IR port - any firmware upgrades? - PDA2, XDA IIi, 2020i General

Another frustrating issue - I run the Radio Times software on my device and cannot use the "remote" function to operate the TV - this would be a very useful function but I gather there is an issue with the IR specification on the IIi? I do not understand the technical issue here but is there any likelihood this area of the device will benefit from an upgrade of sorts?

Scary, but IIi can use IR for controlling devices on only very short range!

It is not a range/distance issue (will not work no matter how close it is to the TV) - there is something fundamentally different about the IR spec compared to, for example, some of the iPAQs which run the same Radio Times software - they seem to work.

I find my new XDAIIi's IR very weak. I still can use the remote software to remote my TV but very close, about 50cm. The IR of my old XDAII and XDAmini is much more stronger and I can remote my TV at a very long distance. Does anyone know about IR of other XDA types?

The IRis very poor on the 2020i. IMO it is because of the plastic covering over the IR LED's it is not a dark red opaque type material. It is black plastic, seems like a fault in manufacturing. Try it without the top black casing on!
Dunno if the is the case with the XDAIIi or not. I plan on cutting out the window and replacing it with a window made from an old remote control window.

...deja vue. I had a lengthy "argument" about the IR port "window" on the IIi some months back - I TOTALLY agree that, in my opinion, there is a manufacturing fault with the casing on the IIi and that the window should have been glass-type rather than the opaque black casing plastic used to mould the casing of the IIi (look at the IR window on the XDA IIs and you will see completely different type of window - i.e. a proper one). It looks as if they forgot to cut out the window area at factory and fit in a glass one....

touche

I tried removing black cover - and yes, it helped. distance has increased from 2.5 to almost 4 meters...

Related

Infrared Remote

I love my IIi, but has anyone noticed that the infrared function on the pocketpc is quite weak? I can't seem to affect my tv from a normal hotel room's bed to the TV screen using Novii Remote. Anyone experienced the same problem or issue?
somehow the IIi infrared not very far.... I had same problem too....
I notice it too, my symbian phone equipped with a remote control application can control the same television farther than my XDA2i.
nfrared Range
I have seen this problem elsewere. If you look at the black top opposite the power button, you will notice a small oblong indentation, this is where the infrared signal comes through,for some reason HTC did not put a clear plastic cover which reduces the range, either take the black cover off and push out the blank, or an easier way is to take a craft knife and carefully cut out the blank, the plastic is not very thick at this point. Then you should have the range you need for remote function.
DAz
Nearly forgot here is the link to the Alpine Service Manual, if you need to take the black cover off.
ftp://ftp.xda-developers.com/Uploads/Alpine
Thanks, it's much appreciated. Sounds a bit drastic though, something as physical as cutting or removing the black cover . I tried to download the manual, but it gives me a permission denied error.
I have same problem when i try to ftp://ftp.xda-developers.com/Uploads/Alpine??
Correct XDA FTP login info for Alpine Service Manual
Hi,
It's not that drastic as you can see that it is removable, in hindsight you would be better off taking thecover off and then removing the blanking plate, let me know how you get on.
sorry forgot the user/password to FTP, HERE IS THE CORRECT LINK. ftp://xda:[email protected] As before goto uploads then alpine and you will see the doc called HTC XDA II-MDA II Service Manual.pdf.
Laters DAz
A word of warning to anyone intending to modify/mutilate their alpine. I removed the blanking plate only to find that the IR function increased range by some 30cm. So I still can't control my TV from my settee with my alpine

Vulcan FlipStart - Mini PC, Mini Review

You're all no doubt absolutely delighted that you get the first review I'm writing of the Vulcan FlipStart V1.0! For those of you who aren't aware of this little device, it originated with the (often called "vapourware" MiniPC of 2004, demonstrated by Paul Allen). The concept has been refined massively, and is now on sale in the US for $1999 with the following specification:
Pentium M @ 1.1GHz
512MB RAM (not expandable)
Intel 915 graphics; 64MB Unified Memory Architecture
30GB HD (having spoken to the designers, at present this is all that will fit)
5.6" screen at 1024 x 600 pixel (220dpi) resolution
Webcam (VGA, I suspect)
Keyboard, trackpad and touchpoint
802.11b/g WiFi
Bluetooth 2.0
EV-DO cellular data connection
Windows XP Professional SP2
Additional features include media keys and an InfoPane; a secondary display of cellphone-like quality on the rear of the clamshell case which displays email, contacts, appointments etc. without opening the PC.
As shipped, the device comes with a large capacity battery, port replicator (providing Ethernet, Power, USB x 2, VGA and audio), small carry case and a screen wipe, plus the PSU to charge it.
Optional accessories are the slimline battery, a high-end leather case, chargers, and potentially high resolution camera or other devices connecting to a top-mounted expansion port (looks like it is USB but not a USB connector, just wire pads ready for devices using USB protocols).
It's really very hard to describe JUST how small this computer is. Most UMPCs are 7" screen, tablet or sliding tablet devices. Flipstart is a clamshell, and a very rugged feeling one at that. Finished in a fetching dark blue metallic with the distinctive InfoPane and slding metal "FlipStart" cover plate, the closed device is comparable to HTC's Athena, perhaps 3% or so larger. It can be slipped into the back pocket of your jeans with the slimline battery fitted, for example.
Opening the FlipStart reveals a thumb-type keyboard of moderate quality and good spacing; it has a backlight which is pleasant and even, and some handy quick access keys to zoom the screen, open the FlipStart navigator application, control media, and access the task manager. The shift keys are curiously large - you are expected to use your thumbs to type, and by placing the keys accurately and providing a large target, shifting with one hand whilst typing with the other is comfortable. Takes a while to adjust to this method, but it works very well.
Above the keyboard, from left to right, are two mouse buttons, a cursor pad with Page up/down, home and End functions, power keys, a small trackpad and a thumbstick-type device. The trackpad even has software to enable or disable tapping and tapzones, something woefully lacking on many fullsize laptops that assume you WANT to tap; pleasantly, this one has the right balance so tapping works without being obtrusive. The thumbstick device is very quick and convenient, but using the two as appropriate makes this a snappy PC to get around.
Of course, a touchscreen would be better, and when using the device with the Ameo the instinct to grab the stylus and tap the XP screen was very strong. A touchscreen would add depth and reduce the clarity of the insanely high resolution display, however.
Being in the UK, I am unable to test the EV-DO function, but the WiFi and Bluetooth work well - connecting "on the road" was painlessly accomplished via Bluetooth PAN and the Ameo on T-Mobile's 3G network.
Being a fully functional PC it runs PC applications. I've yet to find anything it can't handle, with the obvious caveat that I am applying common sense here and not trying stupid games, or HD video editing suites, or high-end desktop image editing applications.
Oh...
Wait, I did try that last one. It's running Photoshop CS3 adequately; let's say, CS3 on this is snappier (and obviously more capable and vastly more expensive) than Pocket Artist. Lightroom also runs well enough to use despite the FlipStart's display being relatively low pixel resolution for Adobe's recommendations. I'm tempted to try InDesign on it purely for the amusement of doing DTP on a pocket-sized computer - I have little doubt that it will be possible. The LCD's viewing angle is very critical in terms of tilt, but when you get it right the colour and evenness of the backlight is impressive; I wouldn't trust it for critical colour work, but it's certainly alright for previewing and basic adjustments or editing.
Quake 3 was included as a demo and at the default 640 x 480 resolution, was quite playable with an external keyboard/mouse combination.
All this CPU power comes with a cost, of course. Heat and power drain. The FlipStart features a little visible vent alongside the port replicator, and frankly, you'll love it if you ever get stuck in the frozen North with one; it's pretty warm! The fan is louder and more insistent than the dual fans in my XPS M2010 - which is really logical, given the large airspace available in the Dell. FlipStart's CPU is amongst the better ones you'll find in a "UMPC" device, most of the Origami/tablet type units sporting Geode or VIA CPUs. Sony's UX-series has more MHZ, but is larger and costs more.
Battery life is around 3-6 hours with the bulkier "extended" (actually standard) battery, and a mere one and a half hours with the slimline battery. Charging is via a small and delicate looking jackplug - given the amount of charging this device needs, I'd like to have seen a contact-based charging solution like a dock. No provision is made for this, the port replicator clips on and isn't significantly better in terms of wear and tear - plus, you'll want it with you to have access to the 2 flat USB ports. The standard USB port is under the hinge for the display, and bulkier items like memory sticks may not fit.
Overall, the FlipStart is a surprisingly usable "marvel of the modern age" - not only does it convincingly demonstrate just HOW much power you can cram into a small package, but outside of that demonstration, you can run serious applications on it. With remote desktop for the fiddlier file management, or an external display and keyboard/mouse, it's a perfectly functional computer - and if you have good eyesight, the display might not be an issue for extended use. The robust physical design points at a device designed for real world use, instead of geektoy chic - and as such the flexibility of it makes it a lot 'cooler' than you'd initially expect. As the Ameo has demonstrated, there's an upper limit to the size of device that you want to carry about, and this really does stay within it where larger UMPCs may fall foul of the "never take it anywhere" problem that also held back the better Handheld PC machines.
And on that note, that's where this device sits, in my opinion. This is the 21st century "Handheld PC", whereas Origami in the purest form - the tablets - are more confused about their purpose. Are they computers, or just powerful media players?
Having seen the games performance of this, I can envisage devices like it in 3 or 4 years time for high-end mobile gaming, where keyboards are replaced by game controllers, and titles like Gears of War or World of Warcraft can be made truly portable with no loss of quality over their PC or high-end console counterparts. With a desktop OS, and a port replicator, they could even be used for real work. The question is, would the costs come down sufficiently if they sold in large numbers?
At a good $800 or so premium over the HTC Athena, itself one of the most expensive WM consumer devices around, you'll need a good use for it to justify owning it. In isolation, though, FlipStart comes VERY close to bringing true desktop computing power to the genuinely "pocket sized" device. And this is just version 1.0...
One of the nicest aspects of the FlipStart is the contining number of "surprise and delight" features. For example, the zoom key is inherently a bit clever, zooming the window you are looking at to fill the screen, but you can also quickly adjust the zoom level by holding the key and using the scroll wheel. Is this a standard UMPC-like feature? It's really neat! I've never used a screen so sharp and small, yet so comfortable to work on before.
(Pictures will follow eventually, but there are plenty around if you Google!).

Lens extends on camera activation and startup

anyone with this otherwise great device will be familiar that upon boot up and camera activation the lens automatically extends.
Sadly, in my case the lens has broken as a result of
1/apps that activate the camera programatically, pushing itsself out of its car cradle physically damaging the lens assembly
2/ Power on lens extension when held in hand like a phone, lens in palm of hand.
I emailed to samsung and suggested they use a proximity sensor ( very common on phones) mounted on the front of the device ( lens side) to check the path the lens will take during extension is clear, or possibly even using data from the focus beam. I suggested that If it cant extend safely then it should not, rather than risk damage to the motors inside the lens. Samsung could actually apply this to all their cameras.
I also suggested the default on power up should be to not activate the camera app, which extends the lens ( after all this is a hybrid device) it may be possible for devs to alter this behaviour ?
It also occurs to me that developers who make device specific apps for this device could win some serious respect if they used the accelerometer Z reading to ensure the camera wont activate when device is lens down/screen up avoiding the lens causing the phone to do pushups which also bends usb connectors.
I know this belongs in the development forums for this device but I can't access them due to having less that 10 posts. Hope someone can add it for me Many apps can activate the camera programatically, it's worthy of consideration as a lens fix costs $200.00 and is not covered by wararanty.
Better yet, if someone could discover a way to make it NOT startup in the camera app. Then the lens would only come out when I actually run the app.
I admire your enthusiasm for making these suggestions to Samsung but they will fall on deaf ears. The simple and certainly quickest solution is put an extra option in settings "Toggle camera on startup ON/OFF"
Done.
it gets worse
yep, that would solve the startup issue but any app can activate the camera programatically, meaning they can start the camera according to any variable, time, location, force etc.
Initial quote to repair was 150.00, but It also now appears the motherboard is damaged, since it is behind the lens, so now the cost to fix is $450.00, just a few dollars short of its replacement cost.
This device can damage its self without you having to touch it.
Pretty serious problem
That's a bit odd. The same thing happened to me more than once but there seems to be some sort of protection against damage as the lens of my camera goes back in after hitting an obstacle (they only need to monitor the current drawn by the zoom motor).
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium HD app
paulikxp said:
That's a bit odd. The same thing happened to me more than once but there seems to be some sort of protection against damage as the lens of my camera goes back in after hitting an obstacle (they only need to monitor the current drawn by the zoom motor).
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I'm sure that mine does not do that, the motor seems quite strong and pushed as hard as it can, perhaps they rectified it in later versions, I bought mine Christmas 2012 which I assume was the first "model " as such. I get the lens error, but it stays out, only returning when you power it off. funnily enough I'm pretty careful where and how i leave it positioned

Samsung Galaxy Note 5 S-Pen Sensitivity Issue

Starting a new thread since I could not find any existing thread on this and it is quite surprising since this is a widespread issue and for the same reason Samsung service here in Melbourne even refused to acknowledge this is an issue! There logic seemingly being if the issue is present in the demo unit in the store as well, it is not an issue! Vodafone has also refused to honor the warranty, even though it is in the first month of my contract and they should be replacing the handset and dealing with Samsung, and have instead told me to provide them with an acknowledgement from Samsung stating it is an issue! Talk about deadlocks!
Now coming to the issue, I have found out that there are sensitivity issues when using the S-Pen on the bottom right and left corners of the screen. There are issue on the top part of the screen as well but they arent as serious. I would also request you to check the same on your device and report back if you are also facing the same.
To check, first get into diagnostics mode by dialing *#0*# and then go to the S-Pen tab.
1. As you can see in the video, the bottom right and left corners have definite and serious issues with S-Pen sensitivity. I found this out, and it is also a use case and one of the major reasons that I went for Galaxy Note 5, while taking a screen grab from the middle of the screen right until the bottom right corner. I just could not do it. As soon as the S Pen reaches near the corner, the sensitivity issue makes sure that input isn't recognized. Not only this, even when it manages to identify the touch, the tracking is random with the S-Pen having a mind of its own.
2. The second issue is while drawing on the top part of the screen with the S-Pen but this one is not as serious as the first one. You can see in the video that S-Pen loses sensitivity in one particular area of the screen. This is easily corrected though, by pressing the S-Pen harder on the screen.
This is apart from the lag and slowness issues that rear their ugly head every once in a while and in a phone which runs an Octa Core CPU with a whopping 4GB of RAM. This is my first Samsung in a long long time and it has left me disappointed again exactly like it did in the past whenever I bought a Samsung phone. To me the level of polish of the hardware on a device costing as much as this is simply not acceptable. What are your thought? Please report in this thread if you are facing the same issue as I am with the S-Pen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN41nE1lWGI
I have multiple stand-alone S Pens and don't experience what you're describing with them or the one included with the device.
BarryH_GEG said:
I have multiple stand-alone S Pens and don't experience what you're describing with them or the one included with the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange because I could replicate it on all the demo devices in the store. That is their reasoning for refusing the warranty as well.
I'll say this, the included pen is more responsive on the display than pens that are pre-Note 5 so something in the pen and/or display has changed.
Does it mean mine has a problem then? I am wondering if anyone else can also confirm the same?
I can confirm the bottom left and right corner of my note 5 behave just like OP's does... but wouldn't have found out if he didn't mention it
alexcarterkarsus said:
I can confirm the bottom left and right corner of my note 5 behave just like OP's does... but wouldn't have found out if he didn't mention it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Alex. I found the issue because I could not take a screenshot which finished near the bottom corner of the screen. Now smart select is a headline feature of the phone and this hadrware oversight to be is just not acceptable. The Samsung service would not acknowledge it as an issue let alone do something about it. May be it is only on the first batch of phone. Who knows?
I checked my phone (SM-N9208 TW, mfg: will add later) and the bottom corners have poor tracking with the hover point flying off the screen when held above.
Overall this issue shouldn't affect the usability of the phone if you rarely use these areas since it's still possible though difficult to use the s-pen there.
Edit: I re-tested with my phone flat and s-pen vertical*. The s-pen can be used on the very bottom corners with precise movements, so I don't think will affect usability for most people most of the time.
*Having the s-pen on an angle can affect the tracking significantly as seen in your video. I think the only solution would be to modify the s-pen to track at the very tip. This would probably make the tip non-replaceable and/or more complex and expensive. If someone has time, try using the s-pen without a tip and see if/how it tracks.
Update: I tested a SM-N920W8 in store and it had the same corner issue.
I complained to Vodafone again and they decided to take the phone back. Back to trusty properly working iPhone 6s Plus 64GB. My last Samsung device no matter what the specs. I wouldn't be interested in one even if it will have a gazillion core CPU and few petabytes of RAM.
I have the same issue. Can anyone else, note 5 users confirm about this issue. (Bottom right hover issue)
I dont't face that problem
Edit: here is a screenshot
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5LZ1p_SFZ3faTFJNzBzZGlnbzA/view?usp=docslist_api
Mine does it a little bit.
It still passes the test so I believe it's within spec. I honestly don't see it being a warranty issue.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Sometimes, it is the Cover magnet.
Sometimes, it is the Cover magnet. . Try to remove you phone from it and try the s pen in the touch area in question. It worked for me with in a leather flip cover. The same for the s note stopping error message.
same here
SM-N920C cihazımdan Tapatalk kullanılarak gönderildi
if you have magnetic casing will get such problems ....
or fake s-pen need to replace with original or better fake quality
My stylus is overly sensitive; so much that I can't write properly. All text is in continuation even when I lift the stylus off for whitespace. I even followed the article on adjusting the sensitivity of the S Pen by removing the click-button cover and adjusting the Potentiometer. However, the note 4 s pen is entierly different as it doesn't have any Potentiometer under the click button. Link to article:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191333
What annoys me most is that I never had this issue before I flew overseas last month. I started experiencing this issue after I came back and it has rendered my s pen useless. Has anyone found a way to adjust Potentiometer on the new S spen yet (it might be located under top cap but i'm not sure how to open it).
espionage said:
My stylus is overly sensitive; so much that I can't write properly. All text is in continuation even when I lift the stylus off for whitespace. I even followed the article on adjusting the sensitivity of the S Pen by removing the click-button cover and adjusting the Potentiometer. However, the note 4 s pen is entierly different as it doesn't have any Potentiometer under the click button. Link to article:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191333
What annoys me most is that I never had this issue before I flew overseas last month. I started experiencing this issue after I came back and it has rendered my s pen useless. Has anyone found a way to adjust Potentiometer on the new S spen yet (it might be located under top cap but i'm not sure how to open it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having this same problem. Did you ever find a fix for it? Thank you!
Yes confirmation of problem
I found the same problem. If you try to draw a square in the S pen test mode you cannot draw a square in the bottom left or right corner. The square will turn into some kind of strange wiggle shape.
I live in Malaysia and went to the official Samsung head office service center and they confirmed this is a problem with all Note 5 models and the lady showed me her own personal Note 5 which had the same problem (actually worse than mine).
The service technicians said they do not know the reason for this problem. But as an electrical engineer I suspect there is some sensors in those areas which cause interference with the S Pen.

Blurry everywhere except in the middle

Hello
I have a really weird problem with my Gear VR. The screen and lenses are completely clean. I cleaned them with proper tools and they are both looking very good. Nothing can be seen on the lenses or the phone screen.
However, when I wear them (and others wear them), the picture starts to get blurry unless you look dead center. The text is barely readable unless I move my head, so the text is in the middle of the screen.
I have adjusted the lenses with the wheel, but it does not work.
I can see something on my lenses (both of them actually). It's like smudged grease/something. It looks like it's in between the lenses (like someone was eating french fries before assembling it), and I don't know how to clean it out.
What on earth do I do?
I have the exact same issue and I'm using the s7 edge. I've had the headset for about 1 week and I still can't enjoy it.
Try adjusting the focus. Due to the difference in distance between lens and centre screen vs edge of screen there is actually "accomodation" ie focusing power of yoir eyes required to see the whole screen. If u r older say over 45 you lose some of this accommodation power and so the range of distance is that your eyes can see reduces if you were classes you should try looking with your glasses online
jasonlee90210 said:
Try adjusting the focus. Due to the difference in distance between lens and centre screen vs edge of screen there is actually "accomodation" ie focusing power of yoir eyes required to see the whole screen. If u r older say over 45 you lose some of this accommodation power and so the range of distance is that your eyes can see reduces if you were classes you should try looking with your glasses online
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said I already did that.
I have the same issue on my gear VR with S7edge. But is it really an issue ? Isn't it normal ?
It's like the lenses are doing their job on their center.
But I won't say it's a problem : you'll get used to it ^^
i have it too. However, I believe this is due to my eye sight. I have astigmatism. I should get contact lenses to use gear vr properly. Still, i hate that shift of the color channels...
I have the same problem so I think it is supposed to be like that!!! you have to look right in the center!!!
I have the very same "issue". It is annoying when I try to watch any 2D movies.

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