Dear trade1964,

You can also tap the screen with your stylus to play Dragon Bane 2:
Return of Kra'an (DB2:MSRK) instead of using the buttons. For
example tapping anywere on the center of the bottom 1/4 of the screen
causes you to move backward.

Old keyboards used to wear out more frequently if you hammered on the
keys. Try using a lighter touch on the PDA buttons. They are
sensitive enough that little pressure is needed. Also try and go
slower, people are more prone to hammering on buttons and keys when
they are rushing. Unlike an arcade game, there is no time limit on
DB2:MSRK. Mostly the game pad is designed for arcade games where you
hammer the keys. I too was worried about this originally, but have
had no problem with my buttons playing DB2:MSRK.

I believe Craig has played some very long games of DB2:MSRK, for
example solo thief to 26th level. So the buttons are probably okay
as long as you stick to non-arcade games.

You can download POSE and play DB2:MSRK on your PC (see below links)

Sincerely yours,
NEFTF

Digression: My biggest problem was I twice ran the battery down too
low to recharge. Once I played for a two days straight and ran the
battery from full to empty. I had to recondition the battery on my
m500. Try and keep a rechargable PDA at least 1/2 charged or better
if playing DB2:MSRK because it puts a high density drain on the
battery.

I like playing DB2:MSRK on my PC because I don't have to worry about
battery or buttons. I also signed up as a hobbyist - I am designing
a DB2 adventure- so I can play it in color even though my PDA is not
color.

--- In DragonBaneII@y..., Craig Davis <crd@p...> wrote:
> PS: I did not break the buttons on my m505 playtesting DB2 through
5 times to completion and 8 others to the castle.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: trade1964
> Is there a game pad extention or button add on for the palm
> M505? I'm concerned about using my buttons so much that they
> break.

------------Original Message-----------------
Dear Dana,

The Palm OS Emulator (POSE) is designed for developing Palm programs,
I originally heard of it from the book __Palm Pilot: The Ultimate
Guide. 2nd Edition_ Author David Pogue, Published by O'Reilly (they
include a copy on the book's CD-ROM). However it can be used to run
Palm programs on your desktop computer, especially if you keep
wearing out the keys of your PDA playing Dragon Bane 1 & 2.

There are three levels to POSE. The first and easiest is to transfer
your PDA to your computer. To do so use the below link POSE
DOWNLOAD. Unzip the download and follow the directions to set up
POSE on your computer. You will use your PDA as the template, so it
will be identical. I wanted to play DB2 in color, but I have a Palm
m500 and a Palm V- both Black & White- so I continued onward.

The second level, Palm Developer Outside USA, can add color outside
the USA. Since I am inside the USA I skipped to the third level.

The third level is to sign up for Palm Developer Inside USA. Use the
below link JOIN DEVELOPER PROGRAM. At the required line "*What best
describes your role in the Palm Economy?" I entered HOBBYIST.
For "What additional roles do you or your company focus on, if any?
(This information is optional)" I answered SHAREWARE DEVELOPER. I
applied for the Basic Membership (Free). Since the form wasn't
clear, under both "*Company" and "*Title" I entered INDEPENDENT
DEVELOPER (HOBBYIST). For "*What tools are you using to develop on
this platform? (check all that apply)" I selected Other and entered
DRAGON BANE 2 ADVENTURE CONSTRUCTION KIT, since I am creating a new
adventure for Dragon Bane 2. Once my application was accepted, I
downloaded the Palm m505 file at the below link PALM M505 DOWNLOAD.
Since I was in the USA, I agreed to the export limits and then I
selected the Palm OS 4.1 download and followed the directions to set
up POSE as a m505.

I move the current game-Drg2SaveMSRK.PDB or Drg2SaveTMHA.PDB- to my
PDA when I'm leaving home for a while, and move it back to my desktop
computer when I want to play it in color. Currently I am
replaying "Return of Kra'an" to get a feel for proper treasure
placement. <grin> It will take me forever to find all 9 sunfruits
again.

For the second level if you are outside the USA, you can use the PALM
IIIC DOWNLOAD below. Download Palm 3.5 ROM Type.

I hope that helps. If you have any questions you can post here, or
talk to Palm.com.

Sincerely yours,
Nuke 'em from 20'

--- In DragonBaneII@y..., Dana Marshall <handheld@d...> wrote:
> Um, can you post where to get the program to run Palm programs on
your
> desktop machine? I tried to find it, and no luck.
>
> Dana

=========================
POSE DOWNLOAD
Palm OS® Emulator
http://www.palmos.com/dev/tools/emulator

JOIN DEVELOPER PROGRAM
Palm OS Developer Program
http://www.palmos.com/dev/programs/pdp/join.html

PALM M505 DOWNLOAD
Web Clipping ROM Image Downloads Export
http://www.palmos.com/alliance/resources.cgi/devseed/roms/encryption-
export.html

PALM IIIC DOWNLOAD
Palm OS: Pavilion - ROM Image File Downloads (devseed)
http://www.palmos.com/alliance/resources.cgi/devseed/roms/