Registered: Oct 2001
Location: I'm from Idaho (yes we do have technology here...)
Posts: 38

StarTac Battery in Xircom Global Access Module

My husband received (from me) a Xircom modem for Christmas. I know that the Motorola StarTac battery works in the modem, but does anyone know if the battery will charge in the HotSync cradle? (We both have visor pros.)

Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks!

__________________
Docscully

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

While the SpringPort uses the StarTAC battery, I don't think it can be charged while connected to the module and inserted in the Visor. I always charge mine in the desktop charger for the phone.

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: London, UK
Posts: 118

Since it's come up, I'm currently considering what is the best option re the springport modem batteries: alkalines; NiMH rechargables; startac battery.

According to the documentation only alkalines should be used in the modem battery pack so I've avoided using my rechargables. I assume this is to do with the modems battery curve. But what would be the implication of using my NiMH's?

Then when I started looking at the startac battery options available from Motorola UK, they are either NiMH or Li-ion. Do all of these batteries work/fit with the springport? If so how does the modem handle the different battery curve with the startac battery. In other words which is the best option rechargables or one of the startac batteries.


Back on topic, Mark I'm sure you're right about it being unlikely that the startac battery can recharged from the USB but can you explain what the Battery Charging: Orange is all about in the Modem Status section of the xircom modem tech specs? Just curious.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

---

Originally posted by IanP
Back on topic, Mark I'm sure you're right about it being unlikely that the startac battery can recharged from the USB but can you explain what the Battery Charging: Orange is all about in the Modem Status section of the xircom modem tech specs? Just curious.

---

Nope... can't explain it.

I just took my fully-charged StarTAC battery and placed it into the SpringPort. Inserted the module into my Visor and immediately got a low battery warning. I connected a travel charger to the Visor and neither of the LED's lit up. Anytime I tried accessing the modem, I got a low battery message.

Then it occured to me... the standard SpringPort battery pack uses 3-AAA's. That's 4.5 volts. The standard capacity LiIon in my StarTAC is only rated at 3.6 volts. That's a 20% reduction in available power right off the bat, and represents a really sharp curve if you asked me. I find any further technical info about the SpringPort...

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: I'm from Idaho (yes we do have technology here...)
Posts: 38

it works

My husband and I decided to try it for ourselves, just in case. The battery does charge, and that makes my husband very happy. Thanks for your help, it's appreciated.

__________________
Docscully

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: London, UK
Posts: 118

quote:

---

Originally posted by MarkEagle
I just took my fully-charged StarTAC battery and placed it into the SpringPort. Inserted the module into my Visor and immediately got a low battery warning...The standard capacity LiIon in my StarTAC is only rated at 3.6 volts. That's a 20% reduction...

---

Is the StarTac thing just another marketing gimic then?

quote:

---

Originally posted by docscully
...The battery does charge, and that makes my husband very happy...

---

Perhaps not. docscully, which battery are you using and how have you got things setup to enable the charging?

Another question , as I don't have a StarTac phone, just looking to cut the cost of the damn alkalines the Xircom seems to like eating so much, could I buy a StarTac battery and charge it from scratch in the modem?

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: I'm from Idaho (yes we do have technology here...)
Posts: 38

I don't have a StarTac phone either. My husband and I both have visor pros with rechargeable cradles. He puts the modem into the springboard and charges from the cradle. (This would probably not work for the vdx, neo, plat, etc... as they are not rechargeable.)

We bought just a regular Motorola StarTac battery. It is a generic brand-- compro(?) never heard of that brand-- 3.6 volt Lithium Ion battery. Works like a charm and will save lots of money in batteries.

A note-- my husband told me that to charge it the first time, place the modem in the springboard with the AAA battery pack as normal. After the modem has finished running its test, turn off the visor and remove the AAA battery pack but do not remove the modem from the visor itself. Attach the rechargeable battery to the modem and place in charging cradle without turning the visor on. Don't HotSync! (This is very important!) The orange light on the modem will turn off when the battery is fully charged.

IanP-- if you do not understand, you can repost or email me at [email protected].

__________________
Docscully

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

---

Originally posted by docscully
(This would probably not work for the vdx, neo, plat, etc... as they are not rechargeable.)

---

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: London, UK
Posts: 118

quote:

---

Originally posted by docscully IanP-- if you do not understand, you can repost or email me at [email protected].

---

Thanks docscully made perfect sense...

quote:

---

Originally posted by MarkEagle
The Springboard slot design allows "pass-through", so any Visor can recharge a module with the proper cable or cradle.

---

Hey Mark (or anyone) can you confirm that charging a Startac battery in the Xircom via USB cable is possible/has been achieved with a VPL?

If it's not then I'm going to have to fork out c.�40 for the battery and c.�30 for the charger - think of the alkalines I could buy for that

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

---

Originally posted by IanP
Hey Mark (or anyone) can you confirm that charging a Startac battery in the Xircom via USB cable is possible/has been achieved with a VPL?

---

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...