remote upgraded to 2.0.2 changes

Question

Hi ETC, et al. 
 I've just upgraded my consoles to 1.4.5, and the remotes to 2.0 (basestation) and 2.0.2 (hand held). 
 I've noticed that when charging off the USB wallwart, the unit thinks it is on. 
 If you touch a button to wake it up, the screen says "Direct USB" and the next 3 text lines are boxed in. (I'm not too concern about this issue). 
 The buttons also remain backlit. This is the issue I'm concerned about. 
 Previously, I have left the remotes on the chargers unless in use. Between our production schedule (1 night shows, and not being used for days or months) and multiple operators, I didn't see any advantage in trying to attempt some charging method, like charging it the night before the show. 
 Is it bad to have the backlight on 24/7/365? Is it bad to leave it on the charger 24/7/365? 
 How long does it take to charge the batteries? If the operator used the RFR for 1 hour to focus, charges it during the event (2 -3 hours), adn then unplugs it, will that be enough so the next operator 4 days later can focus her show? 
 Can the unit not power up when charging? 
 I also noticed when updating the firm-ware, that I had to boot up the RFR while holding the More SK button (as instructed), and THEN plugging the RFR into the USB cable to the console. If it is plugged in first, the unit is active, regardless of the position of the power switch. 
 
 Thanks 
 Andrew Riter 
 Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 
 University of British Columbia

starksk · Accepted Answer

Hi Andrew, 
 The buttons on the RFR will remain backlit while it is plugged into a USB port or wallwart USB charger regardless of switch state. This is because it is actually pulling power from the USB port and not the battery itself. 
 You will see "Direct USB" at the beginning of any USB connection to the RFR in normal operating mode. If you have any base stations connected to a console that is running a show, you will see those console options appear below "Direct USB". 
 Now onto your questions: 
 "Is it bad to leave it on the charger 24/7/365?" 
 Yes. The RFR uses rechargeable Ni-MH batteries that over time form a "memory" based on their charge and discharge cycles. This means that if it is used to seeing power all of the time, your battery life may be severely limited. We recommend that you allow your RFR to discharge the battery completely and only connect the unit to the charger when it needs charging. 
 "How long does it take to charge the batteries? " 
 It takes between 4-6 hours to recharge a completely dead battery. 
 "If the operator used the RFR for 1 hour to focus, charges it during the event (2 -3 hours), and then unplugs it, will that be enough so the next operator 4 days later can focus her show?" 
 Assuming you are starting from a fully charged battery, yes that will work. However, by not allowing the battery to discharge completely, you will be creating a shorter battery "memory". I would recommend that you do 2-3 focus sessions and then recharge after that, depending on your battery usage at that point. Other operators create a schedule where they use the RFR to their hearts content, and then recharge it the night before a big call. 
 "Can the unit not power up when charging?" 
 No, there is not a way to stop the unit from powering on when charging at the present time. 
 ~Kirk

nfarwell · Answer

I can attest to the 'severely limited battery life' issue. The third time I sent my RFR in for service due to the rebooting issue, apparently the only thing replaced was the batteries. We're trying to find a balance between *not* charging it all the time and having it not die in the middle of a day. Sigh. Since we're asking for impossible things, is there room in the firmware for a feedback system to stop charging when the batteries are full? 
 
 I always thought NiMH batteries did not suffer from the memory that NiCD did? I know they don't like being overheated and the remote gets toasty when charging.