Subject: comp.sys.psion FAQ part 4/5
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 15:29:07 GMT

Archive-name: psion-faq/part4
Version: $VER: Psion FAQ v1.1Beta3 (1996/01/13)
Posting-Frequency: monthly

part 4
======

  See  part 1 for complete table of contents of this FAQ (including this
  part's).

6.6 With an Acorn Archimedes or Risc PC (by Nick Craig-Wood)

6.6.1 ALink from Acorn

  This  is  a  package  including the equivalent of the 3-Link for Acorn
  machines, the A-Link and some software to run on the Acorn.

  The  software  runs as a filing system on the Acorn machine and allows
  you  to use the Psion just as if it was a (rather slow) hard disc.  It
  does not allow the Psion to look at the Acorn drives though.

  It  comes  with a set of conversion applications for Spreadsheet, Data
  and Word files into native Acorn and generic (eg CSV) formate.

6.6.2 PC programs

  All  of  the  available  PC programs can be used under the hardware or
  software  PC  emulators  provided  you  can run the correct version of
  Windows or DOS that these programs rely on.

  Note  that  the  A-Link has a slightly different wiring to the 3-Link.
  The A-Link will work fine with the PC software, and plugged into a PC,
  but  the  3-Link  will  not work with the Acorn software.  All that is
  different is the wiring from the 'soap' to the 9-way D-Type connector.

6.6.3 3Link-Acorn cable (by Toby Smith)

        Cable wiring for 3link to Acorn
        (make up of Alink cable).

        PC Connector        Acorn connector
        (9pin male)          (9pin female)
        DCD 1 (not used)         1--|
        RxD 2--------------------2  |
        TxD 3--------------------3  |
        DTR 4--------------------4--|
        GND 5--------------------5
        DSR 6-----\ /------------6
        RTS 7------X-------------7
        CTS 8-----/ \------------8
        RT  9 (not used)         9   

        (8 and 6 swapped, 1 & 4 connected at Acorn end)
        (With thanks to Jonathan Allin of Acorn)

  No conversion is needed for using an A-Link on a PC (apparently)

6.7 With a modem

  Psion  provide  3FAX, which is a hardware and software add-on offering
  FAX  capability  and a data modem operating at 2400 baud.  Apparently,
  this is a technical limitation as the Psion could not cope with faster
  transfer rates from faster modems anyway (from the modem data exchange
  side).  No one has really confirmed this though!

  The  3-Link  cable/software offers a standard serial interface through
  which  standard modems can be connected, transferring (serially) up to
  the Series 3a limit of 19.2K (9.6K for the Series3).

  Paraphrasing "Lord John" - w0400@ggr.co.uk:

  The  Serial 3link cable is a null modem connection, with a male 25 way
  end.   To work with a modem, you need to "un-null" the modem wires, so
  you  have  a  straight through link.  The wiring of the plug is below.
  Note  that  pin  8  is  not just "in the air", but connected to pin 6.
  Choose plugs with whatever gender you need.

                           2 ------------- 3
                           3 ------------- 2
                           4 ------------- 5
                           5 ------------- 4
                           6 -+----------- 20
                           8 -+
                          20 -----------+- 6
                                        +- 8
                           7 ------------- 7

  The  harder  part  is  correctly  configuring the modem; each modem is
  different.   You  need  to  configure the modem and the Series 3/3a to
  handshake on RTS/CTS.  I do not use Xon and Xoff for flow control with
  the  modem;  these  characters  are  passed  through  to  whatever  is
  connected  to the modem.  Using this configuration, I can consistently
  operate the link at full speed with no problems.

  Also  of  interest,  Klaus @ ernstk@delphi.com notes:  The Psion Modem
  Adapter (cable), Partnumber 055856, is wired like this:

            Pin name    Pin number    Direction          DB-25
                        Mini-Din      Series3 - Other
            DCD             1         <-------------     8
            RD              2         <-------------     3
            TD              3         ------------->     2
            DTR             4         ------------->     20
            SG              5         --------------     7
            DSR             6         <-------------     6
            RTS             7         ------------->     4
            CTS             8         <-------------     5
            RI              9         <-------------     22
            FG            shield      --------------     1

6.8 With a packet radio TNC

  If  you  want  to  work packet radio mobile/remote, your Psion will be
  just  great  because  of it's small size.  Adding a TNC (Terminal Node
  Controller) is just like adding a modem actually (that's what TNCs are
  in  the first place!), so make the "un-null" cable first (as described
  in  the modem section).  Be sure to have a full cable with the CTS/RTS
  lines and set XFLOW OFF on your TNC as you should preferably use these
  hardware  lines instead of software XON/XOFF codes.  As for a specific
  packet     program,     you're     in     luck:     Roger    Muggleton
  (G0HZK@GB7WIR  on  packet)  made  a nice program called Pocket Packet.
  Now if someone could just write a little BayCom driver program...

  For  more  information  concerning  packet  radio and amateur radio in
  general,  I would recommend you the "rec.amateur.radio.xxx" newsgroups
  from Usenet.

6.9 Terminal emulation

  The  3-link  cable software includes a dumb terminal emulation.  VT100
  emulators are also available.  There are some at the IC archive:

  vt122.zip VT100 emulator from Psion GmbH
  vt100v2a.zip VT100 emulator from Widget <http://www.widget.co.uk>
  (these are crippled versions of commercial products).

  There are also free/shareware/commercial alternatives:
  FreeVT (File: FreeVTxx.zip)
  PComm (commercial; Psion)

6.10 TCP/IP stack

  There were two TCP/IP stacks being programmed for the Psion Series 3 a
  while  ago.   Unfortunately,  I  don't have any news on whether or not
  _any_  program  has  been  finished.  All I could gather were rumours;
  apparently, Psion was also very interested...

  If anyone has more infos, please mail me or post to comp.sys.psion.


7. THE EMULATOR
===============
  Psion,  in  their great generosity, have released their Psion emulator
  for  the  Series  3  and  later  on  for  the Series 3a.  This is a PC
  product.   Also  please  note  that  it is completely *unsupported* by
  Psion and do not ask them for new versions, other platforms, etc...  I
  think  that  it  was  quite  nice  of  them  to offer their users (and
  potential users) such a nice tool.  We wouldn't want it to stop, would
  we?   The  files  are  available  as  usual  in  the IC archive in the
  development directory.

7.1 Limitations & bugs

  The following limitations & bugs were reported:

    -The  keyboard  is  only  "British"  and doesn't accept your regular
     keyboard  map  (either  use  one of the techniques described in the
     "Can  I  change  the  keyboard?"  section  or  see below for a more
     permanent way around this problem);

    -No sound;

    -The  system  screen "loses" your configuration each time you launch
     the  emulator;

    -It only works in DOS with 4Mb RAM and at least a 386 processor;

    -Caps lock works but doesn't show the symbol like on a real Psion;

    -Shift diamond key doesn't work;

    -It  doesn't accept direct keyboard scan codes - this is mostly used
     in games.

7.2 Tips & tricks

    -Alt+Ctrl+shift+S   makes   a   screen  snapshot  and  automatically
     increases the screen number in the file (unlike the real Psion);

    -Alt+Ctrl+shift+C   shows   some   memory   parameters  (useful  for
     development);

    -Ins key on the numeric keypad (0 key) switches between applications
     like Shift-System button on the real Psion;

    -If  you  replace  the 480 by 160 in the "HHSERV.PAR" file by 640 by
     480, you will get a complete screen on your PC.

7.3 Changing permanently the keyboard mapping (by Uwe Kallmeyer)

  The  keyboard map is held internally in the file "EPOC.DLL".  You must
  thus  patch  this  file  to suit your own keyboard.  It contains three
  tables,  one  for  Psion/Ctrl  keys,  one for shifted keys and one for
  normal  keys.   These  tables  start  at locations (for the file dated
  4.12.94, size 94736):
                        Psion/Ctrl     $35D8
                        Shift          $33D8
                        Normal         $32D8


8. PROGRAMMING
==============
8.1 Overview of development possibilities

  There are a number of ways in which you can program the Psion.  Choose
  the one which fits your abilities, requirements, and budget.

8.2 OPL programming directly on the Psion

  This  is  the  most straightforward.  If you can live with the cramped
  keyboard  and  screen,  you  can  pursue  this  option with no further
  outlay, anywhere you can take your Psion.

  Some alleviators: 
  1)A database of the OPL commands is available from the IC archive (see
    section 5) which you can load into the built-in DATA application.

  2)Switching  off the clock in the OPL editor will give you more active
    screen width.  CONTROL/menu toggles this.

  3)CONTROL/Word  takes  you  straight to the OPL editor from the system
    screen.

  4)Get  OPP from Andy Clarkson.  This is really *the* programmer's tool
    for  programming  directly  on  the  Psion.   It  allows you to have
    exactly  the  same functionnalities as with Psion's S3ATRAN and even
    more directly on your Psion!

  You  can  also  make  use  of  some  of the data which follows in this
  section, so read on.

8.3 OPL programming from a PC

  You  can  compose your OPL text files on your PC and send them down to
  the  Psion  with  the  link for translation, or you can obtain S3ATRAN
  from  the  IC  archive  (Section  5).  S3ATRAN will translate your OPL
  source into .OPO format which you can then use the link to move to the
  Psion.   In addition to translating simple OPL, S3ATRAN understands a
  number of C-like pre-processor commands, which make source preparation
  easier.   As well as this advantage, source preparation on a PC allows
  use of the full-sized keyboard and screen, use of whatever text editor
  you  favour, convenient storage and archival of important source code,
  and  access  to  printers.  It also allows you to make bigger programs
  since you are not limited to a 64k source like on the Psion.

  For   those  using  windows,  you  can  use  Psion's  Opl  Development
  Environment  (ODE)  which  is  a  *very*  nice  programmer's  tool for
  developing OPL in windows.  ODE is commercial.

  There  is  a Psion 3 emulator for the Series 3 and another one for the
  Series  3a,  both available in the IC archive, which allows you to run
  OPL programs on the PC.  For more details, see elsewhere in this FAQ.

  The  "Psionics  files"  are  a  collection  of information for the OPL
  programmer  who  wants to know more than is in the programming manual,
  but  who doesn't want the expense and effort of getting the SDK.  They
  include  general  explanations of system concepts, descriptions of all
  the system calls usable from OPL, information about some useful device
  drivers,  and  random  other useful items.  Much of the information is
  taken  from  the  official  Psion SDK manuals, with permission.  Clive
  D.W.  Feather is widely appreciated for having taken the time to bring
  this  information  to the Psion community.  You can get the latest set
  of files (which change quite frequently), from the WWW site.  See that
  section in the FAQ for the address.

  Psion  offer  Software Development Kits - "SDKs".  The lowest level is
  the  documentation-only  level.   This  currently  includes  two large
  ring-binders  which  document  vast amounts of detail about the Psion.
  Though much is of prime relevance to C programmers, a lot of essential
  information  can  be  gleened  by  the  astute OPL programmer.  System
  calls,  file  formats,  transmission protocols, OS structure etc.  are
  all to be had.  The SDK costs 75 UKP.  See the contacts section if you
  want to order it.

8.4 C Development on PC

  The  second level of SDK (see above) is called the "Standard SDK".  It
  includes  the  documentation  mentioned  above,  and  some software on
  floppies.   The  software comprises the TopSpeed C language system, an
  interactive   Psion  debugger,  some  customisation  files,  and  some
  examples.  This costs 155 UKP.

  "TopSpeed  C"  is  a  general  purpose  development  environment and C
  compiler.   You  can  use  it to write C programs for your PC, and the
  development environment allows you to add other language compilers.

  Psion's  customisation files taylor TopSpeed C so that it can generate
  image files which will run on the Psion.

  The Psion debugger allows C programs to be debugged.  Debugging can be
  done  at the C source code level, or at assembly language level, or in
  a  mixture  of  the  two.  The debugger also allows programs to be run
  locally  on  the  PC  in a form of Psion emulator, or run on the Psion
  itself  through  the  serial link.  A slew of very useful features are
  included in the debugger.

  Psion  also  provide some example programs which are referenced in the
  manuals.   Going  through these with the manual is a good way to learn
  about  the  Psion  and  the  best  way  to  program  on  it.   The SPY
  application is amoung the examples included.

  It  is  theoretically possible to write C programs for the Psion using
  other  compilers, but extensive expertise would be needed to avoid the
  pitfalls.   For  example, Topspeed C implements parameter passing in a
  way which is compatible with the Epoc operating system.

  Object-oriented programming is possible in this C environment.

8.5 Advanced C Development on a PC

  The  highest  level  of  SDK is the "Professional SDK".  This adds the
  source  code  of various device drivers to the Standard SDK.  It costs
  295 UKP.

8.6 Available books (by John A Watson)

  In order of complexity, the following books are available.

  1)First Steps in Programming the Psion Series 3 by Mike Shaw, 14.95 GB
    ISBN  0-7457-0145-0
    An introduction to the basic principles of programming.

  2)Graphic Programming on the Psion Series 3 by Bill Aitken, 14.95 GBP
    ISBN 0-7457-0156-6
    As the title suggests this is for those interested in graphics. 

  3)Serious Programming on the Psion 3a by Bill Aitken, 16.95 GBP
    ISBN 0-7457-0035-7 (Series 3)
    ISBN 0-7457-0282-1 (Series 3a)
    A   complete  OPL  programming  tutorial  from  basics  to  advanced
    especially graphics including sprite design.

  4)Machine Code Programming on the Psion Series 3a & 3 by John Farrant,
    16.95 GBP
    As  the  title  suggests  this book tells you how to program in 8086
    machine  code  and  assembly language.  The price/package includes a
    fully functional two-pass assembler with text editor and debugger.

  5)Introduction to Using the Psion Series 3
    by Ros Lawton & Isaac Davis, 14.95 GBP
    ISBN 0-7457-0146-9 14.95.

  6)The 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions for You and Your Psion
    Series 3a & 3
    by Richard Bloss & Adam Taylor, 9.95 GBP
    ISBN 0-7457-0300-3

8.7 How to do various things: tips & tricks
    (Thanks to Andrew Baldwin for material)

  1)First - reading the programming manual which came  with  your  Psion
    more than once is thoroughly recommended !            

  2)REVTRAN - is a reverse translator  available  at  the  archive.   It
    turns OPO modules back into OPL - though variable names may be lost.
    This  program  allows  developers to see how others have implemented
    their programs, and this may  give  valuable  insights  into  useful
    programming techniques.  Please note that you should not use REVTRAN
    to circumvent protection mechanisms, to avoid paying shareware fees,
    to  steal  programs  or  fragments  thereof,  or to do anything else
    illegal or anti-social.  Some OPL  programs  are  protected  against
    reverse translation.

  3)SPRITES - the manual doesn't make it clear.  You can have  only  one
    sprite.  You must emulate any further sprite functionality in OPL.

  4)MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ARRAYS - are not provided in OPL, but they can  be
    emulated.   For  example, a two dimensional array: ARRAY%(X%,Y%) may
    be implemented by declaring ARRAY%(Z%) (where  Z%=X%*Y%).   You  can
    now  access  element  (a%,b%) as ARRAY((b%-1)*X% + a%).  Each access
    requires  arithmetic  so this will incurr a speed penalty.  OPP, the
    OPL  preprocessor, implements this (exactly like described) but with
    complete transparency to the programmer.
 
  5)SPEED - OPL can get slow.  Here are some ideas for speeding them up.

    a)Where  does  your  program  spend  the  most time ?  Find out, and
      concentrate  on  those  sections.  It's pointless speeding up code
      segments which will not impact overall speed significantly.

    b)The use of floating point numbers is very slow; the Series 3 calls
      code which emulates a floating point processing chip.  Major gains
      can  be  had  if you avoid floating point numbers.  Often integers
      can be used with a mental shift of the decimal point.

    c)BUILT-IN  FUNCTIONS  like SIN can also be very slow.  Sometimes it
      is  preferable  to  build  a  table  of  answers and use a look-up
      strategy.
    
    d)On  the Series 3a, make use of the procedure cache, which can keep
      often-used  procedures  in  memory - thereby avoiding a heavy time
      penalty for loading them in.  On the Series 3 there is no cache to
      use,  but  you  can  place  the procedure code inline to avoid the
      overhead.   There  will  be  a  readability/complexity overhead to
      trade off.

    e)Use gUPDATE to restrict screen updates, as detailed in the manual.

    f)OPL allows the programmer to call machine code routines, which can
      be highly optimized for speed.  These can be built from C programs
      using  the  SDK,  or with an assembler (available in the archive).
      Programming  at  low  levels  requires  extensive knowledge of the
      Series 3 Operating System.  During development crashes are common,
      and  data  loss  may well occur.  Also note that re-implementing a
      code   segment   at  a  lower  level  will  not  necessarily  give
      significant  speed  improvements;  it  depends on what the code is
      doing.


A. SHAREWARE/FREEWARE SOFTWARE
==============================
  Please  note  that the software described here is just a small part of
  available software and that it would be impossible to track down every
  single  share/freeware Psion program.  If there is a program which you
  would like to see added to the list, please write a mini review in the
  same  style as these here and mail it me.  I'll gladly add it and give
  you credit!

  Just  some guidelines if you wish to submit a mini-review: mention the
  author  (and  Email  address  if possible), the exact filename and the
  type  of  program (free/share/cripple) as from the list below.  Do not
  write  more  than 2-3 sentences and do not mention any "this is great"
  or "this is bad" comments, thanks!

A.1 Applications

  I've  used the following definitions below.  These may not accord with
  their standard meanings as used elsewhere.

  Shareware:   a  fully  functional program is provided, but the user is
               asked to pay for it.

  Crippleware: as  shareware,  but  the  functionality of the program is
               restricted  in some way to encourage registration.  (This
               may not make it unusable - ANY restriction puts a program
               in this category.)

  Freeware:    the  fully  functional program is given away free.  It is
               probably still copyright to the author and conditions may
               be imposed on redistribution.

  GNUware:     the  program  is distributed under the GNU General Public
               Licence:   among other things, this means it will include
               source code.

  Note  that  when  ``*''  appears,  this means the version number.  New
  version come out very often, so I can't track down each program.

  The  following  people  have  contributed their reviews (see the first
  part of this FAQ for their Email addresses):

  Roger Burton-West     (RBW)
  Steve Litchfield      (SL)
  Neil Masson           (NM)


  APPMAN: Jeremy Wakefield <jezar@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (RBW)
    For  the  advanced  OPL  programmer only, how to use those cascading
    dialogues   and   other   flashy  features  of  the  built-in  apps.
    Challenging but very useful.

  BATCHK: Pelican software: freeware (SL)
    Shows  you  the  state  of  your  batteries in a one-screened pretty
    display.  Even shows the state of the battery in RAM SSDs!

  CALC3A*: Richard Schmidt <100735.331@compuserve.com>: nagware (RBW)
    Not  to be confused with all the other calculators out there!  Solid
    and   stable   scientific   calculator,  including  editable  preset
    equations.  A little bulky, but very impressive.

  CMDP: Psion, Inc.: freeware (RBW)
    DOS-style command line interface for the 3a and Workabout.  Handy if
    you like command lines (I do).  Slightly quirky.

  CON3A: Tim Bentinck: shareware (SL)
    A  comprehensive units conversion utiility.  Allows every conversion
    under  the  sun,  and  a  few  more.

  DUMP3A: Wolfgang Schirmer <100022.1371@compuserve.com>: freeware (RBW)
    Elderly but still useful hexadecimal/ASCII file editor.  Perfect for
    inspecting and modifying binaries, finding resources, etc.

  DRAW: Rick Andrews: shareware (SL)
    Painting  and drawing application.  Its basic function is to let you
    create  PIC  files for use as icons or in slide-shows or in your own
    programs etc.  Allows PCX import/export.

  EIKON: Roger Burton West <rburtonw@nyx.cs.du.edu>: freeware (RBW)
    One  of  a  great many icon editors available - essential for anyone
    writing  applications,  or  just  customising the look of the system
    shell.   Yes,  this  one  is  my  own; it has more features than the
    competition, it's faster than most, and it's free.

  FE830: Psion, Inc.: freeware (RBW)
    Hex/ASCII  file  editor  for the PC, optimised for TLV files.  Needs
    some  technical  knowledge,  but  invaluable  for data recovery from
    corrupted  files.   (An  internal  tool  used by Psion themselves, I
    gather.)

  FIREPIC: Andrew Baldwin <baldwina@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (RBW)
    Picture  viewer.   Nothing special there, but this one will read and
    write  PCX  files  as  well as PICs; further DYLs may be written for
    other  formats;  and  it's being used by an increasing number of art
    packages.

  FONT*: Steve  Godfrey <stevegodfrey@cix.compulink.co.uk>:  crippleware
         (RBW)
    Edits  Psion  fonts.  You can use them in your own programs, but not
    in the built-in apps or for printing.

  JBDAT*: John  Boyce <jboyce@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (RBW)
    Replacement for Data, with much better functionality.  Needs lots of
    memory, but much more useful than the standard app.

  JBFND*: John Boyce <jboyce@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (RBW)
    Searches  files  (even open files) for a text or hex string, and can
    auto-launch files that match.

  JBLAUNCH: John  Boyce <jboyce@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (NM)
    Provides a single icon under which you can launch any program.

  JBSTOPGO: John  Boyce <jboyce@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (NM)
    Stops   all   your  programs  before  a  backup  and  restarts  them
    afterwards.

  JBTREE: John  Boyce <jboyce@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (SL)
    Allows  you  to  browse  round  a  Psion disk, tagging and deleting,
    viewing  or  moving  files.   Lots  of  extra  features too, such as
    viewing the space that could be reclaimed on a flash SSD.

  INSTALL: Psion GmbH: freeware (NM)
    Provides  configuration  for  your Psion, so that your system layout
    can  be  restored  after  a  reset.   (DP:Only  works correctly with
    english type Psions!)

  LOTTERY3: freeware (SL)
    This  application  will  run  a  complete simulation of thousands of
    years  playing,  just  for you, showing how often you would have won
    (or, more probably, lost) during that time.

  MACSYS: Tom Dolbilin <tdolby@prairienet.org>: freeware (RBW)
    The  Macro  System allows automation of most common Psion tasks.  It
    can  record  and play back a sequence of keystrokes:  but macros are
    actually  full  OPL programs, and can use all the power available to
    the system.  A little tricky to master, but very rewarding.  Several
    macros are available on the Net as separate files.

  MAP*: Steve  Litchfield  <slitchfield@cix.compulink.co.uk>:  shareware
        (RBW)
    Huge  geographical  information system with multiple overlays.  Maps
    of the UK, Ireland and London are available (separate registration).
    NOT a route finder, but handy for general information and basic town
    plans.

  NOTEPAD: Pelican Software: shareware (NM)
    A useful note-taking utility with links to other Psion applications.

  OPP (NM)
    This  is  an OPL pre-processor with various C-like features, such as
    #defines,  includes,  2D arrays.  Makes OPL much more readable.  See
    also section "Programming" for more info.

  PASON (NM)
    Switches  password  protection on overnight.  I use my Psion far too
    often to put up with entering a password every time I switch it on.

  PICPRINT & PRINTPIC (SL)
    Two  small  utilities  which allow printing from a PIC graphics file
    (for  example,  a screen-dump of a spreadsheet) to an Epson or Canon
    BJ printer.

  PIEDIR (NM)
    Gives  a  graphical representation of where your precious memory has
    gone.  Can do files only or can sum all the space under directories.
    Also shows space recoverable on a flash by formatting it.
    (DP:still quite buggy, but a new version should come out soon.)

  READER*  and  TCREADER:   Barry Childress <73510.1420@compuserve.com>:
                            nagware (RBW)
    Probably  the best text file viewer for the Psion, with many display
    options  and  good  buffering.  TCReader is a PC program to compress
    text files that Reader can view on the fly; it usually manages about
    50% reduction in size.

  RFM110: Psion, Inc.: freeware (RBW)
    TSR  to mount Psion drives over serial link to a PC, allowing normal
    PC  software  to access them.  Old and sometimes unstable, but still
    my favoured serial comms package (even over RCom/PsiWin).

  RVTRN*: Mike Rudin <mrudin@cix.compulink.co.uk>: freeware (RBW)
    Extremely  useful package to convert translated OPL programs back to
    source  code,  in  case  you've  lost  the source or want to see how
    someone  else  did something.  Controversial, and some programs have
    anti-Revtran "traps".

  S3ABANK*: Alan Richey <alanrichey@aol.com>: crippleware (RBW)
    An excellent general personal finance handler, with optional modules
    for  inventories,  expenses,  petrol,  etc.   Shareware  version  is
    severely   limited   (only  3  accounts).   Needs  lots  of  memory.
    Alternatives  are  available;  easier  to  use and less power/memory
    hungry, but not as complete: BankPlus, DPBank, SCBank.

  S3AEM1: Psion, Inc.: freeware (RBW)
    Series 3a emulator for the PC.  Try before you buy a Psion, test new
    software,  or  run  programs  at greater speed.  See also "Emulator"
    section in part I of this FAQ.

  S3AFRAME (NM)
    Supplies  an event-driven interface to OPL.  Menu selections and key
    presses are supplied as events to your OPL code.

  S3UZIP*: David Palmer <dpalmer@cix.compulink.co.uk>:freeware (himself)
    Port   to   SIBO   machines  of  Info-Zip  team's  Unzip.   Runs  on
    MC400/HC/S3/S3a/Workabout.   Unzips  any  version  2.xx  zip  files,
    including  across  a remote link (the fastest way to move files to a
    Psion).  Versions >= 1.4 include notes for developers on how to call
    Unzip from C/C++ or OPL.

  SHELL3A (NM)
    Gives  a  UNIX-like  command  line  interface.  This is particularly
    useful  for creating directories and removing files, where the Psion
    menu  interface  is  rather clumsy.  Not the least of its virtues is
    the  fact that it understands filenames using forward (/) slashes as
    well as back (\) slashes.

  TOPIX: Uwe Kallmeyer <uwek@yedik.escape.de>: crippleware (RBW)
    Multi-level  outline  editor,  with  links  to files from other apps
    (such  as  Word or Sheet).  Perfect for large project management and
    keeping track of long lists.

  TUBEFINDER: Steve     Litchfield    <slitchfield@cix.compulink.co.uk>:
              freeware (SL)
    A  simple routefinder for the London Tube system.  It's not the most
    accurate and thorough program in the world, but then hey, it's free!

A.2 Games (by Dan Ko)

Name         Stars Zip  Exp  Mem  Type FMT Collection Description
------------ ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---------- ------------------
pipe3a.zip   ***** 9k   10k  12k  S    F   ?          exciting puzzle
stigma.zip   ****  63k  87k  39k  D+C  F   ?          rolling ball
fair22.zip   ****  115k 197k 46k  S+C  F+S GamesPck3a THE golf game
tetris_2.zip ***** 9k   16k  6k   S    F   ?          Tetris nuff said
Patience     ***   -    -    8k   C    R   1Mb/2MbS3a zzzzzzzz
bunnies.zip  **    15k  42k  ?    F    F              slow platform
lander3.zip  ****  33k  62k  ?    S    F+S GamesPck3a cool space game
risk101a.zip ***+  31k  81k  14k  S    F   ?          strategy
willy11.zip  **    40k  68k  ?    S    F   doubt it   2slow2big platform
Tanka.zip    **    9k   12k? ?    S    F              S3 was much better

Stars:  Arbitary rating units, overall personal impression includes
        adjustment for size.
        *     waste of space
        **    avoid; boring, limited appeal
        ***   OK, if you've nothing better to fill your flash with
        ****  excellent, recommended
        ***** can't live without it

Zip:        The zip file size
Exp:        How much space the installed components will take up
Mem:        Free system memory required to run in
Type:       S Shareware
            D Demo
            F Freeware/PD
            C Commercial
Format:     F floppy (ZIP file)
            S SSD
            R built into ROM
Collection: Name of collection which contains this game

End of part 4/5
-- 
    __
   /// Daniel Pfund   Email:<Pfund3@uni2a.unige.ch>  AX25: HB9VBC@HB9IAP
__///  Amiga-Psion:a perfect match, multitasking power wherever you are!
\\X/   Psion 3(a) FAQ maintainer  http://www.lookup.com/homepages/53994/
