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Newbie Q: What is wrong with the Axim IR?
This thread has 15 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday July 27, 2003 at 13:04
metropole
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I was wondering what is wrong with the Axim IR.
Is it the range? Or is it not compatible with consumer electronics?

What other PocketPC's can be considered to be used as a remote?
Post 2 made on Sunday July 27, 2003 at 16:14
Anthony
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range, all PDAs are designe for IRDA, and the emitters used are meant to only beam information a couple of feet, not like a regular remote that needs to send information from much farther away
...
OP | Post 3 made on Monday July 28, 2003 at 10:55
metropole
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Thanks.
So is there no big difference between the different PDA's (IR)?

Is there any PDA with two slots (for IR and wireless)?
Without using a bulky add on?

What would be the cheapest PDA which could be used as a remote?
Post 4 made on Monday July 28, 2003 at 14:47
JordanW
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There is not really a difference in the IR port on other PDAs, although some do reach a little further. The IR port on the Axim is pretty weak, and only reaches about 4-5 feet, while some PDAs reach around 8-9. But it is still recommended to get an IR extender of some sort for the best results, as the stock IR port is not very reliable for remote control use anyhow.

There is not a PDA with two CompactFlash slots, except for the iPaq when using the dual CF sleeve (bulky add-on though). There will soon be released some SDIO (secure digital I/O) Wireless cards, but they will be pretty pricey in comparison to CompactFlash Wireless cards. The Axim does not support SDIO, but most newer PocketPCs (like the HP iPaq 2215) do support SDIO. However, the 2215 is more expensive than the Axim.

I still consider the Axim to me the most cost efficient PDA to use as a remote. You can pick up the Basic (300 MHz) model for just a little over $200, and the Advanced (400 MHz) model for just around $300. Sometimes you can get them even cheaper if there are any promotions or coupon codes running at Dell. I've been using the Axim Advanced as a remote with a PDA-ir CF extender and PDAwin software since back in March. It has worked flawlessly for me, and I wouldn't change a thing. Even once I upgrade to a new PDA when a newer model I like becomes available, I still plan to keep this same Axim as a dedicated remote.

Jordan M. Wigley
Aximsite.com Moderator
[email protected]
Post 5 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 00:51
waclark
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There are some PDAs that offer "consumer" grade Ir. Most notably the HP Ipaqs. With the introduction of the HP 2210/2215 you get both Ir that can reportedly reach out to 25 ft along with built-in Bluetooth capability. This coupled with the Nevo sw makes the HP 22xx LESS expensive than a comparably equipped Dell Axim and you don't have to give up one of your expansion slots to get wireless capability.

If you just looking for the least expensive option for remote control then the low end Axim w/300Mhz Xscale processor and an add-on Ir card is probably the way to go.
Post 6 made on Thursday August 7, 2003 at 13:42
Anthony
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There are some PDAs that offer "consumer" grade Ir. Most notably the HP Ipaqs

but that IR is only accessible by NEVO. Most people have been disappointed with NEVO (at least the ones who write here) and so use these remotes with other remote products and then other IR devices
...
Post 7 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 09:02
danimal3
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On 08/07/03 13:42, Anthony said...
| There are some PDAs that offer "consumer" grade
Ir. Most notably the HP Ipaqs

but that IR is only accessible by NEVO. Most people
have been disappointed with NEVO (at least the
ones who write here) and so use these remotes
with other remote products and then other IR devices

Incorrect.
Look 5 threads down [Link: remotecentral.com]
Post 8 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 11:20
Anthony
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OK, I am 3 days behind schedule :-)

how does the CIR compare to the add on?
...
Post 9 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 13:42
danimal3
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Daniel Tonks wrote a review on the IPAQ 3950.
Based on what others have written,I believe that the ir strength is good for over 20 feet.
Post 10 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 13:58
Anthony
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That's so true, the funny thing is I linked to that review in a discussion on NEVO, I am off to see how it did on the MTFB
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Post 11 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 14:08
Anthony
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Not a glowing review of it

With only a single IR emitter, I was sceptical of the Nevo’s rated 50-foot infrared range. So what’s a sceptical remote control reviewer to do? Run it through the industry non-standard Menacing Thick Fluffy Blanket (MTFB) test! This is the place where la crème de la control rises to the top.

Our story so far: with Xantech’s URC-2 capturing top honors in the 2001 remote control season with an impressive final tally of 5.0, the “best infrared performance” trophy has remained just out of reach of all contenders. With an official range that’s 20 feet shorter than the URC-2, does the Nevo stand a chance? With only one emitter, can it even hope to surpass multi-emitter remotes rated at just 33 feet?

Our journey through the land of blue and white polyester begins at level 1, with a single layer of fluffy blanket to sparkle through. On a cold winter’s night, one often prefers to keep the remote close at hand, under the covers.

[Insert screeching sound here.]

Hold everything! Nothing. Nada. Zip. To say that I was speechless is an understatement! I have yet to test a remote that was unable to get past level 1 from the standard testing distance. At 5 feet away and pointed directly at the receiver I was able get commands through the blanket, but anything further and there was nothing but silence from the amp. In all fairness, without the blanket I was able to get as far away as 25 feet, a far cry from 50, but control was exceedingly directional and the Nevo needed to be pointed exactly at what was being controlled. In normal use, from a normal distance, the Nevo should perform acceptably, but don’t plan on bouncing infrared off the walls like some other remotes can do.

...
Post 12 made on Friday August 8, 2003 at 18:06
danimal3
Long Time Member
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I suppose if you walk around with a fluffy blanket like Linus from the Charlie Brown comic strip that test would actually mean something.


This message was edited by danimal3 on 08/28/03 17:21.
Post 13 made on Saturday August 9, 2003 at 17:04
Anthony
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that test is better then the numbers each company just makes up.
...
Post 14 made on Sunday August 10, 2003 at 02:37
danimal3
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On 08/09/03 17:04, Anthony said...
that test is better then the numbers each company
just makes up.

The important thing is that the ir strength is good enough to get the job done under normal conditions.
I edited out the comment I made about your opinion of the Pronto Pro,about a minute too late I see.
I don't want to turn this into an us against them type discussion.
As for my problem with the blanket test,I just think its foolish to test a TOUCHSCREEN remote with a blanket over it.

This message was edited by danimal3 on 08/10/03 10:08.
Post 15 made on Sunday August 10, 2003 at 09:53
Anthony
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I don't think it is a bargain. But what is your problem with the MTFB? Where is the problem with it?
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