Charging Battery - USB sync cable

[GMAN]

I just found out and I tested it, that you can charge your AXIM battery by just plugging in your USB sync cable to your PC..(PC must be turned-on).

Just another way of charging your AXIM without using an AC adapter.

[Mahstah]

I don't think that's actually possible with the USB portable sync cable included from Dell. I have one, which includes a power connector on its sync end, and trying it just now I watched the battery go from 77% to 76%. I did not plug in the power to the sync end. Also, the light did not activate like it would if charging. Perhaps you have an aftermarket USB sync cable?

[GMAN]

I used the sync cable that came with my Belkin 3-in-1 travel kit. When I attached it to the AXIM and PC...The AXIM light turns orange and it begins charging. I purchased the Belkin 3-in-1 travel kit from Dell..item # 80370888.

[Mahstah]

My cable came from Dell with the X51v. It must be different than the 3-in-1 kit.

[GMAN]

I'm testing it now with the cradle. The orange light is on, but Power (main battery) is not showing that it's charging, like it does with the sync cable.

[GMAN]

My AXIM is charging with the cradle (without the AC)...up to 96% from 94%...orange light present when power button is off.

When using the sync cable, I can view the Power (battery) status, and it shows the unit is charging.


NOTE:: YOUR PC or LAPTOP MUST BE TURNED ON

[Mahstah]

The cradle will always charge if it's plugged in. My power status shows diminishing percentage if it's on the sync cable without AC.

[GMAN]

Does your cradle charge without the AC attached to it? It should, and the sync cable is using the same concept. Not sure why you can't charge your AXIM with the sync cable.

[Mahstah]

This reviewer has the same experience with the X51v with default hardware as me.

http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=por...ews&id=697&p=1

"The cradle has a non-removable USB plug on the end that allows you to sync with a desktop computer. There's also an area for recharging a second battery just behind the docking area for the Axim x51v. In order for both to charge, you have to plug in the power cords though. It won't charge through the USB port."

Here's a third party USB cable that requires the charging adapter- http://www.extremepda.com/Merchant2/...BCABLEAXIMX51V

I also found a USB charge cable on ebay, so it's obviously a variable hardware component- http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Dell-Axim...QQcmdZViewItem

[jdeej777]

GMAN is right. I tried docking my X51V to the Dell cradle then make sure you suspend it by pressing the power button once. My Axim has the orange light on the power button. I observed and it charged from 74% to now 94%!!!