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Diffstat (limited to 'docs/BATTERY-FAQ')
-rw-r--r-- | docs/BATTERY-FAQ | 47 |
1 files changed, 38 insertions, 9 deletions
diff --git a/docs/BATTERY-FAQ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ index d1ccb3c6ab..09af2a2ca1 100644 --- a/docs/BATTERY-FAQ +++ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ | |||
@@ -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 | ||
73 | Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? | 73 | Q8: 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? | ||
74 | A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe | 75 | A8: 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 | ||
79 | Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? | 90 | Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? |
80 | A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with | 91 | A9: 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 | ||
88 | Q10: Can I use a different charger? | 99 | Q10: Can I use a different charger? |
89 | A10: People have successfully used different chargers with similar | 100 | A10: 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 | ||
107 | Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? | 127 | Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? |
108 | A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: | 128 | A11: 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 | |||
176 | Q15: What about the memory effect? Should I be worried about it or not? | ||
177 | A15: 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 | |||