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@@ -70,11 +70,22 @@ A7: For the stock 1500 mAh cells, from 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on
70 the batteries. We are looking into implementing more battery-saving 70 the batteries. We are looking into implementing more battery-saving
71 techniques in rockbox to make it rock longer. 71 techniques in rockbox to make it rock longer.
72 72
73Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? 73Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? How much playtime would
74 I gain by using 1800 mAh batteries instead of the 1500 mAh ones?
74A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe 75A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe
75 to use NiMH batteries of different capacities though, a lot of people 76 to use NiMH batteries of different capacities though, a lot of people
76 have purchaced 1700 or 1800 mAh batteries to replace the stock 1500 mAh 77 have purchaced 1700 or 1800 mAh batteries to replace the stock 1500 mAh
77 cells and have the device run a bit longer. 78 cells and have the device run a bit longer. 2000 mAh batteries are
79 just appearing in shops are equally good to use.
80
81 In theory, running time = capacity of batteries / current drawn by device,
82 so running time should increase linearly by the capacity, and 2000 mAh
83 over 1500 mAh should give 33% longer running time. In practice, the
84 mAh ratings are more or less tuned up by the marketing department
85 (think of watts on the back of "hi-fi" speakers and amplifiers) and
86 what you actually get out of the cells is something else than what is
87 printed on them. Check the excellent imaging-resource link above for
88 details!
78 89
79Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? 90Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos?
80A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with 91A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with
@@ -86,23 +97,32 @@ A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with
86 and the unit. 97 and the unit.
87 98
88Q10: Can I use a different charger? 99Q10: Can I use a different charger?
89A10: People have successfully used different chargers with similar 100A10: The short answer is: Using a different charger will void your warranty
90 specifications as the stock charger. The charger must have the 101 and can be dangerous to your unit, so we can not recommend it.
91 same kind of connector with same polarity (center positive/+). 102
103 On the other hand, people have successfully used different chargers
104 with similar specifications as the stock charger. The charger must
105 have the same kind of connector with same polarity (center positive/+).
92 The charger should supply at least 7-8 volts, and if it provides 106 The charger should supply at least 7-8 volts, and if it provides
93 more than 9V, it probably should be current limited (do not 107 more than 10V, it probably should be regulated to 9V (do not
94 directly plug it in your 12V car battery or it's charger!). 108 directly plug it in your 12V car battery or it's charger!).
95 The universal travel charger sold by Archos is specified at 109 The universal travel charger sold by Archos is specified at
96 12V, 1.2A so that's probably the maximum rating you should use. 110 12V, 1.2A so that's probably the maximum rating you should use.
111 A good circuit for powering from a car battery or other source
112 with a higher voltage would be a 600 mA fuse and a 9V regulator like
113 a 7809 of your favourite manufacturer in series.
97 114
98 Using lower charging voltage will slow down the charging, and using 115 Using lower charging voltage will slow down the charging, and using
99 higher voltage will cause a higher charging current, more heat, 116 higher voltage will cause a higher charging current, more heat,
100 and too much heat and current can damage the batteries or the unit. 117 and too much heat and current can damage the batteries or the unit.
101 Using a different charger will void your warranty and can be 118 Inside the Jukebox there is a regulator which limits the charging
102 dangerous to your unit, so we can not recommend it. 119 voltage applied to the batteries (which in turn limits the current
120 - the usual ohm's law applies: current = voltage / resistance) but
121 if a high input voltage is applied, the regulator will heat up a lot!
103 122
104 Many people are happy using an external quick charger which 123 Many people are happy using an external quick charger which
105 is specified to work with NiMH batteries. 124 is specified to work with NiMH batteries. This is completely safe
125 and will not void your warranty.
106 126
107Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? 127Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped?
108A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: 128A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read:
@@ -152,3 +172,12 @@ A14: When Rockbox is running on the Recorder (the device has been booted
152 If the battery is not full, it will start charging. If the 'deep 172 If the battery is not full, it will start charging. If the 'deep
153 discharge' mode is enabled in the settings menu, it will start charging 173 discharge' mode is enabled in the settings menu, it will start charging
154 only when the battery is almost empty. 174 only when the battery is almost empty.
175
176Q15: What about the memory effect? Should I be worried about it or not?
177A15: That depends on who you ask. ;-) NiMH sellers say NiMHs are better and
178 do not have a memory effect, but the usual opinion seems to be that
179 they do, although it is very small.
180
181 However, if you use your AJB connected to the charger all the time,
182 we recommend you to use the deep discharge option.
183