Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Arlington TX
Posts: 67

Can anyone suggest a good batter monitor? I have a VDX and I just now switched to NMHD batteries and I keep getting a message that says I need to replace my batteries but I still have 2.22 volts left

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Did you change the battery type?

By default, the VDx is set to use Alkaline batteries. NiMH's have a different profile and will give false readings unless the battery type is changed.

Go into Memo Pad and create a new memo. Use the .7 shortcut to change the battery type to NiCad (which has a similar profile to NiMH).

To perform the .7 shortcut, enter the shortcut character ( ) followed by 2 taps ( . . ) and then a 7. Repeat until [NiCad] is displayed.

. . 7

Once [NiCad] is selected, you can delete the memo. The setting will remain in effect unless you perform a hard reset.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Arlington TX
Posts: 67

ye I did that already but the monitor only reads about 20% I wanted something more accurate if I could find it

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

I use BatteryPanel and Runtime to monitor my battery usage. Both are freeware and can probably be found by looking them up at freewarepalm.com or palmgear.com.

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Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Posts: N/A

BatteryMeterHack is also good. BMH actually changes the battery icon, and will show percentage or voltage next to it. You can get it here....

http://www.palmgear.com/software/sh...amp;prodID=4822

If you just want to track the battery usage, then Runtime is good.

FYI... sounds like there is something else wrong if you are still getting that message and you already did a .7 (and you battery is charged)....

Registered: Dec 2000
Location:
Posts: 175

I've used both ATool and BatteryInfo, which are free and can be found on ZDNet. ATool lets you change the battery type, track usage by days and a few other neat little tools. BatteryInfo is smaller and more specific a program.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Arlington TX
Posts: 67

Got the problem fixed, seems as though someone unplugged the charger before they were done charging. Now since I have that problem fixed I would like suggestions on how low I should run them before I recharge them

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

NiMH's have a steep discharge curve; as they get lower, they discharge faster. I personally try to never let them get below 30%... an am usually paranoid at 50%. But that's why I got a FullCharge... most of the time I'm never below 90-100%.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

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

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian812
Got the problem fixed, seems as though someone unplugged the charger before they were done charging. Now since I have that problem fixed I would like suggestions on how low I should run them before I recharge them

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