Note: Many schools have reported better success with rechargeable
Alkaline batteries than the NiCAD batteries. The rechargeable
Alkaline batteries have 2–3 times the battery life of the NiCAD
cell and experience no “memory” problem.
Low Battery Indication
When your AA batteries or NiCAD battery pack is getting
low, a message will flash on your screen:
Low Battery!!
The Low Battery message will appear 15 minutes to 1 hour
before the batteries are dead.
Lithium Battery
AlphaSmart also uses a secondary backup battery that is not
user-accessible. This 3V lithium coin cell battery (CR2032)
powers the memory, preventing data loss when the unit is
turned off and the primary AA or NiCAD batteries are dead.
This lithium battery should be good for approximately
5–10 years. It is mounted in a socket and is replaceable. To
determine if the 3V lithium battery has been discharged:
1. Enter some text into the AlphaSmart.
2. Turn the unit off.
3. Remove the AA batteries and make sure the unit is not
plugged into the AC adapter or attached to a Macintosh.
4. Wait two minutes.
5. Replace AA batteries or plug into an AC adapter.
6. Turn the unit back on. If the text you entered is still
there, then the lithium battery is still good. If the text
has disappeared and the screen is blank, then the lithium
battery has been discharged and should be replaced.
To replace the lithium battery, you must take the case apart.
See the Troubleshooting section for instructions. Please dis-
pose of the discharged lithium battery properly.
Power
When connecting the AlphaSmart to a computer, do not
connect the AC adapter. Using the AC adapter is not neces-
sary as the AlphaSmart will use the power available in the
keyboard cable, even if no batteries are installed.
AlphaSmart 2000
53
Fully discharge your NiCAD battery pack by leaving the
AlphaSmart turned on until the screen is so dim you can’t
read it anymore. Do not leave the AlphaSmart turned on
past this point, as it may damage the NiCAD cells.
Re-conditioning a NiCAD Battery Pack
After about 30 charge/discharge cycles, fully discharge your
NiCAD battery pack before charging to avoid the ugly
memory effect.
Storing a NiCAD Battery Pack
NiCAD batteries which are not used over time lose their
charge and should be recharged before use. Always fully
charge your battery before you use it after it has been stored
for more than one week at a time.
Lifetime of NiCAD Battery Pack
Don’t expect rechargeable batteries to last forever. Well
maintained NiCAD batteries last about 500 charges or about
3 years. If your battery used to last 40 hours but now only
lasts 1 hour, it’s time for a new battery.
Note: If your batteries are dead and you have no AC adapter, you
can still send your data to your Macintosh or PC. Simply attach the
AlphaSmart to the Macintosh or PC and turn it on. The keyboard
cable supplies power to run the AlphaSmart while attached. You
can’t do any editing, but you can transfer the data in your files.
Toxic Elements Statement
Each cell is a sealed container enclosing a nickel electrode, a
cadmium electrode and potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The
electrolyte is caustic. Avoid contact with skin or eyes. If acci-
dentally exposed, flush eyes with water immediately.
Do not incinerate or mutilate the battery, as this may cause
it to burst or release toxic materials. Do not short circuit, as
this may cause burns. Please dispose in accordance with
local, state, and federal regulations.
Use of Other Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable NiCAD AA batteries and rechargeable Alkaline
AA batteries may be used with the AlphaSmart. However,
these batteries must be recharged outside the AlphaSmart.
Plugging in the AlphaSmart to an AC adapter will not
recharge your removable AA batteries—only the AlphaSmart
rechargeable pack is recharged by the AC adapter.
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AlphaSmart 2000
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