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Frequently Asked Battery Questions

Note! This FAQ applies to the models with LiIon batteries, such as the Archos FM recorder or Archos V2 Recorder. If you have a device with NiMH batteries, such as the Archos Studio and Archos recorder V1, see BatteryFAQ.

• Q1. What kind of batteries are in my V2/FMR?
• Q2. Can I change the batteries?
• Q3. Ok, I got a replacement, now how do I put it in?
• Q4. How long should fully charged batteries run for?
• Q5. How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
• Q6. I want/need a replacement charger. What kind should I get?
• Q7. I've heard about options like deep discharge, but can't find them in the menu. Where are they?
• Q8. Can the FMR/V2 charge its batteries through the USB port?
• Q9. Can I run my V2/FMR constantly with the power adapter plugged in without any negative effects?
• Q10. Is it ok if I recharge the battery when I've only drained it part of the way? Will that reduce the life of the battery?

Q1. What kind of batteries are in my V2/FMR?

A1: They are 2200 mAh LiIon rechargeable batteries. Specifically, it is two 1100 mAh LiIon cells in parallel, physically taped together.

Q2. Can I change the batteries?

A2: Yes, if you can find replacements. Archos does not sell them. One site that does is http://newmp3technology.com/, another is http://www.pdainternalbattery.com/archospdabattery.html. Alternately, there are companies who make replacement battery assemblies that might be able to help.

Q3. Ok, I got a replacement, now how do I put it in?

A3: Remove the two small screws on the top of your V2/FMR, and pry the lid off. Now turn it upside down and shake it a little. It should just slide out. Take note of the position it's in, and put the replacement in the same way. Replace the cover.

Q4. How long should fully charged batteries run for?

A4: It depends on how you use it. If you're doing hard drive intensive activities like formatting or transfering large amounts of data, probably only a few hours. If you're only using it as an mp3 player it will depend on the bitrate of the mp3s. Playing 128kbit mp3s, it should last around 8 hours. Playing lower quality recordings (32-64kbit) like audio books it could be more like 12 or 14. Playing very high quality files (256kbit+) it could be more like 4 or 6 hours. Also, doing the 8MB RAM mod will significantly increase battery life.

Q5. How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

A5: About 50% charge is applied in the first hour. The rest takes up to 3 more hours.

Q6. I want/need a replacement charger. What kind should I get?

A6: A charger/adapter that outputs 6VDC at 700mAh and has a power plug with a 3.4mm O.D. x 1.3mm I.D., with positive center will have the same specs as the original.

Q7. I've heard about options like deep discharge, but can't find them in the menu. Where are they?

A7: These options are for the recorder (V1) only. Charging for the recorders is done by software, but charging of the V2/FMR is controlled completely by hardware.

Q8. Can the FMR/V2 charge its batteries through the USB port?

A8: Yes, though slowly since USB is limited to 500 mA. Charging is reduced or eliminated when the FMR/V2 is connected through a passive hub. If a PCMCIA USB adapter is being used in a laptop or similar device, it is very important to connect the external power supply if one is provided.

The PCMCIA port cannot supply sufficient power by itself. The Belkin USB 2.0 adapter, for example, comes with a "wall wart" power supply that can be plugged into the PCMCIA card.

Q9. Can I run my V2/FMR constantly with the power adapter plugged in without any negative effects?

A9: Yes, as long as you aren't draining the battery faster than you're charging it (like reading/writing a lot in USB mode).

Q10. Is it ok if I recharge the battery when I've only drained it part of the way? Will that reduce the life of the battery?

A10: You can recharge at any time. Li-Ion batteries have virtually no memory effect.

CategoryFAQ: Frequently asked questions about LiIon batteries and charging.