🚀 go-pugleaf

PS -- For others with questions or problems about the C-700, you can
subscribe to the yahoogroups email list.  Lots of very helpful folks
there....

To subscribe, visit their homepage http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oly_C-700/

Fred again

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:nnmAd.19488$rL3.1622@trnddc03...
> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
>
> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
>
> I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99.  I saw some on ebay
> and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10 "shipping
> and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going to get
> and when.... I thought this one was the best choice.  And it's a universal
> job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's fine for
> the C700 and my other junk too.
>
> First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline batteries
> only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough, same
> problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message pops
> up.
>
> Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
camera
> works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom
out,
> click, click, click, click, click....
>
> Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only
again
> and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
> message.
>
> Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be it.
May
> be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing component
> somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may have
> temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> battery-only.
>
> Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> batteries and report back.
>
> Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help!   It took
> several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a great
deal
> of knowledge about how these things work.
>
> And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls and the
> "just buy another one" boys.  Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago!  B^)
>
> Fred
>
>

Fred wrote:

> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> 
> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
> 
> I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99.  I saw some on ebay
> and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10 "shipping
> and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going to get
> and when.... I thought this one was the best choice.  And it's a universal
> job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's fine for
> the C700 and my other junk too.
> 
> First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline batteries
> only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough, same
> problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message pops
> up.
> 
> Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the camera
> works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom out,
> click, click, click, click, click....
> 
> Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only again
> and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
> message.
> 
> Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be it.  May
> be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing component
> somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may have
> temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> battery-only.
> 
> Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> batteries and report back.
> 
> Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help!   It took
> several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a great deal
> of knowledge about how these things work.
> 
> And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls and the
> "just buy another one" boys.  Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago!  B^)
> 
> Fred

Hi...

I guess leaving the only realistic possibility a
high resistance connection in the switch portion
of the adapter input plug.

Ah, well, I guess in this case tenacity paid off.
Congratulations.

Ken

Yes, sounds like it could be. One of these cold rainy weekends I'll take it
apart and check all the solder connections, etc.  Thanks, Ken, for your
correspondence and help!

Fred

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:OzmAd.602181$nl.139647@pd7tw3no...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
>
> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> >
> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
> >
> > I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99.  I saw some on
ebay
> > and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10
"shipping
> > and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going to
get
> > and when.... I thought this one was the best choice.  And it's a
universal
> > job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's fine
for
> > the C700 and my other junk too.
> >
> > First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline
batteries
> > only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough,
same
> > problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message
pops
> > up.
> >
> > Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
camera
> > works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom
out,
> > click, click, click, click, click....
> >
> > Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only
again
> > and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery
bad
> > message.
> >
> > Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be it.
May
> > be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing component
> > somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may
have
> > temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> > battery-only.
> >
> > Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> > batteries and report back.
> >
> > Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help!   It took
> > several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a great
deal
> > of knowledge about how these things work.
> >
> > And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls and
the
> > "just buy another one" boys.  Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> > comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago!  B^)
> >
> > Fred
>
> Hi...
>
> I guess leaving the only realistic possibility a
> high resistance connection in the switch portion
> of the adapter input plug.
>
> Ah, well, I guess in this case tenacity paid off.
> Congratulations.
>
> Ken
>
>
>

On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:42:55 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote:

 >Yes, sounds like it could be. One of these cold rainy weekends I'll take it
 >apart and check all the solder connections, etc.  Thanks, Ken, for your
 >correspondence and help!

Sounds very much like a Disaster Waiting To Happen.....

DS

"David Springthorpe" <david.springthorpe@idx.com.au> wrote in message
news:ntv3t09lp3djjnd43gf129kntij8l8dm9o@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:42:55 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:
>
>  >Yes, sounds like it could be. One of these cold rainy weekends I'll take
it
>  >apart and check all the solder connections, etc.  Thanks, Ken, for your
>  >correspondence and help!
>
> Sounds very much like a Disaster Waiting To Happen.....

Well, we'll soon find out!  I've already got the tools together -- let's
see.... duct tape, paper clips, sledge hammer, 24 ounce bottle of redskin
peanuts, TV Guide....  Yep!  I'm all ready to go!

Now back to an update...

After using the AC adapter for awhile, I disconnected it and then ran it on
batteries only.  This time I took 4 or 5 photos before the "battery low"
warning came back up.   Then plugged back in with the adapter and it work
fully again.  Probably not a revelation to the more advance folks, like
David, but I like to double check things before pulling out the chain saws.

Later,

Have a NICE DAY, David!  Don't run out in front of any buses or anything.

Fred

My vote is that the batteries are still bad, and there is nothing wrong with
the camera!

-- 

Jerry G.
=====

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:BEoAd.5574$Y57.1499@trnddc08...
"David Springthorpe" <david.springthorpe@idx.com.au> wrote in message
news:ntv3t09lp3djjnd43gf129kntij8l8dm9o@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:42:55 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:
>
>  >Yes, sounds like it could be. One of these cold rainy weekends I'll take
it
>  >apart and check all the solder connections, etc.  Thanks, Ken, for your
>  >correspondence and help!
>
> Sounds very much like a Disaster Waiting To Happen.....

Well, we'll soon find out!  I've already got the tools together -- let's
see.... duct tape, paper clips, sledge hammer, 24 ounce bottle of redskin
peanuts, TV Guide....  Yep!  I'm all ready to go!

Now back to an update...

After using the AC adapter for awhile, I disconnected it and then ran it on
batteries only.  This time I took 4 or 5 photos before the "battery low"
warning came back up.   Then plugged back in with the adapter and it work
fully again.  Probably not a revelation to the more advance folks, like
David, but I like to double check things before pulling out the chain saws.

Later,

Have a NICE DAY, David!  Don't run out in front of any buses or anything.

Fred

On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 02:29:53 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote:

 >Have a NICE DAY, David!  Don't run out in front of any buses or anything.

Well, put it this way, if I ever try to "fix" things they usually end up
completely stuffed.....

DS

Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the batteries 
  that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot more 
amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.  Glad 
you're gaining on the problem......

Fred wrote:
> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> 
> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
> 
> 

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:54:59 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:

>First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline batteries
>only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough, same
>problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message pops
>up.
>
>Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the camera
>works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom out,
>click, click, click, click, click....
>
>Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only again
>and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
>message.

Sounds to me like there is a contact in the AC adaptor jack that got a
little resistive from an oxide layer there. Just plugging and
unplugging the AC adaptor broke the oxide layer and made everything
good again.

I know this was a lot of work for you and you deserve a real "attaboy"
for your efforts. Even thought the solution seems to have been simple,
getting there was not. There are lots of people here who understand
and appreciate that.

If I ever have such a problem with my camera I hope I can remember to
just push a matching plug into it's adaptor jack a few times to see if
that helps.

-
-----------------------------------------------
    Jim Adney            jadney@vwtype3.org
           Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------

Thanks, TRR.

No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden variety,
off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the major
brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when the
camera was working good.

And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the specs say
it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that some of
the others draw high current too.

Fred

"TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the batteries
>   that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot more
> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.  Glad
> you're gaining on the problem......
>
> Fred wrote:
> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> >
> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
> >
> >
>

That's right!   Know where I can find a 500-ft extension cord?

"J. A. Mc." <jaSPAMc@gbr.online.com> wrote in message
news:ior5t01kv6kgj8i9kdofa4db2tm2fd9v96@4ax.com...
> So now to use the Olympus, you're goping to have to tote an AC supply?
>
> Figures from that company ...
>
>
> On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:07:40 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> found these unused words floating about:
>
> >PS -- For others with questions or problems about the C-700, you can
> >subscribe to the yahoogroups email list.  Lots of very helpful folks
> >there....
> >
> >To subscribe, visit their homepage
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oly_C-700/
> >
> >Fred again
> >
> >"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> >news:nnmAd.19488$rL3.1622@trnddc03...
> >> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
> >> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> >>
> >> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
> >>
> >> I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99.  I saw some on
ebay
> >> and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10
"shipping
> >> and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going to
get
> >> and when.... I thought this one was the best choice.  And it's a
universal
> >> job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's fine
for
> >> the C700 and my other junk too.
> >>
> >> First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline
batteries
> >> only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough,
same
> >> problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message
pops
> >> up.
> >>
> >> Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
> >camera
> >> works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom
> >out,
> >> click, click, click, click, click....
> >>
> >> Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only
> >again
> >> and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery
bad
> >> message.
> >>
> >> Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be it.
> >May
> >> be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing
component
> >> somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may
have
> >> temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> >> battery-only.
> >>
> >> Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> >> batteries and report back.
> >>
> >> Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help!   It took
> >> several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a great
> >deal
> >> of knowledge about how these things work.
> >>
> >> And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls and
the
> >> "just buy another one" boys.  Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> >> comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago!  B^)
> >>
> >> Fred
> >>
> >>
> >
>

Why I oughta.....

"Jerry G." <jerryg50@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:33enk7F3uqau3U5@uni-berlin.de...
> My vote is that the batteries are still bad, and there is nothing wrong
with
> the camera!
>
> -- 
>
> Jerry G.
> =====
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:BEoAd.5574$Y57.1499@trnddc08...
> "David Springthorpe" <david.springthorpe@idx.com.au> wrote in message
> news:ntv3t09lp3djjnd43gf129kntij8l8dm9o@4ax.com...
> > On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:42:55 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> wrote:
> >
> >  >Yes, sounds like it could be. One of these cold rainy weekends I'll
take
> it
> >  >apart and check all the solder connections, etc.  Thanks, Ken, for
your
> >  >correspondence and help!
> >
> > Sounds very much like a Disaster Waiting To Happen.....
>
> Well, we'll soon find out!  I've already got the tools together -- let's
> see.... duct tape, paper clips, sledge hammer, 24 ounce bottle of redskin
> peanuts, TV Guide....  Yep!  I'm all ready to go!
>
> Now back to an update...
>
> After using the AC adapter for awhile, I disconnected it and then ran it
on
> batteries only.  This time I took 4 or 5 photos before the "battery low"
> warning came back up.   Then plugged back in with the adapter and it work
> fully again.  Probably not a revelation to the more advance folks, like
> David, but I like to double check things before pulling out the chain
saws.
>
> Later,
>
> Have a NICE DAY, David!  Don't run out in front of any buses or anything.
>
> Fred
>
>
>

Thanks for the good words, Jim!  It's just a hobby camera and so I'm not in
a hurry to get if fixed or dish out a couple hundred $$.  More fun for me to
diagnose it and hopefully fix the blasted thing .... and pass along what I
find out.

After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on the
AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!

"Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org> wrote in message
news:r674t0d320vmc6grg8p01tqetc3a0fitq6@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:54:59 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> wrote:
>
> >First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline batteries
> >only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough, same
> >problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message
pops
> >up.
> >
> >Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
camera
> >works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in, zoom
out,
> >click, click, click, click, click....
> >
> >Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only
again
> >and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
> >message.
>
> Sounds to me like there is a contact in the AC adaptor jack that got a
> little resistive from an oxide layer there. Just plugging and
> unplugging the AC adaptor broke the oxide layer and made everything
> good again.
>
> I know this was a lot of work for you and you deserve a real "attaboy"
> for your efforts. Even thought the solution seems to have been simple,
> getting there was not. There are lots of people here who understand
> and appreciate that.
>
> If I ever have such a problem with my camera I hope I can remember to
> just push a matching plug into it's adaptor jack a few times to see if
> that helps.
>
> -
> -----------------------------------------------
>     Jim Adney            jadney@vwtype3.org
>            Madison, WI 53711 USA
> -----------------------------------------------

Fred wrote:

> Thanks for the good words, Jim!  It's just a hobby camera and so I'm not in
> a hurry to get if fixed or dish out a couple hundred $$.  More fun for me to
> diagnose it and hopefully fix the blasted thing .... and pass along what I
> find out.
> 
> After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on the
> AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!

Hi...

Dunno how much it matters, if at all...  but not
on the ac receptacle.

Rather, there's a switch as part of that jack.  When you
insert your plug, it physically pushes the switch open,
breaking the connection between the battery set and the
camera.  So that the batteries and ac adapter aren't
paralleled. Naturally it follows that when you remove the
plug, the "switch" returns to its resting position, so
that the batteries are once again connected to the camera.

If you have a stereo and/or headphone set you'll get
the principle...  plug in the headphones and the speakers
disconnect; remove the plug and the speakers are again
connected.

You might try inserting and removing it many times, slowly.
Perhaps rotating the plug a little while it's inserted.

I really, really hope that you don't even think about
dis-assembling your camera.  Really.  So, if all else
fails, you might try just a single puff of contact
cleaner.  That jack is an enclosed assembly, spraying
into it won't be spraying into the camera unless you
"drown" it.

So, you might pick up a spray can of contact cleaner
(in Canada anyway, Radio Shack, about $10 CDN).
Then holding the camera so the jack is down, give it
just a single puff into that jack.  A tiny, tiny
amount, a fraction of a second spray.  And continuing
to hold it jack down, immediately insert and remove
the plug over and over.  If the plug is at fault, this
should clean it up.  Leave it air dry overnight, propped
somehow so it rests plug down.  On a sheet of newspaper
just in case.

I'm writing from photo.digital, perhaps the sci.electronics
guys will have better/more advice.

Take care, and all the best in the new year.

Ken

Fred wrote:

> Thanks for the good words, Jim!  It's just a hobby camera and so I'm not in
> a hurry to get if fixed or dish out a couple hundred $$.  More fun for me to
> diagnose it and hopefully fix the blasted thing .... and pass along what I
> find out.
> 
> After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on the
> AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!


Hi again...

Quickly added...  for safety sake.

If you DO decide to do the spray cleaner suggestion,
then wear glasses while you do it.  You'll
be puffing your shot of cleaner against a very very
small enclosure, and the risk of it blowing back against
your eyes is great.

Particularly holding the camera up so as to spray upward
into the jack.

Be cautious.  Your eyes are worth much more than any
camera!

Ken

Thanks, Ken.  I sure can't see a switch down in there, but will certainly
give the spray treatment a try.

Specially thanks for the safety warning.

And Happy New Year!

Fred

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:txLAd.618878$%k.493377@pd7tw2no...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the good words, Jim!  It's just a hobby camera and so I'm not
in
> > a hurry to get if fixed or dish out a couple hundred $$.  More fun for
me to
> > diagnose it and hopefully fix the blasted thing .... and pass along what
I
> > find out.
> >
> > After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on
the
> > AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!
>
> Hi...
>
> Dunno how much it matters, if at all...  but not
> on the ac receptacle.
>
> Rather, there's a switch as part of that jack.  When you
> insert your plug, it physically pushes the switch open,
> breaking the connection between the battery set and the
> camera.  So that the batteries and ac adapter aren't
> paralleled. Naturally it follows that when you remove the
> plug, the "switch" returns to its resting position, so
> that the batteries are once again connected to the camera.
>
> If you have a stereo and/or headphone set you'll get
> the principle...  plug in the headphones and the speakers
> disconnect; remove the plug and the speakers are again
> connected.
>
> You might try inserting and removing it many times, slowly.
> Perhaps rotating the plug a little while it's inserted.
>
> I really, really hope that you don't even think about
> dis-assembling your camera.  Really.  So, if all else
> fails, you might try just a single puff of contact
> cleaner.  That jack is an enclosed assembly, spraying
> into it won't be spraying into the camera unless you
> "drown" it.
>
> So, you might pick up a spray can of contact cleaner
> (in Canada anyway, Radio Shack, about $10 CDN).
> Then holding the camera so the jack is down, give it
> just a single puff into that jack.  A tiny, tiny
> amount, a fraction of a second spray.  And continuing
> to hold it jack down, immediately insert and remove
> the plug over and over.  If the plug is at fault, this
> should clean it up.  Leave it air dry overnight, propped
> somehow so it rests plug down.  On a sheet of newspaper
> just in case.
>
> I'm writing from photo.digital, perhaps the sci.electronics
> guys will have better/more advice.
>
> Take care, and all the best in the new year.
>
> Ken
>
>
>

Fred wrote:
> Thanks, Ken.  I sure can't see a switch down in there, but will certainly
> give the spray treatment a try.

Hi...

Send me an email if you like;  and I'll send you back a small
picture of the switch idea.

Ken

There are backpacks with solar cells maunted on them.

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:6bLAd.10370$L7.3166@trnddc05...
> That's right!   Know where I can find a 500-ft extension cord?
>
> "J. A. Mc." <jaSPAMc@gbr.online.com> wrote in message
> news:ior5t01kv6kgj8i9kdofa4db2tm2fd9v96@4ax.com...
> > So now to use the Olympus, you're goping to have to tote an AC supply?
> >
> > Figures from that company ...
> >
> >
> > On Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:07:40 GMT, "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> > found these unused words floating about:
> >
> > >PS -- For others with questions or problems about the C-700, you can
> > >subscribe to the yahoogroups email list.  Lots of very helpful folks
> > >there....
> > >
> > >To subscribe, visit their homepage
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oly_C-700/
> > >
> > >Fred again
> > >
> > >"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > >news:nnmAd.19488$rL3.1622@trnddc03...
> > >> Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller
who
> > >> posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> > >>
> > >> [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the
batteries.]
> > >>
> > >> I picked up an adapter at Frys Electronics for $19.99.  I saw some on
> ebay
> > >> and elsewhere online cheaper, but by the time you add the $5-10
> "shipping
> > >> and handling" and wonder what kind of adapter you're "really" going
to
> get
> > >> and when.... I thought this one was the best choice.  And it's a
> universal
> > >> job - all kinds of voltages, and current up to 2500 mA, so that's
fine
> for
> > >> the C700 and my other junk too.
> > >>
> > >> First I tried the camera as is - that is on good (new) alkaline
> batteries
> > >> only - to be sure that it was giving the same problem.  Sure enough,
> same
> > >> problem - one shot or moving the zoom lever and "battery bad" message
> pops
> > >> up.
> > >>
> > >> Then I plugged the AC adapter into it and first time every time, the
> > >camera
> > >> works again, just like it's supposed to, time after time, zoom in,
zoom
> > >out,
> > >> click, click, click, click, click....
> > >>
> > >> Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries
only
> > >again
> > >> and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery
> bad
> > >> message.
> > >>
> > >> Someone also said that there might be charging problem -- might be
it.
> > >May
> > >> be still a partially open circuit, bad solder joint or failing
> component
> > >> somewhere between the batteries and the power circuit. AC adapter may
> have
> > >> temporarily charged up capacitors enough to get a few shots from the
> > >> battery-only.
> > >>
> > >> Time will tell -- will see how many photos I get out of a new set of
> > >> batteries and report back.
> > >>
> > >> Thanks again to all for all the dozen of constructive help!   It took
> > >> several months, but saved me $155 in repair charges and I gain a
great
> > >deal
> > >> of knowledge about how these things work.
> > >>
> > >> And a special thanks to all the whiners, complainers, know-it-alls
and
> the
> > >> "just buy another one" boys.  Without your endless jabs and ignorant
> > >> comments, I probably would've dropped this months ago!  B^)
> > >>
> > >> Fred
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> >
>
>

Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not able to 
supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is 
probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do with 
Alkaline Batteries.

The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater than 
1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost around 
$10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast charge 
(about 1-2 hours) is about $30.

Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.

-- 
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--

"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message 
news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> Thanks, TRR.
>
> No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden variety,
> off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the major
> brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when the
> camera was working good.
>
> And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the specs 
> say
> it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that some of
> the others draw high current too.
>
> Fred
>
> "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the batteries
>>   that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot more
>> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.  Glad
>> you're gaining on the problem......
>>
>> Fred wrote:
>> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller who
>> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
>> >
>> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the batteries.]
>> >
>> >
>>
>
> 

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:EDLAd.618890$%k.17674@pd7tw2no...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
>
> > Thanks for the good words, Jim!  It's just a hobby camera and so I'm not
in
> > a hurry to get if fixed or dish out a couple hundred $$.  More fun for
me to
> > diagnose it and hopefully fix the blasted thing .... and pass along what
I
> > find out.
> >
> > After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on
the
> > AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!
>
>
> Hi again...
>
> Quickly added...  for safety sake.
>
> If you DO decide to do the spray cleaner suggestion,
> then wear glasses while you do it.  You'll
> be puffing your shot of cleaner against a very very
> small enclosure, and the risk of it blowing back against
> your eyes is great.
>
> Particularly holding the camera up so as to spray upward
> into the jack.
>
> Be cautious.  Your eyes are worth much more than any
> camera!
>
I'd be a good deal more concerned about the camera itself, than my eyes.
Really, we've been spraying contact cleaner and other aerosols for years.
Surely we can do it safely.

OTOH, there are gears and optics inside there.  Get some of that stuff on
there, and results are unpredictable at best.

I'd take the damn thing apart...damn the torpedoes.  Use a maginfier light,
work slowly, carefully.  Take pictures (with another camera of
course...maybe video) of the disassembly.  Digicams are difficult, but not
impossible, to successfully R&R.

If I can do my Coolpix--much smaller, I believe than the Oly--he should be
able to dismantle enough to protect the rest of the camera from overspray
when cleaning the power jack.

Still, just cycling the power connector in and out may be all it needs.....

jak
> Ken
>

I appreciate the info and will look into the NiCad's.   Not saying you're
wrong, but how would you explain the fact that for 2 years prior to the
camera failing, I used alkaline batteries and got 100-150 480x640 photos on
a set of 4 before having to replace them?

"CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:IuWAd.4281$F67.1071@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not able to
> supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is
> probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do
with
> Alkaline Batteries.
>
> The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater than
> 1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost
around
> $10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast charge
> (about 1-2 hours) is about $30.
>
> Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.
>
> -- 
> CSM1
> http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> --
>
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> > Thanks, TRR.
> >
> > No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden
variety,
> > off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the
major
> > brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when the
> > camera was working good.
> >
> > And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the specs
> > say
> > it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that some
of
> > the others draw high current too.
> >
> > Fred
> >
> > "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> >> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the
batteries
> >>   that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot more
> >> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.  Glad
> >> you're gaining on the problem......
> >>
> >> Fred wrote:
> >> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller
who
> >> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> >> >
> >> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the
batteries.]
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

Thanks, Ken!  You can send it to me at lexmark8792@yahoo.com

Fred

"Ken Weitzel" <kweitzel@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:JYTAd.617621$nl.482275@pd7tw3no...
>
>
> Fred wrote:
> > Thanks, Ken.  I sure can't see a switch down in there, but will
certainly
> > give the spray treatment a try.
>
> Hi...
>
> Send me an email if you like;  and I'll send you back a small
> picture of the switch idea.
>
> Ken
>

Another interesting development....

I took a few photos with the help of the AC adapter.  Then unplugged the
adapter.  Turned on the camera and the zoom starting cycling out 1/2-inch,
then back in 1/2-inch, back and forth....  The power switch had no effect on
it.  Had to open the battery door and break the connection to stop the
cycling.

Am I on candid camera??!

Fred

NOT NiCad, NiMh, Nickel Metal Hydride. WalMart sells a fast charger with
four NiMh batteries for about $25. Buy a second of four NiMh batteries for
about $10.

Those are two different batteries. NiCad has a memory and does not retain a
charge as well as NiMh.

I have no explanation why you used to get that out of Alkaline AA batteries,
except  maybe you were using CR-V3 lithium batteries instead.

On page 19 of this Camera manual (loading Batteries).

This camera uses two CR-V3 lithium battery packs or four AA (R6) NiMH
batteries, NiCd batteries, alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.

Important
CR-V3 lithium batteries cannot be recharged.
Do not peel off the label from a CR-V3 lithium battery pack.
Manganese (zinc-carbon) batteries cannot be used.

The manual also says on page 20:

Precautions when using batteries
The amount of power consumed varies considerably depending on the
operations performed on the digital camera. If you use exhausted
batteries or alkaline batteries, the camera may turn off without
displaying the battery level warning (P.15).


C700UZ manual (10.2MB)
http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/c700uz_reference.pdf

-- 
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--
"Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
news:Qu8Bd.21628$rL3.10801@trnddc03...
> I appreciate the info and will look into the NiCad's.   Not saying you're
> wrong, but how would you explain the fact that for 2 years prior to the
> camera failing, I used alkaline batteries and got 100-150 480x640 photos
on
> a set of 4 before having to replace them?
>
> "CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
> news:IuWAd.4281$F67.1071@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> > Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not able
to
> > supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is
> > probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do
> with
> > Alkaline Batteries.
> >
> > The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater than
> > 1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost
> around
> > $10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast
charge
> > (about 1-2 hours) is about $30.
> >
> > Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.
> >
> > -- 
> > CSM1
> > http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> > --
> >
> > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> > > Thanks, TRR.
> > >
> > > No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden
> variety,
> > > off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the
> major
> > > brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when
the
> > > camera was working good.
> > >
> > > And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the
specs
> > > say
> > > it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that some
> of
> > > the others draw high current too.
> > >
> > > Fred
> > >
> > > "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> > >> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the
> batteries
> > >>   that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot
more
> > >> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.
Glad
> > >> you're gaining on the problem......
> > >>
> > >> Fred wrote:
> > >> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice feller
> who
> > >> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> > >> >
> > >> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the
> batteries.]
> > >> >
> > >> >
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Thanks for the explanation and the websites.

FWIW, checked my battery stock and all are standard alkaline batteries - not
lithium batteries, etc.  Looking at the alkaline batteries, I don't see
anywhere what the current rating is - one is Panasonic "made for digital
cameras", others I have here (new) are Energizer, Ever Ready.

"CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:lDcBd.9808$wi2.8825@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...
> NOT NiCad, NiMh, Nickel Metal Hydride. WalMart sells a fast charger with
> four NiMh batteries for about $25. Buy a second of four NiMh batteries for
> about $10.
>
> Those are two different batteries. NiCad has a memory and does not retain
a
> charge as well as NiMh.
>
> I have no explanation why you used to get that out of Alkaline AA
batteries,
> except  maybe you were using CR-V3 lithium batteries instead.
>
> On page 19 of this Camera manual (loading Batteries).
>
> This camera uses two CR-V3 lithium battery packs or four AA (R6) NiMH
> batteries, NiCd batteries, alkaline batteries or lithium batteries.
>
> Important
> CR-V3 lithium batteries cannot be recharged.
> Do not peel off the label from a CR-V3 lithium battery pack.
> Manganese (zinc-carbon) batteries cannot be used.
>
> The manual also says on page 20:
>
> Precautions when using batteries
> The amount of power consumed varies considerably depending on the
> operations performed on the digital camera. If you use exhausted
> batteries or alkaline batteries, the camera may turn off without
> displaying the battery level warning (P.15).
>
>
> C700UZ manual (10.2MB)
> http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/c700uz_reference.pdf
>
> -- 
> CSM1
> http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> --
> "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> news:Qu8Bd.21628$rL3.10801@trnddc03...
> > I appreciate the info and will look into the NiCad's.   Not saying
you're
> > wrong, but how would you explain the fact that for 2 years prior to the
> > camera failing, I used alkaline batteries and got 100-150 480x640 photos
> on
> > a set of 4 before having to replace them?
> >
> > "CSM1" <nomoremail@nomail.com> wrote in message
> > news:IuWAd.4281$F67.1071@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> > > Alkaline AA batteries are your problem. Alkaline batteries are not
able
> to
> > > supply the high current for a digital camera for very long. There is
> > > probraly nothing wrong with your camera, it is doing what it should do
> > with
> > > Alkaline Batteries.
> > >
> > > The best battery to use for a digital camera is equal to or greater
than
> > > 1600 MAh NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride). These are rechargeable and cost
> > around
> > > $10 for a set of 4 batteries. The charger for these batteries, fast
> charge
> > > (about 1-2 hours) is about $30.
> > >
> > > Lion batteries are also good for digital cameras.
> > >
> > > -- 
> > > CSM1
> > > http://www.carlmcmillan.com
> > > --
> > >
> > > "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote in message
> > > news:5bLAd.10368$L7.5078@trnddc05...
> > > > Thanks, TRR.
> > > >
> > > > No idea on the current rating of the batteries -- they're garden
> > variety,
> > > > off the shelf alkaline AA 1.5V. Over the years, I have tried all the
> > major
> > > > brands with same good results - 100-150 480x640 photos on a set when
> the
> > > > camera was working good.
> > > >
> > > > And, yes, it did seem like pretty high current to me, too. But the
> specs
> > > > say
> > > > it draws 2100 ma and, snooping around the camera shop, I see that
some
> > of
> > > > the others draw high current too.
> > > >
> > > > Fred
> > > >
> > > > "TRR" <trrusty@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > > > news:gCzAd.1436$Cc.1200@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> > > >> Just curious..... what is, or was, the milli/amp rating of the
> > batteries
> > > >>   that seemed to fail ?   The AC adapter you found puts out a lot
> more
> > > >> amps than a same voltage AC transformer for a phone or whatever.
> Glad
> > > >> you're gaining on the problem......
> > > >>
> > > >> Fred wrote:
> > > >> > Looks like we're making progress -- thanks to that real nice
feller
> > who
> > > >> > posted and suggested I try using the camera with an AC adapter.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > [Note to the "try a new battery" crowd:  No, it wasn't the
> > batteries.]
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >>
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 04:10:54 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:

>After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on the
>AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!

Looking back, I don't think I was clear on my suggested failure mode.
I was thinking that there might be an extra contact in the AC adaptor
jack (an "open circuit jack") that would open and close every time you
inserted the AC adaptor.

It's just possible that they used this contact to provide power in the
absence of the adaptor, but if the contact got resistive, then this
"resistor" would be in series with your batteries, and would make them
look discharged.

Just inserting the AC adaptor plug a few times, or maybe just once,
would have exercised this contact and broken thru the insulating oxide
layer, fixing your problem.

I don't know how realistic it is, but at least it fits your
observations.

If I'm right, you don't have to do anything else for a few more years.
Then, when you have the problem again, just insert the AC adaptor plug
in the camera jack a few times and you should get a fresh start. I
wouldn't do ANYTHING else.

-
-----------------------------------------------
    Jim Adney            jadney@vwtype3.org
           Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------

Thanks, Jim.   I did try this - several times, and have since plugged the
adapter in and out many times taking photos using it.  Still the same
problem with the camera not recognizing good batteries thought.  Thanks -
appreciate the advice.

Fred


"Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org> wrote in message
news:rjl9t0pho10tseph93vqhpsoqseemjear1@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 04:10:54 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
> wrote:
>
> >After a few plugging/unplugging, turns out there's no oxide build up on
the
> >AC receptacle.  Dang it, that would've been too much to ask!
>
> Looking back, I don't think I was clear on my suggested failure mode.
> I was thinking that there might be an extra contact in the AC adaptor
> jack (an "open circuit jack") that would open and close every time you
> inserted the AC adaptor.
>
> It's just possible that they used this contact to provide power in the
> absence of the adaptor, but if the contact got resistive, then this
> "resistor" would be in series with your batteries, and would make them
> look discharged.
>
> Just inserting the AC adaptor plug a few times, or maybe just once,
> would have exercised this contact and broken thru the insulating oxide
> layer, fixing your problem.
>
> I don't know how realistic it is, but at least it fits your
> observations.
>
> If I'm right, you don't have to do anything else for a few more years.
> Then, when you have the problem again, just insert the AC adaptor plug
> in the camera jack a few times and you should get a fresh start. I
> wouldn't do ANYTHING else.
>
> -
> -----------------------------------------------
>     Jim Adney            jadney@vwtype3.org
>            Madison, WI 53711 USA
> -----------------------------------------------

On Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:46:30 GMT "Fred" <testing@testing1212mouse.com>
wrote:

>Thanks, Jim.   I did try this - several times, and have since plugged the
>adapter in and out many times taking photos using it.  Still the same
>problem with the camera not recognizing good batteries thought.  Thanks -
>appreciate the advice.

Now I'm confused. Earlier you wrote:

>Then I removed the AC adapter and used it with the same batteries only again
>and it worked every time, zooms in/out, etc. just fine and no battery bad
>message.

I took this to mean that the problem had gone away.

-
-----------------------------------------------
    Jim Adney            jadney@vwtype3.org
           Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------

On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 08:56:17 GMT, "Fred"
<testing@testing1212mouse.com> wrote:

>Another interesting development....
>
>I took a few photos with the help of the AC adapter.  Then unplugged the
>adapter.  Turned on the camera and the zoom starting cycling out 1/2-inch,
>then back in 1/2-inch, back and forth....  The power switch had no effect on
>it.  Had to open the battery door and break the connection to stop the
>cycling.
>
>Am I on candid camera??!
>
>Fred
>

 Sounds like your voltage regulator circuit has a bad component such
as a leaky capacitor or defective zener diode.   


PJ

"PJx" <me@privacy.com> wrote in message
news:mdt2u0h8kjooukajoo2o73dfdg5hm6oq20@4ax.com...
>
>  Sounds like your voltage regulator circuit has a bad component such
> as a leaky capacitor or defective zener diode.

Actually, in this case, it turned out to be something simpler - the
adapter/battery switch in the ac adapter plug on the camera had an oxided
coated on it.  A little exercise and it wore the oxide off.