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author | Daniel Stenberg <daniel@haxx.se> | 2003-06-03 08:43:53 +0000 |
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committer | Daniel Stenberg <daniel@haxx.se> | 2003-06-03 08:43:53 +0000 |
commit | a3216f88d6fa51fde151b595d217fe710a9e6f5f (patch) | |
tree | cb3ad5c7822c0d548f5865e781fa1bc55fc1ed5f | |
parent | 72d674368c9ef1e9ba3e903335c37074bb85a072 (diff) | |
download | rockbox-a3216f88d6fa51fde151b595d217fe710a9e6f5f.tar.gz rockbox-a3216f88d6fa51fde151b595d217fe710a9e6f5f.zip |
keep the lines within 80 cols
git-svn-id: svn://svn.rockbox.org/rockbox/trunk@3719 a1c6a512-1295-4272-9138-f99709370657
-rw-r--r-- | docs/BATTERY-FAQ | 205 |
1 files changed, 101 insertions, 104 deletions
diff --git a/docs/BATTERY-FAQ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ index 2be97c0833..2adc89eea3 100644 --- a/docs/BATTERY-FAQ +++ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ | |||
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@ | |||
1 | Q1: Are my batteries charged all the time when connected to my Player/Recorder? | 1 | Q1: Are my batteries charged all the time when connected to my Player/Recorder? |
2 | A1: Player: the charging is all done by hardware and the exact | 2 | A1: Player: the charging is all done by hardware and the exact functionality |
3 | functionality is hard to determine. It is however not recommended to keep | 3 | is hard to determine. It is however not recommended to keep the charger |
4 | the charger connected for more than 10-15 hours if you're not using the | 4 | connected for more than 10-15 hours if you're not using the unit. |
5 | unit. | ||
6 | 5 | ||
7 | Recorder: no. The charging algorithm is carefully crafted in to not wear | 6 | Recorder: no. The charging algorithm is carefully crafted in to not wear |
8 | out the batteries any more than necessary. If you're using your unit | 7 | out the batteries any more than necessary. If you're using your unit |
@@ -11,60 +10,62 @@ A1: Player: the charging is all done by hardware and the exact | |||
11 | 10 | ||
12 | Q2: Will keeping my charger connected a long time damage my batteries? Can I | 11 | Q2: Will keeping my charger connected a long time damage my batteries? Can I |
13 | leave it over night? | 12 | leave it over night? |
14 | A2: There's a deep discharge mode and you can switch trickle charge on and off. | 13 | A2: There's a deep discharge mode and you can switch trickle charge on and |
15 | If you use your AJB connected to the power supply the whole time, select | 14 | off. If you use your AJB connected to the power supply the whole time, |
16 | "deep discharge on" and "trickle charge off". If you want to charge your | 15 | select "deep discharge on" and "trickle charge off". If you want to charge |
17 | AJB over night and take it with you the next day, select "deep discharge | 16 | your AJB over night and take it with you the next day, select "deep |
18 | off" (that it starts charging immediately) and "trickle charge on" | 17 | discharge off" (that it starts charging immediately) and "trickle charge |
19 | (that the batteries remain full). | 18 | on" (that the batteries remain full). |
20 | 19 | ||
21 | Trickle charge is needed to keep the batteries full. That's necessary because | 20 | Trickle charge is needed to keep the batteries full. That's necessary |
22 | the device will stay powered on and continue to consume some power from | 21 | because the device will stay powered on and continue to consume some power |
23 | the batteries (the hardware does not allow running from the charger | 22 | from the batteries (the hardware does not allow running from the charger |
24 | without charging batteries, or powering off with the charger connected). | 23 | without charging batteries, or powering off with the charger connected). |
25 | The trickle charge time is 12 hours. It should be enough for you to disconnect | 24 | The trickle charge time is 12 hours. It should be enough for you to |
26 | your AJB in this time and turn it off / use it. | 25 | disconnect your AJB in this time and turn it off / use it. However, after |
27 | However, after 12 hours of trickle charge, it will turn it off, the batteries | 26 | 12 hours of trickle charge, it will turn it off, the batteries are |
28 | are discharged and another charge cycle is started. | 27 | discharged and another charge cycle is started. |
29 | 28 | ||
30 | As the Battery FAQ at http://www.greenbatteries.com/ puts it: | 29 | As the Battery FAQ at http://www.greenbatteries.com/ puts it: |
31 | "A NiMH battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times, | 30 | |
32 | but whether that means 200 times or 800 times has a lot to do | 31 | "A NiMH battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times, but |
33 | with how (you use it)". | 32 | whether that means 200 times or 800 times has a lot to do with how (you |
33 | use it)". | ||
34 | 34 | ||
35 | Q3: Does Rockbox charge the batteries more/less/worse/better than the Archos | 35 | Q3: Does Rockbox charge the batteries more/less/worse/better than the Archos |
36 | firmware? | 36 | firmware? |
37 | A3: Player: Rockbox doesn't affect the charging on Players, it is all done | 37 | A3: Player: Rockbox doesn't affect the charging on Players, it is all done |
38 | by hardware logic out of software control. | 38 | by hardware logic out of software control. |
39 | 39 | ||
40 | Recorder: The whole algorithm is made to carefully charge the batteries full | 40 | Recorder: The whole algorithm is made to carefully charge the batteries |
41 | and keep them full after that with a trickle charge option. Many documents | 41 | full and keep them full after that with a trickle charge option. Many |
42 | about charge ICs were considered. If you want to know details, then look | 42 | documents about charge ICs were considered. If you want to know details, |
43 | into docs/CHARGING_ALGORITHM. If you have comments, write to | 43 | then look into docs/CHARGING_ALGORITHM. If you have comments, write to |
44 | mail@uwe-freese.de or the Rockbox mailinglist. | 44 | mail@uwe-freese.de or the Rockbox mailinglist. |
45 | 45 | ||
46 | Test results with trickle charge (battery capacities measured with an | 46 | Test results with trickle charge (battery capacities measured with an |
47 | external charger, Model "Conrad Electronic Charge Manager 2010", ~100 EUR): | 47 | external charger, Model "Conrad Electronic Charge Manager 2010", ~100 |
48 | EUR): | ||
48 | 49 | ||
49 | - after normal charge and top off time: 1798, 1834, 1819, 1815 mAh | 50 | - after normal charge and top off time: 1798, 1834, 1819, 1815 mAh |
50 | - after normal + top off + trickle charge (12h): 1784, 1748, 1738, 1752 mAh | 51 | - after normal + top off + trickle charge (12h): 1784, 1748, 1738, 1752 mAh |
51 | - charged with external charger: 1786, 1819, 1802, 1802 mAh | 52 | - charged with external charger: 1786, 1819, 1802, 1802 mAh |
52 | 53 | ||
53 | You can see, whenever you take your AJB with you in the 12h trickle charge | 54 | You can see, whenever you take your AJB with you in the 12h trickle charge |
54 | period, the batteries are at least 97% full. :) | 55 | period, the batteries are at least 97% full. :) |
55 | 56 | ||
56 | Q4: What kind of batteries are there in my factory default Player/Recorder? | 57 | Q4: What kind of batteries are there in my factory default Player/Recorder? |
57 | A4: Both ship with 1500 mAh NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. | 58 | A4: Both ship with 1500 mAh NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. |
58 | 59 | ||
59 | Q5: Is it hard to change the batteries? Does it void my warranty? | 60 | Q5: Is it hard to change the batteries? Does it void my warranty? |
60 | A5: It is not very hard - the Archos manual and the FAQ on their web site | 61 | A5: It is not very hard - the Archos manual and the FAQ on their web site |
61 | describe how to do it. Their technical support confirmed that | 62 | describe how to do it. Their technical support confirmed that replacing |
62 | replacing the batteries with NiMH cells (of different capacities) | 63 | the batteries with NiMH cells (of different capacities) will not void the |
63 | will not void the warranty. Just don't remove the screws. | 64 | warranty. Just don't remove the screws. |
64 | 65 | ||
65 | Some units have been shipped with two sets of batteries, my Recorder 20 | 66 | Some units have been shipped with two sets of batteries, my Recorder 20 |
66 | only had one set. Someone actually had Archos send him new batteries | 67 | only had one set. Someone actually had Archos send him new batteries free |
67 | free of charge after they had weared out, under the warranty. | 68 | of charge after they had weared out, under the warranty. |
68 | 69 | ||
69 | Q6: How much do replacement batteries cost? Where can I buy them? | 70 | Q6: How much do replacement batteries cost? Where can I buy them? |
70 | A6: http://www.greenbatteries.com sells 1800 mAh NiMH cells at $3.25USD each, | 71 | A6: http://www.greenbatteries.com sells 1800 mAh NiMH cells at $3.25USD each, |
@@ -73,67 +74,63 @@ A6: http://www.greenbatteries.com sells 1800 mAh NiMH cells at $3.25USD each, | |||
73 | sold in almost all shops that sell consumer electronics, and in many | 74 | sold in almost all shops that sell consumer electronics, and in many |
74 | online shops. Browse around. There's a pretty good comparison between | 75 | online shops. Browse around. There's a pretty good comparison between |
75 | different battery makes and models at the digital imaging resource site: | 76 | different battery makes and models at the digital imaging resource site: |
76 | http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM | 77 | http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM In Germany, |
77 | In Germany, www.reichelt.de sells GP 2000 batteries for 2,75 EUR (12/2002). | 78 | www.reichelt.de sells GP 2000 batteries for 2,75 EUR (12/2002). |
78 | 79 | ||
79 | Q7: What kind of run-time can I expect on a set of fully-charged batteries | 80 | Q7: What kind of run-time can I expect on a set of fully-charged batteries |
80 | when running Rockbox? | 81 | when running Rockbox? |
81 | A7: For the stock 1500 mAh cells, from 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on | 82 | A7: For the stock 1500 mAh cells, from 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on which |
82 | which charger was used (see Q3) and the bitrate you use (higher bitrate | 83 | charger was used (see Q3) and the bitrate you use (higher bitrate means |
83 | means more harddisk runtime). It depends a lot on the condition of the | 84 | more harddisk runtime). It depends a lot on the condition of the |
84 | batteries. With 2000 mAh batteries, you should reach about 10 hours or more. | 85 | batteries. With 2000 mAh batteries, you should reach about 10 hours or |
85 | We are looking into implementing more battery-saving techniques in rockbox | 86 | more. We are looking into implementing more battery-saving techniques in |
86 | to make it rock longer. | 87 | rockbox to make it rock longer. If you have a modified AJB with 8 MB, you |
87 | If you have a modified AJB with 8 MB, you can reach playing times of up to | 88 | can reach playing times of up to 16 hours with 2100 mAh batteries. |
88 | 16 hours with 2100 mAh batteries. | ||
89 | 89 | ||
90 | Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? How much playtime would | 90 | Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? How much playtime would |
91 | I gain by using 1800 mAh batteries instead of the 1500 mAh ones? | 91 | I gain by using 1800 mAh batteries instead of the 1500 mAh ones? |
92 | A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe | 92 | A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe to |
93 | to use NiMH batteries of different capacities though, a lot of people | 93 | use NiMH batteries of different capacities though, a lot of people have |
94 | have purchaced 1700 or 1800 mAh batteries to replace the stock 1500 mAh | 94 | purchaced 1700 or 1800 mAh batteries to replace the stock 1500 mAh cells |
95 | cells and have the device run a bit longer. 2000 mAh batteries are | 95 | and have the device run a bit longer. 2000 mAh batteries are just |
96 | just appearing in shops are equally good to use. | 96 | appearing in shops are equally good to use. |
97 | 97 | ||
98 | In theory, running time = capacity of batteries / current drawn by device, | 98 | In theory, running time = capacity of batteries / current drawn by device, |
99 | so running time should increase linearly by the capacity, and 2000 mAh | 99 | so running time should increase linearly by the capacity, and 2000 mAh |
100 | over 1500 mAh should give 33% longer running time. In practice, the | 100 | over 1500 mAh should give 33% longer running time. In practice, the mAh |
101 | mAh ratings are more or less tuned up by the marketing department | 101 | ratings are more or less tuned up by the marketing department (think of |
102 | (think of watts on the back of "hi-fi" speakers and amplifiers) and | 102 | watts on the back of "hi-fi" speakers and amplifiers) and what you |
103 | what you actually get out of the cells is something else than what is | 103 | actually get out of the cells is something else than what is printed on |
104 | printed on them. Check the excellent imaging-resource link above for | 104 | them. Check the excellent imaging-resource link above for details! |
105 | details! | ||
106 | 105 | ||
107 | Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? | 106 | Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? |
108 | A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with | 107 | A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with four |
109 | four 1.2V batteries producing about 4.8V at most, and using 1.5V | 108 | 1.2V batteries producing about 4.8V at most, and using 1.5V alkaline/zinc |
110 | alkaline/zinc carbon batteries will produce around 6.0V, which will | 109 | carbon batteries will produce around 6.0V, which will heat up the unit a |
111 | heat up the unit a lot more and might even damage it. The Archos | 110 | lot more and might even damage it. The Archos manual explicitly tells you |
112 | manual explicitly tells you not to do so. | 111 | not to do so. Also, if you connect the charger, it may even destroy both |
113 | Also, if you connect the charger, it may even destroy both the batteries | 112 | the batteries and the unit. |
114 | and the unit. | ||
115 | 113 | ||
116 | Q10: Can I use a different charger? | 114 | Q10: Can I use a different charger? |
117 | A10: The short answer is: Using a different charger will void your warranty | 115 | A10: The short answer is: Using a different charger will void your warranty |
118 | and can be dangerous to your unit, so we can not recommend it. | 116 | and can be dangerous to your unit, so we can not recommend it. |
119 | 117 | ||
120 | On the other hand, people have successfully used different chargers | 118 | On the other hand, people have successfully used different chargers with |
121 | with similar specifications as the stock charger. The charger must | 119 | similar specifications as the stock charger. The charger must have the |
122 | have the same kind of connector with same polarity (center positive/+). | 120 | same kind of connector with same polarity (center positive/+). The |
123 | The charger should supply at least 7-8 volts, and if it provides | 121 | charger should supply at least 7-8 volts, and if it provides more than |
124 | more than 10V, it probably should be regulated to 10V (do not | 122 | 10V, it probably should be regulated to 10V (do not directly plug it in |
125 | directly plug it in your 12V car battery or it's charger!). | 123 | your 12V car battery or it's charger!). The universal travel charger |
126 | The universal travel charger sold by Archos is specified at | 124 | sold by Archos is specified at 12V, 1.2A so that's probably the maximum |
127 | 12V, 1.2A so that's probably the maximum rating you should use. | 125 | rating you should use. A good circuit for powering from a car battery or |
128 | A good circuit for powering from a car battery or other source | 126 | other source with a higher voltage would be a 600 mA fuse and a 10V |
129 | with a higher voltage would be a 600 mA fuse and a 10V regulator like | 127 | regulator like a 7810 of your favourite manufacturer in series. |
130 | a 7810 of your favourite manufacturer in series. | ||
131 | 128 | ||
132 | Inside the Jukebox there is a regulator which limits the charging | 129 | Inside the Jukebox there is a regulator which limits the charging current |
133 | current applied to the batteries. The higher the input voltage, the hotter | 130 | applied to the batteries. The higher the input voltage, the hotter this |
134 | this IC gets. Don't use an input voltage above 12V. | 131 | IC gets. Don't use an input voltage above 12V. Using lower charging |
135 | Using lower charging voltage < 10V will slow down the charging. But the | 132 | voltage < 10V will slow down the charging. But the rockbox charging |
136 | rockbox charging algorithm should work then, too. | 133 | algorithm should work then, too. |
137 | 134 | ||
138 | These are the output voltages of an original archos power supply: | 135 | These are the output voltages of an original archos power supply: |
139 | - connected to AJB Recorder, not charging: 13,7 Volt | 136 | - connected to AJB Recorder, not charging: 13,7 Volt |
@@ -162,9 +159,9 @@ A10: The short answer is: Using a different charger will void your warranty | |||
162 | - use a fuse of ~600mA | 159 | - use a fuse of ~600mA |
163 | - using a different charger voids your warrenty | 160 | - using a different charger voids your warrenty |
164 | 161 | ||
165 | Many people are happy using an external quick charger which | 162 | Many people are happy using an external quick charger which is specified |
166 | is specified to work with NiMH batteries. This is completely safe | 163 | to work with NiMH batteries. This is completely safe and will not void |
167 | and will not void your warranty. | 164 | your warranty. |
168 | 165 | ||
169 | Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? | 166 | Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? |
170 | A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: | 167 | A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: |
@@ -172,15 +169,15 @@ A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: | |||
172 | Output: 9VDC 600mA | 169 | Output: 9VDC 600mA |
173 | Center positive (+) polarity | 170 | Center positive (+) polarity |
174 | 171 | ||
175 | The universal travel charger sold separately on the Archos web site | 172 | The universal travel charger sold separately on the Archos web site is |
176 | is specified for 12VDC, 1200mA output. | 173 | specified for 12VDC, 1200mA output. |
177 | 174 | ||
178 | Chargers with similar (or user-adjustable) properties are available | 175 | Chargers with similar (or user-adjustable) properties are available at |
179 | at shops selling consumer electronics. | 176 | shops selling consumer electronics. |
180 | 177 | ||
181 | Q12: I often need to stop my player for about 15 minutes or so, and when I do | 178 | Q12: I often need to stop my player for about 15 minutes or so, and when I do |
182 | it runs off it's batteries. I was wondering, which is best: shutting the | 179 | it runs off it's batteries. I was wondering, which is best: shutting the |
183 | player down completely and rebooting it when I want to listen again, or | 180 | player down completely and rebooting it when I want to listen again, or |
184 | leaving the unit on? Which way does it draw more power? | 181 | leaving the unit on? Which way does it draw more power? |
185 | A12: In our testing we found the following results: | 182 | A12: In our testing we found the following results: |
186 | HDD off, backlight off, idle 94 mA | 183 | HDD off, backlight off, idle 94 mA |
@@ -215,13 +212,13 @@ A12: In our testing we found the following results: | |||
215 | Q13: When I plug in the charger when the Recorder is turned off, it turns | 212 | Q13: When I plug in the charger when the Recorder is turned off, it turns |
216 | itself on and starts charging in the Archos software? What's up? | 213 | itself on and starts charging in the Archos software? What's up? |
217 | A13: There is a switch in the DC IN jack of the Jukebox - when a charger (or | 214 | A13: There is a switch in the DC IN jack of the Jukebox - when a charger (or |
218 | whatever) is plugged in, the unit is powered on, even if the charger | 215 | whatever) is plugged in, the unit is powered on, even if the charger is |
219 | is not plugged in a mains outlet. | 216 | not plugged in a mains outlet. |
220 | 217 | ||
221 | If the charger is providing power at this point, the Archos firmware | 218 | If the charger is providing power at this point, the Archos firmware |
222 | located on the FLASH ROM does not load a new firmware version (like | 219 | located on the FLASH ROM does not load a new firmware version (like |
223 | Rockbox) from the disk, but goes into charging mode instead. You can | 220 | Rockbox) from the disk, but goes into charging mode instead. You can use |
224 | use this feature to get to the Archos charger if you want to. | 221 | this feature to get to the Archos charger if you want to. |
225 | 222 | ||
226 | Q14: When I plug the charger in my Recorder, it doesn't immediately start | 223 | Q14: When I plug the charger in my Recorder, it doesn't immediately start |
227 | charging the batteries! | 224 | charging the batteries! |
@@ -233,29 +230,29 @@ A14: When Rockbox is running on the Recorder (the device has been booted | |||
233 | only when the battery is almost empty. | 230 | only when the battery is almost empty. |
234 | 231 | ||
235 | Q15: What about the memory effect? Should I be worried about it or not? | 232 | Q15: What about the memory effect? Should I be worried about it or not? |
236 | A15: That depends on who you ask. ;-) NiMH sellers say NiMHs are better and | 233 | A15: That depends on who you ask. ;-) NiMH sellers say NiMHs are better and do |
237 | do not have a memory effect, but the usual opinion seems to be that | 234 | not have a memory effect, but the usual opinion seems to be that they do, |
238 | they do, although it is very small. | 235 | although it is very small. |
239 | 236 | ||
240 | However, if you use your AJB connected to the charger all the time, | 237 | However, if you use your AJB connected to the charger all the time, |
241 | we recommend you to use the deep discharge option. | 238 | we recommend you to use the deep discharge option. |
242 | 239 | ||
243 | Q16: When I start my Jukebox, (dis)connect the charger and browse through the | 240 | Q16: When I start my Jukebox, (dis)connect the charger and browse through the |
244 | directories, the battery level changes a little bit. Sometimes it's even | 241 | directories, the battery level changes a little bit. Sometimes it's even |
245 | going up without the charger is connected! What's wrong? | 242 | going up without the charger is connected! What's wrong? |
246 | A16: Nothing's wrong. The battery level is calculated out of the voltage. | 243 | A16: Nothing's wrong. The battery level is calculated out of the voltage. |
247 | Because disk spinning, LED backlight, charger all influence the actual | 244 | Because disk spinning, LED backlight, charger all influence the actual |
248 | battery voltage, it is usual that the battery level is going a little bit | 245 | battery voltage, it is usual that the battery level is going a little bit |
249 | up and down sometimes. This cannot be avoided although we tried to make the | 246 | up and down sometimes. This cannot be avoided although we tried to make |
250 | battery level display as little confusing as we could. | 247 | the battery level display as little confusing as we could. |
251 | 248 | ||
252 | Q17: My batteries are at 92%, the charger is connected to my recorder, deep | 249 | Q17: My batteries are at 92%, the charger is connected to my recorder, deep |
253 | discharge is off. But charging doesn't start. What's wrong? | 250 | discharge is off. But charging doesn't start. What's wrong? |
254 | A17: Charging starts if the battery level is below 85%. This is because | 251 | A17: Charging starts if the battery level is below 85%. This is because |
255 | charging batteries that *are* already more or less full is not good for | 252 | charging batteries that *are* already more or less full is not good for |
256 | the batteries and the end of the charging cycle can't be detected safely. | 253 | the batteries and the end of the charging cycle can't be detected safely. |
257 | So it's better to start at a level at least as low as 85%. | 254 | So it's better to start at a level at least as low as 85%. If you want |
258 | If you want to have full batteries in the morning, leave the charger | 255 | to have full batteries in the morning, leave the charger connected over |
259 | connected over night. Charging will then start some hours later. The | 256 | night. Charging will then start some hours later. The second possibility: |
260 | second possibility: Use the Archos charging algorithm. At least, | 257 | Use the Archos charging algorithm. At least, your batteries will be full |
261 | your batteries will be full one more time. ;-) \ No newline at end of file | 258 | one more time. ;-) |