mitch1063

Originally Posted by xlimey

I've read the string on this

Could you provide some pictures. I figure I will give it a try I use 2700 mah batteries
I figure I can mod it if it doesn't close.

I might even make the pack howdy2k2000 made.
Just need pics of both to decide


Mitch

fajfp69

Found one similar to the Gomadic one for much less at:

http://www.yourmobiledesk.com/produc...ID=na&mfrID=na

mitch1063

Originally Posted by mitch1063

I wish I read the rest of the thread before ordering mine. Now to find out how to cancel it. Mitch

couldn't cancel it online so I will have to call there tech support to see what to do.

Guess I will have to send it back to them.

I also ordered the regulator to make my own.

mitch1063

Originally Posted by xlimey

I thus went with the Gomadic 4 x battery holder & its included x50v plug. I checked out the electrics & best I can tell there is a rectifier, or at least circuitry that behaves like a rectifier, housed within the enclosed top end of the case, in addition to the LED & switch. (The resistance is about 28 ohms in one direction & infinite in the other direction.) Not wanting to damage the case I did not go for a confirmatory visual. Now the story doesn't end there. I found that the Gomadic case does indeed hold 4 alkaline batteries (very snugly) and they do charge my x50v. HOWEVER I wanted to use rechargeable NiMH batteries. When I tried to insert 4 NiMHs, the case top would not completely shut because, hello, NiMH batteries are slightly larger in diameter than regular alkaline batteries and so won't stay fully in place. FURTHERMORE, 4 NiMHs only provide 4 x 1.2v = 4.8v which turned out to be insufficient to charge the x50v. (Four alkaline batteries provide 4 x 1.5 = 6v which did do the job.) Thus I was the owner of a case that was too small & wouldn't even charge when I left the top off.

I had the same problem I called them up and a very nice guy looked up my order and explained what had happened to battery's as they increased in amp hours they increased in size.

He said I will send you out a new one that was made for the bigger batterys.

Now that is excellent customer service.


Mitch

xlimey

Didn't quite appreciate just how long my earlier post was. Unfortunately its length did not match its efficacy. So to perhaps avoid some folk going the same route I did, the update is that I found that my set up progressively worked less & less efficiently at charging the Axim battery. It pretty much either sat there with the Axim light alternating between green & amber every 0.5 seconds or so, or the light stayed amber and the Axim battery didn't really charge. It doesn't appear to have been detrimental to the Axim battery which still charges fine with its regular AC charger and/or cradle, but I have to say that my adventure with the Gomadic setup was somewhat less than a complete success. I thus have ordered a switching regulator ($15). Once I get that working I will post again.

xlimey

Quick clarification: Does the Gomatic not work at all, or does it just work more slowly when not modified?
I would like to get one for an Axim and a Mio GPS.
Thanks

Sorry for not responding earlier than this. I don't visit regularly. The answer is that the Gomadic worked for about half a dozen recharges of my set-up with 5x1.2v rechargables. On a fully charged set of rechargables in the Gomadic, the LED on the Axim (x50v) pulsed green & amber for at least 15-20mins before settling down to amber. After fewer & fewer recharges of the Axim, the Gomadic set-up needed recharging more & more frequently & eventually when fully charged, the first time I used it to recharge the Axim the LED NEVER stopped pulsing green & amber. That was when I decided to re-design using a switching voltage regulator. I have yet to dis-assemble the Gomadic to actually see what electronics are beneath the plastic! But in a nut shell I don't recommend the Gomadic if you are going to use rechargable batteries in it - & remember 4 rechargable batteries won't fit anyway. Regards

howdy2k2000

Originally Posted by xlimey

Quick clarification: Does the Gomatic not work at all, or does it just work more slowly when not modified? I would like to get one for an Axim and a Mio GPS. Thanks Sorry for not responding earlier than this. I don't visit regularly. The answer is that the Gomadic worked for about half a dozen recharges of my set-up with 5x1.2v rechargables. On a fully charged set of rechargables in the Gomadic, the LED on the Axim (x50v) pulsed green & amber for at least 15-20mins before settling down to amber. After fewer & fewer recharges of the Axim, the Gomadic set-up needed recharging more & more frequently & eventually when fully charged, the first time I used it to recharge the Axim the LED NEVER stopped pulsing green & amber. That was when I decided to re-design using a switching voltage regulator. I have yet to dis-assemble the Gomadic to actually see what electronics are beneath the plastic! But in a nut shell I don't recommend the Gomadic if you are going to use rechargable batteries in it - & remember 4 rechargable batteries won't fit anyway. Regards

i found that the regulator from dimension engineering is the only one i could get to work. i use 8 aa nimh 2500 ma batteries (anykind). voltage out is about 6.2 v. i've been running the same stuff since i've posted and still no probs. e mial if u want pics of my best design.

volfied

coool !! great job

howdy2k2000

This is the final state. I've tried many configs but this is the simplest. I can use 8 aa batteries or a plug from my car or a power adapter from the wall (up to about 30 volts input but I stay with about 12). Output is constant and 8 AA batteries (2500 mAh NiMh last about 1 week. I have dongles for my Axim, phone and GPS and never have to adjust the Dimension Engineering switching regulator. I have tried regular regulators but my batteries get VERY hot and last about 1 or to charges for the Axim! The switching regulator is 15.00 from Dimension Engineering...well worth it. Anyway, let me know if you want more detailed pics and I will email them to you.

bill_n_opus

Are you still considering selling these? I would be interested ...

howdy2k2000

Sure, I sell these for 40.00 USD plus shipping.
This is for the adapter, 8AA holder (you will have to supply your own batteries) and axim dongle. You just use your existing Axim adapter.
You can use rechargeable or alkaline batteries with this.

howdy2k2000

You can e-mail me with any questions at
kimberly.pickell@comcast.net

mmtbb

HI,

1) I was looking at those single AA battery emergency chargers that are everywhere online. How do these work if the device has a higher voltage?

2) Could this work with a "C" or "D" battery?

howdy2k2000

The voltage from the AA will flow into the device until they are the same. 1 AA has 1.5 volts, so expect that .75V will get to your device. Picture 2 tires, one flat and one inflated to 40 psi. Connect them with a hose and both will equalize to 20 psi each. C and D size still have only 1.5 volts, but they have more current, which does not really matter in this scenario.
Besides, building your own is SO much funner!!!

mmtbb

Originally Posted by howdy2k2000

The voltage from the AA will flow into the device until they are the same. 1 AA has 1.5 volts, so expect that .75V will get to your device. Picture 2 tires, one flat and one inflated to 40 psi. Connect them with a hose and both will equalize to 20 psi each. C and D size still have only 1.5 volts, but they have more current, which does not really matter in this scenario. Besides, building your own is SO much funner!!!

Thanks for replying!!

1) So a single AA could still charge your device, just a lot slower? I was under the impression that if the voltage was lower than 5v your Axim wouldn't start charging.

2) So a single "C" size battery COULD be used, but it would charge the Axim just as fast as a single AA? It would just be able to charge more times?

I am really excited about trying this. I am not an electrician by ANY means, but this all seems easy enough.