Exploring Psion's Drives with Java_Psion_Link

PsiWin 2.3.3 will actually install on current Windows 10 64-bit (as of 1/21), sync Outlook (at least Outlook 2010), convert files, and backup/restore your Psion's drives.

But the Explorer portion of PsiWin, the ability to copy/paste files in the Psion, is a no-go in Win10. But "John" over at Sourceforge developed a Java program to do just that. Though the program is circa 2004, it still works remarkably well in Win10:

http://www.littlespikeyland.com/psionlink/

To make things easier, all necessary files and instructions are available for download here, all except Java itself.

There are two sets of instructions included, but the javaxcomm_install.docx refers to an installer, which is also included in the download. I chose to install the files manually.

Since I rarely use java and its later renditions appear to be as bloated as any software, I installed the older Java 1.4.2, referenced in the enclosed "JPL installation on WinNT.rtf," and this smaller Java works without complaint.

Once you're up and running, connected to the PC's proper COMM port with a USB-Serial adapter and Psion's Link set to 115K Cable, the Psion's drives appear in an Explorer-type setting on the PC. From there, you can copy files and directories, much like PsiWin's own Explorer on older versions of Windows.

There's also a backup/restore option that was unsuccessful in my testing. PsiWin's own backup/restore is much more robust.

Do make sure that PsiWin is completely shut down before running JPL; otherwise, they will have a port fight.

Given all the difficulties of syncing/exploring WinCE devices on current Windows, it's amazing that a PsiWin/JPL tandem soldiers on.

Jake



Attachments
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Psion_Java_Explorer.zip (988KB - 2 downloads)

Thanks for sharing, will definitely try this out

Wow, thats great news! I have a Psion 7 which I thought I might dig out but wasn't sure if Win10 would support it!
Thank you for sharing!

I've got everything working with both a Series 7 and a Mako

Jake

Sort of unrelated to your post but a general question about the psion devices; how good are the keyboards on these compared to a mobilepro?

Depends on the Psion, I think. I don't own a Mobilepro, but I'm still positive that it has a hugely better keyboard than the Revo/Mako.

As for the Series 5/5mx and certainly the Series 7, Psion was renowned for those keyboards. For reference, I would say a 5/5mx keyboard is better than a Jornada 720's (though the J720 is a better device for a variety of other reasons).

And the Planet Computer's Gemini/Cosmo series sells itself on its keyboard, which is a Psion keyboard reincarnation.

People complained about the dodgy screen cable of the Psions, but never stopped bragging about the keyboard.

Jake

This is great! I've seen the java psion link but never tried it. Good to know that it works so well. I've made a port of plptools to windows, which allows mapping the psion drives under windows, but at the moment it is painfully slow and not worthy of release.



Edited by munchausen 2021-02-03 5:11 PM

Slow or not, that's pretty impressive.

Jake