Two VIIX questions (blast from the past!)

[Ander]

Hi,

I don't know if anyone still ventures into this cobwebbed corner of the forum anymore, but I'll give it a try...

I owned a Palm III years ago, and enjoyed it very much. So when I saw a new Palm VIIX (including Palm keyboard!) for about the price of two lunches, nostalgia overwhelmed me and I couldn't resist it.

I have a couple of questions about this venerable---and apparently, still quite functional---piece of legacy hardware:

(1) The package included a Palm OS 4 upgrade. However, on PalmOne's website, v.3.5.3 is the last upgrade available for the VIIX. I've also read that some people had problems with v.4 on the VIIX. Do you think I should stick with v3.5.3?

(2) I've read that the VIIX's battery life is limited because it constantly recharges its internal wireless-transmitter battery. Considering that the wireless service is no longer available (and I don't care about that anyway), is there some way to remove or disconnect the internal battery, or perform some other modification, so the regular batteries will last longer?

Thanks! Cheers, Ander

[Ander]

Also, is there a way to delete all those icons for the (otherwise) non-uninstallable wireless apps, since they can no longer be used?

(I'm glad some of you are reading these---just try not to laugh too much...)

[JohnKes]

1) If you use the OS4 upgrade CD, it might:
a) not install at all because the upgrade program won't allow it to upgrade a VIIx.
b) over-write all files that pertain to the wireless (you wanted that anyway).

2) I think you can pull out the little NiCd battery that attaches to the wireless module. See picture 8:
http://********hightech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=GHT&Category_Code=_P7TAKEAPART

I have been tempted by the same offer.

[Ander]

Hi JohnKes,
1) If you use the OS4 upgrade CD, it might:
a) not install at all because the upgrade program won't allow it to upgrade a VIIx...
b) over-write all files that pertain to the wireless (you wanted that anyway).Odd, then, that the OS 4 CD was bundled with the Palm. Well, what the heck---I'll back up everything and try it. (This is about as exciting as things get here in the BC suburbs!)
2) I think you can pull out the little NiCd battery that attaches to the wireless module. See picture 8... Cool. But actually, if I remove the NiCd, it'll no longer return any amperage... Won't that cause the Palm to constantly try to charge it, rather than just occasionally topping it up?

It looks like my fears of short battery life were unfounded anyway. The posts I read must've been referring to wireless use. I've used the VIIx for a week now, and done numerous HotSyncs---including trying about half the freeware out there---and my battery indicator hasn't budged.
I have been tempted by the same offer.Go for it! I haven't regretted it. (I even bought a nice case, for half as much as I paid for the Palm.) The simplicity is appealing.

[JohnKes]

1) Does the CD contain PalmOS 4.1 (installs onto the handheld) or Palm Desktop 4 (installs onto the PC)? Either way you will be fine if it really were included in the box.

2) The NiCd charge circuit reads voltage, then supplies current. No NiCd = no place for the current to go => no loss in AAA battery life. Sounds like your NiCd is still good, so no need to pull it out yet. NiCd batteries fail in the shorted condition, so you can see how a dead NiCd can cause AAA drain.

[potter]

Originally posted by JohnKes
NiCd batteries fail in the shorted condition, so you can see how a dead NiCd can cause AAA drain.
Do not short a NiCad battery. NiCad batteries have a very low internal resistance, and thus can discharge all of their power very rapidly. This can cause burns, fires and even small explosions.

Also, NiCad batteries are "leaky"; they will loose their charge over time even without a load applied. Therefore, disconnecting the NiCad battery in the VIIx may increase you battery life slightly.

[JohnKes]

You misunderstand: when NiCd wear out, they show low resistance across the + and - terminals. Any attempt to charge them in that state would be like putting a copper wire across the charger terminals (a waste of power).

NiCd lose about 1% of their charge per day if not connected to a charger. I am guessing that the charger circuit in the Palm turns on until the NiCd is full then turns off until the NiCd voltage falls to a certain voltage. Potter is probably correct, that pulling the NiCd out will increase the life of the AAA.

BTW, many years ago my dad was messing with the NiCd battery pack for his flash (professional photographer), and set it down on a micro-screwdriver. This shorted the terminals and caught the carpet on fire. NiCd are also used in portable soldering irons.

[Ander]

JohnKes> 1) Does the CD contain PalmOS 4.1 (installs onto the handheld) or Palm Desktop 4 (installs onto the PC)? Either way you will be fine if it really were included in the box...It's OS 4.1. I'll try it as soon as I have time.
JohnKes> No NiCd = no place for the current to go => no loss in AAA battery life. Sounds like your NiCd is still good, so no need to pull it out yet. NiCd batteries fail in the shorted condition, so you can see how a dead NiCd can cause AAA drain. Whoa---I take back what I said about battery life. Yesterday I left the Palm with at least 3/4 power on the battery indicator. When I turned it on again this morning, it was nearly empty---and I got a low-battery warning a few minutes later. Now I understand the complaints (and probably why the VIIx was so cheap!).

Guess I'll try removing the NiCd. I'll let you know how it goes. (If this really was such an issue with this model, I'm surprised more info on removing the NiCd didn't turn up on the Web.)

[camintmier]

Keeping the palm VIIx out of the cradle (if it's a serial port cradle) will help also. I can get about 45 days out of a set of AAA batteries now. Before, I could only get about 15 days when I left it in the cradle.

This site (http://www.cesium.com/pilotdtr/) has info about it.

Hope the info helps some.