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HC-2 opened up photo's

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Archive:

Originally posted by TS on the RailPro Users Yahoo! Group on Jun 12, 2015

It's a good idea Bill, but I don't think it will work (oh, and going by
the specs on my charger I have a 1.4mm/3.5mm plug which fit's just
fine).

By the looks of things the HC-x can't be used while charging, I
tested this just now by plugging the charger into the HC-2 (the charger
was not connected to the wall outlet so it was not powered at all). The
HC-2 still thought it was charging and I could not get off the charging
screen until I unplugged the charger from the HC-2.

It really is strange they did not give it the capability to be used
while charging /with external power applied; Just about every battery
powered device these days can do it. Having external power supplied
(via charger or USB) would be very useful while downloading and
transferring files, and external power, such as those emergency battery
packs for mobile phones would be extremely useful for operating;
4 hours is no where long enough, especially if one uses it at a train
show for example.

The design isn't good either, it would be great if there was just a
simple slide cover over the batteries and you could just simply change
them like any remote control but no, they made that task difficult too.

Tim
Land of OZ

Archive:
Originally posted by kpack05 on the RailPro Users Yahoo! Group on Jun 12, 2015

Rian - Great information, thanks for sharing.  I believe that Railpro uses NiMH, but I will have to double-check that.  I might go ahead and open up my unit this weekend and see what type and what capacity they have.

The discharge rate is not linear, so I do not believe it is on a simple timer.  The battery will discharge much quicker if you are performing major software updates and/or transferring large files.


Tim - Yes, the controller can't be used while charging which I'm not a huge fan of either.  I believe there is a switch in the charging port that senses the presence of the plug, which then activates the charging circuit whether or not the cable is actually plugged into a wall outlet.  I haven't talked to Tim about this, but I'm assuming that can be changed with a firmware update.  It certainly would be nice to have the unit plugged in when downloaded/updating/transferring files.  I'll shoot him an email and see what the response is.

-Kevin

Archive:
Originally posted by William Brillinger on the RailPro Users Yahoo! Group on Jun 12, 2015

I also just emailed Tim about charging during use.

I don't think there is a switch aside from "software." My HC-2 is fully charged right now, and plugin the adapter in does not cause the charging screen to come up and the unit can be used normally.  I'll deplete the battery a bit and try again.

- Bill

Archive:
Originally posted by goodbyemarissa on the RailPro Users Yahoo! Group on Jun 12, 2015

The no-user-serviceable-parts (batteries) may be a result of trying to limit liability and legal issues in our lawyer filled world. In a conversation I had with Tim long ago regarding removal of a module plastic case for fitment purposes he stated it should not be done because of, among other reasons, potential fire issues (exposed module board touching loco resulting in short). As the discussion progressed it was clear to me Tim was, rightfully so, doing his best to limit any potential for a problem rather than advise on best means of using an un-cased module. I don't blame him for this approach. Even a frivolous lawsuit would cost his small company a wad of cash. I can easily imagine some moron installing the wrong batteries and then hiring an ambulance chaser after they catch fire.

Archive:
Originally posted by kpack05 on the RailPro Users Yahoo! Group on Jun 12, 2015

Definitely agree on the liability part.  I completely understand where Tim is coming from on this and fully expect him (and support him) in covering and protecting himself and the company.  Experimentation like this would obviously have to be done without any blessing from Ring Engineering at our own risk.

Bill - I also sent Tim an email just now.  I asked about the batteries, but I suspect he will not be too forthcoming about possibilities of switching them, for the reasons mentioned above.  I hope to hear from him regarding the charging issue though.  We'll see what he says.

-Kevin

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