Batteries and Charging
From OESF
Can I use the A/C adapter without the cradle?
- The normal A/C adapter works with or without the cradle
You can unplug the A/C adapter from the back of the cradle, and plug it directly into the bottom of the Zaurus, in the http://www.oesf.org/faq/images/hw_ac.gif plug.
Last updated: 2002.Mar.28
Is there a car adapter for the Zaurus?
- Yes there are
Instant Power sell Sharp approved chargers, including a car adapter: http://www.myzaurus.com/accessories.asp -- tumnus 20031008
You can also use the TomTom GO accessories as those devices also use 5V and have the same connector; I have verified this works with GO 300 and G0 500 mains adaptors and car adaptors -- speculatrix, 20061127
The battery status doesn't seem too accurate
- Newer hardware = more accurate status
The SL5500 and SL5000D models do not report very accurate readings. The kernel used in the OpenZaurus ROM for these models has a patch that interpolates the readings and gives a more accurate figure.
All newer Zaurus SL models give better hardware battery readings.
Source: tumnus Last updated: 2003.Oct.08
- It's not the best yet
The battery status in the taskbar - (Battery) - only seems to show 0%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% at the moment.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.06
How long does the battery last?
- It depends on how much you use it.
Listening to MP3s with the frontlight on highest power, the Zaurus lasts only about 1 hour. With typical usage (checking calendar, addressbook, todo list), the Zaurus only needs to be charged every day or so. Your mileage may vary.
Last updated: 2002.May.30
- Do some math
The 5000D and 5500 has a 3.7v 950mAh Battery
To calculate how long that should last, divide 950 by the total mA used.
NOTE
According to Sharp, the SL-5000D does not fully charge the battery.
One user has measured charge amperage and estimated about 850mA. If you have an SL-5000D, you will probably get better estimates of battery life if you use 850mA for estimating battery life. (unless you use the external battery charger to charge your battery if you use the external charger, use 950mA to estimate)
Below are some extremely rough estimates for power usage.
You should expect to get anywhere from half as long as the calculation to twice as long.
Backlight at Full about 340mA Backlight at 3/4 about 210mA Backlight at 1/2 about 130mA Backlight at 1/4 about 90mA LCD about 30mA CF in slot about 1-5mA CF Read about 25mA CF Write about 45mA SMC-2642W 802.11b about 100mA (sleep) XI-815 802.11b TX <350mA [1] XI-815 802.11b RX <250mA [1] XI-815 802.11b sleep <17mA [1] WL6000-320 802.11b TX adjustable SD in slot about 1-5mA SD Read about 30mA SD Write about 50mA Audio about 10mA IR Send about 81mA IR Listen about 15mA CPU active about 50mA
Source: gerrynjr (from the zauruszone wiki) Last updated: 2003.Oct.31
Do I lose all my data if I let the battery drain completely, or remove the battery?
- No - for the 5500 and 5000d, the RAM is backed up by another battery
Along with the removable Lithium-Ion battery, the Zaurus has an internal battery: a small Nickel Cadmium one. It keeps the RAM (part of which contains the program-, data- and configuration-files) from being lost when the Lithium-Ion one goes dead, or is removed from the case. It will only last about 24 hours, though!
Source: Peter W. Borders
Last updated: 2002.Mar.30
- Alternative ROMs with /home on SD/CF, and some Zaurii have Flash ROM
To avoid data loss, some ROMs such as the Crow ROMs use all RAM as just operating RAM and put /home on a SD card which will keep all saved data even with a flat battery and backup battery.
All other Zaurii models use Flash ROM for internal storage and so do not require a backup battery. Even when the battery goes flat in these models, all saved data is retained by the Flash ROM.
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.08
Why do I have to charge the Zaurus for 24 hours when I first get it?
- To fully charge the NiCd battery
The Nickel Cadmium battery that keeps your data safe when the main Lithium-Ion battery is completely drained, or removed, is very small, but it charges at a very low rate. This is probably why Sharp recommends charging the Zaurus for 24 hours the first time.
Source: Peter W. Borders
Last updated: 2002.Mar.30
The battery life is very short, how can I improve it?
- By adjusting the brightness of the backlight
To improve battery life, go to the Settings tab, and click "Light & Power" (Sharp Rom 3.10). Here you can adjust power saving settings for your Zaurus. Adjusting the brightness of the backlight will certainly increase battery life, as well as suspending after 5 minutes.
Source: r0bert
Last updated: 2004.Dec.12
- Use a battery extender
Various battery extenders can be used with the Zaurus as long as their power jack fits the socket on the Zaurus, has the correct polarity and supplies 4.8-5.0V DC.
(Caution: more that 5V can damage the Zaurus)
Extenders that work with the Zaurus include: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/batexwitusb.html (Only use rechargeables with this!)
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2004.Dec.12
