Subject: comp.sys.psion FAQ part 2/5
Supersedes: <psion-faq/part2_826639623@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 11 Apr 1996 17:47:48 GMT
References: <psion-faq/part1_829244435@rtfm.mit.edu>
Summary: This article is a collection of information on the Psion
         Series 3(a) palmtop computers. It should be read by anyone
         intending to post to the comp.sys.psion newsgroup.
X-Last-Updated: 1996/03/11

Version: $VER: Psion FAQ v1.2 (1996/03/13)
Posting-Frequency: monthly
URL: http://www.bris.ac.uk/~lwmdcg/Psion/FAQ/

part 2
======

  See  part 1 for complete table of contents of this FAQ (including this
  part's).


2. HARDWARE
===========
2.1 Hardware specifications

  All Psion machines are based around the "SIBO architecture", which was
  developed  to  meet  common goals which span the SIBO range, including
  Series 3.

  Of paramount importance is low power usage.  To this end CMOS circuits
  are  used,  the  CPUs  are static - meaning their clocks can be slowed
  down  or  stopped  and  restarted  without impairing function, and the
  specially   designed   ASIC   chips   implement   sophisticated  power
  management,  which always ensures that only those parts of the machine
  which are needed, are powered up.  Power is provided by 2 AA batteries
  during  normal  operation.   A  Lithium  backup  battery, a CR1620, is
  provided  which  maintains  memory  during  battery  changes.  A mains
  adaptor inlet is provided.

  A  system clock runs independently of the CPU even when the machine is
  "off".   This  allows  it to keep time and to wake the machine up when
  (for example) alarms expire.

  A  six-pin outlet is provided, through which serial and parallel ports
  may be connected.  This outlet has exactly the same signals as the two
  expansion ports (SSDs).

  A  sound  system  implements beeps on the Series 3 through a low power
  piezo-electric  element  at  two  volumes.   On the 3a there is a more
  sophisticated   system  employing  bi-directional  digital-to-analogue
  conversion,  a  conventional speaker, and a microphone, which together
  support  the  recording  and  playback  of  digitally-recorded  sound.
  Digital sound data is compressed and expanded between 8 and 13 bits by
  hardware  in  an  ASIC  using  the Alaw algorithm during recording and
  playback  respectively,  at  a  sample rate of 8KHz.  This performance
  conforms  to  the ISDN standard for digital phone systems.  A Series 3
  buzzer emulation is also available on the 3a.

  For  both  machines,  there  are  two expansion ports, also called SSD
  drives, into which RAM or EPROM memory modules may be placed.

  The  memory  is  split  into two types:  process and storage.  Storage
  memory  is  only  used for storing data.  Process memory is the memory
  used  by the processor.  Programs run in this type of memory.  Process
  memory  is  limited  on  _all_  Psions  to  512k maximum.  There is no
  storage memory on Psions with 512k RAM or less.  To be honest, this is
  a  not  a  big  problem, since the Psion implements a real good memory
  management  and  "windows" the memory needed for each application.  In
  practice,  this  means  that  you  can open several huge databases for
  example and only need 10k of memory for each one.

  In tabular form, the differences are summarised below:

      Item              Series 3                  Series 3a
  HARDWARE 

   PROCESSOR 
     name               V30H (80C86 compatible)   V30H(80C86 compatible)
     Bitwidth           16                        16
     Speed              3.84 MHz                  7.68 MHz  
     video mem access   8 bit - half speed        16 bit - full speed

   DISPLAY
     Type               Monochrome LCD            Monochrome LCD
     Physical size                                126 x 45 mm approx
     Display size       240x80                    480x160
     Display depth      2 - black/white           3 - black/grey/white

   MEMORY     
     Internal           128 or 256Kbyte           256Kb,512Kb,1Mb,2Mb
     Expansion          2 slots = 16Meg max       2 slots = 16 Meg max

   DIMENSIONS
     Size                  16.5 x 8.5 x 2.2 cm (6.5" x 3.3" x 0.9")
     Weight                      275 grams including batteries

   SOUND
     Output device      Piezo beeper              Loudspeaker
     Capability         variable pitched Beeps    Any sound
                        and DTMF [*]
     Digital system     NONE                      DAC/ADC 8/13 bits
     Sound recording    NONE                      8K samples per second
     Telephone dialler  DTMF capability           DTMF capability

   *Further sounds can be generated if a custom device driver is written

   PARALLEL PORT        Via optional link         Via optional link

   SERIAL PORT          Via optional link         Via optional link
     Software           Installed in link pod     In Psion 3a ROM
     Max speed          9600 baud                 19200 baud
                           
  SOFTWARE 

   SYSTEM SHELL         Controls applications     Upgraded on Series 3a

   DATA                 Database application      Upgraded on Series 3a 

   WORD                 Comprehensive document    Upgraded on Series 3a
                        processing system

   AGENDA               Personal management       Major upgrades on 3a
                        application 

   TIME                 Clock and alarms manager  Upgraded on Series 3a

   WORLD                World info database       Cosmetic upgrade on 3a

   CALC                 Calculator                Calculator
                        Allowing OPL extension    Cosmetic upgrade on 3a

   SHEET  [*]           Spreadsheet application   Speadsheet application
                        available as add-on [*]   built-in

   *In  the  US,  and  latterly  in the UK, the "Series 3s" includes the
    spreadsheet as standard (not for 128k models)

   SPELL CHECKER/THESAURUS       add-on           Only on 1/2Mb models *

   PATIENCE GAME                 add-on           Only on 1/2Mb models *

   *Spell   checker/thesaurus  and  patience  game  are  apparently  not
    available  on  all country specific 1/2Mb models (ie:  not available
    for french nor german models!)

   OPL                   Programming application  Series 3 compatibility
                                                  mode also available.

2.2 What batteries does the Psion use?

  Normal  power  is  provided  by  two AA (also known as LR6) batteries.
  Standby power is provided by a small Lithium backup battery, a CR1620,
  which maintains system data during main battery changes or failure.

2.3 How long do the batteries last?

  It  all  actually depends on what type of batteries you use.  Here are
  the advantages and disadvantages of the different battery types:

    -Alkalines.  These are the "normal" batteries and work well.

    -Carbon/Zinc.   These  batteries  are  cheaper than alkalines but of
     course  don't  last  as  long.  Might be interesting if you can get
     them really cheap and are ready to change batteries often.

    -NiCad  rechargeables.   These proivde less energy than conventional
     batteries  (reports  suggest maybe half) and they fade rapidly once
     their  charge  is  nearly gone, but - they are rechargeable, and so
     offer  a  cost  effective  alternative.   Note  that NiCads are NOT
     recharging while the machine is powered by the adaptor.

    -Lithium  AA  batteries.   They  are 30% lighter than alkalines, and
     they  last longer, but they are more expensive.  Recommended if you
     really  need  long  battery  life and in extreme conditions.  These
     batteries have a very long shelve life.

  The  link  causes  high  battery  loadings,  as does the sound system.
  Accessing  the SSDs also increases power drain.  Because of the static
  architecture,  a  busy  CPU  drains more power than a sleeping one, so
  compute-intensive  tasks  will  burn  power.  For these reasons, it is
  difficult  to  quote  battery performance exactly, but the table below
  summarises reports received on the net (for a 512k version).

                            Alkaline           NiCad           Lithium

  Running time (Hrs)         40-80              20              65-100
  Power  delivered (mAh)     1500               800           1600-2700
  Price each (UKP)           0.5                                 4.5
  Comment                                                    30% lighter

  1/2Mb  models  use  more  battery  power  since  they  use memory bank
  switching which is processor intensive.

  The backup battery typically lasts 15 months.

2.4 How does the Psion measure the battery usage? (by Alan Roberts)

  Actually,  the battery consumption is only estimated, there is no real
  voltage  meter  inside the Psion.  The Psion knows the average battery
  consumption  in  each state (ie:  xx mA when playing a WVE file; yy mA
  when  writing  on  flash ... ) and keeps a record of the time spent in
  each  state.   When  the voltage drops below a threshold, the "replace
  batteries" and "emptying batteries" display appear.

2.5 Where can I find the backup battery?

  It has been reported difficult to obtain these in the UK, so here is a
  small  list  to  get  you  started.  You should first check your local
  _watch_ shop, since this is essentially a watch battery.

   Sangers photographic, Birmingham      0121-523-4471
   C.D. Zelley Ltd, Thetford             01842-755303
   Apollo watch products, Tonypandy      01443-432474
   Swains International, Hunstanton      01485-533393
   Newey & Eyre Ltd, branches throughout the UK
   Watchmaker supply, Oxford             01993-842442

2.6 How can I make my batteries last longer?

  The most important thing is to always turn the serial link OFF when
you don't use it. This is the number one power eater on your Psion.

  Here are some other more or less obvious tips:

  1)Be sure to set the "auto power off" feature ON
  2)Turn the auto update list to OFF, set it to use the System button
  3)When  you want tu update just one list, use delete and ESC.  This is
    much  quicker  than  pressing  the  System  button  (and should save
    battery power).
  4)Avoid  switching on with the System button, as this would update all
    the lists.
  5)Let  the  applications  open  multiple  files.   Preferably  set the
    preference  to  "Enter" instead of "Shift-Enter" as you often forget
    to  press  shift-enter.   Saving and opening files uses more battery
    power than to leave the files open.

  Thanks must go to Philippe Lebreton for these great tips.

2.7 Can I use an external power supply?

  Yes,  the  Psion  comes  with  a  standard power outlet so you can use
  either  the  official  Psion  power  supply or a general-purpose mains
  adaptor (which is cheaper).  Negative polarity should be selected - ie
  the  tip  should  be  negative.   The  power  supply should be able to
  deliver  150mA at 9V.  The Psion adaptor has an indentation around the
  outer  conductor  near the tip which facilitates snug fit for improved
  reliability.

  You  can  plug the external power supply in/out while the Psion is on.
  It  will  then  immediately  use the external power or batteries.  The
  Psion also has an automatic turn off possibility.  This is very useful
  if you often forget to turn it off!   One of the choices for this auto
  turn  off  feature is "If no external power", so you can safely use it
  on  external  power  and it will not turn itself off anymore until you
  unplug it again.

2.8 Can I upgrade my Solid State Disk (SSD)?

  Flash  SSDs  are  cheaper than RAM SSDs because the filesystem doesn't
  actually  allow you to recover deleted space on them.  Even if they're
  cheap  compared  to  real  RAMs, they're still quite expensive because
  they're  not  manufactered on a big scale (they're Psion proprietary).
  This  tempted  several  people  to  accomplish  upgrades.  It has been
  successfully done, but I decided _not_ to describe it here for several
  reasons:

  1)It  wouldn't  be fair to Psion PLC.  Think about it:  it would prive
    them  of rightly owned money for their R&D and that wouldn't make us
    many friends, would it?

  2)The chips you need aren't easy to find.

  3)It is quite easy to do for a trained electronics technician, so that
    person wouldn't need any instructions anyway.  If you don't have the
    expertise, don't even think about it!

2.9 Can I upgrade my internal RAM?

  The  big  question  when  the 1/2Mb models came out:  can I upgrade my
  512k  to  a  2Mb  model?   Well, sorry, but the answer is no.  The new
  models  use  a new ROM to access the extra memory.  Psion PLC does not
  offer  upgrades  for  new models either.  The best solution is to sell
  your old model and get a more recent one.

  But, if you own a 128/256k or 1Mb model, upgrading it is just a matter
  of adding more RAM to it.  Psion PLC can do this for you, contact them
  about it.

  For  the  time being, process memory is limited to 512k on every model
  and you cannot add more whatever you do.

2.10 Can I change the keyboard?

  A  lot  of people buy their Psions in the UK because of the huge price
  difference  compared  to  their own country.  This is not a problem in
  itself  if  you just remember that you will be getting the UK version,
  thus  the  UK keyboard, applications and manual.  This also the reason
  why  so  many people would like to change the keys of their keyboards.
  For  these  people,  there is no simple solution.  The keyboard map is
  not  just  a  file  held  in RAM, so basically, you're stuck with your
  keyboard, but there are workarounds to this:

  1)In  many applications, you can enter special characters (for example
    -  foreign  characters  not  found  on the keyboard) by holding down
    control,  then  typing  the  three  digits of the ASCII code for the
    character  (ASCII  code  table on page 246 of the User Guide).  This
    works  for  all characters in the range 32 to 255.  Some lower codes
    are used for control purposes.

  2)There  is  also a quicker way to enter letters with accents, umlauts
    etc.   CONTROL  can  be  used  with  the  number keys as a character
    modifier  directive.   For  example,  "2"  is  the  "Add  an Umlaut"
    command,  so you can hold down CONTROL then press "2" and "o" to get
    a umlauted "o".  Most numbers are chosen as convenient mnemonics:  2
    has " above it - which looks like an Umlaut; 3 has \ which simulates
    a  grave  accent  but  4  has  ~,  which produces (oddly!) and acute
    accent, whereas 5 which has a ' produces a tilde!  See the Character
    set section of the user guide for details.

  3)Use  Tom  Dolbilin's  excellent  Macro  System  package  to assign a
    "macro" to a regular key, thus emulating another key.

  4)Use Konstantin I.  Saliy's keyboard map program to remap the keys in
    a  very efficient manner which works with all programs and only uses
    6k of memory!

2.11 Can I use a big (normal) keyboard?

  Yes,  if  you  have  Tom Dolbilin's Macro System installed, there is a
  macro  called "BigKeys" which actually reads the serial port and sends
  the   key   to   the   HWIM   application  you're  currently  running.
  Unfortunately,  it  will  _not_ work with normal OPL applications.  On
  the  other hand, you will still need another computer to send the keys
  over the serial line, so it really isn't what people are looking for!

  Keith Baker <krb@ecs.soton.ac.uk> has made a little interface for just
  a normal keyboard (without the need for another computer) connected to
  the  Psion  using  the  3-Link interface .  Note that it will not work
  with OPL applications either.

2.12 How can I build a serial link? (by Konstantin I. Saliy)

  For  the  common mortal:  you can't.  If you have the C/OPL SDK, there
  is  a  diagram  of  a TTL RS232 interface...  BUT the diagram is based
  around  a  Psion  custom  chip called "ASIC5".  This chip converts the
  SIBO  serial  channel into standard RS232 signals and back.  According
  to  the  documentation  this  chip  is available from Psion for custom
  expansion  development.  Documentation also provides information about
  modification of example device for CMOS levels.

  But  this device is a serial link only, not a real 3-Link.  The 3-Link
  contains  a  ROM  "SSD"  with  software.   You can use the serial link
  instead  of  3Link  but  some applications (I'm not sure, it's only my
  opinion)  can  check  if disk C is present or even for disk C's serial
  number.   Of  course  if  an  application  uses  only  device  drivers
  interface (VT100 emulators) it will work anyway.

  The SIBO Serial Protocol is also described in the SDK.  Refer to it if
  you want know more about Psion expansion port.

2.13 How can I build a parallel link? (by Konstantin I. Saliy)

  If  you have read the previous section, you can realize that a one-way
  parallel  link is much easier to make for people who are familiar with
  digital  logic.   Two  way  parallel  link  is possible also:  typical
  parallel  link  baud  rate is 40K bytes/sec, and SIBO interface allows
  you  1.5M  bit/sec, but you'll need a hardware buffer and PDD/LDD pair
  to receive data.

2.14 What is this "soap on a rope" thing?

  The  "soap  on  a  rope" is simply another name for the 3-Link.  It is
  named  like  that  because  of it's ressemble with (guess what ;-) the
  well known soap on a rope.

2.15 How do I print with my Psion?

  There are a number of ways you can print from your Psion

  1)Through  the  parallel  link,  connect  your  Psion directly to your
    printer but do _not_ turn the link on in the system screen!

  2)Through   the   serial  link  -  use  the  printer  setup  dialogues
    appropriately and do _not_ turn the link on in the system screen!

  3)Use  PRINT  SETUP  to select printing to a file called REM::C:\LPT1.
    Run  MCLINK  on  your PC, and activate the link from the Psion.  Now
    all  print  requests will go through the link to the PC printer, and
    MCLINK  is available for file transfers - better than MCPRINT.  This
    solution  also works with RCOM.  On some PCs running Windows, it may
    be  better  to  print  to  LPT1.PRN,  which  traverses  through  the
    DOS/Windows device drivers slightly differently.  (by Daniel Senie)

  4)Use  RFM  (see  elsewhere  in the FAQ) to make Psion drives visible,
    then use a conventional PC tool to print files from the Psion.

2.16 Can I take my Psion through an X-Ray machine?

  Yes  you  can without fear.  Nowadays the airport's X-Ray machines are
  harmless  to  palmtop  computers and diskettes (hopefully ;-).  In any
  case, if you're really not assured, ask to pass it seperately.

2.17 Can my Psion wipe out magnetic data?

  Yes it can!  Be careful with the underside of your Psion because it is
  actually  the  speaker which contains a magnet whom is responsible for
  such  problems.   Credit  cards and other magnetic data seem to be the
  easiest  "victims"  of  the  magnet.  Check out the first page of your
  User  Guide  for  Psion's  own  warning  about  this.  You can try the
  paperclip  test  which  consists  of  taking  a pile of paperclips and
  placing the Psion on top of it.  Lifting the Psion will typically take
  5 paperclips with it!


3. SOFTWARE
===========
3.1 How do I reset my Psion?

  You  should  not  normally  need  to  reset  your machine at all.  See
  "What  is killing a process?" to find out how to terminate misbehaving
  applications.   Doing  a  RESET re-initializes the system's processes.
  It re-starts things as though it had just been powered up, and so will
  make  many  error  conditions go away.  Doing a reset will also remove
  any  software  patches  you  may have applied.  These would need to be
  re-applied  after  each  reset.   A soft reset will also make you lose
  your  user-defined  groups  and installed software icons (but the real
  software, ie: the program, should still be there).

  There are two kinds of reset.  A SOFT RESET or WARM reset will restart
  processes  and lose your time zone information, but leave the contents
  of  the RAM disk, and environment variables intact.  Do this by gently
  pushing  something  like  a straightened paperclip into the small hole
  above the ESC/On key to do a "warm reset".

  A  HARD  RESET  or  COLD RESET will completely re-initialize the whole
  machine,  removing  all  memory  contents.   To do this, hold down the
  right shift key whilst applying your paperclip as for a warm reset.

3.2 What is killing a process?

  Killing  a  process is like closing an application but without letting
  it  know.   This will result in loss of data if the application didn't
  save  it  before being killed, so be warned!  Usually, you can exit an
  application  (from  within  it)  with  Psion-x (for english Psions) or
  Psion-Esc.   If  the application doesn't respond to keypresses anymore
  and  nothing  else works, you will have to kill it.  For this, you can
  go  to the system screen and press Psion-shift-k (for enlgish Psions).
  You  can also use other specific programs which allow killing of _any_
  process (Spy is one of them).

3.3 How can I save what's on the screen?

  From any point, you can take a screen snapshot, by holding down shift,
  control,   Psion,  and  S.   The  PIC  file  generated  is  placed  in
  M:SCREEN.PIC.

3.4 What is the soak test? (by Jason Savage)

  WARNING:  INITIATING THE SOAK TEST WILL CAUSE THE LOSS OF USER DEFINED
  GROUPS AND USER INSTALLED SOFTWARE!!!

  It has long been known in the computer and electronics industries that
  electrical  components,  for  the most part, fail either shortly after
  they  are  first activated or after many years of service.  Because of
  this  fact  the  concept  of the soak test or burn-in or life test was
  invented.   Simply  put,  the machine (in this case a computer) is put
  through a repetitive testing loop for several hours (24 for the Psions
  to be more precise).  This procedure would then filter out most of the
  bad  batches  and  prevent them from reaching the hands of the general
  consumers.

  To activate the soak test on the Psion series 3, press (See warning at
  the  beginning  of  this  section) Control-Shift-Psion-K on the System
  screen.  This procedure will cause a soft-reset of your Psion.

3.5 How can I find a text in my memos with Agenda?

  Actually, you can't!  Psion hasn't implemented this feature yet.  What
  you  can  do,  is  use another program called "MemoFind" which will do
  just  that.  It's a freeware program from Psion available at usual FTP
  sites.

3.6 How can I make the cursor bigger?

  It  may  get  difficult trying to find the cursor in Word for example.
  Unfortunately,  there  is  no  way  to make it bigger.  Some suggested
  solutions  are to press shift-right (to highlight a character) or home
  (to find the cursor on the far left).

3.7 How can I take out the "hum" when I record sounds?

  The  hum  (apparently a 60Hz sound) appears only when you record using
  battery power.  If you use the AC adapter, the hum disappears.

3.8 How safe is password protection?

  See also "Data security with link connected" in next section.

  The  Word  password  protection  is not really good.  It is known that
  it's  possible  to  "crack" the password (but not find it) and see the
  clear  text  in  a  very  short time (reported by Clive D.W.Feather in
  Dec94).   Obviously, you do need some programming skills to do it, but
  all in all, it is feasible, so be warned!

  Another  issue  is  power  on  password protection.  Apparently, it is
  possible  to  bypass it somehow; no infos are given!.  Just don't rely
  on it too much.  Also, remember that if you keep some data on your SSD
  Disks,  the  potential  thieve  can  still  read those informations by
  simply transfering the disks into another Psion!

  The bottom line is that the password functions of the Psion are useful
  for  keeping  casual  snoops  from  reading your data while you're off
  making  a  phone  call, but if you're seriously worried about security
  then you shouldn't be keeping sensitive material on a handheld machine
  in the first place.

3.9 How can I change the icon of a program? (by Matthew Powell)

  1)Install the application on the System screen in the usual way.
  2)Use the "create new list" command (Psion-E).  Enter the same working
    directory and file extension as for the original application.
  3)The "create new list" dialog will allow you to specify a custom icon
    in exactly the same way as when creating a group.
  4)Enter a name for the new list.

  Once  you've  done  this  the application should have two lists on the
  System screen.  Remove the one with the original icon.

  If you create a new list for Word, read this: 
  The  Word  application maintains a different template (which holds the
  styles  and  default preferences) for each list.  To carry on with the
  same  template  as you had before, you will need to make a copy of the
  file Default.wrt in the \WDR directory.  The copy should have the same
  name  as  your  list, with a .wrt extension.  For example, if your new
  list was called "Notes", copy \WDR\Default.wrt to \WDR\Notes.wrt.

  Alternatively, use a program called NEWICON2.OPA which does just that!

3.10 How  can I permanently change the distance units in World?  (by Ian
     Phillipps)

  World  takes  its  distance  cue  from the printer defaults set on the
  System screen (Psion-y on UK Psions).  Set it to centimetres and World
  will use kilometres as default.

3.11 Why do some programs crash with an "Invalid arguments" error?

  Some  applications (mainly free/shareware) crash with an error message
  like:
    ERORR in PROGRAM\PROC
    Invalid arguments

  This  is  due  to  changes in the UK default settings of either number
  formats  (System  menu) or time format (Time).  You could try changing
  these but you're better off informing the programmer of the problem!

3.12 Why  is  my  Psion  not switching itself off automatically anymore?
     (by Philippe Lebreton)

  1)Obvious: because you changed the "Auto switch off" to NO.
  2)You  changed  it to "If no external power" and you're using external
    power...
  3)The  Series  3 will only switch off if no task is outpending (eg:  a
    spreadsheet is calculating in the background).
  4)Some  badly programmed programs do never stop performing a task.  If
    you know which one it is, close it.  If you don't, close them all.
  5)Some  files  are  still running but you can't see them on the System
    screen.   These  are  often IMG programs which might sub-application
    programs (ie:  launched by another one) that you are not supposed to
    see.   The  only way to find these is to use SPY from Psion and kill
    them  from  there.  But beware, don't kill any SYS$xxxx processes as
    these  are  system  processes and need to be running (otherwise your
    Psion would reset itself).
  6)If  all  else  really  fails,  do a soft reset.  All your files will
    still be there but your System screen needs to be re installed.


4. TIPS & TRICKS FOR GENERAL USAGE
==================================
4.1 Known hardware problems & solutions

4.1.1 Battery  warnings  (see  also  below:  "problems  when opening the
      machine")

  The  contacts  to  the main batteries are poor in many machines.  This
  causes  the  machine  to report low battery power inappropriately, and
  may  cause automatic switchoff.  The fix is to ensure the contacts are
  clean,  and  making  firm contact with the battery.  Different battery
  brands  can  be  slightly  different  sizes,  so  pick  a  larger one.
  Batteries  with  dimples in either contact are more prone to problems.
  You  might  consider kludging a fix by bending the contacts, or decide
  to return your machine for replacement.  Note that when replacing dead
  batteries  with  NiCads,  you  may  see  the REPLACE warning for a few
  seconds after the new cells are inserted.  This is normal, and will go
  away on its own.

4.1.2 Problems when opening the machine

  Opening/closing the older Series 3's can cause (possibly intermittent)
  problems  to  the  machine's  power supply, which in turn can manifest
  several  problems mentioned in this FAQ.  The constant twisting of the
  lead  connecting  the  main  board  to  the battery contacts can cause
  damage.   This  problem  is  the  most  serious one and is know as the
  "dreaded  battery  lead problem".  Psion will repair this in warranty.
  You  can  fix  it yourself if your machine is out of warranty.  Remove
  the  screws  behind  the  batteries.   Sometime re-seating the two-pin
  connector  will  give  a  permanent  fix,  otherwise, if you're handy,
  replace the wires.  This should not be a problem on newer Series 3a's,
  but one never knows...

4.1.3 Automatic dialling

  The  built-in  dialer  is  reported as variously as excellent, through
  unreliable  to  un-useable.   Sometimes it will work on internal phone
  systems  but  not  BT  - sometimes vice versa.  The recommendation for
  improving  performance is to place the Series 3 on a flat non-resonant
  surface, and holding the phone just above it - not against it.

4.1.4 Alarms replaced by odd beeps

  Not  a bug, but a response by your machine to low battery power.  When
  there  is  insufficient  power to play the chosen alarm, it makes this
  noise  which  is  designed  to  be  loud but economical on power.  Low
  available  power  can also be caused by poor battery connections or by
  the "dreaded battery lead problem" mentioned earlier.

4.1.5 Alarms come in pairs
     
  Several  people  report that their machine can get into a mode whereby
  alarms  sound - and need to be acknowledged - twice.  This problem can
  be  fixed by doing a soft reset or sometimes by exiting and restarting
  Agenda.

4.1.6 Display problems

  The Psion display flickers in bright sunlight - use an umbrella.

  The  LCD  display  works  in  such  a  way that the reflected light is
  polarized.    If   you   wear   polarising  sunglasses  who  plane  of
  polarization  is  at  odds  with that of the Psion, you'll see a blank
  screen.   Fix:  Take your shades off, or get some which are not simple
  polarizing lenses.  Ray-Bans, for example, do not polarize in a single
  plane.
   
  Some  people  have  noticed  problems  with odd pixels, lines, rows or
  patches  of  pixels  (usually  in  a  corner - usually the lower right
  corner).  These remain on (dark) all the time.  In each case, there is
  no real fix but to return the machine for repair or replacement.

4.1.7 An area of darker pixels appears in one corner of the LCD (by Nick
      Craig-Wood)

  This  just  seems to happen with ageing of the LCD.  It doesn't appear
  to  get  any  worse, and if you have your LCD replaced it is likely to
  happen  again.   It  may  be related to the stresses of the LCD in the
  case but this is unverified.

4.1.8 Lifting button bar

  Older  Series3's  had  problems  with the button bar at the top of the
  keyboard,  which  has  a  tendency to lift off.  Also, some often-used
  buttons  could  stop  working.   Replacement is the best option.  Glue
  might  help  those  with  no warranty.  See the manual for key presses
  which can in all cases duplicate the function of defunct buttons.
    
4.1.9 Left hinge breaks

  This  might  be  due  to excessive wear and tear on the extension port
  (but  unverified).   It  seems  that  it  is a design flaw which Psion
  doesn't  want  to  admit...   whatever  the  case,  there  is no other
  solution  than glue or replacement!  Ali Manson (Psion Inc's Technical
  Manager) stated that this problem occured in about 1.5% of all returns
  they receive.  So don't be scared off by the apparently huge number of
  people stating having had this problem in the news groups!

4.1.10 Key marks on display

  This  is  a quite common problem when the Psion is new.  The upper and
  lower  body  of  the  case  are a little too tight so when you open it
  again,  you  see some key marks on the screen.  Apparently it also has
  something  to  do  with the "oilness" of your fingers...  To fix this,
  either  put  something between the two or clean the screen with a soft
  cloth.

  From Philippe Lebreton:
  "It  is  an  ABSOLUTE  NECESSITY  to  clean  the  marks on the display
  regularly  (or  I'm a very strange guy), it appears that the "oilness"
  can  be "acidness", at least in my case.  Because the marks on the S3a
  where  much  much  less  visible  than they where on the S3, I did not
  bother  to  clean them, and my screen is now permanently marked (I can
  feel the dent with my nail)."

4.1.11 Keys rubbing off

  Unfortunately  this  was quite common with some older Series 3 and 3a.
  Actually  there  seem to be several different keyboard types, so it is
  not  predictable  if it will happen to you or not.  There is no simple
  solution  to  this problem.  If your Psion is not in warranty anymore,
  you can contact Psion PLC which offer a "cosmetic upgrade".

4.2 Known software problems & solutions

4.2.1 World phone numbers wrong

  Apparently, a number of the country codes are wrong.  You can fix this
  by  editing  the  country  information  as required, though there is a
  limited  number  of slots available in the database.  Also note that a
  complete  change  in area codes was done in the UK during 1994/5.  See
  the  Phoneday  program  at the IC or on CIX for details and a suite of
  programs to fix your databases.

4.2.2 Area codes causing problems

  The  Psion will dial all of the number you select.  In some countries,
  (not  the UK) dialling the area code for a local call causes problems.
  Psion's  recommended  fix  is  to  have  two  entries  for the party -
  specifying the number both with and without the area code.

4.2.3 Data security with link connected

  If  you  have the link switched on, then files can be copied from your
  machine  even when it is password protected.  Be sure to turn the link
  off  to remove this possibility.  Note also that the link can turn the
  Psion  on  when it is off, and will transfer data even as the password
  screen is being presented.

4.2.4 Security affected by the Macro System

  Users  of  Tom  Dolbilin's Macro System should be aware that macro key
  presses work even on a password-protected Series 3.

4.2.5 Word hangs on "busy" when saving a text file forever

  This  is  a  quite  annoying  bug which has still not been resolved by
  Psion.   Actually, it is a limitation:  the first paragraph should not
  be  bigger  than  512 characters.  Either start your file with a CR or
  make a small paragraph ;-)

4.2.6 Size limits of inbuilt programs

  The  Psion Series 3(a) have a limited memory for each process they run
  of  64Kb.   This means that the program and it's data must always stay
  below  this  limit.   Usually  you don't need to worry about this, but
  some  people have found out about it the hard way:  they couldn't save
  their  document  anymore.  There is no way around this except to split
  your big document into smaller ones.  Be extra careful with the Agenda
  program, make sure you regularly compress it to regain space.

4.2.7 Shell panics - exit 130 (from Konstantin I. Saliy)

  If you press home (Psion-left) in an empty directory, you will cause a
  shell  panic  (and  lose all your icon information, beware!).  This is
  because  "home" moves to the first file and not directory entry.  This
  bug  should  be  fixed  on  the  1/2  Mb versions.  It was found up to
  v3.22F.

4.2.8 Bug in world application (from Konstantin I. Saliy)

  It  doesn't  allow you to enter 0 (zero) as the first digit of an area
  code.

4.2.9 Bug when using proportional fonts with the OPL editor

  The  program  editor  does  not  work correctly if you set the font to
  proportional.  Be sure to always leave it monospaced!

End of part 2/5
--    
    __
   /// Daniel Pfund   Email:<Pfund3@uni2a.unige.ch>  AX25: HB9VBC@HB9IAP
__///  Amiga-Psion:a perfect match, multitasking power wherever you are!
\\X/   Psion 3(a) FAQ maintainer  http://www.lookup.com/homepages/53994/

