Help! My jetBook Lite has frozen on me! - Page 3

GA Russell · 01-27-2010, 01:42 PM

Yep, I'm going to mail it tomorrow. I spoke with Ectaco's tech support dept. this morning. She said they would have it three business days.

gr8npwrfl · 01-27-2010, 03:00 PM

Kralik,

You dating yourself, I have not heard anyone use that term in a long time.

Great term tho BORKED !

GA Russell · 01-28-2010, 10:42 AM

Update:

I mailed it to Ectaco this morning. I'll report back when I receive what they send me - whether it is my device fixed or a new device.

Linda! · 01-28-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA Russell

Last night my rechargeable batteries ran down, so I replaced them with a set of new ones.

Tonight I was reading a book which came included with the device (The Triumphs of Eugene Valmont), and it stopped working. It would not advance the page, it would not return to the file level, and it would not turn off.

So I took out a battery, reinserted it, and tried again. When I removed the battery, the unit shut off. It turned on without difficulty. However, it would not proceed from the boot-up screen.

So I removed the new batch of batteries, and replaced them with the prior batch, which I had recharged overnight.

Still the same problem. It turns on OK, but will not advance from the boot-up screen and will not turn off.

Any ideas?

This has now happened to my JB Lite. When I turn it on, it goes to the first screen, that says JETBOOK LITE" and freezes. I've tried all the steps outlined here and nothing works. I've had the JBL for about a week and everything was fine until now.

GA Russell · 01-28-2010, 02:59 PM

The first day I really missed not having my device to read. But now I'm OK. Whatever they do, repair or replace, I hope they do it right the first time, and that I will have it back for good and carefree forever.

wackywalt · 01-30-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda!

This has now happened to my JB Lite. When I turn it on, it goes to the first screen, that says JETBOOK LITE" and freezes. I've tried all the steps outlined here and nothing works. I've had the JBL for about a week and everything was fine until now.

Linda, were you using rechargables like GA Russell?
I'm on the regular Alkalines that came with the reader and barely had mine for a week. Just wondering if there is a common issue here.

Linda! · 01-30-2010, 02:49 PM

Yes, I was using rechargeable batteries. They were Duracell brand batteries that I had recently charged. I was reading a book when the screen froze. Unable to do anything I took my batteries out and replaced them and now cant get past the initial screen, the one that says JETBOOK LITE.

I heard from Ectaco who told me to reflash with the latest firmware update. I attempted that but my JBL just goes to the initial JETBOOK LITE screen and freezes.

dkarale · 02-01-2010, 10:58 AM

Linda, did you try to recharge the batteries and try it again? Or try to replace with a new set of brand new regular Alkalines batteries? See it that works.

Linda! · 02-01-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkarale

Linda, did you try to recharge the batteries and try it again? Or try to replace with a new set of brand new regular Alkalines batteries? See it that works.

Yes, I tried both. Also tried loading the newest firmware update. The same result happened, it freezes on the initial screen. Ectaco told me to return the unit to them for exchange. Im thinking that maybe there was a batch of JBL's produced that were defective or something went bad inside them.

pendragginp · 02-04-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

When this occasionally happens with my jetBook (NON-lite), I have to plug in the AC charger on my Reader.

This cures the issue(s).

Don

My jetbook (non-lite) froze up last night and this worked for me.

GA Russell · 02-04-2010, 03:11 PM

I just now received my jetBook Lite from Ectaco! Considering that I mailed it a week ago today, that seems pretty prompt to me.

I forgot to make note of the serial number until after it was already packed and ready to go. This appears to be a different unit.

I'll put it through its paces tonight and report back.

GA Russell · 02-04-2010, 07:42 PM

Yes, I received a new unit, with a fresh set of batteries and a new USB cord.

It has firmware 0.15 v15.

I've just finished reading the sixth short story of The Triumphs of Eugene Valmont (included with the device), and there were no problems.

So I'm happy.

clerky96 · 02-04-2010, 08:02 PM

Glad to hear they got your new jbl to you so quickly.

GA Russell · 02-05-2010, 12:10 AM

I notice that the slider on my replacement device, while still firm, is not as difficult as my old one was.

TheBard · 02-07-2010, 02:35 PM

My JBL froze last night, but I may have found a possible solution.

History:
JBL with rechargeable batteries. Battery indicator showed 4 bars ("full") for a couple of days, then dropped to 3 bars.
Reading an ebook last night, and battery indicator changed from 3 bars to 2 bars (half empty/full)
A minute or two later, the screen blanked. The low battery warning was NOT visible at any time.

Early attempts to fix:
1. Tried turning JBL ON with same batteries. No luck.
Replaced batteries with a set of Alkalines, and tried turning ON. No luck.

2. Depressed and released RESET button, and tried turning ON again. No luck.
Held down ON button for several seconds. Jetbook 1st screen appeared, and LED illuminated (steadily). JBL did not boot after several minutes. (This seems to be the appearance seen by previous posters)

3. Temporarily removed batteries, and reinserted same Alkalines. Depressed & released RESET button. Held down Right Arrow button and ON button. Message appeared that firmware was not able to be updated.

3. Removed SD card, inserted SD card with firmware, repeated firmware load sequence (step 2, above). LED went ON, and blinked intermittently. After a fairly short time (minute or two), JBL rebooted and showed the normal three choices! Success!

4. Replaced firmware SD card with card containing books, replaced Alkalines with freshly-charged rechargeable. Turned JBL ON. "Books" graphic eventually appeared, and after a while, the normal three choice screen appeared. Success again! My bookmarks were preserved as well!

Hypothesis:
The discharge curve of NiMH rechargeables is different than that of Alkalines. Also, NiMH provide 1.2 volts per cell, rather than the 1.5 volts provided by Alkalines. This may have "confused" the battery meter, and allowed the JBL to shut down because of insufficient power.

Will keep checking, and see if it happens again at the 1/2 charge point.

Conclusion:
The "reinstall firmware fix" worked, at least in this case. In some cases it might take a fairly long time to reinstall the firmware, and the Jetbook first page may be the only thing on the screen. You might take note of LED activity. If it blinks occasionally, the SD card with firmware IS being read.

01-27-2010, 03:00 PM	#32
gr8npwrfl The Wizard of OZ Posts: 143 Karma: 434 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Southern California Device: Jetbook Ipod Touch Wind Netbook	Your dating yourself Kralik, You dating yourself, I have not heard anyone use that term in a long time. Great term tho BORKED !

02-01-2010, 10:58 AM	#38
dkarale Member Posts: 14 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: EZreader PP, PDA, WM Smart Phone, UMPC, Netbook	Linda, did you try to recharge the batteries and try it again? Or try to replace with a new set of brand new regular Alkalines batteries? See it that works. Last edited by dkarale; 02-01-2010 at 11:01 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
jetBook vs. jetBook Lite vs. Aluratek Libre	afa	Ectaco jetBook	10	05-10-2010 07:42 PM
Newegg Open Box JetBook ($107) or JetBook Lite ($91)	causticmuse	Ectaco jetBook	6	02-27-2010 12:41 AM
Open Box JetBook ($107) or JetBook Lite ($91) @ Newegg	causticmuse	Deals and Resources (No Self-Promotion or Affiliate Links)	0	02-26-2010 04:04 PM
Video: Transferring Books from Your Computer to jetBook and jetBook LITE	LuBiB	Ectaco jetBook	5	02-15-2010 03:19 PM
Do SDHC cards work on Jetbook/Jetbook Lite?	mitchwah	Ectaco jetBook	16	12-31-2009 02:57 PM

01-27-2010, 01:42 PM	#31
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Yep, I'm going to mail it tomorrow. I spoke with Ectaco's tech support dept. this morning. She said they would have it three business days.

01-28-2010, 10:42 AM	#33
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Update: I mailed it to Ectaco this morning. I'll report back when I receive what they send me - whether it is my device fixed or a new device.

01-28-2010, 02:59 PM	#35
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	The first day I really missed not having my device to read. But now I'm OK. Whatever they do, repair or replace, I hope they do it right the first time, and that I will have it back for good and carefree forever.

01-30-2010, 02:49 PM	#37
Linda! Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 86 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Device: Jetbook Lite	Yes, I was using rechargeable batteries. They were Duracell brand batteries that I had recently charged. I was reading a book when the screen froze. Unable to do anything I took my batteries out and replaced them and now cant get past the initial screen, the one that says JETBOOK LITE. I heard from Ectaco who told me to reflash with the latest firmware update. I attempted that but my JBL just goes to the initial JETBOOK LITE screen and freezes.

02-04-2010, 03:11 PM	#41
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	I just now received my jetBook Lite from Ectaco! Considering that I mailed it a week ago today, that seems pretty prompt to me. I forgot to make note of the serial number until after it was already packed and ready to go. This appears to be a different unit. I'll put it through its paces tonight and report back.

02-04-2010, 07:42 PM	#42
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Yes, I received a new unit, with a fresh set of batteries and a new USB cord. It has firmware 0.15 v15. I've just finished reading the sixth short story of The Triumphs of Eugene Valmont (included with the device), and there were no problems. So I'm happy.

02-04-2010, 08:02 PM	#43
clerky96 Connoisseur Posts: 93 Karma: 14 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Illinois - USA Device: none	Glad to hear they got your new jbl to you so quickly.

02-05-2010, 12:10 AM	#44
GA Russell Montreal wins Grey Cup! Posts: 7,583 Karma: 31484197 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	I notice that the slider on my replacement device, while still firm, is not as difficult as my old one was.

02-07-2010, 02:35 PM	#45
TheBard Bifocal Wearer Posts: 49 Karma: 38902 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: USA Device: Kobo Touch, Aura, Clara ...	My JBL froze last night, but I may have found a possible solution. History: JBL with rechargeable batteries. Battery indicator showed 4 bars ("full") for a couple of days, then dropped to 3 bars. Reading an ebook last night, and battery indicator changed from 3 bars to 2 bars (half empty/full) A minute or two later, the screen blanked. The low battery warning was NOT visible at any time. Early attempts to fix: 1. Tried turning JBL ON with same batteries. No luck. Replaced batteries with a set of Alkalines, and tried turning ON. No luck. 2. Depressed and released RESET button, and tried turning ON again. No luck. Held down ON button for several seconds. Jetbook 1st screen appeared, and LED illuminated (steadily). JBL did not boot after several minutes. (This seems to be the appearance seen by previous posters) 3. Temporarily removed batteries, and reinserted same Alkalines. Depressed & released RESET button. Held down Right Arrow button and ON button. Message appeared that firmware was not able to be updated. 3. Removed SD card, inserted SD card with firmware, repeated firmware load sequence (step 2, above). LED went ON, and blinked intermittently. After a fairly short time (minute or two), JBL rebooted and showed the normal three choices! Success! 4. Replaced firmware SD card with card containing books, replaced Alkalines with freshly-charged rechargeable. Turned JBL ON. "Books" graphic eventually appeared, and after a while, the normal three choice screen appeared. Success again! My bookmarks were preserved as well! Hypothesis: The discharge curve of NiMH rechargeables is different than that of Alkalines. Also, NiMH provide 1.2 volts per cell, rather than the 1.5 volts provided by Alkalines. This may have "confused" the battery meter, and allowed the JBL to shut down because of insufficient power. Will keep checking, and see if it happens again at the 1/2 charge point. Conclusion: The "reinstall firmware fix" worked, at least in this case. In some cases it might take a fairly long time to reinstall the firmware, and the Jetbook first page may be the only thing on the screen. You might take note of LED activity. If it blinks occasionally, the SD card with firmware IS being read.

Advert

Advert