Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Hi,

I know this has been quite a topic, but I'm new to my VDX, I just got it Tue, then all my batteries is drained by Sat. :<
I called the tech sup, which doesn't seem very useful, because he suggest that may be a software problem at the same time can be a hardware problem. He suggested I should uninstalled some software. So I wonder if anyone knows there's a conflict with Launcher III & hackmaster? I only used Swipe and Keyboard hack for my hackmaster....

I just want to know so I can return my product in time to Amazon if this is a hardware problem.

Here is the list of things I have on my VDX,

Hackmaster - Swipe & keyboard
Launcher III
DopeWar
Handwriting analysis
AvantGo
Vindigo
Mobile link (for AvantGo and Vindigo)
Filez
Noah Lite
Pilot StopWatch

My beam accept is on.

Thanks.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Are you using the original batteries that came with the Visor? If so, try a fresh set for starters. Also, unless you need it, turn Beam Receive off... it will consume more power when active.

Another tip... remember to always return to the application/launcher screen. Leaving certain apps "active" can result in increased battery drain as well.

If none of these tips help your battery life, it might just be a hardware problem.

__________________

God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Thanks. Yes, I's using the original batteries. Now I have
a new set of battery (have to), and I deleted my launcher, but planning to see for a couple days and reinstall it because I really like it. I think last time I turned it off I was in my address book, will that be the problem? Because the Visor drained half my batteries overnight. And I order charger and rechargeble batteries (alkaline) from radioshack. I have a hi-cd/hi-mh charger, but I guess it's just better to go with alkaline.

How to turn your beam on/off easily?

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: ny,usa
Posts: 38

battery drain

jinling

I too have noticed unacceptable battery drain in my vx lately. I am going to try reset today.

The beam on-off is reached from preference and there have been post on this forum that seem to show no ill effect from either battery charger. Radio Shack is pricey, I got mine online.

Regards: Brian

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Thanks. I'm crossing my arms about the software problem, but I'd give it a try. It'd be too much problem for return and replacement with the holiday seasons. I hope it's not a hardware problem.
I acutally download a control panel hack so I can reach all the settings easily, hope that won't drain my battery.

Brain: I already order from radioshack online...I guess I'd just pay for it....I thought I can got off cheap with the amazon deal, it's the batteries that's gonna cost me a fortune.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: NY
Posts: 26

hey, it might have been launcher III
i use/love it,
but initially i had the preferences set to cycle time every 3 seconds/cycle volts every 3 seconds, which i kinda think might be a default, and it totally drained my batteries really quick...you need to uncheck those..
good luck

andy

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

I didn't check those options. I think that's a bit annoying if it keep cycling. But may be it's launcher though, because I used it one day without launcher, then it's okay battery usage but a hotsync use 10% of my new battery!!!! Then I load up launcher again, now, within one day, without doing any sync, it droped 20%. Also after I changed the battery (normal duracell ultra), the battery level will go down, and up. But I'm still thinking that maybe a hardware problem, but I don't really want to go through the return process and get one that may be even worse or I should just learn to live with it.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: NY
Posts: 26

well, the return process might not be such a big deal..
i had some problems w/mine initially(I got it over a year ago)...they just fedexed me a new one that came in 2 days, and i just stuck the old one in the box and sent it back. it was no trouble. ive heard alot of similar praise of the customer service people over there @ handspring...
if you think you have alot of stuff on the visor you would like to keep/preferences and so forth, and apps you dont wan tto reinstall, get backupbuddy (www.backupbuddy.com), its THE best app for my visor ive ever gotten. it copies everything on there when you hotsync(its really quick), if it crashes/hard reset etc, when you hotsync again, it restores it all, exactly as it was...

andy

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 32

Battery Drainage

All of a sudden over the last month I too have been running into the same problem . I haven't installed any new software on my machine and yet the batteries will go from 3/4 charge to completly dead on their own in a few hours. This last time I happen to be finishing up Christmas cards (working out of the address book) when I got the message that my batteries were low (down to about 1/4). I turned the unit off (leaving it in the address book) because I had no extra batteries, about two hours later I went to get a phone number and my unit was dead. Several times now in the past I have woke up in the morning to dead batteries and lost data. This was the 5th time it happened (using both Ni-MH and alkalines), out of frustration I called Handspring to get a new unit.

If you find any info on this please post it. I would like to know what happened.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Oregon
Posts: 115

With megaLauncherII, I know if you are using the 4 grayscale form it will use more battery then monochrome.

Simcity can really burn through the batteries too!

__________________
Rose's are Red
My Visor is Blue...

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 32

I think I found my problem

After much tinkering around, it looks like I have found my problem. It appears there is a VERY STRONG current draw when the backup module (V1.0) is plugged in. When running Cesium I can sit and watch the battery voltage drop all the way down when the module is plugged in. The minute I take it out the voltage increases ~.3 volts. I've had this module for ~5 months and never had any problems leaving it in. Now it looks like it's killing my batteries. Has any one else experienced this with this module (or another one)?

--Dave

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Columbus, Ohio USA
Posts: 255

I had a problem where I didn't use my Visor for a few weeks and my batteries were DEAD. No "Your batteries are low" but completely dead. Hard reset, basically.

Maybe my batteries conked out, who knows. Seems kind of weird to have happened. This is my second visor (other had case problems) and it never happened on my first one.

I would hate to have to send this one back too, but I'll do what I have to do.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Jinling,

I had the battery drain problem a few months ago with my then Visor Delux. I used all the suggestions given in this forum including the hard reset and reinstalling software. They were all unsuccessful! I used the Runtime program to monitor my battery drain and a set of Duracells were lasting about 3 days with virtually no usage. I eventually returned the Visor and upgraded to the Platinum. I have not had any battery problems so far and my duracells are lasting about 29 days with about 9 hours of runtime. I use many of the same programs that you have listed. I know that the Dopewar game is a problem for some but it sounds like this may be a hardware problem and consider exchanging the unit to save yourself alot of grief.

nhan

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Battery Drain

Just a follow-up on my last post. The battery drain problem is something I would not try to "live with". You can go through big bucks replacing batteries but the worst is losing important data without warning. This problem, once it starts, seems to progressively worsen. I would highly recommend replacing the unit ASAP. I actually bought one of those service guarantees from CompUSA when I bought the original unit so it wasn't such a hassle getting a upgraded Platinum but for all those concerned, going through the hassle of getting a replacement unit is far less of a hassle then dealing with the battery drain.

nhan

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Thanks for you guys help

Finally I order a return label from amazon. I decided this is just too much, since the battery will be used up within 3-4 days even I don't actively use it. If the battery level is below 50%, it'd just drain itself within a few hours. I'm not gonna to put up with this, and I totally think there's no way it's a software problem and I realize I'm not alone here. Oh well, I'd just return it after I come back from holiday, and hopfully, the new unit arrive will have no problem.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Jinling,

Good for you. You will feel much better when you get your new unit. Do not install "Dopewars". I know it's anecdotal evidence but my unit started having problems after installing that game. Then my battery problems started which were irrepairable even with hard resets and reinstalling programs. Software problems can lead to hardware problems.

Good luck on your return unit.

nhan

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 11

Quote from NHAN: [I have not had any battery problems so far and my duracells are lasting about 29 days with about 9 hours of runtime. ] If what NHAN said is posible than my Visor is in BIG Trouble. I'm using Duracell Ultra for $11 Canadian (4 Battery Pak) OH by the way it would be nice if someone would spend the money and benifit people by testing whether the Duracell Ultra last longer or the Engergizer Titiuims they brought cost the same!! OK back to my story...My Duracells ran out after 3 days of use 3-4 hours to use everyday. NHAN said that his/hers last 29 days 9 hour each day? Is my Visor Battery usage normal?

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Klau1,

Actually, the Runtime program records the total amount of "on" time so what I ment was a set of regular duricells lasted 29 days but my total "on" time was 9 hours for the entire 29 days. If you Visor is on for 3 hours a day, that's probably pretty good.

When I was having my battery drain problem, a set of duricells would drain in about 3 days without any "on" time or usage. It sounds like you are using your Visor heavily and in that case, your batteries will drain alot quicker.

nhan

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 5

Klau1,

To answer your question about the E2 vs. Duracell Ultras, I reviewed several previous posts and it seems most users are getting much better life from the E2's

There is a post from 8/9/00 that will give you several opinions:

http://discussion.visorcentral.com/...p?threadid=3907

I hope this helps

nhan