From 019203b7faf9fece3b9a12e0698fe1543df7f5d1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Robert Hak Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 10:36:05 +0000 Subject: files moved from www/docs/ git-svn-id: svn://svn.rockbox.org/rockbox/trunk@1854 a1c6a512-1295-4272-9138-f99709370657 --- docs/BATTERY-FAQ | 126 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ docs/FAQ | 280 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 406 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/BATTERY-FAQ create mode 100644 docs/FAQ diff --git a/docs/BATTERY-FAQ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..1c2804b181 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/BATTERY-FAQ @@ -0,0 +1,126 @@ +Q1: Are my batteries charged all the time when connected to my Player/Recorder? +A1: Player: the charging is all done by hardware and the exact + functionality is hard to determine. It is however not recommended to keep + the charger connected for more than 10-15 hours if you're not using the + unit. + + Recorder: no. The charging algorithm is carefully crafted in to not wear + out the batteries any more than necessary. If you're using your unit + connected to the charger most of the time, use the 'deep discharge' option + to save your batteries somewhat. + +Q2: Will keeping my charger connected a long time damage my batteries? Can I + leave it over night? +A2: The charger logic lets the batteries charge until they are full. After + that, the charger is disabled, but the device will stay powered on and + continue to consume some power from the batteries (the hardware does + not allow running from the charger without charging batteries, or + powering off with the charger connected). After some time, it will + start charging the batteries again to keep them full. This will + wear the batteries a little, but overnight charging is what most + people do. + + As the Battery FAQ at http://www.greenbatteries.com/ puts it: + "A NiMH battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times, + but whether that means 200 times or 800 times has a lot to do + with how (you use it)". + +Q3: Does Rockbox charge the batteries more/less/worse/better than the Archos + firmware? +A3: Player: Rockbox doesn't affect the charging on Players, it is all done + by hardware logic out of software control. + + Recorder: The current release of 1.2 is much worse than the Archos + charger, it tends to stop charging much too early and leave the batteries + half empty. + + The current development code (CVS daily builds as of 20.8.2002) is much + better than the 1.2 release, but still not perfect. Linus recently + measured 6 hours continuous playtime after a rockbox charge, and much + over 7 hours after an Archos charge. We are working on fine-tuning + the charger logic to get the most out of the batteries, but the + emphasis is on not overcharging them, since that would damage the + batteries. Better be safe than sorry. + +Q4: What kind of batteries are there in my factory default Player/Recorder? +A4: Both ship with 1500 mAh NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. + +Q5: Is it hard to change the batteries? Does it void my warranty? +A5: The archos manual and web site describe how to replace the batteries, + so you're supposed to do it. They recommend using only Archos-supplied + batteries, but my Recorder 20 unit only shipped with one set. Some + units have been shipped with two sets of batteries. Someone actually had + Archos send him new batteries free of charge after they had weared out, + under the warranty. (have asked from support-technique@archos.com, + waiting for an answer to arrive!) + +Q6: How much do replacement batteries cost? Where can I buy them? +A6: http://www.greenbatteries.com sells 1800 mAh NiMH cells at $3.25USD each, + and I bought 4 of the same GP batteries for 20 euros in an home + electronics & household appliance store in Finland. NiMH batteries are + sold in almost all shops that sell consumer electronics, and in many + online shops. Browse around. + +Q7: What kind of run-time can I expect on a set of fully-charged batteries + when running Rockbox? +A7: For the stock 1500 mAh cells, from 6 hours to 8 hours, depending on + which charger was used (see Q3). It depends a lot on the condition of + the batteries. We are looking into implementing more battery-saving + techniques in rockbox to make it rock longer. + +Q8: Can I use different batteries in my Archos? +A8: Only use NiMH-type rechargeable batteries. It is considered to be safe + to use NiMH batteries of different capacities though, a lot of people + have purchaced 1700 or 1800 mAh batteries to replace the stock 1500 mAh + cells and have the device run a bit longer. + +Q9: Can I use non-chargeable batteries in my Archos? +A9: This is not recommended. The unit has been designed to operate with + four 1.2V batteries producing about 4.8V at most, and using 1.5V + alkaline/zinc carbon batteries will produce around 6.0V, which will + heat up the unit a lot more and might even damage it. The Archos + manual explicitly tells you not to do so. + +Q10: Can I use a different charger? +A10: People have successfully used different chargers with similar + specifications as the stock charger. The charger must have the + same kind of connector with same polarity (center positive/+). + The charger should supply at least 7-8 volts, and if it provides + more than 9V, it probably should be current limited (do not + directly plug it in your 12V car battery or it's charger!). + + Using lower charging voltage will slow down the charging, and using + higher voltage will cause a higher charging current, more heat, + and too much heat and current can damage the batteries or the unit. + Using a different charger will void your warranty and can be + dangerous to your unit, so we can not recommend it. + + Many people are happy using an external quick charger which + is specified to work with NiMH batteries. + +Q11: Can I buy a replacement charger exactly as the one Archos shipped? +A11: The FAQ on the Archos web site and the top of the charger both read: + + Output: 9VDC 600mA + Center positive (+) polarity + + Chargers with similar (or user-adjustable) properties are available + at shops selling consumer electronics. + + +Q12: I often need to stop my player for about 15 minutes or so, and when I do + it runs off it's batteries. I was wondering, which is best: shutting the + player down completely and rebooting it when I want to listen again, or + leaving the unit on? Which way does it draw more power? +A12: In our testing we found the following results: + HDD off, LED off, idle 94 mA + HDD off, LED off, play 97 mA + HDD off, LED on, idle 129 mA + HDD off, LED on, play 131 mA + HDD on, LED on, play 230 mA + HD on, reading, LED off ~ 600 mA + HD spin up before read max 800 mA + + So leaving the unit on and paused consumes ~100mA, and thus much less then + needing to reboot the unit. Your mileage may vary. + diff --git a/docs/FAQ b/docs/FAQ new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..8f522c84d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/FAQ @@ -0,0 +1,280 @@ +Q1. What is a FAQ? +A1. A rare small animal of the species 'Textius Electronicus'. It is known for + its helpful attitude and vicious misspellings. + +Q2. Okay, fine, what is _this_ FAQ? +A2. This FAQ is for questions (that we have answers too) that have been asked + repeatedly either in emails or on IRC. + +Q3. What is Rockbox? What is it's purpose? +A3. The purpose of this project is to write an Open Source replacement + firmware for the Archos Jukebox 6000, Studio 20 and Recorder MP3 players. + +Q4. I want to write code for my Archos, how do I proceed? +A4. First make sure to read the file CONTRIBUTING in the firmware directory + on Sourceforge. See http://rockbox.haxx.se/firmware/CONTRIBUTING + if you do not want to have to wade through the CVS directories. + +Q5: Whats CVS? +A5: Concurrent Versions System (http://www.cvshome.org). We have a small + help page about how to use this to get, update and commit files on the web + at http://rockbox.haxx.se/cvs.html + +Q6. What exactly is the CONTRIBUTING file? +A6. Just like the name implies, it lists conventions that the project follows, + and in turn asks you to follow, for the formating of source code in + general. + +Q7. Okay, so I read CONTRIBUTING and although I don't agree with all your + conventions, I am going to be sensible and follow them anyway. Now what? +A7. Start by reading up on the information about the jukeboxes on our web page. + Then go into CVS and look at the code we've written. Then take what you + need and start writing. + +Q8. Okay, so how do I submit a patch? +A8. Run: "diff -u oldfile newfile > patchfile" against the file(s) you have + changed. Then mail the output to any member of the development team and + we will take it under consideration. (Please remember that all + submissions are not automatically accepted, this is nothing personal.) + + Of if you would like to run the diff against the current cvs code: + cvs diff -ub [file(s)] + +Q9. I want to join the development team, but don't have a SourceForge account, + what should I do? +A9. Head on over to http://sourceforge.net/account/register.php and create an + account for yourself. + +Q10. Do you have a mailing list? +A10. Sure do! As a matter of fact, we have several of them for specific + things. Please check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail/ + +Q11. Great you have a mailing list! Is there anyway for me to catch up on + past posts? +A11. Check out the archives at: http://rockbox.haxx.se/mail.cgi + +Q12. How can I meet the developers working on the project? +A12. One way is by visiting us on IRC. Head on over to the server + irc.openprojects.net, and then join "#rockbox". There is usually at + least one person there. If you don't see any activity, feel free to post + questions anyway, serveral of us log the channel and will get you answers + when we unidle. + +Q13: Wow, you guys talk on IRC alot? I wish I had been around for those + conversations to see what happened. +A13: We are glad you mentioned that! http://rockbox.haxx.se/irc happens + to have a list of various logs we have recorded of events in the channel. + Feel free to read up, and ask questions on what you find. + +Q14. What is this "SourceForge" you keep mentioning? +A14. http://www.sourceforge.net + +Q15. Can the changes or the software that Rockbox suggests or offers + possibly damage my Archos Player? +A15. All firmware mods that are presented are still highly experimental. + Try them at your own risk. We offer no guarantee that this software, or + the hardware modifications we show, will not damage your player or void + your warranty. That said, we have not been able to damage any of our + units by modifying only the firmware. You can accidentally password + protect your harddisk, but there are ways around that. (See below.) + +Q16. I want to see what the inside of my player looks like, but I would really + like to avoid voiding my warranty. Is there anything you can suggest? +A16. We have a collection of photos of both the player and recorder. Look at + http://rockbox.haxx.se/internals/ + +Q17. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this line of development? + (A.K.A. whats your purpose for being here?) +A17. Firstly, we wouldn't start something like this if we didn't simply enjoy + it profusely. This is great fun! + Secondly, we feel the firmware is lacking some features and contain a + number of annoying bugs that we want to fix. + Some ideas would include (in no particular order): + - No pause between songs + - Mid-song resume + - Mid-playlist resume + - No-scan playlists + - Unlimited playlist size + - Autobuild playlists (ie: "all songs in this directory tree") + - Auto-continue play in the next directory + - Current folder and all sub-folder random play + - Full disk random play + - REAL random + - Multi song queue + - Faster scroll speed + - More cool features with the wire remote control (including + controlling your Archos from your car radio (req hw mod)) + - Support playing of other files types (ie: Ogg Vorbis support) + - Support for megabass switch (req hw mod) + - Player control via USB + - Memory expansion? + Note: Just because something is on this list, does not mean that it is + technically feasible. (But hey we can dream) And something not + being on the list does not mean it isn't a neat idea. Bring it to + the list. + +Q18. I don't see you mentioning other file types on your list of ideas. What + about supporting those? +A18. Pessimist's Answer: At the current time we belive this is not very likely + The Micronas chip (MAS3507) decoder in the archos does not natively + support decoding and there is very little program space in the player to + implement it ourselves. The alternative would be to write a software + decoder as part of the RockBox firmware. However, as much as we love + our players, the computing power of the Archos (SH1 microcontroller) is + not fully sufficent for this need. + + Optimist's Answer: We can play any format if only we can write code for + the DSP to decode it. The MAS 3507 (and 3587) are generic DSPs that + simply have MP3 codecs in ROM. We can download new codecs in them and + we will be the first to celebrate if we can get OGG or FLAC or anything + into these DSPs. Unfortunately, we have no docs or tools for writing new + MAS DSP code and Intermetall is very secretive about it. If anyone can + help, please get in touch! + + +Q19. What about supporting playing of WMA files? +A19. Dear Mr. Gates, you have two options. Re-read question #17, or go buy + your own project. + +Q20. When do you think there will be a version available for my Archos? +A20. We recently released version 1.2, so head on over to + http://rockbox.haxx.se/download.html and pull it down. + Make sure to read the release notes. + (http://rockbox.haxx.se/download/rockbox-1.2-notes.txt). + +Q21. What do you plan to add to coming versions? +A21. We have a rough idea of which features we plan/expect/hope to be included + in which versions. Once again, remember that none of this is written in + stone (noticing a pattern yet?) + + Version 1.3 + Persistent settings for Player, UI improvements + + Version 1.4 + Recording? + +Q22. I tried one of your firmware files and now I can't access my harddisk! + When I turn on my jukebox, it says: + Part. Error + Pls Chck HD +A22. Your harddisk has been password protected. We're not 100% sure why it + happens, but you can unlock it yourself. Look at: + http://rockbox.haxx.se/lock.html + +Q23: This FAQ doesn't answer the question I have. What should I do? +A23: You have a couple options here. You could forget the question, find an + easier question, or accept '42' as the answer no matter what. We don't + really recommend any of these (though I do opt for '42' often myself). + What we do recommend is stopping by IRC, reading + http://rockbox.haxx.se to see if the question was answered else + where and just not included here, or ultimatly dropping an email to the + mailing list (rockbox@cool.haxx.se) or the FAQ maintainer listed on the + project homepage. + +Q24: Are there other ways to contact the developers? +A24: Yes. + +Q25: Are you going to tell us what they are? +A25: No. Post to the mailing list and we will get back to you. + +Q26: But I _really_ want to talk with you in person. +A26: I'm sorry. My girlfriend/boyfriend/pet says I'm not allowed to, and the + doctors here won't let me have pens or pencils. They say its some rule + about us not having sharp objects. I'm sorry. Now please stop calling me + here. + +Q27: Will you ever port Quake II to the Archos? +A27: If you ask that again, I'm sending your address and phone number to the + guy that mailed us with question #23. + +Q28: Umm, was that sarcasm? +A28: That's it, I'm mailing him now. + +Q29: Is this legal? I mean, I'd just hate to see something like that + challenged under the DMCA in all its ridiculousness. Any thoughts or + ideas? +A29: We believe we are in the green on this. We are not violating anyone's + copyright and we are not circumventing any copy protection scheme. + This has been a big point for the project since its inception. Some + people wanted us to distribute patched versions of the original firmware, + but seeing as that _would_ have violated Archos' copyright, we didn't + follow that course of action. + +Q30: On the website [and various information postings] you state + "Every tiny bit was reverse engineered, disassembled and then + re-written from scratch". + If it was rewritten from scratch then why was it first reverse-engineered + and disassembled? Instead this sounds more like someone disassembled it + then used the understanding that they gained to create a new version, + which is not quite the same as "from scratch". +A30: Don't confuse the terms. Reverse engineering means examining a product + to find out how it works. Disassembling the firmware is merely one tool + used in that examination. Oscilloscopes and logic analyzers are other + tools we have used. We have written every single byte of the Rockbox + firmware. But we could not have written the software without first + researching how the hardware was put together, i.e. reverse engineer it. + All of this is completely legal. If you define "from scratch" as writing + software without first researching the surrounding interfaces, then no + software has ever been written from scratch. + +Q31: Wait a minute here. When you released version 1.0 you did not have a + single one of the ideas you have mentioned on your website actually + implimented! Calling this version 1.0 is really misleading. Whats the + story?! +A31: In simple terms, the first release was called 1.0 because it had a basic + working feature set that worked and had no known bugs. That is what 1.0 + meant. It is true that Rockbox 1.0 lacked most of the feature set that + every sane user wanted. However, we never said it was more + feature-complete or better in any way then the original firmware that early + in the project. The first release was done as a proof of concept that our + ideas are moving in the right direction. We also hoped that it would help + bring the project some attention, and some additional developers. + Adding the missing features was just a matter of time. In more recently + releases we have completed many of our desired goals, and several new ones + that were implimented to fullfill user requests. + +Q32: I've heard talk of a 'Rolo'. What is that? (Or 'All you ever wanted + to know about Rockbox boot loaders') +A32: The developers have discussed the possibility of a boot loader. (Mainly + because having one sounds cool, and isn't Rolo just a great name?) + The idea would be that a user could use the load to choose between + different verions of Rockbox or the Archo firmware itself. We have a + working version of ROLO implimented for the players, and a version in + development for the recorders. However, at this time, the patch for ROLO + is not optimal for use and is not part of the main branch of the CVS. + Once this improves and has been tested sufficently, it will become part of + the main release. Please check the mailing list logs and irc logs for more + information. + +Q33: I was thinking about making the USB a bit more usable. What are the + chances of using the USB port to [play games / share files / list + the device as something other then a hard drive / sell my soul to you + for a nickel]. What do you think? +A33: You really don't want to know what I think, it involves road flares, + microwave ovens and shaved cats. Enough said. But regarding the USB + portion of your question, this is not feasible. First, any ideas + regarding special communications over the USB port will not work because + we have no control over the USB port itself. We are capable of + dectecting if it is in use (so we know which mode to switch to) but that + is it. Second, if you would like to have your Archos as a harddrive for + another device, know that this will not work either. The Archos unit is + a slave. Most other USB devices are slaves as well. So without some + master involved there can be no communication. Sorry. Now about your + soul. Would you settle for 3 cents and a small wad of belly button lint? + +Q34: When I use RockBox my jukebox's red "error" light turns on a lot, but this + doesn't happen on the factory firmware. Why? +A34: Rockbox uses the red LED as harddisk activity light, not as an error + light. Relax and enjoy the music. + +Q35: How do I use the loadable fonts? +A35: Loadable fonts are a work in progress. We do not have full documentation + for it. The best we can do now is tell you that you need a valid .bdf + font, and to use the tool "bdf2ajf" from CVS to conver to the .ajf format. + The final .ajf font must be stored in the archos root as 'system.ajf' + We do expect more documentation on this process shortly. + +Q36: I have a question about the batteries... +A36: STOP! We have put togeather a completely different FAQ for battery + related questions. Check out: http://rockbox.haxx.se/docs/battery.html + -- cgit v1.2.3