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Information For Creation Of Springboard Modules?

Posted by Cliff on from the resources-for-when-you-want-to-pick-up-that-next-language dept.

SL33Z3 asks: "I've been toying with the idea of creating a Handspring Visor Springboard module. However, since I have no real formal training (and don't plan on it anytime soon), no hardware knowledge and am very new to C/C++ programming, I have no idea what to even search for when looking for documentation and technical publications for beginners. Where can I find the information I need with at least some very simple examples of how to handle simple I/O operations on a proprietary piece of hardware? I've pored over the technical documentation on Handspring's site and viewed the hardware specs and even got excited to find all the parts and accessories I needed were easily accessible and reasonably inexpensive. If I can get some help, I'll be glad to start developing and posting my experiences on a site for future beginners to view as well."

6 comments

  1. I'm no Springboard expert... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    ..but if you want information on Springboards, you really should check out SBS.net.

  2. Re:Good luck by jmalicki · · Score: 1

    As he said, and as is clear on www.handspring.com, the specs are out there. You don't even need to register or ask for them, they're just on the website. He just doesn't understand them.

  3. Memories... by bonzoesc · · Score: 3
    I remember my ancient Epson LX-86 dot-matrix printer came with a thick-ass manual that told you how to write a graphics engine in BASICA. If every hardware manufacturer had this type of manual now, we'd be in heaven in terms of hacked devices.

    Now, though, you need a ton of C and/or C++ knowledge to do anything not involving HTML or Flash. If you don't have the skills, you can't pay the bills. In your position, I would first learn C, and then how the hardware works.

    Tell me what makes you so afraid
    Of all those people you say you hate

  4. The guy who knows what hes up to. by Kalrand · · Score: 3

    Go to http://www.visorcentral.com and look in the forums for a guy named "DKessler". This guy is singlehandidly designing modules and releasing plans to folks.
    He seems to post in the "Springboards" area.
    He started the "CF adaptor" thread.

    Kalrand

    -the voice of reason

  5. Good luck by schneidh · · Score: 1

    Being a computer engineer, I can say that unless you can get the specs for this, it will be very difficult to anything. Even with the specs, you may not easily have the necessary tools or want to spend the type of money needed to develop something like that. Some people are pretty good are reverse engineering technology, but that is a very rare talent.

    1. Re:Good luck by schneidh · · Score: 1

      My bad, I should have read the entire story before posting