Topic: Microtrack battery replacement?

[jmz93]

Well, it's that time already! *sigh* My Microtrack records about 01:30:00 on a full charge, with backlight and phantom power both off, monitor on but turned down. That's crappy!
That's recording at 24/44.1 to a 4gb card.
So, why does this Lithium Ion battery not have the capacity it did a year ago? I wasn't under the impression that they deteriorated this quickly...
And, how much will a replacement battery cost from M-audio?

Last, I'm in Canada. Does anybody perform this service job in Canada?

I'd love to do this while my mics and MIC2496 are still at Core Sound, having recently been fixed.

[EYES]

sent my mt back to m-audio couple months ago for same problem,they sent me new mt.

[SClassical]

What happens if you keep on using the external battery...can you keep the MT going with the external power with a "dead" internal battery? If you can you do not need to change battery just keep on using external. Is that possible???

[pgoelz]

Well, it's that time already! *sigh* My Microtrack records about 01:30:00 on a full charge, with backlight and phantom power both off, monitor on but turned down. That's crappy!
That's recording at 24/44.1 to a 4gb card.
So, why does this Lithium Ion battery not have the capacity it did a year ago? I wasn't under the impression that they deteriorated this quickly...

That's the hidden "gotcha" with Lithium Polymer cells.... due to their internal chemistry, they begin deteriorating the moment they are manufactured.  The deterioration continues unabated until you decide they have lost enough capacity that you replace them.  The deterioration is slower with lower ambient temperatures and lower terminal voltage (like closer to 3V) and is faster with higher ambient temperatures and higher terminal voltage (like closer to 4.2V).  For that reason, they are inherently life-limited even if you never use them and leave them on the shelf in the refrigerator at 50% charge (best case storage scenario).  That is why I rejected the MT in favor of the R-09 with its replaceable AA cells.  I think it is just plain silly to manufacture a device like the MT with an internal non-user replaceable lithium cell.  Within 5 years, they will ALL be dead or dying. 

LiPoly cells are indeed wonderful.... small, light, very high power density and extremely low self discharge.  They revolutionalized electric model airplanes (where I have experience with them).  But I would not count on one lasting more than 5 years under the most ideal scenario and 1-2 years under normal use (which usually includes spending most of the time fully charged, which is worst case for deterioration). 

Paul

[jmz93]

sent my mt back to m-audio couple months ago for same problem,they sent me new mt.

Was there any cost involved?

and, thanks for the info about LiPoly cells. I had no idea they deteorated like thiss. and here I was leaving the MT plugged in a lot of the time.

I might be wrong, but I think the Korg MR1 also uses an internal LiPoly cell, whereas its big brother the MR1000 has replaceable AA cells.

[SClassical]

Even if you have a dead internal battery I guess you can still keep it dead inside your recorder and keep on using external battery power....That way you never need to bother about changing or paying to change for something that will eventually die again. Running the MT with external will always work even with a dead internal battery (I think). Correct or not?

[hawghunter]

Even if you have a dead internal battery I guess you can still keep it dead inside your recorder and keep on using external battery power....That way you never need to bother about changing or paying to change for something that will eventually die again. Running the MT with external will always work even with a dead internal battery (I think). Correct or not?

That would be great to know. Also I saw a link or topic for a inexpensive usb battery pack here somewhere. Wanted to purchase can't find link, still looking. Anyone know, if I find I'll report back here.
Thanks

[pgoelz]

Even if you have a dead internal battery I guess you can still keep it dead inside your recorder and keep on using external battery power....That way you never need to bother about changing or paying to change for something that will eventually die again. Running the MT with external will always work even with a dead internal battery (I think). Correct or not?

While that might be true, I would never consider that to be an acceptable solution.  Why buy a device with an internal battery and then eventually be forced to use an external one? 

Actually, the battery in the MT probably can be replaced by a user who is adept with a soldering iron if you can source a cell of the right dimensions.  In the model airplane community, LiPoly cells of that size are pretty common and affordable.  It's the principle that bugs me.  Like all the millions of Ipods out there that will need $60+ battery jobs in 2-5 years.  Guaranteed. 

Paul

[SClassical]

Even if you have a dead internal battery I guess you can still keep it dead inside your recorder and keep on using external battery power....That way you never need to bother about changing or paying to change for something that will eventually die again. Running the MT with external will always work even with a dead internal battery (I think). Correct or not?

While that might be true, I would never consider that to be an acceptable solution.  Why buy a device with an internal battery and then eventually be forced to use an external one? 

You know most of us ignore the internal battery anyway when using the MT in a recording session. I personally do not trust the MT internal battery even if the MT is brand new fresh from a sealed box. Most people will always power the MT with an external battery box (4X AAs) or from the mains. That's why most of us own external battery boxes for the MT. For me it's time consuming, money wasted and a bother wondering if it's time to change the internal battery or not since doing it does not guarantee it'll last for a whole show or recording session.

[hawghunter]

found the thread, i was referring to;

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,72793.0.html

[rodeen]

Sorry about not adding much to the thread but I am pleasantly surprised by my MT battery.  My MT is over 1.5 years old and the battery still runs strong.  I ran it last night as a bit bucket with the backlight on continuously for 3 hours and the meter showed just over half gone.  I bet I could have gone two more hours.

 

[headroom]

Hi did anybody know how to open the MT 24/96?