Psion 5MX intro

The Psion series 5 (5MX) is a handheld computer, based on the EPOC operating systeem.

This tool contains a lot of standard software, like Word, Sheet, Contacts, Agenda, E-mail, Web etc.. There is also the possibility to synchronise this handheld (by the standard supplied cable) with Windows Outlook. It is thus much more then "just a standard" organiser. If you want to now more about the specifications, you better take a look at the appropriate web sites. On the links-page are these sites mentioned.

Besides the standard supplied software, there are a lot of different programs on the internet available (commercial, share- and freeware).

GPS and Psion is currently a hot item. There are made a lot of applications for this combination. I use applications myself like Streetplanner Millennium and Routeplanner Millennium of Palmtop. But the programs PsiNMEA and Realmaps belong to my favorites too.

Besides the possession of the Psion 5MX, GPS-receiver and software, you don´t need much anymore. Depending on the amount of desired data files (land- and/or roadmaps) may an additional CompactFlash card (memory card) necessary. The roadmap of Routeplanner Millennium (whole Western-Europe) uses approx. 12Mb data.

Now you´ve got the hard- and software, its time to connect them together with the serial cable. I did find out that there is a way to lead the power supply via the serial cable of the Psion. This saves one cable (in the mess). Therefore the serial cable needs to be adapted. This is a simple, but a patient job to do. It saves you a lot of batteries, but it is not necessary. At the "Cables" page you get the detailled description.

To let it all funktion properly, you have to (series 5/5MX):

Switch within the system menu system ->menu ->extra ->communication to "off".
Within the "planner"-menu just select the option "GPS":

routecfg.jpg (36000 bytes)

Just check if everything works correct (tab "information"):

routetst.jpg (31340 bytes)

After pressing "OK" you get the actual position on the screen (RoutePlanner Millennium, maximum zoomed in):

routescr.jpg (29029 bytes)

(Streetplanner Millennium, maximum zoomed in):

street.jpg (38311 bytes)

Note: The pictures shown above are made by putting the GPS receiver in "simulation mode". With this option, you can really simulate every GPS position and/or speed you like.