03-29-2007, 03:56 PM
|
|
Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
|
|
Jon's Over The Air File Sync Solution
If you're like me, you find having to sync certain files with your Pocket PC to be a real pain. First you have to find a sync cable (or perhaps more appropriately: the correct sync cable), plug your device in, setup a partnership in ActiveSync, explore the device, drop the file in, etc. When you're used to having your email, contacts, and calendar sync up automatically, this seems to be an archaic pain in the butt that should be easier than it is. And now, thanks to a bit of scripting magic, it is (at least for me). Here's how I did it.
Jon's Somewhat Complicated But Do-able Sync Solution
Ingredients (you may be able to find optional freeware alternatives, or perhaps you're a scripting guru who can write their own. These are what I had on hand, so I used them)
1. Getright Pro (Although any scriptable FTP client will work)
2. SKScheMa (from SKKV Software)
3. An FTP Server to Upload to (Although you could set up your home XP machine to be an FTP server, but that's beyond the scope of this article)
Procedure
First I began by setting up Getright Pro to upload my eWallet file nightly to my FTP server. Not only is this handy for my server sync procedure below, it also is good for backup purposes. You can never have too many backups! Be sure to set a sufficiently difficult-to-guess username and password on your FTP server, especially since the account needs to have upload capabilities. If you feel more comfortable using sftp or SSH for your file transfers - fell free. However, you need to place your file in a location that can be downloaded via Pocket IE.
Now that the eWallet file is somewhere I can get it, the second step was to setup SKScheMa to download the file to my Pocket PC. Now this is far from the most elegant solution, as the script literally opens a Pocket Internet Explorer window, navigates to the URL of the eWallet file, wait 30 seconds to make sure it connects, and then sends the appropriate keystrokes to tell PIE to download the file (and, if necessary, overwrite the previous version). You could modify the script to send different keystrokes if necessary. One thing you may want to do is to close the PIE window when the download is finished, although you'd have to know a rough estimate of how long the download will take and add the appropriate sleep statement.
Before the script, I just have to mention that SKScheMa is probably the best software I've seen for simple scripting on a mobile device. If you're a programmer that doesn't want to fire up VS to write a simple app, perhaps a SKScheMa script will work just fine. Advanced users will probably also find a lot to like about SKScheMa. Best of all, the price is reasonable for the power the app provides - it's only $9.60! You can pick up a copy on at our Handango Store or through other retailers.
Anyway, here is the script I used. Pretty simple, and pretty extendable. SkScheMa has a nice ability to create a link to the script in the Programs menu, so a simple tap fires it off. Obviously be sure to change the URL, username, and password below to your own values. I also wouldn't try using that username and password on that IP address - I doubt it'll work out well for you.
Code:
<br />#r(iexplore.exe) #p(ftp://jw:[email protected]/PPCMYDOCS/Jon's Wallet.wlt)<br />#r(#findwindow) #p(IExplore) #sleep(30000)<br />#r(#activatewindow)<br />#r(#sendkey) #p( )<br />#r(#sendkey) #p(#!)<br />#r(#sendkey) #p(#R)<br />#r(#sendkey) #p(#R)<br />
<br /><br />Now all you have to do is schedule a task in SkScheMa to run the script sometime it won't be bothered (i.e. at night while you sleep!) and you've got up to date eWallet files. Obviously you can upload other file types or even a ZIP file (SkScheMa has the ability to work with ZIPs, so you could upload a ZIP of all your important files, download the ZIP and have SkScheMa unpack it to the right directory). Like I said earlier - it isn't the most elegant solution, but it works. Good enough for now, while I wait and pray that Microsoft creates a Foldershare client for Pocket PC! (If you're listening MS - you've got a beta tester, suggestion giver, and overall enthusiast for the idea in me!). Got your own solution or a way to improve this one? Post it below!<br /><br /><i>Jon Westfall truly does not know how to classify himself. Decision making researcher? System Administrator? Editor & Reviewer? Maybe all of those. To find out more than you want to know, you can visit <a href="http://jonwestfall.com">JonWestfall.Com</a> or just watch for his frequent news posts here at Pocket PC Thoughts!</i>
|
| |
|
|
|
03-29-2007, 09:18 PM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,466
|
|
I'm confused. If you just want to be able to obtain a file from your PC why not simply go through www.orb.com?
|
| |
|
|
|
03-30-2007, 12:42 AM
|
|
Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 359
|
|
Wouldn't it be cool if eWallet offered an online "backup" service that uploads your eWallet file to a secure server based on a schedule, or automatically when changes are detected? In addition, the service could sync your Windows Desktop eWallet file with your Windows Mobile version wirelessly over-the-air. That would be a killer feature.
I submitted this to Iliumsoft today BTW. If Microsoft added Notes support for Exchange and Iliumsoft added mobile sync service for eWallet, I'd throw ActiveSync away!
|
| |
|
|
|
03-30-2007, 02:49 AM
|
|
5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,616
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by eriqc
Wouldn't it be cool if eWallet offered an online "backup" service that uploads your eWallet file to a secure server based on a schedule, or automatically when changes are detected? In addition, the service could sync your Windows Desktop eWallet file with your Windows Mobile version wirelessly over-the-air.
|
From Ilium's site:
Quote:
With eWallet as your password manager you can:
Keep your data current everywhere! Sync to multiple PDAs, UMPCs, laptops, network computers, even remote locations on the web - there is no limit.
|
(emphasis mine)
Although I think this is only from the desktop end. But it's a start.
__________________
iPhone 4! ☠☠☠ Mid-2010 15" MacBook Pro! ☠☠☠ Gateway LT2102h! ☠☠☠ Dell XPS M1210!
|
| |
|
|
|
03-30-2007, 07:13 AM
|
|
Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Cybrid
I'm confused. If you just want to be able to obtain a file from your PC why not simply go through www.orb.com? |
That's a fine way if you want to manually download the file. My method was designed to have the file download automatically so that I don't have to do it in the morning. Studies have shown (especially with backups and essential files) that if I have to manually do something, at the exact instance I desperately need to have done that something, I will have forgotten to do that something.
That's why Foldershare is such a great tool, and batch scripts. Yep, life would stink without batch scripts...
__________________
Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
|
| |
|
|
|
03-30-2007, 12:01 PM
|
|
Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 214
|
|
Unfortunately, if I add items on my PPC, I still have to attach it to my pc to sync those. Since I use multiple pc's I find myself adding items on PPC instead.
|
| |
|
|
|
03-30-2007, 05:50 PM
|
|
Pontificator
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,466
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Jon Westfall
That's a fine way if you want to manually download the file. My method was designed to have the file download automatically so that I don't have to do it in the morning.
|
Ok. Automation counts for something. Are only some apps scriptable?
***long quote trimmed by moderator JD***
|
| |
|
|
|
04-02-2007, 09:14 AM
|
|
Neophyte
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1
|
|
OTA file synching
Hi,
this might interst some of you. My company is currently beta testing an OTA file synch solution which is :
- secure : authenticated and encrypted
- allways on : synchs happen from pocket PC to Pc and vice versa as soon a anything new is dropped into a shared folder
- very uncomplicated : just run the install on your handheld and follow the instructions (no rocket science needed)
- carrier grade : the technology is allready running on european based data networks.
If I add that the synching will support network roaming (CDMA, GPRS or WiFi) and that any one interested by a trial will be more than welcome...just send me a line : [email protected], I'll get in touch and send you all the necessary software.
I'll be waitnig for your mails
Best regards,
Sean
|
| |
|
|
|
04-03-2007, 02:54 PM
|
|
Intellectual
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 150
|
|
Yep, you can absolutely backup your wallet file to an FTP server right from the eWallet Sync Setup window on the desktop. Just a couple of clicks and you're good to go. If, Jon, the first step (of sending it to the FTP site) is happening on the desktop, I'd suggest just doing it with eWallet. Anytime you run sync it will sync it (at an item level) with the remote location.
Now, if you use a service like iOmega Istorage (built-in to eWallet) or a similar service, specifically one that offers web access, you can use PIE to access your eWallet file. Just click the wallet file and it is transferred (fully encrypted) to your device. This is GREAT for a wallet that someone else might edit while you are away.
So here are the steps:
1. Setup your wallet on the desktop to sync to your FTP service.
2. Use PIE on your PDA (or another browser) to access the FTP storage location.
3. Click on the wallet file to open it on the PDA.
That's it!
If anyone gives this a shot and has ANY questions just email ( [email protected] ) or call us ( 888-632-5388). We're happy to help!
Marc Tassin
Ilium Software
--------------------
[email protected]
+1 (734) 973-9388
---------------------
http://www.iliumsoft.com
And be sure check out our new blog! http://blog.iliumsoft.com/
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
