Introduction:-

After owning a Siena for sometime, I realised how limited it was in terms of software and yet a friend of mine who had just splashed out on a Series 5 had absolutely no problems (basically because PsiWin was packaged with the machine).  So, I set about finding a cost effective way of getting programs onto the Siena.

Technique

There are two ways to go about the problem...

• Firstly, there's the expensive way.  This involves buying the version of PsiWin that works with the Siena.  Although the PC software has the capability of converting Siena files to the most popular software packages (such as MS Word, Lotus etc.) it costs £70.  This includes the serial cable that connects the Siena to the PC.

• The alternative (my favourite because it's loads cheaper) is to make a serial cable.  The diagrams for this can be found on the internet, and I shall shortly be adding the plans.  With the cable built (for just over £20), some software is required, and there are two possibilities.  PsiWin can be downloaded for free from Psion's website and the new version allows the files to be transferred easily (even the correct settings are established by the program!).  The alternative is to use the DOS based program called RCom.  RCom is smaller in file size (a consideration when downloading), but it is not Windows based and the settings have to be done manually.  You can download RCom now if you wish.

A simplifed view of how the set-up works...

Summary:

Required:

• Psion Siena
• PC
• Serial cable (either make or buy)
• Software (PsiWin or RCom)