Connecting to the internet

This page looks at how you can connect your EPOC machine (Series 5, 5mx, 7 and Revo or Revo Plus) to the internet.

Basic Introduction

Psion have produced a PDF document outlining the basics of connecting a Psion PDA to a modem.

	Modem Connectivity and communications (121 KB PDF)
	Psion's Mobile Communications website http://www.psion.com/mobile

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Internet Software

Before we look at the modem and hardware aspects of connecting your Psion to the internet, let's take a brief look at the software you need installed on your Psion.

Series 5mx Web Update

Update to the 5mx Web application
by Psion
Series 5mx only (NOT for the Series 5)
Freeware
Download (Zip, 401 KB)

This updates Psion's Web browser application on the Series 5mx only, please do not try to install it on your Series 5 or Revo.

The Psion Web browser application is available on the PsiWin CD-ROM that came with your new Psion 5mx. It can also be downloaded from here: web5mx_original.zip (Zip, 950 KB)

If you have a 5mx and have not already installed this update I strongly recommend that you install it now.

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Series 5 Message Suite

Psion Series 5 Message Suite (1.52)
UK/US version (Build 055)
7th September 1998
Download (Zip, 1.17 MB)

This is the version of the Internet applications for the Series 5. Do not install this on your 5mx or Revo.

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SMTPAuth

SMTP Authorization utility for sending e-mails
Series 5mx, Revo, RevoPlus, S7, NetBook
Freeware
Website

"As a measure against spam many mail providers recently switched to SMTP authentication: their mail delivery systems require a user name and a password to accept mail.

Some older email clients like the mail application on Psion handhelds (running EPOC as their operating system) do not support the neccessary SMTP protocol variant. Therfore there is a need to overcome this limitation. SmtpAuth provides a solution based on the idea that it is enough to intercept the traffic between the mail program and the server and add some handshaking during the connection phase."

See the SMTPAuth website for details.

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Sink2

Internet security application
by Hans Lub
Series 5, 5mx, Revo, RevoPlus, S7, NetBook, NetPad
Freeware
Download OPL version (Zip, 26 KB)
Download Java version (Zip, 31 KB)

In the late summer of 2003 I began to experience problems with connecting to my ISP via my Psion 5mx and Travel Modem. The machine would simply freeze, requiring me to perform a soft-reset to gain control again.

It turns out that "EPOC has a nasty bug which causes a system lockup (100% busy) if an attempt is made to access an inactive TCP port from the outside over a dial up connection to the Internet. This happens as a result of the recent worm attacks."

This tiny program helps prevent EPOC machines from freezing when connected to ISPs that don't filter out traffic to port 135.

"It causes the activation of dummy listeners on some ports which are commonly attacked. The default setting defines some ports but the listeners are not active until you use the menu Tools, Activate Sink. This has been done to prevent the program to cause an unwanted dial up request upon startup. Activating Sink will pop up the connection dialog.

Once started, the listeners cannot be deactivated until you restart the application."

Note: it is recommended that you update your TCP/IP Stack too before using this software.

• TCP/IP Update (Non-Ethernet) (.SIS, 99 KB)
• TCP/IP Update (Ethernet) (.SIS 97 KB)
• TCP/IP Update (IrLAN) (.SIS 351 KB)
  
  
• TCP/IP Update (ALL) (ZIP, 235 KB)

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Psion 56k
Travel modem

What is it?

The Travel Modem from Psion is designed to work with Psion Computers Revo, Revo Plus, Series 5, Series 5MX, Series 7 and NetBook.

Believed to be the first infrared device of its kind, the 56k Travel Modem delivers reliable modem and GSM communications wherever you are.

Offering download speeds of up to 56,000bps over land lines and 9,600bps over GSM, the Travel Modem is both fast and flexible. The Travel Modem is also PTT approved for use in 19 countries.

EasySwitch for abroad

The 56k Travel Modem can be used in many different countries. When travelling in other countries outside the UK you need to ensure that you have the correct phone plug adapter for the country in which you are travelling.

You will also need to ensure that your modem is correctly set to recognise the different dialling tones for that country. Psion provide a software tool called EasySwitch that allows you to set the modem for the appropriate country. Download the following .SIS file and install it on your Psion palmtop.

Download EasySwitch for EPOC v.1.01 (12 KB Zip)

If you are unable to install EasySwitch, you can also change the country setting on your modem by using AT commands, if you have a Comms (terminal emulation) application on your palmtop device. On Series 5 or 5mx this can be found by tapping on the Extras icon on the icon bar.

In the terminal emulation screen type AT*MCnn where nn is the country code number shown in the list below:

Using your Psion 56k Travel Modem

Before using the 56k Travel Modem with your palmtop you must choose which modem to use.

From the System screen tap on the Control Panel and tap on the Modems icon.

Tap on "new" and enter the details as listed below:

More help

	Modem Connectivity and communications (121 KB PDF)
	Setting up your Psion using your PC Internet and email settings (250 KB PDF)
	Setting up for the Internet (Setting up your Series 5(mx) for Email & Web (511 KB PDF)
	My Psion Help Guides (Requires registration to log in)
	Kevin Snelling's guide to Mobile Data Connectivity (310 KB PDF) Last updated: August 2001 from 3-Lib.

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Standard desktop modem with null modem adapter

It is possible to connect your Psion EPOC device (Series 5, Series 5mx, Series 7, NetBook, Revo or Revo Plus) to a standard desktop PC.

Requirements

You will require:

• Psion EPOC palmtop computer
• PsiWin cable (RS232)
• Standard desktop modem
• Null Modem Adapter

Where do I buy...?

PsiWin cable

How do I do it?

Information from Psion's Mobile Communications pages:

Hardware
Plug the Modem cable into one end of the Null Modem Adapter, and into the other end of the adapter plug your PsiWin cable; then plug the PsiWin cable into your Psion.

Software
Firstly tap on System and then select the Control Panel. Tap on the Modems icon. If you are using a US Robotics Sportster modem, select US Robotics Sportster. Alternatively, select Generic modem settings. It may be necessary to edit the modem settings - refer to your modem documentation for more information.

Troubleshooting
The following method can be best used to check that the Psion Computer can establish a link with the modem being used.

Firstly, check that the remote link (CTRL+L) is turned off. Confirm by tapping on the 'OK' button and then from the Extras bar, open the 'Comms' application.

On the tool bar tap on the 'setup' button, and choose Serial under settings. Confirm by tapping on the 'OK' button. Press menu and tap on 'tools', then tap on translate codes and check that local echo is not ticked. Confirm by tapping on the 'OK' button. You should see 'on-line' in the lower left of the Psion Computer screen.

Type 'ati' and press return. You should receive a prompt of either "249" followed by an 'OK' when the interface between Psion computer and modem is working correctly.

Press CTRL-E once you have finished testing the link between the modem and the Psion computer.

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