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# 3.3. Special HotSync Questions

This section lists questions about HotSync methods that differ from the "usual" direct serial link method.

3.3.1. How do I do an infrared (IR) HotSync?
3.3.2. Can I do a HotSync with my (USB) Handspring Visor?
3.3.3. Is there any support for remote HotSyncs?

3.3.1. How do I do an infrared (IR) HotSync?

First of all your PalmPilot™ has to actually support IR HotSyncs. This can be achieved through various means: PalmOS 3.3 and higher include support for it; there is an IR enhancements package for older PalmOS versions; IrLink from IsComplete apparently has the same capabilities. Check out the Palm web pages for more information.

Assuming your PalmPilot™ now has PC HotSync support and it is setup to do IR HotSyncs (in the HotSync preferences on the PalmPilot™), we can turn our attention to the PC you will be syncing with. It needs an IR port. For laptops, this is trivial, desktop PCs may require some extra hardware.

Your linux kernel will need to support IR and the IRCOMM protocol. For stock RedHat systems, the following command should setup IR support (as root):

     # modprobe ircomm

Other distributions should follow the `IR-HOWTO`. Once IR support in the kernel has been activated, you need to make devices for the IR ports. The `IR-HOWTO` suggests (as root):

     # mknod /dev/ircomm0 60 64
     # chmod 666 /dev/ircomm0

Next we need to start some daemons for IR services:

     # irattach
    /dev/ttySn
     # irmanager
    -d 0

Here `/dev/ttyS`n`` is the serial port the IR port is using. `n` could be 0, 1, or some other number depending on your hardware setup. Follow the instructions in the `IR-HOWTO` for assistance (for desktop machines, it's usually a setting in the BIOS).

Once you've gotten this far, just make `/dev/pilot` point to `/dev/ircomm0` and you're ready!

3.3.2. Can I do a HotSync with my (USB) Handspring Visor?

Yes, you can. I don't have definitive information, but postings on the KPilot mailing-list have stated that you can point `/dev/pilot` to the USB device and everything will work fine.

3.3.3. Is there any support for remote HotSyncs?

No, not yet. Maybe later.

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