Mk II Bluetooth GPS - Charging

keithmdw · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject: Mk II Bluetooth GPS - Charging

Just got my TomTom Bluetooth Mk II and as they (for some unknown reason) choose to ship these things with just a car charger I have not been able to fully charge it.

All the lighter sockets in my car shut off when the key is removed so I have to be driving the car for them to work.

Problem is I went on a couple of hour drive today and it still wasn't charged by the end of it.

I am going to buy a home charger, but in the mean time, does anyone think that part charging my TomTom for the first charge will do the long-term battery life any harm, because I know how important the first charge is on rechargeale devices.

Thanks

lupos0_1 · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:46 pm Post subject:

All I can quote you on is the user manual's statement:

This product uses a Lithium-Ion battery. Please charge the battery fully before first use.

I understand that this is difficult for you in this circumstance though. When you charged it today in the car, did you have it on? If not, it would probably not take too much more.
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Nokia N95
McGuider V7
Latest Maps
(Internal GPS)

keithmdw · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:53 pm Post subject:

It was switched off in the car but was pretty empty before (came with the green light flashing when I switched it on to test it so guess it was almost out).

It says 4 or 5 hours for a full charge if I remember correctly so I guess I am nowhere near.

Will not charge again unti I get a home charger, but hope it hasn't harmed the battery life by part charging it today.

lupos0_1 · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject:

That definitely is a strange set up. Why on earth would they send out a unit with just a car charger if this requires charging for 4-5 hours??? There aren't too many people that spend that much time in their car in a day.

I don't think you'll have done any damage though IMO.

If so, send it back for a replacement. 8)
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Nokia N95
McGuider V7
Latest Maps
(Internal GPS)

keithmdw · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:11 pm Post subject:

Apparently when you buy the Navigator 5 and Bluetooth GPS package you only get the car charger. If you buy the software and GPS seperately then you get the home charger too!

Seems very stupid decision to me - especially since the home charger is about €30 plus shipping.

I have found an adapter that will let me plug my car charger into a home plug socket for €10 so will buy that instead.

In the mean time am I better using the GPS to drain the battery so when I can finally charge it at home it gets a totally full charge, or will it be OK to just finish the charge from it's current part-charged state?

lupos0_1 · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject:

Personally, I would use it, drain the battery and then fully recharge it when you are able to do so. This way, it gets its complete charge and you get to use your navigator.
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Nokia N95
McGuider V7
Latest Maps
(Internal GPS)

kartracer · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:23 am Post subject:

keithmdw · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:02 am Post subject:

Thanks, my mistake.

I am going to run it flat now for when my home charger adapter arrives so I can give it a full charge.

Out of interest, how long does the batter in this thing last before needing a charge when it's fuly charged and in constantt use?

Robin2 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:03 am Post subject:

I don't think a Lithium ion battery has a memory (unlike a NiCd) so it is unlikely that you have harmed it
Robin
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TomTom One v3 Europe, Navcore 7.903, Western Europe 835.2420
TomTom Go 720 Europe, Navcore 8.351, Western Europe 855.2884
Satmap Active 10
Plus a lot of other PDA GPS kit, seldom used

lupos0_1 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:54 am Post subject:

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