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 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 126 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/BATTERY-FAQ (limited to 'docs/BATTERY-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. + -- cgit v1.2.3