AOL MAIL & YOUR PC MODEM
NOTE : PILOTNET DOES NOT WORK WITH MACS, HANDSPRING VISORS, DSL OR CABLE MODEMS.
PILOTNET MAY NOT WORK WITH WINDOWS XP.

I don't have a Palm modem, but I'd like to read my AOL Mail on my Palm Pilot. How can I do this?

While AOL Mail is designed specifically to work with the Palm Modem, there is a work around for many PC users. This kludge worked flawlessly for me, even though it is not supported or endorsed by AOL. Fortunately, all the programs involved are freeware -- so you'll lose nothing by trying it out.

You'll need to install a serial port redirection program called PilotNet on your PC.  This little application (written by Malcolm Talley of Xorand Designs) lets you connect your Palm to the net via your Palm HotSync cradle. PilotNet will dial out via your PC's modem, them redirect the incoming signal to your Palm through the HotSync cradle's connection to the serial port. (Please note : PilotNet is a serial port redirection program. It will not work with USB cradles, DSL, or cable modems. I've heard that it works with the Palm m515. Since I don't have a Palm m515, I can't verify this. Since AOL Mail is no longer free, I would not recommend buying it on the off chance that it might work with a USB cradle.)

Here's how to get started:

1) Download AOL Mail from Keyword : Anywhere. (Cost is $20.00)

2) Download PilotNet (which is free) from Handango.com. URL = http://www.handango.com/PlatformSearch.jsp?siteId=1&platformId=1&txtSearch=PilotNet&optionId=1_1_2

3) Install AOL Mail on your Palm. 

4) Check the serial port settings and speed used by both your Palm's HotSync cradle and your PC's modem:

Find the Palm's settings by opening the Palm Desktop on your PC. On the Menu bar, look for "HotSync." Click on it and from the drop down menu, choose "Set Up" - which is the last option. (Note: you may have to minimize the Palm desktop to see the Settings dialog - for some reason, it is often covered up by the Palm Desktop.) 

The second tab on the Setup box is labeled "Local." Click on it and make a note of the Serial Port and the modem speed.

Find your PC's modem settings by right clicking on the  "My Computer" icon on your desktop. From the context menu, choose "Properties." In the System Properties display box, click on the second tab, "Device Manager." Click the radio button, "View by type" if it isn't already chosen. This will give you an alphabetical list of all hardware on your PC. Scroll down to "Modem" Click on the little plus sign beside "Modem" Now below "Modem" you should see a line displaying the name of your modem. Click on it once to highlight it, then click on "Properties" (at the bottom of Device Manager). From there, click on the tab labeled "Modem." Make a note of the Com Port and speed.


5) Now install PilotNet on your PC. You'll need to first unzip the file, probably called something like "pilotnet.zip." Then run the SetUp program and follow the on-screen directions.

6) Disable HotSync Manager on your desktop. PilotNet and HotSync manager cannot both be running at the same time. To disable HotSync Manager, right click on the HotSync icon in your Toolbar Tray. When the context menu pops up, click on exit. When you are asked if you want to exit HotSync Manager, choose "Yes."

7) Configure PilotNet:

On the Menu bar, click on "Set Up." Choose "Basic." Where it says "Pilot/HotSync Com Port" fill in the Com Port you noted from your Palm Desktop. (Mine, for example, is Com 1). Where it says "Modem Com Port" fill in the Com Port you found through Device Manager. (Mine, for example, is Com 2). For Baud Rate (both ports) choose the Baud rate that best matches your modem. (Mine for example, is 57,600)

The Baud Rate MUST BE THE SAME on both the Modem Com Port and the Palm HotSync Com Port. If the Palm is set to "As fast as possible" -- go back and change it to the NUMBER your modem is set to. PilotNet works best if both the modem and the Palm are set to 57,600. 

8) Close PilotNet. This should get you up and running. Try it.

With HotSync Manager still disabled, put your Palm in the HotSync cradle. Start PilotNet by clicking on the icon on your Start menu. With the Palm still in the HotSync cradle, tap on the AOL Mail icon. Tap on "Sign On." Unless the sound on your modem is turned off, you should now hear the modem dialing. 

From here on out, it's pretty much like signing on to AOL for the first time. AOL Mail will connect to a server, download a list of local phone numbers, ask you to choose a number, enter a screen name and password. 

Once you've set the program up, the next time you connect, AOL will download all your active screen names on your AOL account. 

Troubleshooting:
1) The most common problem seems to be the modem and hot sync connection are set to different speeds. If you get an error message from AOL Mail saying "Modem could not be found," go back and check your settings. "The fastest possible" on the Palm and the highest available number on your modem are NOT the same speed. You have to choose a defined baud rate for the Palm that matches the Baud rate for the modem. 57,600 works best. 28,800 can be buggy. 14,400 is the speed of the US Robotics Palm Modem, but there is no reason to slow your PC's modem down to that speed (unless you actually have a 14,400 modem). Try 57,600 first.

2) Use the "Advanced" menu on the PilotNet Set Up menu to double check for CTS/RTS flow control. The defaults are the standard modem settings. If they do not match your modem's settings, try changing them. Generally, since you are not using a real Palm Modem, you won't need Flow Control on the Palm side of the menu. You might need it on the Modem Com Port side.

Unfortunately, the PilotNet Homepage no longer exists, so support is nonexistent. Be brave - try to troubleshoot your problems. It couldn't hurt.