Missing Sync for Palm

I need to sync my Palm T3 with three different macs, and I can't use just iSync or .mac because I'm syncing a lot of third-party programs (Docs to go, etc.) too. I have got sync working well on one mac - I use iSync and hotsync mgr for calendar, contacts, and all the extra programs; then use .mac just for keychaings, bookmarks, mail rules etc.

But as soon as I sync the Palm to a second Mac, trouble. I either gets lots of duplicates, or "sync" actually deletes anything new and keeps the old stuff! I've now rebuilt most of my data several times, though URLS and birthdays in Contacts are gone with the wind.

So, your thoughts appreciated - will Missing sync handle going between different macs with the same Palm?

The solution is to simply your device, server and application pool to the extent possible, and to avoid overlapping events by organizing and prioritizing synchronization tasks so that…

• those synchronization data types supported by the SyncServices framework* are synchronized between computers using .Mac Sync or MySync
• that iCal and the Address Book are synchronized using the Missing Sync for Palm OS with only one of those computers, and
• that other non-SyncServices applications are synchronized using the Missing Sync with multiple computers in specific 'conduit sets' which do not include iCal or the Address Book.

*Examples are: iCal, the Address Book, Mail, Daylite, Entourage [but only the latest release] along with Yojimbo, and so on.

As long as you don't try to use your Palm handheld as a storage device to move data [intended to be synchronized using .Mac Sync or MySync] between computers, you will not run into issues with data integrity.

Build your task list first by synchronizing computer-to-computer using .Mac Sync for MySync for the appropriate data types, add your Palm device on a single computer to a 'conduit set' in the Missing Sync for Palm OS which uses only Mark/Space Contacts, Events and Tasks conduits and the TimeCopy Conduit, then build another set to include your third-party Palm applications.

Special instructions might apply to some obscure applications like Epocrates. And remember not to cross these boundaries to synchronize the same data types with more than one method, because it is that action which creates data stability and corruption issues.

Be wary of trying to synchronize photos with iPhoto and music with iTunes on multiple devices using your Palm and the applicable Mark/Space conduits, without first reading the Mark/Space User Guide and without backing up your files, or again, you may not get the results you expected.

That sounds helpful, and actually I may not need the Missing Sync. Would this work:
- sync iCal, AddressBook (plus keychains etc.) via .mac
- sync only one computer to the palm for address book, iCal, and other apps
- sync the Palm to other computers only for extra apps

I guess what I'm wondering is, is there some other advantage of the Missing Sync that I'm missing? (no pun intended)

The plan you outlined would certainly work, and is manageable absent the Missing Sync for Palm OS. The thing is, the Missing Sync is more robust, reliable and flexible than iSync and the iSync Palm Conduit, and supports…

• categories and groups in both iCal and the Address Book
• multiple iCal calendars with Palm OS 5 devices
• the synchronization of a URL and IM identifier for contacts
• contact photo synchronization
• the synchronization of Address Book-generated iCal birthday data [hah: try that with iSync!]
• and many other features, which are listed here:

regarding contact data mapping: http://www.markspace.com/support/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&id=2560

regarding calendaring mapping: http://www.markspace.com/support/index.php?x=&mod_id=2&id=2563

A quick review of those links and of the limitations of the iSync Palm Conduit should be enough to tip you in the direction of the Miising Sync. But, if that alone is not enough, the Missing Sync includes a memo conduit and matching OS X memo application [goodbye, Palm Desktop] and a conduit to synchronize AvantGo content. Also included: an iPhoto conduit and an iTunes conduit.

Then there is the multiple synchronization path capability [Bluetooth, USB, ethernet network - both terrestrial and wireless if you Palm device supports it] and the ability to create different 'conduit sets' to manage your synchronization event. As someone else said earlier, they couldn't believe that they had waited so long to upgrade to the Missing Sync!

More information about the package is available here:

http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_palmos.php

OK, I've purchased the Missing Sync...sure hope this works!

I recently purchased the Missing Sync to use with my G5 PM and a new Palm TX. I have got it set up so most of what I want to sync actually gets synced. But I have a strange problem. The Missing Sync can't see iPhoto. I seems to think that iPhoto is not installed, when, in fact, iPhoto 6.0.3 is installed and running. Another issue might be related in that when trying to put together a movie using iMovie, the media browser in iMovie can't see iPhoto either. Any idea what's going on?

Also, I am using the Entourage conduit to sync my contacts, tasks, memos. However, I would rather use iCal for my calendar events. I tried turning off the synching of my Entourage calendar events in the Entourage conduit, and then turning on the mark/space events synch for iCal, but nothing happens. Is this possible, and how?

The initial iPhoto issue you describe sounds like a permissions problem. Because it is an Apple application, you should launch the Disk Utility application and use the Repair Disk Permissions option to address it.

With regard to Entourage, are you using the latest Sync Services framework-savvy release of Entourage 2004, or an earlier version of the application?

By the way, it would be far better to post your issue as a new thread, rather than by attaching it ot this one, as neither issue seem related to the original issue, other than the peripheral use of the Missing Sync for Palm OS. In fact, two posts—one for each issue—would actually make it much easier for others to browse, reply to and eventually search for such issues.

I am using palm desktop and would like to switch to ical, address, etc. If I purchase and use missing sync, will all my palm desktop info migrate to the comparable mac applications? Does it merge the data or replace it? Without missing sync is there a way to migrate the data from my palm calendar to ical?
Marvin Greenberg

Regardless of wether you intend to migrate from the Palm Desktop to iSync, or from the Palm Desktop to the Missing Sync for Palm OS, the most effective way to move your data initially is not through synchronization, but rather, to do this:

Launch the Palm Desktop and export your contact records as vCards. Then simply double-click on the exported file to launch the Address Book, and import the cards into that application.

Next, export your calendaring and tasks data as vCal records. Then simply double-click on that file to launch iCal and import those records into that application.

If you intend to use iSync, launch that application and add your Palm device to it by selecting the option to Enable Palm OS Syncing… from the Devices menu, and follow the instructions which appear. Configure the specific parameters of the iSync Palm Conduit by pressing the Tungsten icon in the main window of iSync once it appears. A drop down configuration pane will appear, allowing you to choose subsets of your contact and calendaring records to synchronize—or to choose them all—and to determine how far back iSync looks for records to add, change or delete from your handheld organizer. During the subsequent first synchronization event, do not merge your records, but rather - choose to overwrite the records on your Palm device with the records you just imported into the Address Book and iCal.

If you intend to use the Missing Sync, it is important to replace the records on your handheld organizer during the first synchronization as Mark/Space instructs using the Mark/Space Contacts, Events and Tasks conduits, rather than to merge them. Installing the Missing Sync for Palm OS will deactivate the standard Palm conduits and the iSync Palm Conduit, activate the Mark/Space conduits, and remove the HotSync Manager and Transport Monitor. [The Missing Sync provides its own special HotSync Manager and Transport Monitor equivalents.]

This replace rather than merge procedure is performed for either application because of the way the Sync Services framework's truth database, a component that you can neither see nor directly interact with, operates.

I recently saw postings about the Missing Sync. It allows one to have more options when syncing to a palm device – in my case a Treo 700p. All of the features looked great: the ability to sync playlists in iTunes and iPhoto, the ability to sync all fields from the address book and a variety of backup options including backing up SD cards.

After installing the software I was impressed with how easy it was to set up these services. Then I started noticing the problems. All of my alarms were changed. Any item that had a reminder set for zero minutes before the event was changed to 15 minutes. If that wasn’t bad enough the alarms became sporadic – going off at times that had no relationship with the event. I then discovered I could not snooze an alarm. If I pushed the snooze button I never heard from the alarm again. Although Mark/Space’s website (the company that makes the program) stated it worked with Documents To Go, I could never get this to work. During each sync it would reinstall the program files, but never install my documents. After trying to fix these and about a dozen other problems (including not being able to send email), my Treo crashed – big time. I had to do a hard reset, which meant losing all of my data. I decided to uninstall the missing sync (it came with an uninstall application). To my surprise, after it uninstalled all of its files, it took my backup and install conduits with it! I located these files from a backup copy and replaced the palm hotsync folder. I now had all of my conduits and was ready to sync but after pushing the sync button I immediately got a hotsync error message. To make an already long story short, I had to reinstall all of the original software that came with my Treo.

I thought my nightmare was over – I was wrong. The Missing Sync had changed all of my meetings and events in iCal. Besides changing all of the alarm times (and adding additional alarms), it changed my birthdays of friends and family to end on dates this year instead of “never” which they were previously set for.

I am writing this to warn this to others: this software not only doesn’t work as advertised – it is dangerous! Unless you have six to eight hours of time you want to kill, stay away from the Missing Sync!

BTW I have been using Macs since 1986.

I’m afraid I owe the people at Missing Sync an apology.

About a week ago I posted that I was having all sorts of problems with the Missing Sync. My calendars were screwed up, alarms were going of at times hours off of their schedule. Documents to Go kept getting its program files installed every time I did a hot sync – but would not install the document files. My media conduit did not work and when I snoozed an alarm it would never come back. These, and a variety of other problems gave me a lot of frustration and I ended up requesting a refund and writing a review warning others to beware of the program.

I have since discovered a few things:

1. After reverting to an old saved iCal database I discovered that I had a corrupted calendar file. Exporting the calendar, deleting the calendar in iCal and then re-importing the file solved the problem.

2. I believe there was a problem with the missing sync installer. When I first installed the program the set up assistant took over thirty minutes to find my iPhoto folders and almost as long to find my iTunes playlist. I have found out that this should not have been the case. During my recent installation the assistant took about 30 seconds to find the playlist/folders in both programs.

3. Although Documents to Go was working before I installed the missing sync, I followed some detailed instructions on how to completely remove the program from both my computer and my Treo.

After reading all of the great reviews the program has received in various places on the internet, I decided to give it another try. I backed up every folder that had anything to do with Palm and my iCal and Address book databases. I reinstalled Documents to Go.

During the installation the assistant set up everything much quicker and smoother than before. For some reason it left the old conduits in the conduits folder but these were easily removed. When I went to sync the hotsync manager’s window came up - instead of the missing sync’s, and I got an error message. I restarted the computer again and still no luck. I reinstalled the program again, restarted and everything works fine.

There are still some minor issues: trying to sync using bluetooth causes the missing sync to hang and there is a bug that changes alarm times from zero minutes ahead of a meeting or task to 15 minutes before. I can live with these inconveniences.

After putting the program through its paces for the past few days I have to say I really like it and it is a good solution for syncing a Treo. I hope my negative review did not cause anyone too much grief.

Question for Mike Lafferty:

I've read your very useful post about syncing Palm (I have a T3) and Mac.

I intend to use The Missing Sync, and mainly want to sync Palm Contacts with Mac Address Book.

If I understand your post, I should get all the contacts right on my Palm, and then export as VCards. Then import VCards into Address Book. Then, in first time using Missing Sync, replace Contacts info with Address Book info.

A few questions:
* You say "installing the Missing Sync for Palm OS will deactivate the standard Palm conduits and the iSync Palm Conduit, activate the Mark/Space conduits, and remove the HotSync Manager and Transport Monitor." How will this affect my need to sync frequently between my Palm T3 and the Palm desktop on my Mac? Will it disable that ability?

* When I replace Contacts info with Address Book info on first Missing Sync usage, how does it handle multiple e-mail fields? In Address Book, it allows for home e-mail and work e-mail. How do those flow through to Palm Contacts, which doesn't allow differentiation between two e-mails -- just labels each "e-mail"?

Thanks for any insights.





iMac Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Q: How will this affect my need to sync frequently between my Palm T3 and the Palm desktop on my Mac? Will it disable that ability?

A: The Missing Sync for Palm OS supports the creation of conduit 'sets' and outlines how to synchronize using the standard Palm conduits, beginning on page 32 of the user guide. The set containing your Palm conduits cannot contain any other conduits which would conflict with those active conduits. If, for example, you normally synchronize the Address Book and iCal with the Mark/Space Contacts, Events and Tasks conduits, that set cannot also contain the standard Palm conduits, the Entourage conduit, the iSync Palm Conduit or others which would conflict with them.

But, a second, separate set could contain the standard conduits provided by Palm—the Calendar, Contacts Conduit and Tasks conduits—and you could resume synchronizing with the Palm Desktop simply by selecting that set from the Profiles list in the main window of the Missing Sync for Palm OS.

Each set contains pre-configured, non-conflicting conduits. Selecting another set is a simple as choosing one from the drop-down menu, and the task of reconfiguring individual conduits is accomplished by first selecting the set, then double-clicking on the individual conduits you want to modify.

You will no longer use the HotSync Manager at all.

Q: When I replace Contacts info with Address Book info on first Missing Sync usage, how does it handle multiple e-mail fields? In Address Book, it allows for home e-mail and work e-mail. How do those flow through to Palm Contacts, which doesn't allow differentiation between two e-mails -- just labels each "e-mail?"

Here is a link that outlines how the Mark/Space Contacts conduit maps such information, and handles issues like this:

http://www.markspace.com/support/kb.php?x=&mod_id=2&id=2560

Thanks for the clear answers Mike.

What a fascinating thread! I've struggled with the iSync/HotSync conflicts for so long, and now that I've heard about Missing Sync I'm ready to buy it. I couldn't find all my answers on the Mark/Space website and before I plunk down $40 I want to be sure it will do what I want. Could one of you helpful people confirm that it will meet my needs?

I need to sync a G4 Powerbook (Tiger 10.4.7), Palm Tungsten T3, and Motorola RAZR phone. All syncing over Bluetooth.

Palm syncing WHERE CATEGORIES MATTER to me:
• Sync the entire Mac OS X Address Book with the T3 Contacts.
• Sync all Mac iCal calendars with the T3 Calendar, translating the various iCal calendars to Categories on the T3 and vice versa. Totally ignore Mac iCal ToDos.
• Sync Mac Palm Desktop ToDo List with T3 Tasks, retaining Category information in both directions.

Palm syncing where CATEGORIES DO NOT MATTER to me:
• Sync Memos between Mac Palm Desktop and T3.
• Sync Documents to Go between the Mac and T3.
• Sync WordSmith between the Mac and T3.
• Sync Adobe Reader between the Mac and T3.
• Sync Voice Memos between the Mac and T3.

Phone syncing, for which I presume I'll continue to use iSync, which has been fairly satifactory:
• Sync a single Group in the Mac OS X Address Book with the RAZR Phonebook. (Unfortunately, new entries in the RAZR Phonebook don't get put into the Group on the Mac.)
• Sync all Mac iCal calendars with the RAZR Datebook. This seems to work better...new entries in the RAZR Datebook get put into the designated iCal calendar.

Thanks in advance,
Jo

Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.3)