Charge-N-Run™ for Palm™ VII/III FAQS

Overview
Charge-N-Run Availability
About That Battery Pack
About the Charging Technology
Open Questions
 

Overview

What is "Charge-N-Run™"?
Charge-N-Run is the easiest way to convert your existing cradle into a PDA recharging system.

Why do you want your PDA rechargeable?
Convenience.  Getting tired of making sure you have an extra set of batteries around? Tired of losing data overnight because you forgot to change batteries? Tired of just spending the time to keep one eye on that battery gauge? With the Charge-N-Run PDA Charging System, just popping your PDA into the cradle a couple of times a week means your PDA will be "Charged and Ready to Run"™ when you are. You still have the option of using a set of AAA batteries if you do get caught in the jungle without access to your Charge-N-Run.

For the environmentalist in you, you can feel good that your not filling the landfill with toxic heavy metals. That's because the NiMH battery technology is much "greener" for the environment. If you're already in the habit of performing HotSync™ operations or leaving your PDA in it's cradle, you won't have to keep one eye on that battery gauge every time you turn it on.

How is Charge-N-Run different than other products?
While others have charging systems which plug into the PDA or replace your existing cradle, we took the approach of the adapter. We felt using the existing cradle was the best solution since one was shipped with every Palm device at the time we created Charge-N-Run and we still feel that way.  By doing this, we keep the price low and the convenience high. Two very important features our customers really like.

Is there a demand for the Charge-N-Run PDA Charging System?
We believe so and 9 out of 10 PDA users polled seem to think so too.  Not only are business's and consumers looking for a way out of "battery hassle hell", they are also looking for a way to simplify the home/office and prevent data loss.  This is exacerbated by the many add-ons and devices, including the Palm™ VII, which can burn through batteries in days and not just weeks. Couple that with the expense of keeping a constant supply of batteries at the home/office, and sometimes a person to monitor the supply, and you have a big hassle eliminated by one product, Charge-N-Run.

When did the Charge-N-Run project begin?
The idea of Charge-N-Run began in the late summer of 1999. We had been using the NiMH batteries in our PDAs, thanks to Peter Strobel's PPP page and others who found this great battery technology. We used an external charger to swap the batteries in/out when needed but that was a bother too. It hit us like a brick when discussing this with a family member. Charge through the door and put the charger on the back of the cradle! The rest is history and pretty well documented as prototype after prototype was refined into the current Charge-N-Run product. Patent pending of course.
 

Charge-N-Run Availability

When will Charge-N-Run be available?
The Charge-N-Run product line encompasses several actual products. The first products will be released for the PDA market, specifically the Palm OS™ based products. The Charge-N-Run PDA Charging System for Palm VII/III series of handheld computers are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2001. Versions for the Handspring™ Visor™ and Palm m100/m105 will follow.

When will we be able to see Charge-N-Run?
Charge-N-Run is currently being "premiered" right here on this web site. You will also be able to see it at various user events and trade shows around the world. Check our home page to see where it will be showing up next.
 

About That Battery Pack

Is the battery gauge right?
Yes and no. The battery gauge is by default, set for the alkaline type of batteries. These batteries have a higher voltage then the NiMH battery technology used in the Charge-N-Run battery pack. Since the battery gauge actually measures voltage to show it charge state, it shows a fully charge Charge-N-Run battery pack as 70% or even 50% full.

How do I change the battery type?
There is a way to change the default setting but we recommend downloading one of the many utilities which allow you to change the battery type. See our SOFTWARE page for more information and links.

Will the battery pack catch fire in my pocket?
The answer to this is no. We designed the battery pack specifically with this in mind.  With our battery pack, the external connectors pocking through the door can be short circuited without worry. There will be a small amount of discharge through the short but so small that a overnight short should be sustainable. Even when the battery pack has only a small charge on it. In some cases the short could persist for days without worry but we don't recommend doing this. But be assured, it won't catch fire from this.

How long with the battery pack last?
The Charge-N-Run battery pack was designed for a long and useful life under normal use. When periodically charged ( before a battery-low warning indication ) a few hundred cycles can be expected from your battery pack. That should result in up to 2 - 3 years of use. Under heavier load and deeper discharges, less than 2 years of service can be expected.

How do I make my battery pack last the longest?
The longest battery pack life will result from topping off the batteries weekly. The NiMH battery technology works the best when operating between 25% and 80% so popping you PDA into the cradle every now an then to charge is the best way to get the most from your battery pack.  It is recommended to once a year discharge the Charge-N-Run battery pack to the point where the low battery warning message is displayed. Then complete a full 8 hour charge and this will ensure the full capacity of the batteries is always available.

How do I know when my battery pack needs replacing?
You'll know when it's time to order a replacement battery pack when you don't get your normal power out of the battery pack. Depending on your usage, you might not notice it until you can only get a few days from a charge. When this happens, try running the battery pack down to where it automatically turns itself off due to a low battery but make sure you've backed up your data. Then turn the PDA on and try to give it a full charge. If you still only get a couple of days out of the charge when you normally got weeks, then it's time for a replacement battery pack. For replacement battery packs see our web site.

Do I have to worry about memory effect?
No. The NiMH battery technology does not have what was known as memory effect. You don't need to wear the batteries all the way down before recharging. That is one of the reasons we use the NiMH technology. Toyota even uses this battery technology in their Prius Hybrid gasoline/electric car. 

My battery went dead and won't charge anymore. How come?
If your battery is less than 1 year old, the main reason this seems to occur is because the battery panel software was either not installed or not configured correctly.  This "trick" should kick-start your battery pack back to life:

1) Install a good pair of alkaline batteries and do the initial configuring of the PDA.
2) Unplug the charger for 1 minute and then plug it back in.
3) Make sure the LED blinks a few times at first and then stays steady.
4) Place a piece of aluminum foil (2" wide x 3" long) over the front of the charger so that it just covers the two charge springs AND extends over the top of the charger.
5) Quickly, replace the alkaline batteries with the battery pack and place it on the charger( so that the foil is between the PDA and the charger ).
6) Notice the LED blinking fast( 1 second ON / 1 second OFF ).
7) Slowly pull the foil from between the PDA and charger( without dislodging the PDA ).
8) NOTICE THE LED REMAINS BLINKING FAST. If not, try this 2 more times before contacting us or ordering a new battery pack.
9) Let the PDA charge for 8 hours.
10) Install or verify the battery panel software is configured correctly, see:
Software section

HINT:  To help get a better charge( under normal use ) push one of the 4 application buttons just before each time you place your PDA on the charger.
 

About the Charging Technology

When do I know when my battery pack is charged?
The indicator light will tell you all you need to know about the charging status of the battery pack. A fast 1 second on/off blink means it's charging now. A slower 4 second on/off blink means it's in maintenance mode and the battery is charged.  With normal use, you don't really have to pay attention to the charge indicator but if you use your PDA allot then it's a good idea to leave the PDA on the charger for at least 4 hours or even a full 8 hours if you waited until the Low Battery Warning dialog popped up.

Why should I turn the PDA on before putting it into the charger?
This  isn't required but since the load on the battery pack is sooo low when the PDA is turned off, the micro-processor doesn't get a accurate reading unless the PDA is turned on.  You might even notice that when you turn you PDA on your battery gauge will show a higher charge then when you turned it off. This is exactly why it's best to turn your PDA on before placing it into the Charge-N-Run PDA charger. A very easy way to do this is to just push one of the 4 application buttons on the front of the PDA.

How does the charger know the battery pack is charged?
The Charge-N-Run PDA Charging System is micro-processor controlled. It constantly is checking the battery charge level when your PDA is in the cradle. When it detects a change in the charge state it starts the charge cycle. Even if you leave your PDA running on the cradle, it will sense when the battery pack needs charging and start charging. A great feature for those who need their PDA turned on overnight for modem or other data logging capabilities.

Why does it blink the LED when I first plug the charger in?
What you see there is the firmware version number. We thought it would be helpful to know what version of firmware is shipped and found this the best way to do this. It's not very exciting but you asked.

Open Questions

Can I keep my TRGpro( PDA ) in the cradle all the time?
Yes, Charge-N-Run will only charge the batteries when needed and even provides a very small maintenance charge to help offset any drain the cradle might put on the device.

How is Charge-N-Run compatible with so many Palm versions?
Being compatible with so many PDA's is a nice feature and due mainly to Palms use of a standard format for so long. The Palm VII/III version of Charge-N-Run is compatible with all Palm VII series (VII, VIIx), Palm III series (III, IIIe, IIIx, IIIxe), the Handera TRGpro, Symbol Technologies even built their SPT 15xx to be compatible with the Palm VII/III series at the serial port and back surfaces and therefore compatible with Charge-N-Run, and IBM sold a PDA under the name of IBM WorkPad c5 and this too is compatible with Charge-N-Run. We're working on the m100/m105 series and the Handspring Visor series too so stay tuned.

Why is a 8 hour charge required when I first use Charge-N-Run?
The battery pack is shipped with a very low charge from the factory. There are various safety reasons for this but the effect is a battery pack which wouldn't last very long if used right after installing. Remember to backup you data before installing the Charge-N-Run battery pack, you never know the actual charge on the batteries when they are first installed.

Do I have to clean the springs and battery contacts?
The charger spring contacts and the battery pack contacts can become dirty with use and it may be necessary to clean them.  To clean the battery contacts, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a clean lint-free rag. Moisten but don't dampen the rag to prevent excess fluid from damaging components.

1)To clean the cradle adapter contacts: Wipe the contacts one at a time by using a top-to-bottom  (up->down ) motion following the guide on the cradle adapter to each of the spring contacts. Just 2-3 wipes should be sufficient under normal use. Repeat if necessary.
CAUTION: Any side to side motion could damage the cradle adapter contacts.

2)To clean the battery pack contacts: Wipe the contacts from left-to-right across both contacts.
CAUTION: The battery door must remain installed to prevent fluids from entering the PDA and causing damage.

How do I send in a question for the FAQ?
Just send an email to:  Support