Belkin G700 Keyboard Driver Update

[Clemenza]

I have just received the latest version of the driver from Makodo Chen, and posted it here:

http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/courses/Loyola_Theo_192/G700.html

This version is a vast improvement over the last one. Apart from the movie record/playback bug fix, text display while typing is much faster, and the dropped spacebar problem has all but disappeared. (With the previous version, quite a few spacebar clicks wouldn't register, even at only moderate typing speed. I don't know if anyone else had that problem...)

There is still some lag, but the keyboard is much more usable now. Mr. Chen and his partners are obviously working very hard on this project, and as an NX70 owner who REALLY needs a keyboard, I'm grateful for their efforts. Lately I've been on the verge of getting a KB11 and breaking out my soldering iron, but his last release has given me confidence in the G700.

Best wishes,

Mike

P.S. Some users are reporting encountering the following Fatal Alert upon HotSyncing with the latest driver release:

Fatal Alert "Preferences.c, Line:266, PrefDB Open Error"

[n2ifp]

Fantastic!

Thanks!

[rhart00]

glad to hear. I might have to go out and buy a G700 now

[ruubster]

This is great news! Looking forward to trying it out.

Sorry I haven't kept up with the threads if this has been answered before - but I was wondering if the problem between having the driver enabled and hot synch still exists? Same question with regards to apps running slow if the driver is loaded in internal memory? - i.e. do I still need to move it to memory stick when not using it?

Keep up the good work guys!

BTW - I have an extra Belkin G700 (Made a tactical mistake while doing the eBay bid!) for the NX70V - if anyone is interested in buying one send me a note (ruub@adelphia.net). It's in the original packaging, etc.

ruby

[MonkeyK]

Is this new driver just for the NX70? Or does it work on T-series too?

[OcellNuri]

ruubster... the driver still causes slow down. I can't remember whether the hotsync issue has been fixed yet or not though. I know you can start a hotsync with the driver on, but I cannot remember whether the driver will automatically reactive afterwards or not.

MonkeyK... this driver is for OS5 devices. I believe 1.7 is the newest version for OS4 devices. This version worked flawlessly on my NR70V. You can go to the Belkin support page to find the newest OS4 driver.

[Clemenza]

Some users have encountered the following Fatal Alert upon HotSyncing with the latest driver release:

Fatal Alert "Preferences.c, Line:266, PrefDB Open Error"

I'm getting this same error whether syncing via Cradle or wirelessly, with the driver either enabled and disabled. :mad:

I emailed the issue to Makodo and hopefully he'll have a fix for it soon.

[inertia memphis]

Just checked Belkin's site, they ahve new more universal PDA keyboard coming out that is wireless using IR. Cost only $60.

Although is just another battery to worry about, but. As far as ir, looks like it has little reflector that fits on PDA, the clie's clamshel seems ideal for this. I already have BT stick so would rather have that, not that I need to type 30' away from my screen. I loved my old Targus Stowaway keyboard for my Handspring but they not seem to have any support for NX or Palm OS5

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=200588&pcount=&Product_Id=144042

[Srevets]

Originally posted by inertia memphis
Just checked Belkin's site, they ahve new more universal PDA keyboard coming out that is wireless using IR. Cost only $60.


http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=200588&pcount=&Product_Id=144042

Problem with that (since this is in the NX Series forum), and if my understanding is correct, is that it is NOT compatible with the NX's enhanced IR.  Am I right about that? Is anyone aware of an IR input device that is compatible wiht NX's enhanced IR?

Regards...

[pruss]

I just tried this driver. There is a visible delay between keystrokes being registered on my NX70V, and moreover the 1, q and a keys didn't seem to get registered at all. What is even more curious is that neither problem occurs when I use the driver from the Belkin website. (Did you by any chance post an older driver by mistake?)

The only problem with the driver from Belkin's website so far is that not all spacebar presses get registered, but in this case this seems to be a hardware problem. Namely, if I hit the extreme right side of the spacebar key, it doesn't register, but if I hit the middle or left side, it does. Does anybody else have this problem with their G700? Should I just exchange my G700?

Alex

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by Srevets


Problem with that (since this is in the NX Series forum), and if my understanding is correct, is that it is NOT compatible with the NX's enhanced IR.  Am I right about that? Is anyone aware of an IR input device that is compatible wiht NX's enhanced IR?

Regards...

The NX actually has two physical IR ports. One is the normal strength port that the OS uses. The second is the enhanced port that Clie RMC uses.

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by pruss
I just tried this driver. There is a visible delay between keystrokes being registered on my NX70V, and moreover the 1, q and a keys didn't seem to get registered at all. What is even more curious is that neither problem occurs when I use the driver from the Belkin website. (Did you by any chance post an older driver by mistake?)

The only problem with the driver from Belkin's website so far is that not all spacebar presses get registered, but in this case this seems to be a hardware problem. Namely, if I hit the extreme right side of the spacebar key, it doesn't register, but if I hit the middle or left side, it does. Does anybody else have this problem with their G700? Should I just exchange my G700?

Alex

Hi Alex:

The driver I posted is indeed the latest one. The spacebar issue you mention was definitely a problem with the previous version, and I encountered the problem exactly as you described--the right side of the spacebar wouldn't register, etc. I have a feeling that perhaps the earlier release of the driver didn't take into account both the left and right switches. Since the problem is solved with the latest version, I can't think of any other explanation. I haven't had the 'q,' '1,' and 'a' key problems, though...

As for your other observations: Do you think the text display lag is the same as with the previous release? To me, it seems to have improved somewhat, but I can't really tell. The biggest bug so far with this release is the fatal error mentioned earlier in this thread. Some people are getting this error and others aren't. I've been corresponding with the driver's programmer about the problem but he still hasn't locked it down. It would probably help him if those who are getting the error could email him with the info; if he has us all trying different solutions at the same time, it would probably speed up the process. (I've been doing hard resets with selective program installations to try to pin down a possible conflict. Haven't found it so far...)

The programmer's name is Makodo Chen, and his address is:

MakodoChen@darfon.com.tw

Albert Hon, the previous project leader for the G700 driver, gave out Makodo's address in the other G700 driver thread, so I don't think he'd mind it being listed again here. Makodo and Albert seem like really nice guys and I'm certain they'd appreciate the assistance.

Hopefully the final version of this thing is just around the corner...

--Mike

[pruss]

I didn't try the earlier releases of the beta driver. I only tried the driver from Belkin's website and the latest driver you posted.

The driver you posted also doesn't register the right-hand side of the spacebar. Does the spacebar really have two key switches? (I remember a similar problem with a PowerBook 190. It turned out that there was only one key-switch and it was off to the side with the key mechanism a bit flawed.)

I think I was wrong about the 1 key not working. Only the Q, A and Z keys don't work.

Maybe I am not actually getting the latest version of the driver from your site due to caching or something? (I know that sometimes files updated on a website don't propagate for a while.) Could I get you to email it to me? (ap85@georgetown.edu)

Does the programmer read this forum, or should I email my comments to him separately?

Alex

[Srevets]

Originally posted by OcellNuri


The NX actually has two physical IR ports. One is the normal strength port that the OS uses. The second is the enhanced port that Clie RMC uses.

Thanks for the clarification! :)

[poisonberry]

Just downloaded this driver, and it works worse for me than the last one, I'm afraid. The 'm' key didn't seem to be working either, and the typing seemed slower, if anything. have gone back to previous version...

[Unregistered]

the driver works "better" than the older one, however, after using it, hotsync manager has to be reset on the pc itself. so there still are significant bugs.

i also found that the space bar is hightly inconsistent and that there is a noticeable delay between typing and seeing the visible response

[AndyK]

Can I assume that people who used these same keyboards on earlier Clies -- not with OS 5 -- didn't have the spacebar problem? I.e., that it isn't a flaw in the keyboard's physical construction?

[ruubster]

I don't think it's a hardware problem because the spacebar performance improved significantly (for me) from the previous driver version to this latest one. The typing speed also improved a lot, though still a bit slow.

Fortunately I haven't had any of the reset problems after loading the driver (I did have a weird problem one time where some of the keys just would not register - but I reinstalled the driver and everything is fine now) - I followed the direction on deleting the old drivers and disabling and moving the driver to MS when not in use.

ruby

[Clemenza]

My findings are similar to Ruby's: Spacebar registrations (especially on the right side spacebar switch) are more accurate, and text display speed is a bit higher, but the lag is still there.

As for the Fatal Alert on HotSyncing: I have managed to resolve the problem and am no longer getting the error. It is indeed caused by using the keyboard with Documents to Go, as some have speculated. Following the steps below will eliminate the Fatal Alert, allowing you to use the keyboard with any application OTHER THAN Docs to Go. This solution also allows you to keep Docs to Go installed with the conduit fucntional so that you can use Docs to Go with grafitti, sync documents, etc, and still use your G700 with other applications, without generating the Fatal Alert. Here's what I did:

1. I uninstalled the driver and performed a HotSync (no fatal alert).

2. I reinstalled the driver, removed it from the cradle, then tapped the 'Reset' prompt.

3. I opened the driver application, then deactivated it.

4. With the driver deactivated, I performed a HotSync, with no fatal alert.

5. As a test, I then activated the driver then performed another HotSync. Again, no fatal alert.

If, after these steps, you use Docs to Go with the keyboard, the Fatal Alert will return upon your next HotSync.

--Mike

[pusfarm]

Originally posted by inertia memphis
Just checked Belkin's site, they ahve new more universal PDA keyboard coming out that is wireless using IR. Cost only $60.

Although is just another battery to worry about, but. As far as ir, looks like it has little reflector that fits on PDA, the clie's clamshel seems ideal for this. I already have BT stick so would rather have that, not that I need to type 30' away from my screen. I loved my old Targus Stowaway keyboard for my Handspring but they not seem to have any support for NX or Palm OS5

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=200588&pcount=&Product_Id=144042 I stopped at Fry's on Wednesday night for something unrelated, but stumbled across this keyboard.  It's $50 and explicitly states that it works with the NX [see attached shot... whenever it shows up].  However, after trying it on both my NX70 and T665, my verdict is that it sucks big wind!  POS Grande!  I tried different batteries, locations and angles of the reflector, but could only get it to register once briefly (on the 665) when I held the infrared ports nearly together - not an ideal typing position.  I also got errors when trying to enable the driver on the NX that I didn't get on the 665 [but they were only occasional].

Checking the Belkin site to see if any updated drivers were available, all I found was that it's coming soon.  HUH??  Be afraid... be very afraid.

Good thing I still have my G700!

[pusfarm]

Here's another pic of the packaging of the wireless keyboard.

Yes, I tried the wireless driver on the G700.  No, it didn't work - it generated a fatal error and prompted a soft reset every time.

[johnsonk47]

After many different approaches to the Fatal Alert problem and having read another thread on PowerRun, I tried moving the driver to MS via PowerRun and it worked once fine. Then I had problems enabling the keyboard. So, I put the driver back on the handheld, reset, and left the driver on. Now I can sync and use the keyboard without messing with the driver. The keyboard is on even when I sync. It's operating the way my old Stowaways use to work on my Palms and an NR. I've performed these operations more than five times over a day.

It's a mystery, but as long as its working, I'm not messing with the driver. The driver is the most recent version.

[OcellNuri]

Just remember... a keyboard driver needs to be in RAM to work. It will not work loaded with PowerRun.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
Just remember... a keyboard driver needs to be in RAM to work. It will not work loaded with PowerRun.

Your Right! Too many don't understand that PowerRun is not necessary for every app. In some cases a user can use up more RAM by using PowerRun than either by leaving it in RAM or using the Palm Launcher folder. Certain apps may have to stay in RAM too, especially ones that have hooks into the OS. Ocell, of course this info is not for your benefit, but for the other posters.

 :cool:

[pruss]

By the way, the OS5 driver from the Belkin site still seems to work just fine for me, except for trouble registering presses on the right side of the space bar.

I thought I had turned it off two days ago, too, but it was on all along and it didn't seem to slow down any applications. In the meanwhile, I've hotsync'ed without any problems, with the driver on. It's true, I wasn't sync'ing much information--I only got my NX70 on Monday.

So I am puzzled. What is the relation of the test driver to the release on the Belkin site? The test driver is slow, and not all keys register on my NX70, while the release is fast, and everything works, except the right side of the spacebar (which could be just a hardware problem).

Alex

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by johnsonk47
After many different approaches to the Fatal Alert problem and having read another thread on PowerRun, I tried moving the driver to MS via PowerRun and it worked once fine. Then I had problems enabling the keyboard. So, I put the driver back on the handheld, reset, and left the driver on. Now I can sync and use the keyboard without messing with the driver. The keyboard is on even when I sync. It's operating the way my old Stowaways use to work on my Palms and an NR. I've performed these operations more than five times over a day.

It's a mystery, but as long as its working, I'm not messing with the driver. The driver is the most recent version.

Like I said earlier, I'm fairly certain that the Fatal Alert comes from using the G700 with Docs to Go, then performing a subseqent HotSync. Docs to Go and the G700 driver can both reside on the PDA without conflict, and you can use each separately (i.e., G700 with Memopad and Docs to Go with Grafitti, etc) and you won't get the Fatal Alert. It's USING the G700 with Docs to Go that will generate a Fatal Alert on the next HotSync.

If you're getting the Fatal Alert, simply uninstall and reinstall the G700 driver, then perfrom a HotSync. That will stop the Alert from occurring; then, just limit your use of the keyboard to apps other than Docs to Go until the bug is fixed.

(Of course, these are just my findings; it would be helpful to know if the above works for others as well...)

[stevejohnson460]

I'm trying to remember: has anyone posted this Doc to Go error with the driver developer, Makodo?

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by stevejohnson460
I'm trying to remember: has anyone posted this Doc to Go error with the driver developer, Makodo?

Yeah, he's got all the info on it.

[Banshee]

Originally posted by Clemenza


(Of course, these are just my findings; it would be helpful to know if the above works for others as well...)

Nope, just tried the delete, hotsync, reset, install, reset hotsync route. Still get the same error...:(

 

 

[afrixione]

That same fatal error that happen with the belkin with Word to Go apparantley also applies for trying to use it with Wordsmith (i believe by handmark). Which sorta is crappy cause that's why i'd want a big keyboard. DARN. anyway, anyone know what can be done?

[LeggNet]

Hello all,

Do we know if further development of this driver is continuing; or are we left with the latest version. I find it plenty usable but would like to see the Docs-2-Go error eliminated.

Cheers, Rich

[rclodfelter]

I have to say I am confussed just like pruss.

I installed the 4/7 driver and the a key would not work. I looked around in this thread and saw a post about the Belkin driver so I downloaded and installed it. It fixed my a key problem. I also opened and edited a file via Docs To Go and then hotsynced with no problems.

 

 

[devaspark]

I also downloaded the driver from the belkin website and it worked fine. Apparently, belkin released their own os5 driver for the portable keyboard, while Mr. Chen was working on his version. Either way, good work on the drivers!

[terue5b0]

I just tried the G700 (with latest OS4 driver from Belkin's site) with Documents to Go Premium v5.004 on my SJ33. Everytime I open a new document and type ANYTHING, when I press "Done", I get the "Fatal Exception" error and have to reset. Is there a different driver for the G700 that will allow me to use the G700 with Documents to Go? Thanks.

[terue5b0]

So which one is causing the error? Docs. to Go or the G700 drivers?

[terue5b0]

Anyone ever come up with this problem on a OS4 CLIE (Specifically a SJ33) except for me?

[cambium]

I just got an email from Makodo with a new driver. Just installed and it SEEMS to work great! The typing input speed is awesome. No delay that I can tell. I never had the spacebar problem so I don't know if it fixed that.

It appears to be a whole new driver. The icon is different; layout of the application seems different; no slowdown that I can tell when using Bejewelled. The "About" information says this is version 2.0 Build 0626. They also list a different website for more info..http://www.princeton.co.jp I'm headed there now. Still haven't tested it during a HotSync.

Lookin' Good!!

Update-just did a HotSync. Worked fine. I'm happy now!

Update 2 - They most definitely are different. My old driver was 57k, this new one is only 31k. Amazing.

cambium

[Unregistered]

where can the rest of us download this new driver? thank you.

[OcellNuri]

I have e-mailed Cliesource with a link to the driver asking if they could host it here. In the meantime, e-mail me and I'll try to send it out to as many people as I can. It may take a day, because I'm going into work in an hour.

ocellnuri[*at*]earthlink[*dot*]net

[LeggNet]

Sounds great.... now just have to get ahold of it :)

Cheers, Rich

[srodsimpson]

I just tried the new driver on my NX and it works great until I stop typing for a moment (less than a second). Then I have to slide the Clie around on the connector while holding down on a key to get it to work again. This is happening pretty consistently. Anyone else have this problem?

...Rod

[cambium]

Rod,

I haven't noticed the problem that you describe on my NX. I type and stop and type again and it seems to work fine.

cambium

[srodsimpson]

I uninstalled it, reset, then re-installed it and I get the same thing. Not sure what the next move should be. It really looks promising when it's working!!!


...Rod

[wooj502]

It appears many of you have this new driver. Could someone send me this new driver to: wooj502"at"yahoo"dot"com, please? I would like to try this. Thank you.

[Srevets]

Originally posted by cambium
I just got an email from Makodo with a new driver. Just installed and it SEEMS to work great! The typing input speed is awesome. No delay that I can tell. I never had the spacebar problem so I don't know if it fixed that. 

Anyone know whether or not the Fatal Error for Docs 2 Go is resolved with this issue?

Regards...

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
I have e-mailed Cliesource with a link to the driver asking if they could host it here. In the meantime, e-mail me and I'll try to send it out to as many people as I can. It may take a day, because I'm going into work in an hour.

ocellnuri[*at*]earthlink[*dot*]net Ocell, where did you get the driver from? You've got "Connections" if I'm not mistaken....

Cheers, Rich

[Unregistered]

Rod,

I'm having about the same issue you are. I've uninstalled, reset, reinstalled, reset multiple times. The prior version (5/18/2003 or so) works perfectly for me. That's the only one that has from anywhere.

NX 60
Eruware driver 1.2, no card mounted
Jack Flash beta (just a couple of file managers in flash)
Power Run new beta
Mega Launcher 4.3
Mem Stick Pro system patch/256k Sony Mem Stick Pro
Other system patch
Wireless driver
(obviously other programs)

Any similarities, Rod or anyone that works? I'd like to help Makodo out, but I haven't tried the real hard core process of elimination.

Thanks!

[terrycg]

Thought I was logged in. Oh well...

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by LeggNet
Ocell, where did you get the driver from? You've got "Connections" if I'm not mistaken....

Cheers, Rich

I guess I'm on the beta test list. I have always gotten e-mails from Makodo Chen about new drivers. I think they also know I will do everything I can to make sure anyone who needs the driver will get it. :D

[Clemenza]

I've posted the new driver here (http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/730ENKeyboardDriver.prc).

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by Clemenza
I've posted the new driver here (http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/730ENKeyboardDriver.prc).

Awesome!

[Srevets]

Thanks for the email Ocell... looks like I shoulda waited 10 more minutes! :D Thanks for posting link Clemenza! Gonna go try it out right now!

Regards...

[Srevets]

Speed is great and absolutely no missed space bar taps. WTG Makado Chen! Thank you.
One question though, what happened to the R Shift and Up Arrow exchange? My right pinky isn't used to the stretching! :)

[UZI4U182]

Wait a tick...is this any better/worse than the one on Belkin's website?

[OcellNuri]

Yes, it's about 500% better. No lag.

[UZI4U182]

awesome, thanks guys

[Siliconbug]

I've got the same problem in my NX60 as srodsimpson met.

The 0626 driver works at the first time I type, and after a break (even just one second!) I can't type in any word. I have to unplug NX60 and plug NX60 in again to make it works.

After I plug it in and get a break for just one second, G700 sleeps again....

[cambium]

For those with problems...
I just tried it again this morning to see if I was mistaken. Nope, mine works fine. I have:

NX70V
Eruware driver with a mounted card
FitalyVirtual, activated
TT4NX, activated
Many other "normal" programs


I do not use/haven't installed:

Jack Flash
Power Run
Mega Launcher 4.3
Mem Stick Pro system patch/256k Sony Mem Stick Pro
Other system patch

Could it be one of these?

cambium

[srodsimpson]

Sorry for the delay in getting back,

Here's what's on my Clie (nx70/v):

Zlauncher (with some apps moved to the MS
EruWare CF Driver
Sony System Update
MSPro patch
JackFlash
Updated Clie Files
Updated Flash Lib
...And some programs

I'm not sure I'm well positioned for a hard reset quite yet, but that may be the only way to figure this out.

...Any other suggestions??


Thanks,

...Rod

[Kleejam]

Thanks Clemenza. This beta seems faster...

[terrycg]

Hi all,

Added to my earlier post:

McPhling, tried both enabled and not enabled-no help
FontsforNX 1.51 enabled

I emailed Makodo last night (California time, GMT-8) with a summary of these posts and directions to this thread.
I'm not quite at uninstall/hard reset point yet either, but I'm still playing. I also have two G700 keyboards that were purchased about six months apart, and they both don't react in the same manner.

There are two separate threads on this topic right now, the other in the general forum. Would it make sense to combine them??

Thanks again for any responses...

[SFredbeard]

I am having the same problem: I power on and I am able to type. As soon as I pause (as described, even a second or two) the keyboard becomes unresponsive, as if disconnected from Clie. If I power off and on the functionality resumes. Why is it sleeping/disconnecting after only a second?

I have the CF driver installed
Fonts 4NX
YiShow
JackFlash

[johnsonk47]

The driver works the best of all versions on my NX60. Responsive and no space-bar hangs. The delete button doesn't work with any fn, ctrl, cmd combination, or by itself. I also miss the ability to have the shift key closer and the automatic cap feature. But this is so much nicer to work with than the other versions.

[srodsimpson]

I tried a few things to get my new driver to work but to no avail:

BTW, after deleting each app I soft-reset just to make sure.

Removed Okey: No improvement
Removed Jot: No improvement
Removed Jackflash: No improvement
Removed Game Controller: No improvement


I'll have to do a little research to remove the files for MSPro.
I'm almost to a point where I think I can get by doing a hard reset. You don't ralize how much "stuff" accumulates until you have to implement the ol' BRP!

...Rod

[AndyK]

Weird: I installed the new driver from Clemenza's site, and now, as soon as I attach the keyboard to the Clie, I get a "HotSync failed" message.

[Kleejam]

Before attaching the keyboard, you did run the driver and click the on button, correct?

[AndyK]

Assuming "blue" is on, and "white" is off, then yes.

[Kleejam]

oh well, i hoped it would be easy...

[terrycg]

Hi Rod,

If you haven't done the research yet, I saved off the documentation when I downloaded the update.

Excerpted:

"Scroll down the list and confirm that the following filenames and versions are displayed:

3452MSLib v2.10
Avx VFSSrc v1.1
CardInfo.prc v4.5s
FATFS v5.01
PXA250UsbLd v1.21
SCSILib v1.20
StatusBar v1.11"

Hope that helps...

Terry

[terrycg]

AndyK,

You need to do a soft reset after you install the driver.

I've forgotten a few times, and I always get the hotsync message. Never gotten it after a soft reset. Hope that fixes it...

[srodsimpson]

Thanks for the documentation Terry!

I'll probably try removing some of the updates over the weekend.

...Rod

[stevejohnson460]

Has anyone else noticed that the Up-Shift symbol (and "up" arrow) doesn't appear on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, even though the characters are shifted when you press the shift key?

[Sneezy]

I haven't looked through all these posts, so sorry if this is old news, but...

The backspace key on my TG's keyboard stops working with the driver activated. I have yet to test the driver on my NX to see if I get the same problem.

Otherwise, the driver is excellent! Thanks, YJChen, for the job well done!

[UZI4U182]

I am also getting the problem where the keyboard stops working after a 2 second pause or so.

[Unregistered]

So does anyone know if this driver resolves the "Fatal Exception" error when you use the G700 with 'Documents to Go'?

[dark79]

I've been having the 2-sec wait problem that some others have reported. I decided to go ahead and clear my FlashROM, perform a hard reset, and try installing the driver fresh.

I found that I still have the 2-sec problem! I even soft reset after installing the driver and before actually using it.

So for those out there that believe it's the fault of a system patch, don't bother testing a hard reset.

Wasn't there more than one version of the G700 keyboard? Could it be that there's a version that just won't work with this driver?

For reference, the model # on my G700 is F8Y1501

Maybe someone who has a fully functional driver wouldn't mind posting the model # of their G700?

[UZI4U182]

Well, there are two separate keyboards for Palm models and CLIE models, but I don't know about model number wise. My number is the same as yours, Dark79.

[terrycg]

I haven't seen any other model. I have two of them purchased at different times (same model as yours) and both have the 2 second problem with this driver. I was hoping for some sort of a manufacturing difference, but oh well...

[SFredbeard]

turn beam receive on!!!

[SFredbeard]

have played with input now with beam receive on and it works like a charm....finally, a functional keyboard for my NX!!!!!!!!! Bada-Bing!!!!!!!!!

[dark79]

Beam receive on of off, I still get the same results.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by SFredbeard
turn beam receive on!!!
Thanks.

This tip works with my G700/NX60

[Sneezy]

I'm starting to think it's a problem with the NX, not the keyboard. My keyboard has the same model version as the one mentioned above.

My NX is one that was purchased only a few months ago, serial no. 4036601. Did you guys having problems purchase your NX early?

My NX is like my TG; when the driver is turned on, the backspace key fails to work (on the clie's keyboard, that is). No biggie, though.

I hope we can get this to work for everyone, it's one of the best things to happen for OS5.

[Sneezy]

Actually, I just tried to do the reverse of the above poster. Mine's working, so I tried to turn off beam recieve. The keyboard stopped working in a few secs. Turned it back on, and it started working again. Good job, redbeard!

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by Sneezy
Actually, I just tried to do the reverse of the above poster. Mine's working, so I tried to turn off beam recieve. The keyboard stopped working in a few secs. Turned it back on, and it started working again. Good job, redbeard! I concur. I was able to replicate the problem by setting 'Beam Receive' to off. Enabling beam receive seems to be a small price to pay for the functionability of this driver. Nice work on troubleshooting!

Cheers, Rich

[terrycg]

Thanks !!

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by Sneezy
I'm starting to think it's a problem with the NX, not the keyboard. My keyboard has the same model version as the one mentioned above.

My NX is one that was purchased only a few months ago, serial no. 4036601. Did you guys having problems purchase your NX early?



Hi Sneez--

My NX70 S/N is is 4002782, and I'm not experiencing any problems. Beam receive = 'on' for me.

[ruubster]

I just tried out the new driver and everything seems to work great; speed much faster, no problem with sleep after not typing for a bit, no problem with hot sync (Thanks for the soft reset reminder that was posted - the driver load doesn't prompt you to do that anymore so you'll have to remember to do it yourself). Also checked it with docs to go and don't seem to be running into any lock up issues.

I still have a slight problem with the space bar right side - but I think it's mechanical on mine and I'll just have to figure out how to make it more sensitive.

The only request I have now is that the option to switch the shift and up arrow keys be added back in - I really need that to make it truly touch typable. Any thoughts from the developers?

Great update so far, though.
ruby

[dark79]

Hmm, well, it's good to know people are getting it to work. When I tried installing after the hard reset, it didn't work and a hard reset automatically turns beam receive on by default.

I also thought to try turning it off when I installed. Then on before I tried using it. Still the same problem.

One a side note, is the icon for the driver supposed to just be a blank blue dot? That's all mine shows. Thanks for the help all. I'll continue to try to figure this thing out.

[terrycg]

Hi dark79

Now that you mention it, that's all mine is too.

[Siliconbug]

I plan to rollback to the previous driver which is posted in late May (not the driver dated in 2003/06/06).

I think this new 2003/06/23 driver doesn't support Chinese IME very well, because all the hotkeys I used in CJKOS (for typing Chinese words) doesn't work anymore....

Does one any still have this driver? Neither 2003/05/17, nor 2003/06/06, but 2003/05/31 (or 30? Which is from Belkin's website)

[srodsimpson]

Thanks to the post that tried the hard reset. Now I can rule that out. I tried beam recieve on and off and got generally the same behavior (dies after a brief stop in typing). Hwerver, If i Trounce around on the keys in the upper left corner (esc, number keys etc.) It comes back to life albeit with a bunch of unwanted characters inserted in the text.

This is really unworkable for me in its current state and I haven't seen a driver yet for this keyboard that really functions correctly for everyone. I think it still needs some TLC from the developer, who, BTW, I think is very responsive given that this keyboard wasn't really advertized to work with the NX in the first place.


.....could use some help though,

...Rod

[srodsimpson]

Siliconbug,

I've got the May 17 driver. PM me and I'll send it to you.

Regards,

...Rod

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by srodsimpson
This is really unworkable for me in its current state and I haven't seen a driver yet for this keyboard that really functions correctly for everyone. I think it still needs some TLC from the developer, who, BTW, I think is very responsive given that this keyboard wasn't really advertized to work with the NX in the first place.
I find this interesting, as this driver works flawlessly for me. Kinda makes me wonder if there is a certain app or 2 out there that cause some of this grief.

The only possible improvement I could see (as I've previously said) is a hires icon :)

Cheers, Rich

[Phydeaux III]

For me... it seem to have a conflict with Avantgo. If I try to sync with the driver on, it will crash when Avantgo tries to connect. If I sync with the driver off, Avantgo canot make a connection.

Strange...

If I remove the driver, everything works fine.

[dark79]

Originally posted by LeggNet

Kinda makes me wonder if there is a certain app or 2 out there that cause some of this grief.


I've tried installing the driver by itself after a hard reset and still had problems. I think there have been others that have tried as well. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait on another update.

[ruubster]

Hmm, PhydeauxIII, I have Avantgo and there does not seem to be a conflict in my set up. I have Avantgo configured so that it moves most of the data to the MS (using their last beta release instructions).

Avantgo will, at times, not connect for unknown reasons - so it may be just coincidence that it worked after you removed the G700 driver?

ruby

[srodsimpson]

Well, mine still has the problem of stopping if I wait more than a second between keystrokes. If I take the Clie off and put it back on then it works again until I hesitate in typing. Sometimes if I just type as many keys as fast as I can when it's "sleeping" it will re-engage -- but overall, the same problem.

I've disabled the Game Controller, Jot and Okey but still the same results, even after soft resetting and alternating tries with beam on and beam off. I've also PM'd YJChen but haven't heard back as of yet.

Any ideas?

...Rod
...Rod

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by srodsimpson
Well, mine still has the problem of stopping if I wait more than a second between keystrokes. If I take the Clie off and put it back on then it works again until I hesitate in typing. Sometimes if I just type as many keys as fast as I can when it's "sleeping" it will re-engage -- but overall, the same problem.

I've disabled the Game Controller, Jot and Okey but still the same results, even after soft resetting and alternating tries with beam on and beam off. I've also PM'd YJChen but haven't heard back as of yet.

Any ideas?

...Rod
...Rod

Makodo just sent out an e-mail saying that they should have a solution for this now, and will release a new driver with it fixed soon.

[UZI4U182]

Good news, because as far as I can tell the driver is perfect other than that!

[srodsimpson]

That's Great!!!

Thanks for the info Ocell!

...Rod

[Kip]

Hi hi,

I picked up a G700 today and downloaded the drivers from the files section of this site. Although everything looks okay on the screen, I can't get it to type at all. Can anyone help?

TIA,
Kip

[OcellNuri]

Have you turned the drivers on? Also make sure you don't have any other keyboard drivers installed.

[Kip]

Wow! You're fast!!:)

Yes, the drivers are "on" and there is no other keyboard loaded. I didn't download the CD that came with - should I have?

Kip

[OcellNuri]

No, it should work with just the driver from the web. Can you hotsync alright?

(I happend to be online when I got the e-mail saying this thread had been replied to... :-D )

[UZI4U182]

No, the ones on the CD are for OS 4.x devices.

[Kip]

Yep,

I just tried a hotsync and it was fine. I also tried a soft reset and that didn't make any difference.

Kip

[OcellNuri]

Sounds like you may have a defective keyboard. If you bought it from a physical store I'd try and take it back and exchange it for another one. If you have access to another Clie, try loading the appropriate driver and see if it works on that unit. If it works on another Clie, then it could be a software problem. If it doesn't, I'd say it's the keyboard.

[Kip]

Okay, (sniff)

Thanks for your help. ;)

Kip

[srodsimpson]

Does anyone know when we can expect to see an update to the Belkin G700 Driver to address the problem some of us have with it seeming to "sleep" after a second of not typing.

I know Ocell was saying that it would be soon, but could we get a feeling for what "soon" might translate to in days/weeks/etc. ??

Thanks for any info you may be able to get!

...Rod

[dark79]

Originally posted by srodsimpson
Does anyone know when we can expect to see an update to the Belkin G700 Driver to address the problem some of us have with it seeming to "sleep" after a second of not typing.

I know Ocell was saying that it would be soon, but could we get a feeling for what "soon" might translate to in days/weeks/etc. ??

Thanks for any info you may be able to get!

...Rod

I e-mailed the developer about the problem about a week ago (maybe more) and he said it'd be a week or two before the new driver came out. So I'd say it's either any day now up to a week from now.

[ruubster]

Just wondering if anyone communicating with the developers can find out if they're going to put the Shift and up arrow key swap option back into the driver. Is there another way to make the request? I sure could use that function and it sounds like a few others would like it as well.

thanks!
ruby

[OcellNuri]

That was one of the first requests I made ruubster. :D

[srodsimpson]

Thanks for keeping us in the loop Ocell!!!!


...Rod

[terue5b0]

Anyone who has a Belkin G700 Keyboard for CLIEs, I have a request. If you have time, could you please send me a copy of the OS4 driver that is on the CD that came with your G700? Thanks.

terue5b0@erau.edu

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by terue5b0
Anyone who has a Belkin G700 Keyboard for CLIEs, I have a request. If you have time, could you please send me a copy of the OS4 driver that is on the CD that came with your G700? Thanks.

terue5b0@erau.edu http://web.belkin.com/support/download/downloaddetails.asp?download=1032&lang=1

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by terue5b0
Anyone who has a Belkin G700 Keyboard for CLIEs, I have a request. If you have time, could you please send me a copy of the OS4 driver that is on the CD that came with your G700? Thanks.

terue5b0@erau.edu http://web.belkin.com/support/download/downloaddetails.asp?download=1032&lang=1

[terue5b0]

Thanks LeggNet, but I should have made my question more clear. The reason I am asking for the copy that comes on your CD is to see if an older version of the driver will work with my CLIE. So if you do have the G700 for CLIEs would you mind sending me a copy of the OS4 driver that is on the disc that came with the G700? Thanks.

terue5b0@erau.edu

[LeggNet]

Here's the one off of my CD...

http://www.leggnet.com/clie/FoldableKB.prc

Hope this helps... Rich

[terue5b0]

Thanks. With this version of the driver (v1.0), I don't get anymore "Fatal Exception" errors when I use the G700 with Documents to Go, QuickOffice and WordSmith like I do with the latest version of the driver (v1.7).

[Siliconbug]

Hi all,
Is there any news for G700 OS5 driver?

[Dropzone]

Hi. Wanna ask is the Belkin OS5 drivers on their website the latest updated version? I am using a Benq KB, which is effectively the same as Belkin. I tried using the drivers d/led from Belkin website. However, the drivers cause my NX80V not being able to run Piscel viewer and clie movie viewer.

Furthermore, when I am typing, there seems to be a lag, which causes 1 keystroke not be entered every about 10-20 seconds. Anyone knows what is the problem?

Also, can anyone send me your Belkin OS5 drivers to me to try it out? My email is: juscogenz@yahoo.com.sg

Thanks!

[Siliconbug]

New driver for Belkin G700
v2.07 Build 0813

[Srevets]

Thanks for the update, Siliconbug. Can you provide a link? Thanks!

[Dropzone]

Yup. I would appreciate it if you can provide the link. Thanks!

[Siliconbug]

I attached the files, but it didn't show up....

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by Siliconbug
I attached the files, but it didn't show up.... If you would like to email the driver to me, I'll post it on my server.

rich(at)leggnet.com

Cheers, Rich

[LeggNet]

Originally posted by LeggNet
If you would like to email the driver to me, I'll post it on my server.

rich(at)leggnet.com

Cheers, Rich

And here it is: www.leggnet.com/clie/belkinkbdriver08132003.zip

Cheers, Rich

[UZI4U182]

Is this newer than the one on Belkin's site?

[LeggNet]

This version was released on August 13th.

[OcellNuri]

Does anyone have a list of updates? I'm a little dissapointed I got out of the loop on this one.

I've tried it out, and I can't find many bug fixes.

[Dropzone]

What do you mean by "got out of the loop by this one"? Does it mean that the latest Belkin version drivers downloaded from legnet.com cause a error on the PDA?

[gyffes]

It means Ocell has been on the Bleeding Edge of DriverQuest2003, only to fail to pay attention of late and now he doesn' even know what version we're on, where it resides or what it fixes, if anything!

Poooooor Ocell.

Well, poor me, too. I'm in da same boat.

[OcellNuri]

Hehe. Bingo.

Not exactly though. I used to get the drivers in e-mails, and then help distribute. I guess they are skipping the middle man now. Means I have to keep up with it now... instead of sitting back and waiting! :D

[Dropzone]

It seems that this belkin drivers does have some conflicts with my nx80v. for example, toy races and gts racing comes to a supppppperrrrrr slow pace when the drivers are on. Sometimes, piscel viewer will not work too. anyone got any same problems?

[Pen-Pen]

Hi!

You know that I like to modify the keyboards that I have, and I have just buyed the Belkin G700 (for not died idiotic), and I have a question to ask to you: who will want to see his keyboard Belkin G700 passing from qwerty in azerty?

[Dropzone]

i'm on. haha

[dannn]

I have a driver Thats VERY good! i dont know what version it is but I can post it up if you guys want.
Its very fast and doesnt interfere with any other programs when its enabled. i'll have it up once i copy it frmo my 70

[Dropzone]

cool. pls upload. i needed those good one. :) can email me at juscogens@msn.com too

[Pen-Pen]

First, download this driver (http://pen.2.free.fr/downloads/fichiers/belkinkbdriver08132003.patched.zip) (it's exactly the same as the last one of this thread, but in azerty) and install it on your clié.

Use your keyboard.

Leave me time to make some photos to show how to change the keys on the keyboard (you will see, it is not very difficult)

[Dropzone]

hehe, now that feels funny. ;)

[dannn]

This driver is great but has the sleeping problem.

[n2ifp]

Yes, you're right, I fogot about that issue.:(

[gyffes]

Hey, Larry [mildly off-topic alert], have you acquired the UX-50, yet? And if so, how's the keyboard on it? IF you have one, do you/can you still use the Belkin?

[Siliconbug]

I don't meet any sleeping problem even when I turn beam off.

[leung]

I have problem with the backspace, not working at all! if i press tab, it crash!
problem with the thumbboard, not the keyboard

[Siliconbug]

V2.09 Build 0112
http://forum.palmislife.com/attachment.php?aid=6472

[stevejohnson460]

Thanks, Siliconbug. Great driver. I'm not sure which version I was using, but this one shines.

One thing I notice, though. It seems to take the driver several seconds to "warm up." When I first open an application (notepad or Documents to Go), it takes several seconds or several keystrokes before the keyboard becomes active. Any idea why, or workarounds?

[gyffes]

You may want to try Igor Nesterov's wonderful driver, still in beta but closing in on final release. It does require you to load YAHM -- yet another hack master, a tiny hack master Igor wrote in ARM to make the driver work right.

With version 0.9.1, I'm even able to keep the driver active and still hotsync. I urge you to take a look and see if this fixes your needs. Igor's been VERY responsive to suggestions/requests to improve aspects and that's more than we've seen from other driver developers of late.

http://yahm.palmoid.com/g700_drv.zip

[Siliconbug]

To stevejohnson460,

It doesn't happen in my NX73. Some other tips:
Jayman said we can install PXA250SerDrvLoader.prc to speed up typing. http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41020

Also you can use PXA Clocker to overclock G700 driver, and it can also speed up typing in my NX73.


To gyffes,
Thanks for your info. I know Igor's driver, but it's not stable while typing in Chinese. Especially when I switch between typing in English & Chinese.


BTW,
For anyone who needs a G700 keyboard, Belkin has 50% off using code: 34087. This code also works with all Belkin products (except for refurbished gear) at www.belkin.com

[karnac]

Is it a foregone conclusion that you need to delete the old Belkin app before installing any of the new or updated drivers?

[gyffes]

Actually, most suggest you uninstall it merely to HOTSYNC, so you should be used to uninstalling.

Note: that with Igor's new driver, there's no need to uninstall to hotsync.

[karnac]

Thanks.........I ended up just deleting the old one off the Clie and installing the new one. Works perfectly now. The keyboard is OK and Hotsync is back on track.

[dougproctor]

Has anyone noticed a problem with the official Belkin G700 driver for the Tunsten T3 and alarms? I think I have identified that with the driver enabled, the alarms don't sound when the machine is off. In other works, the "wake up" function doesn't!
I have twice hard reset my machine and onlt put on the Belkin driver and the alarm only sounds when the machine is physically switched on. This obviously causes a problem with the T3's auto off function as there is no way of putting a nil setting in.
Interested in other people's experiences before I tackle Belkin.
Thanks
Doug

[gyffes]

Doug, have you tried Igor's Unofficial Belkin Driver?

It's quite stable and he makes constant tweaks to attend to the various problems that do arise. Give it a shot and if you're still having the difficulty you mention, I bet he comes out with a fix in short order. He's very responsive.

[sinnlos]

could you please re-up?

thanks.

I have just received the latest version of the driver from Makodo Chen, and posted it here:

http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/courses/Loyola_Theo_192/G700.html

This version is a vast improvement over the last one. Apart from the movie record/playback bug fix, text display while typing is much faster, and the dropped spacebar problem has all but disappeared. (With the previous version, quite a few spacebar clicks wouldn't register, even at only moderate typing speed. I don't know if anyone else had that problem...)

There is still some lag, but the keyboard is much more usable now. Mr. Chen and his partners are obviously working very hard on this project, and as an NX70 owner who REALLY needs a keyboard, I'm grateful for their efforts. Lately I've been on the verge of getting a KB11 and breaking out my soldering iron, but his last release has given me confidence in the G700.

Best wishes,

Mike

P.S. Some users are reporting encountering the following Fatal Alert upon HotSyncing with the latest driver release:

Fatal Alert "Preferences.c, Line:266, PrefDB Open Error"