View Full Version : How long should Pleo play on One charge
Ok, what kind of battery life are you experiencing? I get less that one hour and the battery is very warm.
I found this guy (http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2536) with twice the power. I'm not afraid to "get dirty."
Starfire
12-05-2007, 05:30 PM
If you try that battery your warranty will be voided. But If you try it out let me know what you do and how and it works.:)
arcticlotus
12-05-2007, 09:31 PM
Anyone else having some seriously annoying charging issues?
First off, yes, it is aligned correctly and clicked in all the way. The thing would be red for about half an hour and go green. I knew it couldn't possibly be done so I barely jiggle it and it clicks back to red. A couple hours later and many times of popping it in and out to continue the charge, it's so overheated that it blinks that it can't charge until it cools down. Long story short, I had to babysit the charger because every time it went green it needed me to move it to make it start charging again, so i ended up giving up and started playing with pleo after about 3 hours because I just didn't want to babysit the charger any more..
The little Penny is adorable, and I can't wait to start the upgrades.
pleoWhisperer
12-06-2007, 07:39 AM
I had problems with the charger too. As arcticlotus said, it is aligned correctly and clicked all the way in. But it does not appear to be making a good contact. after quite a bit of experimenting, I found if I put weight on top of the battery, it would charge correctly. It took almost a pound of weight on top of the battery to get it to quit flashing and charge. :(
Don't know if its the charger or the battery not fitting in well.
It's workable, but a hassle. :(
roschler
12-06-2007, 11:39 AM
I had problems with the charger too. As arcticlotus said, it is aligned correctly and clicked all the way in. But it does not appear to be making a good contact. after quite a bit of experimenting, I found if I put weight on top of the battery, it would charge correctly. It took almost a pound of weight on top of the battery to get it to quit flashing and charge. :(
Don't know if its the charger or the battery not fitting in well.
It's workable, but a hassle. :(
PleoWhisperer,
Are you pressing the little green plastic button on the charger as you tilt the battery in from the front of the charger to the back? The little button slides back a locking tab to allow the battery to make a good fit. I completely missed it at first since the button is the exact same color as the charger. Because of this, it used to make an uncomfortable "crack" noise when I smushed the battery into the charger. I just checked and the manual unfortunately does not mention the button.
Robert
PleoWhisperer,
Are you pressing the little green plastic button on the charger as you tilt the battery in from the front of the charger to the back? The little button slides back a locking tab to allow the battery to make a good fit. I completely missed it at first since the button is the exact same color as the charger. Because of this, it used to make an uncomfortable "crack" noise when I smushed the battery into the charger. I just checked and the manual unfortunately does not mention the button.
Robert
Yes, it does mention the button but only to release it.
Top of page 18.
I'm still would like to know how long your Pleo has gone on a charge.
pleoWhisperer
12-06-2007, 12:21 PM
I played with the button, but as grmf said, I mostly used it to release the battery. I'll have to play some more tonight. :p
roschler
12-06-2007, 01:21 PM
I'll have to play some more tonight. :p
With Pleo that is indeed a mandatory statement! :D
arcticlotus
12-06-2007, 04:22 PM
I'm charging right now and I'll try your weight suggestion. Thanks for the tip PleoWhisperer :)
While balancing the text book snuggly between my subwoofer and external hard drive, I noticed that the little prongs in the charger were making a slight metalic click as though they were getting a more secure connection... I'll let you know how it goes! *crosses fingers*
PleofromVirginia
12-06-2007, 05:24 PM
I have been able to make a secure connection in the charger (still learning), but only got about 15 - 20 minutes play time after the first (over night) charging. It seemed the battery was fully charged after about 2 - 3 hours but I left it in the charger over night to make sure. We took the little feller most of the way through hatchling, but not sure if he got into the infant stage yet. He just "went to sleep" and could not be wakened.
arcticlotus
12-06-2007, 06:38 PM
if he only lasted 15-20 minutes then your battery stopped charging after about an hour into the night. This is what alot of us have experienced... Sadly,. we can't set it to charge overnight like a cell phone... Even if you set a substantial weight on it to force a clean connection, the battery keeps overheating and stops the charge... I set up the battery with a big text book (firmly supported and away from flammables) with a fan pointing at it on high to try to keep it both firm and cool and I still got the "overheated" flash every 20 minutes... Previously,. when I set the battery to charge overnight as well,. hoping it would just move on through if it hit a false complete.. it didn't... babysitting the batter is becoming a hobby.
Ugobe guys, can you confirm that the charger will restart itself after it has cooled off without the battery being removed and reinserted? If so, i think pressure is the key as Pleo Whisperer discovered seams to help a great deal. (Mine still overheats but I haven't had any false completes since I've been weighting the battery).
Also, can we look forward to an improved charger and/or battery in the near future? it's depressing enough that we only get to play for an hour tops..
Lastly, are Pleo's drives, like hunger and sleep, strong enough to distract him substantially from play? I was trying to show her off to my boss and she refused to wake up for more than 3 seconds. Even on a fresh charge at home she was still doing it until I just let her "nap" for about 4 minutes. I'm hoping this is normal :)
On a positive note, THANK YOU soooooo much! these are truly some awe-inspiring little creatures! It's amazing how many adults react to a little creature like this as though they have been magically transported back to their childhood.... you know... everybody wants a dinosaur ;)
PleofromVirginia
12-07-2007, 03:05 AM
Great answer, thank you arcticlotus! It seems to me we have a learning curve on charging technique. I'll employ your suggestions and see if I get better returns. Thank you again.
PleoWorldHostCami
12-07-2007, 05:31 AM
Hi Everyone,
If you're having problems with the battery please check out the video UGOBE has posted on the other battery thread. http://forums.pleoworld.com/showthread.php?t=510
arcticlotus
12-07-2007, 12:31 PM
That video doesn't say anything that isn't in the manual,. and it doesn't address the number of people who are having their lights turn green when their batteries aren't fully charged.
This isn't about users not reading the directions, this is about a faulty charger that thinks the battery is full after it has been completely run down for an hour of play and it has only charged for 10 minutes and mysteriously turns green. Users with less experience in new electronics may be oblivious to the fact that batteries are almost never precharged (with the exception of the new ultra rechargeable hybrids), and that if the manual says charge for 3 to 4 hours, and you light turns green after 20 minutes,. you need to put it back on and force it to charge for the full time or you battery will form a memory very quickly and you will soon have a nice little green cube for a paperweight.
brian55127
12-07-2007, 03:27 PM
That video doesn't say anything that isn't in the manual,. and it doesn't address the number of people who are having their lights turn green when their batteries aren't fully charged.
This isn't about users not reading the directions, this is about a faulty charger that thinks the battery is full after it has been completely run down for an hour of play and it has only charged for 10 minutes and mysteriously turns green. Users with less experience in new electronics may be oblivious to the fact that batteries are almost never precharged (with the exception of the new ultra rechargeable hybrids), and that if the manual says charge for 3 to 4 hours, and you light turns green after 20 minutes,. you need to put it back on and force it to charge for the full time or you battery will form a memory very quickly and you will soon have a nice little green cube for a paperweight.
I haven't received my pleo yet, but after reading all the issues with the battery charging, I'm glad that Ugobe decided to make the battery external, (SIDE NOTE: When will Ugobe offer extra batteries for sale?) otherwise instead of just having a little green cube for a paperweight, people would be stuck with a little green $350 dino for a paperweight! :eek:
arcticlotus
12-07-2007, 03:35 PM
THE GOOD NEWS
After I have forced my battery to charge for more than 3 hours by popping it off and on the charger, it seams to charge for quite a few hours without any errors or overheating,. I'm very pleased,. it's kind of like the battery just needed to be broken in - like the energy wasn't transferring from one cell to the next without being forced and now it's going smoothly :)
kelley5454
12-07-2007, 03:36 PM
I'm on my third charge for my Pleo first 2 took 3-4 hours, ran it dead (or at least I think it was dead) and the third charge seems to only have taken 2 hours? I notice though that after the green light has come on it starts blinking red which I think is for heat? and then the green light comes on again/ I am a bit worried about the batter lasting a long time...more thatn a few months....when can we buy more batteries for our Pleos? O know everyone will want them.
As an afterthought maybe the 1 hour play time is meant to protect our Pleo's from overheating and dying to soon? At any rate there are some questions here (as listed above)
Kelley
dschenekl
12-08-2007, 05:34 PM
Dear Folks at Ugobe:
I have not experienced any battery or charger problems yet but I feel that a better battery and charger should be produced that is made of a more durable plastic (the bottom edge of the battery seems very brittle and is hard to get in the charger) and the nubs that hold the battery seem they could get easily broken.
As far as battery life, was the idea of using lithium polymer or lithium ion battery technology ever explored ?
These technologies cost a little more, but the charging times are usually shorter, and run times are usually significantly longer. The RC and power tool worlds uses these technologies successfully.
Anyway, other than this Pleo is an incredible product, uhh, I mean lifeform.
vlbrown
12-12-2007, 09:21 AM
I only recently got my Pleo so I've just played with him once. Charged the battery (seemed to take more like 2 hours but I didn't really keep track). I woke him up, played with him for a little over an hour, then he went to sleep. I turned him off and went to sleep myself :-)
Next day I turned him on. He stretched, mooed, walked a few steps and went to sleep. I'm not recharging the battery.
I didn't see anything in the manual. I did see the battery poll (but no link to the problem we're helping Ugobe investigate).
How much active time should I expect between charges?
vlbrown
12-12-2007, 09:24 AM
that should say "I'm _now_ recharging the battery"
PleoWorldHostCami
12-12-2007, 09:29 AM
I only recently got my Pleo so I've just played with him once. Charged the battery (seemed to take more like 2 hours but I didn't really keep track). I woke him up, played with him for a little over an hour, then he went to sleep. I turned him off and went to sleep myself :-)
Next day I turned him on. He stretched, mooed, walked a few steps and went to sleep. I'm not recharging the battery.
I didn't see anything in the manual. I did see the battery poll (but no link to the problem we're helping Ugobe investigate).
How much active time should I expect between charges?
Hi vlbrown.
When Pleo went to sleep did you try waking him up? My Pleo will go to sleep fairly quickly if I ignore her, but if I give her a quick pat or shake she'll wake back up and play longer. Sometimes she'll even wake herself up and toddle off. Which was a good reminder to me to be sure I turn her off when I put her back on her ledge by my desk.
laurajones
12-20-2007, 05:29 AM
I got my Pleo delivered yesterday and really enjoy having him around, but I am so incredibly disappointed by the short battery life. The battery takes hours to charge, but I get less than an hour of active Pleo time. I didn't expect the battery to die this quickly and I hate having to keep taking the battery out, then waiting hours before I can interact with Pleo.
Ugobe said they wanted you to see Pleo as more of a lifeform than a robot, but how can you see him as anything but, when he is completely inactive for 3/4 of the day and it's such high maintenance just to keep him active? He's a lovely little creature, but this is really killing my enjoyment of him.
I hope they develop a better battery for Pleo - at the very least, I hope the replacement batteries will be low in cost. Having paid over £300 for my Pleo, I really expected better...
Caaahl
12-20-2007, 05:35 AM
That is a very well known issue and as you can see in many postings in this forum, there will be better solutions in the future (addtional batteries to buy etc..)
laurajones
12-20-2007, 05:46 AM
Are they planning on improving the battery or is the only proposed solution the additional battery packs? Did they give any indication of how much these will cost?
Pleo100
12-20-2007, 06:22 AM
Hopefully it will be adressed. I agree, battery life if one of the biggest drawbacks to Pleo right now...
Siren
12-20-2007, 07:06 AM
IMO, the only drawback, right now. I just hope they figure out something quick. Either new types of batteries or start selling extra batteries. Either way, I'd be happy. I'd buy enough extra batteries so I could have continuous play while the others are charging.
Caaahl
12-20-2007, 07:11 AM
With extra batteries extra charging stations would come in handy... so you can recharge for exmaple 3 batteries a time, which would nearly make up the 1:4 use ratio -> nearly continious play with pleo if you charge time-shifted.
sarusani
12-20-2007, 07:15 AM
I'm pretty sure there will be more powerfull batteries available for pleo in the future... If they are not provided by Ugobe some other companies will sell them on Ebay...
kynan
12-20-2007, 07:35 AM
They need to get the same type of battery Laptops use
BauerMECH
12-20-2007, 09:55 AM
I got my Pleo delivered yesterday and really enjoy having him around, but I am so incredibly disappointed by the short battery life. The battery takes hours to charge, but I get less than an hour of active Pleo time. I didn't expect the battery to die this quickly and I hate having to keep taking the battery out, then waiting hours before I can interact with Pleo.
This newer method of charging is exponentially better than the original system. Less lifelike? Perhaps, but so much more convenient. Once optional replacement batteries are available, the Pleo experience can become more fluid.
Ugobe said they wanted you to see Pleo as more of a lifeform than a robot, but how can you see him as anything but, when he is completely inactive for 3/4 of the day and it's such high maintenance just to keep him active? He's a lovely little creature, but this is really killing my enjoyment of him.
This is an issue for all things electronic... especially load bearing devices such as cars, robots, etc. When you take into consideration that Pleo's battery needs to power all 14 motors, 6 processors, and the vast bank of sensors, you're making out pretty well having an hour of run-time. As far as high maintenance... would you rather be changing battery packs or scooping a litter box? :D
I hope they develop a better battery for Pleo - at the very least, I hope the replacement batteries will be low in cost. Having paid over £300 for my Pleo, I really expected better...
Where does one draw the line between functionality and cost? UGOBE had to make that call and you have the result in your hand. Lightweight rechargeable power sources are not cheap, so I wouldn't be surprised if these battery packs retail in the vicinity of $40... give or take $10 guessing.
Having paid over £300 for my Pleo,
Ouch! Did that include any V.A.T.? The UK has import restrictions on electrical devices too don't they?... did that also have an effect on the price? :confused:
PleofromVirginia
12-20-2007, 10:32 AM
Excellent post Laura.
alphapleo
12-20-2007, 10:59 AM
I don't know about everyone else, I seem to have about a 3 hour charge time and that includes time to allow the battery to cool down after playing with my pleo. The battery life, averages about 1.5 hours that includes allowing Sam to have a 10 to 15 minute nappy time... :D
Most people have a very busy schedules these days... I can't see, at least during the week having more time than one session, (and sometimes there's not enough for that) per day. But that's my life....:rolleyes:
Something else UGOBE might want to check into and that is if they start selling extra batteries and charging units, and for continuous use you will need to purchase an additional 4 of each... if a four hour charge time is needed, can pleo sustain all this activity without creating "other" issues?
Yep, I'm pretty disappointed in the battery life too. I was hoping that the little guy would be walking around all over my house all evening but I only get an hour at a charge out of him. Other than that I'm extremely happy with him!:p
trinalina
12-20-2007, 12:59 PM
I was able to get about an hour and a half of play, but that time was also broken up (due to being at work :D)
pleoman
12-20-2007, 01:50 PM
I'm not too bothered about the battery life to be honest because i'll only really have a chance to play with pleo for an about an hour a day because i'm working most of the time. Besides don't fret people because ugobe will be selling extra batteries and chargers for pleo in the future!
pleoWhisperer
12-20-2007, 02:43 PM
In two weeks, I have never had the opportunity to spend a full hour playing with pleo, so the battery isn't an issue to me. But I can see that once the extra batteries go on sale next year, there will be a lot of happy people.
ryane
12-20-2007, 04:19 PM
the battery won't be an issue with me either. i've got a pretty busy life between work, my wife, and my TWO KIDS! ugobe always said pleo had an hour of play time...it's not like they mislead anyone.
kchamster
12-20-2007, 06:21 PM
I have little time too lately so i'm not bothered!! i dont mind the motor sounds!!!!!!!!!
joelene
12-20-2007, 08:05 PM
IMO, the only drawback, right now. I just hope they figure out something quick. Either new types of batteries or start selling extra batteries. Either way, I'd be happy. I'd buy enough extra batteries so I could have continuous play while the others are charging.
Sorry, not the only drawback, IMO. The fact that the paint on his TEETH comes off so easily is a MAJOR drawback.
PleoPrincess78
12-20-2007, 08:52 PM
Give me about one or two more battery packs for about 2-3 hours runtime, and I'd be an even happier Pleo owner.
But an hour isn't all that bad. There are other things to do in life than play with Pleo :)
Best yet is when UGOBE will actually develop that stand-on charger that Pleo can use itself...should the software ever be upgraded to do so.
BauerMECH
12-21-2007, 02:19 PM
Best yet is when UGOBE will actually develop that stand-on charger that Pleo can use itself...should the software ever be upgraded to do so.
Currently Pleo's plastic feet are not conductive so there would be no way to charge the battery that way.
gretasmom
12-21-2007, 02:40 PM
I'm hoping they'll improve the battery rather then just provide us with the option for extras. I have read several posts here with suggestions to Ugobe which is realy the great thing about this forum. I think Ugobe will come thru and give us an improved battery pack but since they'll also be providing downloads and software upgrades in the coming year we may need to be patient for a bit.
dotyj
12-21-2007, 06:21 PM
I don't know? Maybe my Pleo is an exception but my charge times are around two hours and I easily get an hour of play time per charge, except for the first charge which ran Bob for 45 minutes.
I like to sit on the floor with Bob as he plays, begs for attention, and explores. In fact my dog and cat like it when I get down on the floor because things turn into family play time, everyone gets involved.
But after an hour of sitting on the floor I'm more than ready to be up and back in my powerchair for a a couple of hours.
If time permits I play with Pleo a bit in the morning before work and then for an hour after work. I then put the battery on the charger and he's ready for the next day. But like I stated earlier except for the first charge my charge times have only been a couple of hours.
Is anyone else getting these kinds of charge times?
Pleo100
12-22-2007, 06:47 AM
I haven't been pating too much attention to charge times to be honest. With the exception of first cycle, which lasted 45 minutes, I seem to be getting over and hour...about 1.5 hours per cycle. Usually, we play with her in the evening and when she runs out of power I charge the battery overnight.
pleoman
12-22-2007, 10:22 AM
I got about an hour and 45 minutes play out of pleo today.
kchamster
12-22-2007, 01:10 PM
same...i'm not dissapointed a bit!!
ryane
12-22-2007, 06:37 PM
I got about an hour and 45 minutes play out of pleo today.
wow, thats pretty amazing considering ugobe said he'd only operate for about 1 hour! i can't believe how many people are complaining about the battery! ugobe has done an amazing job with everything about pleo!!!!!
i've always been curious as to why so many companies use such slow charging methods. Fast charging .. well actually.. 4 hours IS fast charging compared to "the old days of nicad.. but faster charging isnt dangerous to the batteries (in general) nor is it that much more expensive to produce chargers for.
There is no reason a fast charger ... (maybe an hour or so) wouldnt work. But if your batter pack fried.. most likely not the fault of the quick charger.. it would still be not warranted. then again.. the battery pack is easily repairable.
kshatz
12-24-2007, 11:32 AM
Having played with my Pleo for 2 days now, and allowing the whole family to experience Pleo, we have decided that the technology itself does not outweigh the battery life issues. We are all extremely disappointed that our family "pet" is only playable for 2 hours a day (charge time in the middle, kids go to sleep early), and the rest of the time it can essentially be used as a paperweight.
In my consumer experience, never have I spent so much money on a device that only lasts 60 minutes.
Would you keep a cell phone that lasted 60 minutes and had to recharge? Maybe a decade ago.
Nintendo DS? Battery life is 6 hours of continuous gameplay.
Playstation Portable? Battery life is 6 hours of continuous gameplay.
There is not 6x more technology in a Pleo than running a high-quality DVD or video on a PSP that justifies a decrease in battery life so drastically. I am exceptionally disappointed with a device that I had very high expectations for. We have requested RMA numbers to return Pleo and may consider again when UGOBE figures out the "basics".
Palidore
12-24-2007, 12:53 PM
Well, I haven't personally gotten my Pleo yet, but I'll deal with it.
To the people who are disappointed, I'm not saying it isn't justified, but I should also point out that Ugobe hasn't been keeping Pleo's battery life secret by any means. So I wouldn't blame them so much if you purchased such an expensive item without doing some research on it first.
thesmith
12-24-2007, 01:03 PM
Pleo is not a cellphone or PSP not even a dvd player he is more like a battery drill in terms of current usage. he is filled with high torque servo motors, sensors, computers and a video camera. And they all run together! Extra battery packs are needed just like a power tool or a radio controlled car needs, If you squeeze the trigger on your cordless drill and don't let go it will not last an hour.. Anyway when was the last time your cellphone went for a walk, learned or thought for itself ? In my mind an hour plus is frecking amazing for a robot like Pleo. Let's all stop wining and ask Ugobe to PLEASE SELL US EXTRA BATTERIES ASAP.
PLEO ROCKS!
Ridgeback
12-24-2007, 01:12 PM
Read the thread under tethering. The real answer to the battery issue probably will not be solved for our current Pleo's but with the next life form. The answer is found not just with the battery but with what all is consuming the power. Finding a way to reduce power consumtion will have to be part of the solution. Yet how to reduct consumption without loosing that realistic behavior? That's not going to happen for our Pleo's but rather for the furture life forms. Those of us with first hatchlings will probable have to live with lots of battery's. As a FIRST mentor, I've learned to live with that. Our 135lb robot goes through lots of battery chargings in the course of competition, and it's not nearly as animated as Pleo.
alphapleo
12-24-2007, 07:40 PM
Today I let Sam run around and do his thing... I kept an eye on him and when he would nap I tried to catch it quickly enough to keep him running "most" of the time. I will admit, there were a couple times when he dozed off for around 10 or 15 minutes... :rolleyes: I do have other things to do ya know... :D My point you ask? Sam ran for 2 hours 34 minutes before conking out with that final snore...
I let the battery cool down, around 30 minutes... poped it in the charger and 2 hours 45 minutes later it was fully charged and ready to go again... It seems to be getting better with use! :eek:
yea.. could be getting better
I got to tell you.. an hour off a battery pack seems actually high to me. The thing has a lot of motors that seem to run constantly. As well as the brain..those things use more power than you;d think.
My RC cars run A LOT shorter on much bigger batteries and they only have 2 motors (one's kind of big.. but high turn). And these aren't high performance deals... straight scale. The big suck is the lack of extra batteries and the crummy charging time.
I don;t know what experience the "short" battery life is based on. Or for that matter.. the long charging time... your cell phone wants overnight from dead.. as well as your wireless phone. Got to remember that your laptop has a huge battery and very few moving parts to make it run 3 hours.. start playing a cd with the screen bright and see how fast the time goes down.
Icybie ran much shorter on more cells. (werent they 8 cell?).
Doesn't mean its not irritating or depressing.. just means there's not a whole lot to do about it from the consumer level..(ugobe is a battery consumer too) . Build your own 3000mah battery and use a quick charger.. you'll get longer run times and significantly shorter charging. BUT.. quick charger is 50-several hundred dollars and the higher end batteries will cost more... still less than what a pre-made pack would sell for.
If a 2200mah battery will run for 1 hour.. a 3000mah would run proportionately longer.get pleo a backpack.. or tether and run a 7.2v 3000mah sub C pak... that'd give ya quite a while of play time.
Look up power system on the forum to get a pic of where to find a good place to tether.
One of the problems with longer play time is heat build up tho.... but 15 min rest vs 4 hours recharge....
Eh.. my 2 cents
BauerMECH
12-25-2007, 08:49 PM
yea.. could be getting better
I got to tell you.. an hour off a battery pack seems actually high to me. The thing has a lot of motors that seem to run constantly. As well as the brain..those things use more power than you;d think.
My RC cars run A LOT shorter on much bigger batteries and they only have 2 motors (one's kind of big.. but high turn). And these aren't high performance deals... straight scale. The big suck is the lack of extra batteries and the crummy charging time.
I don;t know what experience the "short" battery life is based on. Or for that matter.. the long charging time... your cell phone wants overnight from dead.. as well as your wireless phone. Got to remember that your laptop has a huge battery and very few moving parts to make it run 3 hours.. start playing a cd with the screen bright and see how fast the time goes down.
Icybie ran much shorter on more cells. (werent they 8 cell?).
Doesn't mean its not irritating or depressing.. just means there's not a whole lot to do about it from the consumer level..(ugobe is a battery consumer too) . Build your own 3000mah battery and use a quick charger.. you'll get longer run times and significantly shorter charging. BUT.. quick charger is 50-several hundred dollars and the higher end batteries will cost more... still less than what a pre-made pack would sell for.
If a 2200mah battery will run for 1 hour.. a 3000mah would run proportionately longer.get pleo a backpack.. or tether and run a 7.2v 3000mah sub C pak... that'd give ya quite a while of play time.
Look up power system on the forum to get a pic of where to find a good place to tether.
One of the problems with longer play time is heat build up tho.... but 15 min rest vs 4 hours recharge....
Eh.. my 2 cents
Yes, great 2 cents!
I dont know if that's hate or not...
I let the battery cool down, around 30 minutes... poped it in the charger and 2 hours 45 minutes later it was fully charged and ready to go again... It seems to be getting better with use! :eek:
I just noted the same thing.. the pack is getting conditioned.
I am going to assume at this point that the charger has no discharge capability. That will decrease charging time.. but in the long run shorten the battery's life and runtime.
Another tick in the "for" column for the hobby quick charger ( http://www.teamnovak.com/products/chargers/ionic_d/index.html)
http://www.camlight.com/techinfo/techtips.html
Anthony
12-26-2007, 08:32 AM
I don't know? Maybe my Pleo is an exception but my charge times are around two hours and I easily get an hour of play time per charge, except for the first charge which ran Bob for 45 minutes.
I like to sit on the floor with Bob as he plays, begs for attention, and explores. In fact my dog and cat like it when I get down on the floor because things turn into family play time, everyone gets involved.
But after an hour of sitting on the floor I'm more than ready to be up and back in my powerchair for a a couple of hours.
If time permits I play with Pleo a bit in the morning before work and then for an hour after work. I then put the battery on the charger and he's ready for the next day. But like I stated earlier except for the first charge my charge times have only been a couple of hours.
Is anyone else getting these kinds of charge times?
I have the same, first time I charged George he charged for about 45 minutes, after play I only charge him for no more than 2 hours. I thought something was wrong with my battery.
BauerMECH
12-26-2007, 08:52 AM
I dont know if that's hate or not...
:o Oh no, it's not hate. I am agreeing w/ your statements... It was a relief to read your explanation. Sorry, I forget sometimes that it is tough to distinguish between sincerity and sarcasm from reading a post vs. speaking.
rinkwide
12-26-2007, 11:05 AM
...Would you keep a cell phone that lasted 60 minutes and had to recharge? Maybe a decade ago...Cell Phone technology circa 1997 = Robotic technology circa 2007
dhsiung
12-26-2007, 11:27 AM
I am thinking, If Pleo can come with a power cord wire, I still can keep Pleo alive while the battery died. What do you think?
dhsiung
12-26-2007, 11:28 AM
I am thinking, If Pleo can come with a power cord wire, I still can keep Pleo alive while the battery died. What do you think?
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fzypchz
12-26-2007, 01:08 PM
I am thinking, If Pleo can come with a power cord wire, I still can keep Pleo alive while the battery died. What do you think?
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I was thinking the same thing...Pleo doesn't walk around very far and if they made a power cord that was at least 10 ft long, it would still make Pleo playable even after the battery dies...my Canon camcorder has a rechargeable battery, but it also has the option to charge the battery while it is connected to the camera. If Ugobe could make a battery pack w/ a AC adapter plug feature so that it can doc and charge at the same time, that would be great.
dschenekl
12-26-2007, 02:12 PM
I have suggested this all along to Ugobe with no answer. They should investigate Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer batteries like the ones used in RC and Power tools. Shorter charge times, long run times (most of the time) no memory.
The only disadvantage now is that the present charger probably will not work. They could make a battery pack where you can put in individual AA type Lithiums etc. the ones for RC are 1.8 volts which will work.
ptr727
12-28-2007, 11:18 PM
Let me add my vote for better battery life...
First charge, couple of hours, first play, not even an hour.
First the wife was mad at me for spending so much money on a "toy", now she is mad at me because the battery died so quickly, less than an hour, while she still wanted to play...
I expected much better battery performance, but I'd gladly pay for additional and better batteries and chargers.
Cell Phone technology circa 1997 = Robotic technology circa 2007
Yea.. the comment "would you use a cell phone that only lasted 60 minutes?
WELL.. I would say mine lasts about 60 minutes when not on standby.. actually talking or browsing the internet.
rckclmbr
01-01-2008, 01:11 PM
My charger is now experiencing the issue of showing a green light prior to being fully charged, and then requiring that I take it out and put it back in the charger several times to (fully?) charge.
My charger is now experiencing the issue of showing a green light prior to being fully charged, and then requiring that I take it out and put it back in the charger several times to (fully?) charge.
THat issue is due to a false peak, the battery is the problem, not the charger. most likely the cells in the pack have become mis-matched, or possibley damaged. If the battery is new, and has not been cycled several times yet, this could be OK. It may take many cycles for the pack to preform properly. If the cells are mis-matched, the solution would be to discharge completly, then trickle charge at 1/20 C.... so that would be 110mah for 20hours. you would need a different charger, since the Pleo charger cannot do this:(
Pleocol
01-02-2008, 09:23 AM
Pleo is not a cellphone or PSP not even a dvd player he is more like a battery drill in terms of current usage. he is filled with high torque servo motors, sensors, computers and a video camera. And they all run together! Extra battery packs are needed just like a power tool or a radio controlled car needs, If you squeeze the trigger on your cordless drill and don't let go it will not last an hour.. Anyway when was the last time your cellphone went for a walk, learned or thought for itself ? In my mind an hour plus is frecking amazing for a robot like Pleo. Let's all stop wining and ask Ugobe to PLEASE SELL US EXTRA BATTERIES ASAP.
PLEO ROCKS!
YEahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh UGOBE sell ASAP the batteries I need like 2 more for each pleo. So i get 3 of hours of interaction, even i will let him 1 hour for it self, it is cool to let him alone when you go to sleep and he is trying to get to sleep.
antimatter
01-02-2008, 10:05 AM
My Hat is off to Ugobe for allowing criticism of its products in the forum. Forums are not just social marketing tools but allow product owners to share experiences and give valuable feedback. I have worked for companies who actually censor any negative information about their products in online forums which I find very deceptive and manipulative.
I would like to see Pleo version2 have the ability to walk to its charger and charge itself up much like the $300 dollar roomba robotic vacuum can. Even if this means pleo needs to be a little more expensive. Perhaps have various models with different features and different price points. The Only reason I purchased pleo at the current cost was due to the fact that I see a potential for upgrades via the SD slot and USB cable.
Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich.
--Sir Peter Ustinov
charlie95667
01-07-2008, 10:25 AM
i haven't had any problem with the charger although sometimes i experience difficulties in get the battery to sit in pleo's belly correctly so it can be locked in place. my only disappointment is the hour +/- of battery life and the almost 3x longer time it takes to charge it. and ugobe resistance/avoidance to answer "what's the normal expected battery life?" even though the question is asked several times here and in other forums. i agree with the person who stated that we know how to read the instruction manual. the manual doesn't answer the question of battery life either. one pleo owner had a great suggestion about employing sony aibo's concept of charging the battery. the last aibo model sony made sensed when it's battery was low and would go to it's docking station to recharge. that's a self contained ai!
as for battery longevity... they are lower quality nimh batteries... you can find the expected life under different circumstances on the internet.
Frequency of use and quality of the individual cells will come into play.
Chinese products of this calibre are seldom of uniform quality.
i get between 10 years and a few months on other packs .. so its really hard to say.
My charger and battery work well. The charge time is about 2 hr, 45 min to 3 hrs and the battery is a little warm but not hot. When installing the battery (front side first) into the charger, the light turns red immediately and does not blink. After fully charged it is a steady green. This is to let people with issues know what should happen.
Short life and fast recharge. I believe this happens when Pleo goes to sleep and shaking him does not wake him up. It fools you into thinking the battery is discharged. This may happen within 5 to 15 minutes if you are not playing with him. Recharging the battery would go fast since it is not really fully discharged and depends on how long you have plasyed with him.
Before recharging, turn Pleo upside down or turn off then on again to see if he wakes up.
DsPleo
01-18-2008, 02:09 PM
Ok, what kind of battery life are you experiencing? I get less that one hour and the battery is very warm.
We got about an hour and a half, not sure if this saw our little guy through his hatchling stage. Now impatiently waiting for the battery to recharge.
pleoguy101
01-21-2008, 11:03 AM
I only charged pleos battery for about 1 hour "we were in a rush to get to petco" and Rocky is still livley as ever, he's been up for 2 hours!! and he's only tried to fall asleep once!!!!!!! oh.. wait.. he just fell asleep:) LOL.. but still.. 2 hours folks:D!!!!!!!! on a 1 hour charge!!!:eek:
maleka
01-21-2008, 03:45 PM
Thank you for this. I was wondering how long they would really last after growing up! (now that I know, pleoguy101, that you have had yours since Dec. ;)) I noticed on the 2nd day with WiiGoBe, he seemed to stay awake a bit longer. Maybe as he evolves he grows into more activity. How sweet. I really love this guy!
pleoguy101
01-21-2008, 04:17 PM
Thank you for this. I was wondering how long they would really last after growing up! (now that I know, pleoguy101, that you have had yours since Dec. ;)) I noticed on the 2nd day with WiiGoBe, he seemed to stay awake a bit longer. Maybe as he evolves he grows into more activity. How sweet. I really love this guy!
glad I helped!!!:D
Morpho has stayed awake for 1 1/2 hours on a 20min charge! but i think 2 hrs is some kind of record!:eek:
asortofdream
01-24-2008, 07:38 PM
Are you sure this is the result of a "grown up"? That this is not the result of a battery having reached an optimal charge? I'm not sure why pleos AI would drain substantially less energy over time. His moving parts are those that by far consume the greatest amounts of energy.
fancyfont
01-24-2008, 09:22 PM
I've noticed that if I leave Peeky on the carpet and not pay to much attention, he does fall asleep, a lot.
IWhen he is up on the coffee table or sitting on my desk, he is very much awake. It's been almost 2 hours and he is still a live wire.
We have to keep them busy.
fancyfont
01-24-2008, 09:28 PM
One more bit of information that I have discovered. The only way you know if his battery is dead is to turn him off then on. If he snores once the battery needs recharging.
Has anyone else found this out. Hopefully, This helps
I have bought my Pleo yesterday, I have loaded it and for a pair of hours I have played calmly, but then it has been asleep and more it has not been waked up, this wants to say that the battery is discharge and must recharge it?
But therefore my Pleo born? :eek:
PleoWorldHostCami
01-25-2008, 04:56 AM
I have bought my Pleo yesterday, I have loaded it and for a pair of hours I have played calmly, but then it has been asleep and more it has not been waked up, this wants to say that the battery is discharge and must recharge it?
But therefore my Pleo born? :eek:
Hi maru,
Yes, if Pleo doesn't wake up if you tap or shake him then it definitely sounds as if your battery is ready for a recharge.
It sounds like your Pleo has officially "hatched", congratulations. :D Although he will continue to mature.
denodan
01-31-2008, 03:43 PM
Does the manual not say when the battery is going down he will slow down, or sleep alot. Mine was active for around 3/4 and it's been over an hour and still going, but sleeps a lot. So if he is doing this, may mean the battery is getting flat.
You certianly will get well over an hour, but when he is slugish he needs a charge I think.
ConfusedKain
02-20-2008, 11:11 AM
IMO, the only drawback, right now. I just hope they figure out something quick. Either new types of batteries or start selling extra batteries. Either way, I'd be happy. I'd buy enough extra batteries so I could have continuous play while the others are charging.
I agree, I sit and charge my Bentley's battery for the suggested time of 3-4 hours and when Im ready to play with him he only lasts 45 to 60 mins of playtime. I really hope they make a stronger battery or even that plug-n-play suggestion was a good idea, say you wanna keep Pleo around near the desk with you, the plug n play could be a really long USB cord, or something to that nature.
horsefreakk
02-29-2008, 08:52 PM
You press the tiny green button WHILE inserting the battery. then let go and it will charge properly!!!
esdee
03-03-2008, 09:28 AM
I am having the same issue with the battery. It just discharges within an hours time and Pleo goes to sleep after making a few noticeable noices.
yuceland
03-09-2008, 11:21 AM
charging our pleo's battery lasts for 3-4 hours. this battery's life ends at the end of the second hour. so, pleo needs to be charged for 2-3 times in a day. is it normal?
also i have another question: does turning off the pleo at nights give any damage to it?
:)
PleoWorldHostCami
03-09-2008, 11:29 AM
charging our pleo's battery lasts for 3-4 hours. this battery's life ends at the end of the second hour. so, pleo needs to be charged for 2-3 times in a day. is it normal?
also i have another question: does turning off the pleo at nights give any damage to it?
:)
What you are saying sound normal. It usually takes 3 - 4 hours to charge the battery and the battery should last approximately 1 hour of fairly active play with Pleo.
You can turn Pleo off any time with no damage to Pleo or the battery. I always turn my Pleo off when I put him up and don't intend to play with him for awhile.
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