PILI

Important Note!
PILI is for the original Sharp Zaurus models (ie ZR-3000, ZR-5000, ZR-5000FX, ZR-5700, ZR-5800, ZR-5800FX, etc). PILI will not run on the new range of Zaurus PDA's that use Linux for their OS (ie the SL- family)!

Before you can run any PILI program (PILI programs have a .BIN extension) you must first install the PILI run-time module on your Zaurus. PILI is a free software development kit for the Sharp Zaurus developed by Patrick Dehlinger of Palmware. PILI, which stands for Platform Independent Language Interpreter, is an assembly language based development system. The system uses a run-time language interpreter that you must download and install in your Zaurus in order to run applications developed for the PILI environment.

If you're a PILI programmer or are interested in looking at sample PILI programs, then download the PILI SDK in ZIP format. As an added bonus, the PILI SDK includes a copy of PILI that can run under Windows 95/NT. Yes, that's right, you can now run PILI programs on your PC!

If you aren't interested in programming in PILI and don't want the Windows 95/NT version as well, then download just the PILI Run-Time Module in .ZPM format.

Before you can install the new version of PILI you must first uninstall the old version. Do this by bringing up the PILI main screen on you Zaurus and then press the 2nd key, then shift + U. You will get a message saying that PILI is now ready to be uninstalled and your Zaurus will turn itself off. Turn it back on and tap the More icon. Tap the Software icon on the menu bar if it isn't already selected, then tap the PILI icon and select Uninstall from the menu bar. Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.

If you are having some trouble installing PILI on your Zaurus, here are some instructions that may help you to get it all working. It is definitely possible to install PILI on all Zaurus models, you just have to have enough free memory.

The run-time system uses about 400K of memory on the Zaurus. PILI applications are loaded into the PC Files area on the Zaurus. PILI is available in two formats:

• Software Development Kit for programmers (includes run-time module, assembler, sample programs and instructions). Download this to your PC and unzip it.
• Run-time module for non-programmers. Download this and transfer directly to your Zaurus.

To install the run-time system you will either need a copy of the Sharp Data Exchange Utility (or any other Zaurus PC link software) or a copy of the Sharp Zaurus Add-on Software Installer. If you use the Sharp DEU you will need to have about 600K of available RAM on your Zaurus, either in main memory or on an SRAM card. This is because you first have to copy the PILI103.ZPM file into the PC Files area before you can install it. Once it is in the PC Files area you need to touch the "More" button, highlight the PILI.ZPM item, then select "Install" from the menu bar to install the file as an application. This takes several minutes during which nothing much seems to be happening, so be patient while it's installing. On a ZR5000 and 5000FX you have to delete the PILI103.ZPM file from PC-File after the end of the first install process (after the install button) and before launching PILI. Then you have to power off the unit again. One way to get lots of free memory is to back up all your data (i.e. contacts, appointments, etc), delete them from your Zaurus, transfer and install PILI, then restore all your data back to your Zaurus again.

Note: If you have problems then do a full reset of your Zaurus (hold down the ON button and press RESET on the back of the Zaurus, answer YES to re-init your Zaurus). All your data and installed applications will be wiped out, but you can re-install all of them with your backup (you did make a full backup before starting, right?)

A better approach is to use the Zaurus Add-on Software Installer so that you can install the PILI.ZPM file directly into the Zaurus as an application. This cuts the free memory requirement to about 400K. To use this method you need to:

• Download the Software Installer.
• Create a new directory and unzip the Software Installer into it.
• Copy the PILI103.ZPM file into the same directory.
• Hook up your Zaurus to your PC with your link cable.
• Run the Installer with the command: INSTALL PIIL103.ZPM
• Follow the instructions to select where you want to install PILI.
• The transfer will take about eight minutes, be patient!

Once the PILI run time is installed, you must turn your Zaurus off then back on to initialise it. You then start the PILI application by touching the Help button (if you want to access the built-in Zaurus help you need to press the 2nd key before tapping the "Help" button). You then choose to either load a PILI application into the environment or to start the application that is currently loaded.

If you are only interested in running PILI applications and not in writing your own programs, then just download the PILI run-time file (PILI103.ZPM) and any of the applications you want to try out. If you want to write your own programs then download the PILI103.ZIP file which includes sample programs and instructions.