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Nicomm HarTALK/SoftTALK family FAQ version 0.982
Last change on 25 June 2001 COCOON Creations cc www.cocoon-creations.com
PLEASE NOTE: THIS FAQ IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
SOME INFORMATION HERE-UNDER ONLY APPLICABLE TO SOFTTALK 98 AND SOFTTALK DOS.
Table of Contents
- Why did I not receive an operator's manual with my HarTALK and SoftTALK 98?
- What products do I need to buy from you to make the system work?
- What products are available?
- How much does the system cost?
- Do you have anyone in the USA who sells your product?
- What is the item RC1 that you show on your order form?
- What is the item RC2 that is mentioned on the home page?
- What is your warranty?
- Is a version for the Mac coming out?
- Is a Windows CE version coming out?
- Which cameras are supported by SoftTALK 98?
- Will other Nikon cameras be supported?
- Will other languages be supported?
- Is programmed camera control possible?
- Will I get free upgrades if I order SoftTALK 98 V1.00?
- Will SoftTALK 2000 include all functions of Photo Secretary?
- What SoftTALK 2000 functionality is available when the F90X camera is not connected to a computer?
- What does "Fire 100ms" mean?
- What does "Fire 1s" mean?
- Can I program the camera to leave the beginning of the film outside the cassette during rewinding?
- Where do I get information on the HarTALK pin-outs and usage?
- Does a standard F90x record film data as you use it?
- Where does the Mf-26 multi-control back fit into this?
- Are both DOS and W95 versions of SoftTALK equal in performance at the moment?
- Are there any problems with the SoftTALK family of software?
- What could I have wrong with the imprinting function of the Mf-26?
- Which SoftTALK works on which operating system?
- Can the Mc-31 be used with SoftTALK/DOS or SoftTALK 98?
- What happened to IR-1?
- What happened to RC-2?
- What other products will appear shortly?
- What future upgrades are envisaged for HarTALK?
- I bought Hartalk a couple of months ago, did the electronic design change and do I have to 'upgrade' to a newer version?
- Why is HTFire FREEWARE?
- How does NBuddy compare with HTFire?
- Will HTFire be included in NBuddy?
- Will Cocoon make SoftTALK 2000 available on Palm?
- I have ordered HarTALK from Cocoon Creations per Airmail. Nothing has arrived?
- Why does the Cocoon Palm cable use pin 4, while the Palm modem cable uses pin 1?
- Is the Nikon D1 supported?
1. Why did I not receive an operator's manual with my HarTALK and SoftTALK 98?
We do not have printed documentation for SoftTALK 98. All information needed to use HarTALK and SoftTALK 98 are in on-line Windows context sensitive help files.2. What products do I need to buy from you to make the system work?
It depends on what you want to achieve from our system.You need HarTALK. It is a cable, which connects to the camera. It comes with a PC cable.
You need SoftTALK 2000, or use your software of choice. We have a free DOS program for use on F90X/N90s only.
We have additional cables from HarTALK to 1. Mac, 2. Palm III, 3. Palm V. We do not support software for these.
Further, we have a handheld remote control cable which plugs into HarTALK.
3. What products are available?
- HarTALK : This forms the isolation barrier between the camera and the outside world. HarTALK comes with a 9 pin serial cable.
- SoftTALK/DOS: This lets DOS speak to your camera.
- SoftTALK 2000 : This enables you to use HarTALK on a Windows PC. Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000 has been tested. Windows Me is expected to work.
- Pilot Cable : This (together with K. Hancock's NBuddy) enables you to use HarTALK with your PalmPilot. Note we stock the Palm III type, and the Palm V type.
- HTFire : This Pilot application changes your PalmPilot to a camera remote release button.
- Mac Cable : This (together with Connectix VirtualPC 2.0) enables you to use HarTALK on your Mac, with SoftTALK/DOS or SoftTALK 98. No volunteer has yet reported tests of SoftTALK 2000 on this system.
- RC1 : This enables you to safely control your camera from 1.5m away.
- Extender : This gives you 3m more distance between your camera and your equipment, making it 4.5m in total. You can also buy standard Ethernet patch leads elsewhere to extend even further. A customer has reported that a 100 ft cable is working well for bird-watching.
4. How much does the system cost?
The best is to use the on-line web site calculator to determine your exact price, including shipping. The full working basic system (HarTALK+RC1+SoftTALK2000+Courier Shipping+Handling) costs about US$ 250.00. Cheaper options are available using insured airmail instead. We normally have stock, but if not, 4 weeks is a normal manufacturing and delivery time (excluding airmail or courier). Please check for the latest price on our site, linked above.5. Do you have anyone in the USA who sells your product?
No, we do not have agents in any other country. HarTALK can only be ordered from South Africa. By having it this way we can be sure no grey products will start appearing: We are the Only suppliers of HarTALK at the moment.6. What is the item RC1 that you show on your order form?
RC1 stands for Remote Control no.1, and is the first of a series of additional components that will connect to your camera via HarTALK. The RC1 is a remote control unit capable of focussing and firing the F5/F100/F90/N90/F90X/N90s cameras.7. What is the item RC2 that is mentioned on the home page?
RC2 is an RC1 with communications chip installed. This will be available in future. In future you will be able to plug the RC2 chip into the RC1 body, for added functionality without a PC connected, such as switching on the multi exposure and bracketing, etc. The RC2 is not finished yet, and the delivery will be an upgrade chip only.Update: Above has been superceded, see item What happened to RC-2?
8. What is your warranty?
One year replacement/repair for bad workmanship or material. See clauses in on-line agreement.9. Is a version for the Mac coming out?
A version for the Mac was planned estimated for early 1999 and has been shifted out indefinitely. Tests have proven SoftTALK to work under Connectix's VirtualPC 2.0 on the MAC. The development of native software may be reconsidered later.10. Is a Windows CE version coming out?
We are planning a Windows CE version in future but currently we are concentrating on the F5/F100 versions. It has thus been indefinately delayed.11. Which cameras are supported by SoftTALK 98?
SoftTALK 98 (discontinued) supports N90 / F90 / N90s / F90X.SoftTALK 2000 supports N90 / F90 / N90s / F90X / F100 /F5.
12. Will other Nikon cameras be supported?
Only the N90 / F90 / N90s / F90X / F100 /F5 cameras have data link capabilities. The D1 has a 10-pin connector, but it is unknown if it has datalink capability. HARTALK DOES NOT SUPPORT THE D1. HARTALK SHALL NOT BE CONNECTED TO THE D1 due to unknown pin-out configuration of the D1.13. Will other languages be supported?
German, Spanish and Italian are already supported for N90/F90/N90s/F90X. No further languages are planned by Cocoon, unless the translation is voluntarily done by user(s). Please contact us if you are interested.14. Is programmed camera control possible?
Yes, software similar to APT in SoftTALK/DOS will soon be released for SoftTALK 2000 users.15. Will I get free upgrades if I have SoftTALK 98 V1.xx?
Yes, you pay once for version 1.00, with all minor updates and bug fixed included. This will include APT and updates, but not upgrades to SoftTALK 2000. A very reasonable upgrade price will be available to step you up from SoftTALK 98 to SoftTALK 2000.16. Will SoftTALK 2000 include all functions of Photo Secretary?
Yes, and it already offers some not supported by PhotoSecretary.17. What SoftTALK 2000 functionality is available when the F90X/N90s/F90/N90 camera is not connected to a computer any more?
Certain functions like all beeps, settings, film data recording type, etc. are programmed "permanently" into the camera until later reprogrammed by yourself. The "creative photography" part, i.e. multi-exposure, bracketing, etc., is programmed, but not stored in the camera, i.e when the camera is switched off, these settings are lost and the camera automatically reset to normal. For example: bracketing, once set, is lost when the camera is switched off.18. What does "Fire 100ms" mean?
It means that the computer "presses" the fire button of the camera very briefly. Even if the camera was set to continuous shooting, there is only enough time for one frame. If the camera was set to focus priority, and no focus is found during this brief time, no picture will be taken.19. What does "Fire 1s" mean?
It means that the computer "presses" the fire button of the camera for quite long. If the camera was set to continuous shooting, there is enough time for 4 or 5 frames, depending on the shooting rate. If the camera was set to focus priority, and no focus is found during this brief time, no picture will be taken.20. Can I program the camera to leave the beginning of the film outside the cassette during rewinding?
This film leader setting is not available from any software. This can Only be done by Nikon service centres. I guess it involves EEPROM reprogramming (which is serious stuff).21. Where do I get information on the HarTALK pin-outs and usage?
You can download the electrical specification Elecspec now from http://www.cocoon-creations.com22. Does a standard F90/ F90x / N90s / N90 record film data as you use it?
No, unfortunately not. It comes from the factory with recording turned off. You must first set it up to store data.23. Where does the Mf-26 multi-control back fit into this?
The Mf-26 or SoftTALK 98 may be used to set certain settings. Some settings can be set permanently with the Mf-26 where-as with the PC, they will reset upon camera switch-off. With the Mf-26 connected, certain settings are not available with the software, and must be set on the back itself, such as the Ae/Af lock setting.24. Are both DOS and Windows versions of SoftTALK equal in performance at the moment?
No, they are not the same, SoftTALK 98 provides some advantages:- No new developments and support is available for the DOS version. The Windows version will be growing in the long term to benefit both vendor and user.
- With SoftTALK 2000: N90 / F90 / F90X / N90s / F100 / F5 is supported
- With SoftTALK 2000: Downloads can be done of multiple films without erase (meaning the master data can stay in the camera if so desired).
- With SoftTALK 2000: Partial film download (looking at data before it is finished) can be done.
- With SoftTALK 2000: Multiple cameras can be accessed/controlled at the same time.
- With SoftTALK DOS: Under Windows NT 4.0, the special HarTALK control commands are not available, although normal camera communication is.
- The DOS version is prone to timeout errors under Windows. A full DOS boot is required for 100% reliable operation.
25. Are there any problems with the SoftTALK family of software?
- No
26. What could I have wrong with the imprinting function of the Mf-26?
- I've successfully (?) installed SoftTALK
so that my PC can communicate with my N90s. On the LCD screen, Custom is
lit up, I've set the program to record time and date on Frame 0. The N90s
stops at frame 0, I press the shutter release button and the film advances
to the next frame. However the time and date are not recorded on the film.
What am I doing wrong. Do I need to set something on the MF26 or press
a button the back. I've had very little luck work the MF26.
- Check if you didn't miss it! The imprint is very small on the bottom right hand of the frame. Make sure the lab keeps the apparently empty leader.
- Make sure the camera is empty when the setting is changed.
- Set the Mf-26 imprint function was on auto-exposure
- Set The Mf-26 to date or serial up count (imprint mode on or off)
- The camera must then pause on load.
- After pressing the release after the pause, the camera must switch the imprint mode off.
- Check that the software you use is the latest version. Look on the web site.
27. Which SoftTALK works on which operating system?
- SoftTALK/DOS works on DOS and it has been tested on a real 8MHz 8088 with and on an HP200LX.
- SoftTALK/DOS works in a DOS box on Windows 95 and NT, but HarTALK can not be controlled if SoftTALK/DOS is run under Windows NT.
- SoftTALK 2000 works on Windows 95, 98, NT & 2000.
29. What happened to IR-1?
We dropped the idea of having a HarTALK
plug-in IR remote control sensor, because of inherent
directionality problems with IR.
(This was realised in practice using Canon's standard RC1
controller with a EOS-50N body. The
Canon body has a fixed IR eye which forever seem to be
obscured by the lens).
The HarTALK attachment would never
be guaranteed to face front either, or left for that matter, it
would also be dangling on the side
of the camera, resulting in a unreliable remote control solution.
The best practicable means of remote control is achieved by the RC-1 wire remote control.
30. What happened to RC-2?
The advent and popularity of the PalmPilot
obviated the need for custom external hardware with
limited functionality, such as a
remote control unit only firing the camera, and setting Bracketing
and/or Multi-exposure. RC-2 will
not appear in a hurry, as the Palm market is drawing the majority
of potential customers from RC-2,
which makes it a bad product, business wise.
31. What other products will appear shortly?
RC-1 will be re-packaged as RC-1A,
mainly because of production difficulties. Functionality will be
the same as RC-1.
32. What future upgrades are envisaged for HarTALK?
We are considering some long term
ideas for HarTALK like IRDA and multi-camera operation. No firm plans are
in place, however.
33. I bought Hartalk a couple of
months ago, did the electronic design change and do I have to
'upgrade' to a newer version?
HarTALK stayed standard, no functional
changes were ever effected. HarTALK functionality has not changed
over three years, and is not expected
to do so soon. Only one type has ever been available.
Units from the 1.4 batch onward, had implemented a component value adjustment to have better camera meter switch-off characteristics.
SoftTALK (DOS, 98 and 2000) detects
and reports the HarTALK version. This is currently still at
its first release, "HarTALK v001".
34. Why is HTFire FREEWARE?
To promote sales of HarTALK, and all associated products.
The source code to HTFire is available
upon request, to motivate other developers to come up with
even better hand-held applications
than we could write. We claim no rights to third party software,
but we reserve copyright to our part
of the source code, and therefore the right to selectively make
it available only for application
development not in direct conflict with own commercial software
SoftTALK 98 or 2000. We do not control
independant development and/or usage of our Hs-Serial
protocol, which is detailed in our
Elecspec document on our web site.
35. How does NBuddy compare with HTFire?
HTFire allows Palm users to use their
PalmPilot as effective remote
control for firing, not affecting
their use of other software such as NBuddy for remote camera
(F90/F90X/N90/N90s) configuration
and/or downloads.
NBuddy does have remote control firing,
but it uses Nikon's slow protocol for firing (seconds) as
opposed to HarTALK's built-in fast
(milliseconds) firing. HTFire is designed to be used
independently, with or without NBuddy.
36. Will HTFire be included in NBuddy?
NBuddy is meant only for F90/N90/F90X/N90s,
HTFire for all camera bodies including F100 and
F5. Cocoon Creations does not want
a F100 or F5 user to essentially run F90 software to do
remote control.
Not attempting to answer for another
individual, Ken Hancock may decide to include such
remote control code in NBuddy if
he wants to, and if he gets enough requests to do so.
37. Will Cocoon make SoftTALK 2000 available on Palm?
No. Another third-party product, NBuddy,
already efficiently controls the F90/N90/F90X/N90s
camera bodies, there is no need for
new software to do the same. The F100 and F5 essentially
control all important functions from
the camera itself, thus also no need for a Palm app.
The only real market need for Palm
owners is effective remote control for all bodies, including
Intervalometer functions. This is
what HTFire offers.
38. I have ordered HarTALK from Cocoon Creations per Airmail. Nothing has arrived?
Typical delivery time for airmail
officially is 4 weeks, although the normal typical time is 2 weeks,
and occasional deliveries have been
found to be less than a week. Contact Cocoon Creations after 4
weeks after shipping date, and only
after 6 weeks action may be taken in the unlikely event of loss.
The only real variable is your customs
office.
39. Why does the Cocoon Palm cable use pin 4, while the Palm modem cable uses pin 1?
I was able to get the Palm to work
with the F90X using the standard 9-pin
D-type, the 9-25 pin adaptor
supplied and a Palm Pilot Modem cable (from
3Com), which is 25 pin D-type.
Checking the connections with the
multi-meter, it appeared that
DTR (which goes to pin 4 of the Pilot on the Cocoon
lead) actually goes, via the
above set-up, to Pin 1. Given that this
arrangement worked fine, can
you explain the discrepancy in the DTR
connection?
Pin 4 on the Palm connector is the Rts output of the Palm. The Cocoon cable uses it as power supply to HarTALK.
Pin 1 on the Palm connector is a non-standard
voltage output and may work for HarTALK. Non-standard, because it could
be implemented differently
in different Palm models, OS's, software
apps, or whatever other reason 3Com deems it "non-standard". It can used
as DTR on the Palm, which
explains why the DTR on the PC cable,
through the convertors ends up at the DTR point on the Palm. However, we
made our power connection to
Rts, as it was found not to get enough
power from pin 1 (it only needs about 10 mA) from a certain Palm model
(can't remember which one).
Nothing wrong with that connection,
just a bit bulky with all the different convertors.
Nikon (and presumably F90, N90, F90X, N90S and F5) are registered trademarks of Nikon Inc. and Nikon Corporation Japan.
40. Is the Nikon D1 supported?
The D1 camera is NOT supported and shall NOT be connected to HarTALK. The 10-pin connections are unknown and could endanger the HarTALK and/or the camera.