Post-update battery weirdness - Page 7

HarryT · 05-07-2007, 12:13 PM

Agreed totally. At least Sony are aware of it- that's good news, at least.

diabloNL · 05-07-2007, 02:19 PM

The battery life for me is the same before and after the upgrade. Maybe Harry is right and the CPU should go in a "low power mode". I'm starting to think that because I had this problem with the battery life already before the upgrade that maybe my CPU refused to go in "low power mode" before the upgrade.

I know it's all speculation but I can't understand why I had/have the problem you guys have already before the upgrade.

NatCh · 05-07-2007, 02:38 PM

Because you're precocious?

astra · 05-08-2007, 06:48 AM

I have not updated the firmware and I experience the same battery depletion as the rest of you, which is about 3-4 weeks before I have to re-charge the reader again. The only difference is that I don't have this bug with power meter. So, I believe the new firmware didn't mess this particular aspect of the reader.

HarryT · 05-08-2007, 06:58 AM

That's interesting to know. Thanks, A-L!

Amadeus · 05-08-2007, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

USB chargers don't work with the Reader - you'll find that the charge light doesn't come on. Even charging on a PC's USB port won't work unless the "Connect" software is installed on that PC!

That is another piece of astounding daftness from Sony which I discovered for myself last week. At work with the Reader I saw it was down to one bar and wanted to take it away with me for a day. Decided to connect it to the USB of a computer that didn't have the Connect software installed.

After a couple of hours I disconnected it and set off on my trip. Only when I got on the train did I discover that my charging attempt had actually completely flattened the battery - and I didn't have the Sony charger with me! Grrrr!

NatCh · 05-08-2007, 07:23 PM

This is probably a good point to re-mention that the PSP chargers will charge the Reader quite handily -- they're cheaper than the Reader chargers, and more widely available too.

HarryT · 05-09-2007, 03:01 AM

... and have the advantage, if you're travelling, that they are available world-wide, whereas the Reader charger is only available in the US!

MikeS · 05-09-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diabloNL

The battery life for me is the same before and after the upgrade.

The same here. If there is any difference at all then it is hard to notice. No matter how many pages I do, the battery meter drops 1 bar per week. As HarryT pointed out, Sony could have done much better since the battery itself can hold for many months (this is what I've learnt from some other thread). It seems that when you switch your reader off then if fact you don't switch it off at all, besides the fact that the screen goes blank. I really don't understand why they decided to do this way.
As far as I understand it 'shutting down' the OS and putting cpu in sleep mode could save lot of energy. Take a look at ACPI and how many different sleep modes ordinary notebook supports. I wish the reader could do at least the basic ones, G2 or G3

Whereas I'm not a big optimist here, I hope the new firmware will be a step in good direction, in terms of saving energy.

P.S DiabloNL - you did a great job. BTW, it is funny, because once I read some of your posts I thought to myself that possibly we are experiencing the same thing and the problem isn't a bad battery but having the ability (or rather lack of ability) to read 4 or 5 thousand pages in 3-4 weeks.

diabloNL · 05-10-2007, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeS

The same here. If there is any difference at all then it is hard to notice. No matter how many pages I do, the battery meter drops 1 bar per week. As HarryT pointed out, Sony could have done much better since the battery itself can hold for many months (this is what I've learnt from some other thread). It seems that when you switch your reader off then if fact you don't switch it off at all, besides the fact that the screen goes blank. I really don't understand why they decided to do this way.
As far as I understand it 'shutting down' the OS and putting cpu in sleep mode could save lot of energy. Take a look at ACPI and how many different sleep modes ordinary notebook supports. I wish the reader could do at least the basic ones, G2 or G3

Whereas I'm not a big optimist here, I hope the new firmware will be a step in good direction, in terms of saving energy.

P.S DiabloNL - you did a great job. BTW, it is funny, because once I read some of your posts I thought to myself that possibly we are experiencing the same thing and the problem isn't a bad battery but having the ability (or rather lack of ability) to read 4 or 5 thousand pages in 3-4 weeks.

I think that is the problem. So if we want to experience great battery life we have to read more.

astra · 05-10-2007, 05:22 AM

I am getting a bit pessimistic regarding new software updates. Looks like there are going to be more advanced eInk screens out there pretty soon. In fact just in a few month time and Sony might have decided it would more benefitial to invest their time/energy/money/resources in a new version of the reader instead of bothering with the old one, because there are going to be more companies making ebook readers with new screens and the old reader will not be able to compete with them.

Hopefully we will get one more update.

kb7rjf · 05-11-2007, 03:40 PM

I found out (the hard way) that overnight plugged into the USB charger for my Blackberry did a good job of draining the battery. I guess the reader kept trying to connect to a non-existant host, and drained itself dry. I was able to recharge through my Mac Powerbook, even though there is no software, the USB did connect, which was, apparently, enough for the reader to charge.

Nightwing · 05-13-2007, 05:37 PM

Just finish the month long test... Would estimate no more than 20 pages total fliped, The meter was correct on charge for the month but died before 4 week went by. Just filiped it on and got the welcome screen.

Before the upgrade usually went about 5 to 6 weeks now can almost get 3.5 weeks with no use!

So either the battery has a defect or some one mucked up the sleep mode...

Next test will be full charge and flipping like crazy. May take a day or so to test...

PS: Thats with no SD card. Just main memory... and all original book still on it.

PS: Just started the recharge... Battery meter is only reading 3/4 but both light and lighting symbol are showing...

WilliamG · 06-03-2007, 04:31 PM

I have to say this battery thing is driving me nuts. I understand the whole trick of unplugging it when it's charged and then plugging it in for a second after you turn the Reader on. However, that ONLY works if you use the AC adapter. When using USB, this doesn't work at all since the Reader goes into its "Do not disconnect" mode. I discovered this after charging my wife's Reader:

It had one bar left of charge. I did a full charge via a USB cord to my computer until the red charge light went out. I unplugged the Reader and it still displayed one bar. I plugged the USB cord back in while the Reader was on and then unplugged it. STILL one bar of charge showing.

The solution? Soft reset.

Hardly an attractive fix now, is it, having to find something to poke into the back of your Reader while bending the cover back. Not pleased at all.

Nightwing · 06-03-2007, 09:13 PM

Try this... Get a paper clip and a pair of pliers.. Bend the "free" end out but leave the rest as a handle. Then bend the stretch out end pependicular to the handle.

The main thing is why is it eating so much current in sleep mode? Or does the battery has a defect in it? I guess charging the battery and then disconnect it from the reader internals for a month shelf test would be the last possible test to run.

It should be using just enough micro watts to pole the switch on the side and possible the timer. Everything else should be off so to speak.

Here is the bother. Only turning 20 pages for 30 days it should not be dead! But was dead. Before I ran the month and was about 1/4 to almost 1/2 gauge and flipping pages like crazy!

I saw just after the update that I was getting less running time or found it basicaly dead when I should have had enough power for a read...

Power level meters are tough to hit right on these type or any batteries...

kacir · 06-06-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astra_lestat

I have not updated the firmware and I experience the same battery depletion as the rest of you, which is about 3-4 weeks before I have to re-charge the reader again. The only difference is that I don't have this bug with power meter. So, I believe the new firmware didn't mess this particular aspect of the reader.

I have not upgraded the firmware and my reader exhibits exactly the same behaviour.
I read every day for about an hour and I have to charge it every 2-3 weeks. No matter how many pages I read.
Sometimes my Reader goes from 3 bars to 2 bars and in two days it refuses to start - the battery is drained.
Not that it is a problem for me, I just say that the firmware "upgrade" did not screw the battery behaviour, just the battery meter after charge.

kacir · 06-06-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatCh

This is probably a good point to re-mention that the PSP chargers will charge the Reader quite handily -- they're cheaper than the Reader chargers, and more widely available too.

Just before my Reader arived here - in Europe - I went to the SONY store to have a look at the prices for PSP charger.
The price was BLOODY INSANE!

You can buy much fancier switching power source from a reliable manufacturer at a *fraction* of the price here.

NatCh · 06-06-2007, 02:35 PM

Sony is not the only company that sells PSP chargers -- try a game store, they're $12~15 there.

kacir · 06-06-2007, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatCh

Sony is not the only company that sells PSP chargers -- try a game store, they're $12~15 there.

Well, what *I* was offered in an official SONY store here was more like $70.
The problem is, there is very small market for PSP accesories in my country (Central Europe)
I haven't even seen an actual physical psp here. Not that I was looking for it ;-) . I am definitely not going to visit the official SONY store anytime soon. Until very recently I was actively avoiding SONY products.
I caved in because I wanted to get an e-ink device and the Iliad was tad expensive for me

. And the e-ink screen is the only thing I like about the Reader.

It is a shame that walkbook has became available only very recently here in Europe.

NatCh · 06-06-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kacir

Well, what *I* was offered in an official SONY store here was more like $70.

I'd say that qualifies as "insane" too, kacir.

I'm guessing you didn't buy it.

kacir · 06-06-2007, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatCh

I'd say that qualifies as "insane" too, kacir.

I'm guessing you didn't buy it.

I bought an "European" power cord for the original Reader charger for slightly less than $2 ;-)
Then I made an artificial load (fancy name for a resistor ;-)) for power source and measured if it gives desired output. Then I measured if there is no "leak" current against ground. Finaly I said a short prayer and connected the Reader. The power source has been working happily ever after.

The reason for being so careful is that I am quite far from the nearest place where I can claim warranty for my Reader.

JSWolf · 06-06-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kacir

I bought an "European" power cord for the original Reader charger for slightly less than $2 ;-)
Then I made an artificial load (fancy name for a resistor ;-)) for power source and measured if it gives desired output. Then I measured if there is no "leak" current against ground. Finally I said a short prayer and connected the Reader. The power source has been working happily ever after.

The reason for being so careful is that I am quite far from the nearest place where I can claim warranty for my Reader.

The Reader's power adapter supports 100-240V 50/60. So all you'd need is a plug converter to convert to whatever plug type you use. Why would you need to make an artificial load for the Reader's power adapter?

HarryT · 06-07-2007, 03:11 AM

3rd party chargers for the PSP are about £10 here. I recently bought one in a game store for my Reader. Works great!

astra · 06-07-2007, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The Reader's power adapter supports 100-240V 50/60. So all you'd need is a plug converter to convert to whatever plug type you use.

Exactly what I have done.

HarryT
Why did you buy charger instead of plug converter? (I am just curious, maybe I am missing out something).

kacir · 06-07-2007, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The Reader's power adapter supports 100-240V 50/60. So all you'd need is a plug converter to convert to whatever plug type you use. Why would you need to make an artificial load for the Reader's power adapter?

You do not need a plug converter.
You simply buy a new power cord that plugs into the Readed power adapter instead of Americam power cord. The socket on the adapter is standard so there is no problem to buy a power cord. A new power cord is cheaper and smaller to carry

I have made an artificial load in order to make 100% sure the adapter works like it says on the label it does. There have been reports on this forum about adapters that hum slightly during use. There have also been reports that some adapters have tension against ground. I just wanted to test it thoroughly. That is it.

It works great ever since.

HarryT · 06-07-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astra_lestat

Exactly what I have done.

HarryT
Why did you buy charger instead of plug converter? (I am just curious, maybe I am missing out something).

So I could have a charger at work as well as one at home. Just wanted a "spare". I use the one that came with the Reader at home.

astra · 06-08-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

So I could have a charger at work as well as one at home. Just wanted a "spare". I use the one that came with the Reader at home.

Oh, I see

Vienna01 · 06-18-2007, 05:40 PM

After being away for 3 weeks where there was no access to mobileread.com, I tried to catch up. I saw two things about the battery bug that were of interest. One the workaround by SONY "The battery meter does not seem to register..." and a suggestion for a fix that may have required the use of the flasher. Question: Is the only FIX until Sony fixes the problem, using the flasher and changing ebook.so?"

WilliamG · 06-18-2007, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vienna01

After being away for 3 weeks where there was no access to mobileread.com, I tried to catch up. I saw two things about the battery bug that were of interest. One the workaround by SONY "The battery meter does not seem to register..." and a suggestion for a fix that may have required the use of the flasher. Question: Is the only FIX until Sony fixes the problem, using the flasher and changing ebook.so?"

I just updated that file (as you saw in the Flasher thread), and it appears it worked! I had 3 bars before I started charging my Reader. After a charge, I now have 4 bars (rather than still 3 bars). Again, I won't 100% confirm it fixes the bug, but I'm pretty sure it does. Won't know for absolute sure until I do a full - FULL charge from 1 bar.

Anyway, yay!

athlonkmf · 06-18-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

So I could have a charger at work as well as one at home. Just wanted a "spare". I use the one that came with the Reader at home.

can't you just stick it to the USB-cord? (assuming that all geeks works at a IT-related business)

05-13-2007, 05:37 PM	#193
Nightwing Addict Posts: 303 Karma: 541 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Cowon A2 Dell x3i, Sony Reader & Eee PC!	Just finish the month long test... Would estimate no more than 20 pages total fliped, The meter was correct on charge for the month but died before 4 week went by. Just filiped it on and got the welcome screen. Before the upgrade usually went about 5 to 6 weeks now can almost get 3.5 weeks with no use! So either the battery has a defect or some one mucked up the sleep mode... Next test will be full charge and flipping like crazy. May take a day or so to test... PS: Thats with no SD card. Just main memory... and all original book still on it. PS: Just started the recharge... Battery meter is only reading 3/4 but both light and lighting symbol are showing... Last edited by Nightwing; 05-13-2007 at 05:43 PM.

06-03-2007, 09:13 PM	#195
Nightwing Addict Posts: 303 Karma: 541 Join Date: Oct 2006 Device: Cowon A2 Dell x3i, Sony Reader & Eee PC!	Try this... Get a paper clip and a pair of pliers.. Bend the "free" end out but leave the rest as a handle. Then bend the stretch out end pependicular to the handle. The main thing is why is it eating so much current in sleep mode? Or does the battery has a defect in it? I guess charging the battery and then disconnect it from the reader internals for a month shelf test would be the last possible test to run. It should be using just enough micro watts to pole the switch on the side and possible the timer. Everything else should be off so to speak. Here is the bother. Only turning 20 pages for 30 days it should not be dead! But was dead. Before I ran the month and was about 1/4 to almost 1/2 gauge and flipping pages like crazy! I saw just after the update that I was getting less running time or found it basicaly dead when I should have had enough power for a read... Power level meters are tough to hit right on these type or any batteries... Last edited by Nightwing; 06-03-2007 at 09:18 PM. Reason: Adding to comments...

06-18-2007, 05:40 PM	#208
Vienna01 Old Dog Learns New Tricks Posts: 123 Karma: 142 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Maryland USA Device: Sony PRS-500,PocketBook 301, Sony 650	Really Fix The Battery Bug?? After being away for 3 weeks where there was no access to mobileread.com, I tried to catch up. I saw two things about the battery bug that were of interest. One the workaround by SONY "The battery meter does not seem to register..." and a suggestion for a fix that may have required the use of the flasher. Question: Is the only FIX until Sony fixes the problem, using the flasher and changing ebook.so?"

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05-07-2007, 12:13 PM	#181
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,557 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Agreed totally. At least Sony are aware of it- that's good news, at least.

05-07-2007, 02:19 PM	#182
diabloNL Gadget Force® Posts: 705 Karma: 2733 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Netherlands Device: Sony PRS-300 + Cybook with funny screen :P	The battery life for me is the same before and after the upgrade. Maybe Harry is right and the CPU should go in a "low power mode". I'm starting to think that because I had this problem with the battery life already before the upgrade that maybe my CPU refused to go in "low power mode" before the upgrade. I know it's all speculation but I can't understand why I had/have the problem you guys have already before the upgrade.

05-07-2007, 02:38 PM	#183
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Because you're precocious?

05-08-2007, 06:48 AM	#184
astra The Introvert Posts: 8,307 Karma: 1000077497 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United Kingdom Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500	I have not updated the firmware and I experience the same battery depletion as the rest of you, which is about 3-4 weeks before I have to re-charge the reader again. The only difference is that I don't have this bug with power meter. So, I believe the new firmware didn't mess this particular aspect of the reader.

05-08-2007, 06:58 AM	#185
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,557 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	That's interesting to know. Thanks, A-L!

05-08-2007, 07:23 PM	#187
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	This is probably a good point to re-mention that the PSP chargers will charge the Reader quite handily -- they're cheaper than the Reader chargers, and more widely available too.

05-09-2007, 03:01 AM	#188
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,557 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	... and have the advantage, if you're travelling, that they are available world-wide, whereas the Reader charger is only available in the US!

05-10-2007, 05:22 AM	#191
astra The Introvert Posts: 8,307 Karma: 1000077497 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United Kingdom Device: Sony Reader PRS-650 & 505 & 500	I am getting a bit pessimistic regarding new software updates. Looks like there are going to be more advanced eInk screens out there pretty soon. In fact just in a few month time and Sony might have decided it would more benefitial to invest their time/energy/money/resources in a new version of the reader instead of bothering with the old one, because there are going to be more companies making ebook readers with new screens and the old reader will not be able to compete with them. Hopefully we will get one more update.

05-11-2007, 03:40 PM	#192
kb7rjf Junior Member Posts: 7 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2007	I found out (the hard way) that overnight plugged into the USB charger for my Blackberry did a good job of draining the battery. I guess the reader kept trying to connect to a non-existant host, and drained itself dry. I was able to recharge through my Mac Powerbook, even though there is no software, the USB did connect, which was, apparently, enough for the reader to charge.

06-03-2007, 04:31 PM	#194
WilliamG Addict Posts: 307 Karma: 60998 Join Date: Sep 2006	I have to say this battery thing is driving me nuts. I understand the whole trick of unplugging it when it's charged and then plugging it in for a second after you turn the Reader on. However, that ONLY works if you use the AC adapter. When using USB, this doesn't work at all since the Reader goes into its "Do not disconnect" mode. I discovered this after charging my wife's Reader: It had one bar left of charge. I did a full charge via a USB cord to my computer until the red charge light went out. I unplugged the Reader and it still displayed one bar. I plugged the USB cord back in while the Reader was on and then unplugged it. STILL one bar of charge showing. The solution? Soft reset. Hardly an attractive fix now, is it, having to find something to poke into the back of your Reader while bending the cover back. Not pleased at all.

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06-06-2007, 02:35 PM	#198
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Sony is not the only company that sells PSP chargers -- try a game store, they're $12~15 there.

06-07-2007, 03:11 AM	#203
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,557 Karma: 93980341 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	3rd party chargers for the PSP are about £10 here. I recently bought one in a game store for my Reader. Works great!