Registered: Sep 2002
Location:
Posts: 1

memory loss after changing batteries

I recently switched to rechargeable batteries for my Visor Deluxe.
Now everytime I change batteries, my Visor looses all of it's installed software and data. This isn't a big problem since I use Backupbuddy, but I'd rather live without the need to restore everything after a battery change...

Might this have something to do with the rechargeables ? Or is the internal battery damaged and needs to be replaced ?
My Visor is about 2 years old now...

regards,
Japhy

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

I doubt it's related to rechargables. I've been using them in my Visor for well over a year without any problems.

The usual culprit would be the internal capacitor that supplies power to RAM while your batteries are out. i don't know that there's an easy way to replace the capacitor aside from swapping out the MB.

i naturally assume that you do speedy battery exchanges and you're not waiting too long past the low battery warning to switch out your batteries.

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Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by imabug
i naturally assume that you do speedy battery exchanges and you're not waiting too long past the low battery warning to switch out your batteries.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Apr 2002
Location:
Posts: 24

what imabug said about not waiting too long past the "low battery" warning is very important... I notice I lose data most often when the old batteries are almost dead, because the backup capacitor doesn't have enough power to keep the RAM alive. (incidentally, it would be rather difficult to pull out the backup capacitor; I think it is soldered on.)

Rechargeables could be the culprit, especially if you're using NiCads. Not only do NiCads lose power *very* quickly when they're almost discharged, but they don't even deliver a full 3 volts anyway. (they deliver something closer to 2.6 volts.) NiMHs have the same quick dropoff problems, but they are less of a concern because they deliver a full 3 volts.

Rechargeable alkalines (brand Renewals, or Pure Energy if you live up here in Canada) are both the best to use and the worst to use. They have almost the same 'discharge curve' (the speed at which the battery loses power over its life) as regular alkalines. But the downside is that they don't last nearly as many charge cycles as other rechargeables, and you should keep topping them up if you want them to last their maximum life.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, there's a really simple hack at http://www.felesmagus.com/visor/index.html that allows you to turn your Visor or Visor Deluxe into a.... chargeable model! ooooooo! I'm not that familiar with electronics, but I managed to do it in a day, and it works perfectly. My batteries used to last three weeks (I'm a heavy user), and since the recharge mod I've been using the same batteries for a month and a half -- and they still have more than three volts in them!

Registered: Apr 2002
Location:
Posts: 24

Also, you have changed the battery type setting on your Visor, right?

The easiest way is to use BattKind http://browncat.org/palm/palmware.html .

The "shortcut . 7" trick works too, but it often causes a lot of confusion. http://www.djajic.com/thelp.html