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[Norm202]

I use my GPS only on occasion. Is it better to leave on charge through my computer (which is on almost all day) all  the time or disconnect it after a full charge?

[Lupus1 Elite Voyager]

Hi there,

Therefore you'll have to know something about batteries and charging functionalities:

• Every battery discharges if it is left in a device as the electrical circuit is closed even if the device is turned off.
• Most chargers stop charging after the battery is fully charged. The charger restarts the process of charging if the battery looses part of its charge again. Some chargers start even if the battery is charged to 99%, others have a functionality to only start charging if the charge hold in the battery sinks below a preset percentage (i.e. 95% or 90%). This is done to reduce the number of charging processes as each battery only has a certain number of processes until it dies. Most batteries today allow at least 1000 charging processes the better ones even up to 2000-3000 processes. If charging your device via USB it will stop charging if the battery is fully charged. But I do not know at which percentage of a completely charged battery it restarts charging.

I always charge my device before starting on a trip via my computer. If it is a longer trip I always connect my device to my car charger before turning it on.

If I don't plan a trip I disconnect the device from my computer and connect it usually once a week to receive map share updates as well as the new GPSfix file. At those times I leave the device connected to my computer for about 2 hours to get it recharged.

Regards

Lars.

[sallor225]

I agree. The worst is to leave it discharged for any length of time.

[PRipley]

 to charge (battery) on my computer and how to tell if it is fully charged and how long does the charge last

[Lupus1 Elite Voyager]

Hi,

if you're charging your device via your computer's USB port it'll take up to 4 hours to charge completely depending on the remaining charge before connecting the device to your computer and whether you leave the device turned off or turn it on.

I found no specific option so far to see how much charge is left in detail. I just connect the device once a week for about 4 hours and use the car charger every time I use the device as well.

As the device's use Li-ion batteries there's no memory effect to fear. Only completely discharging the battery will damage it.

Regards

Lars.

[sallor225]

PRipley, if your device is disconnected from a power source you can see your battery status by taping the lower right window and you will see a battery partially filled with color. Green for a safe charge, orange if it is getting close to half charged. Most units will operate about 2 hrs on the battery only. Apparently some units do not complete shut down when you turn them off, and will slowly drain the battery when not in use. Like Lars, I usually use mine plugged into the car when driving; otherwise plug it in for updates. Never a problem.

[caroline19]

Can some one help me?

when i charge my Tom Tom when off there is not battery come up so how do you know if it has charged?

Or does it have to be on and then when do you know its fulluy charged?

My old GPS used to show hte battery and give a full green battery when done

[sallor225]

It is better (quicker) to charge with it turned off. When you turn it on and disconnected from charger, touch the lower right corner and you will see your battery status.

[mjones]

Why isn't my Tomtom re-charging ? Just purchased less than one week ago and have tried charging it on my computer for several hours. Doesn't seem like it wants to charge..any suggestions?

[sallor225]

How do you know it is not charging? Does it not start up? Will it charge in your car? You should keep it plugged in to your car while driving at all times. If you have IQ Routes, that will not work unless plugged in.

When plugged in to your computer, is the green light on the bottom of your TT lit? If not, you are not getting power. If you are getting power, the charge goes quicker if the TT is turned off.