Can I use a Palm to configure the DigiSnap in the field?

Yes you can! Like any other computer with a serial port, the Palm has several terminal emulator programs available. We've successfully tried Online from Markspace.com, but I suspect all of them will work. You will need to turn off the RTS?CTS and XOn/XOff handshaking.

The tougher part is that you may have to come up with a cable modification first. WE have a Palm M100, so the discussion is specific to that model using the supplied hot sync cable, but I believe it's a similar issue with the other model. In order for the DigiSnap to recognize that it is connected to a terminal, it must see an active signal on Pin 1 of the interface. The palm hotsync cable puts the desired active signal on Pin 6 instead. All of the pins are correct, except that pins 1 and 6 need to be shorted.

There are a few ways to do this:

1. Modify the DigiSnap... if you carefully short out pins 1 and 6 on the back of the DigiSnap's DB-9 connector, for example by soldering on a small bit of wire, then it's ready to go. Pin 6 isn't connected to anything on the DigiSnap 2000, so there is no issue with compatibility. If you like, let us know before you order the DigiSnap and we'll do this for you for free.
2. Make a cable adapter. Make a DB9 straight-thru cable, but short out pins 1 and 6.
3. Use a pair of Null-Modem adapters. These adapters generally short pins 1 and 6, but also swap some pins, so you have to do it twice to end up with a straight-thru connector. This should work without having to modify anything, but will require two null-modem adapters, plus whatever gender adapters you need to get it all connected again.

The DigiSnap menus were designed to fit on a larger screen, so some of the text doesn't fit very well on the Palm. We've had a request to simplify the menus, and if we get a few more requests we just might do that.