iSync 1.5: How to sync a PalmOS device over Bluetooth

In order to use iSync 1.5 with a Palm OS device over Bluetooth, you will need:

• iSync 1.5
• Mac OS X 10.2.5 through 10.3.9 (for 10.4 or later use iSync 2 and this article)
• Palm HotSync 3.0 or later
• a Macintosh with built-in Bluetooth or a third-party USB Bluetooth adapter
• a Palm OS device with built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth card

If you do not have a Palm OS device that is Bluetooth-capable, you may still be able to synchronize using USB. See Setting up to sync your Palm OS device.

Tip: If you pair the Palm OS device via the Bluetooth Setup Assistant, and the Palm device is also a phone, the computer may add and configure the Palm device as a Bluetooth phone. Use the steps in this document to set up the Palm OS device for syncing contact and calendar data via iSync.

First, configure the Mac

Download and install all of the following items to use iSync with your Palm OS device:

• Palm HotSync 3.0 or later, which is a part of Palm Desktop software
• iSync
• The iSync Conduit for Palm HotSync
• Bluetooth 1.2.1 or later. Find the latest Bluetooth software on Apple Downloads.

Tip: It's a good idea to use your Palm HotSync software at least once before adding your PalmOS device to iSync. Why? Palm HotSync may install important updates and other items on your PalmOS device. You may also be asked to establish a user account to use with your Palm device the first time you sync.

Then, follow these steps:

1. From the Bluetooth menu or Bluetooth System Preference pane, make the computer discoverable.
2. Open the HotSync Manager application on the Mac (/Applications/Palm/HotSync Manager).
3. Choose HotSync > Conduit Settings.
4. In the Conduit Settings window, double-click the iSync Conduit, then check the option for "Enable iSync for this Palm device."
5. If you're using a Palm device that's localized for use with Japanese, check the option for "This is a Japanese Device."
6. Click OK.
7. Click the Connection Settings tab.
8. Make sure the Bluetooth-pda-sync-port option is checked.
9. Close the HotSync Manager window.

Second, configure the Palm OS device

Set Communication Preferences

1. Tap the Home button on the Palm OS device until you can see all installed applications.
2. Tap the Prefs application to open it.
3. Tap Communication, or Bluetooth depending on your Palm OS version.
4. If you tapped Communication in the previous step, tap Bluetooth from the Communication listing.
5. Make sure the pop-up menu next to Bluetooth is set to "on".

Set HotSync Settings

1. Tap the Home button to exit Prefs and return to the Home screen.
2. Tap the HotSync application listed in the Home screen to open it.
3. Tap the Menu button on the Palm.
4. Select "Connection Setup" from the menu that appears.
5. Tap the New button.
6. For the connection name, enter Bluetooth.
7. From the Connect To pop-up, select "PC"
8. From the Via pop-up menu, select "Bluetooth"
9. From the Device pop-up, tap the "Tap to find" button.

The Palm will search for Bluetooth devices in range. After the search is complete, your computer should appear in the listing on the Palm.


Pair Devices

1. Select your computer from the list of found devices on the Palm, and tap the OK button. You will be prompted, "Do you want to add to your trusted device list?"
2. Tap Yes to confirm that you want to pair your computer and Palm OS device. You will be prompted to enter a passkey on the Palm.
3. Enter a three- to seven-digit passkey (all numbers) on the Palm and tap OK. You will be prompted on the Mac to enter the same passkey.
4. Enter the passkey on the Mac and click Pair.
5. After pairing is complete, click OK on the Palm to exit the Edit Connection screen.
6. Tap Done to exit the Available Connections screen.
7. From the HotSync screen, tap the Local button.
8. From the pop-up menu below the HotSync Logo, select Bluetooth.

Initiating a Sync

1. Go to the Home screen on the Palm OS device.
2. Open the Palm HotSync application from the Home screen.
3. Tap the HotSync icon to initiate the sync.

Tip: If you are using a USB-to-Bluetooth adapter and are having difficulty syncing with your Bluetooth device, plug the adapter directly into the computer (instead of a keyboard, display or other USB hub).