x51v safety mode with power or RS232?

Aeroboy4 · 06-02-09, 03:19 PM

Hello all, I'm having some interminent problems with my Ax.

I've created a RS232 device that looks a lot like the one from the cumulus-soaring website /goddard/PS-5a-2.jpg (obviously the PDA side has the TTL voltage on it, other than that it does the same feature).
Inside, the guts of the Belkin car charger puts out the 5.4V2A which powers both the Ax and the 232 chip.

My trouble is that when its been powered for a long time and the Ax has been fully charged, the screen goes dim (like its not plugged in), and the green light goes out, but the battery powered symbol still shows it being plugged in.

After XX number of minutes (maybe 10-15) everything returns to it normal self (screen bright, light on [cant remember the color]). This repeats for as long as I'm using it, every 20 mintues or so it acts like its off a powered source, then waits, then acts like its plugged back in.

So my questions are:

is there some fault protection inside the Ax that tells it thats its being 'overcharged'? and thus limits the voltage and amps?

Maybe this is a heat issue? I'm not sure.

What about these premade car chargers? are they intended to be used continuously? My use is for time frames in the 8-10 hour range.

Also, (I'll take any requests) is there any better way to acheive this setup? I'm definately not the EE type, so any guidance would be appreciated.

I wonder if anyone else has these issues...

Thanks for any feedback.

Box · 06-02-09, 06:09 PM

I'm not sure I understand what you are wanting to do.

Are you trying to have a powered GPS system for flying?

If so your best bet as I see it would be a Blue Tooth GPS receiver, the relevant software and simple accessory charging cables.

If I got you all wrong, can you please explain what it is you are trying to do.

If you have a link to something, copy and paste it and put an obvious space or write DOT instead of .
Once you have 15 posts you will be able to post direct links.

Aeroboy4 · 06-02-09, 06:37 PM

Correct. currently its a powered GPS system for flying. The PDA runs a moving map display with the data from the GPS antenna/logger. the PDA also transmits files to the logger for waypoints/tasks/etc. so a 2 way communication via the 232 chip.

all of this is currently working.

My problem is that the Axim seems to be happy for a time when I first connect, then it starts behaving strange as previously mentioned.

Box · 06-02-09, 08:02 PM

Ignoring all the powering and the PS-5a-2.jpg that I haven't bothered to find.

Is it perhaps something as simple as you have the Axim set to shut off after xx number of minutes and then it wakes up again after a while because Activesync or something else kicks it back to life.

Aeroboy4 · 06-02-09, 10:53 PM

sorry, its not that simple as I've checked for that already.

here the link in your format: wwwDOTcumulus-soaringDOTcom/goddard/PS-5a-2.jpg hope that helps.
I created a similar device and everything seemed to be OK for about 6 months.

After that time frame, then the screen would go dim and the battery charge light would go out even though I was plugged in. after 10-15 minutes of 'dimness' then everything returns to normal. the Ax could've been warm to the touch, but being that its usually in direct sunlight, i'm not sure how to quantify that one.

Maybe I should reask a question to the group: how long do you normally keep your Ax connected to a car charger? And do you ever notice the unit getting warm or acting 'funny' while on these types of chargers.

Thanks.

JakeRich · 06-03-09, 07:26 AM

I have used my Ax for GPS in my car for up to 12 hours with no problems, no dimming. Perhaps the power supply is overheating after a while and shutting down? No charging light means no power is coming in.

Aeroboy4 · 06-03-09, 12:38 PM

Hi JakeRich, thanks for the insight.

Might I inquire: which car charger you use?

Also, I'm wondering what detriment there would be to using a 'normal' charger output of 5.0V and 1A on the main pins (not the USB pins). Feeling a little lazy today and would rather not have to make new cables. But then again maybe I will have to, to get the job done right...

06-03-09, 01:17 PM

IF it is getting hot then probably what you are seeing is the overtemp sensor is kicking in. Try putting some sort of hood over the top to keep it out of the direct sunlight. I had this problem with a few of the wm6.x flashes. for some reason some of them seem to run hotter. it will charge for a while then when it gets hot it stops charging then continues when it cools a bit. it was made worse if i had wifi turned on which of course draws much more power making it run hotter/sooner. BT seemed to be better but it would eventually do the same thing.

JakeRich · 06-03-09, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Aeroboy4

Hi JakeRich, thanks for the insight.

Might I inquire: which car charger you use?

Also, I'm wondering what detriment there would be to using a 'normal' charger output of 5.0V and 1A on the main pins (not the USB pins). Feeling a little lazy today and would rather not have to make new cables. But then again maybe I will have to, to get the job done right...

I use a cradle from Seidio that I've had for many years. It has a power regulator inside. I think the cable from the power to the cradle is straight through at 12V, then the power is regulated in the cradle itself, but I haven't had it out of the car in a very long time, so that memory is pretty old..