Well, Walt, again they have to dumb down to the lowest common denominator.
Make everything stupid/blind proof.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Walt Smith" <walt@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 11:39 AM
Subject: [bookport] Re: power
The last time we had a discussion on battery connections, I think it was
Larry who pointed out that in actual use, the spring type of connectors
really don't stand up much better than the present spring clips. The problem
seems to be more related to how the batteries are inserted and removed--they
should always be inserted negative end (the bottom of the battery opposite
to the end with the little button on it) first. I've made dozens and dozens
(probably over a hundred) battery changes without any apparent damage to the
contacts and have used all types of batteries. I agree with the comments
regarding the 15-minute charger, as well.
Larry's message slightly alarmed me in that it almost seems to imply that future devices that emanate from his shop may not have user-replaceable batteries and I think this would be a mistake, as it would seriously limit the BP's portability in situations where AC power might not be easily available (camping, for example).
----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Hill" <chill000@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 11:29 AM
Subject: [bookport] Re: power
I agree that the way the charger does it is a batter solution. I think the coil spring type of contacts also are a better bet than what the bookport currently uses.
On Wed, 01 Feb 2006 07:27:40 -0800, you wrote:
I was glad to see that the user could change and replace the batteries in
the
bookport. I'm wondering about a solution to the problem of damaged
contacts. I
use an IC-3 battery charger that quick charges the IC-3 batteries in about
15
minutes. This is a great comvenience. Now when you insertt the batteries
into
this charger, where the positive contact is, instead of feeling the bare
contact, if you will, you find a round protruding piece with a little
recess in
it where you fit the little nub at the positive end of the battery. When
you
snug the battery against this, inside, it is spring loaded. You fit in the
nub
and gently push in and seat the battery. This protects the contact and you
never actually touch it. Wonder if something like that could work for the
BP
battery recepticle. Just thinking. I really like the current
battery/power
arrangement for the BP.
By the way, I don't get as much battery time per charge with the IC-3
rechargeables, as I do with non-rechargeable alkalines. But the quick
charge
convenience and cost savings makes it worthwhile. If I'm reading only
books
using the synthesizer, I get 50 hours or close thereto
Lois.
