VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- How To / Troubleshooting (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=2)
-- Patch killing batteries? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3165)

I was one of the lucky ones of us that had to download the patch. Ever since, my batteries don't last worth squat. Could it be the summer heat? Consecutively bad battery replacements? Or is the patch killing them?

Any one else notice this? I sent an email to Handspring. I'm sure they will reply swiftly as always. Two days ago had 20% battery power left. Didn't use it yesterday. Today, tried to turn it on, dead.

Even without the need for a memory patch, I still upgraded, and my last batteries (Duracell Ultras) lasted about 8 hours. Maybe the patch is causing the DRAM to refresh even if it does it on it's own?

Here's what I got from Handspring. "With normal use, you should get around two months of use from a set of quality AAA alkaline batteries. Even with heavy usage of the Visor handheld and the infrared or backlight features may also reduce battery life. With the update for the 8MB DRAM issue installed, the average user might notice a decrease in battery life from anywhere between 3 to 12 days. The moderate to heavy user may notice a negligible to slight decrease in battery life related to the update." Sounds like they know there's a problem but don't want to say too much.

I go the same message from Handspring. Am deliberating about whether or not to get a replacement.

I think there is indeed a problem. Two weekends in a row now when checking the device after two days of inactivity I've seen it go from 80-90% after 8 hours running (via Runtime) to virtually DEAD at 1-2% life and Runtime shows 18+ hours. What's going on here????

I think there's a real problem. FYI I have a very recent build (week 24/2000) and have applied the patch which did NOT install the DRAM portion (not needed).

Help!

Mike

[This message has been edited by dequardo (edited 08-12-2000).]

I have the patch installed. My voltage was at 2.29 volts on Saturday Morning. I did not use the unit until Sunday night. At that time the batteries were so low it wouldn't even turn on.

Then I installed new batteries, got a looping reset and had to hard reset.

Seems like battery drain is much higher when the unit is off. At 2.29 v it should be good for a couple of days of light usage.

ARRRGHHHH!!!!

If this happens again I will be asking for a new replacement.

Seems to me like something (BAD) happens after a day or two of total 'non-use' like over a weekend. Two such times in a row I've gone from 88% to 1%

Any others???

Mike

I'm having the same problem with my batteries, but I haven't installed any patches. Instead, I dropped the thing. Where can I have it fixed?

------------------

I also installed the patch and I have the DRAM problem (or used to have it) But till now I do not notice any changes on battery drain. Usually I Hotsync twice a day and play one or two times a week. Installed RunTime some days ago but did not have any battery change till then but I give you the readings that RunTime gives to me:
Time since battery change: 11 Days 22:00 hours
Runtime: 0 days 13:17 hours
Voltage: 2.56
I use the normal duracells alkaline.
Battery gauge is at 75%.

As soon as the batteries are dead I will post it with the final details.

Hope this helps.
Chris

has anybody called for support on this "problem?"

I installed the patch almost immediatly on my new Visor Deluxe, so i have no base of comparison, but the batteries do seem to be draining quicker than they should. They are at 2.45 volts after five days. Maybe its just that the batteries that were included with the Visor arent that good.

To Rolando-Yes

I got feedback from both HS and the DateBook4 folks. Will try their idea later and post results.

Mike

"Seems to me like something (BAD) happens after a day or two of total 'non-use' like over a weekend. "

Not mine. I left it off for 48 hours. The battery voltage declined only minimally. I will monitor as the voltage gets lower.

Folks,

This has happened to me a couple of times... but alas, mea culpa. I am trying to carry Visor Deluxe and everything that was in my wallet in a zippered Visor case. Been trying several out, and have discovered that most have the undesirable effect of the contents opposite the Visor putting pressure on the the hardware buttons. As a result, for example, I stuffed everything in one case, installed new batteries in the Visor and turned it off, zipped up, went on a short trip (a few hours total) in the car, unpacked the Visor, and found it nearly dead.
Being more careful now and will watch for the behavior mentioned here. Also, where does one find this RunTime program of which you speak?

quote:

---

Originally posted by dequardo:
Seems to me like something (BAD) happens after a day or two of total 'non-use' like over a weekend. Two such times in a row I've gone from 88% to 1%

Any others???

Mike

---

You can find Runtime at www.palmgear.com (here's a quick link)

or..from the author's site here.

[This message has been edited by ProjectZero (edited 08-18-2000).]

Thanks.

quote:

---

Originally posted by ProjectZero:
You can find Runtime at www.palmgear.com (here's a quick link)

or..from the author's site here.

[This message has been edited by ProjectZero (edited 08-18-2000).]

---

My old one had the 8M DRAM problem. After the patch, my Visor was eating batteries as if they were complimentary breath mints. I called Handspring and got a replacement. Even though I've only had the replacement a week, I can already tell a significant difference in battery life. Things are much better now (and I no longer have the 8M problem to boot!)

------------------
A.T. Hun
The Haus http://www.thehaus.net

I have the DRAM patch. On my most recent set of batteries (Duracell Ultras), they only lasted about 5 days, with 10 hours of runtime. I called Handspring, and they are sending me a new one. Very good support.

What do you do with your old one? Do they have you send it back in? I am still troubled over getting a replacement. Battery situation has not improved.

When you get your new one, you just put the old one back into the box the new one came in, write a return autorization number they give you on the box, and ship it back.