Microslate Sidearm

Hello Everyone.
Just Joined. I found this beauty at a thrift store in rural Maine last week.
Does not power up with external power. Waiting on the CR battery, but I would really like to get it going if possible.
Now...to see if I can upload photos.
M














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Welcome aboard CubMasterMark! Hey, good job, nice pictures! They sure don't build 'em like they used to! We confiscate all fully loaded "sidearms" here, safe spaces policy, AFAIK. Since yours appears to be disarmed, have no fear. Found this, as I'm not aware of the existence of your Yeller Beastie (I know them thars fighting words, callin it "yeller").: https://www.hpcfactor.com/hardware/devices/specification.asp?d=199 . They were quite pricey in their day==> $1500! Now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/193544935111?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=CAMPAIGNID&toolid=10029&customid=CUSTOMID&msclkid=a4b97ebc36c1183c250b1f9df1a35a3e

Best of luck on reviving your new acquisition. Maybe our illustrious HPC Guru, Rich Hawley has seen one and can give you some pointers/clues. Programs are in solid state ROM, I have a few MP800's that require 13.5 volts power supply, not the usual 12v for most, WinCe 2.1 also.

Joval

My Goodness!

I wish I found that ebay listing before I spent money on mine.

I contacted him and nova mobility systems to ask about manual and software....

I'll let you know how I go.

Best Regards,

M

I love the design!

Since it is a StrongARM machine you can try to boot my Linux Kernel.


Stefan

Welcome to the forum!

The unit looks very sturdy and tough!

Edited by stingraze 2021-08-23 8:43 AM

Thanks Stefan... good point. Yes, it is a StrongARM : https://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_handhelds_novamobility_sidearm.html

CubMasterMark,

I can confirm Stefan's Linux Kernel is a great way to bring back the "power and glory" of these legacy devices. (Once again, a Big Thanks to Stefan for creating it!)

Since you are obviously capable of dissecting /tinkering with HPC... you may want to explore Stefan's suggestion. If it works, it could really expand your Sidearm's utility in a "dual boot" format. With the USB functionality and Linux, who knows what might be possible!

Hope you get it up and running,

Joval



Edited by joval 2021-08-23 4:28 PM

Would love to try that!

However...
1. replaced Crxxxx battery
2. applied 7.5 volts external power - lights flickered, but I think I need larger amp capacity.
3. sourcing (looking for it in my garage) a larger multi output transformer.

Best,

Mark

My 2 cents worth... Suggestions:

1 Be careful using under voltage power supply. Can damage electronics

2.Be careful using UnRegulated power supply... often output way excessive voltage. Check with voltmeter or add voltage regulator/ inverter as needed. Same reason why.

3. Most units of that vintage use lthium batteries 2 0r 3 cells 7.2 volt uses 12 volt charger, 11.8 volts uses 13.5 volt charger. You should be able to find the proper charger specs online or in manual.

Regards,

joval and HIS SIDEKICK :
(posted on)J720-StrongArm/StefansKernel/WPAwifi/RasPi_3B/VNC

Edited by joval 2021-08-25 5:50 PM

OK,...now I'm ready:

1. Power supply that was capable of any anticipated current draw on boot
2. booting light sequence lasted longer, with 3 lights persisting for seconds before all going dark
4. Then everything stays dark. Power button unresponsive
5. I am pretty sure anything in ROM is long gone with that CR battery being so dead for so many years
6. Got a response from Nova mobility systems" have not had this product for 10 years, no manuals or software"
7. Ebay seller did not respond to my enquiries

So, I am ready to try anything you can share.

How do I get a new operating system on to it?
What magic 3 finger salute do I need to even get it to respond, or for me to know it is in a suitable state?

Best Regards,

Mark

Not entirely sure how this thread works, so replying to my own post in case my reply to other's replies is lost...

OK,...now I'm ready:

1. I found and used a power supply that was capable of any anticipated current draw on boot
2. booting light sequence lasted longer, with 3 lights persisting for seconds before all going dark
4. Then everything stays dark. Power button unresponsive
5. I am pretty sure anything in ROM is long gone with that CR battery being so dead for so many years
6. Got a response from Nova mobility systems " ... have not had this product for 10 years, no manuals or software"
7. Ebay seller did not respond to my enquiries

So, I am ready to try anything you can share.

How do I get a new operating system on to it?
What magic 3 finger salute do I need to even get it to respond, or for me to know it is in a suitable state?

Best Regards,

Mark

You basically can’t put a new operating system on these devices. Well, at least not without booting to the original OS first. The majority of HPCs from that time stored their OS in a non-erasable ROM chip. That’s probably your case too. Once you manage the power issues you’re currently having, your device will probably boot into WindowsCE in ROM and then you can go from there. You don’t need a CR battery or any other power source to keep contents in ROM alive. ROM chips keep their data forever. In fact, as I mentioned before, you really can’t erase them. What certainly lost its contents is the RAM memory, but that should be fine. RAM is only used to store user data, so erasing RAM is similar to a factory defaults reset.

Edited by ntware 2021-08-30 12:50 AM

That is, on one hand, excellent news!

On the other hand, I can't seem to get past the initial boot light sequence:
Power|wifi|"!"
1. green|off|off
2. green|yellow|off
3. red|red|red
4. off|off|off


any suggestions?

Best Regards,

Mark
BTW, I am in Boston USA

If you can find a way to hard reset it, it might help.

OK, here is where I am at:
Tried to hard boot as follows:
1. disconnect external power
2. remove dead main battery
3. remove CR battery, waited 30 min
4. install CR battery
4. applied external power, got my usual partial boot sequence of light flashes - then remains dead

repeated same, but added dead main battery before applying ext power
..
repeated same, no dead main battery, except on purpose did not install CR battery - same result

I wonder if anyone has any further suggestions?

Best Regards,

Mark Shilo