From 50131069e4eefabcb1efbb6701b8147fff1abf4f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Lance Edgar Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2025 23:45:20 -0600 Subject: [PATCH] Add RattailPalm --- RattailPalm.md | 35 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 35 insertions(+) create mode 100644 RattailPalm.md diff --git a/RattailPalm.md b/RattailPalm.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d4a6788 --- /dev/null +++ b/RattailPalm.md @@ -0,0 +1,35 @@ +# Rattail for Palm OS + +"Rattail for Palm OS" is an application which runs on certain Palm OS handheld devices. It is meant to be used as a simple and generic data collection utility, e.g. for the purpose of performing an inventory count, setting shelf locations, etc. + +The basic usage involves the user scanning a barcode, then optionally inputting a case and/or unit quantity amount for the item. This is repeated until the scan "batch" is complete from the user's perspective. The handheld is then synced with the desktop PC, and a CSV file is created which contains the barcode and count data from the handheld batch. + +The screenshot below gives some idea of the app's function (shown here running in the Palm OS Emulator): + +[see screenshot](https://rattailproject.org/images/RattailPalm.png) + +## Supported Devices + +Before you get too excited, know that there is currently only one device model supported: + + * [Aceeca Meazura MEZ1000](Hardware-Aceeca-Meazura-MEZ1000.-) + +It is hoped that others will be added in the future. Unfortunately most device manufacturers only support using the [Metrowerks CodeWarrior](http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/homepage.jsp?code=CW_HOME) development suite, which is not free. Thus far however the Rattail app is built with the free [[http://gl.access-company.com/products/opensource/download/|Garnet OS Development Suite]]. Therefore future device support will depend either on locating scanner libraries which may be linked by the GCC compiler, or else a purchase of the !CodeWarrior suite will be an inevitable requirement. + +For now focus will remain on the former option; however there is not a lot of urgency to the problem in general. It is likely that all development will sit still for a while. + +## Installation + +There are really two components to this application: the Palm OS application which runs on the handheld device, and a Palm !HotSync "conduit" which runs on the desktop PC. + +### Handheld Application + +Assuming you have a Palm OS handheld device which is already configured to sync with a desktop PC, simply download the Rattail app and use the !HotSync installer to install it to the handheld. Usually this is as simple as double-clicking the application file and then doing a sync; however this will depend somewhat on your configuration. + +The application file can be downloaded [[https://rattailproject.org/downloads/Rattail_Palm/|here]]. + +#### Aceeca Meazura MEZ1000 + +In addition to the Rattail app, this handheld also requires the presence of the "BCS2 Shared Library" app. This is distributed by Aceeca as part of the [IDV1000-BCS2 SDK (Software Development Kit)](http://www.aceeca.com/index.php?option=com_maqmahelpdesk&Itemid=5&id_workgroup=1&task=downloads_product&id=5). + +The filename of the app you must install is `BCS2ScannerLib_V143.prc`. It is installed in the same way as the Rattail app. I would prefer to offer this file as a direct download; however I'm not certain that the license allows it, so I'm leaving it as an exercise for the user, for now.