bbju

I got my new Axim about 2 weeks ago. Two days ago, I got a Belkin Sync Charger cable (the one sold on Dell website. It says it can charge as well as sync) and used it for charging and syncing. Today, I just noticed that when I connect the sync cable to my axim, the axim keeps on flashing. It's like dark and then bright and then dark, and bright again, it's like some sort of power outage....

I checked and it may be due to the sync cable because when I try to move the sync cable (inserting or just move a little bit), the dark/bright flashing appears. Sometimes, even when I don't touch the sync cable, the Axim flashes...

So, is it really due to the crappy sync cable? Or my Axim? Anybody has a similar experience?

Please help as I don't really want to find out after my return period that my Axim is not functioning well or something like that....

I read the thread on the sync charger cable problem. Is it one of the problems? I thought I bought this from Dell and it should be okay....

bigdave240

A search would have found this answer but here it is anyway. If the cable is only connected to the usb port and no other power is input then it cant get enough power to charge and sync especially if the battery is lower than about 75%. You need an external ac adapter to make it work that way. That is what is causing the flickering. I wouldn't let it run that way as there is no way of telling if it may cause harm but I suspect it isn't good for the pda. You also may be in danger of blowing up your usb ports if they aren't protected well enough. Not a good idea.

edit: Welcome to the site! :approve:

wundej

Got the same problem here...I'm wondering if it is the cable now since someone else is having the issue.

At first I was wondering if the front usb ports on my sff shuttle case didn't output enough power to charge, only thing with that is the same ports will charge my ipod just fine.

I'd be interested to see if these cables are the problem or if they really aren't sync/charge cables and only sync cables.

I know for a fact mine isn't charging, because right now I'm just watching the battery level drop.

bigdave240

Originally Posted by wundej

Got the same problem here...I'm wondering if it is the cable now since someone else is having the issue. At first I was wondering if the front usb ports on my sff shuttle case didn't output enough power to charge, only thing with that is the same ports will charge my ipod just fine. I'd be interested to see if these cables are the problem or if they really aren't sync/charge cables and only sync cables. I know for a fact mine isn't charging, because right now I'm just watching the battery level drop.

the ipod doesn't need nearly the amount of power that the x50 does. the x50 needs about 1.5 amps to charge and run at the same time. the usb port is supposed to be limited by design to no more than 1/2 amp (.5) so if your usb port is not as good as some then it may actually let it burn up instead of just not charge. be very careful here. search for the threads about how this works and you will find a ton of info.

bigdave240

also most of those cables will charge just fine if you turn off the pda. the tell is whether or not the on/off button is lit. if it turns orange when you turn off the pda then it is charging. if it turns orange when you have it on also then it is a cable that they meant to sync and charge but your usb port is operating correctly and will not output enough power to do both.

bbju

Thanks BigDavid for the reply. Yeah, you are really an expereienced user. The flickering stopped right after it charges to 75%. One good thing is that the cable really charges but as you said, don't know whether it will harm the usb port or the Axim... maybe I need to stop using it....

Yeah, I got my Axim (**cough cough** I am, mm,... a veteran Palm user) and ... I love it.

JakeRich

Read this thread for information on the charging requirements of the Axim X50v and save yourself a lot of grief later on.