trouble shooting dectalk express

trouble shooting dectalk express

[cris]

Hi folks,
My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives the
message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stops
talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power.
In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external power
on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
dectalk?
I would appreciate any help.
Cheers,
Cris

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Terry Klarich]

I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further guess
that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter housing.
This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio shack
and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts  from
the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.  The hole
Mess was then placed in the project box.

Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.

Terry
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
>Hi folks,
>My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives the
>message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stops
>talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power.
>In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external power
>on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
>the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
>external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
>can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
>dectalk?
>I would appreciate any help.
>Cheers,
>Cris
>
>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Alex Snow]

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go 
buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use 
whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack 
or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet 
thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits 
in the express and plutg it in.
On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500, 
Terry Klarich wrote:
> I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further guess
> that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter housing.
> This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio shack
> and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts  from
> the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
> transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.  The hole
> Mess was then placed in the project box.
> 
> Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
> 
> Terry
> On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
> >Hi folks,
> >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives the
> >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stops
> >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power.
> >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external power
> >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
> >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
> >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> >dectalk?
> >I would appreciate any help.
> >Cheers,
> >Cris
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Speakup mailing list
> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> >
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

- -- 
Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
	-- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
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Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Terry Klarich]

I tried this the first time my AC adapter died.  Both the ac adapter got hot as
well as the battery in the dec-talk.  I think the battery charging circuit is
actually in the ac adapter housing.  THere is a board attached to the
transformer which seemed larger than other ac filtering circuits I've seen
However, I didn't investigate the board closely.

Terry
--------
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 11:00:28 -0400you write:
>-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
>Hash: SHA1
>
>If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go 
>buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use 
>whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack 
>or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet 
>thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits 
>in the express and plutg it in.
>On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500, 
>Terry Klarich wrote:
>> I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further gue
>ss
>> that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter hou
>sing.
>> This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio sha
>ck
>> and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts  fro
>m
>> the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
>> transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.  The ho
>le
>> Mess was then placed in the project box.
>> 
>> Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
>> 
>> Terry
>> On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
>> >Hi folks,
>> >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives th
>e
>> >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stop
>s
>> >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power
>.
>> >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external powe
>r
>> >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
>> >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
>> >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
>> >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
>> >dectalk?
>> >I would appreciate any help.
>> >Cheers,
>> >Cris
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Speakup mailing list
>> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>> >
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> Speakup mailing list
>> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>- -- 
>Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
>	-- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
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>=OXjy
>-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
>
>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Glenn Ervin at Home]

That over heating is exactly what will happen with the polarity reversed.
That is why I don't like those shack adapters.
Glenn

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry Klarich" <terry@ki5zw.ampr.org>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


I tried this the first time my AC adapter died.  Both the ac adapter got hot
as
well as the battery in the dec-talk.  I think the battery charging circuit
is
actually in the ac adapter housing.  THere is a board attached to the
transformer which seemed larger than other ac filtering circuits I've seen
However, I didn't investigate the board closely.

Terry
--------
On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 11:00:28 -0400you write:
>-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
>Hash: SHA1
>
>If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go
>buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use
>whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack
>or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet
>thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits
>in the express and plutg it in.
>On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500,
>Terry Klarich wrote:
>> I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further
gue
>ss
>> that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter
hou
>sing.
>> This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio
sha
>ck
>> and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts
fro
>m
>> the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
>> transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.  The
ho
>le
>> Mess was then placed in the project box.
>>
>> Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
>>
>> Terry
>> On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
>> >Hi folks,
>> >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives
th
>e
>> >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
stop
>s
>> >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
power
>.
>> >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
powe
>r
>> >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it
that
>> >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
>> >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be
replaced,
>> >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
>> >dectalk?
>> >I would appreciate any help.
>> >Cheers,
>> >Cris
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Speakup mailing list
>> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>> >
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Speakup mailing list
>> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>- -- 
>Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
> -- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
>-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
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>
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>xwYlO9MEf1yRJxm/jwqfBtA=
>=OXjy
>-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
>
>_______________________________________________
>Speakup mailing list
>Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
>http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>

_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Glenn Ervin at Home]

Be careful of those radio shack generic adapters, as it is easy to get the
polarity wrong, even after it was put on right once.  If you go that route,
be sure to put a tactile mark, like slightly melting it in a spot across the
2 pieces or putting some permanent glue across the 2 pieces, not to glue
them together, but something that will allow you to match up the tactile
marks if they come un-done.
Glenn

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alex Snow" <alex_snow@gmx.net>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 10:00 AM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go
buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use
whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack
or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet
thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits
in the express and plutg it in.
On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500,
Terry Klarich wrote:
> I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further
guess
> that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter
housing.
> This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio
shack
> and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts
from
> the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
> transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.  The
hole
> Mess was then placed in the project box.
>
> Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
>
> Terry
> On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
> >Hi folks,
> >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives
the
> >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
stops
> >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
power.
> >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
power
> >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it
that
> >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
> >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> >dectalk?
> >I would appreciate any help.
> >Cheers,
> >Cris
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Speakup mailing list
> >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

- -- 
Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
-- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
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Speakup mailing list
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Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Jayson Smith]

If you buy a transformer specificly for the Dectalk and don't use it for
anything else, that really shouldn't matter I wouldn't think.  Just leave
the plug on the way you got it.
Jayson.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Glenn Ervin at Home" <GlennErvin@cableone.net>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


> Be careful of those radio shack generic adapters, as it is easy to get the
> polarity wrong, even after it was put on right once.  If you go that
route,
> be sure to put a tactile mark, like slightly melting it in a spot across
the
> 2 pieces or putting some permanent glue across the 2 pieces, not to glue
> them together, but something that will allow you to match up the tactile
> marks if they come un-done.
> Glenn
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Alex Snow" <alex_snow@gmx.net>
> To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 10:00 AM
> Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express
>
>
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
>
> If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go
> buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use
> whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack
> or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet
> thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits
> in the express and plutg it in.
> On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500,
> Terry Klarich wrote:
> > I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further
> guess
> > that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter
> housing.
> > This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio
> shack
> > and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts
> from
> > the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
> > transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.
The
> hole
> > Mess was then placed in the project box.
> >
> > Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
> >
> > Terry
> > On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
> > >Hi folks,
> > >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it
gives
> the
> > >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
> stops
> > >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
> power.
> > >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
> power
> > >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it
> that
> > >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> > >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be
replaced,
> > >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> > >dectalk?
> > >I would appreciate any help.
> > >Cheers,
> > >Cris
> > >
> > >_______________________________________________
> > >Speakup mailing list
> > >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> > >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
> - --
> Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
> -- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
> Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)
>
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> xwYlO9MEf1yRJxm/jwqfBtA=
> =OXjy
> -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Glenn Ervin at Home]

That's true, if you get a power supply specifically made for the DecTalk,
you won't be able to change anything.  It's only the shack adapters that
have those terrible multiple tips.  I have heard of even sighted folks
getting the polarity switched, with those shack adapters, and blowing out a
device.
Glenn

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jayson Smith" <ratguy@bellsouth.net>
To: "Glenn Ervin at Home" <GlennErvin@cableone.net>; "Speakup is a screen
review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


If you buy a transformer specificly for the Dectalk and don't use it for
anything else, that really shouldn't matter I wouldn't think.  Just leave
the plug on the way you got it.
Jayson.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Glenn Ervin at Home" <GlennErvin@cableone.net>
To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


> Be careful of those radio shack generic adapters, as it is easy to get the
> polarity wrong, even after it was put on right once.  If you go that
route,
> be sure to put a tactile mark, like slightly melting it in a spot across
the
> 2 pieces or putting some permanent glue across the 2 pieces, not to glue
> them together, but something that will allow you to match up the tactile
> marks if they come un-done.
> Glenn
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Alex Snow" <alex_snow@gmx.net>
> To: "Speakup is a screen review system for Linux."
<speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 10:00 AM
> Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express
>
>
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
>
> If you have trouble rebuilding the ac adapter you always could just go
> buy a battery charger or ac adapter (there's a difference, use
> whatever the express already has) with the same specs from radio shack
> or something.  They sell an adapter that has a weird 2 prong outlet
> thing on the end that you can get a specific sized connecter that fits
> in the express and plutg it in.
> On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 08:38:03AM -0500,
> Terry Klarich wrote:
> > I suspect the problem is with your AC power adapter.  And, would further
> guess
> > that the cord is broken just as it comes out of the the AC power adapter
> housing.
> > This has happened to both DEC-TALK Express units I use.  I went to radio
> shack
> > and purchased a small project box and a ac power cord.  I took the guts
> from
> > the ac power adapter attached the new ac cord to the input side of the
> > transformer.  Then, I reattached the 12v output cord past the break.
The
> hole
> > Mess was then placed in the project box.
> >
> > Too bad DEC didn't use more flexable wire.
> >
> > Terry
> > On Thu, 15 Jul 2004 07:45:35 -0400you write:
> > >Hi folks,
> > >My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it
gives
> the
> > >message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
> stops
> > >talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
> power.
> > >In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
> power
> > >on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it
> that
> > >the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> > >external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be
replaced,
> > >can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> > >dectalk?
> > >I would appreciate any help.
> > >Cheers,
> > >Cris
> > >
> > >_______________________________________________
> > >Speakup mailing list
> > >Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > >http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
> > >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Speakup mailing list
> > Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> > http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
> - --
> Linux!  Guerrilla UNIX Development     Venimus, Vidimus, Dolavimus.
> -- Mark A. Horton KA4YBR, mah@ka4ybr.com
> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
> Version: GnuPG v1.2.3 (GNU/Linux)
>
> iD8DBQFA9pwM9XVrM3ri110RAqyuAJ4lp5zhM45H0NoA4tOBGZPSVWSyAgCePF+m
> xwYlO9MEf1yRJxm/jwqfBtA=
> =OXjy
> -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup


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Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Jayson Smith]

Sounds to me like your power transformer has gone awol.  Yes I know this is
a stupid thing to tell you because you probably already know this, but check
to make sure the transformer, at the box which plugs into the power outlet,
is warm and put your ear to the transformer and make sure it is humming.  If
it isn't, then either the transformer has gone dead or it isn't getting
power for some other reason.  I don't know the total specifications, but the
Dec Express uses a 12 volt DC transformer.
I think the Dec Express will work on AC power without a functioning battery.
I recently bought one on Ebay and its battery is aparently nonfunctional as
it won't hold a charge.  When I plug it into AC, it won't work for a few
minutes, then it will come on properly and say that external power is on.
Hope this helps.
Jayson.

----- Original Message -----
From: "cris" <filastin48@hotmail.com>
To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 7:45 AM
Subject: trouble shooting dectalk express


> Hi folks,
> My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives
the
> message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
stops
> talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
power.
> In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
power
> on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
> the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
> can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> dectalk?
> I would appreciate any help.
> Cheers,
> Cris
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Alex Snow]

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Hash: SHA1

Your power adapter may be bad... is there any difference when you plug 
in or remove the power adapter? I'm thinking it's either the adapter 
or the connecter on the express.  If it's the battery I think any 
store or person who can build battery packs can probably rebuild the 
battery in the express.
On Thu, Jul 15, 2004 at 07:45:35AM -0400, cris 
wrote:
> Hi folks,
> My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives the
> message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stops
> talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power.
> In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external power
> on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
> the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
> can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> dectalk?
> I would appreciate any help.
> Cheers,
> Cris
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

- -- 
The game, anoraks.2.0.0.tgz, will be available from sunsite until somebody
responsible notices it and deletes it, and shortly from
ftp.mee.tcd.ie/pub/Brian, though they don't know that yet.
	-- Brian O'Donnell, odonnllb@tcd.ie
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giOnTWUu8AtsgNNWdB5gCdM=
=tDJs
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Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Glenn Ervin at Home]

GWmicro may have some DecTalk power supplies.
I was looking into this when I thought mine was bad, as it was doing the
same thing.
I found it to be just a bad power supply connection, and a wiggle of the
wires made it work.
But I was prepared to find another power supply, and cut the cable off of
the DecTalk power supply and match the polarity and re-connect the wire to
another power supply of the same voltage.
You can still get the polarity from a dead power supply, as it will only
read in Millie amps, but if it is reversed from the cables on the V O M, it
will read as a negative value.
Once you cut the cable off, if you lose track of which wire came from the
plus or minus on the power supply, you can use the ohm meter of the V O M to
determine which part of the plug matches which wire.  Total resistance (0
ohms) means the wire you are connected to at one end does not connect to the
part of the plug you are testing.
The plug on the DecTalk seems to be different from most, and make sure if it
is post positive or not before cutting off the wire.
Glenn

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cris" <filastin48@hotmail.com>
To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 6:45 AM
Subject: trouble shooting dectalk express


Hi folks,
My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives the
message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and stops
talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external power.
In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external power
on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
dectalk?
I would appreciate any help.
Cheers,
Cris

_______________________________________________
Speakup mailing list
Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup

Re: trouble shooting dectalk express

[Jayson Smith]

Actually you don't need to go to all that trouble if you have a radio shack
or equivalent nearby.  Once I went on vacation and somehow managed to leave
behind my Dectalk transformer.  Fortunately there was a radio shack nearby
so I just went there.  My dad had found out by using a voltmeter that the
Dectalk transformer was 12 volts DC.  So I took the Dectalk into the radio
shack and they fixed me up a transformer that would run it.  Take the unit
to the store with you for testing.  If, when it's plugged in, it gives a
battery status then it isn't getting power from the AC transformer.  If it
says "external power on" then everything should be working.
Jayson.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Glenn Ervin at Home" <GlennErvin@cableone.net>
To: "cris" <filastin48@hotmail.com>; "Speakup is a screen review system for
Linux." <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 7:34 PM
Subject: Re: trouble shooting dectalk express


> GWmicro may have some DecTalk power supplies.
> I was looking into this when I thought mine was bad, as it was doing the
> same thing.
> I found it to be just a bad power supply connection, and a wiggle of the
> wires made it work.
> But I was prepared to find another power supply, and cut the cable off of
> the DecTalk power supply and match the polarity and re-connect the wire to
> another power supply of the same voltage.
> You can still get the polarity from a dead power supply, as it will only
> read in Millie amps, but if it is reversed from the cables on the V O M,
it
> will read as a negative value.
> Once you cut the cable off, if you lose track of which wire came from the
> plus or minus on the power supply, you can use the ohm meter of the V O M
to
> determine which part of the plug matches which wire.  Total resistance (0
> ohms) means the wire you are connected to at one end does not connect to
the
> part of the plug you are testing.
> The plug on the DecTalk seems to be different from most, and make sure if
it
> is post positive or not before cutting off the wire.
> Glenn
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "cris" <filastin48@hotmail.com>
> To: <speakup@braille.uwo.ca>
> Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 6:45 AM
> Subject: trouble shooting dectalk express
>
>
> Hi folks,
> My dectalk express suddenly stopped working.  When I turn it on it gives
the
> message that battery is low, and then it starts making weird noise and
stops
> talking.  It gives this message even when it is connected to external
power.
> In the past, the message i got was "dectalk express is ready, external
power
> on."  Could this mean that the battery needs to be replaced, or is it that
> the power adapter is no longer working?  Does dectalk express work on
> external power alone, without battery?  If the battery is to be replaced,
> can I get it replaced in a regular store, or it can only be replaced by
> dectalk?
> I would appreciate any help.
> Cheers,
> Cris
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Speakup mailing list
> Speakup@braille.uwo.ca
> http://speech.braille.uwo.ca/mailman/listinfo/speakup