Registered: Mar 2002
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Posts: 17

EyeModule 1 - Underclock?

Howdy,

N00by here, just got another VDX and happened to see an Eyemodule for 49 bux. I reckon that's as much as a GameBoy Advance Cart, so with that logic, it was too hard to pass up

Anyhow, like I've seen posted so many times before, this thing really is a powermonger, as I've now taken to carrying another set of nmH cells in my pocket as backup. What I've not seen posted however, is the notion of Underclocking the CPU when running the Eyemodule application to alleviate some of the heavy power load it requires.

In my initial tests at 10mhz, I've found out NOT to underclock "Eyemodule35" as it makes hotsyncs horrendously long (had a great time finding out that one). In the time I had tested, It appeared that I got a little more operational time, but I cannot precisely point out by how much until I can recharge both sets of AAAs and try again.

(Edit: I'm Underclocking this app specifically using Afterburner III. I underclock EyeModule, NOT EyeModule35.)

If anyone out there still has an Eyemodule 1 lying about and would like to test this, please do. I am using Afterburner III.

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

Re: EyeModule 1 - Underclock?

quote:

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Originally posted by Plam999
this thing really is a powermonger, as I've now taken to carrying another set of nmH cells in my pocket as backup.

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Registered: Mar 2002
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Alkali - Nmh

Actually, it works just fine on my nmh. I'm using some really cheapo RayoVac nmh rechargables I picked up from target for about 7 bux.

In MegaLauncher, it reads 2.5v for the nmh, while the energizer I previously had were only rated at 2.45.

Dunno what gives, but perhaps your rechargables are older? Nmh have limited recharge ranges, about 1000, and require almost as much maintanence as nicads. Like most batteries, I reckon even nmh loses maximum charge capacity later on in it's service time. Li Ion is my personal fav, they actually gain more charge retention about mid way thru it's service life.

>End Rant.

Underclock anyone? I've got a fresh set of batteries now and am going to give it another go. I reckon I should undoubtedly get more battery life. The question is, how much?

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

Re: Alkali - Nmh

Originally posted by Plam999
Dunno what gives, but perhaps your rechargables are older?
nah. Got 'em last April or May. Radio Shack. I can take about one pic with them and eyemod says "battery low!"

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Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:

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nah. Got 'em last April or May. Radio Shack. I can take about one pic with them and eyemod says "battery low!"

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Out of my skull, back in five minutes
Posts: 1435

Actually, I've found them to very reliable, except when used with the EM.
With only 35% free space, I regularly get two wks worth of power unless I do extensive typing. My Radio Shack telephone monitor (it's a little light that blinks when the phone line is in use) is two or three years old and still has the original battery. Though I can go to Wal-Mart and get some parts that I used to be only able to find at a Radio Shack, they still have the broadest range of computer and electronic gizmos. 'Course I don't need any of that stuff ...

Irrelevant anyway. Hey N00by, what happens when you underclock and run a timed shoot?

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Registered: Mar 2002
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Sorry about your batteries, perhaps they're rated a little lower than what the Eyemodule draws, which results in your low battery warning. I have a buddy with an electric plane with the same problem. He can get the prop to spin full speed for a few rotations before it quits. The solution: Replaced 7.2 nmH for a 8.4 nmH. Not saying you need new batteries, but perhaps alternates with a higher output (as there are variations between manufacturers).

Getting back.

Yes, the Timer mode works fine while underclocked I tried it out just after reading your post.

I took over 50 shots to day and have 68% battery life left. This is very good by my guesstimation. When I first got the EM1, I ran my nmH down after about 20 shots, with about a total of 2-3 minutes of viewfinder usage. With the Underclock, I had at the very least, 4 minutes of View Finder usage, and snapped fifty "***" quality images. I'm going to test again with the next set of nmH to verify the extended battery life from underclocking the EM application.

Lastly, I'll give it another go on some Alkali I have lying here.

Please post your average battery lifetimes using the standard 16mhz setting. I'd like to get a broader idea of how much, if any, extra usage you gain from underclocking.

Danke

Registered: Mar 2002
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Posts: 17

Can anyone here please post their battery life results using a 5 minute timer on the Eyemodule 1?

My battery lifetimes have become a little confusing. I have been running on the same set of nmh for 2 days now with much synchage, avantgo, and about 100 shots (cumulative syncs) with well over 10 minutes of ViewFinder time. MegaLauncher reads 44% battery charge left, and I'm not certain if it's due to using nmh, or underclocking :| I reckon it's a little of both, but I'll soon know for sure when these nmh die down and I give it a go with my alkali.

More to come.

btw- this rules, I can't get more than 15 minutes of quality time with my old iPAQ before the battery dies. I FORGOT how convenient PDAs can be

Registered: Mar 2002
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Posts: 17

Meh, I hate double posting, but Triple posting? Bah, 'tis what I get for jumping on board when these thing finally hit the bargain bin

Anyhow, to wrap things up I've come to a simple conclusion.

Underclock...

My battery lifetime has returned to normal by underclocking all three Eyemodule references in Afterburner 3.0 to 10mhz. I have a folder full of shots, more than 10 minutes of viewfinder time logged, a very generous quantity of hotsyncs capped with about an hour of Liberty overclocked @ 54mhz Goin' on my third day and I've got 38% life left, even after snapping a few shots at the post office today

I have given up trying to figure out how much time you gain by underclocking, but I needn't bother, as just reading how much I've done with these same cells should be enough reason to try it yourself

UNDERCLOCK