AXIM x51v ERRATIC OPERATION

dbasarab · 03-26-08, 10:35 AM

(NASCAR Fan!)

I have very annoying problem with my Axim, and I was wondering whether anyone else has experienced something similar.

I'm currently running Windows Mobile 5. I use my Axim frequently and run many applications on it. All seems to work well, but over a period of time (about 6-8 months), the device begins to act erratically, e.g., alarms sound at the wrong times and won't shut off; device will not turn on or will not respond to a soft reset, etc. Therefore, I periodically have to perform a hard reset and re-load all of my apps and data back in (a tedious and time-consuming process). I have had to do this several times now, and I'm getting tired of it.

Does anyone have any advice on this problem? Is upgrading to Windows Mobile 6 any better? (I'm at the point now where I'm ready to throw it out and buy something else!)

DB

bigdave240 · 03-26-08, 11:29 AM

I don't recall ever seeing this reported before. One easy way of getting back is to do a full backup right when you load it all back up so you can restore it easily. It sounds like you could be having some sort of software issue though. But 6 months is a long time for it to mess up. Do you notice losing memory or other issues such as that? When the alarms start going off at the wrong time is the clock still showing the correct time? How often do you soft reset? Maybe try doing it more often, say once a week?

dbasarab · 03-26-08, 04:07 PM

I must soft reset about 8-10 times/week (espececially when I change batteries). In fact, I suspect so many soft resets do more harm than good. The first sign of trouble is when the alarms start screwing up. after that, it's just a matter of time (before I need to perform another hard reset). No memory loss that I can tell. However, oftentimes, when I soft reset, the dumb clock reverts to 1 July 2005, 0000 hrs, and I must reset it. (I suspect this problem is due to the Daylight Savings Time patch working improperly). So many issues! So annoying! (Anybody wanna buy a used Axim?)

Bill_Todd · 03-26-08, 05:25 PM

Quote:

No memory loss that I can tell. However, oftentimes, when I soft reset, the dumb clock reverts to 1 July 2005, 0000 hrs, and I must reset it. (I suspect this problem is due to the Daylight Savings Time patch working improperly).

I'd bet it is the standby/clock circuit drawing excessive current.(see:http://www.aximsite.com/boards/x51-h...r-problem.html)

While researching the problem on my Axim, I found that without a backup cap or cell fitted the Axim was extremely unstable. If your backup cap has failed completely, it might be causing your problem. It might well be worth having your back-up capacitor replaced.

bigdave240 · 03-26-08, 08:39 PM

I agree that could be a possibility that the backup cap is bad. I dont suppose it is under warranty still? the date change back to 2005 when you change the battery is a good clue to the cap.

dbasarab · 03-27-08, 06:55 AM

I'm not so concerned about the clock issue. (Although, perhaps I should be, as it may be related to the other problems.) Battery power consumption appears to be normal, i.e., what it always has been (no better/worse). However, I'm more troubled by the fact that, every six months, I need to reboot my entire system. I'm loath to call Dell, as their tech support leaves much to be desired. Barring, that, I'm left with few options. The sad part about it is, when the Axim works, it works VERY WELL, and I'm very pleased with it, but performing a hard reset twice a year to get things working right is for the birds!

Bill_Todd · 03-27-08, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Battery power consumption appears to be normal

What I noticed was an obvious discharge while in standby i.e. I'd put the unit into standby at 60% after a few hours I'd wake the unit to find the battery was down to 30-40%.

Power consumption while running with backlight + wifi etc. is hardly affected.

dbasarab · 03-27-08, 10:28 AM

I think, in that regard, the Axim is acting normally. If it's fully changed, and usage is light, the battery will last a few days. I always carry the external power cord, and, when I'm on travel, an extra battery just in case. In fact, I have four batteries that I rotate every several days. (The main reason for all the soft resets, as you must perform a soft reset every time you change the battery.) Taking a step back, all these problems (erratic behavior, alarm, clock) may be related, and they may not. I just don't know, and no one can seem to tell me. Against my better judgement, I'm going to call Dell tech support tonight. (Though, I think my time would be better spent picking fuzz from my navel.)

bigdave240 · 03-27-08, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by dbasarab

I think, in that regard, the Axim is acting normally. If it's fully changed, and usage is light, the battery will last a few days. I always carry the external power cord, and, when I'm on travel, an extra battery just in case. In fact, I have four batteries that I rotate every several days. (The main reason for all the soft resets, as you must perform a soft reset every time you change the battery.) Taking a step back, all these problems (erratic behavior, alarm, clock) may be related, and they may not. I just don't know, and no one can seem to tell me. Against my better judgement, I'm going to call Dell tech support tonight. (Though, I think my time would be better spent picking fuzz from my navel.)

if your pda is under warranty then it is the only way to get a replacement but if it isn't under warranty then your idea of picking lint is probably a good one!

dbasarab · 03-27-08, 01:31 PM

In all of my babblings, I've neglected to metion that the Axim IS under extended warranty. Hence, I should get a new one. However, you may find it interesting that since I began using the x51v back in Apr 06, I have exchanged it FIVE times due to numerous problems! Perhaps, someday, I'll get one that works.

bigdave240 · 03-27-08, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by dbasarab

In all of my babblings, I've neglected to metion that the Axim IS under extended warranty. Hence, I should get a new one. However, you may find it interesting that since I began using the x51v back in Apr 06, I have exchanged it FIVE times due to numerous problems! Perhaps, someday, I'll get one that works.

That may be some kind of record! I am assuming that they are sending you a refurbished one each time? I would call them right away as soon as it fails each time. You should eventually get a good one like the rest of us. Maybe you should keep track of the serial numbers,they just might be cycling your old one back to you each time lol. j/k but that is a lot of bad units.

dbasarab · 03-27-08, 07:05 PM

Good advice. I called today, and they are sending a refurbished on (all that they have now, as Dell no longer manufactures new ones). Nonetheless (get this), the guy said that, over time such erratic operation is to be expected with ALL pocket PCs as programs are opened/closed and apps etc. are installed/deleted, and that hard resets are occasionally required. (Perhaps my "power useage" accellerates the process?) Frankly, that seemed like a lot of bull to me, but perhaps, someday, you may all suffer the same fate. (Kind or like the collapse or the universe.) At any rate, my "new" Axim is on the way, so we'll see how that goes. (In the mean time, I must tend to my navel.)

paulcb · 03-27-08, 07:13 PM

Don't give up hope... I've had my X51v for almost 3 years and only hard reset twice, both for ROM upgrades. I do a soft reset a few times per week but it's almost always my choice, not b/c of a lock-up. My X51v is just about as rock solid as any computer I've had in the last 20 years. I do think that the latest ROM (A12) was a big help - make sure your refurb unit has that ROM before loading software.

Box · 03-28-08, 02:00 AM

I'd be looking carefully at the programs you are using.
5 sounds a little like more than just bad luck.
Did you have similar problems each time?
Do you use any sort of memory or registry cleaner.
If you give us a bit of a run down on the programs you are using, someone might be able to spot a software that has caused problems for them.

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