- What is "WeatherTAP PDA version"?
- What types of PDAs are supported?
- Ok, I have a PDA. How do I use the new PDA WeatherTAP ?
- How do I connect my PDA to the internet?
- Is there any additional cost for the PDA version of WeatherTAP?
- What types of data are available on the PDA site?
- Can I use "avantgo" , "isilo" , "blazer" , "palmscape" , etc. with weatherTAP's PDA site?
Q) What is "WeatherTAP PDA version"?
A) At the request of some of our users, we have created a new section of WeatherTAP that is specifically optimized for web-enabled Personal Data Assistants (PDA's). These are essentially mobile, hand-held computers. Some examples of PDAs on the market are the Compaq IPAQ, the HP Jornada, the Cassiopedia, and the Palm Computing line of products.
Q) What types of PDAs are supported?
A) The system was designed specifically for the 240x320 screen resolution
and image viewing features found on most PocketPC and Windows CE handhelds.
Examples include the Casio Cassiopeia, HP Jornada, Compaq Aero, and the
Compaq iPAQ.
Palm Computing Products or PDAs running the Palm OS such as the Handspring
Visor, Palm III, IIIx, V, VII (including the Palm VII wireless) generally
do not have web browsing / image viewing capability and therefore cannot
access the full range of WeatherTAP PDA images and products.
If you have further questions regarding the browsing capabilities of your specific PDA device, please contact your PDA hardware or software provider. You may also wish to check out the forum area of WeatherTAP - the PDA section.
Q) Ok, I have a PDA. How do I use the new PDA WeatherTAP ?
A) Basically, you need a web-enabled PDA (and you must be a subscriber to WeatherTAP). That means you must be able to connect to the internet in some fashion and be able to browse the web. Assuming you have a suitable PDA and it is connected to the web, the next step is to simply launch a browser and enter this URL:
Q) How do I connect my PDA to the internet?
A) There are several methods used for connecting your PDA to the internet.
Please contact your hardware manufacturer's website or customer support
for details on what connection options are available for your specific
PDA.
Generally speaking, there are two approaches used to connect a PDA to
the internet:
Wired access and Wireless access.
Wired Options:
Most PDA manufacturers (and 3rd party suppliers) offer modems that can be attached to ordinary phone lines. Using this approach you can plug a telephone line into your PDA, dial up your ISP to connect to the internet, then access weatherTAP. The obvious downside to this approach is that you must have access to a telephone line. The upside is that it is relatively inexpensive.
Wireless Options:
There are several wireless options available for most PDA's. Perhaps
the easiest to implement is to install a wireless modem and subscribe
to a wireless ISP. Omnisky (http://www.omnisky.com)
offers such a service. Another option is to plug your PDA into a digital
cell phone and use an existing digital cell network. Verizon (http://www.verizon.com)
offers such a service to its cell phone customers.
Another option is to plug your PDA into a digital cell phone and use an
existing digital cell network. Compact flash (CF) digital phone cards
which allow PDAs to connect with most cell phone models can be obtained
from Socket Communications."
If you need further assistance getting connected, contact the manufacturer
of your PDA.
Microsoft has a good support page for Pocket PC owners here:
http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/tutorials/connectionmanager/default.asp
Q) Is there any additional cost for the PDA version of weatherTAP?
A) No, there is no additional cost. Only a valid weatherTAP subscription is required.
Q) What types of data are available on the PDA site?
A) Currently there are local forecasts, NEXRAD Radar data, satellite imagery, lightning imagery, and some select Aviation Weather images. The feature is being continually developed and new items will be added if there is sufficient demand.
Q) Can I use "avantgo" , "isilo" , "blazer" , "palmscape" , etc. with weatherTAP's PDA site?
A) These are all specific browsers for PDAs operating with the Palm operating system (OS). Palm OS browsers will have limited internet capabilities and cannot view internet images larger than the screen. Currently, the only PDAs with large image viewing capabilities (that we have found) are the Windows CE / Pocket PC devices. Also, some Palm OS browsers are not able to access password protected sites. Please check the WeatherTAP forum topic PDA / Handheld issues for more information.