Welcome to the site bubba, I'm glad 9 year olds are using the Pronto too. Just proves how easy it is to use.

Ok... well.. hopefully that is the end of that 'conversation"...

I think we are asking the wrong question(s)...

Q: (Perhaps to helpful & Jack)
Who, where and how do we contact at Phillips to be considered for BETA Testing?

Personally I have the interest, time, tools and skills to fill the role nicely. I'm sure some others do too based on the EARLIER part of this thread.

Please let us know.

Regards,

Pierre

P.S. - I finally got my Pronto.. I have programmed all I can do with it, 'crashed' it several times.. but I love it.. I have already put away all the other remotes (8 of them). I am well along with the others excited to get the cable and software to get around a few annoying limitations.. but can't really agree with the screaming about pre-releasing as I am also in the software development business.

Philips seems to handle its inner workings similarly across its many divisions. Their philosophy seems to be that if you have a product with several parts and they are having problems with one part, then release everything but the buggy part.

Earlier this year I was eagerly anticipating the release of the Nino (Windows CE Handheld Device). The product was originally slated to be offered in two versions (one having more memory and a clip -on modem). Needless to say the unit was delayed, as most new technologies are, supposedly due to the problems they were having with the modem. They finally decided to release the unit in an increased memory, but modem-lacking version at a decreased price of course. The modem was finally released months later.

I'm all too happy that the Nino was released first and the modem allowed to be delayed so that the bugs could be worked out. It is a great product on its own merit.

The situation here is a bit different seeing as how many would consider the ProntoEdit software to be an intricate part of this particular product. However, such is the price that comes with being the first kid on the block with a new toy. Without a doubt, after the software is released, we will all forget about this period of Pronto "limbo" and move on to discussing the achievements and shortcomings of the Pronto-ProntoEdit package. Let's just hope the software will be available free of charge as has been widely stated on this site.

Many companies have a "no public betas" policy unlike some, such as Microsoft, who will actually charge you to test their software. Now, that's marketing, eh?

It's unlikely that Philips would publically release a wide-range beta of the Pronto software unless they were certain it was foolproof and wouldn't trash someone's Pronto. I suggest we all just settle down and wait the few weeks until they feel it's ready... :-)

I talked to some of the right people, and here's the skinny. Please note that this is not an official statement by Philips, should not be construed as a commitment on their behalf, if questioned I'll deny any knowledge, etc... :-)

The logistical problems meantioned before are related to the supply of cables. The infrastructure for supplying cables isn't quite in place yet. A Philips employee involved in getting this sorted out has just had a baby (mother and baby are doing fine) and so can be excused for a change of personal priorities :-)

After hearing about the cable situation, I pointed out that the people here are pretty resourceful, and many are quite capable of making the necessary cable themselves. Some may even be public-spirited enough to help those who are not. Holding up the release of the software for the sake of a cable that could be sourced elsewhere by someone resourceful isn't something that makes a lot of sense.

That point seemed to have some influence, and they're going to see what can be done. Please remember that Philips is a big company, sometimes the wheels turn a little more slowly than one would like, so I would ask for everyone's patience.

One thing that could help strengthen the cause is if someone knows of a specific off-the-shelf cable which can be subsituted for the 'official' Pronto cable. Being able to direct customers on the Pronto web site to an alternative source of cables would address one of the concerns raised.

p.s. by specific, I mean a manufacturer's part number for a cable, or something equally unambiguous. I know someone meantioned a Kodak digital camera cable in another thread, but more detail is necessary than that (at least which Kodak digital camera the cable is for :-)

This may not be what you(AHP)are looking for, but for those who want to make their own cable.

Here is a parts list for RADIO SHACK:

Qty. Cat.No. Description
1 274-869 Solderless 1/8" Stereo Mini Plug 1 276-1538C 9 position D-SubminiatureConnecto 1 276-1513 Metalized Hood for above 6ft. 278-365 Telephone Cable/4 Conductor

These parts together should cost around $10 US.

Download the drawing from Prontoedit.com for the Pronto Cable.

Disclaimer: Improper wiring may cause damage to your Computer or Pronto.

The cable is the serial data cable that came with my Kodak DC210 Camera.

If A Helpful Person can email me I will get specfic details from Kodak

To AHP, Someone posted that the Kodak DC210 has a cable that works. So I did a little research and found the DC210 cable on Kodak's web site here.

There is a picture and it costs $15. I am not positive about the pinout but hopefully someone who reads this can verify it. Hope this helps....

I have that Kodak cable and would be happy to verify that it works with the Pronto, if someone could send me the software to try it with .

Someone who understands something about hardware, I'm afraid, will need to check this out. I'm a software kinda guy. -- Ken

AHP,

The cable for the Kodak DC-20 (P/N 1157619) is wired correctly. There is some shorting to keep the hardware control lines high, from memory that is at pins 1, 6, 7 and 8, but that shouldn't be a problem, as the Pronto presumably relies on software flow control. It can be purchased online for $15 from here.

Tim.

Oh,

And if they want someone to test it just to check, you could always email the software to me!

Tim.

Tell ya what.. I made the cable to the spec that was posted out of parts I had lying around the office. It took about 15 minutes. Of course I too am unable to actually test it without the software, but assuming the diagram is reliable.. it should be no problem.

$15 for the cable from Kodak seems pretty steep for what this cable actually is.. so I'll tell you what.. seeing as how the cable is a snap and I already have a shop which is set up to make them..

I'll look into the connector/cable options and come up with a cost with shipping.. I suspect it will total less than $10.. I think I can work it out to sell them for $8 with priority mail shipping.. and I will be happy to make them up for folks that are afraid of the buring solder.

AHP - We will call this DataLock Part #PHPR-1

If there is any interest let me know. I would of course like to confirm the cable is correct before shipping any.. so getting on the software short-list would be most helpfull.

Regards,

Pierre
DataLock Remote Data Services

Thanks Pierre!

See, we are resourceful. The fact that we selected the Pronto as our remote also shows that we research our stuff.

THIS IS WHAT MAKES AMERICA GREAT>> I THINK