcome addition
- No glitches or bugs on my device yet.
Wishlist
1. Backlight change with profile
2. GPRS on\off would be a welcome addon
3. Run program in a profile interface is too basic - file menu needed and the ability to use lnk's and not just exe's will make this more versatile.
4. Options interface to be wm5 style rather than old 2003 style and annoying popup of keyboard stopped
So i am certainly interested in buying this profiler and have a couple of questions.
Does the cost include future updates?
Does each device need a separate code? - i have a wizard and an orbit
Are any of the things on my wishlist in the pipeline?
There seemed to be no alpha or beta released (i often checked your forum) why not?
The program size has gone from 94kb to 340kb any possibilty of trimming to reduce size (sounds a contradiction looking at my wishlish) but ? more efficient coding or compression of dll's
Will there be more participation in the forum by yourself as in the past seems lacking and many of the users post not answered.
Thanks again and good work! I hope you take all my criticisms as constructive.

Well, a lot of things have happened in the last year that kept me away from my PC. One of these was the complete crash of my laptop, with a complete lost of all the sources... my last backup was 2 version older... PWM has been rewritten from scratch.
Let me reply to each and every point:
Wishlist - options 1..3 are on the way! I just needed to deliver something and test the user's reactions. I will keep on working on it, if it's worth to...
I don't get your point for wish #4... I'm sure you're going to wipe my doubts away...
Beta - There has been a Beta phase of course. And I posted a message here too, seeking for volunteers... got just one reply, and when it was to late, too.
Program Size - Unfortunately the increase in size is mostly due to images stored into the applet file's resources and the use of the ATL libraries for embedding WMP (sounds preview). I personally would get rid of the sounds preview, but its was one of the most wanted features...
Participation in forum - I'm actually spending several hrs a day in replying to the messages I get in several forums. It's 3:24 now and I'm still here... so my answer is YES! you will feel my presence amongst you!
Licensing: Each device need it's own license. In case of multiple licenses for the same owner, the price would be heavly reduced. License will surely be valid for all 2.x future releases. Whilst I still see room for improvements, I do not believe they will justify a version 3 or 4....
Criticisms are very welcome! I got no better way to improve myself...

slvrbllt said:
Well, a lot of things have happened in the last year that kept me away from my PC. One of these was the complete crash of my laptop, with a complete lost of all the sources... my last backup was 2 version older... PWM has been rewritten from scratch.
Let me reply to each and every point:
Wishlist - options 1..3 are on the way! I just needed to deliver something and test the user's reactions. I will keep on working on it, if it's worth to...
I don't get your point for wish #4... I'm sure you're going to wipe my doubts away...
Beta - There has been a Beta phase of course. And I posted a message here too, seeking for volunteers... got just one reply, and when it was to late, too.
Program Size - Unfortunately the increase in size is mostly due to images stored into the applet file's resources and the use of the ATL libraries for embedding WMP (sounds preview). I personally would get rid of the sounds preview, but its was one of the most wanted features...
Participation in forum - I'm actually spending several hrs a day in replying to the messages I get in several forums. It's 3:24 now and I'm still here... so my answer is YES! you will feel my presence amongst you!
Licensing: Each device need it's own license. In case of multiple licenses for the same owner, the price would be heavly reduced. License will surely be valid for all 2.x future releases. Whilst I still see room for improvements, I do not believe they will justify a version 3 or 4....
Criticisms are very welcome! I got no better way to improve myself...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that slvrbllt - sorry that i missed your beta request post - if it had been in the wizard forum i would have surely picked it up - I am happy to do any future testing.
Correct me if i am wrong but wm5 interface usually has keyboard central and 2003 to the right - no big deal - its just the keyboard popup thing that irritates - EDIT this is only on my artemis - on the wizard it has wm5 interface and no keyboard popup problem.
EDIT2 - problem is fixed on my artemis by unticking 'support wm5.0 soft-keys' exiting, opening and then ticking the box again.
Is it possible to do separate versions? - wm5 and 2003 - it may get round this bug.
I am glad 1 & 3 are in the pipeline and ? 2 not diff to impliment surely - if not I can use a lnk file to work this.
Well you have one customer sold.
btw i have noticed an occ duplicate notification from the scheduler and i will keep an eye on this. Please keep working on this its a great profiler!

Thanks meschle!
Got you listed on my customers spreadsheet... I'll do my best to move your name to the "very satisfied customers" column!
Maurizio.

slvrbllt,
do you plan to add auto PIN input during GSM turning is on?

intruders said:
slvrbllt,
do you plan to add auto PIN input during GSM turning is on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. I mean, it's not a technical problem (can be easily done).
I can't see any difference between letting the PDA insert the PIN for you and disabling the PIN request on the SIM.
While I can see security related issues (PIN must be stored somewhere...)
I was testing another product some time ago, and decided to give the auto PIN feature a try. Unfortunately I keyed in the wrong PIN number. Before I realised that, my SIM was locked. To make things even worse, I could not find my PUK...
Now my new SIM does not ask for a PIN anymore.
Ciao!

Well, I tried the previous version of this program and also of PPC Profiles Pro... I liked them both, but at my I-Mate JAMin (and I don't know why) once installed I couldn't go anymore to the Sound & Notifications (or Phone) settings, because after doing that it none of them works ok no more... also it damages all of my default ringtones and I can't select anything else. Even after uninstalling the progs the problem of default ringtones continues So I decided to never use this king or programs again in my ppc...
(sorry for my poor english)

I've just got a T-Mobile MDA Vario II, and i found your profiles program and it does the job perfectly, i love the simple today plugin, just what i was looking for. I like the apps i use to have the default windows look and feel and WPM certainly has that.
I have just placed my order, i look forward to receiveing my license
Nic

meschle said:
- Ringtones can now be selectable from the storage card\my documents folder
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are we able to select from Storage card, from the drop down list in the selectable tones are only showing the ones within Windows directory.

WM 6.1/6.5 version coming?
do you plan to release version that supports newer Windows Mobile versions?
This program is something I miss bad from the Nokia S60 world. I still can't believe it is not part of the core OS.

10/16/2008-Golf Gps .30beta 700 Courses and growing!

3/3/09--
No program update (yet) but we now have over 700 courses world wide mapped and still growing! Mapping a course takes less than 5 minutes and is so easy! I am working on a small update to add a few new items to the program, and to make searching the course list easier. Check it out!
10/16/08--
Made some pretty serious changes to the golf gps program.
Wrote about it HERE
Download it HERE
10/7/08--
If you don't play golf, no need to read this.
I have a program that I have been on and off again working on for the last few years. It is a simple gps distance program written in C# on the .NET Framework (3.5 to be exact). I am keeping the code closed for now, but it is 100% free for the taking.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The other thing I have been working on is a course editor. My old Windows Mobile 2003 program had a seperate program that used Yahoo maps to make the gps files, but thanks to google maps, it is now online:
Golf Gps and the course maker can be accessed from http://www.gudensoft.com/golfgps. I would post it here, but it is much easier for me to update the site. I have only personally tested this on the Titan with the built in GPS. Others have had success with a bluetooth puck on other phones/PDA's. As long as you have WM5 or higher and the .NET Framework 3.5, it should work just fine. let me know of any suggestions, improvements, etc.
Thanks
Gudy

Version .26beta released
Added some minor fixes and a new Hazard distance. read the full release notes at http://www.gudensoft.com
Thanks
Gudy

Will download and try it out before the season ends! Thanks.
Doh! Got excited too soon, no courses available in my area... giggty..

Then make one! The course maker is a breeze! Takes less than 5 minutes to map a course.
Gudy

Just wanted to say thanks for this app......it's gone straight to the top of my list of must have software on my Touch Pro....
Course maker is very quick and easy to use....5-10 minutes for each course (I've already made two)....
Used the app for the first time today....really helped, particularly as I was playing a brand new course, and you never know how accurate the yardage markers are....
Will be donating shortly.....
Keep up the good work!
Thanks
Andy

This app looks very nice...i will hopefully be trying it today on a course i just made. One thin i would like to see added is the option to do driving range distances and ultimately overhead shots of the greens for each hole. that would make this app complete imo. keep up the great work

Thanks!!! How would you like the driving range distances set up? Add like 5 points under driving range that you can add, something like that? Just not sure how that would look, but could certainly be added.
Keep the courses coming!! We are almost at 100!!!
Gudy

Seems to be a nice program...Haven't downloaded it yet but already made a map for my local golf course. Looks very promising and very easy to use....great job!!!
Already see it up on Freeware for Pocket PC!!!!

looks like a cool app. just finished making a map and will get a chance to test it this weekend. thanks and will def provide feedback

mjg7876 said:
Thanks!!! How would you like the driving range distances set up? Add like 5 points under driving range that you can add, something like that? Just not sure how that would look, but could certainly be added.
Keep the courses coming!! We are almost at 100!!!
Gudy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have it stored in the same files as the course but have like you said 5 targets for farthest to longest or something like that. (for ranges that change the tee area every day this would be nice) I work at a golf course so i got to compare this to the yardage markers as well as a sky caddy(model 2.5) today. This is very accurate until you get close to the target...within 15yards its not that great but chances are you will not need it if you are this close...this does become a problem when you try to set the front, middle and back part of the green within the app though. other than that it was within a yard of the sky caddy

1loudsvt said:
have it stored in the same files as the course but have like you said 5 targets for farthest to longest or something like that. (for ranges that change the tee area every day this would be nice) I work at a golf course so i got to compare this to the yardage markers as well as a sky caddy(model 2.5) today. This is very accurate until you get close to the target...within 15yards its not that great but chances are you will not need it if you are this close...this does become a problem when you try to set the front, middle and back part of the green within the app though. other than that it was within a yard of the sky caddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about I add another section to the course file for a driving range (optional of course)? then, in the program under file, a selection to view driving range distances on another window? This would not only be easier to program, but might be more user friendly since there would only be one file per course.
Interesting about the distance issue up close. I have not experienced that at all, in fact I can usually get within 1 yard of a said target. What device are you using this on (and gps device if app.)? Also, what accuracy did the program report to you (ie good, very good, great etc).
Gudy

Cool program
For some reason it doesn't seem to work with the kaiser (at&t tilt to be exact)
Program loads fine, but doesn't seem to be able to use the built in GPS
always says "No Fix" even when I have another GPS program running with a good fix.

a good feature that other golf gps apps have is the ability to measure your distances, like how far you hit your drive. I also think saving an image of the hole/green would be nice.
I actually use a paid for program, but before i got it, i used freecaddie and it was very unstable. Always crashed and you had to restart the program. i will test out your program to compare to my paid for app and give you feedback.

mbritten, not sure about that, could you tell me your settings under connection, external gps, the port numbers for in and out, and if you have manage gps by windows? Also, if you have a touch screen, press and hold on the accuracy and a menu will come up, select it and it will output some current gps data. does it have a device name? what is it's status?
Joshrys--I agree with the distance idea, and need to add that. I had it in my first version of this, but haven't put it back in yet. The image thing will be down the road, but is certainly possible. Is the paid one intelligolf? If so, it is cool, but too busy if you ask me. Any and all feedback is accepted!!
Gudy

New Version Bump

just got a chance to use it at my local course. the program is great!! my buddy was actually tripping that i had the course distances on my phone. no need to get an expense gps device for the course now thanks, you made my day. did notice that it drained the battery pretty fast though. maybe its just my device.

kwill said:
just got a chance to use it at my local course. the program is great!! my buddy was actually tripping that i had the course distances on my phone. no need to get an expense gps device for the course now thanks, you made my day. did notice that it drained the battery pretty fast though. maybe its just my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I played 18 yesterday, and still had 65-70% battery(titan) when done using it nearly every hole. Not sure why yours would be more demanding. It will recover from sleep, did you allow it to sleep like normal?
Gudy

yeah, figured it had to just be me as no one else said anything about battery life. didnt really monitor if i let it go to sleep like normal. pretty sure i did as i only looked at it when needed. oh well, ive been thinking theres something wrong with my battery anyways

Works GREAT on my Tilt. Wow. Only request is that you have the ability to "name" the hazard.
Thanks! Uploaded my local course. Havent tried it on the course, but seems to lock in quick and work fine. Keep it up.

dealwagon said:
Works GREAT on my Tilt. Wow. Only request is that you have the ability to "name" the hazard.
Thanks! Uploaded my local course. Havent tried it on the course, but seems to lock in quick and work fine. Keep it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like it. I agree with naming the hazards, played 18 the other day and couldn't remember what I marked. This will be added in a future release!
Thanks
Gudy

iGO8 for Jade Clones

Next week I will outline for other Jade Clone owners how to install iGO8. Prior to that it will be back to basics on prepping your Clone. If done properly, the preparation will make installation of iGO8 a breeze.
The three biggest items for prepping your Jade clone are knowing how to turn on the GPS, a good sys.txt file and which version of iGO8 is best for our Clones. All this will be covered when scheduled maintenance on Novermber 23rd is complete.
I ask you to stay patient with me in the days ahead. If you follow the guide that will be outlined here, then I can promise you that installing iGO8 will be a breeze!

Reserved Second Thread
Reserved for future use.

Reserved Third Thread
Reserved for future use.

Preliminary Discussion about installing iGO8 on a Jade Clone
As a former Mod of another iGO8 Forum, I am amazed by difficulties encountered by some users when it comes to installing iGO8. I know that language and computer skills play a factor, but if you're capable of following instructions, installing iGO8 is not that hard.
Almost a year I upgraded my PDA, a Dell Axim x51V, to iGO8. Prior to that I was using ONC6. IMHO, iGO8 is considerably better than other satellite navigation (SATNAV) programs. While most have caught up it in terms of features like displaying 3D features, what seperates iGO8 is the ability to adapt skins to modify iGO8's display. Combined with route planning and saving, iGO8 easily beats the competition.
I specifically mentioned PDA because when you buy iGO8 (which I highly encourage you to do), NavNGo or its retailers will tell you that as a smartphone owner you should use the PDA version.Unfortunately the PDA version does allow text-to-speech (TTS) which is one feature that every SATNAV program is desired by all users. About three months after using the PDA version, I learned how to quote upgrade to the Personal Navigation Assistant (PNA) version which has TTS capability.
I then bought a PNA that did not come with iGO8 and successfully modified it to run iGO8. After I became an iGO8 Mod, I helped develop procedures for installing iGO8 on a car mounted double din (2DIN) SATNAV unit. It came in handy when I helped an Uncle install iGO8 on his new car. About two months later when I lost my cell phone, I upgraded that phone to a Jade Clone and successfully installed iGO8 on it too. About two weeks ago, I helped my brother install iGO8 on his smartphone. If you're keeping count, that is six different installations. The hardest one was the PNA installation but that was because of the mortscripts involved.
Installing iGO8 is easy if you have a gameplan which I will lay out for you. Over the next five days I will develop this thread to take you from preparing your Jade Clone to actual installation and usage.
You will need to stay patient and be willing to follow directions explicitly - IF you do, installation of iGO8 on your Jade Clone will be easy!

The Game Plan for Installing iGO8 on a Jade Clone
On every platform or system I have installed iGO8 on, I have had a game plan. Basically the plan is to use the KISS theory: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
Most botched installations occur because the user tried to have their system do too much or over-complicated the installation. There are six parts to the game plan I will recommend to my fellow Jade Clone owners:
1. Preparation and turn-on of the GPS chip.
2. Selection of the right version of iGO8.
3. Backing up the SD card sent by NavNGo.
4. Minimizing the number of files on this SD card so that iGO8 will compile quickly and in a minimum amount of time.
5. Having the correct sys.txt file.
6. Choosing a skin.
Each day I will cover one of these topics just like a coach who is preparing his team for victory. If you're willing to be patient, read carefully and follow instructions, iGO8 will be a breeze to install.
The first topic will be posted later today. . .

1. Preparation and turn-on of the GPS chip
You might have wondered why Preparation and turn-on of the GPS chip was listed as the first step of the game plan for installing iGO8. Believe it or not, GPS not found is the number one error message usually displayed by iGO8 when it is first installed. This can lead to a very frustrating search for how to get iGO8 to find your GPS. While iGO8 has a feature to AutoDetect the GPS, it cannot do this if the GPS is not turned on.
While most Personal Navigation Assistants (PNAs) will automatically turn-on the GPS chip by a line in their shell.ini file, most smartphones do not turn on the GPS automatically. The reason for this is that the GPS chip will consume energy and on some systems is a major power drain. While not being turned-on automatically might be a good thing, most smartphones do not have a utility for turning on their GPS chip.
My iGO8 game plan knows the importance of a turned-on GPS to iGO8 - without a functional GPS, iGO8 will not work. This is why prepping your Jade Clone to have its GPS chip turned-on comes before all other steps in the game plan. It is the very first thing I do whenever I turn on a new PDA, PNA or smartphone for the first time.
There are two steps needed for the Preparation and turn-on of the GPS chip:
1. Having your Jade Clone manage the GPS chip.
2. Installing an app to turn on the GPS chip.
1. Having your Jade Clone manage the GPS chip
With WM 5 and beyond, Microsoft has recommended that WM manage the GPS for all programs in order to deconflict them. WM 6.5 came with a program under Settings/System/External GPS to Manage GPS. In the first tab, the user will see what the system dictates where the GPS chip is found. In the second tab, the user will set a virtual Port that all the Clone's programs will use to get their GPS data from. This virtual Port can not be set to the actual Port setting. Since Port 9 is sometimes used by TMC programs, I recommend setting the virtual Port to Port 8.
In the event that your version of WM does not have the Settings tabs to manage the GPS, there is a cab file called Microsoft_Smartphone_GPSID_Settings attached to this message. Install this cab file to your Clone's main memory. Under the Programs tab, you will find it listed as GPSID_Settings. Use this program to set up the virtual GPS Port as listed above.
2. Installing an app to turn on the GPS chip.
A little known app as GPSToggle is a Today homescreen plug-in that can turn-on a Jade Clone's GPS chip.
Download GPSToggle CAB from this link:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7VRBH5RS .
GPSToggle works best when installed to main memory.
Once installed, you will need to add it to your Today screen. From your Today screen go to Settings, then choose Today settings. Go to the Items tab and you should see BAF GPS Toggle at the bottom of the list. Click the box to have it added to your Today Screen. Close the Settings screen and go back to your Today screen.
Now, a little bit of info about your GPS. It will work best when it has an unobstructed view of the sky overhead. It should stationery (not moving) and uninterrupted from the time you turn on the application.
Some people can get satellite signals inside a building. I can because I live in a one-story condo. If you can sit outside with your phone for about 30 minutes, GPSToggle should do the trick.
On your Today screen you will now see an item called GPS with the word OFF next to it. Click the word GPS and the word next to it will change to On indicating that the app has turned on your GPS.
Now sit back, be patient and wait. If you're lucky and outside, the SIRF III chip in your phone should lock on within as little as 42 seconds and as long as five minutes.
Attached to this message are four screens showing what your screen will look like:
GPSToggle 01 - Initial turn on. GPS is in search mode (no satellites detected).
GPSToggle 02 - GPS on. Communication beginning. 12 satellites possible.
GPSToggle 03 - GPS on. Four satellite bars displayed. Satnav not possible yet.
GPSToggle 04 - GPS on. Four satellites locked on. 3D satnav possible.
Note 1: I had not turned on my GPS today which meant it took about 2.5 minutes to lock on. This is not bad considering I am sitting in my front room. Normally, it takes about 60 seconds when I have turned on the GPS previously in the day and eperemis data which is satellite position and timing information is available from a previous session.
Note 2: According to most SIRF manufacturers, it takes three satellites for 2D satnav to occur. Most GPS programs can operate with that mode. Four satellites provide 3D satnav which is preferred.
See if this works for you. If it does, whenever you need to use your GPS, go to the Today screen and use GPSToggle to turn on the GPS for you which will quote warm it up for your GPS program. Once you see four green bars, you can turn on your GPS program and navigate like a champ!
You can read further about GPSToggle at this URL and thank the developer: http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-gps-toggle.html
Tomorrow, we will cover step two of the game plan!

2. Selection of the right version of iGO8
If you participated in the Easter Egg Hunt last week, you will notice that one of the hyperlinks took you to another thread here in our Jade sub Forum. Before I repost that link, I would like to explain further about why I posted this there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4985374&postcount=20
The right version of iGO8 is not necessarily the most current version. In upgrading to iGO8 from ONC6 during the past year I have noticed that NavNGo was pumping out versions like short order cook in fast food restaurant. Some times the versions were great because they corrected errors from previous updates. Some times the new versions were more buggy than the previous update.
My best advice to fellow Jade Clone owners is that if you want to experience iGO8, you do with a version that is known to be okay. As each new version came out, I wait one or two months to see what others thought of the update. If the update was not a good one, I passed on it. My Dad always said if you have a good thing, you should not be in a hurry to change just because others are jumping off a cliff.
RECOMMENDED VERSION - v8.3.2.71348
With that in mind, I am currently using iGO8 PNA version which was released during July 2009 with Gurjon skin 6p. I am basically a minimalist - iGO8 has a lot bells and whistles. While I use most of its features, I don't need every single item displayed onscreen. Why over tax the capabilities of my Jade Clone? My basic tenet is that I will do no harm to my Jade Clone (that should be your belief too)! While iGO8 should not be able to do something bad to your Clone, why take the chance by going beyond my recommendations.
I recommend you buy PNA v8.3.2.71348. Maps will vary. I prefer TeleAtlas for where I am in the United States. NavTeq works fine. This version has the standard lane assist, 3D effects and TTS features.
One of the nice things about iGO8 is that the majority of the update is built into its iGO8.exe file. Typically I wait until I know a good update comes out; download the updated file and post it to my SD card. I always keep a backup SD card with the old version that does not get changed or updated until I know the new version works for me.
With that in mind, I know that everyone has free choice. In the fore mentioned post from the first paragraph of this post, I will now point you to the current version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3325079&postcount=16
In that post, Tom Lenferink posted a link to a test drive version of iGO8 which is an update to v8.3.2.71348. The latest version with its driver alert feature exposed a flaw not only in iGO8 but also the maps available to be used with it. Supposedly only one version of NavTeq maps can be used with this new version. And then, even all the driver alerts are not fully implemented or working.
NavNGO seems to have slowed down on putting out a new version since this August update. This has led some to wonder about its future. I believe iGO8's future is bright because most likely NavNGO is working on its next version with both map vendors to get it right.
Last night I read an Associated Press article on Yahoo News about Black Friday GPS sales. The gist is that while the PNA/PDA *might* fade, the indash automobile (double din aka 2DIN) installations is growing faster than even the iPhone and smartphone markets at about 25 percent. Just about everyone has a car and when it gets replaced, chances are a new indash 2Din satnav program will be installed in the center screen. That is the future of iGO8 if you ask my humble opinion.
Guess what? My recommendation of v8.3.2.71348 works on a 2Din with slight modifications of the sys.txt file which will be covered in a future topic.
You can read about the GPS predictions here:
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nf/20091125/tc_nf/70316

Backing up the SD card sent by NavNGo - Read and Heed!
I would be willing to bet that many of you are unaware that an SD card can be corrupted if your smartphone makes an incorrect read/write action to it!!! Usually this action occurs as the result of a program making a read/write action as the phone is being shutdown. Or, it can occur because one program has locked part of the card while another is trying to access it.
I've seen it a number of times on my PDA and just saw it last night on my Jade Clone. Normally your system will be able to access the directory where the corrupted entry (entry can be a file or even the entire directory) is located on the SD card. The way you can possibly tell your card is corrupted is if you are having problems with programs not running correctly off the SD card.
Or, if when you insert your SD card into a Windows computer, that system should tell you that it needs to do a chkdsk scan of your SD card because it has detected your SD is corrupted. Most times chkdsk will not do harm to the SD card but it can cause cross-linked files, delete incorrect entries and even deny access to directories.
Your best answer to preventing corrupted SD cards is to back up your SD card. I have a working copy and a protected unused copy (two seperate SD cards). I rotate my working copy and when I make changes will back up the card to it and protected unused card which sits in a special shelf.
I first noticed a corrupted directory because my PDA shut down accidently while running iGO8 off my original card. While the program ran again when I reapplied power to the PDA, I noticed that I could not access some maps and stored routes. Several directories had become corrupted and unreadable.
NavNGO will tell you to back up your card to your computer immediately if you only buy iGO8 on an SD card. If you buy the DVD with more maps on it, it will have a back up directory of iGO8 on it BUT:
iGO8.exe is a protected file that only works with the original SD card!!!
In the event that your original SD card becomes corrupted, iGO8 can be reinstalled to either from an update or a NavNGO DVD.
That is why you NEED to do a back up!
Fortunately this problem is minimized by the test drive version that was linked in a previous post in this thread!

Minimizing the number of files on this SD card so that iGO8 will compile quickly
Before I explain this part of the game plan, I have inserted a picture of a typical iGO8 directory. This came from my backup directory which is a mirror of what is on my SD card. Here are the files typically found in the SD card's iGO8 directory:
.3dl files go in the building directory
.dem files go in the dem directory
lang.*.zip files go in the lang file**
.fbl files go in the map directory
.POI files go in the poi directory
.zip voice files go in the voice directory**
**Do not unzip files in these two directories (very important not to unzip them)!!!
***The skin directory needs to be created and skins added to it.
****If a save directory is present before you run the program for the first time, you need to delete it.
When you get iGO8 on an SD card or by DVD, a minimal regional area like the United States will be about 1.7 Gb in size. The whole world map DVD comes in at just under 3.5 Gb. The reason I mention these facts are depending upon what maps you want to put on your SD card for iGO8 to use, it is much better to minimize the number of files it will compile in its initial installation.
Many users get a failed installation because they have too many or large files in the \building, \dem, \map or \poi. NavNGO automatically includes all the pertinent files in those directories that iGO8 *might* need. I emphasize MIGHT. If you have a speedcam file present in that directory, I can almost guarantee you your installation will fail. Why?
REASON FOR MINIMIZED FILES ON AN SD CARD
Well, when iGO8 is run for the first time - it compiles or associates all those files while it is building its INI file as well searching for a GPS. Unlike the little engine that could, iGO8 will overload your system memory because there are too many large files for it to compile. The best solution for an initial installation is to have just the files you need for the immediate area you live in. What does this mean?
Let's use France as an example. For it, while it would be nice to have the entire European continent loaded, on the SD card you just need France's map, language file (do not unZIP its zipped file - iGO8 works with ZIP files in the appropriate directory), POI file and voice file.
For a successful first-time installation, you want iGO8 to have an easy time finding and compiling everything. If it can't find the GPS, that will be the start of a bad day. Speedcam files typically will cause an Out of Memory error message. Too many map files can cause a database error message especially if you have the wrong license file.
In my case with just my state, which is a large one, loaded - my iGO8 directory fills about 0.7 GB with TTS files present. In essence, when I do a first time installation I literally have removed 1 GB of United States files to the backup directory on my PC.
It will take iGO8 about one minute to compile a minimal directory of files - during that time I recommend you be patient and do not touch your smartphone even though you will be tempted. After about 75 seconds, you can navigate to the Settings menu to go the Regional panel and set your preferences. From that panel, you can navigate to each Settings sub panel and set your preferences to your heart's content.
SOME DIFFERENCES YOU WILL NOTE IN MY PICTURE
1. When I backup my SD card, I do it to a temp iGO8 directory and then to the master iGO8PC directory you see in the picture. I find it easier and faster to manipulate the files on my PC versus comparing them off the SD card.
2. If you see a \Save directory on when you do an initial installation, one of two things is wrong. Either you are working with your backup files and included the old \Save directory OR you are working with a test drive version and it had a \Save directory present which you unRAR'ed to your SD card. On an initial installation, you do not want to have a \Save directory present. If you do, iGO8 will look to that directory and use the INI file present to set up iGO8. In many cases this will cause errors and possibly a failed installation. When you are looking at your SD card on your PC, if you see a \Save directory and you're doing an initial installation, DELETE IT!
3. Skins. On my picture, you will see a \Skin directory. There are a number (about eight that I know of) of skins available to give your iG08's display extra features. I have several loaded in that directory but only use the Gurjon 6p skin. Even that skin is somewhat outdated, but it's the one that works for me and does everything I need and like. I will cover skins in another post at a future date.
4. While we are not quite ready for the installation, I will jump ahead and say that after you have a good generic SYS.txt file to boot your iGO8 installation, and have a good installation - then and only then you can add back files that will give iGO8 added map coverage. Using the France example, you might want to add in contries like Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium or other countries as appropriate. In that case it is just a matter of transferring files to your SD card from the backup directory.
5. I cannot begin to stress the importance of having a backup directory on your PC. Unless you get the deluxe iGO8 package of a DVD card and SD card, you will eventually see why having iGO8's files backed up is important. Better to do it now versus later.

Having the correct sys.txt file
One of the more common errors made on new installations of iGO8 is having an incorrect sys.txt file that has improper or incorrect data statements within it. Usually this error arises because the user either copies one from an iGO8 forum or uses a sys.txt file that might be part of test drive version.
Generally speaking, a generic sys.txt file is better than a specific one that the user does not know much about. As a former iGO8 Mod, I have looked closely at many sys.txt files and know what goes into my sys.txt file. In essence, the sys.txt file I use is very generic. You will not find statements in mine that make direct calls to the GPS, display type, time zone or other direct system components. Usually when a statement like:
name="igo8_pda"
or
vga=1
or
sync_os_timezone=1
or
gps="nmea"
On SD card or DVD provided by NavNGO, you will get a very short sys.txt file with little explanation of what should be put in it. Different statements can put into your sys.txt file to cause the map display or other parts of iGO8 to do something more than original sys.txt files calls for.
My sys.txt files works with my PDA, PNA, Jade Clone, another smartphone and even a double din (2Din). You can't get more generic than having one sys.txt file that works with five different systems. Here is what my sys.txt files looks like:
[folders]
app="%SDCARD%/iGO8"
[debug]
enable_roadshadow=1
show_residentonly=1
enable_roadsign=1
enable_landmark_occlusion=1
show_oneway_3d=1
show_oneway=1
show_gps_pos=1
show_signpost=1
background_navigation=1
screen_calibration=1
skip_eula=1
supress_trivial_left=0
supress_trivial_right=0
;max_memory=25000000
cache=2048
reserve_memory=1500000
[interface]
maxzoom2d=6000000
show_exit=1
shutdown_time=0
defaulttilt3d=7700
[map]
2dheadup=1
3d_max_tiltlevel=7700
3d_max_zoomlevel=3000
;3d_min_zoomlevel=40
3d_min_zoomlevel=80
3d_max_zfar=3000
stop_rotate_on_map_move=1
inertia_on_map_move=1
follow_gps=1
2dheadup=1
[poi]
poi_show_all_btn=1
poi_labels=1
show_poi_boundingrects=1
show_poi_areas=1
[navigation]
show_current_city=1
show_countrychange=1
autoreplan_action="AUTO"
gps_pos_to_road=1
[smartzoom]
minangle=0
maxangle=80
[msnd]
enabled=0
[map]
3d_scale_carmodel=1
3dcarsizemin=2500
3dcarsizemax=2500
3dcarsizemul=2800
[tts]
tts_buffer=131072
announce_exit_directions=1
tts_logics=3
priority="HIGH"
always_say_road_names=1
announce_street_name=1
skip_exit_numbers=0
[sound]
ding=0
queue_length=200
[3d_config]
;roadsign_lines_per_screen=12
disable_roadsign_navigation_mode=1
show_gps_pos=1
[rawdisplay]
highres=0
Sometimes in other iGO8 forums, you would have to copy those lines and insert them in a text file. A sys.txt file must be text file. Saving as a Doc file will not work.
But, to save you some time attached to this message you will find a copy of my sys.txt file.
Be patient as we still have one more part of the game plan to go before you attempt your installation. Additionally, I'd like to include one or two posts that should be helpful with a first time installation.
If you are willing to be patient and follow the game plan, you should get a good iGO8 installation.

6. Choosing a skin
Choosing a skin is a pretty difficult subject to discuss. What is an iGO8 skin you ask? Well, like other EXE files that are skinnable which means a graphic overlay can be used to change the normal appearance, iGO8 skins expand upon the basic interface to present not only the map appearance but also the way information is presented by the GPS.
To give you an example, when black and white televisions first came out most people thought what will they think of next. When color TV came out, some probably thought that was the end all experience. Next came big screen TVs followed by HDTV, gas plasma screens and next year 3D TV.
An iGO8 skin takes the color experience and brings it up an extra level almost comparable to HDTV - it is that radical in thought to see how the basic interface is modified to give more useful information. NavNGO built skin capability into its product years ago and iGO8 users have developed skins to enhance other users' experiences.
Choosing one skin is like putting you in a candy shop and telling you to tell everyone else what the best candy is - you can't do it! You would almost have to lock yourself into the shop, try all the candies and then decide for yourself which is best.
So it is with skins.
PRIMARY SKIN SITES
When I want information on what is going with skins, I go to two different sites to see what is on the cutting edge:
http://artwork-igo8.blogspot.com/
http://www.i-go8.com/
Both these sites usually do reviews of skins as new versions arise.
PRIMARY FOUR SKINS
As for skins themselves, I know of four major skins:
diMKA homepage: www.igo8mods.com
Gurjon homepage: www.gurjon.com/
Riks homepage: http://www.skin.riks.us/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=3
Ultra skin: http://linknetonline.co.uk/igo8/index.html
There is a fifth skin called kikker but it's only available usually as a Rapid$hare link. I don't follow or use that skin. You would have to google it to find links to it which won't be included here because they change.
CHOOSING A SKIN
As with choosing a smartphone, you have to do your research on which skin is best for you. Each of us will have a different opinion. I have indicated which skin I prefer but will not mention it in this post as I would like all of you to visit the four primary skin homepages to make your own choice.
Skins really enhance the iGO8 interface which IMHO is the best anyway. Once you decide on a skin, you need to stay on that skin's homepage to keep up with changes and to ask questions as needed.
Skins take the 3D iGO8 screen to new heights. You are the one who chooses which skin will be your elevator to the heights.
Good luck in your choice!

Hello i wanted to ask, does a Jade clone work good with GPS? i mean does it find u like a normal GPS reciever? Finding "every" step u make cuz mine i move 100 meter it finds you, 100 meters and finds again and again, i still didnt have a lot of time to be outside for about 40min with ith on (got it a couple of weeks ago)
Thank you in regards

marspl said:
Hello i wanted to ask, does a Jade clone work good with GPS? i mean does it find u like a normal GPS reciever? Finding "every" step u make cuz mine i move 100 meter it finds you, 100 meters and finds again and again, i still didnt have a lot of time to be outside for about 40min with ith on (got it a couple of weeks ago)
Thank you in regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you follow the game plan to have WM manage the GPS and install GPSToggle you shouldn't have a problem with your GPS.
Part 1. That being said, your question has a two part answer to it. The first is that every GPS has an inherent lag to it. 100 meters is a too short a distance to gage this lag by.
Part 2. If you are trying to gage this lag with a GPS program, unless you are a geocaching program that shows a larger scale map and your GPS displacement (foot traffic) as what might be seen as someone directly overhead you at the same speed - a GPS program like iGO8 will not show the lag accurately or even your displacement because it uses a smaller scaled map. GPS programs like iGO8 are built to show your displacement at higher speeds than normal foot traffic.
If you don't use an app like GPSToggle to turn on your GPS, you will have problems.

GPS Tweak to improve iGO8 performance
While reading this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=523676 and thanks to beast0898 and monx®, I found some Registry tweaks that really improve the performance of iGO8. You will need a program like PHM Registry to add the following keys in your Registry:
ALL VALUES DECIMAL
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\GPS Intermediate Driver\Drivers]
"InputBufferSize"=dword:00000200
"OutputBufferSize"=dword:00000200
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\GPS Intermediate Driver\Multiplexer]
"MaxBufferSize"=dword:00000200
Before adding these keys, you should backup your Clone because Registry tweaks if done incorrectly can affect its overall performance.
I noticed that when I added these three keys that GPSToggle now locks usually within 15 seconds of the app turning on the Clone GPS. Previously, it took usually longer than 30 and as long 45 seconds.
I always stay on my Today homescreen to see GPSToggle's satellites bar connect with four indicators meaning the Clone is capable of 3D satellite navigation (satnav).

____________

New Navteq 2Q 2009 maps released
I read somewhere that NavNGO is "trying to get it right" with future releases especially their software releases. They were releasing new versions every few weeks which in some cases corrected one error but introduced another. The Driver Alerts feature probably tipped the cart because now they either had a buggy version or just one map that worked with those versions.
Hopefully, NavNGO learned something from those versions and is most likely the reason we are now just seeing NavTeq Q2 maps. I would be willing to bet NT released the Q2 maps on their normal schedule but NavNGO held them back. In a vendor's case like NavNGO, it has to encode the maps to work with its product. If they "got it right" and are now just releasing those maps, hopefully we will see a new version soon that will enhance the Driver Alert feature. There are even rumors of an iGO9 floating around. . .
You may have noticed that last week several articles entitled GPS Cell Phone Apps Challenge Standalone Devices (see http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/29/travel/main5826719.shtml - I read it first on Yahoo News, followed it to CBS News, CNET and then the AP author who wrote it). The gist of that article is that standalone apps like iGO8 and TomTom are challenging PNAs and PNDs which is forcing PNA manufacturers to become creative. REASON: Most everyone has a cellphone and more than likely will have a smartphone be it an iPhone, Android, or WM device. In essence by either using Google Maps (if you have a reliable GPRS signal and unlimited data plan) or or an app like iGO8, a smartphone now combines a cell phone, camera, GPS and PDA.
In some Forums I am part of (and one that I am sworn to double-secret probation), smartphone apps along with in-dash automobile satnav programs are where the market is pointing. If NavNGO is smart, it's probably working on iGO9 that will targeted towards those platforms. NavNGO has always been big on bundling, my bet is that they are working on bundles that will put their product on the leading-edge products.
As with any release, I usually wait a while until I get feedback on how good or bad the release is. You might want to do the same with these NT 2009 Q2 maps.

iGO 2009 Coming soon to Windows Mobile phones
Last week on another Forum I part of, one of the more experienced members released info on NavNGO's new iGO 2009. Don't know yet if the satnav program will be called iGO9 but that is what it has called in private posts I have been following. Here is the link to the undeveloped page:
http://www.igomyway.com/en/#
Supposedly NavNGO is working on improving much of the features we have seen in iGO8 like the Driver Alerts. While some users are worried that NavNGO will leave behind the PNA market, I find that hard to believe.
The primary reason for that is because the PNA version is easily adapted to other platforms like PDAs, 2Dins and smartphones. And knowing some characters on other boards, I am sure they will find a way to make it compatible with their old devices. Hopefully it will be more user-friendly towards finger-friendly smartphones and possess TTS. Some companies mistakenly think of smartphones as being PDAs and iGO8 did not have TTS available for its PDA version.
Most users like me have more than one platform or device. I presently have a PDA and smartphone. Plus I provide "expert advice" to my Brother and a friend who have a different smartphone and PNA respectively. Still, NavNGO has promised to release maps for those platforms up till 2010. Personally I don't travel in too many newly built up areas. So, my future 2010 maps will mostly likely serve me for at least two to three years beyond.
iGO9 probably will not be out much before February 2010 but I could be wrong (I hope; I hope)!

I tried to use version Nav.N.Go.iGO.8.v8.3.2.64029 (from your link).Followed all "game" steps,switch on the GPS, install IGO,but every time when try to start the program - the same one error massage :initialization error:no voice files were found.
In fact ,i download voice files(folder was empty) and past them i different variants-zipped,unzipped,in sub folder,directly in "voice" folder-but the result is the same one-can not start IGO.
Also,when change original sys.txt with your - IGO not start.Have a message :
Filed to open file:igo\240_320\loading.bmp exiting application.
So,can you help me where is my mistake?

kris555 said:
I tried to use version Nav.N.Go.iGO.8.v8.3.2.64029 (from your link).Followed all "game" steps,switch on the GPS, install IGO,but every time when try to start the program - the same one error massage :initialization error:no voice files were found.
In fact ,i download voice files(folder was empty) and past them i different variants-zipped,unzipped,in sub folder,directly in "voice" folder-but the result is the same one-can not start IGO.
Also,when change original sys.txt with your - IGO not start.Have a message :
Filed to open file:igo\240_320\loading.bmp exiting application.
So,can you help me where is my mistake?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without being right next to see your screen and everything you have done, it is next to impossible for me to accurately tell you what you may have done wrong. BUT, I think based upon the two error statements you listed, I have an idea of what went wrong.
Please remember: I strongly advocate having a licensed version of the product because everything is spelled or laid out correctly for you on the proprietary SD card. The \iGO8 directory and its subdirectories are correctly built that the user has to do almost nothing other than periodic updates or maintenance.
That being said, if you went to the link and downloaded a "trial" or "test drive" version" as per that link, I do not know everything that is in that download. You have to go back to my post #9 and make sure you look at the imagevenue picture link to make sure that you have the right files in the right directories. The best way to install iGO8 is from its vanilla version (contained on the proprietary SD card) and then modify the sys.txt file as per my recommendation.
See this post again:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5039782&postcount=9
and make sure you click on the imagevenue picture link to get the file placement correctly. Improper directory structure, improper file placement and improper files such as a \Save directory, speedcam or installation with a \Skin being called from an INI file will almost always cause failed installations.
Your first error message tells me that you don't have zipped voice files in the proper directory as listed. If the file structure is not correct, iGO8 will never find the files which also can be problem. The root file directory on an SD card should be \iGO8 - if you have something else that might be the problem. Again, hard to know without being over your shoulder.
Your second error statement, about a loading BMP file usually occurs because the wrong resolution is selected. This error alone tells me that there is either something wrong in the d/l files OR you did not use my sys.txt file as per its post.
My sys.txt file is a very generic or "vanilla" file. With the exemption of the highres statement, there are no resolution statements in my sys.txt file which tells me either you didn't use it or there is something wrong in the d/l files. The most likely culprit that I have seen as a Mod in another Forum is that you most likely initialized your test drive version with a \Save directory present.
If a \Save directory is present, iGO8 will not look at the sys.txt file. It will by nature default to the \Save directory because it believes it has already been installed and uses the .INI files in that directory.
Again, without standing over your shoulder, I can't with 100 percent accuracy tell you what you did wrong but I gave you two great indications. Test drive versions are okay but a proprietary copy on an SD card beats that like a straight flush beats four of a kind.
The instructions given here are primarily for a legimate user to set up their copy on the SD card sent by NavNGO. If you're going to use a testdrive version and encounter problems, you will need to ask questions in a testdrive Forum like the one you followed to get the links.
Again, in buying my Jade Clone, I knew that without some prior knowledge I might never get the GPS to work much less iGO8. In being on three other Forums and the former Mod of one, I have a better than average understanding of what it takes to set-up iGO8. The primary reason I went on other Forums was because the information on the NavNGO Forum was at the kindergarten level. Based upon all the Forums I follow, I have a Masters equivalence in Forum knowledge.
If you're going to go with a test drive version, this guide is a basic one that won't give you much more than a grade school education. You need to go to school at one of the other test drive Forums to achieve what you want to do OR else be willing to do trial-and-error which can really drive some people nuts.

One solution
Hi,
I have as you, a Jade clone with MARVELL cpu. under WM 6.1 see also:
screen01z.jpg
I tried unsuccessfully to use GPSToggle with IGO, but it never work.
GPSToggle goes to lock 5 state, but no program has worked (Tomtom, Igo, beelineGPS...) but i followed exactly the tutorial.
So. I found one solution by pure chance. The only things that I made are:
A registry edit: \HKLM\System\State\Hardware\GPSState : put 1, and i saw the blue light blinking, and put 0 to turn off GPS chip.
screen02vy.jpg
So I set the windows parameter as this:
screen03h.jpg
screen04i.jpg
screen05j.jpg
And it's working perfectly.
I set Igo as WM:
screen06n.jpg
When I start Igo8, the GPS chip turn on, automatically, when I quit Igo8, the GPS chip turn off. The fix is maded fast (less than 1 min).
(for the screenshot I was inside, in a building)
screen07h.jpg
screen08f.jpg
Enjoy.
PS: I can't put image from imagehack, if an administrator can unlock my account, i't would be nice. Thanks in advance.