Olympus C700 - Progress at last!

[fred]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Thanks, Ken! You can send it to me at lexmark8792@yahoo.com

Fred

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:JYTAd.617621$nl.482275@pd7tw3no...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
> > Thanks, Ken. I sure can't see a switch down in there, but will
certainly
> > give the spray treatment a try.
>
> Hi...
>
> Send me an email if you like; and I'll send you back a small
> picture of the switch idea.
>
> Ken
>

 

[fred]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Another interesting development....

I took a few photos with the help of the AC adapter. Then unplugged the
adapter. Turned on the camera and the zoom starting cycling out 1/2-inch,
then back in 1/2-inch, back and forth.... The power switch had no effect on
it. Had to open the battery door and break the connection to stop the
cycling.

Am I on candid camera??!

Fred

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 08:56:17 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
found these unused words floating about:

>Another interesting development....
>
>I took a few photos with the help of the AC adapter. Then unplugged the
>adapter. Turned on the camera and the zoom starting cycling out 1/2-inch,
>then back in 1/2-inch, back and forth.... The power switch had no effect on
>it. Had to open the battery door and break the connection to stop the
>cycling.
>
>Am I on candid camera??!
>
>Fred
>

No, just being Olympussy whipped ...

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

NOT NiCad, NiMh, Nickel Metal Hydride. WalMart sells a fast charger with
four NiMh batteries for about $25. Buy a second of four NiMh batteries for
about $10.

Those are two different batteries. NiCad has a memory and does not retain a
charge as well as NiMh.

I have no explanation why you used to get that out of Alkaline AA batteries,
except maybe you were using CR-V3 lithium batteries instead.

On page 19 of this Camera manual (loading Batteries).

This camera uses two CR-V3 lithium battery packs or four AA (R6) NiMH
batteries, NiCd batteries, alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.

Important
CR-V3 lithium batteries cannot be recharged.
Do not peel off the label from a CR-V3 lithium battery pack.
Manganese (zinc-carbon) batteries cannot be used.

The manual also says on page 20:

Precautions when using batteries
The amount of power consumed varies considerably depending on the
operations performed on the digital camera. If you use exhausted
batteries or alkaline batteries, the camera may turn off without
displaying the battery level warning (P.15).


C700UZ manual (10.2MB)
http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/c700uz_reference.pdf

--
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--
"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:Qu8Bd.21628$rL3.10801@trnddc03...
> I appreciate the info and will look into the NiCad's. Not saying you're
> wrong, but how would you explain the fact that for 2 years prior to the
> camera failing, I used alkaline batteries and got 100-150 480x640 photos
on
> a set of 4 before having to replace them?
>
> "CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
> news:IuWAd.4281$F67.1071@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> > Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not able
to
> > supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is
> > probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do
> with
> > Alkaline Batteries.
> >
> > The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater than
> > 1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost
> around
> > $10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast
charge
> > (about 1-2 hours) is about $30.
> >
> > Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.
> >
> > --
> > CSM1
> > http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> > --
> >
> > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> > > Thanks, TRR.
> > >
> > > No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden
> variety,
> > > off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the
> major
> > > brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when
the
> > > camera was working good.
> > >
> > > And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the
specs
> > > say
> > > it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that some
> of
> > > the others draw high current too.
> > >
> > > Fred
> > >
> > > "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> > >> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the
> batteries
> > >> that seemed to fail ? The AC adapter you found puts out a lot
more
> > >> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.
Glad
> > >> you're gaining on the problem......
> > >>
> > >> Fred wrote:
> > >> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller
> who
> > >> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> > >> >
> > >> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd: No, it wasn't the
> batteries.]
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 04:10:54 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:

>After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on the
>AC receptacle. Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!

Looking back, I don't think I was clear on my suggested failure mode.
I was thinking that there might be an extra contact in the AC adaptor
jack (an "open circuit jack") that would open and close every time you
inserted the AC adaptor.

It's just possible that they used this contact to provide power in the
absence of the adaptor, but if the contact got resistive, then this
"resistor" would be in series with your batteries, and would make them
look discharged.

Just inserting the AC adaptor plug a few times, or maybe just once,
would have exercised this contact and broken thru the insulating oxide
layer, fixing your problem.

I don't know how realistic it is, but at least it fits your
observations.

If I'm right, you don't have to do anything else for a few more years.
Then, when you have the problem again, just insert the AC adaptor plug
in the camera jack a few times and you should get a fresh start. I
wouldn't do ANYTHING else.

-
-----------------------------------------------
Jim Adney jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------

 

[fred]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Thanks for the explanation and the websites.

FWIW, checked my battery stock and all are standard alkaline batteries - not
lithium batteries, etc. Looking at the alkaline batteries, I don't see
anywhere what the current rating is - one is Panasonic "made for digital
cameras", others I have here (new) are Energizer, Ever Ready.

"CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:lDcBd.9808$wi2.8825@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...
> NOT NiCad, NiMh, Nickel Metal Hydride. WalMart sells a fast charger with
> four NiMh batteries for about $25. Buy a second of four NiMh batteries for
> about $10.
>
> Those are two different batteries. NiCad has a memory and does not retain
a
> charge as well as NiMh.
>
> I have no explanation why you used to get that out of Alkaline AA
batteries,
> except maybe you were using CR-V3 lithium batteries instead.
>
> On page 19 of this Camera manual (loading Batteries).
>
> This camera uses two CR-V3 lithium battery packs or four AA (R6) NiMH
> batteries, NiCd batteries, alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.
>
> Important
> CR-V3 lithium batteries cannot be recharged.
> Do not peel off the label from a CR-V3 lithium battery pack.
> Manganese (zinc-carbon) batteries cannot be used.
>
> The manual also says on page 20:
>
> Precautions when using batteries
> The amount of power consumed varies considerably depending on the
> operations performed on the digital camera. If you use exhausted
> batteries or alkaline batteries, the camera may turn off without
> displaying the battery level warning (P.15).
>
>
> C700UZ manual (10.2MB)
> http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/c700uz_reference.pdf
>
> --
> CSM1
> http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> --
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:Qu8Bd.21628$rL3.10801@trnddc03...
> > I appreciate the info and will look into the NiCad's. Not saying
you're
> > wrong, but how would you explain the fact that for 2 years prior to the
> > camera failing, I used alkaline batteries and got 100-150 480x640 photos
> on
> > a set of 4 before having to replace them?
> >
> > "CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
> > news:IuWAd.4281$F67.1071@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> > > Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not
able
> to
> > > supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is
> > > probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do
> > with
> > > Alkaline Batteries.
> > >
> > > The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater
than
> > > 1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost
> > around
> > > $10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast
> charge
> > > (about 1-2 hours) is about $30.
> > >
> > > Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.
> > >
> > > --
> > > CSM1
> > > http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> > > --
> > >
> > > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > > news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> > > > Thanks, TRR.
> > > >
> > > > No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden
> > variety,
> > > > off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the
> > major
> > > > brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when
> the
> > > > camera was working good.
> > > >
> > > > And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the
> specs
> > > > say
> > > > it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that
some
> > of
> > > > the others draw high current too.
> > > >
> > > > Fred
> > > >
> > > > "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > > news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> > > >> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the
> > batteries
> > > >> that seemed to fail ? The AC adapter you found puts out a lot
> more
> > > >> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.
> Glad
> > > >> you're gaining on the problem......
> > > >>
> > > >> Fred wrote:
> > > >> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice
feller
> > who
> > > >> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd: No, it wasn't the
> > batteries.]
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

 

[fred]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

Thanks, Jim. I did try this - several times, and have since plugged the
adapter in and out many times taking photos using it. Still the same
problem with the camera not recognizing good batteries thought. Thanks -
appreciate the advice.

Fred


"Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org> wrote in message
news:rjl9t0pho10tseph93vqhpsoqseemjear1@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 04:10:54 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> wrote:
>
> >After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on
the
> >AC receptacle. Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!
>
> Looking back, I don't think I was clear on my suggested failure mode.
> I was thinking that there might be an extra contact in the AC adaptor
> jack (an "open circuit jack") that would open and close every time you
> inserted the AC adaptor.
>
> It's just possible that they used this contact to provide power in the
> absence of the adaptor, but if the contact got resistive, then this
> "resistor" would be in series with your batteries, and would make them
> look discharged.
>
> Just inserting the AC adaptor plug a few times, or maybe just once,
> would have exercised this contact and broken thru the insulating oxide
> layer, fixing your problem.
>
> I don't know how realistic it is, but at least it fits your
> observations.
>
> If I'm right, you don't have to do anything else for a few more years.
> Then, when you have the problem again, just insert the AC adaptor plug
> in the camera jack a few times and you should get a fresh start. I
> wouldn't do ANYTHING else.
>
> -
> -----------------------------------------------
> Jim Adney jadney@vwtype3.org
> Madison, WI 53711 USA
> -----------------------------------------------

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

On Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:46:30 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:

>Thanks, Jim. I did try this - several times, and have since plugged the
>adapter in and out many times taking photos using it. Still the same
>problem with the camera not recognizing good batteries thought. Thanks -
>appreciate the advice.

Now I'm confused. Earlier you wrote:

>Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only again
>and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
>message.

I took this to mean that the problem had gone away.

-
-----------------------------------------------
Jim Adney jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 08:56:17 GMT, "Fred"
<testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote:

>Another interesting development....
>
>I took a few photos with the help of the AC adapter. Then unplugged the
>adapter. Turned on the camera and the zoom starting cycling out 1/2-inch,
>then back in 1/2-inch, back and forth.... The power switch had no effect on
>it. Had to open the battery door and break the connection to stop the
>cycling.
>
>Am I on candid camera??!
>
>Fred
>

Sounds like your voltage regulator circuit has a bad component such
as a leaky capacitor or defective zener diode.


PJ

 

[fred]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

"PJx" <me@privacy.com> wrote in message
news:mdt2u0h8kjooukajoo2o73dfdg5hm6oq20@4ax.com...
>
> Sounds like your voltage regulator circuit has a bad component such
> as a leaky capacitor or defective zener diode.

Actually, in this case, it turned out to be something simpler - the
adapter/battery switch in the ac adapter plug on the camera had an oxided
coated on it. A little exercise and it wore the oxide off.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras,aus.photo,rec.photo.digital,sci.electronics.repair (More info?)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3876723845&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT


"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:nnmAd.19488$rL3.1622@trnddc03...
> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
>
> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd: No, it wasn't the batteries.]
>
> I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99. I saw some on ebay
> and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10 "shipping
> and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going to get
> and when.... I thought this one was the best choice. And it's a universal
> job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's fine for
> the C700 and my other junk too.
>
> First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline batteries
> only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem. Sure enough, same
> problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message pops
> up.
>
> Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
> camera
> works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom
> out,
> click, click, click, click, click....
>
> Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only
> again
> and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
> message.
>
> Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be it.
> May
> be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing component
> somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may have
> temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> battery-only.
>
> Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> batteries and report back.
>
> Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help! It took
> several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a great
> deal
> of knowledge about how these things work.
>
> And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls and the
> "just buy another one" boys. Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago! B^)
>
> Fred
>
>